Category: CNN Regional

By Matt Flener

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    INDEPENDENCE, Missouri (KMBC) — An Independence man is speaking up to protect his home after getting an eviction notice taped to his front door earlier this month.

Luke, who requested to be identified by his first name to protect his privacy, has owned his home for more than 10 years near a busy road in Independence, Missouri.

He believes he is being bullied by a scammer, squatter or real estate investor trying to scare him out of ownership of his property.

“This is my house,” he said. “This is my little peace.”

Luke contacted KMBC 9 Investigates after not getting answers from police, the sheriff’s office or the recorder of deeds about the recent eviction notice.

“Everybody I’ve talked to said, ‘Wow, I’m sorry I don’t know what to tell you,'” he said.

Luke did more research. He found nearly two years ago, a company out of Wyoming, Wyo Holdings VII LLC, filed a legal document called an Affidavit of Equitable Interest against his home and more than 100 other properties around the Kansas City metropolitan area. That company has since dissolved, according to research done by KMBC 9 Investigates.

James Simpson got an eviction notice, too.

But he owns a home just east of an abandoned property on the list. It was a mistaken eviction notice taped to his door.

“A lot of scams go on like this all the time,” Simpson said. Simpson said he would fully defend his property if anyone ever came to evict him.

KMBC 9 Investigates found the eviction notices both Luke and James received are tied to an individual named August Schroeder, based on an email address on the document.

“We are processing evictions for squatters/holdover tenants from previous owner after tax auctions last year,” Schroeder told KMBC 9 Investigates after an email to that address.

However, Schroeder has not responded to a request asking for proof of any ownership in the homes.

Attorney Gracie Norman of Cook Ellis Law successfully won a judgment against Wyo Holdings VII LLC and another entity last year on behalf of a client with properties on the same list attached to the affidavit of equitable interest.

She and court officials tried to track down the owner of the company through official service of the lawsuit. But, they could find no records or addresses and ultimately won a default judgment from the court.

Norman said it is always a good idea to get a title report or check with your recorder of deeds for any documents filed against your property.

“If you’re not getting the notice to vacate, and you’re not trying to sell your house, this could be on your land records for a long time,” she said.

“These homeowners do have legal recourse to try to get this off of their property records.”

KMBC 9 Investigates connected Luke with Norman to talk about their next steps.

He just wants to protect the home he loves.

“I want to keep it, I really do,” he 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 Rachel Whelan

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    AMBERLEY, Ohio (WLWT) — A shared love of sports cards between a nephew and his uncle turned into something much bigger this weekend in Blue Ash.

Seventeen-year-old Ezra Cohen, a junior at Cincinnati Country Day School, raised more than $10,000 for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati after organizing his own sports card fundraiser called “Cards for Community.”

The event was held Sunday at Black Sheep Performance and featured more than 40 vendors selling and trading sports cards, Pokémon cards and collectibles.

But for Ezra, the event was never just about cards.

“I started getting into sports cards with my uncle with Down syndrome,” Ezra said. “His name is Uncle Herschel. We would just open packs when I was younger and have fun. If he pulled a name that he knew or I knew.”

That uncle is Herschel Gutman — someone Ezra says has always brought joy and energy everywhere he goes.

“He always has fun with everything he does, and it’s really enjoyable to be around him,” Ezra said.

Over the years, Ezra’s hobby grew into his own business, Beacon Cards and Collectibles, where he buys, sells and trades sports cards at shows around Greater Cincinnati.

This year, he decided to use that passion to give back.

The high school junior spent months recruiting vendors, passing out flyers across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and promoting the fundraiser — all while balancing finals week.

At one point, Ezra said he worried the event might not come together at all.

“My original goal was $5,000,” he said. “After the first few weeks, I was unsure if I’d even get to 5,000. It blew my mind when I saw the final total.”

By Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people had attended the event.

Ezra says while the money raised was important, he also hoped the fundraiser helped people better understand the Down syndrome community.

“I just want them to know that they’re real humans too, and they have feelings and they’re really fun people,” Ezra said. “So no matter who the person is, if you get to know them, you might really love them.”

The event also became a proud moment for Ezra’s family.

During an interview after the fundraiser, Ezra’s younger brother interrupted to tell him how much he admired what he accomplished.

“I love how you put on the card show and tried to do stuff for the community,” his brother told him. “I love how you started your own business when you were young.”

Ezra says he hopes this year’s event is just the beginning and would love to continue growing “Cards for Community” in the future.

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 Abigail Kurten

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    DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — A new vape tax will provide $3 million annually for pediatric cancer research.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 2480 into law at the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital Tuesday afternoon.

She was joined by Scott Haas, one of the bill’s biggest advocates since his daughter, Devyn, was diagnosed with Leukemia as a baby.

“We wanted to make a difference for other families that would have to go through this same journey we went through,” he said.

Specifically, a 5 cent tax will be placed on products like nicotine pouches and vapes starting Jan. 1 of next year.

And while the legislation has proven popular among Iowans, some business owners like Carol Horton, who owns Uncle Ruckus’ Smoke Shop in Des Moines, says it isn’t the right call.

“Why are you picking on smokers?” she asked during an interview with KCCI.

She says her frustration isn’t with funding pediatric cancer research, but rather, the fact that smoke shops like hers will be the only ones funding it.

“There’s alcohol, good, gasoline,” she said. “Things that would entail everybody helping to benefit children with cancer.”

Between this and a 40% tax on smoking devices, Gov. Reynolds signed at the end of the 2024 legislative session, Horton says she anticipates many smoke shops like hers leaving the state or closing altogether.

But she doesn’t see it preventing people from using nicotine devices in the first place.

“It wont,” she said. “If it was 50%, maybe.”

The tax goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

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 Jeremiah Martinez, Peyton Headlee

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    EL DORADO COUNTY, California (KCRA) — One person is dead and three others, including two children, are injured after an SUV veers off Highway 50 and crashed into the American River in El Dorado County, according to California Highway Patrol.

CHP said the crash happened around 4 p.m. off Ice House Road near the south side of the American River. Authorities said there were four people, two adults and two children, in the Hyundai SUV, which was reported to be in the water near the shoreline.

CHP said the crash happened while it was raining.

“This is a time of day when it was raining. So, we have wet weather conditions going on. Initial reports indicated a vehicle lost control in the curve here and ended up going off the roadway here and down the embankment into the river,” Sgt. Brian Samms with the California Highway Patrol said.

Samms said a female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The three other victims, a man and two boys, were taken to Marshall Hospital with serious injuries, CHP said.

“Unsafe speed for traffic conditions is suspected at this time to be a likely cause for this collision as alcohol involvement has been ruled out at this time,” Samms said. “This is a good reminder for you and your families to take the opportunity to slow down in wet weather conditions, especially when it’s fresh rain most.”

CHP said good Samaritans jumped in to help before the first responders arrived.

“The very first people that were here were good Samaritans that either witnessed the crash happen or pulled up right after the crash. One who was here, we got a good statement from when I first showed up. He was literally bleeding from his legs and knees trying to forcibly work his way down that embankment to that car right after it happened,” Samms said. “We have a tremendous community up here in Placerville. And there’s a lot of good people that would do that.”

One-way traffic control was in effect for several hours. The scene cleared just after 8 p.m.

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 Anahita Jafary

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    FAIRFIELD, California (KCRA) — Fairfield residents gathered at City Hall to demand justice and accountability after the arrest of Maurice Williams, a Fairfield High School student, which sparked controversy over alleged excessive force by a police officer.

Protesters held signs and chanted for justice. “I just want answers. I won’t be happy until her badge is gone,” one participant said.

Maurice Williams’ mother, Rhamesha Stevenson, expressed concern for her son and called for accountability.

“I’m worried about my son, his well-being right now. He’s just trying to navigate it,” Stevenson said. “I want to shed light on that officer today.”

Fairfield police released body camera footage of the arrest, stating that Williams hit an officer and resisted law enforcement before being taken into custody. Community advocate Berry Accius questioned the department’s transparency.

“Well, where is her [the female officer’s] body cam footage? Right? And then why did we find this video from July 14th, 2025 of kind of a similar situation with another citizen,” Accius said.

That other citizen, Mayah Hamilton, was reportedly involved in a traffic stop with the same officer, according to her aunt, Yvette Hamilton.

“Even my worst enemy, I don’t want them to lose a job or anything like that, but I’m actually standing on business with this, and I hope she loses her job,” Hamilton said. “I hope she no longer is a police officer. She’s not here to protect and serve. I’m a taxpaying citizen, hopefully we got some say in this.”

Court records from Solano County Superior Court show that Mayah Hamilton was charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest during the encounter. Fairfield police have not confirmed whether the same officer was involved in both incidents.

Stevenson emphasized her desire for accountability.

“I want to make sure that she doesn’t do this or is able to do this again. To hide behind her badge, to hide behind Fairfield Police Department,” she said.

The Fairfield Police Department stated that an independent investigation is underway and that the officer involved has been administratively reassigned within the department. When asked about the accusations, the department declined to comment further at 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.

By Max Williams

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    NORFOLK, Nebraska (KMTV) — Rep. Mike Flood held his first town hall of 2026 Tuesday night in his hometown of Norfolk, drawing a crowd of voters with strong opinions on both sides.

Some attendees cheered and applauded Flood’s responses to written and in-person questions, while others returned to their seats visibly unhappy.

Neighbors asked questions about topics including affordability, medical marijuana, the war in Iran, and the DOJ’s anti-weaponization fund and more.

Kim Stabbe of Fremont asked the first question of the night, focused on the Epstein files.

“Why do you continue to protect the pedophiles and Trump’s DOJ as they continue to break the law,” Stabbe asked.

Before the event, I spoke with Stabbe about what she hoped to address – asking which question in her printed notes she was most eager to ask.

“Oh honey, they’re all number one,” Stabbe said.

The town hall comes as voters are focused on key issues heading into the midterm election season. One thing that Stabbe and another neighbor told me before the meeting was despite differences, they appreciated Flood holding an in person opportunity to hear from constituents.

I also spoke with Flood and his opponent who recently won the democratic primary, Chris Backemeyer, about what they are expecting in the race for Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District.

Backemeyer pointed to economic concerns as a driving force among voters.

“I’ve heard lots of concerns about things a lot of it comes down to affordability a lot of people are frustrated at the high prices that are driven by the tariffs they are frustrated at the high gas prices that are driven by the war in Iran,” Backemeyer said.

Flood expressed confidence that ongoing diplomatic efforts could bring relief to voters.

“Once we do get the strait opened I think it’s going to be a month or two before we’re able to get the traffic in there to bring down the prices that people in this room care about so much but I think we’re in the right direction,” Flood said.

Flood was referring to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discussions with Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Flood also said he hopes other members of Congress will vote to replenish munitions to help end the war.

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

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 JoBeth Davis

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    PLEASANT HILL, Missouri (KMBC) — “This is a good town, it’s a safe town.” That’s the message Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Police Chief Tommy Wright shared hours after a shooting outside a grocery store that rocked a small town.

In a news conference Tuesday morning Wright identified the suspect as 27-year-old Allen Prince. He has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action and two counts of first-degree assault in connection with the incident.

Police said that incident unfolded in the parking lot of the Price Chopper grocery store around 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, on Memorial Day.

Authorities said Prince opened fire in the parking lot, killing 45-year-old Strasburg resident Amy Coon.

“Amy’s not just a victim,” Wright said. “She was a daughter. She was a mother. She was a grandmother. And she was somebody that cared deeply for her family and her family cared deeply for her.”

A 16-year-old grocery store employee was also seriously wounded. Family members have identified him by the name Ayden, saying he was shot twice while retrieving cars from the parking lot. A GoFundMe has been created to help pay for his care.

Wright said while the motive for the shooting is unknown, he fully believes the actions of two armed men in the parking lot saved more lives. Wright said those men had the courage to approach the gunman, who then reportedly turned his gun on himself.

“This is a good town, it’s a safe town because we have people who are brave and courageous that are willing to get in front of danger and protect innocent lives,” Wright said. “Man, I’m thankful for that.”

Prince remains in the intensive care unit at an area hospital. On Monday night Wright told reporters, “We don’t believe he was a shopper. We believe he was somebody that was on the parking lot, based on witness statements that we have, as well as some video.”

A bolt-action rifle was recovered by police on the scene.

This is believed to be the first homicide in Pleasant Hill in at least two decades.

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 Ashley Grams

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    WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minnesota (WCCO) — On Monday afternoon, the White Bear Lake, Minnesota, community gathered outside VFW Post 1782 for a Memorial Day ceremony that honored U.S. servicemembers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, including Master Sergeant Nicole Amor.

Amor was assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, serving in Kuwait, when a drone strike killed her and five others earlier this year.

“There’s a lot of soldiers that have laid down their lives for what we get to take advantage of every single day. It’s just, it’s a little bit more personal now,” said Joey Amor, Nicole Amor’s husband.

Joey Amor and his two children sat under the shade as members of the VFW placed a memorial brick in her honor. The stone inscription describes Amor as an “adored wife and mother.”

Joey Amor said the support from the community has been humbling and overwhelming.

“[The community has] rallied behind our family. They’ve shown support in a million different ways,” he said after the ceremony. “They’ve been taking as much of the weight for us as they can.”

Nicole Amor’s mother, Deb Stafslien, also shared gratitude for the way friends and community members have shown up in support over the last few weeks.

“So much outreach, so much love, so much compassion and caring. It’s really quite incredible,” Stafslien said.

Stafslien and Joey Amor both describe each day as bittersweet, laughing together and remembering Nicole Amor as a “spitfire” who brought so much joy.

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 Sabrina Franza, Charlie De Mar

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A Chicago teen who was held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Kentucky is now home, after a judge allowed him to go free on bond just in time to graduate from high school.

Ricardo Hernandez Navarrete and his mother, Liliana Navarrete, were both arrested by ICE in March during a scheduled check-in for their asylum case.

Liliana was released last week, but the two embraced each other for the first time in weeks.

Not only are they reunited, but Ricardo is also going to make his Mather High School graduation on Thursday, something his family thought at one point he would miss because of his arrest.

The 18-year-old is planning to play soccer at Truman College next year.

His graduation and college plans were put on hold after he and his mom were detained together during a routine asylum check-in in March.

Last week, a federal judge in Kentucky granted Liliana’s release on a writ of habeas corpus, allowing her to go free on bond pending the outcome of her immigration proceedings.

Just last Wednesday, she was reunited with her other son, Steven, in Crown Point, Indiana. She said that the reunion was bittersweet without Ricardo.

“I feel incomplete because my son Ricardo is still not here, and there’s uncertainty, but we have hope that with God’s help, he will be with us so we can continue to be a family,” she said in Spanish.

The last time Liliana and Ricardo saw each other, they were being taken by ICE to a detention facility in Kentucky.

“We were chained and we were only able to make contact like this, a little through the window guard. It was very painful,” she said.

Liliana said she tried to reassure Ricardo before he was moved to a separate location in Kentucky.

“We said to each other. ‘Everything’s okay? Son, are you ok?’ And he said, ‘Yes, mom, yes,'” she said.

“When I talked to you last week, neither Riccardo nor Liliana were home. Liliana came home Wednesday and Riccardo today. This is how it’s supposed to be,” said advocate Kristy Morrow.

The family, originally from Colombia, has lived in Chicago since 2022. Now, Ricardo is back in time for graduation and his team’s final game this weekend.

“Nothing makes up for those 10 weeks, but being here for these milestones means everything,” Morrow said.

Morrow’s son plays soccer with Ricardo, and she’s pushed for his release. After his arrest, Ricardo’s first call was to his soccer coach.

“It’s the last game of the season. We’re just happy to have him back,” said coach Costel Serban.

Ricardo had a bond hearing on Tuesday, which led to his release.

The family’s asylum case remains pending. Their attorney says Ricardo has an ICE check-in on Wednesday. It’s still not clear why the two were taken into custody.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement, “They came here illegally, and they will not ignore the rule of law.”

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.