Category: CNN Regional

By Michael Perchick

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    RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) — The North Carolina State Board of Elections approved new guidance Friday that changes how some absentee ballots will be handled, drawing sharp disagreement among board members and concern from voting rights advocates as absentee ballots begin going out to voters across the state.

The Board approved two numbered memos in 3-2 votes along party lines during a meeting Friday morning, with Republicans in favor and Democrats in opposition.

One change addresses ballot envelopes and could result in some absentee ballots being rejected if they are not properly sealed.

“If there were issues or irregularities with the seal, maybe it just didn’t stick really well, and it wasn’t sealed properly, but you sent it in anyway, that would normally count,” said Joselle Torres, Communications Manager for Democracy North Carolina. “But with the update of this memo, if the envelope itself isn’t properly sealed, that could now be spoiled, rejected, and a new ballot would be sent out, or you could come and vote in person.”

Friday’s meeting coincided with the first day absentee ballots were being sent to voters in North Carolina.

The issue stems from a proposal previously approved by the State Board of Elections and the state’s Rules Review Commission. Because of the amount of public feedback received, the proposal is also subject to legislative review, which has not yet occurred. Despite that, the Board moved forward by issuing guidance through numbered memos, saying counties needed direction as absentee ballots are now being mailed to voters.

The second change places greater restrictions on who may return an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter, limiting that authority to certain relatives and guardians. Board members disagreed about how significant the change will be for voters.

“Some of it is putting our numbered memo in alignment with the rules,” said board member Siobhan Duffy O’Millen, a Democrat. “But some of it, I would say, is sneaking in a whole new provision about if Aunt Betty brings in your absentee ballot, they’re going to spoil it. If she’s not a close enough relation, instead of it being vague like it is now, now, the new rule that we’re just about to pass says spoil and reissue. That’s new.”

Republican board member Stacy Eggers IV said the changes are primarily procedural guidance for county election officials.

“The voter experience in casting their ballots will not change,” Eggers said. “This numbered memo is simply guidance, updated guidance, I might add, as to what the board and staff at the county level will do and how they will process things.”

Voting rights advocates said they are concerned the changes could result in more ballots being rejected.

“The change that they made today is that your ballot has to be dropped off by a near relative or a guardian, and if it is not dropped off by one of those people, it will be spoiled,” said Kat Roblez, Senior Voting Rights Counsel and Litigation Manager for Forward Justice. “That’s the part that has changed, that your ballot will automatically be spoiled if it is dropped off by your friend, your neighbor.”

Voters with disabilities who require assistance have wider latitude in who can drop off a ballot on their behalf, though there are still rules they need to abide by.

The process used to implement the changes also became a source of debate during the meeting.

“Now, to my mind, we’re doing an end run around the process that we said we wanted to do and revising the numbered memo,” O’Millen said.

Eggers defended the board’s actions, and she noted that previous boards did not always use the same rulemaking process.

“Having served on this board with my colleagues for a number of years, somewhat amused that they’re taking the position that we must have legislative review before we do anything,” Eggers said. “Because previous to this, this board and previous to your becoming chair, there was no attempt to utilize a rules process with the Rules Review Commission.”

The board’s actions come as election officials continue monitoring a separate federal legal battle involving mail-in voting.

An executive order issued by President Donald Trump that would introduce new restrictions involving the U.S. Postal Service is currently blocked by a federal judge.

“For right now there is no change,” Roblez said. “And I think that’s the best message because it is really confusing all of this back and forth and the headlines and the different orders going back and forth.”

“If you’re able to vote early, just vote early because you can update your voter registration. You can go to any site in your county, and with the concerns of (changes surrounding) mail voting, we’re going to more than likely see a shift of those voters potentially voting early so they don’t have to deal with the headache and the stress that now the federal government and our state Board of Elections is imposing on North Carolina voters who have used vote by mail safely and securely for many, many election cycles,” added Torres.

Gov. Josh Stein criticized the board’s action in a statement posted on X Friday:

“Today the State Board of Elections approved new ways for mail-in ballots to be rejected on technicalities, including changes that had been put on hold by state law after I joined a number of other North Carolinians in objecting to them. The State Board’s decision is a slap in the face to voters who stood up to these changes and a blatant circumvention of the law. North Carolina voters deserve transparency in their elections, not last-minute workarounds that could keep their vote from counting. I will continue to stand up for voters’ access to the ballot box.”

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 Christiana Ford

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    SOUTH LYON, Michigan (WXYZ) — Grace Tiefel removes her cochlear implants before every match, steps onto the mat, and gets to work.

The 8-year-old South Lyon wrestler is deaf, but inside the gym, she says her focus is unmatched.

“It’s like when I’m wrestling my mind is empty but sometimes there’s music in my head,” Grace said.

“I have a ability to just like zoom in and be focused when I’m wrestling,” she said.

Rather than relying on sound, Grace uses what she can see and feel during competition.

“I feel like I just want to beat them and I think about moments when I’m mad,” she said.

Steve Richardson, a coach with 16 years of experience at Michigan Matcats Wrestling Club in South Lyon, said Grace has been defying barriers since she first walked into the gym at age 5.

“We do everything we can not to make it a big deal and neither does she,” Richardson said.

He said her deafness has pushed her to develop skills that set her apart from other wrestlers.

“We show the move, we talk about the move, we demonstrate the move and then we have a few kids do it. Well Grace is missing part of that where she may not hear it all the time but she’s got some super human powers right. She understands body language better than anybody. She understands tone, she can see things that other people can’t see and she’s been able to develop those other skills probably better than anybody else,” Richardson said.

Richardson said watching Grace has had an impact beyond her own performance.

“Watching Grace really not worry on what she doesn’t have and focus on what she does helps a lot of kids in our program and kids in the sport,” Richardson said.

Grace’s nana, Mary Efimoff, introduced her to wrestling and said the sport has given Grace far more than she expected.

“She didn’t have a lot of friends. She had her friends at deaf and a neighbor or two. She didn’t have a community,” Efimoff said.

“Just the confidence she has, the community she has, the friends she has now, she feels like she belongs,” she said.

Efimoff said she hopes Grace’s story reaches others who may need that same encouragement.

“I want grace to be that inspiration for girls, for deaf girls for anyone to know that they can do a sport like this and succeed in it with no limitations,” Efimoff said.

Grace has big goals ahead, including competing in the Deaf Olympics one day. She said her message to others is simple.

“To be the best wrestler in the world,” she said.

“Keep on trying. You may not win all the time but you have a future ahead of you,” Grace said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WXYZ verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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 Evan Sery

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    CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Michigan (WXYZ) — A Clinton Township family is celebrating a new home designed around the needs of their 20-year-old daughter, Jeni Felix, who has cerebral palsy.

Habitat for Humanity of Macomb County, with the help of several donors, built the nearly 1,400-square-foot ranch on Buckingham Street for the family of six.

“We dreamt of a handicap accessible house for a long time,” Felix said.

The home features wider entry doors, wider bedroom doors, wider hallways, and open areas designed for Felix to navigate independently.

“This house has … areas where she can actually drive herself in,” Glenn Rothenhauser, construction supervisor for Habitat for Humanity Macomb County, said.

Born with cerebral palsy, everyday tasks many take for granted have never come easy for Jeni. In her previous home, she could not get up the stairs and had never had her own bedroom.

“It won’t be as difficult to go shower,” Felix said. “The doors are like, wide.”

Rothenhauser said the project was deeply rewarding.

“It feels fantastic, it really gives you a good feeling that you’re actually contributing something,” Rothenhauser said.

For Jeni Felix’s father, Javier Felix, the new home brings relief on multiple levels — both for his daughter’s independence and for the stability of home ownership.

“Its just awesome, you know? She’s able to go in and out of the house as she pleases without worrying about is she gonna bump into this, bump into that,” Javier Felix said.

“Just having a forever house not having that worry in the back of your head when you’re a renter,” Javier Felix said.

Felix already has plans for her new bedroom.

“Decorating, yeah…like a star pillow, and a panda nightlight,” she said.

For Javier Felix, the moment carries a meaning that goes beyond four walls.

“My house, I finally get to call it my house, is built for her, it’s one of the proudest things I can have,” Javier Felix said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WXYZ verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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 Angela Cifone

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    KAUAI, Hawaii (KITV) — Hurricane Lowell is bringing tropical storm conditions to Kauai…

And people here aren’t taking any chances.

“I think it looks like everybody gathered those items already. Everybody is out. Just making sure that all those items are gathered and whatnot,” said Greg, an Oahu resident who is visiting his family on Kauai.

At Home Depot, plywood is running low, shelves are empty and a sign out front said the store is out of propane.

Kiare Reis-Torres, a Kauai resident, says many people are concerned because of what they experienced during Hurricane Iniki.

“I feel like people are kind of concerned, especially because of probably what they went through during Hurricane Iniki,” said Reis-Torres.

Hurricane Iniki devastated Kauai in 1992.

So for many, the memories of what a major storm can do remain.

“Everything’s fresh in everyone’s mind, and Lala, just the storms, you know… it’s what’s on the news, so everybody is getting prepared,” said Greg.

We saw long lines at Costco, including at the gas pumps.

Residents told us they started stocking up earlier this week.

“I’ve never experienced this, but I know that when I went to Big Save yesterday, most of the shelves were empty. And then I saw that Costco was just flooded with people. Everybody’s just trying to grab their supplies,” said Reis-Torres.

Reis-Torres said her family has the basics ready.

“We’ve got our flashlights ready as well as our batteries, just to be cautious,” said Reis-Torres.

And as Kauai emergency officials prepare for the storm, the message from residents is simple:

Be ready, and be safe.

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 Angela Cifone

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    KAUAI, Hawaii (KITV) — “Every single owner of the business worries. But people’s lives are more important than money,” said an employee at the Kauai Poke and Sushi food truck in Kapa’a.

That means losing a day of business… sometimes more.

“These food trucks, we cannot move, so we have to close everything that day and a day after,” said the Kauai Poke and Sushi food truck employee.

And once the storm passes, there’s still work to do.

“Every time a hurricane comes, we close all the time. Before, after and we clean up everything,” said the Kauai Poke and Sushi food truck employee.

For some owners, safety is also a driving factor in their decision.

“I’m gonna close my food truck because I’m worried about the hurricane going to hit the island,” said Tyler Lakthong, owner of K&K Island Eats food truck.

He said hurricanes aren’t new, but that doesn’t mean they are taken lightly.

“Nobody came outside. That’s good for them to be safe in the home; there’s nowhere to go. Life is more important than everything,” said the Kauai Poke and Sushi food truck employee.

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 Meredith Hackler

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    MADISON, Wisconsin (WDJT) — The closing of Ridglan Farms led to the release of over two thousand beagles that were used for animal testing. That closure captivated the nation. To celebrate that closure dozens of animal activists and lovers gathered in Madison on Saturday for a reunion with a renewed focus to free more beagles from another facility with steps to do so already taking place.

The group’s next target is to shut down Marshall Bioresources, which breeds an estimated 16,000+ beagles annually for U.S. laboratories, according to the activists.

“We just released a criminal complaint against the largest facility of them all in upstate New York showing that dogs are literally injected with toxic chemicals leaving them thrashing and screaming on laboratory and breeding facility tables as if they burned alive,” said Wayne Hsiung, the Co-Founder of the Simple Heart initiative.

Wayne Hsiung has been an animal activist for years. His organization, The Simple Heart Initiative, is an organization dedicated to ending all animal testing. On the organization’s website it states that it is a nonprofit organization that uses storytelling, training, and impact litigation to build a world where animals are free from exploitation and cruelty.

“The more people know about what’s happening at Marshal and Ridglan, the better off we all are,” Hsiung said. “I mean I was struck by the representative saying even he who lives a few minutes from Ridglan didn’t really know much about the facility until these demonstrations brought the public attention to the fact that thousands of dogs are trapped in cages and suffering criminal abuse.”

Hsiung was in attendance on Saturday in Madison. Many credit him for bringing awareness to Ridglan Farms and its ultimate closure by leading an open-air rescue that caught the nation’s attention, including Congressman Mark Pocan who has now authored legislation to stop animal testing in the United States.

“Working with Rep. Nick Langworthy of New York, a Republican, we want to show that there is strong bi-partisan support to stop testing on cats and dogs there are enough other methods in 2026 that you can do to have actually even more scientific validity for tests,” Congressman Pocan (D) Madison said.

While those in attendance acknowledge Ridglan closing is a happy ending, some are still facing felony charges. Hsiung is facing several felonies in Dane County due to the open-air rescues attempt, which he says he is ready to face.

“I would like to go to trial that might sound a little crazy because I am facing 31 years in prison but my view the more the public actually get to deliberate on these issues the more our side wins,” Hsiung said.

Congressman Mark Pocan wants to see those charges changes, he says he has been getting calls to his office about Hsiung from his constituents.

“I would hope that the DA would understand that Dane County standards are definitely not where the charges are at and I hope that they will look at that and realize there is a better path forward,” Pocan said.

As for this movements momentum the activists say they aren’t stopping until every dog in a testing facility is free and living in their forever home.

“We are planning to use every tool in the tool kit but fundamentally we are planning to harness the compassion of Americans because this is a nation of animals lovers this is a nation of dog lovers,” Hsiung 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.

By Allen Devlin

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — While many ran away from danger on 9/11, thousands of brave FDNY, EMS and NYPD officers ran towards it, and one of those officers’ legacies is now forever etched in New York infrastructure.

In 2001, NYPD Officer John William Perry was preparing to retire and practice law after a long tenure with the NYPD. The morning of Sept. 11, 2001, he had the day off, but then he heard that an airplane struck the north tower.

“I said, my brother’s, he’s going to be there. I know John. If there’s something serious happening, he’s going to be there,” sister Janice Perry-Montoya said.

“I’m sure my brother took it personal that we were being attacked,” brother Joel Perry said. “It was an attack on him. It was an attack on his city, the city he loved, the city he served.”

John William Perry was on site when the north tower collapsed. He was killed along with the nearly 3,000 other people that day.

Saturday, his memory and legacy of service were permanently honored. The corner of East 101st Street and Madison Avenue is now named John William Perry Way.

“Officer Perry reminds us that courage is not always loud. Sometimes courage is simply seeing someone in need and choosing to help,” New York City Council Member Elsie Encarnacion said.

“I think it’s so cool that he’s gonna be a part of New York City forever,” Perry-Montoya said. “This is such a great honor, and like I said, he’s a legend now. I’m like wow. I’m just the big sister, I could live to be 100 and never do anything like what he has done. I’m so proud.”

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 Dave Carlin

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — Trinity Church is commemorating 9/11 with a large-scale origami installation at St. Paul’s Chapel in Lower Manhattan.

The exhibit, titled “Ever Present,” features paper cranes in four shades of blue hung from the ceiling in the shape of an infinity symbol. The 2,977 paper cranes, honoring the 2,977 people who were killed on 9/11, were folded by volunteers.

“We find just in the process of folding peacefulness,” artist Talo Kawasaki said. “I find origami just makes people happy, whether they’re folding it or just viewing it … and find some peace, some distraction from their cares and troubles.”

Kawasaki was working at a New York advertising agency on 9/11.

“I heard the screams of just people on the street reacting,” he said.

In the days after the attack, St. Paul’s became a second home for first responders and was filled with letters, drawings and more words of encouragement sent from around the world.

Twenty-five years later, Kawasaki’s origami installation brings a new comfort to visitors.

“My impression when I walked in was, there were all of those lighter color blues,” visitor Lorraine LaHuta said. “What really drew my attention, the cranes moved into … getting darker.”

Kawasaki said it took just three months to put the installation together.

“Ever Present” will remain on display inside St. Paul’s Chapel for the entire of the month of September.

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 Ricky Sayer

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    FAYETTE COUNTY, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — A fight involving a Dunbar, Fayette County, council member broke out at a memorial event for 9-year-old Renesmay Eutsey, the girl who was found dead a year ago in the Youghiogheny River.

Council member Lynn Hall, unhappy, had approached the speakers, the organizers of the event; she said they had incorrectly claimed that some council members had voted against renaming the park for Renesmay.

As she and the organizers argued, another woman, whom KDKA-TV hasn’t been able to identify, approached. She and Hall then traded punches until the borough’s police chief broke it up.

Hall said she was left with a bloody finger, broken glasses and scratches on her neck. It’s unclear what injuries, if any, the other woman who was primarily fighting with Hall sustained.

“They kept saying I need to move back, and of course, I said, ‘Move me,'” Hall told KDKA-TV. “For that false information to get out to so many people reflects badly on the borough and it’s not true; it’s not something that should have been said here.”

Borough Mayor Norman Gordon said council had unanimously voted to rename the park last week. He did acknowledge that previously, council members had not all been enthusiastic about the name change.

“The council is not helpful at all,” said organizer Ebony Floyd. “They voted to not rename it.”

She and other organizers said they are not borough residents and did not attend the council meetings, explaining they learned about how the council voted through other means.

They took issue with how Hall interrupted their speeches, rather than discussing it after.

“I put all my heart and soul into things like this, and for one bad apple to do that and not have the courtesy to speak about it after is just real vile,” said Floyd.

For both her and organizer Jessica Richter, who, during her speech, had mentioned that not all voted to rename the park, the fight was the last thing they hoped for during the event.

“If you want to have a discussion, a conversation afterwards, why something like that was brought up, then do it afterwards. Don’t do it during an event where you’re trying to honor a little girl whose life has been cut short,” Richter said.

The fight highlights the divisiveness in the small borough over Renesmay’s death. It’s divisiveness neither the organizers, Hall, nor Mayor Gordon can easily explain.

“This is almost like Washington, D.C. here right now,” Mayor Gordon said. “There’s people who just don’t like what’s going on, and they run their mouth, and it gets back, and they get mad, and one person gets mad, and next thing you know, nobody’s talking, and we’re fighting.”

When we asked for more specifics, he said it’s hard for him to say because he’s in the middle of it.

“Our community is divided, and it breaks my heart to see it that way, and I would love to see everyone come together,” Gordon said.

The borough’s police chief said minor charges stemming from the fight can be expected. The fight followed the official renaming of the park for Renesmay, including the unveiling of a memorial stone.

Eutsey’s caregivers have since been charged in her death. They are awaiting trial.

“It feels like time for her is standing still until we get a death penalty verdict,” Floyd said.

Gordon told the crowd he knows many have wondered why someone didn’t do something to prevent her death.

“I’m somebody, you are all somebody, and we all have the responsibility to protect these children,” Gordon said.

District Attorney Mike Aubele also spoke at the event and was visibly emotional. He explained how Eutsey was failed by her family members.

“I think about this girl every single day,” Aubele told the crowd. “Three hundred sixty-six days ago, I had the worst day of my life. One of the worst things that has happened in the county this century, if not the worst.”

He promised that Renesmay would not just fade away.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing that we’re all here, a year and a day after she died. And we all still remember her,” Aubele said. “And we’re never going to forget her.”

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 Derek James

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — For Jeena Gurung Vomhof, the Minnesota State Fair was supposed to be a celebration.

A chance to share the art and traditions of the country she still calls home.

Then came devastating news from Nepal.

“I was almost done with the set up to be selling at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair. Excited, pumped, you know, new space, new energy, and I couldn’t, I couldn’t see my social media, like what’s happening. It was like, that was not real to me. And I just called my mom and said what’s happening,” said Gurung Vomhof.

Gurung Vomhof is originally from Kathmandu.

Nepal is home to Gurung Vomhof’s family, her memories, and the women whose work she brings to Minnesota.

“Nepal is a beautiful country. It’s an Asian country, right below China and above India, surrounded by beautiful mountains, beautiful people, the tradition, the culture, the love, the humanity that is there in the country I still miss and I try to bring that wherever I go,” explained Gurung Vomhof.

Through her business, Namaste Brows & Boutique in Roseville, Gurung Vomhof employs sixteen women in Nepalmaking — hand-crafted earrings, cashmere shawls, hemp, and felt gift items. 100% of the proceeds go back to the makers.

“Each and every piece that I sell has a story,” said Gurung Vomhof.

But right now, she’s carrying a story of loss.

“My friends, my family, who are far and close, are still back home and we have lost two cousins, 21 and 35, who were going trekking. They’re missing,” said Gurung Vomhof.

She talks with family every day, trying to stay connected while holding herself together.

At the fair, people she doesn’t know are giving her something she needs right now.

“My favorite thing right now is hugs. You know, when I’m holding all of this, I don’t know how, I have the right word physically, emotionally. Joy, hurt? That hug means so much,” said Gurung Vomhof

Those moments are helping her keep going.

She’s already thinking beyond the immediate crisis – about children, education, and rebuilding.

“Education is the root of everything, everything. For me, maybe I can build a classroom, but I can’t do it alone. I need all of you,” said Gurung Vomhof.

For now, she’ll keep standing for Nepal, sharing its culture, and believing in the people standing with her.

“I am at the grandstand at the lower level, row number nine, wide open with colors, with joy, and I’m going to be standing here every single minute,” said Gurung Vomhof.

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.