Delaware County honors good Samaritans who lifted Volkswagen to save trapped woman

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Kerri Corrado

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    DELAWARE COUNTY, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Last month, good Samaritans showed strength in numbers in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. They gave it everything they got and lifted a Volkswagen Beetle off of a woman pinned underneath.

On Tuesday night at the Prospect Park Borough building, they were honored as outstanding citizens for their quick thinking, courage and life-saving acts.

“My daughter was like, ‘You’re a hero,'” Albert Laing Jr. said. “They think I am a superhero.”

“It feels good,” Karl Wise said. “I try to help when I can if I can do it.”

“It was an honor to come out and be recognized,” Chrissy Vollmer said.

Underneath that car was a 44-year-old woman. She became trapped after her e-bike and the car collided. She was taken to the hospital with a chest injury. The bystanders said they knew they were up against time and had to take matters into their own hands to save her life.

“It felt like I was in a football game,” Laing Jr. said. “In a way like everybody was just doing their part and we were one band. Everybody came together.”

“For them to just put themselves at risk in the middle of the street, lifting a vehicle, no special equipment and certainly no special training, it just speaks so well of them and our community,” Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna said.

While they are extremely humble and thankful for the award, they are just happy the woman was OK and hope others would do the same for them.

“Help your community,” Laing Jr. said. “Help your neighbor out. Be there for one another.”

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From basement barbershop to the big leagues: meet the Milwaukee Brewers Barber

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Blake Eason

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — As the Milwaukee Brewers take care of business on the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, one team member helps take care of business off the field: the team’s official barber.

Jose Perez Zamora of Bay View’s Flashy Faded Barbershop calls this job a dream come true.

“It feels like I’m dreaming awake,” Zamora said. “I remember taking field trips to the stadium when I was in third or fourth grade.”

The South Side Milwaukee native started cutting hair in his basement for friends and family at the age of 13.

Over the years, Zamora continued to develop his craft; this led to cutting hair for notable names in sports and entertainment, never forgetting the city that raised him.

“It’s always going to be home,” Zamora said. “There’s a reason why I haven’t left.”

One of his clients early on was Green Bay Packers rookie at the time, Eric Stokes.

Zamora said Stokes needed a haircut before throwing out the first pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers.

It was then the Brewers took notice of Zamora’s craft; he said the rest was history.

These days Zamora spends half his day at his barbershop before going inside American Family Field cutting hair for some of Major League Baseball’s biggest names.

First pitch comes early for Zamora when he said some days he’s tasked with squeezing in 10-15 players in one sitting.

Zamora said this is his secret sauce, a quality that doesn’t fade with quickness.

“A lot of people don’t understand,” Zamora said. “It’s not the way of my lifestyle. It’s what I produce with my hands. You know, I can be as fast as I can, and it’s still productive.”

Zamora said the barbershop’s name, “Flashy Faded,” speaks to his speed and precision, qualities that separate him in a competitive field, in addition to his positivity and work ethic.

“I’m a big believer, if you put good energy into this world, it comes right back,” Zamora said.

As for his thoughts on the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers, he said it all comes down to this team specifically.

“The one thing that I could say is they’re having fun, you know, they’re competing, but they’re having fun,” Zamora said.

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Students send radiation experiment to International Space Station

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Connor Schmidt

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — Three Metropolitan Community College students are getting the opportunity to take their classroom research into space after their experiment was selected for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program.

The students developed an experiment to measure neutron radiation during the sun’s current period of high activity. Their research will travel to the International Space Station, where they hope to learn more about radiation levels in orbit.

MCC student Nikoli Vanosdall said seeing the project launch was rewarding after the work that went into developing it.

“To see that come to life and not just be like, on paper or whatever, but like to actually physically be sent abroad, like, is amazing,” Vanosdall said.

The students plan to compare radiation readings collected in space with measurements taken on Earth. Eric Tomjack said he is interested in whether the data will reveal a noticeable difference between the two readings.

The experience also included a trip to Kennedy Space Center, where the students watched the rocket launch and toured NASA facilities.

The rocket lifted off around 5:30 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday and is expected to arrive at the space station Thursday. The experiment will remain aboard for several weeks before returning to Earth for analysis.

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‘I’m making a difference’: Former youth center inmate helps guide at-risk youth

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Waverle Monroe

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — Alexis Lawson, who was once incarcerated at the Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) as a teenager, now returns to the facility to mentor and inspire youth through her program, Life Identity Training and Transformation (L.I.T.T.).

“No one at the age of 12 decides they’re going to be a crack addict at 18. I didn’t,” Lawson said.

Her life was filled with challenges, and as a teen, she sought validation from the streets.

“I wanted to drink alcohol, smoke weed or sell drugs. Then by the time I was 18, I started smoking crack cocaine,” Lawson said. “I tell the youth all the time, that was never part of my plan, you know?”

Lawson’s struggles led her to DCYC.

“I was at DCYC, as a youth, for truancy and fighting. When I was in DCYC, it was like a second home for me,” she said.

Her challenges continued into adulthood, with time spent in the Douglas County Jail, multiple charges, and two felonies.

At 35, sobriety gave her a new path.

“I have to let them know you don’t have to wait that long,” Lawson said.

Now, she’s back at DCYC, but this time as a mentor, teaching her program called L.I.T.T. — Life Identity Training and Transformation.

“It’s something that I wish that I had when I was younger. No one ever asked me about my goals and my dreams and visions. I was always told what I was and what I was going to be based off of my behaviors,” she said.

Through L.I.T.T., Lawson teaches youth how to set life goals and transition from negative behaviors to positive ones.

“I’m still a leader, but it’s not negative stuff no more. We’re not pulling licks, we’re not selling drugs, and we’re not robbing people. Now I get to lead you guys,” she said.

Her goal is to help kids get on the right track early, so they don’t carry the burden of crime into adulthood.

“You don’t want to be at 18, 19, 20 because now that’s going to affect you getting a job and when you need a place to stay. I tell them that’s hard,” Lawson said.

The impact of her L.I.T.T. program has extended beyond DCYC, as she now offers it to youth outside the facility as well.

“Y’all following me? What I say? Last time I worked from the outside in, this time I’m going to work from the inside out,” she said.

Returning to DCYC brings back memories for Lawson, but now she experiences it on her own terms.

“Get to go through the units, and I hear the doors clinging. And I see the rooms, and I remember the rooms and the orange Bob Barker slides. And now I get to go home at night. You know, it’s not my life no more,” she said. “I’m making a difference.”

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Florida Children’s Hospital introduces new AI-enhanced therapeutic robot

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Jade Jarvis

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    WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center unveiled the newest member of its team Tuesday.

It’s an AI-enhanced robot that is designed to help with patient experience.

Robin is a 7-year-old robot created by Expper Technologies to support both pediatric and geriatric patients in medical environments.

She is used in more than 40 facilities across the country, and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital is the first in Florida to have her.

“It took a lot of working with patients, working with therapists, medical staff to create this. And I often say that Robin is a combination of engineering, artificial intelligence and also therapy because we combined latest evidence-based techniques into Robin,” Káren Khachikyan, co-founder and CEO of Expper Technologies, said.

Robin remembers faces and details.

“Robin behaves as a child, which allows her to connect with patients and kids on a peer level. So, Robin is not their doctor or therapist or nurse. Robin is a friend. And Robin uses that relationship to make their stay a little bit better,” Khachikyan said.

She uses a variety of activities like games, therapeutic exercises and thoughtful interactions to connect with patients.

“If they have a favorite song, she’ll play the song. If they have a favorite video, should play the video. There was a doctor here before that said, ‘I wanted to play a game with you.’ And she said, ‘OK, let’s play rock, paper, scissors, shoot.’ And she won,” Janet Levy, president of Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation, said.

This was all made possible thanks to the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation, which donated Robin to the hospital, hoping to brighten the days of the children being treated there.

“Just for a moment, if you could just take away that they, that they’re ill or that they’re in a hospital, that makes a meaningful difference. And that is very important to us,” Levy said.

Robin will stay at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, but Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation hopes to bring more Robins to other children’s hospitals in our area.

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‘No, get a job’ argument over cigarette at Pittsburgh gas station led to bat attack, police say

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Raquel Ciampi

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    BELLEVUE, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — A man is facing charges after authorities say he chased and hit another man with a bat outside a gas station.

Authorities were called to the Sunoco gas station on Cedar Avenue in Pittsburgh around 3:57 a.m. Tuesday.

An employee told police David Rose got into an argument with another man after the victim asked for a cigarette.

According to a criminal complaint, when the man asked for a cigarette, Rose replied, “No, get a job.”

That’s when officials say the argument erupted. The complaint states that the victim yelled at Rose then threw a handful of rocks in his direction, hitting Rose’s vehicle.

The employee said Rose chased the victim through the parking lot and hit him with a bat.

Rose allegedly admitted to chasing the victim through the parking lot, but said the victim fell in the middle of the road.

The victim told police he had been hit about 20 times with the baseball bat, according to the complaint. He was taken to a hospital where his injuries were determined to be consistent with getting hit with a blunt object.

According to the criminal complaint, there is video of Rose with the baseball bat, but no video of the alleged attack.

Rose is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and simple assault.

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Historic church in rural Missouri, destroyed by fire

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By JoBeth Davis

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    SWEET SPRINGS, Missouri (KMBC) — A piece of history was destroyed in a massive fire early Wednesday morning.

Mt. Zion Christian Church near Sweet Springs, Missouri, is a total loss after a devastating blaze that is now under investigation.

Officials with the Johnson County Fire Protection District said the church, located at 951 Northeast State Highway NN in northeastern Johnson County, was engulfed in flames. A passerby called 911 around 4:19 a.m. to report heavy smoke and flames coming from the facility. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the historic building fully engulfed.

The building is a complete loss.

Fire officials said the church has served the community since 1840. This church structure was built in 1896 with an addition completed in 2008.

“Anytime a fire destroys a building with this much history, the loss extends beyond the structure itself,” said Captain Joe Jennings, public information officer for the Johnson County Fire Protection District. “For generations, this church has been a place where people gathered, built relationships and marked important moments in their lives. We recognize what a difficult morning this is for the congregation and the surrounding community.”

Jennings said four separate Johnson County Fire Protection District stations responded to the scene along with additional help from the West Central Fire Protection District. Due to its rural location, crews had to transport water to the scene to support firefighting operations.

There is no word yet on what caused this fire. Jennings said this incident remains under investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.

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Pennsylvania resident scammed out of $5,000 on Facebook Marketplace

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Brian Roche

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    MECHANICSBURG, Pennsylvania (WGAL) — A Mechanicsburg resident was scammed out of $5,000 while attempting to sell an item on Facebook Marketplace, police said.

The victim had agreed to sell the item for $75, but the buyer claimed there were issues sending the payment through Cash App. The buyer provided a phone number, claiming it was for Cash App customer service, and directed the victim to call it.

The victim called the number and spoke to someone posing as a Cash App representative. During the call, the victim provided their bank account information. Multiple checks were deposited into the victim’s account while they were on the phone, but the checks were fake. Money was withdrawn from the account, resulting in a $5,000 loss, according to police.

Consumer investigator Brian Roche said scams involving items bought and sold on social media continue to grow. He advised dealing locally, in cash, and in person with buyers or sellers. Roche also warned against engaging in transactions involving payment apps, cryptocurrency, or unfamiliar electronic payment methods, urging people to ask questions if such situations arise.

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Iowa veterans take emotional Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC, to honor their service

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Ben Kaplan

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    DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — For the first time since 2019, the Central Iowa Honor Flight whisked our veterans away to Washington, D.C., for a long-awaited trip to visit memorials and receive recognition for their service.

Marine veteran George Rowe, who served “one year, 2 months and 24 days in Vietnam,” shared his excitement for the journey earlier this month.

“I keep watching it be flown from other areas. And there is no way I can get to go there, being that I’m wheelchair bound pretty much. And when it comes to Des Moines, that’s home,” Rowe said.

The veterans departed Des Moines to a patriotic send-off filled with red, white and blue. Upon landing at Reagan National Airport, the veterans were greeted with a hero’s welcome, including a water cannon salute and cheers from supporters.

Among those waiting was Meredith Eaton, an Ankeny native now living in Virginia. “I came today because I have a couple of friends on this flight,” Eaton said.

The trip included surprises, such as a visit from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who embraced her two uncles and a cousin on the trip, including veteran Dennis Strawn, who was celebrating his 77th birthday and had no idea his niece, the governor, was planning to greet them. Strawn responded with an emphatic “No” when asked if he could’ve imagined a better birthday.

The veterans visited several iconic sites, including the Pentagon’s 9/11 Memorial, where the mood turned reflective. Army veteran Ladell Gossen shared his thoughts on the experience. “I can remember I was shocked by the magnitude of it,” Gossen said. “I have a disease that robs me of my memory, and this refreshes it for me to a certain extent.”

At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Navy veteran Charles Gambell paid respects to a high school classmate, Robert Davis. “What does it mean?” Gambell said. “Memories.”

The group also visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial, where Army veteran James Keller reflected on the sacrifices of those who served. “It breaks my heart that they had to give that for their country,” Keller said.

At Arlington National Cemetery, the veterans witnessed the deeply moving changing of the guard ceremony. “Changing of the Guard was the highlight so far for me. Very moving. I really appreciated seeing that,” said Army veteran Craig Tessau.

The World War II Memorial also left its mark. “Especially when you see the stars and what they represent. Wow,” said Army veteran Tom Whalley.

For some veterans, the memorials brought memories of loved ones who served in World War II. Air Force veteran Mike Potratz reflected on his father’s service. “It’s overwhelming. My dad served in WWII when he was on the Burma Road, and I wish he could be here to see this,” Potratz said. “Oh yeah, yeah. I know Dad is with me.”

The return flight included a special treat: mail call, where veterans received letters of gratitude.

Back in Des Moines, the veterans were met with a surprise welcome home celebration. “I didn’t know this was going to happen. This exceeds my expectations by a long shot,” said Army veteran Tom Baird. “It’s just great.”

For many, the day was filled with healing and gratitude. “This is probably the most emotional thing I’ve ever had since I came back from Vietnam,” Keller said. Army veteran Michael Waddingham added, “This has just been awesome. A lot of healing. A lot of healing. Yep, a lot of healing.”

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Louisville Zoo flamingo produces chicks at record-setting 60 years old

CNN Newsource on October 14, 2026

By Shaquille Lord

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    LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — Six flamingo chicks have joined the flock at the Louisville Zoo, including two hatched by a mother who is making history.

Queen, a 60-year-old Chilean flamingo, is believed to be the oldest female flamingo to produce chicks at a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, according to James McKinney, the Taxonomic Curator of Birds at the Louisville Zoo.

“The oldest female to produce a chick is 50 years old, so her being 10 years older by that much — and she’s produced two chicks this year — is pretty wild,” McKinney said.

Flamingos can go years without nesting, making Queen’s successful breeding season even more remarkable.

“To have a female that’s 60 years old produce fertile eggs and hatch them out — and the chicks do great — that’s pretty awesome,” McKinney said.

Queen’s two chicks are only a few weeks old. They are among six new chicks visitors can see at the zoo.

Depending on the time of day, guests may also spot the young birds walking with their handlers. The supervised outings help the chicks get the exercise they need while developing.

“We have to make sure they’re getting plenty of exercise as they’re growing because they do grow really fast,” McKinney said. “They’ll be full size by 70 to 80 days old.”

Although the chicks will quickly reach their adult size, it can take up to two years for them to develop flamingos’ signature pink coloring. Until then, the young birds will retain their gray plumage as they grow alongside the flock.

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