Month: April 2026

By Scott Sutton

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    RIVIERA BEACH, Florida (WPTV) — A 27-year-old man died Saturday night after a sedan he was working on fell on top of him, according to police.

The incident occurred at a home in the 300 block of W 27 Street.

Police said a couple who live at the property found the victim, who lived in a separate unit behind the house, underneath the car and called 911.

According to investigators, the victim was last seen by the couple between 4 and 5 p.m. working on his car in the driveway.

Then, at about 10 p.m., police said one of the residents at the home went outside and found the man motionless underneath the car and screamed for help.

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 front tire of the car, which was jacked up on the sloped driveway, when it fell on top of him,” according to a statement from Riviera Beach police spokesman Mike Jachles.

Detectives responded to the scene to conduct a death investigation.

Police said the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death.

The man’s name was being withheld pending the notification of his next-of-kin.

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 Kaylee Staral , Photojournalist Claire Karr

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    MUSKEGO, Wisconsin (WTMJ) — What started as a frightening race to find shelter during severe storms Friday night became an unexpected moment of connection inside a Muskego home.

Doorbell camera video from the Fellin family shows heavy rain pouring down before a group of five people runs up to the front door and rushes inside.

“Five strangers just ran into our basement—‘hi guys,’” Sam Fellin joked.

The Fellins, who live near Highway 36, said they were already sheltering in their basement as tornado sirens sounded and conditions quickly worsened.

“We were just looking outside through the windows, and then a car came screaming into the driveway,” Thomas Fellin said.

Inside that car were Evan Kranich and his friends, who were on their way to play volleyball when they said they believed they saw a tornado forming nearby.

“Looked out the window to our left, and I’m pretty sure we saw one of the tornadoes — and then our phones started going off,” Kranich said. “I told them we should get off and go find shelter.”

With little time to think, the Fellins opened their door and brought the group downstairs.

What began as a tense situation soon shifted.

“We just settled down and played some cards to calm the tension,” the Fellins said.

The National Weather Service confirmed seven tornadoes touched down across Southeast Wisconsin, including at least two near the Fellins’ home.

“Two tornadoes at the same time right there—they would’ve been right in between them,” the Fellins said.

That close call is why the family said they didn’t hesitate to help.

“Mom mode kicks in immediately. I hope someone would do this if my kid came knocking on their door,” Sam Fellin said.

For Kranich and his friends, the experience was unforgettable.

“Can’t thank them enough—probably one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen, looking out the window at a tornado,” he said.

The group stayed in the basement until it was safe to leave, grateful for a place to shelter during the storm.

“We can make it an annual tradition — stop by once a year and play cards,” Sam joked.

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 Anthony Romano, Rebecca Petit, Barrett Tryon

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Florida (WFTS) — A 60-year-old pilot is dead after a plane crashed in a residential neighborhood in Pasco County on Sunday morning, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO).

PSO identified Michael Bailey as the lone death in the plane crash, per a spokesperson on April 20.

The crash occurred on April 19 in a subdivision between homes on Aldus and Trinity drives in Wesley Chapel. The massive fireball was captured on security camera footage across the neighborhood.

It happened in Brandon Smith’s backyard. Smith, who was asleep at the time, was jolted awake by the impact.

“I felt a really loud thud, and it shook the house,” Smith said. “The next thing I know, I hear my mom yelling, there’s a fire, and to get out.”

He described bright orange flames shooting into the sky, with intense heat he could feel inside his house from behind his window.

The pilot was the only person on the aircraft and was killed, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“It feels like a movie scene,” Smith said while looking at the destruction in his backyard. “I’m still processing it.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the craft was a Cessna 401B airplane that crashed under unknown circumstances. The FAA and NTSB were expected to be on scene by Monday.

For others in the neighborhood, it was a normal Sunday morning.

“I was out having my morning coffee. My kids were in the backyard jumping on the trampoline, and I happened to notice a plane coming over. My kids saw it too, and I thought, wow, it’s really low,” said Christina Galbiati.

Galbiati’s doorbell camera captured the moment the aircraft went down.

“It’s bad. It’s pretty much ash. I think when it landed there was fire because I smelled the fuel immediately,” Galbiati said.

The plane departed from nearby Tampa North Aero Park, with the crash occurring around 8:35 a.m., the FAA confirmed.

The Grand Oaks subdivision sits within the flight path of that airport. This isn’t the first time tragedy has struck there. In May 2020, there was a similar plane crash that killed one person in the same Wesley Chapel neighborhood.

“Very uneasy. Definitely more serious conversations need to be had with my husband about the possibility and wanting to stay here,” said Kristen W.

Once on site, an investigator will begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation, the NTSB said.

“It was just really a surreal moment. You obviously never expect something like this to happen to you at your house,” Smith said.

Witnesses to the accident, as well as those with surveillance video or other information relevant to the investigation, are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

“It makes you feel really bad for the pilot’s family, but at the same time very grateful it wasn’t us,” said Kristen.

The NTSB will lead the investigation, with assistance from the FAA.

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 Eric Graves, Alan Shope

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    KANSAS CITY, Kansas (KMBC) — NASCAR driver Patrick Staropoli can give you a perfect description of what drivers will see this weekend, turning laps around the Kansas Speedway.

“There’s so much of this that’s hand to eye coordination,” Staropoli said.

He would know plenty about that. Staropoli isn’t just the driver of the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he’s also an eye surgeon.

“You go into the clinic and you’re talking to a patient, you’re talking about their eye and what you’re going to do to help them out and the other half they want to know how the race went,” Staropoli said.

He returned to NASCAR in 2025 after putting his driving career on hold to focus on his other career.

Patrick has been a driver since he was a kid, and he always wanted to be a doctor, too. While in medical school he kept on racing, and ended up joining Big Machine Racing.

“The autograph session, I had a lot of people ask me what kind of doctor I am and if I think they could swing by for an eye exam,” he said.

At age 36, Staropoli loves bringing his two passions together.

“We try to use the racing platform to raise awareness for things that are important to us in the medical field,” he said.

Staropoli started 24th and finished 14th in the Kansas Lottery 300 on Saturday.

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 Anahita Jafary

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    MARYSVILLE, California (KCRA) — A break-in at West Coast Falconry in Marysville has left five birds missing, sparking devastation among workers who fear the animals cannot survive without human care.

On Friday morning, owner Kate Marden woke up to shocking news.

“My housemate woke me up at six and said all the birds were gone. So whatever occurred, occurred in the very early morning hours,” Marden said.

She described feeling numb after discovering her home and business had been violated.

“The anklets have been cut. The jesses have been cut. Some of the leashes had been cut,” Marden said.

For Marden and her team, the most heartbreaking part is the release of their birds, which are imprinted on humans and cannot survive in the wild.

“These birds are all imprinted on humans. They cannot survive in the wild without our care. For most of them, this is a death sentence,” said Sierra Whelan, an educator at West Coast Falconry.

Whelan said the experience has been overwhelming.

“It’s complete and utter shock is basically where we’re at. And then the crying panic of your friends are gone… And no, these aren’t pets. They’re never going to be pets. They’re habituated to humans, but they each have their own individual personalities that we’ve come to love and care for,” Whelan said.

The team has been walking and driving around the property in search of the missing birds, but their efforts have not been enough.

“We’re constantly checking every single bird that flies above that looks to be the right size to see if they match any of the markings we’re looking for on the birds we’re missing,” Whelan said.

Marden adding, “We still have five birds out, an eagle, two owls, a hawk and a falcon. The hawk is blind in one eye and was deemed irreplaceable because it was their dominant eye. So her hunting skills are cut in half. The peregrine was a bird that was transferred to us from Raptor Rehab. He had been taken from the wild illegally and had been imprinted.”

Marden shared another unsettling detail about the break-in.

“Trying not to take it personally, but it feels lik there was a photo of my friend and that was hacked up and put on the floor and stomped on,” Marden said.

The facility will not be fully operational to offer its classes until October, especially if the missing birds are not recovered.

“If you see one that looks suspiciously comfortable around humans, call us please, because that’s the only way we’re going to be able to come and recover them,” Whelan 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 Alyssa Munoz

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    GALLUP, New Mexico (KOAT) — A new sculpture titled “Run” is drawing attention along Route 66 in Gallup, New Mexico, continuing the tradition of roadside attractions that have captivated travelers for nearly a century.

Local artist Robert Wilson, who retired as a doctor in 2016 to focus on art full-time, created the piece using salvaged materials in a style known as “recycled art.”

“I was overjoyed,” Wilson said about the opportunity to work on the project. Wilson described his artistic process, saying, “Trying to take that, shape it, carve it, weld it, do whatever I can to make something. My term would be elegant out of it.”

The idea for “Run” came from an encounter with jackrabbits on the West Mesa.”I thought, you know, that’s a great symbol for Route 66,” Wilson said. The sculpture was built using parts from a 1953 Chevy Bel Air, with the car’s design influencing the final creation.

“The ’53 Chevy Bel Air has curves and a kind of muscularity that I think fit with an animal like a jackrabbit,” Wilson said. Wilson said the project pushed him into unfamiliar territory.

“I’d never used a plasma torch before, but I got a plasma torch, learned how to use it. And I’ve never torn down a car,” he said. He also shared that remnants of the car were repurposed for the sculpture. “This is what’s left of the materials that I used for ‘Run,'” Wilson said.

The finished sculpture stands 10 feet tall, spans 12 feet wide, and weighs over 1,200 pounds. “It’s basically the size of a car,” Wilson said. Reflecting on the year-long process, Wilson said, “It was fun, and it was hard at the same time. Trying to find that, trying it on, turning it, flipping it all the way around, and finally saying, there it is.”

The sculpture includes hidden details, such as a speedometer integrated into the left eye. “I took it apart and I tack-welded the needle at 66 mph. You get it,” Wilson said.

Wilson encouraged visitors to examine the sculpture closely. “Look for parts of the paws and the ears and try to figure out what part of the car was used to make that paw, that leg,” he said.

“Run” transforms salvaged materials into a symbol of motion and the spirit of the open road. A dedication ceremony for the sculpture was held in Gallup on April 17th at noon.

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 Jazmon DeJarnette

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    SEASIDE, California (KSBW) — Seaside police are using a new device to measure illegal exhaust noise in seconds as part of their efforts to maintain safety and reduce disruptions during Car Week.

Seaside is the first city in Monterey County to adopt this technology, which allows officers to place the device under a vehicle’s exhaust to get an accurate measurement.

With this technology, police have already issued 20 citations.

“We have something ready to go that we can actually take action, other than, say, your exhaust is unlawful; we can actually measure it and have proper evidence to take to court,” said Nick Borges, Seaside police chief.

The legal limit for exhaust noise is 95 decibels, but officers are only issuing tickets for vehicles exceeding 100 decibels.

“We’re doing this very fair. 95 decibels is the legal limit, and we’re not going to give anybody a ticket unless it’s over 100 decibels, and an average car, give or take, newer cars are about 70 decibels,” police said.

Residents have expressed support for the initiative, citing the disruptive and frightening impact of loud exhaust noise on the community.

“The pets get really scared, especially the dogs. They don’t know what the noise is, and they instantly go into panic mode,” said Diane Sevaaetasi, a Seaside resident.

Darrell McDowell, another resident, added, “It’s a good idea because it gives the police extra advantages. There are other things that they can use to keep the community safe and make sure that people can enjoy the community without all the extra noise.”

Seaside police have issued a clear warning to drivers on social media: “Rectify the issue or avoid Seaside.”

“This is really inspired by not people who are coming to our city with vehicles that are showcasing. That’s not what this is about. This is for those who come to our community and disrespect our community,” Borges said.

The new technology ties into Seaside PD’s broader plans to keep crime out of the city.

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By Erin Clark

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    MONTEREY, California (KSBW) — The American Cancer Society’s Monterey fashion show at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach celebrated cancer survivors, raising money for research and patient support while providing a day of beauty and emotional reprieve.

Behind the scenes, all the models receiving glamorous makeovers were cancer survivors, with the day dedicated to making them feel beautiful.

“I think it’s really a special occasion to celebrate people, celebrate their accomplishments in overcoming and making it through to the other side,” one participant said.

The event also offered a break from the fear and anxiety that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Razya, a breast cancer survivor, shared her experience.

“For me, I had to try and push the fear away, meditative breathing, and I leaned into my faith because it was consuming me to the point where I’d be shaking. Trying to care for my daughter, and I thought, I have to get hold of myself. I have to be strong,” Razya said.

Abby Taylor-Silva, a colon cancer survivor, reflected on her journey and highlighted the importance of routine screenings.

“I had stage three, pretty advanced colon cancer when they found it. So many times we push off those routine doctors’ visits, and I think my story is a good example of why we need to do it, we need to get our screening done to make sure we’re OK because without that blood work I never would have known,” Taylor-Silva said.

Both Razya and Taylor-Silva are now cancer-free, but many attendees are still in the fight. This year’s theme, “Old Hollywood,” featured hats and fascinators designed by Kathleen Kelley, who donated her time and talent to the event.

“Making the hats is joyous work, and it’s joyful work to be here supporting this lovely group of ladies and men who have been overcoming terrific challenges. I’m in awe of their courage,” Kelley said.

After weeks of preparation, the show began, with cancer survivors taking the stage as superstars, sharing their stories and supporting one another.

This fashion show, originally conceived by friends over 30 years ago, has grown significantly while staying true to its roots.

“Shows like this, it’s like a golden star. It makes them so happy and so excited. It gives them a day of forgetting what they are going through,” one organizer said.

Though the event has expanded to raise money and awareness, its core mission remains unchanged: friends showing up to support friends.

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By Mark Landon

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    SALINAS, California (KSBW) — Maverick Foletta is already reaching new heights at Salinas Airport, where he has been taking flying lessons and building toward his dream of becoming a pilot.

The Mission Park Elementary School student has logged more than 10 hours in the air so far, a remarkable start for someone his age. Maverick said his love of flying began about two years ago when his dad first introduced him to lessons.

“It all started like two years ago with my dad. He gave me some lessons. I really enjoyed it,” Maverick said. “Recently, he gave me some more lessons, and I’m enjoying it right now.”

Maverick’s instructor, Enoch Weichers, said the young student has impressed him with how quickly he learns in the cockpit.

“Maverick has been an awesome student,” Weichers said. “I think kids really tend to learn really quickly because they don’t have any preconceived notions of how to do things. He’s very humble and a very quick learner.”

Flying requires focus, and Maverick said there is a lot to keep track of while in the air, from instruments inside the plane to watching carefully outside.

“There are so many things,” Maverick said. “You have all your instruments, and you have to look outside mostly.”

Maverick’s dad, Mike, has spent plenty of time flying with his son and helping him develop strong habits in the cockpit. For Mike, sharing the experience with Maverick has been especially meaningful.

“I’ve been flying a long time. I got my license a long time ago, then took a break, then started flying again,” Mike said. “It’s always been my dream to fly with Maverick, and that was a dream come true.”

Mike said flying together has helped strengthen their bond.

Weichers says most students are ready to solo after about 60 hours of flight time, with 40 hours considered the minimum. Maverick’s instructor believes the young aviator is progressing quickly and could be ready sooner than many expect.

“If Maverick could, he’d probably be ready to solo pretty soon, maybe in the next couple of flight lessons,” Weichers said.

As for what inspires him most, Maverick has a clear answer.

“It’s because I want to be like Top Gun Maverick,” he 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.