2026 HCC Southwest–Tesla Manufacturing Training Completion

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    August 20, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Tuesday, August 18, 2026, was more than certificate day at Houston City College’s Stafford Campus Workforce Center. It was another green light for Greater Houston’s fast-moving manufacturing future, as nearly 50 Tesla employees completed specialized workforce training through the expanding HCC–Tesla partnership.

The milestone put people—not machines—at the center of advanced manufacturing. Inside HCC Southwest’s Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, Tesla employees have been sharpening hands-on skills designed to translate directly into high-demand work at Tesla’s Megafactory Texas in Brookshire. In an industry filled with robotics, automation and sophisticated energy technology, the partnership carries a refreshingly human message: before a world-class factory can run, a world-class workforce must be ready to run it.

And HCC has been preparing Houstonians for that moment for years.

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HCC Southwest traces its Stafford presence to 1998, and the campus has steadily evolved into a workforce and technology hub serving one of America’s most diverse metropolitan regions. Today, Stafford’s Workforce Building supports advanced manufacturing and other career-focused programs designed around practical skills and modern industry needs.

That history makes the Tesla partnership feel less like a sudden spark and more like the next powerful connection in a circuit HCC has been building for decades.

The collaboration accelerated in May 2026, when Houston City College and Tesla signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Stafford and celebrated an inaugural cohort of 12 program completers. HCC said the partnership incorporates curriculum development, shared resources and direct training opportunities, with participants demonstrating skills in industrial maintenance, advanced manufacturing, troubleshooting and workplace safety. The partners also announced plans to substantially expand participation during 2026.

Three months later, nearly 50 additional Tesla employees crossing the training finish line offers an encouraging snapshot of that promise becoming practice.

The timing could hardly be better for Greater Houston. Tesla is developing its Megafactory in Brookshire, west of Houston, as a major energy-storage manufacturing operation. Tesla has said the new facility will produce Megapack 3 for its next-generation Megablock energy-storage system, with production planned for 2026. Current Tesla career listings in Brookshire include manufacturing, production, fabrication, maintenance, engineering and operations positions.

That is where Houston City College’s workforce model shines. Instead of asking industry what it needed yesterday, HCC is helping prepare workers for what employers need next.

HCC Chancellor Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher has described the partnership as part of the College’s commitment to building strong industry connections and meaningful career opportunities. HCC Board Chair Eva Loredo has similarly characterized the collaboration as the future of workforce education—connecting classroom instruction, hands-on experience and pathways into high-demand careers.

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For the nearly 50 employees honored August 18, those big-picture ideas now have names, faces, certificates and new skills attached to them.

Houston has always been a city that knows how to build—energy systems, medical breakthroughs, space exploration, neighborhoods, businesses and bold second acts. Advanced manufacturing is simply adding another chapter, and Houston City College is making sure local talent has a seat at the workbench.

The Tesla partnership also demonstrates a larger truth about community colleges in the 21st-century economy: workforce education is no longer a side door into opportunity. Increasingly, it is the front entrance.

So, congratulations to the latest HCC–Tesla completers. The machines may be smart, the factory may be ‘mega’ and the technology may be futuristic—but Houston’s greatest competitive advantage still begins with skilled people ready to get to work.

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Learn more about Houston City College (HCC): hccs.edu

Explore Tesla careers and opportunities: tesla.com/careers

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.

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Judge sentences Omaha man convicted of armed bank robbery that he used ChatGPT to help plan

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By McKenzy Parsons

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    OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — The man convicted of using ChatGPT to plan an armed bank robbery in Omaha was sentenced to prison.

According to the Department of Justice, Deron Lewis-Payne, 23, went into the i3 Bank near 156th and Spaulding streets, pointed a handgun at the tellers, and told them he would kill them if they didn’t follow his instructions.

The DOJ said Lewis-Payne told the tellers to empty their drawers and warned against using dye packs.

The tellers did so, and Lewis-Payne got away with $9,175.

The bank’s surveillance footage captured Lewis-Payne’s “distinctive outfit, including red Nike slides.” Residential surveillance footage captured the vehicle as well as the license plate he used to flee the scene.

The DOJ said surveillance footage captured Lewis-Payne at multiple retailers at the Westroads Mall.

An officer saw him near one of his residences, and Lewis-Payne ran, leaving behind a band of cash.

The DOJ said law enforcement searched his home and found more cash, the vehicle he used, and most of the outfit he was seen wearing in the bank’s surveillance footage.

According to a news release from the DOJ, Lewis-Payne admitted to driving the car, but he denied his involvement in the robbery.

After a search of his phone, the DOJ said officers found that Lewis-Payne used ChatGPT to plan the robbery, “including advice on law enforcement response times, how to strip and repair a Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun, and for advice on obtaining ammunition as a felon.”

The DOJ said his most recent search on Google maps was for the bank.

Lewis-Payne was sentenced to a little more than 10 years in prison for robbery and brandishing a firearm.

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.

Dramatic video captures moment Bellevue officer arrests stolen car suspect

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Daisy Kershaw

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    BELLEVUE, Ky. (WLWT) — A dramatic arrest in broad daylight, in the middle of a busy Bellevue street, was caught on camera.

WLWT has video showing officers stop the driver of a stolen car, at gunpoint.

On Monday evening, Bellevue Patrol Officer, Johnathan Kohler said he ran the tags on a car passing him on Taylor Avenue.

Kohler says that’s how he discovered the car was reported stolen in early August. He said extensive training through the department helped him jump right into action.

Neighbor and local bar owner, Charlie Zimmerman, caught all the action on his phone.

“I was upstairs in my bedroom right above the tavern here, and I heard a very commanding voice say, ‘hey get out of the car’,” said Zimmerman.

It was Kohler’s voice.

“I called him back to me, and I backed up with him as he was walking towards me. I got him on his knees, made sure that we were in a safe position as possible,” said Kohler.

Releigh Lunsford, 57, was taken into custody.

Kohler, who has been on the force just over a year says that it is because of constant training drills that officers are able to react safely and swiftly in these cases.

“Everybody went home safely. Nobody had any scratches. We’re all good at the end of the day,” he said.

Officers were also able to get the car back to the woman it belongs to.

Meanwhile, the suspect is still being held behind bars at the Campbell County Jail on a $2,500 cash bond. He is charged with being in the stolen car, driving without a license and having drugs on him.

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.

Homeowner detains suspect after Bulloch County chases tied to kidnapping

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Grace Rodriguez

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    BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. (WJCL) — A carjacking and kidnapping early Tuesday morning in Statesboro led to two police chases across Bulloch County.

The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office said the incident began around 3 a.m. when a victim was carjacked, forced into the back seat of their own vehicle, and restrained as the suspects drove toward Register.

The group later arrived at a home on Holloway Lane, where deputies said they attempted to force their way inside.

Savannah Harris, a neighbor, said she first noticed trouble when she heard sirens.

“My wife and I were just sitting down for breakfast, getting ready for work, when we started hearing sirens,” Harris said. “We checked our security camera and it looked like a chase was happening right in our trailer park! It was wild, like something out of a movie. It was chilling to think there were people with bad intentions lurking so close by.”

When deputies responded to the 911 call, the suspects fled, leading to two separate pursuits.

One vehicle crashed in Register, and deputies said they arrested the driver after a struggle. A second chase ended on Wolf Pen Lane, where the sheriff’s office said a homeowner detained another suspect until deputies arrived.

Investigators said the danger escalated after one of the crashes, when the suspects allegedly took another vehicle with a passenger still inside. The passenger later managed to escape.

Joshua Parrish and Michael McCullum are now in custody, and the sheriff’s office said both men will face multiple charges. Authorities are still working to identify a third suspect.

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Family of Nolan Wells demands answers on what would have been his 19th birthday

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Nicholas Brooks

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    BILOXI, Miss. (WAPT) — Nolan Wells’ family gathered in Biloxi on what would have been his 19th birthday to honor his memory and demand answers about his death.

Wells went missing during a Fourth of July boating trip with friends to Horn Island, and his body was recovered two days later in the water near the island. Two autopsies have not provided a definitive explanation for his death.

More than six weeks after his body was recovered, loved ones marked his birthday on Aug. 19 with heartfelt messages, prayers, and a rally about 5 miles from his hometown of Ocean Springs.

Authorities continue to investigate Wells’ unexplained death but have given no public indication that a crime occurred, dividing communities and fueling heartbreak and speculation.

Ben Crump, the family’s attorney, has been hired to investigate Wells’ death. An independent autopsy conducted by Crump could not determine the cause of death.

Earlier Wednesday, Wells’ family shared a touching birthday letter, saying: “You are truly our angel. You will be missed every second of every day and you will never be forgotten, our sweet sonshine. Happy Heavenly 19th Birthday. Remember, don’t eat too much Oreo cake and hug Grandma for us.”

During an online vigil, the family expressed gratitude for the joy Wells brought them and vowed to protect his legacy.

“Nolan was an incredible person, and his loss has definitely affected our family in ways we could have never imagined. Just keep us in your prayers, and just keep sharing his story, keep saying his name,” said his parents, Christine Wells-Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley.

The central question in the case remains unanswered: How did Nolan Wells die?

The state autopsy is complete, but the findings have not been released.

The Jackson County district attorney said investigators are still building the case, and once their work is finished, all evidence will go to a grand jury to determine whether a crime was committed. She said Tuesday she could not comment on the case.

Meanwhile, Wells’ family, along with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are pushing for a federal review.

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6-year-old had loaded gun on South Carolina school bus, deputies say

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Stephanie Moore

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    RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WYFF) — A mother has been arrested after authorities said her 6-year-old brought a loaded gun on a school bus in South Carolina.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said the School Resource Officer for JP Thomas Elementary School was called about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday after the gun was found.

Authorities said it was an AR Pistol with .556 rounds.

The child’s mother, Destar Hall, 35, was called to the school.

Authorities said it was discovered the firearm was not properly secured by Hall at their home, which led to her child gaining possession of the firearm.

Hall was placed under arrest and charged with unlawful conduct towards a child.

She was taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

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.

Maine man wanted for sexual assault arrested trying to fly to Germany

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Adam Bartow

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    Philadelphia (WMTW) — A man from Solon, Maine, who was wanted on multiple charges in Somerset County was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on Sunday at the Philadelphia International Airport as he tried to board a flight to Germany.

Officials say he had a one-way ticket.

Matthew Thomas Cooley, 41, was then turned over to Tinicum Township, Pa., Police Department officers to initiate extradition.

Cooley was wanted by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of gross sexual assault, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of domestic violence stalking.

CBP says Cooley pepper-sprayed the officers who arrested him, so he was also charged with two counts of assault on an officer and one count of refusing to submit to arrest.

“Customs and Border Protection officers will always leverage our border security authority to help victims of sexual assault seek justice by capturing dangerous fugitives attempting to flee the United States,” said Elliott N. Ortiz, CBP’s Area Port Director in Philadelphia. “Capturing dangerous fugitives is one way in which CBP works with our law enforcement partners to help keep our communities safe.”

Cooley was initially arrested at his home back in April, and police said he also sprayed officers making that arrest with pepper spray.

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.

Vigil honors mother, son killed in Acton double homicide

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Peter Eliopoulos

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    ACTON, Mass. (WCVB) — A vigil was held Wednesday evening in honor of the mother and son who were murdered in their Acton, Massachusetts, home last week.

Arjun Aravind, 17, is charged with killing his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his 14-year-old brother, Siddharth Aravind, at the family’s home on Aug. 11.

Over 100 people gathered in Acton for a vigil to honor Siddarth and Sudha.

“Our hearts go out to the remaining family members, as their future has been robbed of wholeness and peace,” one attendee said.

The vigil included Hindu prayers and support for Siddarth’s father and husband, Aravind Sukumaran, who was not present.

“I always considered myself the luckiest person in the world, to the family I had,” said Susri Anuradha Mazumdar, the vigil organizer, as she read a letter from Sukumaran to the crowd.

“Sudar was a wonderful wife, incredibly caring mom, and one of the smartest people I knew,” Mazumdar said, quoting Sukumaran’s letter.

Siddarth’s friends shared memories of him during the vigil.

“He was such a great friend, constantly making me laugh,” said Vihaan Mudunte, one of Siddarth’s friends.

“I’ll always remember you as an irreplaceable gift to my life,” said Ranvir Bajwa, another friend.

“Seeing how this affected all these people, it’s not too surprising to me,” Mudunte said.

“His humor, his energy, I feel like, it brought it to everyone in the room. I’m going to miss him a lot,” Bajwa 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.

18-year-old PennWest California student found dead in vehicle

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By Raquel Ciampi

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    CALIFORNIA, Pa. (WTAE) — The death of an 18-year-old PennWest California student is under investigation.

Authorities say Karoline Heintz was found dead inside a parked vehicle near the California Borough Library around 12:24 a.m. on Thursday.

According to officials, Heintz had been with family earlier in the day and was returning to campus housing at Pennsylvania Western University California.

When Heintz did not check-in with her family, they tracked her location to her vehicle on Wood Street in California and called 911.

Police say that was when they found her deceased.

Her death is under investigation by both the Washington County Coroner’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police.

Additional information has not yet been released. This story is developing.

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.

‘I’m sickened’: Lantana church and police memorial vandalized

CNN Newsource on August 20, 2026

By John Perik

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    LANTANA, Fla. (WPBF) — Police in Lantana are investigating a series of vandalism incidents over the weekend, including graffiti on a historic chapel and a memorial for fallen officers.

The Chapel of the Holy Spirit, one of the oldest buildings in Lantana, was defaced with upside-down crosses and other anti-Christian symbols.

“I’m sickened; it’s very sickening to me. I imagine most people are disgusted by it,” said Karen Lythgoe, mayor of Lantana.

A few blocks away, a memorial for fallen police officers was also vandalized, with the word “pigs” spray-painted on the stone.

“These are people that gave their lives serving the community,” Lythgoe said.

Across the street from the memorial, graffiti was also found on the back of an abandoned strip mall and by a Burger King dumpster.

Lantana Police Department Assistant Chief Daniel Navas said the vandalism likely occurred over the weekend, either late Friday night or early Saturday morning.

“We’re not leaving any leaves unturned; we’re exploring every option,” Navas said. “We’re outraged, and we’re committed to locating and holding those accountable who damaged the memorial.”

The community has since restored the fallen officer memorial, scrubbing away the paint.

Police are asking residents to check their security and Ring cameras for any information that could help identify the vandals.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Lantana Police Department.

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.