Category: CNN Regional

By Jonathan Ayestas, Michelle Bandur

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    RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (KCRA) — A man, a woman and two children were found fatally shot inside a Rancho Cordova home on Tuesday morning after the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office received reports of gunfire.

The sheriff’s office said Tuesday evening that the shooting was believed to be a murder-suicide, carried out by the man found dead.

A caller told the sheriff’s office around 8:30 a.m. that they had heard gunshots at Copper Sunset Way and Mill Water Circle. Shortly afterward, the sheriff’s office said it got a second caller who claimed he was the one who fired a gun and that he had also placed booby traps.

KCRA 3’s Michelle Bandur was at the scene near the sheriff’s office mobile command center during our noon newscast, where several deputies could be seen standing outside the house. Visible damage could be seen along a fence and a door.

“Our rook was utilized to breach their rear fence, and subsequently their sliding glass door. At that point, a drone was launched into the residence and it was discovered that there was one male subject, that appeared to be unresponsive down in the residence,” said Sacramento County Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Edward Igoe.

Igoe said after the drone spotted the man, deputies went inside and discovered the bodies of a woman, a boy and a girl, all killed by gunfire, inside the home they were searching. At this time, Igoe said all four have not been identified, so it is unknown if they are related. However, he said neighbors told detectives a family of four lives at the home.

Igoe said it is unknown if the man found dead was the same one who called claiming to have placed the booby traps. Deputies with the sheriff’s office’s explosive ordnance disposal responded and found no evidence of traps.

Igoe said they are not looking for any additional people in connection with the shooting. It is also not known if the second call came from a landline or a cellphone.

The law enforcement chaplain arrived on the scene in the afternoon. Igoe said these are tough situations for officers and deputies.

“It’s always difficult. A response to something of this magnitude is always extremely difficult. And honestly, as an agency, just our prayers are with friends and families of those involved today,” he said.

Neighbors also waited at the scene, wondering what and why this happened.

“It’s quiet for the most part. You’ll see people walking their dogs, running. For the most part, we don’t have any loud parties going on here and stuff like that. And it’s very quiet. Everybody’s friendly and peaceful. So to see this, it’s wild,” said Cameron Daughtery.

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 Marcus McIntosh

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    GRIMES, Iowa (KCCI) — Onyx King Easterlie arrived in an unlikely place — a FedEx facility in Grimes — and in a way his mother says she never saw coming.

The newborn weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 19 inches long. He was given a clean bill of health and later snuggled in the arms of his mother, Amethyst Blumberg.

The birth happened near the end of Blumberg’s work shift around 8 a.m. on Monday, when she said she suddenly needed to use the bathroom.

“After that, I couldn’t even get off the toilet,” Blumberg said.

She was able to open the door and call for help as the situation escalated quickly.

“I get up, and I feel his head,” she said, describing the moment she realized the baby was coming.

By the time the Johnston-Grimes Fire District was dispatched, Onyx was essentially ready to be delivered.

Radio traffic captured the urgency: “We are delivering the baby now.”

A medic later summarized the rapid timeline: “We were on scene at 8:29 and delivery 8:33.”

Blumberg and her baby were taken to the hospital, where both were reported healthy and resting.

The story became even more unusual because Blumberg did not know she was pregnant.

Blumberg said her first pregnancy came with clear symptoms, but this time she noticed none.

“With my first one, I had all the symptoms. With this one, I had nothing at all,” she said, adding she did not gain weight, and in fact said, “I was losing weight at work.”

She said the first signs came only at the very end: “The only thing I felt was when my back started hurting from back labor. And when he was descending, I felt him move.”

Paramedics said they took the surprise in stride and focused on the outcome.

“I’ve seen a lot of things in my field, so I don’t get too much surprised anymore,” said Nick Pearson, Johnston/Grimes Fire District. “I’m just very happy that she was healthy and the baby was healthy.”

Blumberg, who has a story she expects will follow her for years, put it simply: “He’s perfect. Our FedEx baby.”

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 Kara Burnett

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    ELKTON, Maryland (WMAR) — What began as a plea for help has turned into both heartbreak and hope for one Cecil County farm.

Just days after a barn collapse trapped several animals at Hannimal Farm, the owners are now mourning the loss of their first cow, while celebrating the life she brought into the world.

The collapse happened early Monday morning following Sunday’s snowstorm. With emergency resources stretched thin, owners Ryan and Brittany Hanna turned to Facebook, asking for help to free their animals.

“It was Traumatizing. I had a full-blown panic attack. They are like our kids,” Brittany Hanna said.

Within hours, neighbors, farmers, and emergency crews from Cecil County and the Havre de Grace Fire Department arrived with heavy equipment, working together to lift the roof and rescue the livestock.

“I went from feeling helpless, seeing my animals suffer and then didn’t know what to do, to watching 20 cars pull up. I can’t thank them enough. I don’t think we would have been able to save them all without them,” Hanna said.

All of the animals were pulled out alive, but one pregnant cow, Miss Mignon, was seriously injured.

“We’ve had her for seven years,” Hanna said. “She was our first cow. We really bonded with our cows, especially my husband. You can see him in there now, just cuddled up with them.”

Veterinarians believed Miss Mignon suffered either a spinal or pelvic injury. Concerned for her safety and her unborn calf, the decision was made to induce labor.

The farm shared an emotional update Wednesday morning, announcing the birth of a healthy baby boy named Post Moolone but also confirming Miss Mignon would not survive her injuries.

“Unfortunately Mama isn’t going to make it through, which is a hard pill to swallow,” the post read. “There’s nothing quite like the bond you form with your first cow.”

As the family grieves, they’re also facing the financial impact of the collapse. The barn was destroyed, and emergency veterinary bills continue to grow. A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover those costs and rebuild.

The Hannas say the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. In addition to donations, the farm is bringing back its popular “Cuddle Grams,” where their animals visit schools, workplaces, and events.

“We really appreciate everybody coming through for us,” Hanna 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 Lily O’Brien

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    TOPEKA, Kansas (KAKE) — Almost two decades after the kidnapping, rape, and murder of an Arkansas City woman, the man convicted of her death is once again looking to appeal his sentence.

Justin Thurber is on death row for killing 19-year-old Jodi Sanderholm, a Cowley County student and dance team member, in 2007.

He is appealing his sentence, with attorneys arguing for a reduction due to a potential intellectual disability.

Issues on review are whether 1) the district court correctly ruled there was insufficient evidence to believe that Thurber is a person who is intellectually disabled; and 2) the district court violated Kansas law and Thurber’s Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendment rights when it required the defense to disclose its confidential investigation to the State.

Sanderholm’s sister, Jennifer Aldridge, says she’s tired after watching Thurber appeal his sentence over and over again.

He brought the case before the Kansas Supreme Court in 2018, where it upheld his conviction but left the intellectual disability determination up to the district court.

“They came back and they said he’s not intellectually disabled, and the death penalty stands,” said Aldridge.

Thurber’s attorneys brought that challenge back to the Kansas Supreme Court.

“Justin Thurber knows that if he is not intellectually disabled, he’s facing the death penalty, said Kris Ailslieger, Deputy Solicitor General. “If he is intellectually disabled, he’s not facing the death penalty.”

Kansas has not executed an inmate on death row since 1965.

“This is just his way of just fighting the inevitable,” said Aldridge. “However, I don’t know if Kansas will ever execute anybody. That is a huge failure on our governor.”

Thurber’s appeals come as Kansas state law says those with intellectual disabilities cannot be executed.

Each appeal, Aldridge says, bring back the horror her family faced with Jodi’s death.

“I just want people to remember her smiling face, and that she deserves justice and her life meant something,” she said. “I feel like we have been just completely let down by our court system.”

Aldridge’s daughter was just two days old when an investigator found her Aunt Jodi’s body near the Kansas/Oklahoma state line.

“I’m never going to have any peace, regardless, but his ability to just keep messing with us is exhausting. It feels like nobody cares about our feelings, and what I’ve had to go through, how I’ve had to raise my children knowing the things that I know, seeing the things that I’ve seen, and hearing the things that I heard happened to my sister that day,” said Aldridge.

In Tuesday’s hearing, the court heard disputes over the district court’s process, with debate over whether or not Thurber shows signs of intellectual disability.

“His own experts testify that he was not intellectually disabled. We only have one actual IQ score, one actual test,” said Ailslieger. “You’re never going to get another reliable report ever, it’s not going to happen because Thurber knows what’s on the line.

“A person with a 73 IQ could be diagnosed with an intellectual disability,” argued Thurber’s representation. “Moreover, the fact that he went to college and had a girlfriend and lived independently, those are all stereotypes about what intellectually disabled people can and can’t do, and they’re frankly offensive.”

Aldridge says she does not expect a conclusion to the appeal within the next year.

Meanwhile, other death penalty appeals are taking place in Kansas, as the Carr brothers are set for a hearing on Wednesday, January 28.

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By Andie Bernhardt

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    MEQUON, Wisconsin (WDJT) — It was a celebration of 360 years of love and commitment Tuesday, as couples at Teal Shores Senior Living say they’ve figured out the secret to a long, happy marriage.

“The secret is to have a great wife,” said Bruce Malec, who has been married for 65 years. “That’s the biggest secret and then learn to say yes all the time.”

“Stick together and work things out,” said David and Riki Nedbeck, who have been married 55 years.

After decades of marriage, six happy couples walked down the aisle with their loved one once again.

“It brought back so many great memories of that day,” Rosemary Malec said.

For each couple at Teal Shores Senior Living, this wasn’t their first time saying, “I do.” However, this time, it was to renew their vows.

“It is with great pride that I can say that I am his wife, and he’s the best husband I could ask for,” said Rosemary Malec.

Bruce and Rosemary Malec say they are grateful for every moment together in their 65 years of marriage, even during the hard times.

“When things get tough, you start thinking about all the tough times,” said Bruce Malec. “Try to take a break and think of the good times and realize that, hey, this is all worthwhile, because look what I’ve got.”

It was an emotional moment for each couple as they renewed their vows. The group celebrated 360 years of love all together.

For those wanting to follow in their footsteps, their advice is simple.

“People have said this before, but ‘yes, dear’ is one of the secrets,” said David Nedbeck. “Sharing together, it’s not one person to do any particular job, you know, it’s a partnership.”

Grateful for the time spent together and the memories to come, with their partner by their side.

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By Derek Heid

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    NIAGARA FALLS, Canada (WKBW) — Despite talks of euthanasia and 15 months of living inside a closed amusement park, the dolphins and beluga whales at Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, have been approved to move to the U.S.

In September 2024, Marineland closed, but behind the fence and empty booths, animals still live here, specifically 30 beluga whales and four dolphins.

“It’s very expensive to have the veterinarians and all the food to care for all animals and the upkeep,” Niagara Falls, Ontario, mayor Jim Diodati said. “Unfortunately, they’re financially at a point now where they’re burning the furniture to heat the house.”

In October, the park said that if it didn’t get a commitment for financial help, it would have to euthanize the whales.

Now, Canadian Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson has a lifeline for the animals. She says all 34 animals have a home in the United States.

“The sites are accredited, the highest standards for animal welfare in the world,” Thompson said to Canadian reporters. “And certainly, once the conditions are satisfied, I think this is a solid plan. I know some people don’t think this is the best thing, but I think it’s the best of the options we have right now.”

We’ve spoken to Diodati throughout this process, most recently in October when an under-construction whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia volunteered to take the belugas.

“I think we’re still a little ways away, but it can’t happen fast enough,” Diodati said.

“What’s really unfortunate in this situation is that Marineland has never been willing to entertain the possibility of these belugas coming to a sanctuary,” CEO of The Whale Sanctuary Project Charles Vinick said. “I’m disappointed that we’ve reached this impasse, where we are sending belugas from one concrete tank to another concrete tank.”

Thompson says once they have health assessments and a transportation plan, they will be moved to the U.S. The Canadian government did not release specific locations. Diodati hopes to see that land redeveloped once again.

“Earlier yesterday, Minister Joanne Thompson notified Marineland of her support for the relocation of our remaining beluga whales and dolphins to proposed facilities in the United States. We extend our gratitude to the Minister and the Canadian government for prioritizing the lives of these remarkable marine mammals.” – Marineland

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By Eileen Buckley

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    BUFFALO, New York (WKBW) — More than five years after the first Child Victims Act lawsuit was filed, clergy sex abuse survivors of the Buffalo Diocese are finally having their voices heard in federal court.

Survivors began delivering statements Tuesday before U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Carl Bucki and Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher as part of the diocese’s ongoing bankruptcy case.

The emotional and graphic testimonies marked a significant moment for those who have waited years for this opportunity.

Michael Whalen, a clergy sex abuse survivor, was the first of about 20 survivors to speak. He was also the first person to come forward eight years ago, saying he was sexually abused by Father Norbert Orsolits at St. John Vianney Church in Orchard Park when he was a teenager.

“These were crimes against children and they went unpunished,” Whalen said.

Whalen broke down in court while reflecting decades of pain from the abuse. He said the priest admitted to molesting dozens of boys but never faced jail time.

“My abuser admitted to a couple of dozen boys and he openly admitted it, and he was able to walk free. He wasn’t on no sex offender registry. He wasn’t punished in any way,” Whalen said.

Whalen also criticized the diocese’s handling of the situation, saying church officials knew about the abuse years before it happened to him.

“They knew about him ten years before he abused me. They knew about the abuse. He was caught, but they just moved him around,” Whalen said.

Whalen said he has forgiven the priest, who died in 2021.

A 69-year-old survivor testified about being sexually abused and raped between the ages of 7 and 11 by Father Edward Townsend. The survivor presented a childhood photo to Bishop Edward Scharfenberger in the courtroom and described graphic details of the abuse, including being raped in a school shower, screaming and crying as he watched blood mixing with water in the drain.

Another survivor thanked the bishop for giving him time and dignity to listen, contrasting the current bishop’s approach with former Bishop Richard Malone, whom he described as “dismissive” when he first reported his story to the diocese.

Another survivor cried while delivering his statement about abuse by Father John Aurelio at his cabin in the woods. The priest was considered “cool,” and the survivor served as an altar boy at St. Gerard’s Church on the East Side.

Ann Fossler testified about how a priest who abused her as a young girl called it a “special relationship”. In her statement, Fossler said Monsignor John Ryan sexually abused her from about age 7 to 10 during the late 1950s while at Queen of Heaven Church in West Seneca.

In court Tuesday, Fossler said it was abuse and she “hated his touch and his smell.”

Fossler also talked about how he would take her to his cabin. I talked to Fossler about her abuse case back in December.

“Because I was so young when my abuse occurred, I really didn’t have a childhood,” Fossler said.

Michael DiGuilio also shared his experience of abuse at St. Andrew’s in Tonawanda by Father Norbert, saying he told his father about the abuse and his dad “almost killed” the priest.

Bishop Fisher declined to go on camera for comment Tuesday, but offered a written statement:

“This is a long-awaited moment for those who have endured the devastating trauma of sexual abuse to speak and be heard. I will be listening intently with an empathetic heart and mind to these deeply personal accounts.It’s my hope that this opportunity provides victim-survivors a sense of justice, however painful it is for them to recount their experiences.we remain committed to doing everything we can to support their healing.”

Survivor statements will continue Wednesday and again February 25 and 26. If more dates are needed, they will be added.

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By Molly Hudson

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KMTV) — Noli’s Pizzeria has called the Blackstone neighborhood home for 11 years, but owner Joel Marsh is worried about the restaurant’s future amid ongoing streetcar construction. After posting on social media asking for help, he saw an overwhelming outpour of support.

Noli’s Pizzeria owner Joel Marsh describes the last year and a half as a struggle.

“Blackstone has always been kind of a difficult place, anyways, and I think the streetcar is going to be great when it is done, because to help that, but we just have a to suffer through two years,” Marsh said.

He says the Blackstone location has seen over $300,000 in lost revenue because of streetcar construction.

On Friday, Marsh posted on Facebook describing the impact of not only construction but weekends with winter weather. He asked that people consider buying gift cards to use later.

“It was overwhelming and very humbling experience, we got, the community came out and we sold over $25,000 in gift cards in 2 days, which is, I can’t even believe it,” Marsh said.

It’s not the first time he’s seen the community show up. Just months ago, Noli’s gave away thousands of dollars in food to help people facing food insecurity. He says since then the support has grown too.

“It just goes to show that the community is amazing and we are very grateful for that,” Marsh said.

But like many small business owners, Marsh says the thought of an uncertain future in a place they’ve known for so long is heartbreaking.

“I built all of these like with my dad, bare hands, all these tables, every surface, at the other restaurant and here we built. I mean every recipe, everything you see is art to me,” Marsh said.

Marsh’s message is to continue supporting everybody along the streetcar route.

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By Joe Ripley

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    ATLANTA (WXIA) — With rhythm in every step and every move in sync, choreographer Justin Prescott coaches the community to do the same. Prescott, who grew up in Houston, TX, has been dancing since he was seven years old. He has since sequenced moves for Broadway shows, including Fela, After Midnight, Funny Girl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Moulin Rouge and Cirque du Soleil productions.

“I think it’s a passion of mine, it’s something I discovered very young,” Prescott said. “I was very passionate about it and continued to do that and share it with people around the world.”

Prescott worked on the choreography for MJ the Musical, which is playing at the Fox Theatre the last week of January. Prescott said the King of Pop has a certain style, but anyone can start learning the basics of dance and do so with others.

“Everybody knows Michael Jackson,” Prescott said. “If you saw a silhouette of any move of MJ, you’d be like that’s Michael Jackson. He’s a pioneer, a pioneer of movement, style, singing. On the dancing aspect, performance aspect, the showmanship of it all, Michael Jackson is the greatest of all time.”

Torian Cole took part in a workshop at the Alliance Theatre in which she learned some of the iconic dance moves Jackson brought to his performances. She said moonwalking is a lot harder than it looks.

“I think the most fulfilling part is seeing that everyone else is learning as well,” Cole said. “You don’t feel alone, so you feel ok to make mistakes and feel like you can make it better. I think the most fulfilling part is actually getting it right and hearing everyone cheer at the same time, when we’re all like ‘we mastered it!'”

Mastering the moves is a reminder to Cole to get up and go, because dancing can boost her mental and physical health. She called the lesson rejuvenating, giving her a chance to let loose with her community despite not knowing every dancer around her. She described the environment as a judgment-free zone where people could just show up and have some fun.

“We’re always moving,” Cole said. “We’re constantly moving, but when you can stylize it, when you’re flowing, it’s even better. Even walking down the street, you got the music in, and it makes your day feel better because you’re actually moving with intention.”

Inspired by the King of Pop, Prescott makes it his mission to pass on MJ’s legacy, with the dance fostering community.

“We’ve become so detached because of social media, so when we’re all in a room, but for them to support one another, to feel love from someone you don’t know, it’s different from your family,” Prescott said. “It uplifts people in a way you don’t usually get.”

MJ the Musical runs through February 1 at the Fox Theatre. The show, which follows the lead-up to Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour in 1992, features a couple of Atlanta natives portraying the likes of Tito Jackson, Quincy Jones and part of Michael’s dance team.

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.