Category: CNN Regional

By Siobhan Garrett

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    TOWSON, Maryland (WMAR) — For the 10th year, WMAR-2 News teamed up with Weis Markets and House of Ruth Maryland to help collect essential items for survivors of domestic violence.

The annual Fill the House donation drive in Towson brought in necessities that women and children may need as they begin rebuilding their lives, including underwear, bath towels, bedding and hygiene supplies.

Community members stopped by throughout the day to contribute.

For one woman, it was her first time donating to Fill the House. She said deciding to participate was easy after thinking about what survivors may leave behind when escaping an unsafe situation.

“I came to donate because I understood that this was an opportunity to help people who had been given a chance to start again,” she said. “To help women who ran out the house, and maybe all they could grab was their children on the way, and I wanted to help.”

At the end of the drive, WMAR-2 News and the Scripps Howard Fund also presented House of Ruth Maryland with a check to support its work with survivors.

Representatives from House of Ruth Maryland thanked the community and the organizations that helped make the 10th annual event possible.

Organizers are already looking ahead to next year, when House of Ruth Maryland will mark its 50th year supporting survivors of domestic violence.

WMAR-2 News wants to thank our partners at Von Paris Moving and Storage and Kimco Realty.

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 Jack Watson

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    WOODLAWN, Maryland (WMAR) — A student was arrested after a loaded gun was recovered at Woodlawn High School Wednesday following a verbal altercation between two students. The next day, four students fought and one was sent to the hospital, capping a difficult week that has left parents worried.

Megan West is a parent of a freshman and a junior at the school. She said she first learned something was wrong when her youngest daughter sent a text message.

“My youngest daughter texted me, she said, ‘Mom, you know, the police are at the school.'” West, who works 45 minutes away from the school, recalled to WMAR-2 News.

A letter sent home revealed that staff had to separate two students during a verbal altercation, and that one of those students was found with a loaded gun and arrested.

West’s daughters texted her the following day that there was another incident. The school said four students fought, with one student sent to the hospital.

The school called it an “isolated incident” and said no weapons were involved.

“Our focus is on preserving and protecting the learning environment, and the vast majority of our students follow outlined expectations and contribute positively to the school environment. We will continue to hold all students to the highest standards,” the school system told WMAR-2 News in a written statement.

“Through all of that, you know, now I’m upset. I’m, I’m past upset, because now I’m fearful. They feel fearful, they don’t want to go to school.” West said.

West said the parents she’s spoken with feel largely the same, and that the community needs to come together to address what is happening with students.

“And as a school, as a parent, we’re a community and we need the community to really come together to figure out what’s going on with these kids because, you know, for them to be afraid to go to school. That makes, it makes no sense for them.” West added.

“Clearly,” West concluded, “this is a symptom of a bigger problem.”

Baltimore County Public Schools students had the day off Friday for a teachers’ convention.

As of Friday, the school system did not have an update on the hospitalized student’s condition.

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 Alyssa Munoz

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    ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — Restoration Pizza and Lavish Hair Lounge are teaming up Monday evening for “Braids and Beers,” a hands-on hairstyling class for dads.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at Restoration Pizza near Cabela’s, off Interstate 25. Organizers say the class is designed to help dads build confidence, bond with their daughters and take a more active role in their families’ morning routines.

Participants will practice on mannequins in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Four hairstylists will provide instruction on ponytails, bubble braids, traditional braids and other styles.

The previous class drew about 15 dads. Organizers opened 20 spots for tonight’s event to allow participants to receive individual guidance.

“It’s important for girls at a young age to have hands-on parents on both sides,” said Jess Griego of Restoration Pizza. “It’s a team effort for the entire family to take care of each other.”

Children are welcome, and a kids’ activity station will be available during the class. Organizers say the event also gives mothers an opportunity to enjoy time to themselves.

Tickets cost $50 and include the lesson and one beverage. Tickets are available through the Instagram pages of Restoration Pizza and Lavish Hair Lounge.

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 Alex Null

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    CINCINNATI (WCPO) — Since the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition (HC ARC) formed in 2015, a lot has changed.

Newton Police Chief Tom Synan is a co-founder of the coalition. He said preventing drug overdose deaths remains a challenge.

“The only thing predictable about drug supply at the moment is how unpredictable it is,” Synan said.

Still, the work done by the HC ARC has led to a significant drop in overdose deaths over the past decade.

In 2017, overdose deaths in the county peaked at 570. Since then, the numbers have steadily dropped.

Last year, there were 194 overdose deaths in the county, a record low under the coalition.

Still, Synan said there is always more work to be done.

“That is a person,” Synan said. “We never forget that’s a mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter that’s attached to that. It’s not just a number to us. So, it’s still 194 too many.”

Synan credits the drop to wider access to Narcan, increased community education and aggressive fentanyl disruption efforts from the Trump administration.

He said the coalition relies on local data to make its outreach more effective, including information from Hamilton County Public Health.

Synan said state data also helps guide those efforts.

He pointed to an Ohio dashboard that flags the risk of potential future drug poisonings. Synan said it gives the coalition another data point to investigate.

“We’re taking all of this information, we’re putting it out to our resources, hospital systems, other first responders,” Synan said.

For some people, that outreach is life-saving.

That includes Amberah Ballinger, who said she struggled with drug addiction for 21 years.

“A lot of people don’t understand it’s just not that easy to stop,” Ballinger said.

Ballinger said her struggle with addiction impacted her relationships in life.

“I just kept messing up,” Ballinger said. “I messed up my family. My children don’t speak to me anymore.”

She said she hit rock bottom in 2022 when she went to jail for drug possession.

Ballinger said that’s when the HC ARC Quick Response Team connected her with recovery support and transportation.

She said that support contributed to her recovery. She has now been sober for more than three years.

“Sometimes I look back and wish that I would’ve got it in my head that there is help out there, sooner,” Ballinger said.

Ballinger said she encourages more people to reach out for help.

“Your life is worth fixing,” Ballinger said. “You’re worth it.”

Synan said the fight against addiction is far from over.

He said he hopes stories like Ballinger’s show how their data-driven efforts and continued outreach can help save lives.

“If we can fill those gaps in the system, that means we can better respond to people in need,” Synan 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 WCPO Staff

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    LOCKLAND, Ohio (WCPO) — An elderly woman died after a house fire Sunday morning in Lockland, according to Lockland Fire Chief Doug Wehmeyer, who added that a stopped train delayed firefighters trying to reach the home.

The Hamilton County Coroner has identified the woman as 89-year-old Marian Haefner.

Wehmeyer said firefighters were dispatched to a home on Patterson Avenue shortly after 9:30 a.m. Sunday. However, a stopped Norfolk Southern train was blocking railroad crossings, delaying Lockland crews’ response.

WATCH: Stopped train delayed response to deadly Lockland house fire, fire chief says

Thumbnail Because of the delay, a fire unit from Reading arrived first at the scene.

Firefighters found smoke coming from the home, forced open the front door and discovered holes in the floor. An elderly woman was found in a bedroom and transported to a hospital, where she later died, according to Wehmeyer.

Wehmeyer said the train delayed Lockland firefighters’ response by about seven minutes. He said it normally takes crews about 30 seconds to reach the address.

“One of my off-duty firefighters saw that train sitting there at 8 a.m., and an hour and a half later, it was still there. Why a train is allowed to block critical crossings in communities, affecting life safety, is beyond me,” Wehmeyer said.

Wehmeyer said blocked crossings are an ongoing problem that puts the community at risk. He said he has tried working with Norfolk Southern to find a solution but believes federal legislation is needed to prevent trains from blocking critical routes used by emergency responders.

Norfolk Southern sent the following statement to WCPO:

We are looking into this incident and are in communication with officials in Lockland.

• We recognize residents’ concerns, particularly regarding access for emergency responders. • Norfolk Southern makes every effort to avoid affecting communities with a stopped train. Our goal is to keep our trains moving safely across our entire 19,200-mile network.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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 Alan Shope

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    OVERLAND PARK, Kansas (KMBC) — Christian Brothers Automotive in Overland Park held its national service day on Saturday, providing free oil changes and vehicle inspections to single moms and widowed moms in need of dependable transportation.

Kevin Pruitt, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive, said, “We offered a free oil change and also we did a check-up on the car.”

Employees volunteered their time, coming in on their day off to spend four hours changing oil in cars for free.

“We walked around and made sure that all the safety items were in good shape,” Pruitt said.

The event focused on helping families in need, particularly single moms and widowed moms, who often face financial stress.

“Today is about giving back to our neighbors, just giving someone the gift of service and being able to give them not only the opportunity to service their car free of charge, but to give them information about the safety of their vehicle,” Pruitt said.

He noted the financial challenges many families are currently experiencing.

“Things are very expensive right now, especially car repair,” Pruitt said.

The shop said between 15 and 20 families attended the event on Saturday morning, receiving free oil changes, inspections, and other car services.

“Not only service the car, but also maybe find a few more things that we can do to serve them,” Pruitt said.

Reflecting on the day, Pruitt added, “It truly is a blessing to get back to people and love your neighbor as yourself, and we truly wanna live that value.”

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 Eric Graves, Beth Carlson, Nick Sloan

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — A semi-truck crash on Interstate 70 early Sunday morning sent dozens of cattle roaming through downtown Kansas City, forcing road closures and an unusual search for the escaped animals.

The crash happened around 3 a.m. near Admiral Boulevard when a semi carrying more than 120 cattle collided with another vehicle and overturned.

The Kansas City Fire Department said one person from each vehicle was taken to the hospital. Both were reported to be in stable condition.

Several cattle died in the crash, while others remained in the trailer. Dozens escaped, making their way onto highways and into downtown Kansas City.

“We’ve got like 100 head of cattle just roaming around downtown right now,” one first responder said over emergency radio traffic captured by Broadcastify.

“Sorry, there are what??” another responded.

The escaped cattle were spotted across the city, including near Pershing Road and Main Street by Crown Center, the Buck O’Neil Bridge and as far away as Kansas City, Kansas.

“Be aware for roaming cattle downtown,” one first responder warned.

Police called in additional resources to help round up the animals. Emergency crews spent hours tracking the cattle, including using drones to locate them.

“I got two cattle right under my drone here,” one responder said.

The crash also forced the closure of part of the northeastern section of the downtown loop.

By later Sunday morning, crews reported making progress.

“We’ve got most of the live cattle rounded up from here, working on the recovery part of the rest of it,” a responder said.

Anyone who spots an animal should contact Kansas City police at 816-234-5111 or call 311.

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By Izzy Fonfara Drewel

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — In October 1996, Jeffrey Larson drove more than 400 miles from Minneapolis to catch a flight in Kansas City. His friend Rob had bought him a ticket to visit Phoenix.

“It was a standby flight, and he can check, you know, whether or not flights are available,” Jeffrey said. “He said Chicago looks full; go to Omaha or Kansas City.”

Jeffrey chose to drive straight through Omaha to KC. That choice changed the rest of his life.

“I noticed her right away because she was this beautiful, cute little redhead,” Jeffrey said.

A five-hour delay brought him face to face with Salesia. They were both flying Southwest back when they had open seating.

“My plan was to get next to her so that I could sit next to her on the plane, and that’s exactly what happened,” Jeffrey said.

“I was definitely right away after that three-hour trip like, ‘I want to see him again,'” Salesia said.

That three-hour flight turned into a first date in Phoenix. Salesia still has the note Jeffrey wrote her on a napkin, a poem complimenting her smile.

“After that day that we spent together, I actually called my mom and said, ‘I found the man I’m going to marry,'” Salesia said.

That first date turned into traveling home together. The two changed their flights so they could fly back. When another delay stuck Salesia at Kansas City International Airport, Jeffrey came to the rescue.

“I was driving home to Minneapolis, and I said, ‘Why don’t I just drive you home?'” Jeffrey said. “It was kind of on my way, a little bit out of the way, and she’s like, ‘OK!'”

That drive home turned into a 30-year relationship. A blizzard stranded Jeffrey in Omaha and left him with no other option than to stay with Salesia in her parents’ house.

“Six months after that flight, after visiting each other on the weekend to Minnesota, he packed up his life in Minnesota, left his family and moved here,” Salesia said.

A year later they were engaged and a year after that, the couple got married. Now, Jeff and Salesia have six kids, a painting company and a lifetime of memories.

“Just seeing how he has grown so much over the last 30 years and the father he’s become and the amazing husband,” Salesia said.

Their daughter Gracie said the relationship has never been turbulent. She said she grew up in a home full of love and patience.

“They were always making time for each other and showing us what it was like to really be in love,” Gracie said.

She said those qualities are now prevalent in her own life.

“I think that they just really influence what I want to look for in a person,” Gracie said. “Kindness and the effort that they put into one another.”

Now, the Larsons are celebrating their 30th anniversary on the same airline that brought them together. The couple hopped on another Southwest flight Thursday to remember how it all started.

“They should’ve kept that open seating so that people can meet randomly like that,” Salesia 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 Ricardo Tovar

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    MONTEREY, California (KSBW) — PGA Tour veteran and Monterey native Bobby Clampett is supporting a new initiative to teach young golfers about the game.

Clampett, who turned professional in 1980, finished in the top five in seven PGA Tour events over the course of 88 tournaments. He said his goal is to provide young golfers with the best foundation possible to pursue professional careers, as he did.

“Good golfers are hard to find. Good golfers have a high success rate in how they do in society with their jobs. Some of these kids will hopefully get scholarships to play for college golf teams or play pros down the road. But even moreso they’ll integrate in society and if they’re known as a good golfer it’ll help them,” Clampett said.

First Tee, the organization behind the initiative, serves 13,000 young golfers each year.

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By KAKE News Staff

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    WICHITA, Kansas (KAKE) — Wichita police say the driver of the truck that hit 12 people, killing two, during a Wichita soccer game on Saturday has been released.

Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35, both from McPherson, were killed, and 10 others were injured after a woman driving a truck plowed into a Wichita soccer field at Stryker Sports Complex on Saturday afternoon.

Captain Aaron Moses with the Wichita Police Department said that around 3:30 p.m., a vehicle drove through a soccer game at 29th and Greenwich in northeast Wichita.

Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed his condolences to the families and everyone affected by the tragedy.

“Our hearts are with the families of Adrian and Nicholas as they face an unimaginable loss. What should have been a day of children playing soccer and families spending time together ended in tragedy,” Sullivan said. “We are also thinking about those who were injured, their loved ones and everyone who witnessed what happened. We know this tragedy has affected many people throughout our community, and we want those families to know they are not alone. Our officers and investigators will continue working to understand exactly what happened.”

Police say 10 people were hospitalized with injuries. The two people pronounced dead at the scene were two unrelated people from McPherson.

The 34-year-old driver was released pending toxicology results and a mechanical examination of the vehicle, according to a press release WPD sent Sunday.

No charges have been filed at this time and investigators continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Moses says 10 of the 11 taken to the hospital had traumatic injuries, including: a 5-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy, two 8-year-old boys, a 9-year-old girl, a 28-year-old woman, a 32-year-old man, a 59-year-old woman, a 65-year-old woman, and a 68-year-old man.

A 61-year-old woman was also taken to the hospital with non-traumatic injuries. Police believe all injuries to be non-life-threatening.

The driver of the truck involved in the incident remained at the scene, and the driver is in custody, Moses said. She was later said to be a 34-year-old woman from Garden City. Her name was not released. Two children were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash, he added.

Moses said police believe the woman had a child playing soccer at the complex, but not on the field she drove into.

“This is a tragedy,” Moses said.

Wichita police are asking anyone with photos or videos related to the incident to send them here.

Multiple surrounding agencies responded to the scene.

There is no additional threat to the public, Moses said.

Mayor Lily Wu asked those affected to contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

“Tonight, Wichita grieves together,” she said in a press conference.

The City of Wichita says further updates will be shared as soon as information becomes available, and all events are canceled until further notice.

“We ask that you keep all individuals and families affected in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the city said on social media.

Sedgwick County Government also asks those in distress to call COMCARE’s 24-hour crisis hotline: 316-660-7500 or 988.

“Sedgwick County COMCARE will have the Stress/Trauma Assistance Team (STAT) at Stryker Sports Complex starting Monday, Oct. 19 through Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 5:30 – 10 p.m. The STAT will be located in the main indoor field building. The team consists of mental health professionals who are trained to help children, adolescents, adults and families following a disaster or traumatic event. Being at Stryker Sports Complex allows STAT to be where the kids are and make a place that may now be scary safe again.”

The Kansas State High School Activities Association said the incident occurred in a field adjacent to the flag football competition at the complex.

“Given the nature of the emergency, we felt it was best to suspend the flag football third place and championship games until a later date. Details will be announced Monday,” KSHSAA wrote in a social media post.

From Sunday, October 18, through Saturday, October 24, Meddys is also donating 20% of revenue from its Wichita and Salina locations to families affected by Saturday’s tragedy at Stryker Sports Complex. Meddys will also provide free meals to the immediate families of those injured for as long as they stay in the hospital. Reach out to guestsupport@meddys.com to arrange the meals.

The City of McPherson wrote in a statement:

“Our hearts are heavy tonight for community members affected by today’s tragic events in Wichita.

“We are holding their families, friends, and loved ones close in our thoughts during an incredibly difficult time. Our community is hurting, and we stand together, and in support.

“We ask everyone to practice endless kindness, and to respect the privacy of those affected.

“We also extend a sincere appreciation for officials in Wichita for responding to a tragic situation with professionalism and dedication.

“Stay strong McPherson. Be there & be kind.”

Sen. Roger Marshall condemned “the actions that have taken innocent lives and injured others.”

“Though details are still emerging, we are horrified by the recent events at the Stryker Sports Complex. We condemn the actions that have taken innocent lives and injured others. Our prayers are with the victims and their families,” he wrote.

Sen. Jerry Moran said he is grateful to the first responders who quickly responded to the incident.

“Saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life in Wichita today at a local sporting event. I’m grateful to the first responders who quickly responded and everyone who jumped into action to help save lives,” Moran wrote. “While the investigation is ongoing, the Wichita Police Department has requested help from witnesses who might have video to aid in their investigation.”

“I’m heartbroken by reports of a tragic incident at Stryker Sports Complex. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially the children and families involved,” Mayor Lily Wu said in a social media post.

Cindy Holscher, who is running for Kansas governor, is asking Kansans to keep the community in their hearts in the days ahead.

“Our hearts are breaking for the families in Wichita tonight, where an ordinary Saturday afternoon turned into an unimaginable tragedy. I’m praying for the families who lost loved ones, and for everyone involved. I’m deeply grateful to the police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews who rushed to help,” she wrote.

Ty Masterson, running against Holscher, said in a statement: “We are aware of the tragic situation unfolding in Wichita and we are asking all of you for prayers for those impacted and their families, as well as first responders.”

Former Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple said he is heartbroken after hearing news of the incident.

“As a father, it’s difficult to even imagine the pain these families are experiencing. What should have been a Saturday afternoon of kids playing soccer and families cheering them on has turned into an unimaginable tragedy,” he said.

U.S. Soccer said in a statement:

“We are heartbroken by the tragedy at a youth soccer game in Wichita, Kansas. Our deepest condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts are with those injured and everyone impacted.

“We are grateful to the community members and first responders who cared for the injured. The entire U.S. Soccer family stands with the soccer communities in Wichita and across Kansas during this incredibly difficult time.

“We will work closely with Kansas Youth Soccer to understand how we can best support the community in the days and weeks ahead.”

Dorothy’s Lane, a social service agency at 359 South Hydraulic, said it would be open until midnight for those directly affected.

“Dorothy’s Lane/Tree of Life Care LLC will be open until Midnight should those involved or have loved ones DIRECTLY [A]FFECTED by this that are in need to speak with someone we will have our Therapist and Grief Counselor available. We would love to speak with you or your loved ones should you need it during this time.”

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.