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CNN Headlines: Firefighters Make Progress Containing Wildfire In Reno Area; New U.S.-Canada Tariffs May Make Everyday Items More Expensive; Judge Denies Defense Request For Mistrial Over Controversial Witness. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired August 25, 2026 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[05:30:30]
BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories.
The Secret Service says it's aware of a video appearing to threaten President Trump's youngest son, Barron, and it is investigating. Now the video first aired on Iranian state media over the weekend and is seen as part of a campaign from Iran targeting the Trump family and Trump himself, according to one CNN source.
Also, the White House calls it a major win. The Supreme Court is backing parts of an executive order that restricts mail-in voting, expanding the role of Homeland Security and the post office in elections. This raises new uncertainty about voting rules with midterms just weeks away.
And there is some good news coming from the Reno, Nevada area where firefighters -- they have made progress containing the so-called Hawk fire. Officials announced Monday that the blaze is now 27 percent contained. Evacuation orders for thousands of people have also been downgraded. The fire has scorched some 15,000 acres since starting over the weekend. Officials say at least 32 homes have been destroyed.
CNN's Josh Campbell is on the ground in Reno and has more for us.
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JOSH CAMPBELL, CNN SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: Here in Reno, Nevada authorities announced significant progress in the so-called Hawk fire, which has burned more than 15,000 acres and caused tens of thousands of people to have to evacuate. Authorities say that went from zero percent containment now up to 27 percent containment, and that's because we've seen this Herculean effort by authorities here tackling the fire on the ground as well as from the air.
This one area you can see behind me is indicative of that progress. Specifically, look at that red line that you can see running horizontal. That is from the fire retardant that has been laid along that area by aircraft coming in one after another. Some of those aircraft coming in even from the neighboring state of California in order to provide resources.
It appears that fire retardant did its job because you can see beyond that the black areas. And to be sure, there is some cloud cover, but you can see those black areas known a burn scars. They come right up to that area.
Now what does that mean for residents, including the Somersett neighborhood behind me? Well, they have been allowed to return home. Again, there were tens of thousands of people that were urged to evacuate. Today authorities announced that the number in the serious zone has gone from about 43,000 down to about 23,000, so the numbers going in the right direction.
Take a listen here to an update officials gave on Monday.
CHIEF RICHARD EDWARDS, TRUCKEE MEADOWS FIRE DISTRICT: And to date, we've had four civilian injuries and three firefighter injuries. And our damage assessment teams made their way out into certain areas yesterday. In the areas that they were able to canvas, they did discover 32 destroyed homes and six damaged homes, and we expect those numbers to increase as damage assessment teams are still out in the field assessing other areas right now.
CAMPBELL: Now we've been talking to a lot of people at shelters that were set up around the Reno area as people evacuated. Some of them going with only the clothes that they had on them as authorities urged them to get out. Some people had their pets with them. Some people had their children with them. Obviously, they were hoping for the good news that authorities presented today, making progress. Of course, people here are waiting.
The wind conditions right now appear to be at a static level. Officials hope that in the coming days they will see additional progress and that this will end up going in that direction where more people can return home.
Josh Campbell, CNN, Reno, Nevada.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: All right. Thank you, Josh.
Officials have also said that the fire is human-caused. However, they've not said how the fire started or whether it was set intentionally. Reno's mayor told CNN that they will pursue charges if it turns out that the fire was arson.
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MAYOR HILLARY SCHIEVE, RENO, NEVADA: We might be the wild, wild, west but in Nevada we don't play. And right now that is speculative but if that turns out that is credible, we will hold you to the fullest extent. We will prosecute to every letter of the law. That is a terrorist in the community, and we will not stand for it. But again, we don't know the cause yet. It's still under investigation. But we will turn over every rock to find whoever is responsible for this. (END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: The fire is to blame for seven injuries, including three first responders.
[05:35:00]
President Trump enacted 50 percent tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods early Saturday morning and now Canada is preparing to retaliate with dollar-for-dollar tariffs of their own.
CNN's Matt Egan explains how it may make everyday items more expensive.
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MATT EGAN, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: Items you might use every day could get more expensive. Things like milk, honey, dog leashes, hockey sticks, and gloves. That's just a taste of the hundreds of Canadian goods the Trump administration just slapped a 50 percent tariff on. Now these tariffs range from everyday items like coats and seasonal products, such as Christmas ornaments, to more obscure things like wigs, false beards, and fishing rods. Booze could get more expensive too because the tariffs include Canadian beer, wine, whiskey, and vodka.
Now these import taxes will initially get paid by U.S. businesses importing from Canada, but companies -- they often pass along some of those costs to consumers. Now some businesses -- they could try to absorb the tariff hit but eating the tariffs -- that's not going to be easy because many businesses are facing an increase in prices driven by the war with Iran.
Now what's telling is that U.S. officials -- they have spared some key imports from Canada. For instance, the 50 percent tariff -- it does not apply to oil, electricity, maple syrup, or potash, which is used to make fertilizer. That appears to be an implicit acknowledgment that tariffs on those goods would just be too costly for American consumers.
Now Canada is not taking this lying down. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- he has vowed dollar-for-dollar retaliation on goods made in America, including tariffs targeting U.S. steels, dairy, appliances, paper, and electronics. That's key because Canada is the leading foreign buyer in a number of U.S. states. And steep Canadian tariffs on American goods -- that could hurt demand, forcing employers to lay off U.S. workers.
Bottom line, the economy is the top issue for many voters right now and it's hard to see how this trade war with Canada will speed up the sluggish job market or drive down the high cost of living. In fact, it's much easier to see the opposite.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: All right. Thank you, Matt. A hearing is scheduled for today after Minnesota sued Texas to force the extradition of an ICE agent facing charges in the state. ICE agent Christian Castro is accused of shooting a man during the height of an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis in January. Castro is in custody in Texas on charges filed in Minnesota.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says it is unclear whether Castro qualifies as a fugitive and has ordered the Secretary of State to investigate.
Emotions are running high in the trial against Duane Davis, who is accused of ordering the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. On Monday, the jury heard an interview from 2017 where Davis was asked if he wanted to apologize to Shakur's family. Davis first said yes but later said no, insisting he didn't do anything to the family.
Shakur's sister could be seen glaring at Davis and tearing up before leaving the courtroom after the recording finished.
Testimony will resume later today.
Closing arguments in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial are expected to begin this week. She is the Massachusetts mom accused in the death of her three young children.
On Monday, testimony from one of the prosecution's medical experts brought proceedings to a dramatic halt.
CNN's Jean Casarez has the full story for us.
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JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: On Monday afternoon the defense, who has never asked for a mistrial, did just that on the record. Keith Reddington said he didn't want to do it. He was debating. Lindsay has been through so much. But he said he had to.
Here is the basis for that. The expert witness psychologist on the stand, Kirk Heilbrun, testified that -- and it's part of the evidence -- that as she was killing her children, she said, "Go to God, baby. Go to God."
And so when he was talking with her and assessing her at the hospital, he asked her you were raised Catholic and this was a serious suicide attempt. Do you realize that in the Catholic religion that is a mortal sin.
Objection!
That was in front of the jury.
And so the judge denied the mistrial. But when the jury came back in after this argument, he instructed them -- you disregard it.
But this witness on the stand gave a different perspective. Now he's a prosecution witness but he testified that when Patrick came home that night that Patrick said, "What happened?" She's on the ground but she was in and out of consciousness, the evidence has shown. But she said, "I tried to commit suicide."
He said that's very odd because since she had a hallucination -- evidence is showing 18 minutes -- she would have said a voice was telling me to kill the children. I was being commanded to kill the children.
[05:40:00]
And he thinks the other perspective here is that she wanted to commit suicide, but she didn't want to leave her children alone. It was a kind thing that she actually did even though she knew right from wrong. And he cited another example.
DR. KIRK HEILBRUN, PSYCHOLOGIST WHO EXAMINED LINDSAY CLANCY: If one of us were to learn and we had no doubt in our mind that the Holocaust was coming tomorrow, and we thought that was going to be awful and I can't -- I can't live through so. And so I'm going to take my own life. If I had children, the question might come up, do I take them with me? Do I take their lives as well? Now I'm not saying that I would definitely do that but what I'm saying is that it would come up as a possibility.
CASAREZ: This prosecution witness will continue testifying on Tuesday. And as was said in open court, it is believed closing arguments in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts versus Lindsay Clancy will take place on Wednesday.
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, I'm Jean Casarez for CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: Thank you, Jean.
A Massachusetts woman wanted in connection for the death of her husband, who was a police officer, is believed to be dead. Police making the announcement Monday just days after issuing an arrest warrant for Karen Solomon.
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PAUL SAUCIER, WORCESTER POLICE CHIEF: We believe this person to be Karen Solomon. In addition to the surrounding area we did locate a handgun in the area of the body. Again, this is a preliminary identification. Forensically, this still needs to be vetted through the M.E.'s office, but we do believe it's her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Officials add they believe Solomon killed herself. She was wanted for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon with serious bodily injury. The police chief said that there was no history of domestic abuse between the couple and called it a tragic murder- suicide.
The owner of the San Francisco 49ers was arrested and accused of engaging in prostitution and disorderly conduct over the weekend according to court documents obtained by CNN. Jed York pleaded no contest to the charges of disorderly conduct and possession of criminal tools. The documents state he paid over $1,100 in fines associated with the charges and was sentenced to a night in jail.
York has been with the team for nearly 20 years and became the chief executive officer in 2010. CNN has reached out to the 49ers and York's legal team for comment.
Next up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, a bomb blew up a plane in 1988, and the suspect was about to go on trial. But now the defense says there's new evidence. We've got the details for you there.
Plus, Jelly Roll is filling in for Jimmy Kimmel. So what he said about President Trump had some fans a little stunned. That's coming up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.
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[05:47:25]
SMITH: A new delay in the long-awaited trial of the latest man accused in the deadly bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. Now, jury selection was supposed to start on Wednesday but lawyers for the Libyan man charged with building the bomb say that there's newly-discovered evidence that must be investigated but did not reveal what that evidence is. The defendant was arrested in the U.S. in 2022 and has pleaded not guilty.
Pan Am flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988 killing 270 people -- everyone on board and 11 people on the ground. The mid- air explosion happened 38 minutes after the plane left London. It remains the U.K.'s deadliest terror attack.
We are tracking a developing story this hour. A U.S. airman is facing criminal charges for criticizing President Trump. Major Jason Watson has been arrested twice, including once on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, calling for Trump's impeachment. He's been charged with making contemptuous remarks about the president, disobeying orders, and conduct unbecoming of an officer.
Watson was arrested for a third time last week after an interview here on CNN. He called the president a failure who was engaging in rampant corruption and killing Americans. His attorney says Watson believes in the Constitution and stands by his actions.
Once again, three people have been spotted crawling out a manhole in New York City. The NYPD is now investigating.
CNN's Sammy Lindell also looking in and has the details.
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SAMMY LINDELL, CNN DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (voiceover): No, those aren't the Nina Turtles, but three people who were seen on video coming out of a New York City manhole. The NYPD says they're aware of the incident, telling CNN the department is "actively investigating." There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.
And it's not the first time this year. Videos showed individuals emerging from New York's underground. On May 5, security cameras captured three people descending into the sewer system. In both videos the people are dressed in similar protective gear.
But why are people venturing into manholes? One possible explanation is these could be thrill seekers or people who scavenge to see what they could find down there. A law enforcement source previously told CNN that anyone caught doing so could face trespassing charges once they're identified.
[05:50:00]
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection tells CNN that inspected the sewers seen in the latest reported incident and that entering a city sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous, noting that "Our infrastructure is safe. DEP works closely with our public safety partners to help ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure throughout New York City. And that sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces."
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SMITH: Well, time now for Buzz Express, the stories that have people talking.
And first up, Jelly Roll surprised some fans when he slammed President Trump during his host gig filling in for Jimmy Kimmel. Here's part of it.
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JELLY ROLL, RAPPER AND SINGER: Let's talk about the main event of America this weekend. It was the big IndyCar race hosted by the president. The cars drove through the streets of D.C. And there is Donald Trump, who apparently has never held a flag before. What a (bleep) job that was. How do you (bleep) up waving a flag?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: And he didn't stop there. He also talked about the president's weight and made other jokes at his expense. Some fans have said they didn't see this coming and assumed that he was a Trump supporter. But in the past the singer has said I'm neither a Democrat nor a Republican. No word from the White House as of this morning.
And you can now own John Travolta's famous white suit from "Saturday Night Fever." It's part of a movie prop auction that starts this week. It's expected to bring in at least $200,000 -- maybe more.
And remember Jack Nicholson chasing Shelley Duvall around with the axe in "The Shining?" So one of those axes used could be yours. Also, the scissor hands, of course, worn by Edward Scissorhands from that Johnny Depp movie from 1990. That is up for sale too here. Just looking at this is bringing back memories.
You can find all these props on propstoreauction.com.
All right. Still to come on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, the backlash over a Halloween costume for children, and now Target is apologizing after many had called it offensive. We've got more on that story.
Plus --
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TROOPER: Trooper 6, we're clear on the last. We'll be turning around.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE).
FISHERMAN: Yeah.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: A search in the dark for a missing fisherman. How this story played out coming up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.
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[05:56:45]
SMITH: In today's Money Express, missing the mark. Target is apologizing for a kids Halloween costume that many are calling offensive. And a warning that some may find this disturbing. The product sold as the "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume" -- that's the name of it. It prompted swift backlash on social media. Critics say it evokes blackface and minstrel shows. Now Target is trying to clean up this mess.
Maribel Aber joins us from the Nasdaq MarketSite with that and the rest of your top Money Express headlines. Hey, Maribel.
MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: Hi, Brad.
So Target has pulled that costume from the shelves and issued an apology to customers too. In a statement, the retailer acknowledged the kid's clown costume was offensive, adding that it should have never been sold. The controversy quickly spread online with shoppers criticizing the costume and the retailer's decision to carry it.
A dog food sold nationwide is being recalled for possibly containing metal fragments. The FDA says around 5,700 cases of canned turkey and meat loaf pate made by Fromm Family Foods are affected. The recall was issued following customer complaints but so far, no reports of injured or sickened pets. Owners are urged to throw the dog food away or return it for a refund. Full details are on the FDA's website.
And Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte is officially back. The seasonal drink has become an annual rite of passage in the fall since launching in 2003. It joins other autumn-inspired drink flavors on the menu starting today, including pecan and banana. The chain is also adding to its protein-forward items with a new chicken-bacon pocket. The menu and new fall merchandise will be available for a limited time -- Brad.
SMITH: Maribel, I think the way to solve this is to make sure that there is a Fahrenheit temperature barometer that we must cross. There has to be threshold for us to have these Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
Maribel Aber, thank you.
Let's get a check-in on some of the other stories making news across the country.
We start in California. That's where these large clouds of thick smoke were seen during a fire at a tire recycling facility. Crews say that they were able to contain the flames and stopped it from spreading. People nearby were told to stay inside and keep the windows closed because of all that smoke. No word yet on what caused the fire.
And in South Carolina, a triathlon coach was in the Savannah River practicing for a race when an alligator attacked him.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JONATHAN BRUNEY, SURVIVED ALLIGATOR ATTACK: Hit on the side. Initially, I was like oh, did I just swim into a big log? I didn't see any logs in the water. But then I looked and I was like oh, no. The pain was like a cold pain of my arm and my body. I just knew the eyes were what you should target so I just grabbed -- put my hand on the snout, reached up and then pushed my thumb into his eyeball, and he released.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Yeah, that log has teeth.
Once he made it back to shore one of the other swimmers with him ripped the cord off a swim buoy and made a tourniquet. But to get help they also flagged down a man walking his dog who then called 911.
And in Michigan a story of great teamwork -- if that wasn't great teamwork to you -- saving a missing 83-year-old man. The fisherman's wife told investigators he left at about 6:00 p.m. without his cellphone or his flashlight. His boat had no lights, and he wasn't wearing his hearing aids.
[06:00:05]
After hours of searching in the dark, the team found him just before midnight. They heard his voice in the distance and saw a flame from his lighter. He was uninjured and brought safely to shore. All right -- great rescue there.
That does it for CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.
