Category: CNN Regional

By Abner Sosa

Click here for updates on this story

    BENTONVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — Nearly 20 years after Pea Ridge teenager April Andrews disappeared while walking to church, Benton County investigators say her case is still active and still moving forward.

The Andrews case, which reaches 20 years unsolved in July, is one of more than 20 cold cases now being revisited by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office as the agency dedicates one detective full-time to unsolved investigations.

Lt. Detective Hunter Petray, who has worked in criminal investigations for more than a decade, was assigned exclusively to cold cases earlier this year after previously balancing them alongside active investigations.

“Just in the four or five months, we’ve made significant progress,” Petray said.

The sheriff’s office says the cases range from missing persons to homicides and unidentified human remains, with some investigations dating back to the 1970s.

Petray said modern advances in DNA testing and surveillance technology are changing how investigators approach decades-old cases.

“Technology has changed. DNA technology has advanced,” Petray said. “Something that you had tested, say, 20-plus years ago, you need to have submitted again for retesting just because the technology has advanced so much.”

He said newer cases can sometimes be easier to solve because of cell phone data, digital records and the widespread use of security cameras, tools investigators did not have decades ago.

“You can go on Amazon and buy a Ring or Blink home security system for $100,” Petray said. “Years ago, that wasn’t the case.”

The work often involves revisiting old evidence, re-contacting witnesses and using newer forensic methods to identify previously unknown victims.

Petray said the sheriff’s office recently worked with outside forensic laboratories to identify previously unidentified homicide victims, helping investigators generate new leads. In one case, investigators were able to close the investigation after identifying the victim, though the suspected offender had already died.

Other investigations remain active.

Among them is the disappearance of Andrews, who vanished in 2006 and remains one of Northwest Arkansas’ most well-known missing persons cases.

Another is the 1989 killing of Dana Stidham, a Bella Vista teenager whose death remains unsolved.

Petray said investigators are also working to identify remains found near railroad tracks in Gentry in 1983. DNA testing is expected to play a key role in determining the person’s identity.

Despite technological advances, Petray said time remains one of the biggest challenges in cold case work.

“Every day that goes by, your cold case, it gets more difficult to solve,” Petray said, citing fading memories and witnesses or family members who may have died.

Still, he believes most cases can eventually be solved.

“I’m of the belief that any case is solvable. Just some are tougher than others,” Petray said.

He also believes someone still holds information that could help investigators.

“I fully believe that in every single case that I have on my board, somebody knows something that they’ve not reported,” Petray said.

Petray said the term “cold case” can be misleading for families still searching for answers.

“The case is never cold to the family,” he said. “They live it every day.”

Anyone with information connected to Benton County cold cases is asked to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Lakyra Banks

Click here for updates on this story

    FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — A heated town hall at the Fayetteville Public Library stretched late into Wednesday night as residents demanded answers from defense drone company Swarm Aero over its operations and future in the city.

For nearly three hours, community members questioned company leaders about artificial intelligence, transparency and whether Fayetteville could become a hub for military technology. The meeting was expected to continue well past 11 p.m.

The often-contentious gathering featured boos, applause and shouted demands for answers as Swarm Aero CEO Peter Kalogiannis defended the company’s mission.

“We are building aircraft that allow humans to operate more efficiently,” Kalogiannis told the crowd.

Before the meeting began, protesters gathered outside the library carrying signs opposing the company.

“I want to see them shut down,” said Abel Tomlinson, founder of the Arkansas Anti-war Alliance. “I want to see the Fayetteville City Council side with the people, that they listen to the people instead of the war profiteers.”

The town hall was encouraged by Fayetteville City Council member Teresa Turk, who said residents deserved a chance to question the company directly. She urged those in attendance to remain calm.

“Please be civil,” Turk said.

Swarm Aero opened a facility in south Fayetteville earlier this year. The company says it develops large, autonomous unmanned aircraft. Kalogiannis told attendees the company is focused on defense and that its initial client would be the U.S. Department of Defense.

That answer drew sharp criticism from some in the audience, who challenged the company’s claim that its work is intended to prevent war and save lives.

Residents also accused the company of operating in secrecy, raising concerns about nondisclosure agreements signed by some city leaders and pressing Kalogiannis on who encouraged Swarm Aero to come to Fayetteville.

Kalogiannis said U.S. Rep. Steve Womack suggested the company look at Northwest Arkansas and said Fayetteville appealed to the company because of its educated and engaged workforce.

When he declined to identify other business leaders involved, the room erupted with shouts of “Name them!”

At least one attendee voiced support for the company, saying Fayetteville “would be fools to turn this down” and asking for a job application.

The debate over Swarm Aero is expected to continue. Fayetteville city leaders are scheduled to hold a hearing Tuesday on zoning tied to the company after a resident filed an appeal.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Jerry Olenyn

Click here for updates on this story

    CHICO, California (KHSL) — Skyler Boles has already helped catch lightning in a bottle once.

Now, the man who played a pivotal role in transforming Spikeball from a casual backyard hobby into a national phenomenon is betting his latest invention can do the same.

The new venture is called Futbocce, a hybrid sport that blends the global reach of soccer with the strategic simplicity of bocce ball.

The rules of Futbocce are designed to be intuitive. Much like traditional bocce, the game centers on a singular target known as the “pallino.” In Boles’ version, the pallino is a white soccer ball kicked anywhere across an open field. Players then take turns kicking their team’s balls to see who can land closest to the mark.

“It’s a simple idea,” Boles said. “You’re playing bocce ball, but just playing with your feet. It’s just a new take on a fun backyard game.”

The idea struck Boles two years ago at Community Park in Chico. While playing a round of traditional bocce, he looked over at a nearby soccer match and realized the two concepts could be seamlessly integrated. He trademarked the name that same night.

Boles, a Chico native who currently works for the Bay Area-based lawn game company “Bucket Golf,” believes the crossover appeal is the key to the game’s future success.

“Soccer is the most popular sport in the world,” Boles noted. “Bocce ball is also an internationally known backyard game. I think it has the legs to go global.”

One of the primary draws of Futbocce is its accessibility. Boles says the game is designed for all ages and skill levels.

While the business side is moving forward with trademarks and formal branding, the heart of Futbocce remains rooted in the casual, social atmosphere of a Sunday afternoon at the park.

Given Boles’ track record with Spikeball, local enthusiasts are watching closely to see if this backyard hybrid will become the next staple of American lawn culture. For now, the game is just beginning to find its footing.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Beth Carlson

Click here for updates on this story

    PAPILLION, Nebraska (KETV) — Months after her 13-year-old daughter and a friend ran from a man who attempted to lure them into his car, a Sarpy County mother is speaking out about sex offender laws in Nebraska.

63-year-old David Jenkins was sentenced this week for one count of child enticement, to serve 90 days in prison, followed by five years of probation and 25 years on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry. Kala, the mother of one of the victims, said horrifying details emerged about what happened during his sentencing.

“As they were walking back to the Dairy Queen, a man circled the block a couple of times, pulled over, blocked them in, and tried to call them into his car,” Kala said. “He had had rope and gloves, bedding and other items in his car.”

Kala said her family is still dealing with the trauma it caused to her young daughter. She said she’s concerned about her family and other families’ safety because of the Nebraska laws set for sex offender sentencing.

“The state itself is ranked highly for being one of the best places to raise a family. But I think when it comes to sexual predators and sexual offenses, I think the sentencing is our lax,” Kala said.

Sarpy County Deputy Attorney Leighandra Hazlett said Jenkins intended to harm the two young girls.

“David Jenkins took a sense of safety and security and innocence from these girls. This is not supposed to happen in Papillion or anywhere,” Hazlett said.

Sarpy County Attorneys worked with Kala and her family after the incident. Chief Deputy Attorney John Reisz said they looked at pursuing the maximum sentence for the charges, which is three years.

“As they were walking back to the Dairy Queen, a man circled the block a couple of times, pulled over, blocked them in, and tried to call them into his car,” Kala said. “He had had rope and gloves, bedding and other items in his car.”

Kala said her family is still dealing with the trauma it caused to her young daughter. She said she’s concerned about her family and other families’ safety because of the Nebraska laws set for sex offender sentencing.

“The state itself is ranked highly for being one of the best places to raise a family. But I think when it comes to sexual predators and sexual offenses, I think the sentencing is our lax,” Kala said.

Sarpy County Deputy Attorney Leighandra Hazlett said Jenkins intended to harm the two young girls.

“David Jenkins took a sense of safety and security and innocence from these girls. This is not supposed to happen in Papillion or anywhere,” Hazlett said.

Sarpy County Attorneys worked with Kala and her family after the incident. Chief Deputy Attorney John Reisz said they looked at pursuing the maximum sentence for the charges, which is three years.

Kala posted online about the horrifying incident, calling for more education around tougher punishments in the state.

“I think the most surprising thing that came from that is my inbox was flooded with hundreds of people that have very similar stories, with people that have had very minor to no sentences, or who have had or been repeat offenders and had nothing really has changed,” Kala said.

She said she’s working with state and local leaders to discuss how they can prioritize safety for families like hers.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Kendra Broddus

Click here for updates on this story

    MANCHESTER, New Hamsphire (WMUR) — In a first for New Hampshire, an electronically monitored Safe Haven baby box has been installed at the Manchester Fire Department.

The box will automatically call 911 when the door is opened.

Inside the box is an orange bag with information about the Safe Haven Law, along with forms the mother can fill out about the baby’s medical history if she chooses to.

Once the door is shut, it locks to make sure no one unauthorized can take the baby.

Inside the box, the temperature is kept between 75 and 80 degrees. There’s also a camera to capture when a baby is placed inside.

A baby can be surrendered at any hospital or at a staffed church, fire department or law enforcement facility, but the box offers a new secure option for a mother looking to surrender their baby without a face-to-face interaction.

“This fire station here has been a safe haven for many, many years, and the baby box hasn’t changed that,” said Manchester Fire Chief Ryan Cashin. “It just allows for the anonymity of the mother and that extra layer of allowing them to safely drop off that baby in a time of need.”

The box was installed a year after Manchester first responders found an infant in Pine Island Pond in March 2025. Manchester police lovingly named her Baby Grace.

In February 2026, Hepay Juma, 26, of Manchester, was arrested in connection with the case and charged with reckless second-degree murder.

“That call is one of the calls that will stick with my members for their entire lives. So, that’s not one that ever goes away,” Cashin said. “It was important to us to do something moving forward. To give an option, to give a chance that this wouldn’t happen again.”

To learn more about New Hampshire’s Safe Haven Law click here.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Kenny Choi

Click here for updates on this story

    SONOMA COUNTY, California (KPIX) — Residents living near the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport say the skies above their neighborhoods are getting louder as passenger traffic and jet service continue to grow.

Airport officials say they received nearly 30,000 noise complaints in 2025, compared with about 1,100 in 2023. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the airport received 15,530 complaints, with 8,500 in April.

Neighbors in west Sonoma County say the noise increased sharply more than two years ago, when the Federal Aviation Administration changed departure flight patterns. Some residents say planes now fly more directly over their homes, especially on weekends.

“It literally comes over this house, over these redwoods and heads west to Occidental,” resident Paul Zehrer said.

Zehrer and others say flights can come just minutes apart on busy days.

“Sunday afternoons, flights are five minutes apart. Sometimes less,” he said.

“The procedures are regulated by the FAA,” airport manager Jon Stout said. “They control flight procedures, air traffic. We don’t control the planes once they leave the ground.”

The airport has hired consultants to study potential changes, including requiring planes to reach higher altitudes before turning west. Stout said that could help reduce noise and spread flight paths farther south.

“We’re trying to get the FAA to put that old procedure as primary, while the airport works on drafting procedural changes we want to submit to the FAA,” Stout said.

Residents have formed the West Sonoma County Jet Noise Coalition and say they plan to continue pressing airport officials, county supervisors and congressional representatives for relief.

“With the increased activity at the airport, it’s going to get worse,” Zehrer said. “Share the burden. Let’s move these around a little bit. It’s not impossible to solve something like this.”

Airport officials say the addition of Southwest Airlines earlier this year has contributed to more complaints, with some departures starting at 6 a.m.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Matthew Rodriguez

Click here for updates on this story

    IRVINE, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A 71-year-old man in Irvine is accused of beating a group of ducklings, killing one in the process, before throwing them in a trash can.

The Irvine Police Department said the ducklings and a mother duck were swimming in a community pool near Morena and Segura Thursday morning when suspect Randall Bertsch, who lives nearby, gathered some of the ducklings into a box.

Bertsch then struck some of the ducklings before throwing them into a trash can, according to investigators.

Officers said when they found the ducklings, one of them was dead. Another suffered severe head trauma and was taken to a local veterinary clinic for treatment. The other ducklings and the mother duck escaped Bertsch, according to Irvine PD.

Detectives quickly located Bertsch at his home. After refusing to talk to the investigators, officers got a search warrant and arrested Bertsch for animal cruelty.

“We want to assure the community that the protection and welfare of animals in our city remains a high priority,” Irvine PD wrote in a statement. “We thank the community members who reported this incident and assisted our officers.”

Irvine PD said it will submit the case to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for formal charges once officers finish their investigation.

Officers reminded residents that migratory birds are protected by federal law and cannot be moved or relocated in most cases.

They urged residents to call Animal Services at (949) 724-7000 if they need help with ducklings or other wildlife.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.