3 people hospitalized after car is torn in half in high-speed crash

By Ava Kershner

Click here for updates on this story

    EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) — Two juveniles and one adult were taken to the hospital after a crash on Gustavo Street and Jamacha Road in El Cajon on Sunday.

One of the cars involved was split in half between the front and back seats, with the front end strewn across the road.

According to the El Cajon Police Department, one of the cars was driving north at a high rate of speed when it drifted into southbound traffic. Officials said the injuries are not life-threatening.

Laurie Debus lives just a few hundred yards from where the crash happened.

“It’s crazy. It’s really reckless,” Debus said.

“I fear for the cars that just come zooming down, down this hill that, that they’re going to come into me,” said Debus. “I’ve said that actually, as long as I’ve lived here, because they drive so fast.”

Neighbors say speeding on Jamacha Road is too common and can be deadly.

“So this, this stretch of road, in fact, a friend of my daughter’s that she went to high school with was killed just right up, right up the street on the left-hand side of the road. It’s been extremely dangerous,” Debus said.

Neighbors told ABC 10News that no one dying on impact from this crash is miraculous.

“This is astonishing that, that people survived this, because a car being split in half, no one should have walked away from that. And I’m grateful that, that too,” said Debus.

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.

‘Migrant Mother’ plaque finds new home at Nipomo Library

By KSBY Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    CALIFORNIA (KSBY) — A tribute to an iconic image from the Great Depression now has a permanent home at the Nipomo Library.

The “Migrant Mother” plaque honors the famous photograph taken in Nipomo by Dorothea Lange in 1936.

The image captures Florence Owens Thompson and her children. It’s recognized as a powerful representation of struggle during that era.

More than $3,000 was raised to create the plaque. The effort was spearheaded by retired history teacher Terry Handy.

“It’s been long overdue to kind of just celebrate why this photograph means so much to Americans and still does. It’s arguably one of the most famous photographs in American history. In fact, internationally as well. And it’s been a long, long over a year to celebrate that,” Handy said.

You can find the plaque at the library on West Tefft Street.

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.

Idaho woman celebrates 109th birthday, crediting healthy living for her long life

By Leslie Solis

Click here for updates on this story

    CALDWELL, Idaho (KIVI) — Juanita Sibert has lived to see more than a century of American history — and on Saturday, she celebrated 109 years of it with cake, ice cream, and the people who love her most.

Born March 7, 1917, in Marland, Nebraska, Sibert blew out her candles surrounded by family and community members who gathered in Caldwell to mark the milestone.

When asked the secret to her long life, Sibert kept it simple.

“Well, I didn’t drink, I didn’t smoke. I lived a healthy life,” Sibert said.

The Sibert family sold their farm and ranch in Nebraska and moved west to Idaho in October of 1946. Today, her legacy spans four generations across Idaho and Wyoming, with more than 50 living descendants.

“I come from a big family,” Sibert added.

Sibert recalled a moment when someone once read the lines of her palm and made a prediction that has since proven difficult to argue with. “I don’t know where the line is myself, anyways, he said, ‘My gosh, you are going to live forever.”

Her granddaughter, Mietta Sibert, said watching her grandmother’s life unfold across more than a century of change has been nothing short of remarkable.

“I look at it, and I’m blown away — from no phone, to a flip phone, to Bluetooth,” Mietta Sibert said.

Mietta said her grandmother has remained joyful throughout it all — a quality reflected in Juanita’s longtime nickname, “Happy.”

“Just learning about her stories and the impact and life that her family has built around her has been tremendous. Most people don’t survive past 89, 90, and for her to just keep on going, I think it’s her strong connection with family and friends and just love, pure love and joy,” explained Mietta Sibert.

Juanita said one thing she has learned throughout this century is to never stop laughing and to enjoy time with family.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been, in part, converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KIVI’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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.

A Pandemic Promise That Became a Way of Life

By Bob Hoffman

Click here for updates on this story

    LANSING, Michigan (WSYM) — Every day, two friends lace up their shoes and walk side by side. They’ve been doing it since March 15, 2020. They have never missed a day. Most days they can be found right here on the Lansing River Trail.

What started during the uncertainty of the pandemic slowly became something much bigger than just a walk.

It became a routine, accountability, and friendship for Cherry Hamrick and Mark Buzzitta.

Mark says, “It’s based on work schedules and things like that. So sometimes, you know, maybe I have a meeting or something and I can’t get there till later in the afternoon, but at the same time, you know, hey, this weekend, we’re both free Saturday morning, so we could do a longer walk.”

“And when you walk every day for years,” Mark adds, “you learn the trail pretty well.”

“The Ingham County trails are great. We can meet in a lot of different places. We could start by Potter Park Zoo. We could start over at Hawk Island. We could even start in Old Town.”

In fact, the Lansing River Trail has a way of surprising people, even those who think they already know it. Kip Bohne is the president of the Friends of the Lansing River Trail.

“I think discovery is one of the best things about this whole trail system. I was riding my bike and saw part of this area that I had never, ever seen before, and it was so beautiful. I thought, does this keep going? And so I kept going and finding new discoveries. And I think that’s the best thing about it.”

Mark and Cherry discovered something else on this trail too.

Consistency.

“There’s no real reason to stop. It’s obviously good exercise, and it’s fun. It’s outside. There’s no downside to it.”

Cherry agrees.

“Neither of us have ever been sick enough that we couldn’t manage to get out. I buy a lot more running shoes than I used to and put in more miles between running and walking.”

Mark adds, “I wear a coat when I have to, if it’s really, really cold, but yes, definitely new shoes every few months. That goes with the territory, and that’s okay with me.”

Their walks have also turned into something else.

Looking out for the trail itself.

“Working with the county parks department, we came up with graffiti kits to clean signs,” Cherry says. “This has already been cleaned once, but then somebody got it again. So we have these little backpacks with graffiti wipes, Goo Gone, and gloves, and we come out when we find a sign. Mark and I are on the trails a lot, so we see a lot of signs.”

Kip thinks Mark and Cherry are great representatives of the trails.

“Mark and Cherry are good neighbors because they are goodwill ambassadors for the trail. They kind of set the tone for all the things that you can do on the trail system. They have been so great about talking about it with people. That’s part of our mission.”

We met Mark and Cherry out here on the trail last fall, and as March 2026 rolls around, their streak is still going. At their last count, they’ve walked a total of 7,470 miles.

Every day.

No matter the weather. No matter the schedule.

Just two friends walking side by side.

Proof that sometimes the best journeys…

Start with just one step.

And a friend willing to take it with you.

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.

Bodycam footage shows deputies killing man charging with machete

By Ryan Dickstein

Click here for updates on this story

    WHITE PLAINS, Maryland (WMAR) — Extremely graphic body-worn camera footage has been released of a deadly police involved shooting in White Plains last month.

The 11-plus minute video shows 36-year-old Demarcus Irish, of Clinton, charging at Charles County Sheriff’s Sergeant Andrew Coulby with a machete.

Coulby and Deputy First Class Brennan Kunz fires each fire killing Irish.

As the pair of officers tend to Irish, they discover he’s wearing a body-armored vest.

At the time of his death, Irish was wanted on a domestic violence related warrant.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office is investigating the shooting.

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.

18-year-old woman pleads not guilty to alleged sex trafficking, child abuse charges

By KITV Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    HONOLULU (KITV) — The 18-year-old woman accused of serious offenses including child abuse and sex trafficking, has pleaded not guilty.

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, Reaiah Murray, 18, pleaded not guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Promoting Child Abuse 1 and 2.

A bench warrant was released on Friday, February 27, 2026, and she was arrested the following day on Saturday, Feb. 28.

Murray is accused of knowingly profiting from and/or advancing the prostitution of a minor. According to official documents, these alleged actions occurred as a continuous series of events and a single scheme between October 30 and November 20, 2025.

Reports also indicated that Murray was involved in the creation or assisted in the creation of child pornography.

A no-contact order is in effect, and she is currently being held without bail.

No other information has been provided at this time.

Murray’s mother previously filed a temporary restraining order against her in June of 2025, according to legal documents. The mother detailed a number of concerns, claiming Murray was a “continuous runaway” and had allegedly broken into her home, damaging a window. She also accused Murray of stealing her boyfriend’s 4Runner from their driveway and allegedly threatening to hit her. Murray’s mother stated in the legal document, “I am concerned for my safety.”

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.

From Classroom to Community: How Houston City College Helped Brittaney Wilmore Build a Thriving Journalism Career

By Francis Page Jr

Click here for updates on this story

    March 6, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a city fueled by resilience, diversity, and opportunity, journalism plays a vital role in shaping conversations and strengthening communities. For Brittaney Wilmore, that calling began at Houston City College (HCC), where a scholarship, strong mentorship, and hands-on newsroom experience helped transform her ambition into a thriving career in broadcast journalism.

Today, Wilmore serves as Director of Community Engagement at KTRK-TV (ABC13 Houston) — a leadership role that connects one of Houston’s most trusted news stations directly with the people it serves. Her journey, however, started years earlier inside the classrooms and studios of Houston City College.

A Scholarship That Changed Everything

A graduate of Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Wilmore enrolled at HCC with the support of the David and Jean Wiley Scholarship through the HCC Foundation. The scholarship covered tuition and books, allowing her to focus fully on her education and future without the weight of student debt.

She graduated in 2011 with an Associate of Arts in Communications — but the degree was only part of the story.

Her defining experience came at HCC-TV, the college’s on-campus television station at 3100 Main Street. There, she immersed herself in every aspect of production: learning Final Cut Pro and Premiere, producing programs, booking interviews, and meeting lawmakers and community leaders.

“HCC-TV has my heart,” Wilmore has shared. “Some of my fondest memories are learning the craft and understanding how the television business works.”

Under faculty with real newsroom experience, she gained practical skills and professional confidence — tools that would soon open doors across Houston’s competitive media landscape.

Breaking Into Houston’s Newsrooms

After leaving HCC debt-free, Wilmore completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston. She then launched her professional career as a line producer for the morning show at KHOU, one of Houston’s leading television stations.

The fast-paced role sharpened her editorial judgment and newsroom instincts. A few years later, she joined ABC13 as a digital content producer, managing online publishing and breaking news alerts in an era when immediacy and accuracy matter more than ever.

Now, as Director of Community Engagement at ABC13, Wilmore stands at the intersection of journalism and civic connection. She coordinates outreach initiatives, organizes public appearances, and helps shape community-centered storytelling that reflects Houston’s vibrant and diverse neighborhoods.

Paying It Forward

Wilmore remembers the early days — sending out resumes, crafting cover letters, and hoping someone would take a chance on her work. That memory fuels her commitment to mentoring the next generation.

“When I meet students trying to break into the industry, I want to give them the same care and advice that was shown to me,” she has said.

Her message to donors who support the HCC Foundation is equally heartfelt: investing in students creates lasting impact. Scholarships don’t just remove financial barriers — they unlock potential and confidence.

And her advice to aspiring journalists is refreshingly simple: Stay connected to mentors. Embrace new tools. Say “yes” to opportunities that stretch your comfort zone.

A Launchpad for Houston’s Future

For Houston students dreaming of careers in media, Wilmore’s story is proof that world-class preparation can begin right here at home. Houston City College continues to serve as a powerful launchpad for first-generation students, career changers, and aspiring storytellers eager to make their mark.

In a rapidly evolving media environment, Houston needs ethical, skilled, and community-rooted journalists more than ever. Through scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on training, HCC is helping cultivate that next generation of leaders.

Brittaney Wilmore’s journey reminds us that when Houston invests in education, the entire city benefits.

To start your academic journey, visit hccs.edu/apply.

To support student scholarships, learn more at hccs.edu/foundation.

Because sometimes, the path to the newsroom begins in a classroom — and sometimes, that classroom is right here in Houston.

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.

Francis Page Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

He used to live in ‘Tent City.’ Now, he’s trying to get others into rehab

By Keith BieryGolick

Click here for updates on this story

    NEW MIAMI, Ohio (WCPO) — There’s a decal on the back window of his truck that says, “thank you Jesus.” And inside, there are boxes of coats and hygiene supplies.

This winter, Daniel Hatfield slept in that truck. Not because he didn’t have a place to go. But because he didn’t want to forget where he came from.

Almost everyone I talk to about Hatfield tells me this story.

His wife tells me another one — one where she used to bang on the doors of drug dealers. If a red car pulled up outside, those dealers would yell.

“I’m here to take you back to your miserable life,” his wife would say.

Hatfield spent two years living in the woods because of his addiction. He’d gone from painkillers after surgery to heroin — it was cheaper — and eventually lost his business. He almost lost his family.

“I was horrible. I was a thief. I was a lying, cheating, conniving junkie,” Hatfield said. “I’m not ashamed of what I did. I’m proud of what I quit.”

Last month, Hatfield celebrated 10 years clean. And now he’s putting his energy — and thousands of dollars of his own money — into an outreach center in this Butler County village where one in four people live below the poverty line.

“He’s helping a place that’s been in dire need for a long time,” said William Norris, who works with Hatfield. “We all need a helping hand sometimes.”

Norris is one of several people remodeling an apartment with Hatfield in Fairfield. Downstairs, Joe Stout puts a Mountain Dew in his tool belt and smiles. He tells me he’s gained 15 pounds from eating the free meals at Hatfield’s Faith Mission Outreach.

I tell him it’s hard to tell.

“He means a lot to me,” Stout said. “He’s the only person I got.”

I met Hatfield this winter when I was doing a story about people experiencing homelessness during dangerously cold weather. I spent the afternoon with an outreach specialist who was trying to make sure people were OK.

Faith Mission Outreach was one of the places we checked.

“I see myself in some of these people,” Hatfield said. “I can see where they hurt, and I can see what they’re looking for.”

I interviewed him then, but didn’t have enough room to include him in my story. So I came back on a rainy evening in March, while they were serving dinner. When I get there, Tracey Myers-Birgel offers me cake. Then, she introduces me to her dog. He’s not allowed behind the gate where she’s making vegetable soup.

“That’s Junior Little Man,” Myers-Birgel said. “Daniel jokes that he’s kind of our mascot.”

Myers-Birgel is helping out because she’s one of the people who stayed here this winter, when Hatfield opened the building up as a warming center. She said without this place, she would’ve been living in a storage unit — because she couldn’t find anywhere else that would take her dog.

“It’s always warm in here,” Myers-Birgel said.

Hatfield tells me he’s helped 13 people get into rehab programs since Faith Mission Outreach opened in October.

Eddie Philpot tells me he’s never used drugs, like a lot of people here, but four heart attacks left him without a job. He comes here every day and says the food is great. He tells me he’s moving into new housing soon.

Thanks to the people Hatfield connected him with.

“You come here as a stranger,” Hatfield said. “But you leave as family.”

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.

Man turns a church shoe drive into a mission to help people around the world

By Brooklyn Heyn

Click here for updates on this story

    SPARTA, Wisconsin (WKBT) — A Sparta man’s church project has grown into a personal mission to help people around the world put shoes on their feet.

Richard Zidich first launched a shoe drive through Sparta United Methodist Church, collecting more than 350 pairs of shoes for the nonprofit Soles 4 Souls. Over the next five years, word spread and donations kept coming, eventually adding up to 10,000 pairs shipped out through the organization.

“When I saw this I said ‘this is something I can do to give back’ so that’s why I do it,” says Zidich.

Now, he’s working toward another big goal: collecting a second round of 10,000 pairs for those in need.

“If everybody in Sparta, and we’ve got over 10,000 people in Sparta, gave one pair of shoes, we’d have over 10,000 pairs of shoes,” says Zidich.

The shoe drive has grown so large that Soles 4 Souls now rents a storage unit in Sparta, giving Zidich space to stack donations until they’re picked up. Zidich says it is humbling to see how large the drive has grown.

“It’s been amazing, I shake my head every week and say ‘oh look at the shoes. It’s one of those ways to give back that whoever gives is giving from their heart, and doesn’t cost anything,’ he says.

Those who want to help can donate gently used shoes at Sparta Methodist Church, 210 N. Court St., Sparta, Wisconsin 54656.

Donations can be dropped off at the K St. entrance on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arrangements outside those hours, or for bulk pickups, can be made by contacting the church office at office@spartamethodist.com or by calling 608-269-6949.

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.

Boy battling bone cancer gets bedroom makeover, Creighton men’s basketball joins surprise

By Kelsey Mannix

Click here for updates on this story

    ELKHORN, Nebraska (KMTV) — A Nebraska boy battling bone cancer received a bedroom makeover from a nonprofit, with some special guests from Creighton men’s basketball on hand for the reveal.

Hudson Burgers, 9, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma last year and had his leg amputated a couple of months later. His family, including his twin brother Beckham, has been beside him throughout his battle.

After hearing about Hudson’s battle, the nonprofit Special Spaces stepped in to give him a bedroom makeover. Friday was the big reveal.

Kimberly Thomas, chapter director of Special Spaces Nebraska, said Hudson’s nomination stood out immediately.

“Hudson actually was nominated by a host of people,” Thomas said. “The nominations started rolling in, and I was getting one after the other. It was so heartwarming to see so many people just loving on him.”

Hudson described his reaction to seeing the finished room.

“When I walked in my room, it felt like it was in a different house,” Hudson said.

His father, Butch, spoke about his son’s attitude throughout his battle.

“He either has a really good day or an amazing day,” Butch said. “His attitude throughout this all has been next to none. He’s all smiles all the time and he’s made a heavy load — a lot — lighter.”

Butch was on the Creighton men’s basketball staff and is longtime friends with head coach Greg McDermott.

Coach Mac and four players — Jasen Green, Jackson McAndrew, Owen Freeman and Isaac Traudt — attended the reveal.

“This group of guys is easy to cheer for on the court,” Butch said. “But really, really easy to cheer for off the court, and having sons of my own, this is what you want them to grow up and be like.”

McDermott reflected on what the day meant.

“To have a day like this that’s special for (Hudson) and brings him joy and a smile to his face and let him celebrate with his two brothers, it doesn’t get any better,” McDermott said.

Hudson spoke about his outlook during his illness.

“I just like being happy. Make other people smile,” Hudson said.

The Special Spaces team also renovated a playroom in the basement where Hudson can do one of his favorite things — karaoke.

Hudson’s next scan is in a few weeks as doctors continue to monitor his cancer.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KMTV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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.