Dog helps Orange County family save their home during early morning fire

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Michele Gile

Click here for updates on this story

    ORANGE COUNTY, California (KCBS) — Fillmore, a 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, is being praised as a hero after he alerted his family to a fire raging in their Orange County garage.

The massive flames and smoke filled the Dalis family’s garage early Wednesday morning while everyone was asleep, except for Fillmore.

“Continuous barking,” homeowner Tom Dalis recalled. “I said maybe there’s something out there. We get coyotes.”

After waking up, Dalis’ wife said she saw a red light and ran out thinking something was wrong at their neighbors’ home. But the fire was much closer, consuming their garage and minutes away from reaching the main house, where Dalis, his wife and mother-in-law live.

“He was going crazy,” Dalis said. “It was popping. It was very loud. I don’t know if the windows of the car were popping.”

Everyone agreed that Fillmore’s persistent barking served as a smoke alarm, alerting the family to the danger in their garage. Dalis said he immediately ran and grabbed his hose, spraying down the flames as firefighters arrived.

“Without him, we probably could have lost the house if we were not woken up,” Dalis said. “He saved our house and potentially our lives.”

Smoke alarms in garages aren’t legally required, but experts said it’s not a bad idea to have one. Crews believe the fire was electrical.

“He was scared because of the noise and stuff but happy after that,” Dalis said.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

K9 helps take down armed suspect at mall

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Web Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    WAUWATOSA, Wisconsin (WDJT) — A Wauwatosa Police Department K-9 helped take in an armed suspect after police responded to an armed robbery at Mayfair Mall back in late February.

According to officers, when they arrived at Mayfair Mall, they saw three people running through the parking lot.

One was stopped and taken into custody while the other two fled into the underground tunnels.

Body cam video from Wauwatosa PD shows the moments when K-9 Zev chased down one of the suspects, taking him down before an officer took him into custody.

The last suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.

During the chase, police confiscated a firearm after it was dropped during K-9 Zev’s take down of a suspect.

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.

Some UVU students grateful they’re left without a graduation commencement speaker

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Jeremy Tombs

Click here for updates on this story

    OREM, Utah (KSTU) — Graduation will look a little different for students at Utah Valley University at the end of the month, after the school chose to forgo having a featured commencement speaker.

Author and educator Sharon McMahon, who’s commonly referred to as America’s Government Teacher, was the original choice, but was dropped without a replacement after comments she made about Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down during an on-campus rally last year.

The controversy shows that the events of September 10 still shake UVU as the academic year now nears its end.

ement speaker

By: Jeremy Tombs Posted 7:08 PM, Apr 16, 2026 and last updated 1 hour and 12 minutes ago OREM, Utah — Graduation will look a little different for students at Utah Valley University at the end of the month, after the school chose to forgo having a featured commencement speaker.

Author and educator Sharon McMahon, who’s commonly referred to as America’s Government Teacher, was the original choice, but was dropped without a replacement after comments she made about Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down during an on-campus rally last year.

The controversy shows that the events of September 10 still shake UVU as the academic year now nears its end.

“…I had to get more involved, which is why I joined College Republicans,” said Sage Lloyd, president of the organization.

The shooting is part of what pushed Lloyd to become more civically engaged.

“I realized that I needed to have a voice to impact change on campus,” she said.

Lloyd is one of many conservatives who have been vocal in denouncing McMahon’s selection as commencement speaker. A spokesperson for McMahon told the Salt Lake Tribune she had unequivocally condemned Kirk’s assassination.

“I’m also really upset that it happened where it did. It’s this university that I’ve spoken at multiple times, and the community there is really so lovely,” McMahon had said previously.

But other comments she made about Kirk were what upset Lloyd.

“…and the murder that was horrific and should never have happened… does not magically erase what was said or done,” Lloyd read from her phone, quoting McMahon. “She should have just left it at should never have happened.”

And after weeks of criticism from campus to Utah’s Capitol Hill, the university decided to cancel McMahon’s appearance. In a statement, the university pointed to increased safety concerns as being part of its decision.

It now leaves more than 13,000 graduates, the largest graduating class in school history, without a featured commencement speaker.

With graduation just two weeks away, Lloyd feels for her senior class.

“I think it’s a little disappointing they’re not going to have anyone speak just because we didn’t like their choice in speaker,” she said.

Those in opposition to McMahon are ultimately grateful that the university heard their voices and made the decision.

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.

NJ Transit to address commuter alternatives amid World Cup concerns during press conference

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Jaysha Patel

Click here for updates on this story

    NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Who’s footing the bill to get to the FIFA World Cup?

That’s the question on everyone’s mind as New Jersey gears up to host eight games at MetLife Stadium.

Governor Mikie Sherrill says the skyrocketing transportation costs have a $50 million pricetag — one that she’s not willing to pass on to commuters.

Ticket prices have been a hot topic, but we may have to wait a bit longer for an answer. Transportation officials on Friday will be talking about how NJ Transit service is going to be impacted.

Four hours before those matches, NJ Transit service from New York Penn Station to New Jersey is expected to be suspended, going to MetLife Stadium only.

Friday’s press conference is happening to discuss what alternatives there are for commuters during those four hours when service could be restricted.

Four World Cup matches are during the week, so this service disruption will impact the afternoon commute for many people.

There have been rumors recently that a round trip New Jersey Transit ticket to attend the FIFA World Cup could cost up to $150. The normal price is $12.90.

A set price has not been announced yet, so that’s a big question still, and it may be brought up at Friday’s press conference or we may have to wait a bit longer for an answer.

NJ Transit says it’s going to cost around $48 million to provide service during the World Cup, primarily because of extra security.

Gov. Sherrill says she doesn’t want to pass that cost onto every everyday commuters.

She released a video on social media saying FIFA should pay for the rides, but FIFA says that’s not part of the original deal.

“I won’t stick New Jersey’s commuters with that tab for years to come. That’s not fair. So here’s the bottom line, FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don’t, I’m not going to let New Jersey commuters get taken for one,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill says her predecessor set up the deal.

The press conference is set to be held at 11:30 a.m.

There is parking available at the American Dream Mall. Those prices are set by FIFA and could run over $200 per space.

Those who park at the mall will have access to mall festivities and celebrations.

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.

Woman survives rollover crash after hitting 9-foot gator on Florida road

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Julie Salomone

Click here for updates on this story

    SARASOTA, Florida (WFTS) — A Manatee County woman survived a rollover crash after hitting a nearly 9-foot alligator in Sarasota County.

The crash happened before sunrise on Easter Sunday, around 6 a.m.

Maslin Kurtz was traveling on Fruitville Road and Cowpen Lane in a rural part of Sarasota County.

“I thought I hit something and blew a tire just because it ripped my car off the road,” she recalled.

Her Toyota 4Runner crashed into a pole.

“I was just praying that somebody would see me. Obviously, I saw lights go by, so I thought I was behind a bush or something. I didn’t know where I ended up,” she said.

She said a couple had spotted her SUV, which had crashed into the pole. They called 911 for help.

“I was crushed between the roof and the steering wheel,” said Kurtz.

Kurtz was hospitalized at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for four days. She spent two of those days in an intensive care unit.

“I had a few fractures on my spine. My sternum is fractured and then my left scapula, the shoulder blade,” she said.

She said she feels fortunate she survived the crash. She must wear a brace for four to six weeks, followed by physical therapy.

She’s expected to make a full recovery.

“I’m just grateful that I’m here and I give all the glory to God,” said Kurtz.

Kurtz said the alligator did not survive, and deputies helped remove the gator from the roadway.

A friend started a GoFundMe page to help Kurtz with her medical bills.

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.

Cheboygan business owners brace for the worst as dam water levels continue rising

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Terrance Friday

Click here for updates on this story

    CHEBOYGAN, Michigan (WWJ) — In downtown Cheboygan, Michigan, businesses are preparing for possible flooding as water levels remain high at Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex along the Cheboygan River.

As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, the Cheboygan River was at 4.92 inches below the top of the dam, according to the State of Michigan Emergency Management and Homeland Security officials.

With the waters reaching closer than 6 inches, the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office says status has reached the Level 2 or “set” stage in the Ready, Set, Go instructions to the public.

As water levels are just inches below the top of the dam, business owners are bracing for the worst while hoping for the best.

“We keep going through these daily motions of trying to keep a business afloat,” said Jennifer Thorton, general manager of Cheboygan Title Agency. “I have employees who are in fear for their family and their life, so I am sending them home right now and again try to keep the day-to-day operations going in the business.”

Some businesses near the river have set up sandbags and are moving inventory to higher ground, while other businesses are holding off for now and watching conditions closely.

“We keep thinking, ‘Are we way overreacting?’ But again, is it going to hurt anything? No. I hope we laugh about this and make a sandbox of all this extra sand, that is my hope, but again, it isn’t going to hurt anything,” Thorton said.

“I think a lot of the people are not as well off as I am through this because our home is safe and we don’t have high water there,” added Cheboygan resident Tami Byron-Okuly. “We are going to be involved in this because this is our community.

“Help one another and see what you can do for somebody else who needs help right now, and give someone some relief. It’s going to be okay, and we are all going to be okay. We are all here to help.”

Local officials are reminding residents to stay cautious, to keep an eye on changing conditions and to be ready to act quickly if flooding worsens.

If conditions worsen, downtown Cheboygan and the surrounding areas will move to the “go” stage, signaling an evacuation.

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.

Sheriffs warn of cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid 10 times stronger than fentanyl

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Rian Stockett

Click here for updates on this story

    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Western North Carolina sheriffs are warning the public about a new synthetic drug they say is more potent than fentanyl.

The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about cychlorphine on its social media accounts on Wednesday, April 15, saying it’s been linked to multiple overdose deaths in eastern Tennessee.

The drug is also on the radar of other local counties.

Captain Justin Bell with the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office said the danger of cychlorphine is similar to that of other synthetic opioids.

“The biggest message that we would like to get out is that it’s like other synthetic opioids that the most dangerous part is that they can be easily placed into other substances that the user may not know that they’re ingesting,” said Captain Bell.

The Facebook post from the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office says cychlorphine is up to 10 times more potent than fentanyl.

Captain Bell says that because it’s much more potent than fentanyl, smaller amounts can be deadly. He said that a cychlorphine overdose would also require more doses of Narcan to combat it.

Although they’re warning people about this opioid, Bell said authorities haven’t seen it in Transylvania County yet.

News 13 asked them about their efforts to prevent it from coming into the county. “We recognize that you can’t arrest this problem away, OK? So, it’s more about education, hopefully response and saving lives, and getting the word out there,” said Bell.

He says they learned about this drug from their narcotics task force which he says works with local, state, and federal partners to identify emerging drugs early, share intelligence across agencies, track where these substances are coming from and target and disrupt trafficking networks.

“Our approach to it is to make them aware that this is out here, that an exposure may be more significant, and to prepare them with products like the training in Narcan to counteract those reactions to the drug,” said Bell.

The state crime lab says it hasn’t seen any deaths in North Carolina caused by cychlorphine, however it’s prepared to test for it if needed.

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.

Proposed Louisiana law could require drivers to retake written test

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Web Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (KTBS) — A proposed bill could change how drivers across Louisiana renew their licenses.

House Bill 777 would require most drivers take and pass a written knowledge exam every eight years in order to renew a standard license. The test would include questions on traffic laws, road signs and newer concerns like distracted driving.

Drivers would need to score at least 80% to pass.

“I think it’s ridiculous. I think it would be more rational to take the road test than the written test,” said one Shreveport driver.

Mark Ludke, owner of Mark’s Driving Academy, says knowing the rules does not always translate to safer driving.

“I’d rather have them every eight years do a driving test than a knowledge test because even though they might know the laws that doesn’t mean they’re going to go out on the road and follow them,” said Ludke.

Drivers who fail would get multiple attempts and could receive a temporary license while they retake the test. The law would apply to all drivers, regardless of age.

If passed, the law would not go into effect until 2028 while the Louisiana OMV prepares information campaigns to make drivers aware of the change.

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.

Vigil held for hit-and-run victim in Makiki as family pleads for answers

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Gil Cano

Click here for updates on this story

    HONOLULU (KITV) — Loved ones gathered in Makiki this week to honor a 30-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run crash, as his family continues to search for answers.

Eddie Cruz-Ochoa died after being struck at the intersection of Wilder Avenue and Kewalo Street on Thursday, April 9. Police said the driver left the scene.

A week later, dozens returned to that same intersection for a vigil, remembering Cruz-Ochoa as someone deeply loved by family and friends. Those close to him described him as someone who spent his time with loved ones and had a passion for subjects like philosophy, physics and astronomy.

His family said they are still struggling with the circumstances surrounding his death.

“I need to ask him why did you leave my son like that,” Cruz-Ochoa’s mother said. “If you would’ve taken him to the hospital, they would’ve been able to revive him and he’d still be with us.”

His girlfriend, Denielle Cabalis, urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Just please come forward,” Cabalis said. “If you know anything, if you have any cameras, dash cams, anything that could help… please let us know. Let HPD know. We’re not resting until we figure out what happened.”

Friends also shared stories of Cruz-Ochoa’s impact, describing him as someone who supported others during difficult times.

Cruz-Ochoa’s death marks Oʻahu’s 13th traffic fatality this year, compared to 21 at the same time last year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Honolulu Police Department.

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 dies of suspected lightning strike in Pewaukee parking lot

CNN Newsource on April 17, 2026

By Kathryn Merck

Click here for updates on this story

    PEWAUKEE, Wisconsin (WDAY) — A man in his 40s died of a suspected lightning strike Wednesday, April 15, after being found unresponsive in a Pewaukee Kwik Trip parking lot during severe storms, according to police.

The man was identified by family to be 41-year-old Peter Paul Garamone Sr. He was a long-haul trucker from Pennsylvania with a wife and son.

Emergency responders say they were called to the Kwik Trip on Golf Road around 7:45 p.m.

Waukesha police say preliminary information indicates Garamone was struck by lightning while walking through the parking lot. He reportedly called first responders when it happened and later died at an area hospital.

This is the first fatal lightning strike in the United States of 2026. It is also the second lightning fatality in Wisconsin in the last seven months.

“Your likelihood of getting struck by lightning in any given year is lower than one in a million,” said Chris Vagasky, a Lightning Data Specialist with the National Lightning Safety Council and a Research Program Manager with Wisconet. “When you look at that over a lifetime, that number is down around one in a few thousand, so it doesn’t seem like it’s a big percentage, but it is still a very common way to be injured or killed by weather in the United States.”

Waukesha police are working with the medical examiner to determine the man’s identity and the cause of death. The department added that their thoughts are with the family of this man during this difficult time.

Beau Snowden lives near the Kwik Trip where this happened and said he heard the lightning strike.

“We could feel it through the whole house right over there, right up University Drive. It was the loudest thunderbolt we ever heard,” Snowden said. “It could have been any of us going to the gas station. “It’s terrible. You got to watch out for these storms. It’s real dangerous.”

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.