Baby found safe after man steals car with infant inside from day care parking lot

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Conor Wight, WCCO Staff

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    MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (WCCO) — Dramatic video shows a mother racing to try and rescue her 3-month-old baby in the backseat of a stolen SUV Tuesday evening in north Minneapolis.

The woman, asking to stay anonymous, is connected to the day care off Plymouth Avenue where the car theft happened. She showed WCCO their security footage, capturing a person walking towards the parking lot.

That same person appears to then walk up to her car, which is still running, and get in. The mother had left the vehicle exactly 59 seconds before.

Minneapolis police say they used license plate readers, city cameras and drones to try to find this car and the child.

Police Chief Brian O’Hara said his investigators were working with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to put out an AMBER Alert but it never got that point, because about an hour after the car was stolen, they found that vehicle a few blocks away from the day care near North 15th and Bryant avenues — with the child safe inside.

That hour was too long for O’Hara, whose department is responding to an uptick in stolen cars. People have taken more than 1,500 cars in the city so far in 2026. That’s about 300 more than the first three months of 2025.

“I’d probably say auto theft is the biggest crime challenge that we have at this point this year, and it is frustrating because a large share is entirely preventable,” O’Hara said.

He says in more than 600 stolen car thefts this year, the driver left their keys in the car.

“I feel sad for the parent who experienced this. I also feel bad for the parent who borned the children who are wandering around and have no direction,” he said.

The mother in this case, believing the thief may be a teenager, is hoping city services and programs can step in to help them.

Police are still looking for the thief. O’Hara says it’s possible they could face kidnapping charges.

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.

Community meeting gets heated over alleged collaboration between Chicago police, immigration agents

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Cate Cauguiran

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    CHICAGO (WLS) — The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability hosted a meeting Thursday evening on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

As the CPD superintendent ended his questioning, several people stood up and shouted at him, making clear this community demands more.

Tempers flared at the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability meeting in Brighton Park, where Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling fielded questions regarding concerns over alleged collaboration between CPD and immigration enforcement officers.

“When it comes to the Chicago Police Department and Chicago police officers, our officers showed up to keep down violence,” Snelling said.

During public comment, a limited number of speakers were given a chance to voice their own concerns.

“The community knows that CPD and ICE are collaborating with each other,” one person said. “We have seen it with our own eyes, we have seen it within our communities.”

“It’s really clear that under Superintendent Snelling, if you wear a badge you can commit whatever crime you want to in Chicago,” a person said.

“Where is the investigation? Where is the accountability?” another person said.

As Superintendent Snelling addressed commissioners and the dozens in attendance, he was faced with several interruptions from the crowd.

“I believe that sometimes, when people are looking for answers they point fingers,” Snelling said. “I don’t know, but I can tell you if we’re going to have a conversation around things like this it has to be with people walking in with an open mind. If you don’t have an open mind, then we know your mind is made up. And we’re never going to have a respectful discourse so that we can get to the bottom of what it is you’re trying to understand.”

The crowd there Thursday night was clearly not satisfied with the answers they were provided, leaving with louder calls for accountability.

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.

Schools awarded $1.5M FEMA grant for safe room

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Mike Mohundro

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    POPLAR BLUFF, Missouri (WSIL) — The Poplar Bluff School District has been awarded more than $1.5 million through a federal grant to construct a tornado safe room at Eugene Field Elementary School, a project officials say will significantly enhance safety for students and the surrounding community.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant will fund the majority of the project, with the district contributing a local match of approximately $500,000—about 25 percent of the total cost. The Board of Education unanimously approved participation in the matching grant program during its March 19 meeting.

The planned facility will be built to withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour, meeting EF5 tornado standards. It is tentatively slated for construction on the northeast corner of the Nickey Street campus, though district leaders say adjustments could be made depending on how the space is ultimately designed for daily student use.

Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman described the award as a long-awaited achievement.

“Being awarded this FEMA grant is a significant milestone that has been years in the making,” Cornman said. “Following the impact of last year’s tornado on our school community, school safety has remained a top priority for all our stakeholders.”

Cornman added that the project represents a “major victory for the south side of our community” and aligns with the district’s recently approved long-range facility plan.

In addition to serving students and staff, the safe room will be open to the public during severe weather events, following established emergency protocols used at other district facilities. Similar FEMA-funded safe rooms already exist at O’Neal Elementary and Poplar Bluff Junior High.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Charles Kinsey emphasized the broader vision behind the project.

“Any community where we’re able to build a new facility, we will consider storm-rated construction,” Kinsey said. “This is a shot of adrenaline at the beginning of our long-range plan, and quite a bit more cost-effective with us having the ability to get started with an investment from the federal government.”

District officials are also working with the Poplar Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission to explore rerouting Cross Street, a move that could expand available land at the Eugene Field site.

The grant proposal dates back to the 2020–21 school year, when it was initially submitted for Lake Road Elementary. That plan was deemed ineligible due to the campus being located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Administrators later shifted focus to Eugene Field, setting the stage for the current award.

The safe room project is the first to move forward under the district’s 10-year facility plan, approved by the Board of Education in February. The district has two years to complete construction of the new facility.

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.

At 90, this piano teacher shows no signs of slowing down

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Derek Bayne

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    ROCKFORD, Illinois (WREX) — A piano teacher is still sharing her love of music with students at 90 years old.

Merle Langs has been teaching piano since she was 11. Now, as she prepares to celebrate her 90th birthday, she still teaches a full schedule every day.

“I love to teach. And I love to play and I love my students. And they love me,” Langs said.

While she can still perform, teaching is where her passion lies. She focuses on helping students connect emotionally with the music they play.

“I teach music to be cherished, to be loved. To smile when you’re playing sometimes. To be sad when it’s sad music. And that you play from your heart,” Langs said.

Music runs deep in her family, stretching back to musicians in Europe centuries ago. Her own grandchildren have followed in her footsteps.

Langs helped nurture the talent of her granddaughter Emily Bear, who became a Grammy and Emmy award-winning musician. Bear focuses on a more pop sound and composing, a different path from her grandmother’s classical roots.

“She’s a wonderful composer and pianist. But she’s different from me. She’s into pop more and you do what you do,” Langs said.

Through decades of teaching hundreds of students, Langs has maintained a simple philosophy about music. She believes it’s part of loving life and that music is love.

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.

MBTA consultant with no-bid contract paid more than $710,000 to work from South Carolina home

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Cheryl Fiandaca

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — The WBZ I-Team has uncovered a no-bid contract for an MBTA consultant who collected nearly three quarters of a million dollars in public funds working almost exclusively from his home in South Carolina.

James “Rod” Brooks was hired as a consultant for the T in 2023. At the time, he got a one-year no-bid contract. Nearly three years later he’s still getting paid.

Mary Connaughton is the Director of Government Transparency with the Pioneer Institute, a government watchdog group. She told the I-Team, “if it’s short term, there’s an emergency there’s some type of issue that has to be resolved, yes, no-bid, go out and find the person that can do it. But why continue to extend that?”

MBTA consultant paid $713,000 since 2023

MBTA records obtained by the I-Team show from July 2023 to January 2026, Brooks was paid more than $713,000 in public funds.

“That’s a lot of money and it’s a good gig if you can get it. But that’s a lot of money and the public needs to know why and what’s being done for that money,” Connaughton said. “That’s not chump change, that’s a lot of money.”

Timesheets filed by Brooks list much of his time as remote, working from his home in South Carolina, spending on average less than 9% of his time in Massachusetts. Some months, records show Brooks never came to the Bay State at all.

“That doesn’t accomplish a lot in terms of building a team in terms of getting things done,” Connaughton said. “The public deserves to know what this job is all about.”

Brooks’ LinkedIn page shows he was the Senior Vice President for Operations for the Long Island Rail Road where he worked for Phil Eng, the MBTA General Manger and the Interim Secretary of Transportation.

His contract with the T lists him as a senior advisor for capital/operations/safety. The MBTA said he has worked on projects that include the South Coast Rail and T speed restrictions.

MBTA statement

Eng did not respond to the I-Team’s request for an on-camera interview. In a statement that did not address Brooks’ remote work, the MBTA said it was Eng’s decision to hire Brooks.

“General Manager Phillip Eng’s decision to bring on Mr. Brooks was based on his proven track record of delivering results under pressure at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), the busiest commuter rail system in North America,” the MBTA said in the statement. “His specialized expertise has been invaluable for the T on a number of major projects which have improved safety and reliability across the MBTA.”

Connaughton said, “I think we need to figure out what’s going on with this contract. And is he achieving the real objectives of the contract. We don’t know.”

The I-Team reached out to Brooks. He did not respond to our request for an on-camera interview. He is billing the T about $26,000 a month under his current contract, which runs through the end of 2026.

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.

Puppy seen peering out of abandoned house’s chimney rescued by Detroit Fire

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Eric Henderson

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    DETROIT, Michigan (WWJ) — A puppy was rescued from the top of a chimney in an abandoned Detroit home after a neighbor called for help.

The foundation of the house was crumbling, so Michigan Humane called the Detroit Fire Department for assistance. Video shows fire crews using their fire truck’s ladder to reach the puppy inside the chimney.

“This little guy was discovered at the very top of a chimney in an abandoned home. Yes, the top,” Michigan Humane said in their Facebook post. “A neighbor made the call, and with help from the @detroitfiredepartment, he was safely brought down and into our care.”

The puppy appeared exhausted as fire crews handed him off after the rescue.

The puppy, which appeared to be a pit bull or a mix breed, was examined by medical staff. The fire department gave the dog the name Stack.

Stack remains under the care of Michigan Humane at the Mackey Center for Animal Care while working to gain weight.

“Good calls, quick action, and the right people at the right time made this rescue possible,” Michigan Humane said.

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.

Texas Rangers unveil giant “rally sombrero” snack, a 24-inch shareable showstopper, for home opener

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Trevor Sochocki, Sergio Candido

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    Texas (KTVT) — Fans heading to the Texas Rangers home opener this Friday against the Cincinnati Reds will find a lineup of new, over-the-top ballpark foods at Globe Life Field, as the team looks to top its already outsized culinary reputation.

The Rangers, who return home with a 4-2 record after a season-opening road trip to Philadelphia and Baltimore, are once again leaning into bold, shareable and indulgent creations for Opening Day.

Among the headliners is the “Ninth Inning Rally Sombrero,” a 24-inch flour tortilla shaped like a wearable hat and loaded with jalapeño guacamole, cheese, olives and tortilla chips, designed for groups to snack on throughout the game.

“It’s all about munching, digging in and watching the whole game,” said Chef Chris Vazquez, describing the oversized dish that doubles as both a serving tray and a wearable fan accessory.

Another standout item is a mashup of breakfast and ballpark staples: a hot dog topped with biscuits and gravy. The dish is aimed at early game crowds looking for a hearty option.

“There’s nothing better than having biscuits and gravy with a hot dog,” Vazquez said.

The new menu also features a variety of specialty pretzels, including a cinnamon sugar pretzel served with honey, an everything bagel–seasoned pretzel and a jalapeño cheese version, offering both sweet and savory options.

The creative additions build on the Rangers’ reputation for eye-catching stadium food, following last season’s viral three-foot-long hot dog.

First pitch for the home opener is set for 3 p.m. as fans get their first chance not only to see the team at home, but also to sample the latest round of ballpark culinary experiments.

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.

Minnesotans impacted by warrantless home entry policy sue DHS

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Ubah Ali

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    Minnesota (WCCO) — A new federal lawsuit was filed Thursday against the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of immigrants and U.S. citizens who have been impacted by DHS’s warrantless home entry policy.

The lawsuit alleges Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a secret “Home Entry Memo” authorizing agents to forcibly enter and search homes without a warrant signed by a judge. Lawyers say the home entries violated the Fourth Amendment.

The suit represents six Minnesota residents, including Garrison Gibson.

On Jan. 11, agents forcibly entered Gibson’s home. The Liberian citizen was in the country legally under terms that he met regularly with immigration authorities, according to the judge’s order.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan said Gibson’s arrest violated the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizures.

“To arrest him, respondents forcibly entered [his] home without his consent and without a judicial warrant,” Bryan wrote.

ACLU Minnesota Legal Director Teresa Nelson believes this policy is being taught to new ICE recruits and violates unlawful search and seizure protections in the Constitution.

“These home entries lack all of the hallmark of things required under the Fourth Amendment,” Nelson said.

Nelson said this lawsuit could have national implications, as they begin to document similar raids being carried out in different states.

“We don’t have any reason to think that they are not continuing to forcibly enter people’s home and traumatize families,” Nelson said. “The existence of this memo is problematic and needs to be rescinded.”

In a statement from February, DHS officials argued they only used administrative warrants in cases where an undocumented immigrant already had a final deportation order from an immigration judge.

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Over 1,600 United Steelworkers locked out of NIPSCO

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Asal Rezaei

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    Indiana (WBBM) — The Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) locked out 1,600 United Steelworkers as negotiations failed to reach a new contract.

Since January, workers have been asking for better working conditions and pay. Thursday marked the final offer deadline.

NIPSCO says its most recent proposal included a 4% wage increase, plus additional increases for lineworkers, two weeks of paid parental leave, expanded bereavement leave and increased safety equipment allowances.

They would also have reduced the number of continuous hours worked from 32 to 16.

NIPSCO says the sticking point was the union’s request for double-time pay for hours worked beyond a regular shift.

In a recent statement, NISPCO said, “We remain ready to finalize an agreement that is more than fair, competitive and best positions NISPCO to continue delivering safe, reliable energy for its community.”

In a statement, the United Steelworkers condemned NIPSCO for the lockout, calling the move an aggressive escalation that threatens worker safety, undermines labor rights and disrupts communities across northern Indiana.

NIPSCO is a public service company providing natural gas and electricity in Northern Indiana.

There’s a similar situation in Whiting, Indiana, at the BP Refinery. Hundreds of union workers have been locked out of the BP refinery since March 19, after contract negotiations broke down.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun joined picketers there earlier this week, calling on the company to come back to the bargaining table

Members have already voted to authorize a strike amid negotiations, with 98% approval.

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.

Police investigate possible AI-generated pornographic images of high school students

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Todd Feurer, Ellie Coatar

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    Illinois (WBBM) — An investigation is underway in the northwest suburbs, involving AI-generated pornographic images of high school students.

Both Lake Zurich Police and Lake Zurich High School officials confirmed the investigation.

Police said they are investigating potential transmission of lewd material, including AI-generated content, among students. Police wouldn’t comment further because minors are involved.

School officials said they first received a report about the possible use of artificial intelligence to create pornographic images of students in late February. They notified police and contacted families of the impacted students.

In a statement, Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 called this a “disturbing incident.”

“We understand the profound impact this has on the individuals involved, their families, and our learning community. Please know that we are taking this matter with the utmost seriousness, as such actions are a fundamental violation of the values we work to instill in our students every day,” District 95 Superintendent Dr. Kelley Gallt wrote in a letter to school families.

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.