Author: CNN

KOVR

By Nina Burns

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    CERES, California (KOVR) — The mayor of Ceres is facing backlash after a social media post showing a before-and-after cleanup at a trash-filled site sparked questions about transparency and the use of artificial intelligence.

Mayor Javier Lopez posted images of a dumpster area behind a vacant Rite Aid, appearing to show the site cleaned up. But when residents and city leaders visited the location, they found trash and debris still present.

Lopez said code enforcement did respond to the site and removed large items, including debris surrounding the enclosure. However, he acknowledged using software with artificial intelligence features to edit the image.

“I lightened up the picture. It looks like I came over here and I power-washed the concrete,” Lopez said, adding that the intent was to highlight progress, not mislead the public.

The post drew criticism online, with some residents questioning whether the image accurately reflected conditions at the site.

Ceres City Councilmember Cerina Otero, who represents the district, said she visited the location after seeing the post and was surprised by what she found.

“I was really excited. I thought code enforcement came out to assist us,” Otero said. “But I was shocked to see the mess here still.”

Otero said code enforcement did remove some large items, but noted the area was far from fully cleaned. She also pointed to inconsistencies between the image and reality.

“I did notice that notice there on that wall was not in the photo,” she said. “This isn’t exactly cleaned up like we thought it was. And for me, transparency is key.”

Lopez said he left an AI label on the post and maintains he was upfront about how the image was created.

“I’m being very consistent and straightforward about anything that I’m using to compose any post,” he said.

Both Lopez and Otero said ongoing issues at the site are partly tied to homelessness and a lack of maintenance by the private property owner. Otero said while the city has been in contact with the owner, more consistent upkeep is needed.

“It’s expected that you help the city to maintain your property,” she said.

Lopez said moving forward, he plans to handle posts differently.

“We have to take accountability next time,” he said. “I’ll make sure that I come down here with the power washer to clean the concrete.”

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.

KYW

By Siafa Lewis, Tom Gardiner

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    ABSECON, New Jersey (KYW) — Most 6-year-olds have no concept of how challenging life can be. Aurora Dessicino of Absecon, New Jersey, knows all too well. A year ago, Aurora was diagnosed with a rare, incurable disease.

Being the center of attention in an unknown setting didn’t sit well with Aurora, at least not at first. But the nerves dissipated as Make-A-Wish New Jersey and The Learning Experience in Blackwood rolled out the red carpet to announce that Aurora, her mom, dad and three brothers will soon be heading to Walt Disney World.

“Today so far has been overwhelming,” Joseph Dessicino, Aurora’s father, said. “Just full of faith and hope and gratefullness.”

“It’s an exciting day for sure that Aurora’s well enough to have a wish,” mother Gigi Dessicino said.

What you saw on Wednesday — the joy, the smiles, the party — was the happy after all. But the story behind how Aurora arrived at this day is hard to comprehend.

“Aurora was born perfectly healthy,” Joseph Dessicino said. “And out of nowhere, she got this super rare disease, pulmonary hypertension that only 2,000 people have in America and probably about 500 of them being children.”

“When we got to the hospital, they told us that if it were another day, another week, she wouldn’t have made it,” Gigi Dessicino said.

Aurora’s condition is notoriously difficult to diagnose and life-threatening.

“We spent two months in the cardiac ICU,” Gigi Dessicino said. “She was in complete heart failure. To say we were shocked is an understatement.”

With the help of family, friends, their community in Absecon, their church, Joseph Dessicino’s union and a few calls from civic leaders, Aurora was able to receive an experimental medication that made all the difference.

“It’s truly amazing to see how far she has come,” Gigi Dessicino said. “We don’t know what her future holds, but we have so much hope.”

Not surprisingly, all the experiences her family has had have changed them.

“We celebrate all the little things in life that we used to take for granted,” Gigi Dessicino said. “And every day is truly a blessing with her.”

Aurora and her family will enjoy six nights in Kissimmee, including a special dining experience at the Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot with Aurora’s favorite princesses.

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.

WBZ

By Neal Riley, Brandon Truitt

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Two armed bank robberies in Boston Tuesday morning are believed to be connected, police say. A third bank was robbed in nearby Everett Tuesday afternoon, but police say the suspects taken into custody there are not responsible for the robberies in Boston.

The armed robberies in Boston occurred at a Santander Bank on Washington Street in Roxbury at 10:11 a.m., and a TD Bank on the American Legion Highway in Roslindale at 11:56 a.m.

“Both of today’s robberies are very active investigations,” a Boston police spokesperson said in a statement to WBZ-TV. “Preliminary information gathered by detectives indicates both robberies involve the same suspects.”

In Roxbury, police said two men entered the bank and robbed tellers at gunpoint. Police described one robber as a light-skinned man, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a medium build who was wearing a light blue Nike Tech hoodie, black pants, blue gloves and black face mask. The other robber was wearing a black Champion hoodie, with white lettering, black pants, blue gloves and a black face mask, police said.

In Roslindale, police said one of the robbers had the same black Champion hoodie, while the other wore a black hoodie with black pants, a black face mask, white and blue sneakers and blue gloves.

Radek Weirdeowski was inside the Roslindale bank at the time of the robbery. “I heard someone yelling behind me and two guys ran in,” Weirdeowski said. “One had a gun and started screaming that it was a robbery.”

He said it all happened so quickly. “While one guy was at the teller with the gun, the other guy was kind of rounding everyone else up,” he said. “And I thought we would all get robbed as well. But fortunately, they just took the bank’s money and took off.”

Police are looking for a blue Toyota RAV4 seen in both Boston robberies with license plate 4MXN78.

“Members of the public are advised to use caution, as a firearm was brandished during the incident,” Boston Police said.

Everett robbery arrests In Everett, just north of Boston, police made two arrests in another bank robbery Tuesday afternoon. The Eastern Bank at Broadway and Ferry Street was robbed at about 4:30 p.m., according to police.

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.

WBZ

By Louisa Moller

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A Massachusetts woman appeared in court on Tuesday, accused of faking her own cancer death in order to avoid having to face a judge for drunk driving and shoplifting charges.

Shannon Wilson shook her head in Plymouth District Court as prosecutors laid out the indictment against her.

“This is a defendant who was willing to fake her own death,” Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Alex Zane said.

Wilson is charged with one count each of furnishing false identifying information, obstruction of justice, forgery, uttering of a public record, and failure to appear after release on bail.

Woman accused of faking own death Prosecutors said the 45-year-old woman orchestrated the scheme to evade cases from 2022-2023. The first came in 2022 when she was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence.

“And this is when she first raises that she has terminal brain cancer,” Zane said, adding that Wilson told a Hingham judge at the time that she was dying.

They argue that she did the same thing during an arraignment for a shoplifting charge in Plymouth.

Then, prosecutors said Wilson stopped appearing in court. Defense attorneys reported that Wilson was in hospice care as her condition deteriorated.

“And ultimately, the counsel representing the defendant gives the court a screen grab or a print out of a text message that he received from that number he’s been communicating with that he believes is the defendant’s family of a death certificate from Rhode Island saying that she had passed away,” Zane said, saying the claim that Wilson died happened in May 2023.

Investigators looked at the grainy copy of the death certificate. The doctor whose signature was used, the hospice center listed, and the funeral home all had no record of Wilson’s death. Prosecutors determined the document was a fake.

Shannon Wilson charged in Massachusetts In August 2023, the person who previously posted Wilson’s $400 bail recovered the money after being informed she was dead. Several weeks later, prosecutors say Wilson showed up at the person’s house and allegedly admitted she had faked her death.

Wilson allegedly also duped her ex-fiancé, who she lived with in a Plymouth home.

“He indicated a week or so after the Hingham matter was dismissed, he actually thought that she was dead,” Zane said.

Wilson’s defense attorney argued that she was not the architect of the plan.

“She’s not the one who made these phone calls. She’s not the one who prepared the document that Mr. Zane referred to and she’s not the individual who submitted that to the court,” defense attorney Josh Werner said. Werner did not say who he believes sent in the fake death certificate.

Wilson pleaded not guilty and is being held on $50,000 bail.

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.

WFOR

By Abby Dodge, Ana Maria Soler

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    MIAMI, Florida (WFOR) — Newly released video shows the moment a Fort Lauderdale K-9 officer was shot while pursuing a burglary suspect, followed by the handler’s emotional exchange with his dog while driving him to the emergency clinic.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department released footage detailing the lengths officers went to capture the suspect, Christian Bouie.

Officers searched a home Saturday night near 1600 N.W. 16th Court for Bouie.

“FLPD, show yourself,” an officer called out.

It took the Fort Lauderdale Police Department more than an hour to approach Bouie with the help of a SWAT team and heat-sensor cameras attached to a helicopter.

“Yeah, we have him. He’s in a tree,” a pilot can be heard saying.

That’s when the K-9, Appie, went to work. Police say Bouie shot the dog, shattering his upper arm in two places.

The K-9 handler rushed Appie to an emergency clinic, sharing an emotional moment in the car.

“My dog has been shot,” the K-9 handler said. “Buddy, I love you. I love you, bud.”

After a five-hour surgery, Appie received a hero’s welcome back home.

“Today, we celebrate not just survival, but heroism,” Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bill Schultz said. “Appie, he is, and always will be our canine hero.”

Another K-9 helped take down Bouie, leaving Appie to focus on recovery. The department is still weighing the option of Appie returning to duty.

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.

WCBS

By Ali Bauman

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    NEW YORK, New York (WCBS) — An NYPD narcotics canine is back on the job after a near-death experience during a drug bust.

Here’s what happened to Mulk Mulk is a very good girl who is very good at her job. CBS News New York recently got to see her practice her drug-sniffing skills at the police canine training facility in Brooklyn. Alongside her, as always, was her partner, Det. Katherine Gill.

“She loves to go to work. I think she’s the hardest-working detective we have some days,” Gill said. “We are together 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She’s with me more than my children, honestly.”

The pair were working a drug bust earlier this month, when DEA and NYPD investigators followed Mulk’s nose to more than 40 kilos of fentanyl hidden in apartments in the Bronx and Manhattan.

“It wasn’t until we got back to the precinct that I checked on her, offered her some water, and that’s when I realized we were in trouble,” Gill said.

Narcan saved Mulk’s life, her partner says The detective said Mulk’s pupils were like pinpoints, she couldn’t walk, and wasn’t responding to her commands. So the detective made the snap decision to administer Narcan.

Gill explained how Narcan was given to Mulk, saying, “You take her snout and I would hold her nose shut with one thumb, administer in this one. Then we switch, and I hold it shut on this side, and give her the Narcan on this side.”

She said the life came back to Mulk’s eyes within five minutes.

It’s unclear how Mulk ingested the fentanyl during the takedown. Since it was powder, she could have inhaled it or ingested it through her paws.

“If I hadn’t gotten out of the truck and gone to check on her, who knows what would have happened to her,” Gill said.

Gill was able to save her partner’s life by following her own animal instincts.

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.

KTVT

By Erin Jones

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    DALLAS, Texas (KTVT) — Next week, a court hearing could decide whether some hemp products stay on shelves in Texas. Local hemp shops are watching closely.

At Moon Taxi in Lower Greenville, manager Tess Bratton-Rodriguez is urging customers to stock up on smokable hemp products.

“I decided to start our 4/20 sale today on 4/17 just because I want people to get the opportunity,” she said. “They are still worried.”

State advances new restrictions Right now, a legal fight is playing out. Late last month, state health officials advanced rules banning smokable hemp products and raising fees. The move follows Governor Abbott’s focus on safety and limiting access for minors.

Within days, hemp companies filed a lawsuit, arguing the rules go too far.

A judge issued a temporary restraining order, pausing enforcement and allowing shops to keep selling for now.

Key hearing set for Thursday Next Thursday, a judge will decide whether to grant a longer-term injunction.

“We need to figure out a middle ground or stick to what we were doing prior because it’s working,” Bratton-Rodriguez said.

If an injunction is granted, the rules stay on hold while the lawsuit continues. If it’s denied, the ban could take effect immediately.

“I anticipate the outcome being positive,” Bratton-Rodriguez said.

She believes smokable hemp products are here to stay.

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.

WBBM

By Noel Brennan

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    DES PLAINES, Illinois (WBBM) — The Des Plaines River has seen near-record flooding in northwest suburban Des Plaines, and officials fear levels could reach major flood stage this weekend with more rain in the forecast.

As of Thursday afternoon, the river was running at 15 feet and almost 10 inches near Des Plaines, about five feet below the record, but after recent storms and more rain expected on Friday, the river is expected to rise further.

Crews filled sandbags at the Des Plaines Public Works building and handed them out all morning and afternoon on Thursday as the city prepares for flooding along the Des Plaines River over the next couple of days.

Low-lying areas have already been covered in water, including the old Methodist Campground in Des Plaines.

About 15 miles away in Lincolnshire, homeowners used to flooding also were getting ready for the river to rise.

Jean Muzik and her family have been through this before. She said she has seen the river run higher than it is now, recalling one time she took a canoe to her car.

She and her family made Lincolnshire home in 1983. She didn’t realize it back then, but flooding was about to become routine.

“September 26, 1986, is when we had the big flood; came through and went all the way to past our driveway out into the middle of our circle,” she said.

After that, they raised their house a few feet off its foundation, and she said it now sits about a foot above where that 100-year flood reached in 1986.

After all these years, she’s used to the routine along the Des Plaines River.

“We’re thinking, by tomorrow, the garage will be flooded, but we’ll have everything of value or that we don’t want to get ruined will be up on tables,” Muzik said. “It’s just going to be another day, that’s all.”

People who live along the Des Plaines River are used to this routine, but they’re still closely watching the water. The river is expected to crest near 17 feet on Saturday.

Flooding is also a concern along the Fox River, where a flood warning is in effect until further notice in Kane, Kendall, Lake, and McHenry counties.

The Fox River was at 13.5 feet in St. Charles as of Thursday afternoon, and expected to remain near flood stage for the next several days, with flooding threatening parking lots at city hall and Boy Scout Island. Flooding is also threatening the Fox River Trail at St. Mary Park.

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.

KYW

By Joe Brandt, Dan Snyder, Jan Carabeo

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Surveillance video shows the moment of impact in a fatal West Philadelphia crash that killed a driver and a dog Friday morning.

The victim was driving through the intersection of 48th and Walnut streets around 4 a.m. when police say their car was T-boned by a speeding driver who ran a red light. The impact sent the two vehicles crashing into several parked cars.

Surveillance video shows the moment of impact in a fatal West Philadelphia crash that killed a driver and a dog Friday morning.

The victim was driving through the intersection of 48th and Walnut streets around 4 a.m. when police say their car was T-boned by a speeding driver who ran a red light. The impact sent the two vehicles crashing into several parked cars.

Surveillance video shows the moment of impact in a fatal West Philadelphia crash that killed a driver and a dog Friday morning.

The victim was driving through the intersection of 48th and Walnut streets around 4 a.m. when police say their car was T-boned by a speeding driver who ran a red light. The impact sent the two vehicles crashing into several parked cars.

The force of the impact pushed one of the parked cars onto the steps of a home.

Police said the crash occurred when the driver of a Dodge Durango traveling at a high speed failed to stop at a red light, hitting a Chevrolet Malibu in the intersection.

The Chevrolet driver was pronounced dead on the scene. A dog inside the Malibu also died in the crash, a police spokesperson said.

The 25-year-old man driving the Dodge, and his 22-year-old and 23-year-old passengers, were all taken by police to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center with minor injuries. Police initially said they were in serious condition.

A total of four unoccupied parked cars were damaged in the crash, police said.

“We did have prior information that there were vehicles racing around in that area, which our investigation, we’re going to continue to look at it and see what’s going on with that,” Police Capt. Stephen Clark said. “Neighbors tell us speeding is all too common in this area, and they’ve seen a lot of crashes here. They’re hoping the city will step in and help force people to slow down.”

One neighborhood resident, Avery Kirk, said his car was damaged by the crash. He has seen a lot of crashes in the neighborhood in recent years, he told CBS News Philadelphia.

“It’s happening like that all the time around here, and that’s really the biggest problem, that this is a repeated occurrence,” Kirk said. “This is about the fifth accident that I’ve seen like this in like two years, and we need some of those speed cameras or something on this block.”

Police said the three men in the Durango are not being detained, but they’re still reviewing video and investigating the crash. They said charges could still be filed.

The crash led to street closures in the area.

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.