NYC’s illegal smoke shop crackdown continues, despite some pushback

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Jennifer Bisram

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — Despite a judge ruling some smoke shop shutdowns have been illegal, New York City is moving forward with “Operation Padlock to Protect.”

Since May 2024, over 1,631 illegal smoke shops in the five boroughs have been ordered to shut down, and $113,886,467 worth of illegal weed has been seized, according to authorities.

Some New Yorkers say they’re glad to see the businesses shut down, but the crackdown has faced some pushback.

Over 200 shuttered smoke shops suing NYC for abuse of authority “This theory that marijuana has to be shuttered, these stores that are selling products that are not licensed by New York state, is an absolute farce,” said Brooklyn attorney Lance Lazzaro, who represents more than 200 shuttered smoke shops that are suing the city.

The lawsuit claims Mayor Eric Adams and the sheriff are abusing their authorities.

Lazzaro said he expects to win the case and some stores to reopen.

“The sheriff can do whatever he wants under this statute and keep a store closed, so the whole concept of this statute is unconstitutional,” he said.

Lazzaro said he expects the appeals court to make a ruling on the legality of the closures in the coming weeks.

Some storefronts remain empty, others taken over by new business While the case plays out in court, property owners have options.

“After a location is padlocked, there’s multiple options for the landlord and for the tenant,” said Lt. Franchesca Rosa, with the city sheriff’s office. “The landlord can either apply for the location to be brought back under their possession, or the tenant can also apply to say they are no longer going to operate illegally.”

The empty storefronts along bustling city streets have turned into a blight in some neighborhoods.

“It does bring the neighborhood down now because it looks so abandoned,” Bedford-Stuyvesant resident Maurice Hollis said.

But small business owners, like Antonella Padulo, are bringing positive transformation to the empty spaces.

Padulo, her husband and a friend opened Salsa Pizzeria on Woodhaven Boulevard in Queens back in March after the corner store was raided last year. Illegal pot sellers were busted, and the business was shutdown.

“People are very happy to see what’s in here now,” Padulo said. “We get a lot of customers, especially at the beginning that were very surprised and very happy to see, you know, a small business here.”

Meanwhile, according to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, there are currently 216 legal cannabis dispensaries in New York City that operators say generate tax revenue, create jobs and provide safe and quality-controlled cannabis.

“We’re putting food on the table. We’re reinvesting back into our communities,” said Jayson Tantalo, vice president of operations for the New York Cannabis Retail Association. “We’re providing safe and regulated cannabis to our constituents and friends and family.”

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.

Neighbors evacuated after unexplained building collapse in Baltimore

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Andrew Adeolu

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    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A building collapsed in a North Baltimore neighborhood on Friday night, according to the Baltimore City Fire Department.

At 6:47 p.m., fire officials say they were deployed to the 3628 block of Cottage Avenue for reports of a collapsed building.

When BCFD units arrived, they found that the rear side of the home had collapsed.

Officials have not yet explained what caused the collapse. However, there were no reports of any injuries, and no one was at the home at the time of the incident.

Neighbors living on both sides of the building were evacuated to ensure their homes were safe.

The Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Housing are investigating the collapse.

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.

Power outages in Massachusetts affecting tens of thousands amid stormy weather

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Neal Riley

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — Stormy weather caused power outages for tens of thousands of customers in Massachusetts, as well as over 200 cancellations and delays at Boston’s Logan Airport today.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency’s outage map, about 21,000 customers were without power as of 11 p.m., down from 81,000 outages around noon. Some of the hardest hit communities were Foxboro, Wrentham, Pepperell, West Brookfield, Franklin and Holliston.

Wrentham police said drivers should expect delays as many streets are blocked by fallen trees. Police shared video of a downed wire sparking across one road.

High winds brought down trees and wires on roads across the state, according to damage reports from Skywarn weather spotters. One report said the wind blew scaffolding off a building on Heath Street in Boston.

The Blue Hill Observatory in Milton reported a wind gust of 79 mph on Friday just after noon.

Other communities reporting high wind gusts included Attleboro (65 mph), Wareham (62 mph), North Dighton (61 mph) and Wrentham (60 mph).

Heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms that could cause localized street flooding were expected to continue through mid-afternoon. The rain should move offshore by 5 p.m.

Logan Airport delays and cancellations According to FlightAware, there were 122 total cancellations at Logan Airport, and 434 total delays. JetBlue had 23 cancellations and 102 delays.

“Due to wind, Boston Logan may see delays and cancellations,” the airport’s website said. “Please check with your airline before coming to the airport.”

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.

Marietta middle schools report academic and behavioral gains after yearlong cellphone ban

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Alexa Liacko

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Marietta City Schools said a yearlong ban on cellphones in its middle schools is paying off, with district leaders reporting improvements in student focus, classroom behavior, and teacher stress – results now being studied in partnership with Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

For the past year, students have been required to place their phones in magnetic locking pouches from the first bell until they leave campus. The program applies to students at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy and Marietta Middle School, where devices are unlocked only at the end of the day or during emergencies.

District leaders say the policy was developed with input from teachers, parents, and staff and approved unanimously by the school board.

Marietta City Schools is also working with researchers from Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to analyze the impact of reduced screen time on students’ academic performance, behavior, and emotional well-being. The partnership includes surveys and classroom data intended to help quantify changes in engagement, learning, and social interaction.

While administrators expected resistance, many students say the daily lock-up has not been a setback.

“Yeah, it’s kind of annoying you can’t be on your phone during school, but we focus, we learn,” said Elisha White, a 13-year-old eighth grader.

Another eighth grader, Mary Paxton, said the policy has helped students practice communication skills they will need beyond school.

“It brings aspects that we’re going to need in everyday life into school life. Like, it’s important to be able to talk to a person and make them feel like they’re the only one in the room. And with a phone, you’re not going to be able to do that if you’re looking on Instagram while talking to a person,” she said.

Not all students agree.

“I would use it for music so I could focus better, and now that I no longer can do that, my mind is racing constantly. I can’t focus on what the teacher is saying half the time,” said 13-year-old Jalen Franklin.

Teachers said the shift has been noticeable.

“The difference has truly been life-changing,” said Georgia studies teacher Linda Skaggs. She said the pouches have allowed her to spend less time on discipline and more time teaching.

According to Skaggs, her class’s state test scores have increased by an average of nearly 20 points since the policy began.

“They’re arguing over, you know, a loyalist and a patriot, like it’s happening today, where that didn’t happen two years ago. Two years ago, they were worried about who they were going to meet up with at the end of the class. So, it just – it makes my heart happy, having them be kids because this is it. This is one of the last years they get to be kids,” Skaggs said.

Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera said district data mirrors what teachers are reporting.

“Students reported a 22% improvement on their ability to better learn in classrooms. That’s out of the mouths of the very kids we’re intending to serve. But equally as significant, 100% of our teachers have reported that they feel less stressed and better able to do their jobs,” Rivera said.

Rivera said the middle schools have also seen decreases in bullying incidents, disciplinary actions, and requests to leave class.

One of the biggest concerns from parents has been how students would communicate during emergencies. Rivera said the district’s approach prioritizes safety and clarity.

“What we have to acknowledge is that we don’t need children trying to text their parents. What we need is children listening to the directions of adults in that moment, and we’ll keep kids safe,” he said.

Rivera said teachers can unlock the pouches once students are safe in the event of an emergency.

With positive changes inside classrooms and more interaction around campus, Rivera said Marietta is using its data – including findings from its research partners – to inform conversations with state leaders about cellphone use in schools.

“Georgia has always been a leader, not a follower, and I encourage our legislators to be brave in their pursuit of doing right by children,” Rivera said.

District leaders say Marietta’s experience suggests that a real connection can come through louder than any notification.

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.

Central Catholic High School introduces $55 million campus improvement fundraising campaign

CNN Newsource on December 20, 2025

By Patrick Damp

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Central Catholic High School has unveiled what they’re calling the most ambitious capital campaign in the history of the school.

It’s being called the “Centennial Campaign: Rooted in Tradition, Building For Our Future.” The goal of the campaign is to raise $55 million for campus improvements ahead of the school’s 100th anniversary in the 2027-28 school year.

The project will be broken down into three phases.

The first phase will be a renovation of the Brothers’ House, which houses the De LaSalle Christian Brothers who serve on the campus. This phase was completed during the 2024-25 school year, and it modernized and expanded the facility to create accessible, dignified living quarters and enhanced community spaces.

They also repurposed the underutilized sections of the facility to house the Offices of the President, Admission, and Finance and Administration.

Phase two will be the construction of a new student center, and the school is preparing to break ground on the new, 102,000-square-foot center.

It would be the largest campus construction project since 1927, when the main building was built.

The new student center will include a regulation-sized gymnasium, fitness center, season team locker rooms, a TV studio, lecture hall, dining hall, and student gathering spaces.

This would replace the nearly 50-year-old gym on campus.

The third and final phase will be the main building enhancements. That would include the installation of an elevator to ensure ADA compliance, upgraded security measures, and modernized climate control.

It will also create extended space for the fine arts program, as the dining hall and athletic facilities will be moved to the new student center.

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.

Central Catholic High School introduces $55 million campus improvement fundraising campaign

CNN on December 20, 2025


KDKA

By Patrick Damp

Click here for updates on this story

    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Central Catholic High School has unveiled what they’re calling the most ambitious capital campaign in the history of the school.

It’s being called the “Centennial Campaign: Rooted in Tradition, Building For Our Future.” The goal of the campaign is to raise $55 million for campus improvements ahead of the school’s 100th anniversary in the 2027-28 school year.

The project will be broken down into three phases.

The first phase will be a renovation of the Brothers’ House, which houses the De LaSalle Christian Brothers who serve on the campus. This phase was completed during the 2024-25 school year, and it modernized and expanded the facility to create accessible, dignified living quarters and enhanced community spaces.

They also repurposed the underutilized sections of the facility to house the Offices of the President, Admission, and Finance and Administration.

Phase two will be the construction of a new student center, and the school is preparing to break ground on the new, 102,000-square-foot center.

It would be the largest campus construction project since 1927, when the main building was built.

The new student center will include a regulation-sized gymnasium, fitness center, season team locker rooms, a TV studio, lecture hall, dining hall, and student gathering spaces.

This would replace the nearly 50-year-old gym on campus.

The third and final phase will be the main building enhancements. That would include the installation of an elevator to ensure ADA compliance, upgraded security measures, and modernized climate control.

It will also create extended space for the fine arts program, as the dining hall and athletic facilities will be moved to the new student center.

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.

Historic Beggs church bell tower gets new life through community donations

CNN Newsource on December 19, 2025

By Emma Burch

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    BEGGS, Oklahoma (KJRH) — The nearly century-old bell tower at First United Methodist Church in Beggs is finally getting the repairs it desperately needed after water damage threatened the historic landmark in August.

Rex Godsey, a church member, said the congregation never imagined they would be able to afford the extensive restoration work required to save their beloved bell tower, which has marked weddings, funerals, and Sunday mornings for generations.

The church discovered water damage in the tower that caused a ripple effect throughout the building.

“We have tried every avenue that we could come up with… anything anybody could imagine helping raise money,” Godsey said.

The church is now in phase two of repairs, with the bell tower restoration alone requiring about $250,000. So far, the congregation and community have raised roughly $115,000, and crews are already repairing and upgrading the front of the church.

A&S Construction began demolition work, removing the very top level of the bell tower while trying to preserve as much of the original structure as possible. Workers are now finishing the walls around the bell tower and will install new siding and a hip roof designed to direct water away from the structure and prevent future damage.

“God answers prayers. We’ve asked for more than money — we asked the community to join us in prayer. If you can’t give, that’s fine; if you can, thank you,” Godsey said.

The fundraising effort has drawn support from neighbors and members, with donations coming from as far away as Alabama. Church leaders say many people who no longer attend the church still care about preserving the town’s landmark.

“The people of Beggs have a connection to this church as well as the other churches here,” Godsey said. “We’re hoping that when we open the doors again to the bell tower, they’ll all come in and check it out.”

The church expects the bell tower restoration to be complete shortly after the first of the year, with plans for a rededication ceremony. In just a few weeks, the community will once again hear the familiar sound of the bell ringing across town.

Future phases of the restoration project include repairing and protecting the church’s historic windows, rewiring the building, and ensuring it meets ADA compliance standards.

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.

For the first time, kidney recipient meets anonymous donor who saved her life

CNN Newsource on December 19, 2025

By Kurt Williams

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    ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina (WTKR) — For the first time, we are hearing from the donor who gave one of her kidneys in a transplant that’s been life-changing for a local woman. This is the story of Katisha Vertrees News 3 has been following through on for some time now — but up until now, the donor hadn’t gone public.

It was News 3’s Jennifer Lewis who first introduced us to Katisha in December of 2023. She was 28 years old, by then her kidneys had already stopped working.

“I went to my mom, and she took me to the hospital, and I remember them taking my blood pressure and it was like 170 over 100, and they said I had stage 3 kidney disease and lupus,” Vertrees said. “I have to connect every night for eight hours. So, I come home from work, do my routine and connect to dialysis for eight hours.”

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. One of the complications of lupus is kidney disease. Over the past two years News 3 has followed her journey —who with the help of her husband, Taylor — turned to social media for help raising awareness about their desperate search.

“I was like, Tisha, this is the only way we’re probably going to be able to grab traction. I mean, we’re gonna have to put your life on the main screen, essentially. And so, I started making posts every day.”

It worked! They found a match. That was a year ago — weeks before Christmas. For the first time, we’re getting to meet the donor, Margie Smith. I asked her, how did she spot the post? Was she just scrolling on social media?

“It wasn’t something I was searching for or anything. It just popped up. And I read the story, and it broke my heart.”

News 3’s Blaine Stewart followed up in December of 2024 after her transplant surgery, including video of the actual procedure

Especially the part in the post that mentioned in 2022, the couple was expecting their first child. The pregnancy sent Katisha into end-stage kidney failure, making a manageable diagnosis dire. Sadly, she suffered a miscarriage at just 15 weeks.

The only way Katisha could ever lead a normal life is with a kidney transplant. That really touched Margie’s heart.

“The part about her being pregnant and not being able to carry the baby to term and not being able, they were young couple, recently married, I was tearing up and almost crying,” Smith said. “And I’m not a big crier.”

The same day she read the post, she applied to see if she could be a donor. It was a lengthy process, but she was a perfect match.

It was Dr. Duncan Yoder, kidney transplant surgical director Sentara Health, who performed the operation.

“Katisha had such a great outcome because somebody was willing to donate for her, and those are the most successful transplants,” Yoder said. “When you have a living donor, those outcomes, those kidneys, those transplants, they last the longest.”

I asked, why is that?

“Well, a couple reasons, usually it’s a very healthy donor. And then secondly, usually you minimize the amount of time that the kidneys outside of the body, and so you get the kidney reimplanted into the recipient very quickly. And it’s almost like an elective procedure at that point, as opposed to, you know, your middle of the night transplant from a deceased donor that might come whenever. And so when it’s a more controlled setting from a living donor, the outcomes are just better.”

Initially, Katisha didn’t know who the donor was; she was hoping it wasn’t going to stay that way

“I just wanted to meet who would save my life,” Katisha said.

She described what it was like, when they finally met.

Katisha launches effort to help other patients find donors

“Wonderful! I mean, she’s a great person, and I feel like I just grew a sister. I was just really, really excited to meet her. I just wanted to know like, about her, like, why and how she decided to go through this.”

Margie says there were a number of reasons she felt compelled to help Katisha.

“Being a mom of two daughters who are close in age to her, I kind of felt that—- I hope somebody out there, if my daughters needed something, would at least apply and see if they could be a donor. And so I donated.”

Meeting them was one thing. But why did Margie decide to do this interview?

“I wasn’t even thinking about going public, like that never entered my mind because I wasn’t, I didn’t do this for any publicity,” Margie said. “But when Katisha was so involved with trying to find other people to get living donors, I wanted to help with that. And so when she mentioned this interview and asked if I would do it, I said, ‘Yes’, I would love if our story can help other people get donors as well.”

And Margie says for people sitting on the fence about being a living donor, “Yes, it is a major surgery…. the recovery isn’t that bad. And once your recovery period is over, you’re you’re back to normal, you’re back to everything. But in the end, not only do you save a life, you gain family. And it really is one of the most meaningful things I think I’ve ever done.”

Meanwhile this Christmas season, Katisha continues to celebrate this life-changing gift.

“Grateful, I made it to a year. Grateful I got to meet Margie. I get to spend another Christmas here. Last Christmas is really special because I got my transplant, and now this one’s even more special because it’s been a year and I’m still here.”

Another gift is on the way. Because pregnancy can be hard on your kidneys, Katisha and her husband Taylor are now are in the process of adopting. They’ve been matched with a mom who’s expecting a boy due in May.

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.

Students make history: First aircraft built at Wright Brothers site since 1903

CNN Newsource on December 19, 2025

By Will Thomas

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    KILL DEVIL HILLS, North Carolina (WTKR) — One hundred twenty-two years ago, the Wright Brothers flew into history with the first flight. History was also made Wednesday, as students and graduates of First Flight High School’s Aviation Program unveiled the aircraft they built over the past two years — becoming the first plane built on the grounds here since the Wright Brothers.

“It’s just really kind of heartwarming that people take enough seriousness about the project, to actually come here,” said Paul Wright Jameson, a great-great nephew of Wilbur and Orville Wright.

Paul Wright Jameson and fellow descendants joined more than 100 people Wednesday in Kill Devil Hills to celebrate the Wright Brothers’ timeless achievement of the first flight 122 years ago.

“We have been coming to Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills for decades and decades because we were immersed in the story of the Wright Brothers,” said Paul Wright Jameson.

History was made here Wednesday for a second time. For the past two years, students and graduates of First Flight High School’s Aviation Program have been building a flyable aircraft in a building on the grounds of the Wright Brothers National Memorial — putting in hundreds of hours of work along with plenty of blood, sweat and tears.

The students and graduates unveiled their plane at the ceremony Wednesday, becoming the first plane built here since the Wright Brothers’ historic achievement.

“The historical meaning behind all of it, considering that 122 years later, we are the first ones to build an aircraft right here since the Wright brothers, that’s wonderful. To do it, is amazing,” said Alexander Sharp, a senior at First Flight High School.

“It’s a very significant point because no one else has built it here, and we’re kind of following in the steps of our forefathers. There’s nothing like it,” said Gavin Dibler, a graduate of First Flight High School.

A message echoed by the program’s aviation instructor — retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Joey “JT” Tynch — who has worked alongside the students for the past two years.

“All these young men and women for the rest of their lives, can say they built the first aircraft on this spot since the Wright Brothers. They embraced that, and they just ran with it so hard. This aircraft you see in front of you has thousands upon thousands of parts, and they began with wooden crates full of these parts, and have assembled the aircraft over time. It’s been phenomenal to watch and to be a part of,” said Tynch.

A special moment for everyone Wednesday, including descendants of the Wright Brothers to see how far aviation has come.

“Wilbur and Orville kind of invented a whole bunch of stuff just to make the airplane work. Now that they have the ability to kind of do that, that you can teach students to do that, that’s what’s great,” said Paul Wright Jameson.

The plane is not just something to look at — the plan is for it to be up in the air in the New Year.

Aviation legend William P. Lear was also inducted into the First Flight Society at the ceremony Wednesday. Lear was instrumental in manufacturing aircraft radio receivers for navigation and founded the Learjet 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.

‘I’m trying to reconcile us’ | Father’s legacy helps sons overcome years of family division

CNN Newsource on December 19, 2025

By De’Jah Gross

Click here for updates on this story

    CINCINNATI (WCPO) — Grief can hit hard during the holidays.

But for brothers Everette Jr. and Jeff, grieving their father is what brought them back together.

Friday, 89-year-old Everette Linton Sr. passed away, months after we first met him at a Mason memory care facility where he was living with dementia. Despite his fading memories, his heart remained focused on seeing his wife, Patricia, who was battling advanced dementia at another facility.

After months apart, the couple was reunited, and Everette got to enjoy something he had done for 30 years one last time — a semi-truck ride to visit Patricia.

“You know who I am, I’m your husband,” Everette said to his wife during their reunion.

The story resonated far beyond the couple’s love story.

Everette’s firstborn son, Everette Jr., said watching his father’s final wish play out on television revealed something to him about family.

“My dad showed me family was important to him because he took care of us when he was growing up, had respect for his wife. He’s a patriot,” Everette Jr. said.

Everette Jr. and his brother Jeff told us the story helped heal a rift between them, bringing the siblings back together during their time of grief.

“That whole process right there was from God,” Everette Jr. told us. “He didn’t tell anybody about it because we had some type of distinction between us all in the family, and news wasn’t getting out how it was supposed to.”

Everette Jr. lives in Boston and is working to get to his father’s funeral in Iowa in hopes of reconnecting with siblings scattered across the country. He said he sees his father’s story as an inspiration for other fractured families to heal.

“I’m trying to reconcile us together, and … apologize if necessary when my time comes, because I know I was probably in the wrong,” Everette Jr. said.

When asked how he plans to carry forward his father’s legacy, Everett Jr. emphasized the importance of family communication and humility.

“I hope that what comes out of this is that maybe some family member might see themselves in the situation that I’m in right now,” Everette Jr. said. “They might want to come from all of that and humble themselves and apologize. And think about everybody else, not just yourself.”

As the holidays approach, Everette Jr. said he hopes to be able to spend extra days with his family. Their father’s memorial is scheduled for January in Des Moines.

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.