Kars4Kids ads banned in California following false advertising ruling

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Matthew Rodriguez

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    CALIFORNIA (KCAL, KCBS) — Kars4Kids ads are banned in California after a judge ruled that the charity violated false advertising and unfair competition laws by using donations to pay for teenagers’ trips to Israel and a $16.5 million building there.

The years-long court case began in 2021, when Bruce Puterbaugh sued Kars4Kids, saying he “felt taken advantage of” when he learned his donation would not go to “underprivileged kids from all over the U.S.,” according to court documents.

Puterbaugh said he decided to donate a broken-down car left at his home after hearing the charity’s ad “over and over” again on the radio. Viewing himself as a “charitable person,” Puterbaugh donated the car with the understanding that the funds would go to children in need, specifically in California.

After making his donation, he learned that the funds went to Oorah, a company dedicated to Jewish heritage and summer camps in New York and New Jersey. In a testimony that the judge described as “strikingly candid,” the company’s chief operating officer, Esti Landau, said her organization does not primarily focus on helping economically disadvantaged kids, according to court documents.

She testified that Kars4Kids is the primary funding source for Oorah. She admitted that the donations funded “matchmaking programs” for young adults and trips to Israel for 17 and 18-year-olds, according to court documents. In her testimony, she added that the company spent $437,000 on Middle East outreach and used the funds to purchase a $16.5 million building in Israel.

In its reasoning for the ruling, the court stated that the advertisements were misleading by omission and stated that the Kars4Kids name, paired with the advertisements were “likely to deceive the public.”

Kars4Kids blasted the ruling, saying in a statement that they expect to win their appeal and describing the case as a “lawyer-driven attempt to siphon off charitable funds for their own gain.”

“We believe this decision is deeply flawed, ignores the facts, and misapplies the law. It’s well known that we are a Jewish organization and our website makes it abundantly clear. Take a look and judge for yourself: kars4kids.org,” a spokesperson wrote.

Puterbaugh testified that he was not computer savvy and followed “the ad’s directive to call the 877 phone number.” The judge presiding over the case sided with him, writing in court documents, “consumers act reasonably by calling that number rather than cross-referencing a website.”

Kars4Kids must pay Puterbaugh $250 and has 30 days to pull the ads in California.

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.

Metro Detroit doctor convicted of illegally selling opioids, failing to pay taxes

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By DeJanay Booth-Singleton

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    DETROIT, Michigan (WWJ) — A Grosse Pointe Woods doctor was convicted of illegally selling opioids and failing to pay taxes on those sales.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Peter Nwoke, 50, was convicted on charges connected to his medical practice, Divine Medical Care and Divine Medical Services, in which he charged $500 a prescription for OxyContin 80mg or oxycodone 30mg. The drugs were filled by the purchasers and then sold on the street.

Prosecutors say Nwoke deposited the money he received from the sales in 20 different accounts and failed to declare it as income or pay taxes.

Federal prosecutors say Nwoke underreported his income by more than $2 million between 2011 and 2013 and paid $29,424 in taxes when he should have paid $849,088. Officials say Nwoke incorporated two additional corporations, City Medical and Divine Medical Center, to avoid paying taxes.

Nwoke is due back in court on Sept. 10 for sentencing.

Nwoke has pending charges of false statement/perjury for his testimony at an earlier trial on the tax charges. The 2022 trial ended in a mistrial. The perjury charges were separated from the tax charges, and a trial will be scheduled at a later date.

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.

AT&T Stadium unveils new World Cup grass pitch

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Amelia Mugavero

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    ARLINGTON, Texas (KTVT) — Step inside AT&T Stadium and the transformation is impossible to miss. The familiar Cowboys turf is gone. In its place is a brand-new FIFA World Cup pitch made of real grass, built from the ground up for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

“I’m excited. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to get that first match going,” said stadium General Manager Tod Martin.

The field may look seamless, but the work behind it is anything but simple.

And the coolest thing about this new pitch is the fact that the grass is real. This is the original turf of AT&T Stadium, and this is the real grass.

According to Senior Pitch Manager Ewen Hodge, the process began months ago with the stadium’s concrete base.

Grass grown in Colorado, installed in Texas The grass itself was grown in Colorado, then carefully transported to Arlington and installed piece by piece by Precision Turf. Beneath the surface are several inches of soil, along with a complex system designed to keep the field in top condition.

That includes advanced irrigation, air circulation, and temperature‑control technology working together to maintain a consistent, tournament‑quality playing surface.

“We’ve had about 44 tests in here across various games, and that’s been massive,” Hodge said.

Grow lights replace missing sunlight Because the stadium is enclosed, no natural sunlight reaches the field. That is where the bright pink grow lights come in. Suspended above the pitch, they provide the light needed to keep the grass alive, running for about 12 hours at a time.

On match days, those lights will lift up and out of the way, another unique feature designed specifically for this stadium.

“It is a first to hang the grow lights,” Hodge said. “They’re all LED grow lights, providing basically the heartbeat to the pitch.”

Pitch elevated and expanded for FIFA The pitch itself sits about two feet above the original field and has been expanded on both ends to meet FIFA regulations. It is part of a massive transformation inside the stadium, which will also include covering existing signage and reworking fan and club spaces to meet World Cup standards.

The project has been years in the making, backed in part by FIFA’s five‑year research initiative focused on player safety, field consistency, and adapting to different climates.

“Something of this magnitude comes with its challenges, but it’s been great,” Martin said. “Once we get to that first match, it’ll all be worth it.”

Final touches before global spotlight And once everything is in place, Hodge says it is almost time to let the games begin.

“Put some goals and get some lines on it, and off we go,” Hodge said.

AT&T Stadium, which will be referred to as Dallas Stadium during the World Cup, will host nine matches, the most of any single venue. The first match is one month away, when the Netherlands will face Japan on Sunday, June 14, at 3 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.

CPS students spend day as Chicago City Council, passing ordinances and getting hands-on civics lesson

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Noel Brennan

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    CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) — The Chicago City Council chamber has been full of passionate debate Thursday, but it hasn’t been filled with alders; teenagers have taken them over, and they’re putting in the work to make real change in Chicago.

Thursday was NextGen City Council Day, led by City Clerk Anna Valencia and Chicago Public Schools. Students from eight different schools have been working for weeks in committees to draft city ordinances.

“I think the students will show them what collaboration could like,” Valencia said.

Alderpeople give up their seats to high school students for the day as they debate, ask questions and pass ordinances.

Dennis Llanos, 17, sits with the Committee on Public Safety when he’s not in the mayor’s chair.

“We’re working on an ordinance to help fund after school programs and increase like opportunities for people that are impoverished,” he said.

He also serves as the student mayor for the day. As mayor he’ll get to sign an ordinance that’s been debated and voted on by students.

Their hard work is just the beginning.

“We are going to have one of those ordinances or resolutions be introduced at city council either this summer or fall by my myself and my colleagues at the city council,” said Valencia.

“It is really insane that like students are making a real change. It’s not just the people in office,” said Llanos.

And someday, the seats the students borrowed today could be their own.

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.

Chicago police investigating series of hit-and-run crashes across city

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Darius Johnson, Elyssa Kaufman

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    CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) — Chicago police are investigating a series of hit-and-run crashes reported across the city.

Investigators are now asking for help identifying the drivers responsible for the three incidents.

No arrests have been made.

Man killed in hit-and-run crash in Auburn Gresham Early Friday morning, police said a 36-year-old man was standing in the 8700 block of South Ashland Avenue when a beige Nissan sedan hit him while driving eastbound on 87th Street.

The victim was taken to Christ Hospital in critical condition. He was later pronounced dead.

The driver fled the scene.

Woman critically injured in Humboldt Park hit-and-run crash Police released photos of the car wanted in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a woman critically injured in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on Tuesday.

Police said, shortly before 8 p.m., a 45-year-old woman was walking north near the intersection of Kedzie Avenue and Franklin Boulevard, when a maroon-colored vehicle headed east on Franklin hit her.

The victim suffered head injuries and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition.

The driver who hit the woman fled the scene.

Major Accident Investigation Unit detectives were investigating.

Father killed in hit-and-run crash while changing tire in West Lawn A father of four was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Chicago’s Southwest Side on Tuesday night.

Police said the victim was on the street near the sidewalk in the 6800 block of South Pulaski Road when he was hit by an orange Honda Pilot just before 11:15 p.m.

The car fled the scene. Surveillance video from different angles captured the moments leading up to the horrific incident.

The victim, identified as 53-year-old Enrique Nieto, was taken to Christ Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was a construction worker and the father of four children.

CBS News Chicago spoke to the victim’s nephew, Cesar Nieto, who said he brought his uncle a spare tire before the crash. His uncle then went to change the tire when he was hit and killed.

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.

Twin Cities school district’s plans for prayer rooms, foot washing stations draw national outrage

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Adam Duxter

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    MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (WCCO) — A Twin Cities school district’s plans to include spaces for prayer and washing of feet in new construction and building upgrades has drawn national attention and outrage.

The district insists these updates come at the urging of “user groups,” and that the prayer space comes as a multipurpose room that can be used for any number of activities.

“At all sites multipurpose needs have included calming/quiet, studying, testing or a small club or academic gathering. These spaces are scheduled out and supervised by staff,” wrote a district spokesperson. “All students are welcome to use each of these spaces.”

The news, however, has drawn the attention of America’s top elected officials, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Tom Emmer, who have compared the plans to Sharia law, and slammed the decision as a double standard of how faith is perceived in schools.

“Turns out, when the woke left says they want religion out of schools, they’re only talking about Christianity,” Emmer posted online.

Imam Makram El-Amin says he wasn’t surprised to see the response, although he says he was disappointed.

“This is part of a very intentional effort to demonize and to create a space where folks are through their lack of knowledge and/or engagement to Muslims,” El-Amin said. “Because of the human condition, it’s very easy to formulate thoughts, ideas and concepts, and be as wrong as two left shoes about them, and act upon them as if they are fact.”

El-Amin, who has served Minneapolis Masjid An-Nur Mosque for decades, says many area schools, including colleges like the University of St. Thomas and Macalester College, have similar spaces.

“There are many varying groups, faith and otherwise, who seek and ask for accommodation so that they can show up and be the best version of themselves,” he said. “We’re in a very slippery slope right now. There are times now where truth becomes relative. Everyone has their own version. Truth is spun in a way to be framed in a positive light for the one who has the biggest microphone at that moment.”

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.

Jersey Shore businesses, beachgoers prepare for Memorial Day weekend: “We are really excited”

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Kerri Corrado

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    OCEAN CITY, New Jersey (KYW) — With warmer weather in the forecast and Memorial Day weekend around the corner, the Jersey shore is gearing up for the summer rush.

Manco & Mancos in Ocean City says they are open daily now and ready for the weather to warm up.

“We are really excited. We had a great Mother’s Day. The boardwalk was packed. A line out the door all day,” said Alex Clark, the manager at Manco & Mancos.

CBS News Philadelphia spoke with people who say they love seeing the area come to life. Some say it feels like summer just ended, and it’s already right around the corner.

“It’s like holy smokes. It’s hard to believe, but I am thankful for the Jersey Shore,” Craig Koehler, a Cleveland native, said. “The ocean, the seagulls, the sand, the noise of the boardwalk, it’s all terrific.”

“I can’t wait for the warm weather. I am ready for the beach and coming up here and getting my ice cream and Manco and Mancos,” said Angelina Coffman of Egg Harbor Township.

Some shops are not fully open yet, but the boardwalk is slowly starting to come alive.

“It’s been a really long winter with lots of snow, but I am excited to have all the food in the boardwalk, hear the seagulls out and about, and be warm not cold,” said Cecelia Jones of Ventnor.

And families CBS News Philadelphia spoke with say there is nothing like the Jersey Shore.

“There’s nothing like it. I’ve been to a lot of beaches around the world and this is the place. South Jersey shore is the best kept secret to those who haven’t been here,” Koehler 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.

This Delaware County family created the perfect view for the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Ross DiMattei

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    NEWTON SQUARE, Pennsylvania (KYW) — As thousands of fans descend on Aronimink Golf Club for the PGA Championship, one Newtown Square family is preparing for a busy weekend of its own — right in its backyard.

Sean Bellew, whose home sits along the fairway of the first hole at Aronimink, said he began planning for moments like this shortly after moving into the neighborhood five years ago.

RELATED: Scottie Scheffler heckled by Eagles fans at 2026 PGA Championship: “Dallas sucks”

“We moved in here five years ago, and the planning started just about that point,” Bellew said.

To make the most of the rare vantage point, Bellew hired a local company to build a raised viewing platform he calls the “Sky Deck,” allowing guests to watch players approach the first green and putt out without leaving the property.

“We have a great view because we can hear the tee shots, and we can see them playing, and then we see their approach shot, and then we see them putt out,” Bellew said. “You get to stand still and watch the whole field come past us.”

Bellew initially believed he had come up with a one-of-a-kind idea, but soon realized many of his neighbors had similar plans.

“I thought I had the greatest idea,” he said. “But then I walked my property line and everyone you can see from that direction and around has something like this to take advantage of the weekend.”

The Bellew family expects a steady stream of visitors throughout the championship. Bellew’s son, Aidan, who recently turned 21, said the family has parties planned all weekend to celebrate both the tournament and his birthday.

Aidan is an avid golf fan who attended all three practice rounds. He said the gatherings will remain respectful of the players and course.

“Not too many drinks are gonna be flowing,” he said. “We’re going to be respectful of the course, respectful of the players, have ourselves a good time, but you guys got nothing to worry about over here.”

He said he is especially excited to watch some of golf’s biggest stars play just feet from his backyard.

“Of course I gotta say Scottie Scheffler,” Aidan Bellew said. “Another one I’ve been looking out for is Cam Young.”

Between friends and family, the Bellews estimate they will host more than 1,000 people over the course of the weekend.

And with one of the best views of the PGA Championship anywhere near Aronimink, they expect plenty of company.

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.

Pittsburgh Public Schools finds success with Hogwarts-style house system

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Kristine Sorensen

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    PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — If you’ve read or seen “Harry Potter,” you know how the school, Hogwarts, is broken into houses that compete: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. The house system that started in British boarding schools is now being embraced in Pittsburgh Public Schools’ middle schools.

At Pittsburgh Mifflin PreK-8, every quarter, the school has what’s called a House Hype Day, and hyped is an understatement. The kids cheer wildly, waving glow wands and shaking pom poms, when their houses win awards for everything from attendance to academics like reading rockstars and math masters.

Eighth grader Kaydence Dettlinger, who is a house lead, says it’s a friendly competition that “makes people bond a whole lot more.”

Each house is comprised of kids from all grade levels, kindergarten through eighth grade, and also includes teachers and staff, from the cafeteria workers to the security guards.

Art teacher Ryan Philip’s room was always an ode to Harry Potter, so he was a natural choice to help start the house system at Pittsburgh Mifflin four years ago. The teachers came up with unique houses for their school, each with a different name, color and quality, like courage, resilience or kindness. Principal Amy Carricato says they chose to do the house system to improve the school culture, and it’s working.

“Allowing the older students in the middle school to see themselves as role models for the younger students and become mentors was really powerful,” Carricato says.

Dettlinger and sixth grade house lead E’Saun Pettus say they like mentoring the younger kids. Pettus says he likes “to help little kids out and make sure they don’t give up on what they’re doing.”

Dettlinger says, “The house system definitely has brought us a whole lot closer and it makes these kindergarteners feel safe around us and not so scared.”

Carricato says they’re seeing attendance improve and behavior problems go down. The students say they’re motivated to help their house win the field trip that the winning house gets each quarter, which is announced at the House Hype Day.

Carricato and Philip say the system has also helped engage the entire staff and parents.

“I’ve seen the drastic changes that it’s made with school culture, the way students treat staff, the way staff treats students, the way students treat students,” Philip says.

“It definitely opens up your friend group and makes you feel more welcome and wanted,” Dettlinger says.

The house system is being piloted in nine Pittsburgh public middle schools this year and 13 more this fall.

You can get more information on new trends in learning and education at Kidsburgh.org.

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.

Georgia bike shop owner helps refugees gain independence through bicycles and community support

CNN Newsource on May 15, 2026

By Rashad Williams, CBS News Atlanta

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    CLARKSTON, Georgia (WUPA) — Clarkston, Georgia, is often referred to as “the most diverse square mile in America.” The city has welcomed tens of thousands of refugees since the 1980s, many of whom arrive in the United States without reliable transportation.

That’s a reality Timothy Bourne knows well.

Bourne manages Narrow Path Cycles in Clarkston. A former competitive cyclist, he nearly lost his life during a racing accident several years ago.

“I had a really bad crash a few years ago that nearly killed me and took me out of the racing scene,” Bourne said.

After recovering, Bourne said the birth of his first child shifted his perspective and ultimately led him toward a different passion within the cycling world — bike repair.

Today, hundreds of bicycles pass through the doors of Narrow Path Cycles, where Bourne combines technical expertise with a commitment to helping others.

“This is a passion,” Bourne said. “I’ve got a kid now, so no more of the crazy racing. I’ve had plenty of other jobs, but nothing quite as fun as working in the bike industry, or a bike shop specifically. Being able to get people out on the road and doing what I love, what I’m best at, is very rewarding.”

Two years ago, Bourne met Raphael Kiiza in a nearby parking lot where furniture had been dumped. Bourne said he was searching for items that might fit into his new apartment when Kiiza approached him and introduced himself.

Kiiza, who had recently resettled in Clarkston with his family as a refugee from Democratic Republic of the Congo, explained that he did not have a car and needed help transporting furniture home.

Bourne said he loaded as much furniture as he could, helped Kiiza move it into his apartment, and the two quickly formed a friendship.

At the time, Kiiza was traveling everywhere on foot. As their friendship grew, Bourne surprised him with his first bicycle.

“I get a lot of donations to help out with giving bikes to the community,” Bourne said. “Really solid bikes that can be fixed up or used as parts to help refugees and refugee kids in the community. This one was donated to the shop by someone in the community, so I fixed it up for him, got it running, and was able to give it to him. He was able to use this to get a job and make it to and from work on time.”

After about a year and a half of working and saving money, Kiiza was eventually able to upgrade from a bicycle to a car with Bourne’s help locating an affordable vehicle.

Now a father of five, including a newborn, Kiiza said having reliable transportation has made life significantly easier for his family.

“Things like this, where I get to help these kids and refugees and see them grow and move through the ladder of life, is just incredibly rewarding,” Bourne said.

During the interview, Kiiza gave Bourne and CBS News Atlanta’s Rashad Williams a ride in his car.

“How does it feel to give Tim a ride now?” Rashad asked.

“I feel good because I remember he gave me the bike,” Kiiza said. “From the bike to the car. Now I’m happy that he’s become my passenger in the car.”

Kiiza said he remains deeply grateful for Bourne’s friendship and the support he has shown his family since arriving in the United States.

Bourne said he plans to continue helping as many people as possible through the power of transportation and community support.

Narrow Path Cycles accepts donations of used bikes, parts, and cycling gear to help provide more refugees in Clarkston with reliable transportation.

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.