Category: CNN Regional

By Fernanda Silva

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KSHB) — On Friday, the Kansas City, Missouri, community is bringing some Halloween magic to a 3-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a rare and painful genetic condition.

Tucker Langford’s family is counting their blessings. They know exactly how precious time is, as doctors have told his mom, Chandler Langford, that the future is uncertain.

“They just told us to make memories,” Chandler said. “Because we don’t know what tomorrow could bring for us.”

His parents and grandparents put their careers on hold to spend as much time as possible with Tucker.

“We’re on limited time,” said his grandfather, Rick Langford.

Tucker was born on Christmas Eve with epidermolysis bullosa — a name as hard to pronounce as it is to live with.

“Any friction that he gets — putting on a shirt, if the shirt hits his head — will instantly cause a big blister and open wound,” Chandler said.

In addition to his skin condition, Tucker was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy on Sept. 12.

“The doctors said it could be weeks, it could be months. It just depends on how hard he’s fighting, and right now, he’s fighting like no other,” Chandler said.

He was sent home for hospice care on Oct. 6.

“It was hard for us to go through that, to see him that way,” Rick said.

To welcome him home, trucks, motorcycles, and even camels lined up in a parade for him. His mom says thousands of people showed up.

To lift spirits, his family is once again counting on the community.

“We’re trying to make it special for him,” Rick said. “We’re very blessed to be Kansas Citians.”

On Friday, they expect hundreds of people to stop by so Tucker can trick-or-treat without leaving home.

“We want them to see him, and him to see them,” Rick said.

“I don’t think I could tell anyone thank you enough,” Chandler said. “We’re making those memories, and the community coming together and supporting us is amazing.”

They say it will help Tucker in the long run.

“We’re going to try to get some video, and we want some things that he can watch to help relieve his pain while we work on him,” Rick said.

Bringing color to his life — when they need it the most.

The family says Tucker will be by their front door at 5801 NE 43rd Terrace, in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, starting at 5 p.m. Tucker will be protected from the cold.

They hope to do the same on Saturday if he’s feeling well enough.

“He’s happy. We’re happy,” Rick said.

After Tucker gets “all the candy he wants,” the family hopes to donate what’s left.

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By Victoria Balderrama

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    MATHIS, Texas (KRIS) — A neighborhood in Mathis is dealing with Africanized bees, commonly known as “killer bees,” raising concerns for residents and their pets.

Al Pacheco discovered a hive of aggressive Africanized bees in a tire near his home.

“We have a hive of bees that seem pretty aggressive,” Pacheco said.

According to Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Africanized bees have been in South Texas since the fall of 1990, spreading to 163 of the 254 counties in Texas. Research shows the Africanized bee is only slightly different from the honey bee, but the danger they pose is significant.

“They’re super dangerous. They can and they will hurt you, or they can and will kill you,” Rick Sanchez, a bee removal expert, said.

Rick Sanchez is an expert in removing honey bee hives and educating the public on bees.

Sanchez reports a dramatic increase in Africanized bee hives in the region.

“In 2024, I did 16 Africanized hives in one season. This year, in 2025, this is going to be number 36 of the Africanized killer bees here in South Texas. That’s a lot of increase, a lot of population explosion,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez works all over South Texas, including Mathis, Flour Bluff, Calallen, and Portland, where he mentioned a recent bee attack occurred.

“Some dogs died there, I don’t know exactly all the details, but they were attacked,” Sanchez said.

The City of Portland confirmed they have received three reports of bee swarms within city limits over the past four months.

Sanchez believes human development is contributing to the problem.

“Man is getting so industrialized and so into technology that they’re forgetting about nature and they’re leaving it unchecked,” Sanchez said.

Texas Apiary Inspection is taking an aggressive approach to slow the spread of Africanized bees in the state. Sanchez suggests what we need are more beekeepers.

“We need to take care of our bees because we need them so badly and nothing grows without bees,” Sanchez said.

Most experts acknowledge that while bee removals are necessary, they often try to save the bees for pollination purposes.

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By Blair Sabol

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    ELLICOTT CITY, Maryland (WMAR) — A high school senior who loves Halloween and tech has transformed his front yard into an elaborate Halloween spectacle that’s inspiring neighbors to join in the spooky fun.

Sam Reid created “The Fright Nite Show” — an automated display that parodies The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

“So when I started to work on the show back in February, it was just a crazy idea,” Reid said.

The impressive setup requires seven screens, four computers and significant power to operate. Reid programmed the automated show, complete with lights synced to music, smoke machines and more.

“So this year, our sound system is using around 3,500 watts of pure power going to our seven speakers around the property,” Reid explained.

The tradition along Carroll Wind Drive in the Hollifield Station neighborhood began after COVID, when Reid saw an opportunity to combine his interests into one spectacular display. It took some convincing to get his family on board.

“We don’t do a lot of like holiday decorations and Halloween was his thing, so he asked us, can you start doing some lights? Can you do a little bit of this, a little bit of that?” said Jarrett Reid, Sam’s father.

Before they knew it, the display had evolved into the immersive experience that now draws crowds on Halloween night.

“I said to my wife, I think we need to get more candy this year,” Jarrett said.

The show features plenty of action, including a guillotine that drops on cue, a new motorized element all built and programmed by Reid.

He doesn’t just operate the display from behind computers — he’s also part of the performance alongside characters like Tibia Turner and JackO Lantern.

The entire script is written by Sam and voiced with help from friends and neighbors. The audience is also encouraged to participate in the interactive experience.

Reid has noticed his elaborate display has inspired others in the neighborhood to step up their own Halloween decorations.

“Truly proud, you know, it’s bringing community together. We have a lot of people come by. Everyone’s excited, everyone’s very supportive,” Jarrett said. “Some of the neighbors got together and made a plaque for him recognizing how he’s been bringing everyone together and sort of the joy that he’s brought to the community.”

The show runs every 20 minutes throughout Halloween night, weather permitting. While Reid continues tinkering with final details until the last minute, he’s already planning how to top next year’s display.

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

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By Katie Nielsen

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    OAKLAND, California (KPIX) — It’s not exactly the jewelry heist of the Louvre in Paris, but the Oakland Museum of California says thieves made off with more than 1,000 priceless objects from their collection.

The museum has the largest collection of items with significant California-specific history – mostly objects used in everyday life throughout the history of the state.

The director, Lori Fogarty, says the objects that were stolen are priceless in terms of historical value, but not something that would be incredibly valuable in terms of selling on the black market.

“We have one of the greatest holdings of California history anywhere,” Fogerty said, adding that the museum’s collection includes more than 2,000,000 items, only a handful of which can be on display at any given time.

“We in our collection have over 5,000 Native American baskets,” Fogarty said.

Many of the items in the museum’s collection are stored in an off-site warehouse, which is where burglars broke in sometime late into the night on Oct. 15, or the early morning of Oct. 16.

“It is heartbreaking for people who really dedicate their careers to preserving and stewarding and caring for and presenting objects of cultural and artistic importance,” Fogarty said.

Some of the items stolen include an old photograph, some jewelry, a woven Native American basket, and scrimshaws –intricate ivory carvings – leading Fogarty to believe this was probably a crime of opportunity.

“I think it is very possible that the people who stole these items don’t really know themselves what they have,” Fogarty said.

Stealing from a museum is a federal offense, so the FBI Art Crime Team is investigating along with the Oakland Police Department. CBS Bay Area spoke with former FBI agent Jeff Harp about the specialized task force.

“It’s a small cadre of agents across the nation, probably less than 20,” Harp said. “They have a lot of expertise in how these deals are done where a lot of times these irreplaceable art pieces are sold. Sometimes it’s done underground, but these guys have a good network of informants and information that allows them to track this stuff.”

In 2012 and 2013, a man broke into the museum itself, stealing items from the Gold Rush exhibit both times. Oakland police were able to catch the suspect when a pawn shop owner in Chinatown recognized a stolen jewelry box and called police.

Fogarty hopes that by releasing photos of some of the items stolen two weeks ago, eagle-eyed members of the public might be able to help the museum recover them.

“If people are at swap meets or they’re at auctions or they’re in a pawn shop or antiques store and something looks off, please let us know,” she said.

Anyone with information about the heist can also contact Oakland police.

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KPIX

By Katie Nielsen

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    OAKLAND, California (KPIX) — It’s not exactly the jewelry heist of the Louvre in Paris, but the Oakland Museum of California says thieves made off with more than 1,000 priceless objects from their collection.

The museum has the largest collection of items with significant California-specific history – mostly objects used in everyday life throughout the history of the state.

The director, Lori Fogarty, says the objects that were stolen are priceless in terms of historical value, but not something that would be incredibly valuable in terms of selling on the black market.

“We have one of the greatest holdings of California history anywhere,” Fogerty said, adding that the museum’s collection includes more than 2,000,000 items, only a handful of which can be on display at any given time.

“We in our collection have over 5,000 Native American baskets,” Fogarty said.

Many of the items in the museum’s collection are stored in an off-site warehouse, which is where burglars broke in sometime late into the night on Oct. 15, or the early morning of Oct. 16.

“It is heartbreaking for people who really dedicate their careers to preserving and stewarding and caring for and presenting objects of cultural and artistic importance,” Fogarty said.

Some of the items stolen include an old photograph, some jewelry, a woven Native American basket, and scrimshaws –intricate ivory carvings – leading Fogarty to believe this was probably a crime of opportunity.

“I think it is very possible that the people who stole these items don’t really know themselves what they have,” Fogarty said.

Stealing from a museum is a federal offense, so the FBI Art Crime Team is investigating along with the Oakland Police Department. CBS Bay Area spoke with former FBI agent Jeff Harp about the specialized task force.

“It’s a small cadre of agents across the nation, probably less than 20,” Harp said. “They have a lot of expertise in how these deals are done where a lot of times these irreplaceable art pieces are sold. Sometimes it’s done underground, but these guys have a good network of informants and information that allows them to track this stuff.”

In 2012 and 2013, a man broke into the museum itself, stealing items from the Gold Rush exhibit both times. Oakland police were able to catch the suspect when a pawn shop owner in Chinatown recognized a stolen jewelry box and called police.

Fogarty hopes that by releasing photos of some of the items stolen two weeks ago, eagle-eyed members of the public might be able to help the museum recover them.

“If people are at swap meets or they’re at auctions or they’re in a pawn shop or antiques store and something looks off, please let us know,” she said.

Anyone with information about the heist can also contact Oakland police.

Please note: 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 KellyDoty & Itinease McMiller

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — The most wonderful time of year has begun at the Biltmore Estate as crews raise the centerpiece of the house’s seasonal décor.

Biltmore officials say the Banquet Hall tree is the final and largest holiday decoration installed before “Christmas at Biltmore” officially opens on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Biltmore’s Floral Design Team will decorate the tree throughout the day Wednesday, using scaffolding and handmade tools to place ornaments and lights on its tallest branches.

Crews carefully carried a 35-foot Fraser fir tree through the front doors of America’s largest home on Wednesday, Oct. 29, before hoisting it into the upright position in the Banquet Hall, avoiding art, antiques, and a grand chandelier.

This year’s holiday cheer is extra special after Hurricane Helene hit last year.

“Thinking back to where we were a year ago and our monument sign having been rebuilt and new trees planted, it does feel like this Christmas,” said Biltmore Estate floor manager Lizzie Whitcher. “We’ve come so far, and Christmas is a chance to celebrate that.”

To give guests a unique experience and extra twinkle in their eye, Whitcher said they’re also looking back to 1895 – George Washington Vanderbilt’s first Christmas at the iconic house.

Planning for Christmas at Biltmore began last year; Whitcher said each room tells a different story, including the Banquet Hall, where the 2,500-pound Christmas tree is now displayed. Trip Hudgins, engineering operations manager for Biltmore, said it took about 40 people to get it inside and place it just right.

“It comes around the Winter Garden and into the Banquet Hall,” Hudgins said. “That’s the hardest part as it squeezes through those doors at an angle.”

The trees, which are purchased from family-owned business Andrews Tree Farm and Nursery, vary in size each year.

Now that the tree is up, there are just two days left to put on the finishing touches before the public gets to experience the traditions and customs of a true Biltmore Christmas.

“When it comes to what we’re wanting to achieve, [it’s] the magic of Christmas,” Whitcher said. “We want guests to come and feel transported back to 1895.”

When Christmas at Biltmore begins Saturday, officials hope that people will take away some inspiration to add to their homes for the holiday season.

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By Nick Lunemann

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    Minnesota (WCCO) — A Lakeville family has turned their driveway into a small, free food pantry. It’s a place where anyone can stop by and grab fresh produce and staples with no questions asked.

Kate-Madonna (Hindes) Quast says what began as sharing extra garden produce has grown as the need has increased.

“We noticed there was a need as we went into fall and winter. We had never done this before,” she said. “We had cars lined up to come and get the food. It was completely full yesterday, and now it’s almost empty.”

She says the family recently partnered “with an organization, a few other families” to expand the giveaway. She added that many neighbors are struggling to bridge gaps between paychecks and benefits.

Her husband, John Quast, said the whole thing started simply.

“When we started it, it was just like, hey, we have more produce than we can use, and we wanted to share it with our neighbors,” he said. “And then times changed, and people actually really appreciated it and needed it.”

The family keeps items out that can handle the weather and accepts donations from neighbors and nearby growers. John Quast has a nickname for the setup.

“We call it garden to driveway to table,” he said.

Around the neighborhood, it’s better known as the Little Free Veggie Library.

Kate-Madonna (Hindes) Quast says the most meaningful feedback came from one late-night visitor.

“There was a woman last night who messaged, and I’m happy to share the message. It was very sweet,” she said. “She said she got to her car and she was crying because she felt that there was good in the world, and she was really struggling. That was the reason we do what we do, because we don’t know their struggle, but we can empathize with it, and John and I have both been there.”

Even with Halloween decor out front — “Beware” and “Stay Away” signs — the family says everyone is welcome.

And if kids stop by on Oct. 31? They have an answer for that, too.

“If a trick-or-treater wants a potato, a trick-or-treater can absolutely have a potato or an onion. We’re the house with the carrots,” John Quast said.

Kate-Madonna (Hindes) Quast says they gladly accept donations of food, but not cash.

If you’d like to follow the couple, just search “Little Veggie Library” on Facebook or send them an email at LittleFreeVeggieLibrary@gmail.com.

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By Lauren Victory, Charlie De Mar, Sara Tenenbaum

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    Illinois (WBBM) — A jury has found former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson guilty of second-degree murder for the fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey.

Grayson was charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the 2024 deadly police shooting, and the jury was given the option of convicting him of second-degree murder. They found him not guilty on all three counts of first-degree murder.

A first-degree murder conviction could have meant up to life in prison. The conviction on second-degree murder could carry a prison sentence of anywhere from four to 20 years, but could also carry a sentence of probation with no prison time at all. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The jury alerted the judge that they had reached a verdict around 2 p.m. It was read at 2:28 p.m.

The jury deliberated for several hours after closing arguments ended late Tuesday morning before adjourning for the night. Deliberations resumed Wednesday morning around 8:30 a.m.

The jury has asked several questions and made some requests so far today. They have asked to see Grayson’s previous employment and training history, and want another look at the evidence used in the trial but what specifically they have asked for has not yet been made public.

Massey, a 36-year-old unarmed Black woman, called police for help in July 2024 for a possible prowler outside her home.

Inside the home, Grayson said Massey began acting erratically and rebuked him “in the name of Jesus” while walking towards a pot of water on her stove. Body cam video from Grayson’s partner captured the shooting; Grayson’s body camera was not activated for most the call, only turning on shortly after he pulled his weapon.

Massey died of a gunshot wound. Grayson faces three first-degree murder charges.

Dawson Farley, his former partner on that night, testified during the trial that he was not afraid of Massey during the call, but instead feared Grayson. Farley told the jury that, while he was confused after Massey said “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” he never perceived that as a threat. He added he only unholstered his gun because Grayson did.

Grayson took the stand in his own defense. He testified that finding broken windows on her car, her 911 call for help and waiting four minutes for her to answer the phone made him concerned someone else was inside. He also said he believed she may have been “under the influence of something” and said she appeared “scatterbrained.”

He also testified that he perceived Massey holding the pot of hot water from the stove as a threat.

Along with the three charges of first-degree murder, jurors were given the option to find Grayson guilty of second-degree murder charges. Prosecutors are pushing for the first-degree murder conviction, pointing out that Grayson threatened to shoot Massey in the face right before he actually did.

“The jury would then have to decide if he was acting reasonably in thinking he was acting in self-defense or whether or not that belief was unreasonable. That’s the difference between being found guilty of potentially first-degree murder and second-degree murder,” said CBS News Legal Analyst Irv Miller.

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By Rina Nakano

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    TORRANCE, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A 10-year-old boy from Torrance made history as the youngest stem cell donor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, giving his father a second chance at life.

There’s nothing more that Nick Mondek loves more than being a dad. But in 2022, an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia put the then 45-year-old on his deathbed. “I’m thinking about my sons, and I’m thinking about how I’m not ready to move on yet,” Mondek said.

Thankfully, his older brother Dave was a match. Several rounds of chemotherapy erased Mondek’s cancerous cells and replaced them with his brother’s. By the end of the year, he was able to return to work as an anesthesiologist.

“It was an incredible feeling just to have someone that you’ve idolized your whole life come and save you,” Mondek said.

Unfortunately, remission didn’t last long, and in April this year, Mondek said the cancer came back “ferociously fast.”

With his brother Dave no longer an option as the cancer found a way around his stem cells, Mondek searched for cousins in the National Marrow Donor Program, but no donor match was found.

Desperation got him thinking about a friend with lymphoma who received a donation from his 19-year-old son. Mondek wondered if his own son could do the same for him, “But he’s only 9 and he’s 70 pounds,” he said.

Tests revealed that his older son Stevie, was a 50% match, enough to confuse the current cancer cells and replace them.

“I just told him that we were looking for other donors because I didn’t want him to feel pressured, like this was something he had to do. And I just left it up to him,” Mondek said.

Stevie says he didn’t even hesitate; the answer was obvious. “I wanted to help him get rid of his cancer, and I wasn’t nervous at all,” he said. In July, Stevie made history by becoming the youngest stem cell donor ever at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

The transplant was a success, with tests showing that 99% of Mondek’s body is made of Stevie’s healthy cells.

“He donated six million stem cells to save my life, so it’s not just an honor to call him my son, I’m proud to call him my hero,” Mondek said.

For Stevie, the experience has profoundly impacted him. “I want to be a doctor in baseball,” he said.

“He’s great at baseball, and he’s already on his way to becoming a doctor; he already saved one patient,” Mondek said with a beaming smile. “So, he can save more.”

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