Month: March 2026

By Tara Molina, Elyssa Kaufman, Kris Habermehl, Sara Tenenbaum

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A Chicago man is charged with murder and arson in the death of Chicago firefighter Michael Altman.

Chicago police said Sheaves Slate, 27, has been charged with one count two felony murder charges and two felony arson charges for Altman’s death from injuries he sustained when he fell from the first floor to a basement while battling a blaze in a four-story apartment building in Rogers Park Monday.

Slate is in custody at this time. CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling released a statement on Altman’s death and the charges, writing in part, “On behalf of the Chicago Police Department, our deepest condolences are with the family of Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman and the entire Chicago Fire Department. The loss of Firefighter Altman, who was a hero until the very end, is a profound loss for those who knew him and our entire city.”

“Although we are proud of the tremendous work done to hold this offender accountable, we ask that the focus not be on who is responsible for Firefighter Altman’s death, but rather on his heroic life and his loved ones who will live with this grief forever,” the statement continued. “We will stand alongside our brothers and sisters at CFD as they carry on the legacy of a beloved father, husband, son and brother.”

The Chicago Fire Department also issued a statement in the wake of the charges, thanking CPD for their “tireless and collaborative efforts” and “their outstanding work on this case and in bringing accountability to this tragic incident. Through their diligence an individual has been charged with first-degree murder.”

“While no outcome can undo the devastating loss the Altman family, his CFD family, friends and the city have suffered, this development is an important step toward justice,” the statement continued.

CBS News Chicago legal analyst Irv Miller said the law is clear why Slate faces a first-degree murder charge, and if anyone else was involved, they too could face murder charges.

“If you’re committing a forcible felony – and aggravated arson is a forcible felony – and someone dies during the course of the fire, you are legally responsible and can be charged with the murder of that person,” Miller said. “If they were active participants, or they were co-conspirators, they could be… result in having criminal charges, with respect to what they did, including a first-degree murder charge.”

Slate’s criminal history includes at least three arrests since July 2025. He has been on court supervision since October after pleading guilty to retail theft. Another warrant was issued after a failure to appear in court on new charges of theft and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

A document shows Slate was ordered to stay away from Nordstrom in the wake of those charges.

Friday morning a procession honored Altman as his body was moved from the medical examiner’s office to a funeral home ahead of services next week.

Chicago firefighters and community members lined the streets to honor Altman as a procession continued to Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn. An honor arch was seen outside the funeral home.

Altman died on Tuesday, one day after battling an apartment fire in Rogers Park.

Around 100 firefighters responded to the fire at a four-story apartment building just before 11:30 a.m. Monday. Officials said Altman, 32, fell from the first floor to the basement and was rescued within one minute.

A Chicago Fire Department spokesman said the Altman was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in serious-to-critical condition on Monday. Sources said he suffered extensive burns all over his body, including second- and third-degree burns. He later died from his injuries. There are now memorials outside the fire station where he worked and at the scene of the fire.

Altman was on the job for nearly two years and was a fourth-generation member of the CFD. His grandfather, Edward P. Altman Jr., served as fire commissioner from 1996 to 1999. The senior Altman died in 2020.

Altman was on the job for nearly two years. He leaves behind a pregnant wife and a young child.

Visitation and Funeral for Michael Altman Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620

Funeral

Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10 a.m. St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620

Full statement from CPD Supt. Larry Snelling On behalf of the Chicago Police Department, our deepest condolences are with the family of Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman and the entire Chicago Fire Department. The loss of Firefighter Altman, who was a hero until the very end, is a profound loss for those who knew him and our entire city.

Thank you to every firefighter, police officer and detective who responded to the fire and worked to bring a swift resolution in this investigation. We also want to thank our partners at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and the ATF Chicago Field Division for their partnership in this case.

Although we are proud of the tremendous work done to hold this offender accountable, we ask that the focus not be on who is responsible for Firefighter Altman’s death, but rather on his heroic life and his loved ones who will live with this grief forever.

We will stand alongside our brothers and sisters at CFD as they carry on the legacy of a beloved father, husband, son and brother.

Full Satement from the Chicago Fire Department This has been an incredibly difficult week for the family of Firefighter/EMT Michael Altman and our family here at the Chicago Fire Department. We are thankful for all the support we have received as we continue to support the Altman family and prepare to lay our hero to rest.

We are immensely grateful for the tireless and collaborative efforts of the Chicago Police Department, Area 3 Detectives, Arson Detectives, the Chicago Fire Department’s Office of Fire Investigation, the ATF Chicago office, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Chicago Buildings Department for their outstanding work on this case and in bringing accountability to this tragic incident. Through their diligence an individual has been charged with first-degree murder.

While no outcome can undo the devastating loss the Altman family, his CFD family, friends and the city have suffered, this development is an important step toward justice.

Firefighter Altman was a hero each time he put on the CFD uniform and each time he ran toward a fire to save lives. He was also a hero to his family, including his wife Nora, who is expecting their second child soon, and their young son. It is heartbreaking to know these children will now grow up without their father, but we promise to always be there for them and remind them that they are surrounded by their family here at the fire department.

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.

By Hannah McIlree

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    DETROIT (WWJ) — Taking the bus or calling an Uber isn’t something most people have to plan ahead for. But for people who use wheelchairs, securing a reliable ride can take days, even a week of preparation. One Detroit woman is hoping to change that.

In 2024, Dominique Townsend was heading home from the grocery store with her son when she was shot five times while sitting in her truck. The men who attacked her were strangers, and the shooting left her paralyzed at 35.

“Becoming paralyzed drastically changed everything… it took away my freedom. It took away my mobility to just get in the car and go free like I want to,” Townsend said.

Townsend says those challenges inspired her to begin developing RideAble, a rideshare service designed specifically for people who use wheelchairs.

“You can go wherever… we don’t have limitations to doctors’ appointments or therapy. You can go to the grocery store, social events, visit a friend downtown, wherever you want to go,” she said.

RideAble isn’t a full mobile app yet. Townsend has launched a pilot program that matches riders with wheelchair‑accessible drivers through her website.

“You’re not just making money, you’re giving back as well because you’re helping out people with disability and mobility challenges,” she said.

Townsend says the need for accessible transportation is significant, especially for people who can’t rely on public transit or traditional rideshare apps.

“If you want to get a ride to appointments or doctor’s visits, you have to schedule days ahead… sometimes they don’t show up. Sometimes they’re late,” she said.

Townsend is still recruiting drivers. Anyone interested must complete a background check before joining the pilot program. She hopes to launch the full app after a successful test phase.

The Detroit Department of Transportation says all 291 of its buses are equipped with wheelchair‑accessible ramps. The department says wait times vary by route and time of day, anywhere from five minutes to an hour. While DDOT is exploring new accessibility technology, no major upgrades are planned in the near future.

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.

By Angela Cifone

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    HONOLULU (KITV) — A powerful Kona low storm system is forcing evacuations across the North Shore and Central Oʻahu, as relentless rain pushes waterways to dangerous levels and strains emergency shelters islandwide.

Officials are closely monitoring the Wahiawā Dam near Lake Wilson, which is nearing capacity after days of steady rainfall on already saturated ground. The threat of flooding has prompted evacuations in areas including Haleʻiwa and Waialua.

In Central Oʻahu, evacuees have been arriving at shelters throughout the day as conditions continue to shift.

At Wahiawā District Park, which opened early in the morning, residents described how quickly the flooding escalated. One couple said they watched their car float away as water rushed into their home, forcing them to evacuate immediately.

Another resident reported being awakened in the middle of the night by emergency crews.

“It was a bang on the wall at three o’clock in the morning — police telling us to get out,” said Clem Camou, an Otake Camp resident. “There was water everywhere, rushing, moving fast. I’ve got a surf shop in my backyard… I’m just hoping it’s still there when I get back.”

Shelter staff have been assisting families since early morning, with evacuees arriving by bus from areas like Waialua. Some were also taken to Leilehua High School as officials worked to distribute people across available locations.

Residents said this storm feels different from previous Kona lows. During past events, shelters were largely occupied by the homeless population. This time, many evacuees are families displaced by rising floodwaters.

As conditions worsened on the North Shore, evacuations intensified, with some residents airlifted out of flooded areas where access roads became impassable.

Several of those evacuees were transported to shelters on the west side, including Nānākuli High School, where crews are preparing for a surge in arrivals.

“A busload of about 40 people — we will be assisting them as they enter our shelter,” said Principal Christine Udarbé. “I know there is another busload coming.”

The school began operating as a temporary refuge earlier in the day and is transitioning into a full emergency shelter with support from the American Red Cross. Staff and volunteers have been setting up sleeping areas, organizing supplies, and preparing for additional evacuees.

Other shelters are also opening to meet growing demand.

In Central Oʻahu, Inspire Church Mililani has stepped in to provide relief for displaced residents, particularly as conditions forced the evacuation of shelters like Waialua High School due to flooding and safety concerns.

“I saw Lake Wilson this high — I’ve never seen it like this,” said Pastor Clint Chinen. “We’re just getting ready to help people who aren’t able to stay safely where they are. Inspire Church, we’re here for the community.”

Church leaders said a team of volunteers is ready to assist around the clock, but supplies are already running low. They are requesting donations of bottled water, nonperishable food, towels and other essentials, as more evacuees are expected.

City officials said evacuation efforts remain ongoing and plans continue to evolve as conditions change. Authorities are also urging the public to avoid flying drones, warning that they are interfering with airlift operations, which remain a top priority.

Officials continue to urge residents in evacuation zones to follow all instructions, emphasizing that conditions can shift rapidly as the storm system moves through the islands.

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.

By Brady Halbleib

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    GLENN, California (KOVR) — The war in Iran isn’t just impacting oil prices. It’s also hitting California farmers.

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut down, growers are unable to ship products to one of the Middle East’s biggest trading hubs: Dubai.

“It’s just the uncertainty. We don’t know what to do,” said Bill Carriere of Carriere Family Farms in Glenn, California.

Carriere said the Middle East accounts for more than 20% of his business, with shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz to Dubai. Carriere noted that his own farm ships to more than 30 countries.

But with fears of Iranian missile strikes, it’s not just oil tankers being disrupted but agricultural shipments too.

With shipments to Dubai taking 30 days, some of Carriere’s walnuts are now stuck at sea, unable to reach port.

“We have loads ready to go, and our buyers are telling us don’t ship because we don’t know how long this will last,” Carriere said.

With walnuts only lasting so long in storage, there’s growing concern at Carriere Farms that this year’s crop could spoil, creating a backlog ahead of next harvest.

“I’m optimistic, but this is an unusual situation,” Carriere said. “We’ve never seen this before. It’s the unknown.”

At the same time, rising oil prices are driving up shipping and transportation costs, adding even more pressure on farmers.

Meanwhile, the California Farm Bureau says it’s closely monitoring the situation.

“California farmers and ranchers have faced elevated input costs for several years and increased prices for fuel and fertilizers, combined with market disruptions, come at a time when the U.S. farm economy is facing significant financial headwinds,” the bureau said in a statement to CBS News Sacramento.

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.

By Carlos E. Castañeda

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    MENDOCINO, California (KPIX) — A surfer in Northern California was injured in a reported shark attack off a public beach, prompting the temporary closure of the beach, authorities said.

California State Parks said in a press release that rangers received a report on Wednesday at about 5:18 p.m. of a shark biting a 39-year-old man surfing off Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park in Mendocino County. The surfer sustained injuries to both of his legs and was taken to a hospital in Fort Bragg; his condition was not disclosed.

At the time of the incident, three off-duty State Parks seasonal lifeguards were surfing nearby and helped rescue the surfer, the agency said.

Cal Fire, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also responded, according to the release. CDFW was collecting evidence and leading the ongoing investigation, State Parks said.

Following the incident, State Parks posted signs at nearby beaches notifying of a 48-hour beach closure as part of the department’s protocol.

Studies show that shark-human interactions are rare, even in high-proximity areas like Southern California, where sharks and people share the water 97% of the time. California averages fewer than three, and often zero, annual shark attack injuries, according to a CDFW study.

The U.S. averages about 40 to 44 attacks yearly, while in 2025, unprovoked shark attacks worldwide totaled, according to the International Shark Attack file.

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.

By Riley Rourke, Paul Burton

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    COHASSET, Massachusetts. (WBZ) — A man has been charged after allegedly secretly filming two women with a hidden camera in a restroom at a public library in Cohasset, Massachusetts.

The suspect, 63-year-old Thomas Campbell from Marshfield, allegedly set up the camera in the unisex restroom of the Paul Pratt Memorial Library on March 16. Court documents show that Campbell used a partially taped iPod Nano and placed it in an overdose prevention kit inside the bathroom. The camera captured two women using the restroom and court documents say it “very likely could’ve captured children as well.”

“It would be hard to believe that no children were recorded because children go in there,” said Robin Donahue from Cohasset.

Secret camera discovered in bathroom The device was discovered by library staff that same day as they were restocking the prevention kits. She told police that she had noticed a hole had been ripped in one of the kits and that she had found the iPod inside. The staff member removed the device and called the police.

Police believe that Campbell had taken the prevention kit on March 13, when staff noticed it needed restocking, and had modified it before returning it on March 16 to set up the device.

A video of Campbell setting up the camera in the restroom was also found on the device, showing “his face and upper body multiple times.” Officers sent the video, along with the iPod’s serial number, to an IT manager to help track down the suspect. The IT manager was unable to locate the suspect using the number, but told police he believed that he resembled Campbell, with whom he had previously worked. Campbell runs an IT company, according to investigators.

Campbell was arrested and charged with recording individuals in a state of nudity without their knowledge or consent and illegal wiretapping. He appeared in court on Friday visibly shaking.

He is being held on $2500 bail, must stay away from both victims and the Cohasset library. He also cannot use any public restrooms in Norfolk County. Campbell will be back in court on April 16.

Court documents show that he has a previous criminal history of accosting, disorderly conduct, trespassing, malicious destruction of property, lewd and lascivious conduct.

Parents disturbed about filming in bathroom Parents were distraught to find out about the hidden camera at a library they frequent with their children. Donahue explained that she comes to the library three times a week with her children.

“You don’t think about something like that happening in a small town like this,” Donahue said. “I take for granted that it’s safe for me to bring a four-year-old into the kids’ section of the library.”

“I was shocked, I was stunned, it’s supposed to be a safe place for children to come play,” parent Diana DePalo said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.