Author: CNN Newsource

By Nikiya Carrero

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — The parents of a 5-year-old boy who died of cancer are pleading for the return of a commemorative statue stolen from a park dedicated to his memory.

For the past six years, a life-size bronze replica of Jake Duque has stood atop a concrete platform in a Miami Lakes park named in his honor. Jake, who died in 2020 after battling diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma—an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer—became a symbol of hope for thousands of followers known as “Jakey’s Army.”

His parents, Karen and Orlando Duque, said they were in disbelief when they received a phone call Saturday morning informing them the 44-inch-tall statue was gone.

“We literally said, ‘Go back! You must not have seen it.’ We still are in shock,” Karen Duque said.

The impact of the theft was felt immediately by the family, including the couple’s 4-year-old child. “I’ll tell you what our 4-year-old told us this morning: ‘Someone took our brother? My brother? Who would take my brother?'” Karen Duque said.

The statue was a focal point of comfort for both the family and the community, Orlando Duque said.

“You know, when you see this sunset now in a couple of minutes, you’ll understand the peace that people see here,” he said. “And that peace comes not only from God, but from my boy Jakey. That’s what we’re missing here.”

A plaque located beneath the statue’s former site reads: “He planted mustard seeds of faith that transformed the lives of thousands of people.”

The parents are asking for the return of the statue, noting that it holds no monetary value but is irreplaceable to their family and the community. “There’s no value. The statue is priceless to us,” Karen Duque said. “It’s not just a statue. It’s a representation of a boy who impacted so many people’s lives, and it’s a statue that belongs to the community. It belongs to everyone.”

The parents stated they do not wish to press charges if the statue is returned.

Anyone with information regarding the missing statue is asked to contact the family at 305-915-7050.

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 Jeremiah Estrada

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    LAHAINA, Hawaiʻi (KITV) — Three years after the deadly Lahaina wildfires, residents remain on a path to recovery bolstered by community support to help them rebuild.

The Maui County Council announced on Friday that a memorial service organized by Kuhinia Maui will be held on Saturday at the Lahaina United Methodist Church to honor the 102 lives lost on Aug. 8, 2023. The memorial will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be led by the Lahaina and Kula communities with the county’s support.

According to Maui County Council Chair Alice L. Lee, the council approved the budget this year for fiscal year 2027 towards support for recovery. The budget is divvied up amongst:

$6 million to Lahaina Community Land Trust to help keep homes in community hands $3 million for Upcountry Maui wildfire rebuild, recovery and mitigation $1 million to Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery “We know the losses inflicted by the fires are something people continue to deal with every day,” Lee said. “They have our unwavering support in navigating a path to recovery.”

577 single-family and multifamily units have been completed as of last week, and those homes passed final inspection, according to the county’s recovery dashboard. Construction will begin for 667 more homes after the permits have been issued.

“We aspire toward a recovery that restores hope for people who have suffered extraordinary heartbreak,” Lee said. “I’m proud of the council’s financial investments in recovery, but they are pale in comparison to our community’s emotional and spiritual investments in recovery.”

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) shared its outreaching efforts to support long term community health:

Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center’s behavioral health staff continues to help residents, including those who are accessing services for the first time nearly three years after the fires. DOH’s Maui Behavioral Health Wildfire Response has accomplished the following: Provided 86,903 sessions of support, therapy and holistic services to date Facilitated 436 training sessions for 8,323 participants Held health fairs, wellness events, socialization opportunities and therapeutic programs that served over 2,400 individuals DOH’s Adult Mental Health Division opened two Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics on Maui in late 2023. The expanded clinics serve Kahului, Lahaina and surrounding communities. “Healing does not happen on a set timeline,” said Dr. Courtenay Matsu, deputy director of Behavioral Health. “Three years later, people in the Lahaina community continue to experience the effects of displacement, loss and trauma in different ways. We remain committed to meeting people where they are and ensuring that behavioral health services and community-based supports are available to those who need them.”

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 Steve Overmyer

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    NEWARK, New Jersey (WCBS) — A day at the pool turned into a life-and-death emergency Thursday.

A camper and two lifeguards went to a Newark pool expecting a normal summer day. A child’s life depended on all three.

A 13-year-old camper went into the pool at Saint Peter’s Park Recreation Center on Lyons Avenue just before 10 a.m.

Kye Muse-Thomas heard a friend screaming for help. A fellow camper, who is autistic and nonverbal, was suffering a seizure in the pool. Muse-Thomas was there to help his friend out of the water.

“Well, actually, honestly, I didn’t do CPR after all. But I did pick him up heroically, and I saved his life, actually,” Muse-Thomas said.

That CPR was done by teenage lifeguards Rafaela Cura and Kyayla Dixon-Hammond. Their typical day at the pool doesn’t involve emergencies, Cura said, but rather “cleaning up boo-boos and telling people to stop running.”

The unresponsive camper was their first real emergency.

“I did compressions while Kyayla did ventilation, and it was a very emotional situation where we had to, like, put our training to use,” Cura said.

It took five cycles of CPR, but then the boy gasped.

“It’s kind of scary when you realize you’re working with somebody who doesn’t have a pulse and then you get their pulse back,” Dixon-Hammond said.

“Relief. I think I breathed with him for the first time he was breathing,” Cura said.

Paramedics took the boy to the hospital where he’s recovering.

Cura and Dixon-Hammond credit their training, their teamwork, and a friend who was there to help.

“I feel courageous and brave and heroic with my unexpected heroism,” Muse-Thomas said.

All three learned a little about themselves — that sometimes what we’re made of doesn’t show up until someone else needs us to find it.

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 Madeleine Wright

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    MALVERN, Pennsylvania (WBBM) — On hot summer days, families line up at Scoops ‘N’ Smiles on King Street in Malvern for a sweet treat. For many customers, it has become a summer tradition.

“It’s terrific,” George Dippell, from Malvern, said. “I have grandchildren; every time they come to visit, they want to come here.”

Brothers Akain Rowland and Yusef Jackson co-founded the shop in 2016. They expanded five years later with a second location in West Chester.

The brothers say Scoops ‘N’ Smiles is about more than ice cream. As part of Black Business Month, they hope their success inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“I think that being a Black-owned business is very important to our community, for the young people to see that it can be done by somebody that looks like them,” Rowland said.

Before opening the ice cream shop, Rowland and Jackson served in the Navy and worked as accountants. But after years in different careers, they found their passion in serving scoops.

Rowland remembers the excitement surrounding their first day of business.

“We had like 220 people show up for a soft opening,” Rowland said. “I was like, I guess we’re doing this.”

The business has grown into a community favorite, employing 27 people, including part-timers, full-timers and managers.

“It’s delicious,” Renee Jones from Malvern said. “It’s the best ice cream in town, if you haven’t tried some. Scoops ‘N’ Smiles.”

For younger customers, the toppings are part of the fun.

“I like to get Nerds, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate jimmies and chocolate chips,” 8-year-old Arona Jones said.

Rowland and Jackson said building a successful business also means giving back. They frequently bring their ice cream truck to schools, churches and nonprofit events, offering free or discounted treats.

“We just want to keep the love, keep, you know, just balance everything in the community because without the community you don’t have a business,” Jackson said.

As Scoops ‘N’ Smiles celebrates 10 years in business, the brothers say their mission remains the same: spreading positivity and bringing smiles to their customers.

“We started one shop, never pictured the second shop, ended up with the Chester County’s biggest catering company with our ice cream truck,” Rowland said. “Hopefully we’re just still scooping for another 10 years.”

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 Edie Kasten, Irika Sargent

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — What does it take to bowl a perfect game? Tenacity, skill, and experience. Nine-year-old Landen Henderson, of Maywood, has all three.

“He’s always had a ball in his hand, even before he could walk,” said his mother, Keya. “We drilled his very first bowling ball before he was 2.”

Keya doubles as Landen’s chauffeur and biggest fan, and she has plenty to be proud of.

In May, Landen beat a field of adult bowlers to become the youngest winner ever in the Indiana Times Classic Bowling Tournament. He asked his parents to compete, and said that would be his birthday present.

How did he win? Landen has a simple explanation.

“The guy that came in second, he needed to shoot a score to beat me and he didn’t,” Landen said.

Landen has a whole history of wins under his belt; more than you can imagine.

Recently, he was honored for his accomplishments at Rate Field, with a shout-out on the field and the jumbotron during a White Sox game.

“I went onto the field, and I was just on jumbotron,” he said. “I was kind of nervous, because there were a lot of people, but then also I had a lot of fun.”

Landen bowls three to five times a week, and comes from a family that’s been bowling for generations. His parents met at the bowling alley.

So who is Landen’s toughest competition so far?

“Probably my mom,” he said. “She knows my game better than anyone else.”

“I have to oftentimes remind him that I still have it. Even though I’m a little older than him, I still have it,” Keya said.

Keya’s a champ as well, with several big wins to her credit, but she said it’s her son’s curiosity that makes him a winner.

“He is always learning, he is information seeking, and he’s very independent,” she said. “He’s an only child of older parents, so he’s very mature.”

His principal, Carnita Nash, first met Landen way back in his pre-k days, and she’s pretty proud, too.

“Having that quality to be driven and goal-oriented is amazing at such a young age,” she said. “That’s something he’s always had. We’re just seeing it more now as he grows older.”

Landen’s had to grow up a little faster than some kids his age. His family has been through a lot this past year or so.

“About six months after losing my mother, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Keya said.

Keya said Landen put his own fears aside to support her.

“I said that for Halloween he should have been a lifesaver,” she said. “He saved me. He gave me purpose where I struggled.”

Back on the lanes, Landen is just part of the team. His principal said that’s part of his charm.

“He’s a very compassionate loving kid,” Nash said.

Which inspires his friends Naekel and Amir to cheer him on even more.

“He’s a pretty cool guy. He’s a great bowler,” Naekel said.

“He’s cool. He’s like, very tame, like, respectful,” Amir said.

His father, Jarade, said great bowling is only part of success.

“Our biggest message for him was learn how to lose, because that’s how you win,” he said. “You’re going to have a lot of losses, a lot of wins, just remain humble.”

Does Landen have any bowling tips?

“To, like, not worry about the score when you’re just a beginner. But then, also, don’t worry about the score when you already know how to bowl. Just have fun,” he said.

Landen’s parents said they’re hoping a college scholarship in bowling is in his 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 Ray Campos

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Minneapolis Fire Department invited a few special guests to step into their boots in a partnership with The Arc Minnesota.

Some days at the fire department are about putting out flames, but it was all about lighting something else on Friday: confidence.

“When they first got here they were shy and quiet, and now they are wide open, talking and laughing and having fun,” said Deputy Fire Chief Colm Black.

At Minneapolis’ Emergency Operations Training Facility, community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities suited up, learned fire safety, handled rescue tools and worked side by side with firefighters.

“On a day like today they get to see what we do for a living, and we get to give back to them,” Black said. “All I’ve seen is smiles and happiness today.”

Through a partnership between Minneapolis Fire and Arc Minnesota, belonging isn’t just a word, it’s an opportunity.

“It’s important that we provide opportunities for people to really become the best versions of themselves, which means we don’t have to make all the decisions for people. They can learn skills, they can make decisions about the kind of life that they want to live,” said Rachel Olson, The Arc Minnesota’s director of development. “They can create the lives they really want to create. Maybe they aren’t fighting the fires, but they may be doing something in an operational capacity because they were able to experience this.”

And sometimes, the real lesson is about carrying a smile all the way home, while having the tools carve out a life they want.

The Arc Minnesota says you can support its mission by visiting their Value Village Thrift Stores which helps fund their programs.

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 Abby Dodge

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — A Good Samaritan helped detain a man accused of attempting to steal expensive jewelry from a woman in Brickell on Thursday, holding him down until police arrived despite being pepper-sprayed during the pursuit, witnesses said.

The incident occurred near Southwest 14th Street, where a woman’s cries for help prompted nearby residents and bystanders to chase the suspect.

Witness Xio Fermin said he was walking his dog when he heard a woman shouting that she had been robbed.

“I’m not sure what he was thinking, but that’s definitely the wrong time,” Fermin said. “It’s also crazy because this is one of the safest neighborhoods.”

Video recorded after the confrontation shows bystanders surrounding the suspect as a man held him on the ground.

Police arrested 21-year-old Yagiz Dogan and charged him with grand theft and battery.

During a bond court hearing, Judge Mindy Glazer noted that Dogan is already facing allegations in a similar case.

“I agree with the state. He’s targeting people,” Glazer said. “The other case as well is similar.”

According to court records, Dogan is a suspect in a July case. He allegedly arranged to purchase a woman’s $15,000 diamond ring through Facebook Marketplace before fleeing with the jewelry.

Police said Thursday’s alleged theft attempt was not arranged beforehand. Investigators reported that Dogan approached a woman and offered to buy two bracelets worth thousands of dollars before allegedly taking them.

Fermin said he hopes the incident serves as a reminder for residents to stay alert.

“Be careful because it’s the second time he’s done it here in Brickell, so I’m sure it’s something to keep an eye out for,” he said.

Fermin praised the unidentified Good Samaritan who intervened.

“It takes courage to go after someone,” he said. “He got pepper-sprayed in the process, and he stayed. He was on top and wouldn’t let go.”

Dogan remained in jail Friday night, with records showing that he posted his $1,100 bond. When released, he will be placed on house arrest and was ordered to stay away from the victims in both 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 Tara Lynch, Renee Anderson

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    HARFORD COUNTY, Maryland (WJZ) — A baseball coach in Harford County, Maryland is facing charges after investigators say he arranged to meet with an undercover officer whom he believed to be a 15-year-old boy.

Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler announced the arrest of Robert “Joe” Swarthout, of Fallston, on Friday. Swarthout is charged with two felony counts related to solicitation of a minor.

The 41-year-old told detectives he serves as a baseball coach with Fallston Recreation and previously worked for a national tutoring company, the sheriff said.

According to authorities, Swarthout used an online app to communicate with the undercover deputy who was posing as a 15-year-old boy. Swarthout allegedly arranged to meet the teen in person and was taken into custody at the designated location.

“Let me make one thing absolutely clear, if you target our kids, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will bring you to justice,” Gahler said in a social media post Friday.

Swarthout appeared in court Thursday and was held without bail.

Disturbing details Swarthout connected with the deputy, who was disguised as a teenage boy named Aiden, on an app called “Sniffies.”

Charging documents accuse the coach of sending sexually charged messages and explicit photos, and asking for photos in return.

Court records also say he is a father of two and left his 8-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son with a 12-year-old neighbor to meet up with the deputy disguised as a teen boy.

The announcement of Swarthout’s arrest comes one day after the sheriff’s office said it arrested Kenneth Goedeke, a Catholic Church deacon and former Catholic school teacher from Bel Air, on similar charges.

“Both of these married, grown men have put themselves into positions where they interact with children every single day,” Gahler told CBS News Baltimore.

“We’re not going to tolerate it” Gahler said these arrests resulted from a partnership with the true-crime series, “Takedown,” marking the third time the department has teamed up with the show.

“Someone said the other day, ‘Why are all these [cases] in Harford County?’ Because we’re looking for them, and we’re not going to tolerate it,” said Gahler.

The sheriff urged parents and caretakers to speak with their children about the “dangers posed by individuals who misuse positions of trust and by online predators who target young people.”

“Look at the devices, see what apps are on their devices, what they’re using and, again, how they’re spending their online time,” he added.

Statement from Fallston United Methodist Church CBS News Baltimore reached out to officials from the Fallston baseball team Swarthout coached, in which they responded:

“We are aware of the arrest of a member of our congregation. The charges are deeply concerning, and our thoughts are with all those who may be affected. The safety and well-being of children and youth are among our highest priorities. We follow policies and procedures designed to provide a safe environment for children and youth. They were and remain in place.

Over the last three months, the church held a limited number of activities for youth at which Mr. Swarthout was present along with other adult volunteers, parents and our church leadership. Those activities were held in our gym or other open, highly visible spaces.

Though the events that led to the arrest did not involve our church, we have directed anyone with questions or concerns to contact Pastor Karin Walker.

Because this is an active legal matter, it would not be appropriate for us to comment broadly on the charges or the legal process. We are in prayer for everyone involved.”

Anyone with information about the investigation or who may have been a victim of Swarthout is asked to contact the sheriff’s dedicated tip line at cactips@harfordsheriff.org.

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.