Month: April 2026

By Stephanie Moore

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    ORANGEBURG, South Carolina (WYFF) — A South Carolina man pleaded guilty after he was accused of throwing a puppy in a fire and then kicking it while streaming on Facebook Live.

Desmond Levon Brown, 29, of Orangeburg, has pleaded guilty to animal crushing, which includes burning, under the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT Act), according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of South Carolina.

This is the first known PACT Act Conviction in South Carolina.

Investigators said the evidence showed on Dec. 18, the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a Facebook Live video showing Brown throwing a puppy into a fire that day.

Deputies said they found the deceased puppy in a wooded area near the incident location.

Federal law enforcement obtained the Facebook video, which they say showed Brown holding the puppy above the fire, dropping it into the fire, and repeatedly kicking the puppy into the fire, burning it alive.

Further evidence showed that the fire, which was started by Brown’s associate, was made using a brand of rum that was imported from the Caribbean and bottled in Kentucky.

After his arrest, Brown was recorded on jail calls admitting to burning the puppy.

“Brown’s gruesome torture of a puppy was heinous,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “He showed no mercy in his crime, and we look forward to his sentencing. Our office will lead the fight to protect the welfare of animals in South Carolina.”

Brown faces a maximum penalty of seven years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Brown after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

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 Jolie Rodriguez

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    WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — A Florida pilot has filed a lawsuit challenging the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” arguing the state lacks the legal authority to make the change.

The lawsuit was filed by George Poncy Jr., a Federal Aviation Administration-licensed pilot who regularly flies in the area.

Palm Beach International Airport is owned and operated by Palm Beach County. The lawsuit claims the renaming law violates the county’s home rule authority, which grants local governments control over county-owned facilities.

“I just felt, growing up in a country that I thought was what it was, and seeing what it’s become, I didn’t think I had a choice,” Poncy said.

Poncy also argues that even if county commissioners supported the renaming, he believes it was not legally binding.

“You can ask anybody if they thought it was good, but it’s not legal,” Poncy said.

The lawsuit raises concerns about aviation safety, claiming the change was advanced without coordination with the FAA. As a pilot, Poncy argues the renaming could create confusion in aviation systems.

“If you’re not totally up to date on this, you’ve got the wrong airport identifiers, you’ve got all kinds of charts, you’ve got navigation stuff, and if you’re in a transition period, you don’t know what you got,” Poncy said.

The complaint also questions the estimated $5.5 million cost of the renaming, arguing the final cost could be higher and could ultimately affect taxpayers.

Poncy is asking the court to declare the renaming unlawful and stop it from taking effect.

The FAA said it does not comment on ongoing litigation. The governor’s office, Palm Beach County and airport officials have been contacted for comment.

Before the lawsuit was filed, airport officials stated the law would change only the airport’s name — not its code, ownership or day-to-day operations — and said service would continue without interruption.

The renaming is set to go into effect on July 1.

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 Malcolm Shields

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    RIVIERA BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — The Riviera Beach Police Department is investigating a death.

The police department said on Saturday just after 10:30 p.m. officers responded to the 300 block of West 27th Street.

When officers arrived, they were informed by a couple who lives in the home that they found the victim, who lived in a separate unit behind the house, underneath the car and called 911.

The victim was identified as a 27-year-old man. The police department will not release the name of the victim until his family is notified of his death.

The couple said they last saw the victim between 4 to 5 p.m. working on his car in the driveway.

The couple said around 10 p.m., someone who lived in the home went outside and found the victim, motionless, underneath the car and screamed for help.

The police department said firefighters lifted the 2015 Kia Optima off the man and he was pronounced dead.

Officers confirmed the victim was working underneath the passenger’s side of the front tire of the car, which was elevated by a car jack on a sloped driveway, when it fell on top of the victim.

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and will determine the cause of death.

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 Yazmin Rodriguez

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    PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — Preeti Tuli has opened Bubs’ Lounge next to her restaurant, Preeti’s Pitt, on Penn Avenue to honor her son, who was shot and killed outside the family business in February 2021.

“Being that this is my business, I took that to heart because I lost him outside of our family business. He was here since I opened,” Tuli said.

The lounge in Pittsburgh’s Strip District neighborhood is named in memory of Ahmir Tuli, whose nickname was “Bubs.”

“He deserves to be remembered,” Tuli said. “I know my son is up there watching, and he’s definitely proud of me.”

“I feel like he’s like my angel on Penn Avenue.”

The opening of Bubs’ Lounge coincides with the 2026 NFL draft, which Tuli said was part of her plan.

“I’ve got to be able to get this open for the draft. I want to give people a place to go, something different,” she said. “I’ve poured my whole heart into here, and I’m very, very excited to share it with everybody.”

Tuli also said she was selected as one of the vendors for the NFL draft in Pittsburgh.

“I kept pushing and pushing because I know the draft is here, and I was selected as one of the vendors for the draft,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to her support system and the city of Pittsburgh for their love and support.

“I just wanted to thank the city of Pittsburgh for loving my son as much as they do,” Tuli 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.

By Kendra Broddus

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    DURHAM, New Hampshire (WMUR) — For the second year in a row, University of New Hampshire seniors will cross the stage in May with an artificial intelligence-generated recording announcing their names at graduation.

The university says the technology is being used to ensure names are pronounced correctly.

“This process aims to take the potential for human error out of this momentous occasion for our students,” a UNH spokesperson told News 9.

The university will again use Tassel, an AI software company that specializes in graduation ceremonies. According to its website, Tassel’s slogan is “Perfect Pronunciations For Every Graduate.”

However, some students say they are not pleased with the decision, especially on one of the biggest days of their undergraduate careers.

“I think that using AI to read our names is really impersonal,” said Madison Wilson, a first-generation college student at UNH. “It also doesn’t match the university’s commitment to sustainability. The university cares a lot about their sustainability initiatives, and generative AI uses a disproportionate amount of water and electricity.”

UNH English professor Cristy Beemer said having a person read the graduates’ name can lead to pronunciation errors. While Beemer said she is not in favor of AI, she believes it works in this case.

“When it comes to something like this, ensuring that students can record their names ahead of time and check the pronunciation, even down to, finding out whether the emphasis is on the right syllable or not, and they get to hear it beforehand and approve,” she said. “They’re still going to get that personal attention. They’re still going to get a congratulations and a handshake and pictures. And so I don’t think it’s really going to take anything away. I think it could only improve the situation.”

When UNH senior Alyssa Cataldo walks the stage in May, she said AI will not be announcing her name and she is choosing to opt out.

“Professors and syllabuses they say that, you know, if you use AI, you’re going to get sent to the dean. You’ll get zeros. You could even fail the class and have that bring down your GPA,” Cataldo said. “And then they turn around and use AI on one of the most important days of our lives.”

Cataldo also expressed frustration over how AI is impacting the job market for recent graduates.

“Right now, we’re all graduating in 2026. It’s like a really scary time to be graduating with just AI flooding, just the job market and everywhere,” she said.

Other students said they understanding the university’s goal of correct pronunciation but worry AI can still make mistakes.

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 Joyce Ogirri

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    NEW HOPE, Kentucky (WLKY) — Before the first mint julep is poured at Churchill Downs, the key ingredient begins its journey on a quiet farm in Nelson County.

Rows of fresh mint stretch across the Nelson family farm in New Hope, the starting point for one of the Kentucky Derby’s most recognizable traditions.

“For Derby, we’re pretty much cutting all day,” said farmer Nick Nelson of Nelson Family Agriculture.

Nelson supplies the mint used in the iconic mint juleps served each year at Churchill Downs. As Derby season approaches, his workload ramps up quickly.

“During Derby season, I usually start around 4:30 in the morning to make deliveries,” Nelson said. “A typical day, as long as the weather cooperates, we’re usually wrapping up around 7 in the evening.”

In the two weeks leading up to the race, production intensifies.

“We’ll cut between 300 and 500 dozen bunches a day,” Nelson said.

That surge in demand reflects the thousands of mint juleps prepared for racegoers each year, a drink synonymous with Derby Day.

Derby season accounts for about a quarter of Nelson’s business. While he says orders are slightly down compared to last year, he expects that to change as race day gets closer.

“I know we’ll get more orders. Compared to last year, it’s down right now, but it’s early. That can change,” he said.

Despite the long hours and pressure, Nelson says the work is rewarding.

“This is truly coming from Kentucky. We enjoy everything about it. It’s stressful being the one they count on,” he said.

It’s also a family effort. Nelson says involving his children in the work is one of the most meaningful parts of the job.

“We’ve got four kids, and we love the work ethic they’re learning through this,” he said.

Nelson says he’ll make his first delivery to Churchill Downs on Tuesday, bringing 100 cases.

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 Charlotte Hancox

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    PLATTSBURGH, New York (WPTZ) — Hundreds of people took the polar plunge in Plattsburgh on Saturday to support Special Olympics New York.

“It’s [for] the cause. “It really is good to see other people from our community,” said Tommy Fredette, a polar plunger.

Some participants said that while the water may only last a few seconds, the impact of events like this lasts all year long.

The money raised helps fund free programs year-round to support the Special Olympics. Including sports training, competitions, and health screenings.

“We say you’re freezing for a reason. The point of the Polar Plunge is to fundraise for our special athletes. Getting out and jumping in the water. You’re doing it for a reason,” said Chris Hughes, the director of development for Special Olympics New York.

This year, more than 200 people took part, raising around $20,000. And for many, the experience is just as meaningful as the mission.

“It was very wonderful. I loved it. I’d do anything for anybody that’s out there that has any type of needs. In this world, this is what we’re for,” said Tammy Steady, a polar plunger.

While athletes who participated said that support translates into more opportunities.

“[It’s] to help us athletes do more sports and to tell other people to go out and sponsor,” said Stuart Darrah, a Special Olympics athlete.

With a mix of courage, community, and cold water, organizers said the Polar Plunge continues to make a difference.

Even though the plunge is over, you can still donate to support local athletes through Special Olympics New York.

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 Samantha Roesler

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    RIVIERA BEACH, Florida (WPTV) — A man who allegedly shot a FedEx driver seven times claimed self-defense after following the victim from Port St. Lucie to Riviera Beach in a highway road rage incident, according to police documents.

Tyler Vidro, 24, of Boynton Beach was arrested April 17 following the killing of Nathaniel Padgett, 34, a FedEx employee who was gunned down at the FedEx facility on Blue Heron Boulevard.

According to the arrest affidavit, the incident on April 16 began as a confrontation on Florida’s Turnpike South in Port St. Lucie. Padgett was driving his FedEx delivery truck with his girlfriend when Vidro allegedly pulled alongside their truck, lowered his window and made gestures attempting to provoke a confrontation. Padgett ignored the behavior and continued driving.

Vidro followed Padgett’s truck to the Riviera Beach FedEx facility where they arrived shortly after 9 p.m. The footage captured Vidro exiting his vehicle and waiting near the loading bay doors for Padgett to come from the building.

When Padgett came out and attempted to reach his personal truck, Vidro approached him, saying, “You hit my car,” according to audio captured on surveillance.

Police say Padgett tried to disengage by driving away, but Vidro pursued him in his vehicle. Padgett drove to the other side of the facility, exited his vehicle and picked up a concrete block from the ground. Surveillance footage shows Padgett approaching Vidro’s vehicle with the concrete block, stating he didn’t hit Vidro’s car. Multiple gunshots were then fired, with the flashes visible on camera.

The concrete block fell from Padgett’s hands as he was struck. Police noted the block was held at waist level and was never thrown or raised in a threatening manner before shots were fired.

Padgett was shot seven times— three gunshot wounds to the chest, two to the lower abdomen, one to his arm and one to his leg.

After the shooting, Vidro fled the scene at high speed. About 20 minutes later, he called West Palm Beach Police from a Sunoco gas station, claiming he felt threatened and had to use his firearm.

During the call, Vidro spontaneously said, “I didn’t think to call you guys, but the lawyer told me to.”

Padgett died at St. Mary’s Medical Center shortly before 11:30 p.m., and police say the ShotSpotter system detected nine gunshots at the scene, and nine 9mm shell casings were recovered.

Vidro is being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance May 17.

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.