Category: CNN Regional

By Francis Flisiuk

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    BIDDEFORD, Maine (WMTW) — Biddeford Mayor Liam LaFountain is renewing calls for a transparent and independent investigation into Monday’s deadly shooting involving federal immigration agents.

In a statement released late Wednesday, LaFountain said the death of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero continues to weigh heavily on his family, friends and the Biddeford community.

LaFountain said he spoke with a legal representative for Guerrero’s family but is keeping the details of that conversation private at the family’s request.

“I remain committed to ensuring that the family’s needs and concerns are heard and centered as events unfold,” LaFountain said.

The mayor also said he spoke with U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree before her meeting with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. LaFountain said he emphasized that Maine law enforcement agencies should be fully involved in the investigation.

LaFountain objected to what he described as an “unacceptable lack of body-worn cameras” and called for more information about the training, supervision and accountability of the federal agents involved.

Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have formally asked the Justice Department and FBI to cooperate fully with state and local law enforcement investigating Guerrero’s death, according to the mayor. The senators also called for a thorough, fair and impartial process.

Gov. Janet Mills visited Guerrero’s memorial Wednesday and was heckled by protesters who shouted at her for not doing enough to prevent the shooting.

“Hello, ICE vigilantes were running around our neighborhood. You knew it – you saw them,” said Kelsey Cummings.

“Looking at how ICE is operating, they are not operating by the same parameters that law enforcement agents across the country operate,” a neighbor said.

Gov. Mills said she was visiting the memorial to pay her respects and later met with LaFountain to discuss the needs of Guerrero’s family and other community members affected by the shooting. A representative for the family also participated and described the challenges they are facing.

“It was sobering,” LaFountain said.

The city continues to offer mental health support through its partnership with Sweetser. The services are available to Guerrero’s family and friends, neighbors, witnesses and other community members affected by the shooting.

LaFountain said additional community gatherings are likely and urged participants to remain vigilant, stay safe and respect local law enforcement while exercising their First Amendment rights. Since Guerrero was killed, protests have been happening almost every day in Biddeford, Augusta, Scarborough and Portland.

“This remains an extraordinarily difficult time for Biddeford,” LaFountain said. “I will continue to support the family, advocate for a complete, thorough and independent investigation, and share verified information as it becomes available.”

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

By Brittany Johnson

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A report obtained by 5 Investigates reveals new details about a child with autism being restrained inside a Boston school. It states that the 4-year-old non-verbal student was “trapped” in a corner with classroom furniture at the James F. Condon School in South Boston.

The child’s mother is searching for answers as to why her son was treated this way, but the report from the school provides little explanation

A teacher is on leave, as 5 Investigates first reported on June 30, but details of that also remain murky.

The mother spoke with 5 Investigates on the condition of anonymity. She said her son is typically loving, energetic and kind, but she noticed a change in him back in May when he no longer wanted to get on the bus to go to school.

“He started to cry, and he didn’t want to get on the bus,” the mother said in Spanish.

Although she received a letter from the school informing her that a restraint had occurred early that month, it wasn’t until later that a social worker told her the details.

The restraint report from Boston Public Schools, which was released on July 15, said the student became upset and cried when he was denied access to classroom materials. Then, the teacher “physically held” the young student by the shoulders to move him away from the area, and the student’s crying increased.

The teacher “utilized a desk and other classroom furniture to physically trap (the student) in a corner, creating a secluded area that restricted his movement,” the report details.

The narrative says the student “did not engage in any actions that posed a physical threat to himself or others.”

A physical restraint can only be used as a last resort to protect students and staff from harm, according to Boston Public Schools’ policy.

The practice is highly regulated by the state. Teachers and staff can only perform a restraint if they’ve been trained.

The policy says the use of unnecessary force in a restraint is “expressly prohibited,” and students must be released immediately once they’re no longer in danger.

“The saddest part—what I feel—is that he can’t defend himself,” the student’s mother said. “He can’t tell me, ‘Mom, I got hurt,’ or ‘Mom, this happened to me.'”

5 Investigates went to the teacher’s home, but speaking through an intercom system, she declined to comment.

The restraint report said the incident “aligns with a consistent pattern of behavior” with the teacher, who has been observed pulling students by the arm, picking them up, using a frustrated tone and denying students access to recess or outdoor time.

The impacted student is now enrolled in a different school. The restraint report says the student requested a hug from the specialist after the incident and returned to engaging with his peers.

His mother said she hopes sharing the story will prompt improvements within Boston Public Schools.

“I know I’m not the only one going through these things. I know the system needs to improve for vulnerable children in general—not just non-verbal children with autism; we need to do better for so many more children,” she said.

In an emailed statement, a BPS spokeswoman said, “We are aware of this reported incident and are fully investigating the circumstances in accordance with established policies. We take all reports involving student safety seriously and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation. The safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority, and we will continue working directly with the student’s family and staff on appropriate next steps and necessary supports.”

This statement was sent in response to our initial report in June, and the district has refused to provide any further statement since then, including any response to the newly released incident report.

Mayor Michelle Wu, when asked by 5 Investigates, said, “I am aware that there’s an investigation continuing on this, and once that is complete, the appropriate response and actions will be taken by the district.”

When asked for a message to the impacted mother, Wu said in Spanish, “As a mother of kids in our public schools as well, the responsibility of the city, importantly, is to protect and create a safe environment with supports for every member of the community, especially our kids.”

The use of restraints in Massachusetts schools has increased slightly in recent years, according to data from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

During the 2024-2025 school year, 29,314 restraints took place in Massachusetts schools, up from 29,074 in the school year prior.

Boston Public Schools recorded 355 restraints last school year, with 10 coming from the Condon School.

This is not the first restraint-related investigation at the James F. Condon School.

In 2024, the district investigated an “inappropriate use of restraints” on a 3-year-old student, as WCVB previously reported.

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

By Kennedy Mason

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    ORANGE COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — More than a decade after capturing national attention as the young boy who received a 3D-printed ‘Iron Man’ arm with help from actor Robert Downey Jr., Alex Pring is celebrating a new chapter.

This January, Pring will attend the University of Central Florida, where he plans to study aerospace engineering — returning to the same campus where Limbitless Solutions helped change his life as a child.

Born without part of his right arm, Pring received a custom-designed, 3D-printed bionic prosthetic from the UCF-based nonprofit. The moment became an international sensation when Downey, best known for portraying Iron Man, surprised Pring by delivering the device himself.

For Pring, however, the prosthetic represented far more than a memorable meeting with a Hollywood star.

“This has been a true part of me, and it has made me grow into the human being today — the man I am today,” Pring said.

Now, Pring is earning recognition for achievements beyond his childhood story.

e recently set two national records at The Hartford Nationals, one of the nation’s longest-running track and field championships for athletes with disabilities.

“It was an amazing experience being able to go compete with people with all sorts of disabilities and just have a better chance,” Pring said.

His next milestone brings him back to the place where his journey first began.

As a UCF student, Pring will study just steps away from the Limbitless Solutions lab that developed his bionic arm.

“It really is full circle,” he said.

For Limbitless Solutions Director Albert Manero, Pring’s return reflects the organization’s mission of creating opportunities that extend well beyond prosthetic technology.

“We’re so excited that he’s going to be here at UCF,” Manero said.

He said the team has been honored to watch Pring grow over the years.

“I think we’re honored to have watched him grow into the young man that he is today, and we’ve been cheering him on every step of the way,” Manero said.

Pring said the Limbitless team also inspired his decision to pursue aerospace engineering, a field he hopes will allow him to combine his passion for innovation with his personal experiences.

His ambitions extend beyond the classroom.

“I’m very, very excited to hopefully go to the Paralympics one day,” Pring said.

For the little boy who once looked up to superheroes, the next chapter is about pursuing dreams of his own.

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

By Amelia Mugavero

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    Texas (KTVT) — A Fort Worth dentist is behind bars, accused of administering a lethal dose of sedatives that killed a 4‑year‑old girl during a routine procedure, authorities said.

Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48, was arrested outside her dental office on Wednesday, according to newly released arrest records. She is now facing a felony charge of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.

Investigators say Hemphill gave 4‑year‑old Aithana Arriaga an oral liquid solution of Meperidine – also known as Demerol – along with two additional sedatives and nitrous oxide.

According to the arrest warrant, the April 1 appointment began as a routine tongue‑tie procedure at Cuddle Kids Dental Care, the Sycamore School Road clinic owned by Hemphill. Investigators say Aithana was given multiple sedatives before she went into distress.

Investigators say Hemphill was the only one who administered the drugs to Arriaga.

Detectives say Hemphill began chest compressions when the child became unresponsive. A second dentist, who had been on lunch break, stepped in and continued CPR until medics arrived.

The medical examiner told investigators that “the amount of meperidine found in Arriaga’s system would have been high for an adult and that the medication was given to her twice (double‑dosed).”

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled Arriaga’s death as meperidine toxicity.

According to the arrest warrant, doctors told investigators a normal adult range for meperidine is 200 to 500 nanograms per milliliter. Testing showed Arriaga’s level was 793 nanograms per milliliter.

Arriaga’s parents were not able to speak on camera, but on a GoFundMe page, they described their daughter as “filled with life and kindness,” saying her presence “always lit up a room and brought so much joy to everyone around her.”

Hemphill has been licensed as a dentist in Texas since 2017. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has been asked whether it has opened its own investigation and whether Hemphill has any prior disciplinary history.

CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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

By Meghan Moriarty

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    BREVARD COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — A Brevard County man spent 23 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. DNA evidence cleared him, and the charges were dropped. While a judge said he should receive more than $1 million in compensation, Jeffrey Abramowski said he hasn’t seen a dime.

“I feel like I’m still in prison,” Abramowski said. “When I first was released, I was the happiest person in the world. You know, I was going through so many wonderful emotions. I was finally able to make choices again. Now, all of a sudden, I get out here and I realize, man, I’m on my own, and the people who did this to me aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”

His conviction was vacated in April of last year. In July 2025, the State Attorney’s Office dropped all charges and declined to retry him. In January 2026, a judge signed an order recommending compensation. It was filed the following month.

Abramowski said he was relying on that money because he has no job experience from the past two decades. He also said he was severely injured while in prison.

“An inmate attacked me and broke my ribs and hurt my side and everything, so I’m disabled right now,” Abramowski said.

A court order said a judge recommended Abramowski be declared innocent under Florida’s Wrongful Incarceration Compensation Act. The order recommends compensation of $50,000 for each year he spent in prison, reimbursement of all court costs tied to his conviction, and expungement of his record in this case.

Abramowski said he hasn’t heard anything or received any compensation.

“I just wanna be able to try and catch up and have some sort of lifestyle,” Abramowski said.

Abramowski has set up a Spotfund if you feel inclined to help.

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

By Kristen Consillio

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    HONOLULU (KITV) — It’s been two weeks since the Department of Health (DOH) began enforcement of Hawaii’s hemp retailers. Some critics of the new rules said it’s driving them out of business.

“Millions in damage has already been done,” said hemp retailer Lance Alyas.

This is one of dozens of hemp retailers here in the islands now at risk of being shut down under new rules being enforced by the Department of Health.

“Twenty to 30 businesses closed down and a majority of them have stopped selling these products completely,” he said.

The owner of Oahu Dispensary and Provisions said hemp retailers are living in fear. The DOH began enforcing new laws in July, requiring businesses to register with DOH in order to sell hemp products and ensure operators are complying with limits on THC — the psychoactive compound in pakalolo.

“That’s a crackdown. That’s enforcement in and of itself,” Alyas said. “It’s intimidating when the Department of Health comes to your business and says you can’t sell this, you can’t sell that, or else we’ll close you down or we’ll criminally enforce on you.”

For some businesses like Alyas’, that’s about 90% of inventory.

He’s one of almost 60 licensed retailers selling manufactured hemp products, but is suing the state to reverse the new rules.

“We face revenue loss. We’ve had employees leave because they don’t want the uncertainty,” he said. “When we closed down we had countless people — cancer patients included — crying to us because they don’t know where to get their medicine.”

Medical marijuana dispensary Aloha Green Apothecary said previously the state had no real regulations and relied on the federal rules for selling hemp products.

“What legislators didn’t know was that hemp cannabinoids could be manipulated to create higher THC products and these higher THC products can be euphoric and cause intoxication,” said Ty Cheng, president of Aloha Green Apothecary. “The issue that many hemp retailers face right now is that they’re uncomfortable with the level of regulation that they’re being subjected to.”

The DOH has visited almost 30 registered businesses and said so far compliance has been good. But there are still other businesses likely not following the rules.

“The THC limits they’ve been in place for a long time okay and some of the products like the vapes and the smokeables you were never allowed to sell in Hawaii,” said Andrew Goff, DOH Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation program manager. “Our goal is not to crack down on people selling hemp. Our goal is to make sure people are compliant. So we’re starting with education and with warnings, and to make sure that everyone knows because it is a confusing area.”

DOH is urging consumers and businesses to read the labels on products that you are buying or selling.

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

By KITV Web Staff

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    KILAUEA, Hawaii (KITV) — The 51st episode of eruptions lasted for over eight hours on Kilauea’s summit on Wednesday, according to USGS.

The episode started at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday where fountains reached about 950 feet. Episode 51 ended abruptly at 4:46 p.m. later in the afternoon.

The instantaneous effusion rate peaked at about 370 cubic yards per second at 10:30 a.m. HST, with an average effusion rate of 200 cubic yards (150 cubic meters) per second for the entire fountaining episode. A earthquake associated with the eruption: A shallow magnitude-2 earthquake was detected beneath the southeast corner of Halema’uma’u crater at 2:52 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, low-level trade winds were forecast to move the lower part of the plume to the southwest, resulting in tephra fall in that direction.

South winds are expected, which could push parts of the plume to the north and result in ash and Pele’s hair falling in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and communities near it.

Ash can persist in the atmosphere for a longer duration depending on weather and wind conditions, though fountaining episodes generally last 12 hours or less.

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.