Category: CNN Regional

By Matthew Dietz

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    FRANKLIN, Ohio (WLWT) — The Franklin Ohio Division of Police is warning people of a hog that has been running loose around town.

The Humane Society of Warren County responded to the area of Route 123, near Interstate-75 on Monday morning for reports of the hog.

Officials said they thought the reports might have been a pot belly pig but they found a large farm hog that may have been in the area for as long as two weeks.

It’s not clear how the hog got loose.

The Humane Society put a feeder near a Wendy’s restaurant in Franklin as they try to safely corral the hog and get the animal to a shelter.

Officials are urging people not to feed the hog if they see him and to avoid hitting or chasing the animal if he wanders into the road.

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 Daisy Kershaw

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    CINCINNATI (WLWT) — Parents at Fairview German Language School are calling on Cincinnati Public School leaders to take action over concerns about racial disparities when it comes to disciplining students.

At a school board meeting Monday, dozens of concerned parents spoke up about the issue, now demanding an internal investigation into the “conduct and leadership” at Fairview.

In a letter, those behind the efforts wrote that they believe the school has breached 24 board policies, 11 Ohio State Laws and five federal regulations.

It comes after new data was released by PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.

“The data revealed that African Americans as well as boys are being disciplined at a higher rate than other students,” said Sonya Swift, chair of the School Decision Making Committee for Fairview.

Fairview mom Chelsea O’Neal said the issue hits close to home.

On May 21, she says her second-grade son was accused of inserting himself in a fight at school and given a one-day out-of-school suspension.

O’Neal said it came as a shock because he has no history of violence or aggression, so she requested video of the incident.

“The video footage didn’t depict that at all; the students were playing soccer,” O’Neal said.

She said that this prompted her to dig into the school’s code of conduct policies.

“I learned that it was completely out of order for my son to receive an out-of-school suspension,” O’Neal said. “For students pre-K through second grade, there are restorative programs to prevent them from being taken out of school. Suspension is a disciplinary action of the most severe cases. Generally, for students who are removed by law, also who are evaluated by a mental professional hired by the CPS district.”

O’Neal, among those now calling for change.

“There’s many more stories like Chelsea where that has happened in that building. And we just want leadership to take accountability and address these concerns,” Swift said.

Swift said they are waiting on a response from the CPS superintendent and have been told they’ll hear back by the end of the month.

In a statement to WLWT on Monday, CPS said “Cincinnati Public Schools is aware of concerns raised by some members of the Fairview German Language School community. We take all concerns regarding student support, school culture and compliance with District policies seriously. We are working with the school’s leadership and families to resolve these concerns.”

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By Fletcher Keel

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    CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WLWT) — The Bethel police chief, who was indicted on 70 counts of sex crimes, made his first court appearance Monday.

Chad Essert was given a $500,000 surety bond. Two weeks ago, a Clermont County Grand Jury indicted Essert on 56 counts of sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

The allegations involve one victim.

Assistant prosecutor Lara Baron Allen said the alleged crimes took place between 2005 and 2010.

“The allegations in this case are that the defendant cultivated a relationship with the victim beginning when she was approximately 12 years old and used positions of trusted authority to gain and maintain access to her,” Baron Allen said.

Prosecutors said Essert portrayed himself as an active-duty Marine reservist moving up in rank, became involved with the Young Marines program and worked at Great Oaks as a JROTC instructor, placing him around young people, including the alleged victim.

“The conduct is alleged to have continued for years and across multiple counties. The length of the alleged conduct demonstrates planning, persistence and the ability to conceal criminal behavior over an extended period of time,” Baron Allen said.

Essert’s attorney, Jay Clark, denied the allegations.

“In due course, you’ll find out the allegations are baseless,” Clark said. “He did not have an inappropriate relationship with her, didn’t groom her, didn’t have unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. He didn’t do any of that.”

The criminal case is only one part of the pressure Essert is facing.

Bethel’s mayor is calling for Essert to be removed due to “dishonesty, immoral conduct, and neglect of duty,” according to a memo sent to village council.

According to the memo, investigators found allegations that Essert had an affair with a woman he met during a traffic stop and had sex with her inside the police department.

The memo also details allegations from a former female officer who accused Essert of inappropriate conduct and sexual advances.

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By Chantelle Navarro

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    CHOCTAW, Oklahoma (KOCO) — The word “gratitude” echoed across Choctaw Monday after overnight storms damaged homes, downed trees and knocked out power for residents.

One couple’s roof was severely damaged, torn off by the powerful winds. Down the street, a tree narrowly missed a baby’s window, highlighting the dangers residents faced.

Dennis Bachhofer, a Choctaw resident, recorded video of his 16-foot tree crashing into the front of his house around 4 a.m.

“It actually sounded like a thud and just like a bunch of hail hitting the house,” Bachhofer said.

The tree landed just inches away from his 18-month-old daughter’s window.

“Our daughter’s room is right there. So, that was our first thing, was making sure she was fine,” Katie Lambert said.

The KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team reported wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour in the area.

Lambert described waking up to their house shaking.

“I looked outside, and I literally saw the mist just like going in circles. It was so crazy,” Lambert said.

A few houses down, Matthew Dowling, who works for Affordable Tree Service, was busy clearing a neighbor’s yard after more trees fell.

“While I’m cutting this up and getting this off their house, this piece fell on my trailer,” Dowling said.

Dowling said this was the first of six calls he received Monday. For him, it’s a job. But for others, the cleanup process has been challenging.

“It’s actually a bit frightening, you know, and it’s just us. So, it’s actually going to be real difficult actually trying to get it all hauled off and get it taken care of. We’ve been burning all morning,” Bachhofer said.

“Especially because we’re kind of out of pocket right now with, like, you know, proper funds, especially with a tree this big,” Lambert said.

Despite the challenges, Bachhofer expressed gratitude.

“We are 100% grateful for sure. For sure,” he said.

Residents are reminded that code enforcement may issue fines if downed trees are not removed within 10 days. Disaster relief services are available to assist those in need.

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By Chase Rutledge

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Police were involved in an unusual chase Tuesday morning after a pair of dogs got loose and enjoyed a run on an Oklahoma City highway.

Sky 5, which is the only news helicopter in the air on weekday mornings, showed two smiling dogs running along Oklahoma City Boulevard near Interstate 40. A police unit was following the dogs closely, heading in the wrong direction on the ramp while other motorists safely slowed down and stopped.

While running, the dogs playfully looked back at the police unit several times to make sure the officer was keeping up with them. The dogs would occasionally walk past slowed-down oncoming traffic, looking at those vehicles.

The two dogs eventually slowed to a walk on the ramp as the officer guided them off the road and into a grassy median.

It’s unknown where the dogs came from or if they have any owners.

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By Jacob Daniels

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    Texas (KRIS) — More than 100 green sea turtles have been rescued or documented after becoming entangled in sargassum seaweed piling up thicker than usual this summer along the Texas coast. Wildlife responders are patrolling Padre Island beaches every night to find and help the endangered animals.

Sargassum is typically caused by higher-than-normal water temperatures or nutrient runoff that feeds the seaweed. This year, residents say the buildup is arriving earlier and in greater quantities than expected.

“Kind of came in earlier and way more than usual. I’ve seen it worse maybe in 2008. It was really piled up.” Raoul Eselbaum said.

Residents also say the location of the seaweed is different this year.

“Last year a lot of it was washing up to shore, and this year it seems like a lot of it’s just getting caught more so in the water itself, whether that be the rocks or any sort of sea creatures.” Maya Morris said.

Texas State Aquarium CEO Jesse Gilbert said smaller turtles are especially vulnerable when wind, tide, and sargassum combine.

“We will see some turtles that are about a dinner plate size, kind of that age class, get caught up and just can’t really fight through whether it’s the wind, the tide, and the sargassum. You combine all that together, it can make for a challenging time for the turtles to get out.”

Once pushed ashore, the turtles can become tangled in the seaweed and grow too exhausted to return to open water.

Gilbert noted that despite the problems it is causing this season, sargassum plays an important role in the marine ecosystem.

“Sargassum is a good thing. I know it’s a nuisance from a tourist standpoint and on the beach, but sargassum actually acts as a nursery for fish. You can find a bunch of baby fish you might not normally see. You can find turtles.”

The Texas Sealife Center says the turtles arrived exhausted but mostly unhurt. This week alone, the center released 77 turtles back into the wild. In most cases, the turtles only need a short rest before they can be returned to the ocean.

Crews will continue patrolling the beaches. Anyone who finds a turtle in distress is encouraged to call for assistance.

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

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By Kelsi Thorud

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — Lie Crescini isn’t your average Golden State Valkyries fan.

Not only does she get to Ballhalla, San Francisco’s mythically raucous Chase Center, three hours before tip off to try and get players autographs, she may also hold the record for farthest travelled to get to the arena.

“Lie where do you live? Hawaii. Where in Hawaii? Oahu and Pearl City,” said Crescini.

Lie flies out here specifically to go to Valkyries games. She has family in Morgan Hill and works as an Instacart driver back in Hawaii to save up enough money to come out here and take her nieces to the games.

“I’m 57 years old, so I’m doing a back breaking job just to take her and me to the games,” said Crescini.

Lie says she flies out about three times a summer and stays for a month or two at a time.

“Flying back and forth it can’t get any more dedicated than that,” said Crescini. “This is the most dedicated I’ve been to any team, any sport.”

Her dedication extends to merch too. She has a whole line of t-shirts she’s created. One for each player.

“This one is Tip Tizzle. I made a Ja-halla. I made a Burton, Bur-Town and Burton Bridge and Ga-Bay,” said Crescini.

Lie’s fandom runs so deep she says her roommates back in Hawaii sometimes think she’ll never come home.

“I know my roommates are like, I guess I’ll see you in the winter?,” said Crescini. ” I was, like, yeah, I guess.”

But Lie says it’s all worth it. She’s never felt more joy than she does while in Ballhalla, where the Valkyries have sold out every home game since the team’s inception last year, and she gets to share it with her young nieces.

“It makes me feel good because I didn’t have any aunties that did anything like that for me,” said Crescini. “So for me to be able to do it for them, I’ll work whatever I have to do to make sure they have this experience.”

And don’t think Lie is going to miss a game. She’ll be traveling back and forth all season and plans to fly back out if the Valks make another historic run in the playoffs.

“I was there last year in San Jose and I will be here this year. We are going to make the playoffs, for sure,” said Crescini.

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By Loureen Ayyoub

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — On a breezy pier overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, a growing group of women are discovering that the rewards of crabbing extend far beyond what ends up in a bucket.

Crabby Baddies, a women-led crabbing community founded just six months ago, has quickly gained traction on social media by bringing together women interested in learning the sport, sharing knowledge and building friendships along the way.

Members gather on local piers to learn crabbing techniques, understand regulations and try their luck at bringing home fresh seafood.

“To keep it, rock crab have to be 4 inches or larger,” Crabby Baddies co-founder Lissa Koelzer said while measuring a recent catch. “So this one was a little under, so we’re going to toss him back.”

Against the backdrop of the San Francisco Bay, women who once felt intimidated by the traditionally male-dominated pastime are finding confidence through the group.

“It’s just empowering,” Koelzer said. “It is kind of like the old man or uncle’s sport, but why can’t we catch our seafood?”

While crabbing remains the centerpiece of the gatherings, organizers say the community that has formed around the activity has become an equally powerful draw.

A growing waitlist for Crabby Baddies meetups reflects the demand, as participants transform a shared hobby into a network of support and friendship.

“It’s been all very organic, and everyone that’s joined has been really on our same vibe,” said Hannah Gomez Farias, co-founder of Crabby Baddies. “And we all click really well. As you can see out here on the pier, we are all like old friends, honestly.”

Each cast into the bay brings anticipation and the possibility of a keeper-sized catch.

“I think this might be a keeper,” one participant exclaimed while checking a crab. “Just a keeper!”

For many members, however, the most valuable takeaways have little to do with seafood.

“I actually got my job from a Crabby Baddie,” one participant said.

From sharing crabbing tips to opening professional doors, members say the group demonstrates the benefits of women supporting one another both on and off the water.

As the community continues to grow, Crabby Baddies is proving that the strongest catch of the day may be the connections made along the pier.

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By Rudabeh Shahbazi

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — In the midst of turmoil and war between his two homelands, one young Iranian business owner living in Los Angeles is working to merge history with a cultural movement as more Iranian Americans find an appetite for learning more about their culture and history.

Ryan Blourchi is an economics student turned clothing and jewelry designer who began creating his designs by drawing inspiration from his Iranian roots.

“I was just out there working on designs all day, just drawing instead of studying,” Blourchi said.

He turned those sketches into Xodafez, a jewelry and clothing line celebrating the culture and history of pre-Islamic Iran.

“What I really like about Iranian history, it’s kind of like the patterns on a Persian rug — it’s all interconnected,” he said. “The mythology and the history, the legends and the truth. And it’s kind of one beautiful, but also sad love story of Iranian people’s resilience.”

Blourchi said that every single design means something special and celebrates the heritage, poetry and Zoroastrianism that spanned over five empires, a far cry from the turmoil that has embroiled his parents’ homeland since before he was even born.

“They had armored horses and sold cavalry, like a thousand years before Rome and any other civilization, and this is a Sasanian King, Bahram, and he is a very interesting figure in Iranian history and mythology, because not only is he in the Shahnameh, but he’s also a real life king,” Blourchi said.

He dreams that one day Iranians in Iran can buy and wear his designs.

“It’s kind of sad that they can’t buy it,” Blourchi said. “There’s a lot of potential for Iran that is not being utilized, and I hope to see some changes so that maybe in my life, I could contribute to making Iran a better place.”

His nostalgia for a land currently under attack, full of history and meaning for Blourchi’s family and so many is a love story that fueled his passion in the footsteps of the Shahnameh, the ancient national poem of Iran. Like the historic epic, full of ups and downs, tragedy and hope, the tale never ends.

“I’m losing money, actually, doing this. It is not about the clothes so much. It is kind of just about the purpose of what I’m doing and trying to, kind of leave something behind after I die,” Blourchi said.

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