Guides led group into dangerous terrain prior to California’s deadliest avalanche, report says

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Kurtis Ming

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    California (KCRA) — The Sierra Avalanche Center has released its final report on California’s deadliest avalanche, revealing that guides led a group into avalanche terrain during dangerous conditions on the Feb. 17 trip near Lake Tahoe.

Nine of the 15 people in the group died in the avalanche. The Sierra Avalanche Center’s final report states the slide occurred in an area that was “likely or very likely” to experience an avalanche that day.

For the first time, it has been revealed that some of the people caught in the avalanche had airbag backpacks that were not deployed. These backpacks are designed to create a space to breathe when trapped under snow.

The Sierra Avalanche Center said an equipment problem likely saved the lives of four of the survivors. Two fell behind the rest of the group and then helped dig out two other survivors.

Four guides with Blackbird Mountain Guides led the group on that backcountry trip near Frog Lake. Five guests and one guide survived.

The victims of the deadly avalanche were:

Andrew Alissandratos, 34, from Verdi, Nevada Michael Henry, 30, from Tampa Bay, Florida Nicole “Niki” Choo, 42, from South Lake Tahoe Carrie Atkin, 42, from South Lake Tahoe Liz Clabaugh, 52, from Boise, Idaho Danielle Keatley, 44, from Marin County Kate Morse, 45, from Marin County Caroline Sekar, 45, from San Francisco Kate Vitt, 43, from Marin County

Since 1950, California has experienced 57 fatal avalanches.

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‘I’m not dying here’: Father of 3 describes rescue from flash flooding

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Andy Alcock

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    HENRY COUNTY, Missouri (KMBC) — A young father was rescued from flash flooding in Henry County on Thursday after he crawled out of his car and into a tree to survive.

Dalton Drake, 28, was heading to work on Highway K just north of Germantown at about 5:30 a.m.

Drake said as he approached the bridge over Deep Water Creek, it was raining and he couldn’t see clearly with his windshield wipers going.

When he opened his window to look outside, he said it was already too late.

Drake climbed out of his stuck car and onto the roof, already submerged, and then into a tree, knowing his life was in jeopardy.

“I thought it a few times, but then I thought about I’m not dying here. I got three kids and a wife at home,” he said.

Motivated by his family to survive, Drake said he climbed as high as he could to stay out of the raging floodwater.

He said in the early morning darkness, the only sound he heard was the rushing water.

Drake said two cars came by and turned around, unable to hear his frantic cries for help.

Luis Garibo, a man Drake has known for years, drove by in the third car.

“I definitely did hear just a faint little help, and it just caught my attention. I rolled down my window and turned down my radio, and that’s when I heard it,” Garibo said.

A fisherman, Garibo had a life jacket in his vehicle and gave it to Drake.

Garibo’s co-worker arrived later and attached the life jacket to a rope.

After Garibo called 911, Drake’s cousin, a conservation agent, pulled Drake from the water into a boat to safety.

“Regardless if it was me or anyone else that stopped and helped him out. You know, I like to think anyone would have stopped in that situation,” Garibo said.

“It’s a small world out there. You never know who’s going to be your best friend that one day to the next. It makes me appreciate everything I have a lot more. Just my family, my friends, and acquaintances, I meet every day. Just be a better person, be grateful they’re even here,” Drake said.

Drake’s car, with his wallet and phone inside, was washed away in the flash flooding.

He points out that those things can be replaced, but he can’t be.

Drake said his ordeal lasted about an hour and forty-five minutes.

He said that by the time he was rescued, he was soaked and so cold that his teeth were chattering.

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“I Was a Coward”: Former Idaho pastor sentenced to 17 Years on child pornography charges

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Victoria Rodriguez

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    CANYON COUNTY, Idaho (KIVI) — Former Nampa pastor Matthew Masiewicz was sentenced to up to 17 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to charges related to child pornography.

Canyon County District Court Judge Thomas Whitney sentenced Masiewicz to a unified 17-year prison term, with five years fixed and 12 years indeterminate. Masiewicz will serve the sentence in the custody of the Idaho Department of Corrections.

“Your actions have caused great grief and pain and embarrassment to your family and those you’ve worked with,” Whitney said.

Masiewicz, formerly a pastor at Sovereign Grace Fellowship, previously pleaded guilty to four felony counts related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Nine other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Prosecutors said investigators found multiple images and videos of minors on a laptop at the church where Masiewicz worked, showing children as young as 5. They said he sent those images to others on the app Kik. Prosecutors also noted that some material involved the use of artificial intelligence to generate explicit images appearing to involve minors.

During the sentencing hearing at the Canyon County Courthouse, family and church members listened as Masiewicz admitted wrongdoing.

“I was a coward,” Masiewicz said.

“I should have confessed this to my wife, I should have confessed this to my elder who’s sitting over there,” Masiewicz said.

Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney Gregory Swanson told the court Masiewicz struggled to acknowledge the severity of his actions. Prosecutors said Masiewicz laughed while discussing his psychosexual evaluation and attempted to shift blame.

“Apparently even mimicking a chef’s kiss when discussing it with the pre-sentence investigator,” Swanson said.

Masiewicz’s attorney, Clarissa Greensmyth, pushed back against the prosecution’s claims. Greensmyth argued her client showed remorse, deleted material, and reflected on his actions. She described Masiewicz as isolated, struggling with the pressures of faith and his role as a pastor.

“He can be awkward in how he expresses himself. People process extreme events differently,” Greensmyth said.

“And that was really hard and all he had was his faith and prayer,” Greensmyth said.

Masiewicz expressed deep remorse to the court, calling his actions a moral evil and asking for grace and mercy.

“I’ve lost my church community. I have been excommunicated,” Masiewicz said.

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.

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‘Threw a baby out the window’: April Fools’ Day prank sparks multi-agency response

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Meghan Mosley

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — An April Fools’ Day prank sparked a real multi-agency response Wednesday night, with police, firefighters and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers responding to the false call.

Now, there are serious questions about how this all unfolded.

KOCO 5 has confirmed that a dispatcher called out over Oklahoma City police radio that police were involved in a chase, where a baby was reportedly thrown from the window of a car.

It was all a prank, and now the state’s 911 coordinator is sounding the alarm, calling it dangerous.

‘It wastes resources’ “Anytime we have emergency calls that are false, it wastes resources within the 911 center and also the response. And it also endangers the public,” said Lance Terry, Oklahoma’s state 911 coordinator.

KOCO 5 played the radio dispatch for Terry, which our team first heard over a police scanner radio on Wednesday night.

“Officers, be advised, suspect in pursuit, Southwest 29th and Walker, northbound, red Charger, no tag,” a dispatcher could be heard saying.

The dispatcher, who works for the Oklahoma City Police Department, went on to report that the suspect, at one point, threw a baby out of the car and then minutes later reported a “transient” had been run over.

“I’m not sure where the Charger is,” a person said during the radio conversation.

The call led to officers, firefighters and troopers to be dispatched.

“They are currently southbound on Robinson from Southwest 29th,” a dispatcher said. “The unit in pursuit, something’s wrong with their radio, so they’re not broadcasting, but we’re watching on the map, and they’re getting … messages.”

You can hear the moment Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers became involved.

“Sounds like Santa Fe is in pursuit. Can we see if they need our assistance? 157 all units, unless it’s a felony, we’re going to stay out of it for the 10-13 right now,” troopers said.

“Oklahoma City to all units, we have advised Santa Fe is in pursuit, it is going to be felony charges, they’re going to be westbound from Grand and Robinson. It’s going to be a red Charger with no tag, city just advised the suspect threw a baby out the window,” a dispatcher said.

The Oklahoma City Fire Department confirmed that one of their engines, rescue ladder trucks, an entire “blood unit,” and a district chief responded.

“157, be advised this vehicle supposedly ran over a transient,” a trooper said. “782 city, can you tell us if this was eastbound, westbound?”

‘It was an April Fools’ prank’ Five minutes into the call, a dispatcher said it was an April Fools’ Day prank, but there’s no indication of where it all originated.

“We’re going to terminate this pursuit,” a person could be heard in the radio exchange. “It was an April Fools’ prank.”

“My initial feeling is, is how much stress and workload did it take on all responders, including the 911 dispatchers, to manage that event. And also, what was going on in the background, what other calls may have been delayed or put on the side as this incident was rolling out,” Terry said.

Oklahoma City Fire Department officials told KOCO 5 that when they found out from police that the call wasn’t real, they called off their response.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol officials said they did not have a statement to release about the incident.

Oklahoma City Police Department officials released a statement about the incident Thursday evening. “We are aware of a reported pursuit involving some of our officers that included serious claims, which has since been determined to be false. The matter is currently under review as part of an internal investigation. Due to the ongoing nature of this process, we are unable to release any additional information at this time. We take this situation seriously and are committed to ensuring a thorough review is conducted,” officials wrote.

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Santa Cruz Mountains residents react to strongest earthquake since 1989

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Jazmon DeJarnette

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    BOULDER CREEK, California (KSBW) — Residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains felt every second of a magnitude 4.6 earthquake early Thursday morning, marking the strongest quake in the region since the 1989 Loma Prieta disaster.

“I did go outside expecting to see the Earth open, and it was that intense,” said Keith Swick, a mountain resident.

Home cameras captured the moment the world started shaking just before 2 a.m. The earthquake originated in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

“This felt like the whole forest fell,” Swick said.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that this is the largest earthquake in the mountain region since the 1989 Loma Prieta quake.

For neighbors who lived through that disaster, Thursday’s quake brought back some scary memories.

“The role of the floor was definitely different because Loma Prieta was a really quick shake back and forth. It just kept going. This one had that long swaying, rolling feeling which made it feel more dramatic,” said Krista Cheshire, another resident.

Since the initial jolt, the U.S. Geological Survey hasn’t recorded any major aftershocks.

However, experts caution that there is still a chance of a larger earthquake following any magnitude 4 or 5 event.

“It’s well documented that there is still a chance of a larger earthquake followed by any magnitude four or five event,” said Natalia Ruppert, early warning earthquake program coordinator for USGS.

Mountain residents say they are used to staying prepared for the possibility of more shaking.

“Well, living in the forest, we actually have some things together ready, like a to-go box. And so we have all our paperwork in an easy-access place,” Chesire said.

Experts say serious damage usually starts at a magnitude 5, but in the mountains, the rules are a little different.

“If it’s a mountainous region like this, there are always loose rocks that can be shaken off the slopes,” an expert said.

For Richard Swick, the earthquake meant finding a new crack in his roof that wasn’t there before the sun went down.

Scientists say while we can’t predict when the next one hits, the advice for when it does remains the same.

“If you’re in a building, in a room, home or office, be prepared to drop, cover and hold,” Ruppert said.

You can sign up for Early Earthquake warnings at: earthquake.ca.gov/get-alerts

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Police: South Carolina woman beaten in hotel room before writing ‘Call 911’ on window in soap

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Graham Cawthon

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    NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina (WJCL) — A South Carolina man has been charged in connection with a violent kidnapping and assault at a hotel.

Keith Jerome Galloway was charged Wednesday with kidnapping and first-degree assault and battery in connection with an incident that happened more than two years ago, according to the North Charleston Police Department.

Police said officers responded March 13, 2024, to a hotel in the 7400 block of Northside Drive. When officers arrived, they found a woman inside a room in disarray with visible injuries.

The specific hotel was not named by police.

The woman told police she met Galloway about a week earlier and considered him a friend. She said an argument over a lost room deposit and the possibility of having to leave the hotel escalated into violence.

According to police, Galloway destroyed the woman’s cellphone, disconnected the room phone and prevented her from leaving. She told officers he repeatedly assaulted her. Police said other hotel guests heard her screams.

Investigators said Galloway fled on foot before officers arrived. The woman, still afraid to leave the room, wrote “Call 911” and the room number on a window with soap, prompting others to check on her and help alert authorities.

Police later identified Galloway, 41, during the investigation. Members of the Warrants Unit found him in custody at the Berkeley County Jail, where he was served with arrest warrants. Authorities said he was later transferred to the Al Cannon Detention Center.

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Man accused in ‘unprovoked’ attack on New Hampshire state trooper

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By KC Downey

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    DOVER, New Hampshire (WMUR) — A man is facing multiple charges after accusations that he attacked a New Hampshire state trooper on Thursday afternoon. Police called the alleged assault “unprovoked.”

Police said around 2 p.m., Jonathan G. Newcomb, 53, of Dover, parked his vehicle next to the trooper’s cruiser, which was in a parking lot on Dover Point Road, near Route 16.

Newcomb allegedly got out of his vehicle and approached the trooper while holding a stick and a metal tool.

According to state police, Newcomb became verbally aggressive and challenged the trooper.

While the trooper tried to identify him, a physical encounter ensued, police said.

Police said Newcomb punched the trooper, tore his uniform and tried to take the trooper’s gun.

After what police described as a “prolonged struggle,” the trooper was able to arrest Newcomb.

Police said bystanders intervened to help the trooper at the scene.

Newcomb faces felony charges, including criminal threatening and attempting to take a firearm from law enforcement. He also faces misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated, stalking, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, assault on a police officer, criminal mischief and theft.

Newcomb suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Police said the trooper was evaluated at the hospital as a precaution. Both were later released.

Newcomb is set for an arraignment Friday.

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Dog survives bear attack while guarding family’s chickens

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Meagan Halbardier Moore

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    ESPAÑOLA, New Mexico (KOAT) — Honey, a 12-year-old mixed-breed dog owned by the Martinez family, is being praised for her bravery after surviving a bear attack while protecting the family’s chickens.

The family said they woke up in early March to find Honey barely breathing and badly injured in their driveway. At first, they knew something was seriously wrong, but the full extent of her injuries became clear only when they looked closer.

Lenna Martinez said Honey had suffered severe wounds to her neck, leaving them shocked and devastated by what they saw. “I turned her head to the right, and that’s when I saw like her whole neck, like the skin was just ripped off her entire neck, where the collar was covering. And I just immediately started crying. Like, I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and how severe it was.”

After an investigation, the Martinez family said they believe a bear came onto their property in an attempt to get to the chickens. Honey, whom the family described as an extremely protective dog, appears to have confronted the animal and fought to keep it away from the coops.

“They could see the tracks of her running back and forth, trying to keep the bear out of the chicken coops,” said Mattie Allen, the director of communications and programs at Española Humane. “And unfortunately, Honey took the brunt of the bear’s anger.”

Honey was treated by Española Humane, which the family credited with helping save her life. They say the care she received gave them a second chance with a dog that has shown fierce loyalty to their family.

Now recovering, Honey is being celebrated not only as a survivor but as a hero whose courage helped protect the animals in her care. The family now calls her “Honey the Bear Slayer.”

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Hoist the Cone: Pirates embrace new dugout celebration despite the mystery behind it

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By Raquel Ciampi

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    PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to have started a new tradition in their dugout, “hoisting the cone.”

Pitching ace Paul Skenes talked about the trend on the Pat McAfee Show Thursday after it was seen during their last game against the Reds.

“Well the life of the cone — (it) has been used a lot recently, so gotta keep that going. Uh, I don’t know. There’s probably going to be a number of people who hoist the cone this year. Cruz wore it a couple times. He looked like he was at Hogwarts. I don’t know the story on the cone,” Skenes said.

While Skenes may not know the story of the cone, it appears to track back to a shirt the licensed sports gear company Fanatics was selling.

Pittsburgh Clothing Co. spotted the “Hoist the Cone” shirt and shared the image on X, asking a question that has now infiltrated the minds of many Pirates fans, “What the heck does “Hoist the Cone” mean”

Was it a misprint? Was it supposed to read Hoist the Colors? Or was it a reference to the Pittsburgh Cone from 2019 — a waffle cone special filled with everything a yinzer needs: kielbasa, pierogi, Swiss cheese and more. No one appears to know.

What we do know is Skenes believes the cone that was spotted in the team’s dugout was picked up by one of his teammates on the side of the road in Cincinnati earlier this week.

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Arrest made in violent road-rage attack against two reality TV stars in Hollywood

CNN Newsource on April 3, 2026

By KABC staff

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    LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A man has been arrested in connection with a violent road-rage attack against two reality TV stars in Hollywood, according to Los Angeles police.

Patrik Simpson and Pol’ Atteu, co-hosts of the show “Gown and Out Beverly Hills” and the “Undressed” podcast, say they were on Melrose Avenue and Vine Street Sunday morning when the driver of a Toyota 4Runner blocked their car at the busy intersection.

Footage of the attack shows a man punching and kicking the window and door of the couple’s car before taking off.

“He gave me this death glare, like, literally, I thought he was going to kill us,” Simpson, who recorded the video, recounted to Eyewitness News earlier this week.

The reality stars say the violent interaction came without warning as they sat at the intersection.

“He punched the window… blood on the car. His hand was bleeding. That’s how hard he hit the car,” Simpson said.

The couple said they couldn’t figure out what triggered the man in the first place.

Police identified the suspect as Kevin Antonio Hernandez.

He was arrested Wednesday and booked on suspicion of felony vandalism. He’s since been released.

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