Florida updates sloth ownership rules after deaths at Orlando attraction

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Madilyn Destefano

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    ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — Florida has introduced new rules for sloth ownership following the deaths of dozens of sloths at the defunct Sloth World attraction in Orlando.

WESH 2 received a copy of the updated policy from state Rep. Anna Eskamani.

Below, the policy reads in part:

“After the expiration of EO 26-12, Permits to Import Class III Wildlife for Commercial Use (IMP-III), also known as “blanket import permits”, will no longer authorize the importation of any sloth species (suborder Folivora) into Florida. All entities who are properly permitted to possess sloth species will be required to obtain a no cost Wildlife Importation Permit prior to the importation of sloth(s) into Florida. A copy of that permit application has been attached for your convenience. Completed applications must be submitted by email to CaptiveWildlife@myFWC.com. We recommend submitting the application at least two weeks prior to each importation event to allow ample time for processing.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission now requires a special permit to import sloths into the state.

The policy also states that facilities housing sloths must meet specific requirements.

This change comes after the state enacted a 60-day pause on sloth imports last month.

More than 50 sloths died before Sloth World was set to open in Orlando. The Central Florida Zoo rescued several surviving sloths.

The attraction is now facing multiple lawsuits and is under investigation.

Below is the full response from Eskamani:

“Following the tragedy and controversy surrounding Sloth World, we have been working closely with the Sloth Institute and the Sloth Conservation Foundation to pursue both accountability through an ongoing criminal investigation and meaningful long-term policy reforms.

Today’s announcement from FWC represents a small but important victory for animal welfare. By requiring facilities to meet basic standards before they are permitted to bring sloths into Florida, this new policy takes a proactive approach to protecting these animals. Had these safeguards been in place earlier, they may have prevented suffering and saved lives.

Our ultimate goal remains stronger protections, including a permanent ban on the importation of wild-caught sloths and more rigorous ownership and care requirements. Achieving those reforms will require formal FWC rule changes, including a public comment process and a vote by the Commission. That work will take time, but the permit changes announced today will take effect immediately and provide important new safeguards.

We will continue pushing for stronger animal welfare protections and greater accountability to ensure that what happened at Sloth World never happens again.”

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.

Man charged with murder, arson in Chicago fire captain’s death appears in court

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Lauren Victory

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    CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) — The man charged with murder and arson connected to a Chicago fire captain’s death was back in court Wednesday.

Charles Green is charged with setting a garage on fire in the North Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side on April 23, 2025.

Fire Capt. David Meyer, 54, was among the firefighters who responded to that garage fire in the 5500 block of West Crystal Street. After the fire was put out, the garage collapsed and a beam struck Meyer, killing him.

At a status hearing Wednesday, an attorney for defendant Charles Green argued in favor of suppressing some of the evidence in the case.

Some of Meyer’s fellow firefighters showed up at the hearing in solidarity.

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Project Prom: Civic Heart, Boynton Methodist Church & J&L Insurance Help Houston Students Step Into Confidence

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    June 24, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON, TX — In Houston, where community spirit often shows up wearing Sunday-best generosity and a smile big enough to light up a gymnasium, Civic Heart Community Services has once again reminded us that service is never just about giving things away. Sometimes, it is about giving young people a moment to feel seen, celebrated, and ready to shine.

Through its heartwarming Project Prom initiative, Civic Heart Community Services partnered with Boynton Methodist Church and J&L Insurance to donate more than 200 prom dresses to students at Jane Long Academy, a Houston ISD campus serving students and families from one of the city’s most diverse and hardworking communities. The result was more than a dress distribution. It was a day of dignity, sisterhood, encouragement, and joyful transformation.

Students browsed racks of gowns in every color and personality — elegant, bold, sparkling, classic, and camera-ready. Some came looking for “the one.” Others found it after a friend, a volunteer, or a classmate said the magic words: “That looks beautiful on you.” And just like that, Project Prom became less about fabric and more about confidence.

There were smiles. There were selfies. There were second opinions delivered with the urgency of a red-carpet stylist. There were young women helping one another zip, adjust, twirl, and dream. In a world that too often asks students to grow up too fast, this event gave them permission to enjoy a milestone many teenagers look forward to for years.

“This was about so much more than dresses,” said Anita Bates, CEO of Civic Heart Community Services. “Every young woman deserves the opportunity to feel confident, valued, and celebrated. Project Prom was an opportunity to pour love into these girls and remind them that their community believes in them and is rooting for their success.”

That message landed beautifully. For many students, prom is not simply a school dance. It is a rite of passage — one of those once-in-a-lifetime snapshots tucked into family albums, phone galleries, and future memories. Yet the cost of formalwear can place that experience out of reach for many families. Project Prom stepped into that gap with grace, proving that when community partners move with purpose, barriers can be replaced with blessings.

photo Civic Heart Prom Dress Recipients

The collaboration among Civic Heart Community Services, Boynton Methodist Church, and J&L Insurance reflects the very best of Houston’s civic DNA: people, faith communities, businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors working together to make sure young people do not just attend the moment — they own it.

For Jane Long Academy students, the day offered more than a gown. It offered affirmation. It said: You matter. Your joy matters. Your memories matter. Your future is worth investing in.

That is the kind of message that does not hang in a closet after prom night. It stays with a young woman long after the music fades.

Houston Style Magazine is proud to serve as the media sponsor for this important community outreach event and to spotlight partners who understand that real community impact is stitched together one act of kindness at a time.

Civic Heart Community Services, a Houston-based nonprofit organization located in the historic Third Ward, continues its mission of helping individuals and families empower themselves through programs focused on youth development, workforce readiness, housing stability, health and wellness, prevention education, civic engagement, and wraparound community support. Serving more than 65,000 individuals annually, Civic Heart remains a trusted force for opportunity, compassion, and measurable change across Houston and surrounding communities.

Project Prom was a beautiful reminder that when Houston shows up for its young people, it does more than dress them for one night. It helps prepare them to walk boldly into every room life has waiting.

Media Contact – Anita Bates Civic Heart Community Services Phone: 713-374-1204 • Mobile: 832-814-5346 Email: abates@civicheart.org 410 Pierce ST, Suite 300 Houston TX, 77002-8646 civicheart.org

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.

Kierra Lee
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4096658446

Teens invited to “take over” Chicago City Hall during meeting on large teen gatherings

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Darius Johnson, Elyssa Kaufman

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    CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) — City leaders have searched for ways to address large teen gatherings, and on Wednesday, they are turning to the teens themselves.

Wednesday morning, 26th Ward Ald. Jessie Fuentes will chair a hearing focused on large teen gatherings, also known as teen takeovers.

For the first time, the hearing will feature a panel of teenagers providing what Fuentes calls “expert testimony,” giving young people a chance to tell city leaders what they need to stay healthy, safe, and engaged this summer.

The deputy mayor of community safety and the deputy mayor of education and youth services are also expected to participate in the hearing.

This discussion comes one week after the Chicago City Council rejected a proposal that would have held some parents accountable for disruptive gatherings involving teens.

Supporters said the ordinance would create accountability. Opponents argued that the city should focus more on investment, opportunity, and engagement with young people.

Fifteenth Ward Ald. Raymond Lopez first introduced the Parental Accountability Ordinance in 2023, but it stalled for years. His attempt this week was defeated, with only 16 councilmembers backing his proposal, and 32 voting to reject it.

Now, alderpersons say they want to hear directly from teens about what they believe would make the biggest difference this summer.

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.

Blind and visually impaired Vermont kids step outside of their comfort zones learning to skateboard

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Lauren Granada

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    BURLINGTON, Vermont (WPTZ) — Summer camp season is in full swing, and campers with the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired were challenged to step outside of their comfort zone on Tuesday by trying skateboarding.

The annual kids’ camp takes place at a different location every year to accommodate participants from all over Vermont. This year, Saint Michael’s College is hosting the sleepover camp.

About a dozen participants who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to try new things through planned activities in the surrounding area and challenge themselves in ways they’ve never tried – including skateboarding at Talent Skatepark in Burlington.

“I guess it’s kind of empowering because it’s something I never expected to do. Something I never really thought I’d end up learning, whether it’s not really being able to see well enough,” said John Crowningshield, a camper from Fairhaven.

Tuesday’s skateboarding activity was a first of its kind for the visually-impaired campers. Green Mountain Adaptive Sports partnered with Talent Skatepark to make the event happen.

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.

Exodus Women’s Conference 2026: “She Is Planted” — A Powerful Weekend of Faith, Growth & Transformation Awaits Houston Women

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    June 24, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON, TX — Women across Houston and beyond are preparing for a transformational weekend of worship, sisterhood, and spiritual renewal as the highly anticipated Exodus Women’s Conference 2026 returns August 7–8, 2026, with a powerful declaration already resonating throughout the city: “She Is Planted.”

Presented by Blueprint Church and hosted by Pastors Matthew and Falyn Davis, Exodus has quickly become one of Houston’s premier gatherings for women seeking inspiration, encouragement, healing, and a deeper connection with God. Following a sold-out conference in 2025 that welcomed more than 750 women, Exodus returns with even greater anticipation as women from across Texas and beyond prepare to gather once again.

More than a conference, Exodus has become a thriving community and annual gathering where women encounter God, discover purpose, experience healing, and build lasting relationships. It is a sacred space where women are invited to grow deeper roots, strengthen their faith, and embrace the purpose God has uniquely designed for their lives.

Taking place at Fallbrook Church, located at 12512 Walters Road in Houston, the two-day experience is expected to attract women from across the nation who are ready to step away from the demands of everyday life and into an atmosphere filled with hope, worship, wisdom, and authentic community.

A Theme Rooted in Strength Inspired by Psalm 1:1-3, Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 92:13, this year’s theme, “She Is Planted,” reminds women that those who are rooted in God can flourish in every season of life.

The imagery is powerful: a tree firmly planted by streams of water, remaining strong, fruitful, and steadfast regardless of the circumstances surrounding it.

In a world that often feels uncertain and constantly changing, Exodus 2026 offers a timely reminder that true strength comes from being firmly planted in God’s promises. When women are rooted in faith, they can weather life’s storms, overcome obstacles, and continue growing into the women God created them to be.

The conference will challenge attendees to move beyond simply surviving and embrace a life of thriving—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

A Weekend Designed to Refresh the Soul Women attending Exodus 2026 will experience a carefully curated weekend designed to nourish the spirit, strengthen faith, and foster authentic connection.

The conference will feature powerful worship experiences that create space for personal renewal, alongside transformational speakers who will share messages of hope, resilience, healing, and purpose.

Among this year’s featured guests is Dr. Anita Phillips, renowned trauma therapist, pastor, bestselling author of The Garden Within, and trusted voice at the intersection of faith, mental health, and emotional wellness. Her ministry has impacted thousands across the country, helping people find healing, hope, and wholeness through God’s truth.

Attendees will also engage in meaningful conversations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions addressing the real-life challenges and opportunities women face in every season of life. Topics will include faith, mental health, relationships, finances, leadership, motherhood, purpose, and personal growth.

Throughout the weekend, intentional moments of prayer, reflection, and encouragement will provide opportunities for women to deepen their relationship with God and leave refreshed, empowered, and equipped.

Perhaps most importantly, Exodus will bring together women from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and generations, creating a vibrant atmosphere of sisterhood where lasting friendships are formed, stories are shared, and lives are transformed.

More Than a Conference—A Community One of the defining characteristics of Exodus is its commitment to creating an authentic community.

Whether attendees are navigating career transitions, motherhood, entrepreneurship, ministry leadership, personal loss, singleness, marriage, or a season of spiritual growth, Exodus provides a welcoming environment where women can connect, be encouraged, and discover they are not alone on their journey.

Pastor Falyn Davis believes some of life’s greatest transformations happen when women gather together in faith and expectancy.

“Our prayer is that every woman leaves Exodus more deeply rooted in God’s love, confident in her purpose, and connected to a community of women who will walk alongside her,” said Pastor Falyn Davis. “No matter what season she’s in, we want her to know she can flourish when she is planted.”

The result is an atmosphere where faith is strengthened, vision is clarified, purpose is awakened, and women leave empowered to impact their families, communities, and the world around them.

Blueprint Church’s Growing Impact Blueprint Church continues to make a significant impact throughout the Houston area through dynamic worship experiences, community outreach initiatives, and a commitment to helping people discover and live out God’s blueprint for their lives.

Under the leadership of Pastors Matthew and Falyn Davis, the church has become known for creating spaces where authenticity, biblical truth, and practical faith intersect. Exodus Women’s Conference is a natural extension of that mission, offering women an opportunity to encounter God in a fresh and meaningful way.

For readers seeking encouragement, empowerment, and spiritual renewal, Exodus 2026 promises to be one of Houston’s most inspiring events of the year.

In a culture that often encourages women to constantly chase the next thing, Exodus 2026 offers a different invitation: to be rooted, established, and flourishing in the place God has called them. This August, women will gather not simply to attend a conference, but to experience transformation and leave more deeply planted than ever before.

After all, healthy things grow where they are planted.

And this August, women from across Texas and beyond will gather in Houston to do exactly that.

photo

Register Today Exodus Women’s Conference 2026 Friday & Saturday • August 7–8, 2026 Fallbrook Church • 12512 Walters Road, Houston, Texas 77014

Registration is now open: blueprintchurch.brushfire.com/exodusconference2026/611835

For additional conference information: blueprintchurch.us/exodus Spaces are filling quickly. Women are encouraged to register early and prepare for a weekend of worship, renewal, connection, and transformation that promises to leave them more deeply planted in purpose than ever before.

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.

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
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Hantavirus quarantine ends for exposed cruise passengers, including two with NH ties

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Lauren Blois

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    MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (WMUR) — The quarantine period is now over for the American passengers who were on a cruise ship hit by a deadly Hantavirus outbreak.

A total of 18 people, including two with New Hampshire addresses, began quarantine at a facility in Nebraska in May. Some people affected later finished their quarantine in their home states, but six passengers stayed at the facility until the 42-day period was over on Sunday.

Officials say many groups made a big effort to make the passengers comfortable during quarantine.

“Problem-solving and collaboration is essential to our daily operations, to make sure we’re providing safe quarantine care and also meeting all the daily needs of our folks who were in quarantine. So, a lot of folks to thank, and we are appreciative of the work that we’ve done together,” said Dr. Michael Wadman, the medical director of the National Quarantine Unit.

According to officials, none of the passengers who were quarantined caught the virus, but it was important to monitor them to prevent any possible spread.

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.

Man dies after vehicle crashes into Pittsburgh-area creek

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Megan Shinn

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    ETNA, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — A man has died after his vehicle flipped into a creek in Etna, Allegheny County, on Monday night, authorities said. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 46-year-old Hoang Truong.

People were gathered in shock on Monday night near Dewey and Crescent streets to witness the rescue operation unfold.

KDKA’s Drone Team captured video of a vehicle that had driven off the road, landed between two bridges, and flipped upside down into Pine Creek, near the former Blarney Stone restaurant.

Etna Borough Fire Chief Greg Porter said he was one of the first responders on the scene, along with several other first responders from surrounding areas.

“Several fire departments. Three different swift water rescue assets,” said Chief Porter.

Those assets worked from both sides of the car and up above to try to rescue the driver.

“All of that was in position, should we have needed it,” the chief added.

They did need it because Monday’s storms created difficult rescue conditions. The creek was high, the water carried run-off and debris, and the risks were elevated.

“It’s really the perfect storm,” said Chief Porter.

Crews quickly got their gear to reach the man behind the wheel. First responders had to prepare, mobilize, and act to rescue the man in “15 minutes or less,” Chief Porter said.

It was a monumental accomplishment to try to save his life.

“He was unconscious and not breathing, so we moved very swiftly to get him out of the water,” Chief Porter said. “We spent a lot of time practicing and training for all kinds of situations.”

Crews got him to EMS, but sadly, the man did not survive.

In his 35 years as a first responder, Etna’s fire chief can only count about four times they’ve gotten a call about a car upside down, in moving water, most recently on June 8, 2025.

“Similar water conditions, similar weather conditions,” Chief Porter recalled.

Victims of the June 2025 incident crawled out of the car’s sunroof and survived.

“It’s usually not a pedestrian-occupied area. It’s kind of removed from the road,” Porter said of the rescue area.

“Was it the same area?” KDKA’s Megan Shinn asked.

“Exact same spot, it’s crazy,” Porter said in disbelief.

It’s unknown at this time whether the road will be assessed for changes since multiple vehicles have flipped over in the same spot during inclement weather.

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.

Couple renews vows at water park as part of Guinness World Record attempt

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By CBS 58 Newsroom

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    WISCONSIN DELLS, Wisconsin (WDJT) — It was a historic day in the Wisconsin Dells as a couple from North Dakota took their wedding vows at a water park in an attempt to establish a Guinness World Record.

Keisha and Jon Lakoduk took their wedding vows for the sixth time this month on top of a water slide at Land of Natura water park.

The two have been taking their vows at numerous places in the country. They’ll set two world records in the process — most vow renewals in a 30-day period and the most times a bride has gone down a water slide in a wedding dress. The current world record sits at zero.

“Being able to do exactly what we want and being able to have experiences without guests, rather than our guests experiencing something for us,” the couple said.

Keisha and Jon went down the water slide nine times Tuesday.

Their next stop on the tour is Kentucky, where they’ll get married in a bourbon distillery.

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.

2 Philadelphia pastors charged with creating child pornography, officials say

CNN Newsource on June 24, 2026

By Joe Brandt, Tom Gardiner, Joe Holden

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Two Philadelphia pastors have been arrested and charged with creating child pornography that impacts multiple victims, officials said Tuesday.

Bryan Jackson, senior pastor at Garden of Prayer World Prayer Center, and Isaiah Banks, the former senior pastor at Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, are charged with several criminal offenses, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office said.

DA Larry Krasner and members of his office held a news conference to discuss the charges and encourage other victims to come forward.

An investigation into Banks, 30, began in April after police investigated a report from the Department of Human Services, Krasner said.

The report alleged Banks asked a minor to send sexually explicit videos to him via text message, in exchange for money or food. The messages were found after a witness conducted a random check on the victim’s phone, and then relayed what they found to a therapist who was a mandated reporter.

Assistant District Attorney Helena von Nagy said evidence shows Banks “groomed more than one minor in the community to produce child pornography and then provided that pornography to Mr. Jackson, who also directly communicated with the children for the purpose of getting more photos and videos of that type.”

Von Nagy said the evidence shows the alleged criminal activity was “a process over a course of several years” but that prosecutors are focused on a time period between January and May 2026. Arrest papers allege the two pastors texted and messaged back and forth about soliciting images of child pornography as far back as 2024.

Detectives with the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit obtained search warrants for the pastors’ phones, obtaining pornographic images and videos depicting children, and messages exchanged about the illegal content.

“I would like to commend these children and their bravery in coming forward and starting this process,” von Nagy said. “It’s extremely difficult to have to speak about these things to law enforcement, to the community members and eventually in front of the defendants when this goes to a preliminary hearing and eventually a trial.”

Both men have been arraigned and posted bail. They’re awaiting preliminary hearings on the charges, which include conspiracy, sexual abuse of children and corruption of minors.

There may be more charges filed related to the victims who have already come forward or if more victims come forward.

“We want to notify people who may have a story to tell, or may remember something that happened in the past that seemed off, but at the time they didn’t have enough information to understand the broader context,” Krasner said.

LaQuisha Anthony, executive director of the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence (also known as WOAR), wants victims to know that resources are available for them, whether they want to come forward to law enforcement or seek support.

“These allegations are profoundly disturbing, not only because of the alleged harm inflicted on children, but because they represent a violation of trust within spaces that are meant to be safe, sacred and protected,” Anthony said.

“To every survivor, every family member and every community member impacted by this: we want you to know that you are not alone and that support is available,” Anthony said.

WOAR has a 24-hour hotline — that number is 215-985-3333.

If you want to contact law enforcement, you can reach the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251, or the DA’s office’s Victim Services Unit at 215-686-5709.

In the past, Jackson attended Philadelphia City Council meetings. He once offered the invocation.

“I’m deeply disturbed and hurt to my core that anyone in a position of faith and community leadership would carry out these actions. It’s a betrayal of the very tenets that inform my beliefs,” Minority Leader Kendra Brooks said, in part, in a statement.

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.