Good Samaritans save men trapped inside overturned truck

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Liz Crawford, Kyle Burton

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    WEST DEPTFORD, New Jersey (KYW) — Two people are recovering after being pulled from their overturned truck Wednesday morning by good Samaritans who came to their rescue.

John Reilly and Dalton Applegate were working Wednesday morning as usual. Reilly drives a tow truck for Johnson Specialized Transportation, and Applegate follows in a flatbed. Around 7:30 a.m., they spotted an overturned utility truck on the side of Interstate 295 in West Deptford, New Jersey.

Reilly and Applegate said they pulled over and immediately ran over the guardrail and down the embankment where the truck was.

“As I ran down, I heard them beeping their horn to let us know someone was in there. I kept yelling, ‘Are you guys OK? How many people are in there?'” Reilly said.

Reilly said he saw two men inside and was able to get the door open and pull out the passenger, but he said the driver was in much worse shape because he was trapped by his seatbelt and half his face was submerged in water. Applegate ran and got a knife that Reilly said he used to cut the seatbelt so he could get the driver out.

“The second guy was so cold, he had no clue what was going on,” Applegate said.

The men said when the driver was finally out, he was limp and shaking.

Emergency officials said both of the men in the overturned truck were taken to the hospital and only ended up with minor injuries.

The wreckage caused a fuel leak and hazmat crews responded before the lanes reopened hours later.

As for Reilly and Applegate, they got right back to work after rescuing the men.

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Rideshare driver charged in Detroit crash that killed North Carolina couple

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Paula Wethington

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    DETROIT (WWJ) — The driver of a Lyft rideshare vehicle is facing multiple felony charges after a crash on Detroit’s west side left two people dead.

Theopris Mays, 40, of Herndon, Va., was arraigned Wednesday in 36th District Court in Detroit.

The single-vehicle crash happened about 10:15 a.m. Sunday in the 6000 block of Rosa Parks Boulevard. When Detroit police officers arrived on scene, they found the vehicle upright against a loading dock door at a warehouse. The two passengers were trapped inside, and pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims were Andre Boynton, 60, and Carla Boynton, 57, both of Durham, N.C.

According to initial reports, the driver was also injured and taken for medical treatment while in police custody.

Mays was working as a Lyft driver at the time of the crash, the prosecutor’s office said. Authorities allege that he was driving recklessly at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed.

Mays is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of reckless driving causing death and one count of leaving the scene of an at-fault accident causing death, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Bond was set at $500,000. A bond redetermination hearing is scheduled for Friday, and a probable cause conference is scheduled for March 5.

The prosecutor’s office said that Mays is also accused of running away from the crash scene.

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Sinkhole forms in Detroit, damages truck that tried to drive through

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Paula Wethington

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    DETROIT (WWJ) — A truck became stuck in a sinkhole that formed on Wednesday near Orangelawn Street and Chatham Street in Detroit’s west side.

The cave-in appeared to be several inches deep, based on the impact of the front tires of the truck that sank into the street.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department said it learned of the sinkhole late Wednesday evening, after a motorist had tried to drive through the area and the front tires of their truck fell into the hole. Water had obscured the depth and impact of the sinkhole.

The truck was later towed out, and the intersection blocked off, city officials said.

Repair crews were sent to the area Thursday morning to make repairs.

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Congregation battles to save historic synagogue amid affordable housing dispute

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Hannah Kliger

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — A Jewish congregation in Brooklyn is fighting to save their historic house of worship.

Congregants say they want to continue worshipping at the institution their community built a century ago.

The once-vibrant Kingsbrook Shul is now covered in tarps, with a large puddle on the floor and water stains on the ceiling.

The synagogue sits on the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center campus, now owned and operated by One Brooklyn Health. The congregation was founded 100 years ago, along with the hospital, when members of the Jewish community felt mistreated at other hospitals in the city and wanted a place where they felt welcome.

Services were paused during the pandemic, but years after all restrictions were lifted, the congregation says hospital management refused to allow them back inside.

“This dragged on and on ’til finally in June 2024, they admitted, which we had begun to suspect, that they don’t want to open up the synagogue again,” Rabbi Zalman Goldstein told Brooklyn reporter Hannah Kliger.

The dispute stems from a plan to build affordable housing on part of the campus. In 2019, officials assured the congregation in writing that “access to the synagogue will be preserved throughout and after development is complete.”

“Once they saw that the synagogue was closed and we’re not in there, they said, ‘hey, wait a second, why don’t we also take the synagogue?'” Goldstein said.

Last year, the congregation filed a lawsuit against One Brooklyn Health.

A spokesperson for One Brooklyn Health said the matter is in active litigation and they cannot comment.

Goldstein has been unable to attend to his longtime synagogue, where he celebrated his son’s bris, in nearly six years.

“The lights are off right now. And God willing, very soon, the lights will be back on,” Goldstein said.

Mendy Rendler, a longtime congregant, described the scene as a sad reminder that the congregation is displaced and not allowed to make repairs.

“We don’t have like a big building like this that can house all the families that used to come together over here as a community center,” Rendler said.

On the recent 100th anniversary of the congregation’s founding, the community gathered outside in the cold to pray.

Earlier this year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she is spearheading efforts to save the synagogue, though her office did not specify the nature of her involvement.

“We’re very appreciative of the governor’s office and their support to open the synagogue,” Goldstein said. “Saving it is great. But a synagogue that’s not open is not in use.”

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Dallas man sentenced for stealing $1 million from investors in concert‑ticket and luxury‑box scheme, prosecutors say

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Doug Myers

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    DALLAS (KTVT) — A Dallas man who promised investors big returns from flipping concert tickets and luxury suites – and stole more than $1 million – was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison after admitting he spent their money on personal expenses, prosecutors say.

Carlos Desean Goodspeed, 45, of Dallas, must also pay nearly $1.2 million in restitution to 17 victims for his involvement in the concert‑promotion investment fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade sentenced Goodspeed on Feb. 18. Goodspeed pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October 2025 after being indicted in 2024.

Prosecutors say he falsely claimed to be a concert promoter through a business called “Straight Like That Entertainment.” He told investors he would buy and resell concert tickets and suites for artists such as Tyler, the Creator, Ludacris, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny, and Future – none of whom were involved, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Victims describe financial, emotional toll

According to federal prosecutors, three victims testified at sentencing, describing the financial and emotional toll of the scheme, including one woman who invested part of an inheritance to help pay medical bills for a family member with cancer. When Goodspeed failed to repay her, she was forced to take out loans and use credit cards to cover funeral expenses after her relative died.

One victim invested $180,000 for Tyler, the Creator shows, and Goodspeed used the money for personal expenses, including rent, luxury retail purchases, flights, and hotels. Authorities say he also used investor funds to pay other investors, concealing the scheme.

Officials urge caution on investments

In a news release, U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized his office’s focus on long sentences and restitution in such cases.

“Victims are often defrauded of life savings and suffer devastating economic and personal harm because of investment fraud schemes like this one,” Raybould said.

FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock urged the public to research investment opportunities and report suspected fraud.

Goodspeed’s pretrial release was revoked in July 2025 after he continued soliciting new investments in violation of his conditions.

He remains in federal custody to serve his sentence.

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NewYork-Presbyterian nurses return to work after longest nurses strike in NYC history

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Alexa Herrera

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — Nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian are headed back to work Thursday as the longest nurses strike in New York City history comes to an end.

Over the weekend, they voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new three-year contract. The agreement highlights more safety protocols, higher pay, better health benefits and addresses staffing issues, according to the New York State Nurses Association.

“After 41 days, nurses not only improved care, they set an example for the rest of the labor movement,” said NYSNA President Nancy Hagan.

The nurses union and hospital system reached the agreement just after midnight Friday.

It was the second tentative agreement with NewYork-Presbyterian. Nurses overwhelmingly voted down a proposal the week before. The bargaining committee said it did not offer enough layoff protections.

Nurses at Mount Sinai and Montefiore hospitals ratified an agreement and went back to work on Feb. 14.

The strike began on Jan. 12 with 15,000 nurses walking off the job at Mount Sinai Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside and West, Montefiore Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian.

Nurses walked the picket line for over four weeks after contract negotiations failed with the privately run hospitals.

The hospitals flew in temporary travel nurses to ensure there was no disruption to patient care, and reported that some nurses did cross the picket line and continued to work.

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Cartel violence in Mexico has Texans rethinking Spring Break plans

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Marissa Armas

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    TEXAS (KTVT) — Recent cartel‑related violence in Mexico – following reports of cartel leader El Mencho’s death – has some North Texans reconsidering upcoming travel, including for Spring Break.

Even as U.S. officials lift restrictions in most cities, travel agents say the concern is real and growing.

Nathan Jones, a nonresident scholar in drug policy and Mexico studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute, cautions against oversimplifying the situation.

“Mexico is a very complex country, and it can’t necessarily just be painted with an incredibly broad brush,” Jones said.

Jones said the U.S. State Department offers unusually detailed guidance for Mexico.

“As an American… in terms of understanding where you would be safe, look at the State Department,” he said. “Mexico is the only country that provides specific state‑by‑state travel advisories.”

Restrictions lifted, but travelers still nervous

On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico lifted restrictions in the most affected cities. Still, North Texas travel agencies say their phones haven’t stopped ringing.

Catherine Banks with Legacy Travel in Plano said even travelers with summer vacations booked are calling in.

“There are nervous travelers, and so of course we hear from them,” Banks said. “We’ve heard from people who have trips this summer to Mexico, which of course is crazy.”

Should you still go?

Flights from DFW to Mexico are largely operating normally. With spring break only weeks away, many travelers are asking whether they should stick to their plans.

Banks said for most destinations, her advice hasn’t changed.

“If you are planning to go to Puerto Vallarta… absolutely still go,” she said. “If you’re going anywhere else in Mexico, if you’re going tomorrow, I would say absolutely still go. It’s the same as it was the day you booked it.”

What Travel Experts Recommend

Travel advisors suggest:

– Purchasing travel insurance

– Working with a reputable travel agent to confirm hotel, transportation, and excursion plans

– Staying updated on conditions in the specific region you’re visiting

– Ultimately, Banks said comfort level matters most.

“At the end of the day, you have to do what you are comfortable doing,” she said. “If you simply cannot abide sticking with your original plans, then for your own mental health, you’re going to need to rearrange those.”

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Dust-to-Digital: The record label preserving America’s musical history

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Jobina Fortson-Evans

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Lance and April Ledbetter are husband and wife and the team behind the Dust-to-Digital record label.

“It all started not far from where we are now, over at Georgia State University,” Lance said. “I was working at the college radio station.”

In 1999, Lance took over a radio show that played music from the 1920s and 30s.

“I could not find gospel music, and so I had a lot of listeners calling in, and they were requesting it,” Lance continued.

Like a true eager college student, Lance tracked down music collectors and put those songs on the air.

“As I was listening to these tapes in my apartment, I started to think these people can only hear it if they are in this broadcast area,” Lance went on. “I started to think, ‘How do you put this music where it’s out in a record store?’ because back then you had to go to a record store. It wasn’t Spotify. It wasn’t Youtube.”

At the time, Lance was dating his now wife, April, and the duo learned it all, licensing, manufacturing, and distribution. After 4 and a half years, the couple released their first project, “Goodbye Babylon.”

“The final product was a six-CD box set with a 200-page book that told you everything, or at least everything we thought you needed to know, to get you started on this journey into gospel music,” Lance said.

“A music writer out in L.A. published a notice in Billboard saying there’s this label in Atlanta that needs distribution and here’s the phone number,” April said. “It was our home phone number that they printed in Billboard magazine!”

The music industry took notice. “Goodbye Babylon” was a hit. They sold out.

“To get the Grammy nomination was just validation that this is worthwhile,” April said.

“So many artists in the collection, both in the CDs and in the book, were never recognized in their lifetime,” Lance said. “So in a way, I felt like this is their moment as well.”

“Goodbye Babylon” didn’t take home the gold hardware, but the Ledbetters went on to win Grammys for future projects.

“I wanted to create an access point so people could see how magical and moving this music was and create a path for them to find it,” Lance replied.

The couple restores music of all styles and genres from all over the country. In 2012, they started a non-profit dedicated to that work.

“It’s a real-time process, so it’s pretty labor-intensive in that regard,” April said.

Their latest project is a partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dust-to-Digital is producing an online archive of thousands of rare recordings that will be freely accessible to the public, continuing their effort to literally stop music from becoming…dust.

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Meet ‘Sam’: the high-tech system changing how firefighters battle blazes in Ohio

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Tessa DiTirro

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    WAYNE COUNTY, Ohio (WEWS) — Fire departments across the country are facing a difficult reality: fewer firefighters, tighter budgets, and more emergency calls than ever before. Now, one department in Wayne County is turning to new technology to help close that gap.

The Wooster Township Fire Department is among the first in the nation to use a new automated pump system, “Sam,” installed directly on one of its fire engines.

Traditionally, operating a fire engine’s pump panel requires a dedicated firefighter to manually control water flow, pressure, and valves during a fire response. The process is complex and highly hands-on.

“It’s a huge help because we have very limited staffing on duty, and then even when we do get a call, we’re relying on volunteers to show up,” said Fire Chief Dallas Terrell.

The automated system allows firefighters to manage water pressure more efficiently without requiring a full-time pump operator. According to developers at Idex Fire & Safety, the core technology used in many fire engines has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Project Template 2.jpg News 5 “Sam” is a smart system run by a touch screen controlling the pump panel for the Wooster Township Fire Department. “Pumping is an incredibly manual process, and the technology today that is on the truck predates most people’s grandparents,” said Jason Cerrano of Idex Fire & Safety.

The system monitors water supply and hose pressure in real time via Bluetooth.

Firefighters can be alerted to issues between the truck and the nozzle before someone radios in a problem, a feature developers say can save critical seconds.

“When your firetruck can actually tell you before someone themselves has a chance to get on the radio that you have a problem between the truck and the nozzle, it can literally save lives,” Cerrano said.

Terrell says the department has been using the technology for about a year and has already seen improvements in on-scene efficiency.

“The fire service is very heavy on tradition, and this definitely steps away from that traditional pump panel and engineer with the fire trucks,” Terrell said. “But we’re not afraid to embrace change and try to adapt to new technology that helps us do our jobs better.”

As staffing shortages continue to affect fire departments nationwide, innovations such as automated pump systems may soon become less a luxury and more a necessity.

Terrell says he has already received calls from departments across the country asking how the system works — and whether it could help their own crews operate more effectively.

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‘They let us down’: Mom of man killed in Reagan National midair crash reacts to failed Rotor Act

CNN Newsource on February 26, 2026

By Mike Murillo

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    CHARLES COUNTY, Maryland (WTOP) — The mother of a Charles County, Maryland, man killed in last year’s midair collision near Reagan National Airport said the failure of the Rotor Act in the U.S. House is heartbreaking.

The bill would have required aircraft, including military helicopters, to use Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) in tracking technology to help pilots better locate nearby air traffic.

The measure had already passed unanimously in the Senate in December before falling short in the House.

Some lawmakers shifted their positions as the vote approached, which was something the family of Michael “Mikey” Stovall — who died in the crash along with several of his friends as they returned from a hunting trip — said made the setback even tougher to accept.

Christina Stovall said the changes happened after the Pentagon pulled its support for the measure, citing cost concerns and not wanting military aircraft to reveal their location.

She said families believed the bill was finally within reach.

“We really thought we had a chance … they let us down,” Stovall said.

“They were great dads, fathers, husbands, sons and they were all instrumental in their careers,” she added. “Everybody loved them and they were just out having a good time hunting.”

She said the disappointment grew after the Pentagon’s reversal in support, which she believes influenced lawmakers.

“There were certain people up on Capitol Hill that changed their vote. That was disturbing,” Stovall said.

She also said she is concerned that the Alert Act, a different proposal on Capitol Hill which intends to address all the safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation, could move forward instead.

Stovall said she doesn’t support it because it weakens key safety provisions the families have been fighting for.

“We hope not, because that’s a watered-down version of the Rotor Act,” Stovall said.

She believes the ADS‑B technology at the center of the Rotor Act could have made a difference the night of the crash.

“Had the aircrafts had that ADS-B on, it would have given the airplane almost a minute to maybe divert from being in the path of that helicopter,” she said.

Stovall also questioned why cost became a deciding factor for some who opposed the bill.

“How do you put a price on somebody’s life? You can’t,” she said.

Even with the bill’s defeat, Stovall said families are not stepping back. They plan to continue organizing, meeting and pressing lawmakers to act so no other family endures what they have.

“This is not the end of us, families of flight 5342,” she said.

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