Woodland Hills School District superintendent placed on unpaid leave stemming from internal investigation

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Mike Darnay

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    Pittsburgh (KDKA) — The Woodland Hills school board has voted to move their superintendent from paid leave to unpaid leave stemming from an internal district investigation.

Superintendent Joe Maluchnik had been on paid leave for the past three months during an internal investigation within the school district.

Last week, that investigation found evidence that Maluchnik engaged in sex discrimination and harassed multiple female employees, favoring male employees instead.

The investigation’s findings also come on the heels of a similar complaint lodged by a female employee in the Wilkinsburg School District, where Maluchnik had served as an interim superintendent. Last week, the Wilkinsburg board approved an out-of-court settlement with that employee for an undisclosed amount.

One Woodland Hills board member claimed Maluchnik was really suspended for asking questions about district finances. Other members dispute that.

“This board member had no idea of anything he could’ve found, that he was going to blow a whistle,” Melanie Timbers said. “I didn’t know that. I wish that he had given us the opportunity to know that in executive meetings. Some people may have known, some board members. I’m telling you, this board member did not.”

During a public comment period at Wednesday’s meeting, some criticized the board for a lack of transparency.

“It’s about the kids,” one person said. “It seems to be that every time you put out a statement, it’s always about transparency. Is it transparent that you wanted to wait until yesterday to announce this meeting when the media already knew about it on Friday and you announced it yesterday? Do you consider it transparent that you didn’t tell anyone that was on the agenda today just now, before the public speaking here?”

Maluchnik has denied all all allegations and can request a hearing before the board.

In a statement, Maluchnik’s attorney said his client “looks forward to presenting the full truth at the appropriate time and in the appropriate forum.”

“He remains committed to ethical leadership, fiscal responsibility, and most importantly, serving students and communities,” the statement continued.

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.

Bullet strikes Florida deputy’s bodycam when man opens fire; sheriff says it likely saved his life

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Dacia Johnson & Madilyn Destefano

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    VOLUSIA, Florida (WESH) — The body-worn camera on a Volusia County deputy is credited with deflecting a bullet meant for his chest, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said at a news conference this week.

Chitwood said the shooting happened on Candler Drive in Deltona on Monday night while the deputy was investigating a battery call. He was shot in the leg and shoulder.

The bullet that hit the deputy’s shoulder is believed to have ricocheted off the body-worn camera.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen a body camera take a hit,” Chitwood said.

Up until six months ago, deputies at the Volusia Sheriff’s Office wore their body cameras in a different place. The switch was recent, Chitwood said.

The man accused of shooting the deputy will remain behind bars on no bond after appearing before a judge on Tuesday.

Luis Diaz Polanco could be heard saying, “I need to talk to my mom,” to his public defender as he left the hearing.

While being interrogated, Polanco said he was off his prescribed schizophrenia medication.

The incident began when a caller reported that the suspect, Polanco, had damaged her vehicle by striking the hood.

Deputies then attempted to contact Polanco at a residence.

When they approached the front door, Polanco immediately pointed a handgun at the deputies and fired multiple rounds before going back inside, according to the arrest affidavit.

VSO released body camera footage from the shooting.

“One thing they did not know or anticipate was a vandalism call knocking on the door, which they have the legal right to do, would end up in a barrage of gunfire…” Chitwood said.

The deputy who was shot was identified as Jose Rivera.

“The trail of shells from the front door to where you see Deputy Rivera leaning on the car would indicate he fired at him and followed him down the driveway,” Chitwood said.

In body camera footage from other deputies, you see a tourniquet being applied to Rivera. He’s rushed into a patrol car after being hit in the shoulder and the leg and taken to the hospital

While this was happening, deputies back at the home were taking Polanco into custody. Once in custody, the sheriff says Polanco talked.

“When the deputies came up to the house, he had every intention to shoot them,” Sheriff Chitwood said of Polanco’s statement. “To shoot them in their vest and if I didn’t run out of ammunition, I would have killed them all.”

Rivera survived and was released from the hospital on Wednesday.

When detectives interrogated Polanco, he explained he had been off his prescribed schizophrenia medication for about a month after missing an appointment.

Detectives said he acknowledged that shooting at the deputies was wrong.

Polanco said he deliberately aimed his firearm at the deputies’ chests because he believed their ballistic vests would protect them, according to the arrest affidavit.

He is now facing two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm.

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Quakertown residents say “trust has been broken” after clash between police chief and students during protest

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Wakisha Bailey, Atheer Hussein

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    Philadelphia (KYW) — A packed and emotional meeting in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, brought renewed calls for accountability following the arrest of several students during an anti-ICE protest at Quakertown Community High School last month.

On Wednesday night, community members filled the Quakertown Borough Council meeting, many demanding the firing of Police Chief Scott McElree.

Some residents held signs reading “fire and arrest Scott McElree” as they called for answers about a confrontation between police and students during the protest.

The Feb. 20 school walkout and protest, which started peacefully and then turned violent, resulted in the arrest of five teenage students who spent multiple nights in custody, according to attorneys representing them.

Police said some of the students were throwing snowballs and kicking cars when, according to the students, a man in a brown jacket started pushing them around. Students had no idea it was McElree, who they say did not identify himself as a police officer.

Videos of the clashes have since drawn national attention. McElree is currently on workers’ compensation leave and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the incident.

In the public comment portion of the meeting, many residents lined up to share concerns about the arrests and the impact on the community. One man who spoke said his niece was among the students involved.

“My niece’s bloody face is a stain on this town … the bloody face that came at the hands of Scott and the Quakertown Police Department,” he said.

One speaker said trust between residents and local leaders has been damaged.

“Trust has been broken in this community, and when trust is broken, it leaves a foothold for fear,” one resident said.

Others expressed concern about the charges students are facing.

“What we are seeing now is a chilling effect on engagement, when students are arrested, charged with felonies and publicly vilified for protesting and defending themselves,” another resident said.

Several speakers defended the students’ right to protest.

“When there are children here [protesting], they are exercising their civic duty — why can’t we see that as beauty?” one resident said.

Others urged borough leaders to take action.

“At very minimum, we need to denounce this … we need to start standing up for children,” another resident said.

The borough council says the Bucks County District Attorney’s investigation remains ongoing. Officials have not said when that review could be completed.

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Mother and baby manatee rescued in Cape Coral canal after boat strike

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By James Curtis

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    CAPE CORAL, Florida (WBBH) — The Cape Coral Police Department helped the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescue two manatees Wednesday.

A mother manatee was hit by a propeller 20-22 times, and her baby would not leave, so both had to be rescued, police said. Officer Wolfe with CCPD was a part of the rescue efforts.

It took nearly a dozen people on FWC’s Marine Mammal Rescue boat to rescue the manatees.

This rescue comes after at least 25 dead manatees were reported in Lee County between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18, possibly due to cold stress, according to FWC.

FWC also said that its crews and partners rescued six manatees in Lee County from Feb. 19 to Feb. 26 after responding to reports of the animals showing signs of cold stress, watercraft injuries and malnutrition.

If you encounter a manatee that is sick, injured or deceased, you can report it to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline by dialing 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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.

Florida taxpayers face billion-dollar bill for Alligator Alcatraz

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Dave Elias

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    COLLIER COUNTY, Florida (WBBH) — New documents obtained by Gulf Coast News reveal that Gov. Ron DeSantis was prepared to spend more than a billion dollars of taxpayer money to fund the controversial federal detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz, leaving Florida taxpayers to foot the bill.

The state requested almost $1.5 billion through a FEMA application to build and fund Alligator Alcatraz, but it has not been reimbursed, meaning taxpayers are currently paying $4.11 million each day, $171,233 an hour, $2,854 each minute, and $47.57 each second, around the clock for a full year.

Chaz Jarvis expressed his frustration, saying, “I think it’s ridiculous. I think that the people of America should not have to pay a single dime for this.”

State documents show taxpayers are paying millions, including $92 million for porta-johns to a company called “Doodie Calls” and nearly $40,000 spent on clothing and bedding. Many taxpayers are struggling with the costs.

Sandy Wray from Fort Myers said, “I agree with having a place like Alligator Alley, but I don’t think it should cost the taxpayers as much as they’re charging us.”

On July 4 alone, the facility spent nearly $6 million in operating costs. Democrats like Anna Eskamani are calling the spending wasteful.

“As a legislative body, we have to reel in the governor because of the money he has wasted on this political endeavor could be spent on teacher pay or affordable housing,” Eskamani said. She added, “It’s time we close shop and let the federal government operate as they will and not pick up the tab for this operation.”

The facility continues to operate, costing more than a million dollars a day, according to the department’s own estimates. Local Republican lawmakers have not commented on the issue.

Documents can be reviewed online.

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Aggressive goose attacks, chases students on Florida campus

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Allison Petro

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    TALLAHASSEE, Florida (WBBH) — A video captured the moment students at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee were terrorized by a Canadian goose.

The footage shows the aggressive bird attacking a student and chasing several others as they walked to class.

One student is seen falling to the floor while running away from the goose. The person quickly gets up, shocked, and tries to laugh off the encounter.

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.

South Florida’s boating community sees spike in fuel prices due to Middle East instability: “It’s outrageous”

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Chelsea Jones

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — Drivers and boaters across South Florida are feeling the impact as gas prices climb, forcing many to rethink their spending as tensions in the Middle East continue.

According to AAA, the average price for regular gas in Florida has jumped 12 cents since Tuesday, and is up 26 cents from last week.

For many drivers, the increase is noticeable the moment they pull up to the pump.

“It sucks,” said Alex, reacting to the higher prices.

Others say the rising costs are frustrating even if they can still afford to fill their tanks.

“It’s outrageous, outrageous considering that we produce oil ourselves,” said Vlad.

Some drivers are already adjusting their routines.

Brittney Champion said she recently noticed the price difference while driving through Broward County.

“I was in Fort Lauderdale and saw that it was like $3.50 and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I hope it’s still cheap in Sunny Isles when I get there,'” Champion said.

Some say higher prices could boost domestic energy production While drivers who use regular gas are feeling the pinch, diesel users are seeing an even sharper spike.

AAA says diesel prices rose 26 cents in just one day, bringing the statewide average to about $4.10 per gallon.

At Haulover Park Marina, Captain Jack, who owns three charter boats, says fuel costs are rising but he plans to keep operating.

“There’s a little bit of an impact, but if it’s the price that we have to pay to keep our freedom going then I don’t mind paying a little bit more,” he said.

Some people see the higher prices as a potential boost for domestic energy production.

“I think it’s great oil prices are going up. That means our oil wells are going to produce more, and our producers are going to produce more and be able to drill more and make investments in the United States,” said Bradley Perry.

Crude oil prices are currently hovering around $76 per barrel, according to MarketWatch.

Prices remain below record-highs seen in 2022 Despite the recent jump, experts say prices are still below the record highs seen in 2022.

“Don’t freak out. We’re not at the level we were when Russia invaded Ukraine and gas shot up to $5 a gallon,” said Mark Jenkins with AAA.

Some businesses say they may eventually pass the higher costs on to customers.

“We’re just going to increase our prices a little bit and that’s it,” Captain Jack said.

Others say they don’t have that option.

“I own my own business so it’s not like I’m going to get paid any more. I might lose clients because you have the uprising in costs,” Champion said.

Some drivers are also looking for ways to save, including waiting in longer lines at membership warehouses like Costco for cheaper fuel.

AAA says oil prices appear to be stabilizing for now, but it remains difficult to predict how much higher gas prices could climb as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

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Six Flags sells off Worlds of Fun, Six Flags St. Louis | Here’s what that means for the upcoming season

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By JoBeth Davis

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — Six Flags announced this week a big change — the sale of seven different theme parks, including Kansas City’s Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, as well as Six Flags St. Louis.

In a press release on its website touting “a new chapter,” the entertainment company announced it has entered into a sales agreement with EPR Properties for seven parks:

Michigan’s Adventure (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston (Galveston, Texas)

Six Flags Great Escape (Queensbury, New York)

Six Flags La Ronde (Montreal, Quebec)

Six Flags St. Louis (St. Louis, Missouri)

Valleyfair (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, Missouri)

The company said this was part of a “thoughtful decision about where we focus our energy,” adding that this allows the company to focus on “parks with the greatest potential for innovation, expansion, and elevated guest experiences.”

EPR Properties and the associated Enchanted Parks are the third-largest privately held regional park operators in the United States, already operating sites like Diggerland in West Berlin, New Jersey, Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, New York, and Calypso’s Cove, also in Old Forge.

The sale, valued at $342 million, is EPR’s largest acquisition since 2017.

The company has also acquired the use of the Six Flags brand through 2026, meaning very little will change at Worlds of Fun and the other properties to begin with.

Mamba spot inspection reportMamba safety report confirms ‘unsatisfactory’ seat belts were replaced on same day as inspection Six Flags said the included parks will still maintain their regular operating schedules and all season passes sold will continue to be honored through the 2026 season, including the multipark pass privileges.

For Dining Pass, Fast Lane, Photo Pass and Drink Plans, Six Flags is still working through the particulars, but said, “To ensure you are receiving fair value for your dining plan purchase, we are providing you with a $10 credit to be used in F&B at your home park this season.”

EPR will retain the Six Flags branding rights to all of the parks through the end of 2026, so no name change will be coming to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun yet, but changes are expected in 2027.

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.

Maryland man’s recovery inspires those with traumatic brain injuries

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Jennifer Franciotti

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    COLUMBIA, Maryland (WBAL) — A Maryland man is sharing his recovery story in hopes of helping others during Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Anthony Johnson, of Columbia, is moving forward following his traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnosis. He has certainly come far since November 2020, when the car he was riding in was hit by a truck while on his way to work.

“The left side of my skull that was damaged in the accident got replaced by a prosthetic skull that was created through a 3-D printer. That was measured to be symmetrical to the right-side skull,” Johnson said.

Johnson was on the passenger side and suffered multiple facial, rib and skull fractures that required two brain surgeries.

“The scar down the middle, this is the incision. So, it’s not a fashion statement,” Johnson said. “I had to learn how to talk. I had to learn how to walk. I had to be fed. It was the most vulnerable experience because even at times I had to be changed.”

While his recovery has been remarkable, today, he still deals with the effects of the traumatic brain injury.

“Because the damage is on the left side of my brain, it affected my motor skills on my right side. So, now, I had to learn how to use my left hand, write with my left hand, drink and eat with my left hand,” Johnson said. “I have a little bit of anxiety, driving on the highway and driving a long distance. I don’t like the way I talk still.”

“There are over 600,000 Marylanders that have sustained a brain injury, and to put that into perspective, that’s almost eight and a half times what goes into the Ravens stadium,” said Caitlin Starr, the executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Maryland, a nonprofit organization that connects patients with resources, including finding specialists to workplace advocacy and education.

Starr explained how serious brain injuries can be.

“Even if you do all the right things, like wearing a helmet or wearing your seat belt, you could still potentially get a brain injury, and so, if you do sustain a brain injury or a concussion — even if you think it’s mild — always make sure you go to get it checked out because those symptoms could potentially get worse,” Starr said.

March is TBI Awareness Month, and it’s why Johnson is sharing his story. He wants others to know that he is proof that life can get better.

“It’s a long process, for some, even a lifetime,” Johnson said. “We haven’t lost anything, alright? In fact, we’ve been reborn. We actually got a special power now because that special power is self-awareness and vulnerability.”

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Attorney General releases body-worn camera video of incident that left Samuel Brown dead in Baltimore

CNN Newsource on March 5, 2026

By Jake Shindel

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    WOODLAWN, Maryland (WBAL) — The Maryland Office of the Attorney General released police body-worn camera video of an incident that left 56-year-old Samuel Brown dead.

The office’s Independent Investigations Division identified the officer as Derek Hadel, who has been with the department for nine years.

The video shows Brown being punched by a Baltimore County police officer before falling toward the ground.

Brown ended up with a broken jaw and nose, along with brain damage, according to the family. He died on Friday.

Based on information from a police incident report reviewed by WBAL-TV 11 News, an officer responded around 3:30 a.m. to a call about someone asleep behind the wheel at Security Boulevard and Whitehead Road. The report states Brown got out of his vehicle and became confrontational, disregarding commands to get back.

Hadel is under investigation for use of force, according to the OAG.

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