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CNN Headlines: Driver Released After Two Killed On Youth Soccer Field; Pope Leo XIV Leads Sunday Prayers In First Public Appearance Since Lung Cancer Surgery; France Reels From Unrest As President Condemns Rioters. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired October 19, 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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[05:30:53]
BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It's half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories.
A woman who allegedly drove onto a soccer field during a game in Wichita, Kansas over the weekend is now out of police custody. Two people were killed, including a 6-year-old boy. Ten others were injured.
And CNN's Mark Morales has the latest. We do want to warn you that some of the video in his report may be disturbing to watch.
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MARK MORALES, CNN LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORTER: The driver was released pending the results of a toxicology report and a mechanical examination of the car. So far, she has not been charged. However, it's important to note that she is not out of the woods yet. Remember that investigators are still trying to figure out what led to this whole thing happening in the first place because remember, in order to charge somebody, you need evidence. So that evidence, whatever that may be, is really going to be key as to whether or not charges, if at all, get filed.
Now, investigators have been going through looking for any type of video that they can find, whether that's surveillance tape on the grounds or any video that any witnesses might have taken. They've even interviewed as many as 30 witnesses that might have seen this and that includes the driver's two children that were in the SUV before the car took off. Now, it's also known by investigators that the car was parked nearby at a parking spot before this incident all happened.
And witnesses have really been talking about how chaotic those scenes were. If you remember, first responders had arrived to the scene and actually found people that were rendering aid to some of the folks that were hurt.
Now an affiliate of ours actually spoke to some of those witnesses where they described the chaotic scene. Take a listen. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My dad went to the truck, took the person out the truck so they don't hit any more people. I'm shocked he did that because if he didn't do that, maybe the car wouldn't have stopped and more people could have gotten hit.
BRYANT GAZA, WITNESS: I was mainly just shocked, you know. When you see a car driving over a bunch of people, you're just like -- you're just in shock. I was scared, obviously. I didn't know what to think. I just ran out the way, hoping they didn't follow me and hoping I didn't get hit.
MORALES: Ten others who were injured were taken to area hospitals.
Five of those were children. Police are still continuing the investigation. They plan to meet with the district attorney's office next week and do an initial case presentation.
Mark Morales, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: Thank you, Mark.
Four service members are dead and dozens more are injured after a massive fire at a military base in Alberta, Canada. It's still not clear what caused the fire, but an investigation is underway. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney called it one of the nation's worst armed forces tragedies outside of war.
President Donald Trump entering another busy week of rallies and campaign stops, a different stop every single day this week.
Here he is over the weekend in Kentucky.
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DONALD TRUMP, (R) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't need to do this. I could sit home. I already won. Somebody said, "Good luck with the election." I said, "No, I already won."
I don't need to do this. But I have to because if they win the midterms, all of a sudden, you're going to see a slide, and all of the crap that we talk about, the incompetent stuff that we talk about, is going to come back, and we're going to go through the same process, and I don't think our country can handle it again. I really don't.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: With just over two weeks to go, you're looking at all of the states that he's visited in the last week, plus the ones that he's going to in the days ahead. There's one noticeably missing from the campaign trail blitz, and that would be Texas. That's where Democrat James Talarico is giving Republican Ken Paxton a run for his money. The president has said that he would go back to Texas if Paxton needs him. Schools in Bend, Oregon are closed again today as the community
continues to mourn the four people shot and killed during a school shooting on Thursday. Officials are trying to figure out why a 16- year-old former student at Silver Rail Elementary opened fire inside a special needs classroom, killing a teacher and three children ages five, eight and 11.
[05:35:10]
Meanwhile, a student's mother shared doorbell camera video of her running out of the house after she learned that there was an active shooter at her child's school.
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MOTHER OF STUDENT: (Screaming). There's an active shooter in Silver Rail.
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SMITH: We're also hearing about the fear felt by the young students at the school. Take a listen to a fourth-grader at Silver Rail Elementary describe her experience that day.
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KALANI JOURNEIGH, STUDENT, SILVER RAIL ELEMENTARY: We all just hid in there and for like 30 minutes and it was -- we heard gunshots multiple times.
REPORTER: When you started to hear gunshots, do you remember what went through your head?
JOURNEIGH: Kind of like that we might die. It was kind of a weird feeling and all of us were screaming, and we were all like really scared.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Just an experience that too many children have had to live through.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary is the 36th shooting on the grounds of a K-12 school this year, according to a CNN analysis.
Pope Leo has made his first major public appearance since undergoing surgery for lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff led Sunday prayers from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square yesterday.
CNN's Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb has more.
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CHRISTOPHER LAMB, CNN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT: Well, thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to hear from Pope Leo for the first time since his lung cancer surgery and diagnosis. The pope spoke with a strong and clear voice. He wished the crowd a happy Sunday and he reflected that the recent experience of being in hospital had made him feel closer to those who suffer and are sick.
The Pope also emphasized that he is slowly planning to get back to work.
POPE LEO XIV (through translator): Now that I have overcome this delicate phase, as you know, I will gradually resume my activities always with God's help and your prayers.
LAMB: Now the news of Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis has come as a huge shock to people inside the Vatican. It's not clear how things are going to pan out in the short term for him in terms of all the events and schedules that he has in his calendar.
Of course, the big question is, can he make this trip to Latin America, scheduled from the 6th to the 17th of November? The surgeon who operated on him says there's no clinical reason why he can't go. However, the trip has not been officially confirmed yet post- operation. So it's a lot of questions over that trip which would include going to Peru, a country of course Leo knows so well having served there for many years, but the itinerary of the trip is to go to some high altitude places in the country so it remains to be seen whether that trip will definitely take place.
But on Sunday, Pope Leo making his first major public appearance since his hospitalization. The pope pleasing the crowd, offering them his blessing, and he's going to continue his recovery for the coming days.
Christopher Lamb, CNN, Rome.
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SMITH: Thank you, Christopher.
We're learning new details about the death of a U.S. airman who died while trying to perform a stunt before a college football game in San Antonio, Texas, over the weekend. I want to warn you that what you're about to see is disturbing.
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U.S. Airman rappelling from rafters before college football game.
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SMITH: We paused the video there.
The incident happened during the pregame ceremonies of the University of Texas at San Antonio game against Navy. The airman was trying to rappel from the rafters. He lost control, slid down the line and landed hard on the turf. Medical teams rushed in to help, and he was taken to a hospital where he died. The university said it will offer counseling and emotional support to members of the community affected by the tragedy. Overnight, a National Guardsman was shot in the leg in D.C. after
trying to break up a fight. Police say several guard members were in a van when they saw the fight break out. They heard gunshots and police say that the guardsman told the man to put his gun down, but instead he aimed it at the guard members who exchanged fire. Both the suspect and the injured guardsman went to the hospital and should be OK. President Trump first ordered the National Guard to D.C. last year to deal with what he called a public safety emergency.
[05:40:00]
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that there have been talks about a possible meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on ending Russia's war with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched one of its largest drone attacks of the year on Russia, hitting a key oil terminal. The strikes come as tensions grow between Ukraine and the U.S. Ukraine's actions are in defiance of pressure from President Trump to stop targeting energy infrastructure, even as Russia has continued to hit Ukrainian energy sites.
In a Truth Social post, President Trump slammed the Ukrainian president, saying, "Zelenskyy is using diesel refineries in Russia as a target, knowing that these attacks are seriously hurting the world diesel markets." He went on to claim, "Zelenskyy doesn't want to end this war and probably never did."
Trump also defended his decision to waive sanctions related to Russian fossil fuel sales just days before they were set to begin. In that same Truth Social post, he said he doesn't want to do anything to drive Russia away from negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, claiming great progress has been made.
Zelenskyy said in an interview that the U.S. siding with Russia would be a "historic mistake." He also said he spoke with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner on Sunday as part of nonstop communication working towards the goal of achieving peace.
Trump's waving of the Russia-related sanctions has faced strong backlash from some members of Congress, including his own party.
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REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA): Look, Congress voted on this decisively just several weeks ago. And we understand that Putin cannot be trusted. He demonstrates that over and over and over. So I did talk to several of my colleagues yesterday who had concerns about that. They're on committees of jurisdiction like intelligence and foreign affairs. And I didn't talk to the president yesterday because he and I are both traveling nonstop and we were on different schedules. But I told the White House team that we need to talk about it, and I think carefully consider the unintended consequences that may ensue from that.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Now, in an interview with "MEET THE PRESS," President Zelenskyy said that waiver strengthened Putin's war against Ukraine. We'll continue to keep you apprised of any developments on that international front.
Next up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, protests against the rising cost of living spread across many French cities, including this one where rioters set fire to a 19th century city hall. That and much more on the ongoing unrest straight ahead.
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[05:47:00]
SMITH: French President Emmanuel Macron is vowing to prevent a repeat of this weekend's violent protests as business owners and shopkeepers -- they're picking up the pieces from the looting and rioting. But the destruction wasn't only confined to Paris. In Limoges, protesters cheered as the historic City Hall collapsed after being set on fire by rioters.
CNN's Melissa Bell has been doing incredible reporting from Paris throughout the weekend and has more.
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MELISSA BELL, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): A walk with the dog in Paris shows the now and then of widespread protests in France, demonstrations that were largely peaceful but on Saturday night became incendiary. The interior minister said that more than half a million people took part in nationwide protests over rising costs, complaints of government inaction, and poor school conditions that at times turned quickly destructive. Rioters smashed storefronts, set fires and attacked public buildings, leaving the nation in shock.
French President Emmanuel Macron blamed far-left groups and criminals for the unrest and vowed to take action.
EMMANUEL MACRON, FRENCH PRESIDENT (through translator): Those who destroyed property must pay. Those who looted must reimburse the damage. Those who sought to bring down the republic will be held accountable.
BELL (voiceover): President Macron held an emergency meeting with his ministers on Sunday, with more talks planned on Monday with French mayors to address public safety and the grievances raised by protesters.
Meanwhile, a massive cleanup operation is underway. In Paris, a task force was announced to support damaged businesses. French authorities say that looters ransacked hundreds of stores and supermarkets across the country. Even the statue of Marianne in the Place de la Republique is covered in graffiti and its base is damaged after protesters scaled the iconic French symbol the previous day as clashes with police raged around it.
Some people say that parts of the French capital look like a war zone and are stunned by the destruction.
MARGAUX EUDE, PARIS RESIDENT (through translator): I support the mobilization. I was working yesterday. I couldn't come to protest. But I didn't think it would escalate like this because it's the troublemakers who came, and it breaks my heart because it delegitimizes the movement.
BELL (voiceover): But Paris isn't the only place reeling from the riots. In Limoges, authorities say that masked rioters torched the historic town hall, a landmark that survived two world wars, but not Saturday's chaos. And in Marseille, residents are picking up the pieces after a night of rampant looting and vandalism.
FARIDA, MARSEILLE RESIDENT (through translator); It's heartbreaking seeing our city like this. If every protest ends with all the shop windows smashed and stores trashed, this simply can't go on.
[05:50:00]
BELL (voiceover): On Sunday, there were still some skirmishes in Paris. But as the smoke clears, the underlying issues that sparked these turbulent protests will likely be key factors in next year's presidential poll, a race where Macron isn't running after reaching his two-term limit, and one where both the far right and the far left are gaining ground.
Melissa Bell, CNN, Paris.
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SMITH: And there are more protests going on, and that begins our Global Express as we turn to Albania as violence erupted in Albania's capital for a sixth straight day. Student-led protesters clashed with police and demanded the prime minister step down. Demonstrators on Sunday set fire to government buildings and threw Molotov cocktails, rocks, and bricks at officers. The unrest began with opposition to luxury coastal development, and then it grew as students protested rising education and living costs.
And in Italy, protests over the high cost of living descended into chaos for a second straight day. Several hundred people smashed store windows and looted businesses in Milan as police responded with tear gas and water cannons. The prime minister condemned the violence and called government officials together to discuss their response.
A bomb threat forced an Austrian Airlines flight to make an emergency landing in Bulgaria. The flight took off from Tel Aviv and was bound for Vienna when the crew reported receiving the threat on Sunday. Officials say a Bulgarian Air Force fighter jet escorted the plane until it landed. The Airbus A320 plane was carrying 51 passengers and six crew members. Officials say no threat was found after conducting a search. Still to come on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, if you're looking to buy a new
car get ready for car notes that look more like rent payments. Don't hit the messenger here. We'll explain straight ahead.
And Southwest Airlines making some major changes that will affect traveler rewards. Details on what you can expect coming up. Keep it right here. You're watching CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.
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[05:56:27]
SMITH: In today's Money Express, prices keep rising. The average car payment has hit a new breathtaking record high.
Maribel Aber joins us from the NASDAQ MarketSite with that and the rest of your top money headlines. Maribel, what do we know?
MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: OK, Brad.
A new study shows that Americans are borrowing more money and paying a record amount when it comes to new cars. According to Edmunds, the average monthly auto payment hit a record $787 a month in the third quarter, with more than 20 percent of car owners spending $1,000 or more a month.
On top of high monthly payments, auto loans are getting longer. A record 25 percent of new car buyers are taking out loans of seven years or longer, suggesting that buyers are really stretching out payments on more expensive vehicles.
A Southwest Airlines is overhauling its Rapid Rewards loyalty program for its frequent flyers. The low-cost carrier said it's doing away with its A-list and A-list preferred tiers and introducing platinum, gold and silver status. The company's vice president of Rapid Rewards said the changes will make it easier to track customers as they progress toward elite status. The changes will also allow members with rapid rewards credit cards more ways to earn rewards.
And Google has announced the top trending Halloween costumes, and they don't include the traditional ghosts, goblins, monsters, and witches. This year's top costumes include characters from horror movies, video games, and even a squishy stress toy. OK, the number one costume is Buddy the Unicorn. It's an innocent looking but terrifying murderous mascot from the horror film "Buddy." The popular squishy stress toy Nido comes in at number two, followed by Nikki from the horror film "Obsession" to round out the top three.
Brad, I don't know if you've ever seen "Obsession," but Nikki's terrifying.
SMITH: It sounds terrifying and I have not yet. But it sounds like at any costume contest, my couple's costume of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, the new pandas here in the U.S., will stand out.
Maribel Aber, thank you. Let's get a check in on some of the other stories making news across
the country.
We start in Florida where police are investigating the death of a 71- year-old man killed by an alligator. During the attack, the nearly 12- foot alligator killed the victim, identified as Steven Hamilton, who was fishing near Orlando on Friday. Officials say other alligators in the water made it hard for crews to reach him. Trappers later captured and killed the alligator.
And police -- in New York, police are searching for a suspect after a man was fatally shot on a subway platform. This took place in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday. Police say that the shooting followed an argument with another man at the station. They say that the dispute spilled onto a train and then back onto the platform. The victim was shot in the chest and taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The NYPD released photos of a person wanted in connection with the shooting.
And there was a dramatic rescue in Northern California. Two state park officers came across a burning car early Friday. The vehicle was on its side with a woman trapped inside. The officers rushed into the flames and pulled her to safety. The 46-year-old was hospitalized and released later that day.
[06:00:00]
Now, here is something that you certainly do not see every day or night, an emu on the run. Police in Santa Cruz, California -- they managed to catch this guy and said they did their best to keep him out of traffic until the owner got there to pick him up. First and foremost, who is owning an emu that just gets loose? And secondly, this emu looked like it was moving pretty good. So kudos to the officers who were able to reel him in and ultimately, with some of the coaxing there.
That does it for CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.
