Category: CNN Regional

By Jarvis Robertson

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    BESSEMER, Alabama (WVTM) — Wednesday was a celebration at New Life Christian School of Excellence. It was all to honor one of its own first grade students, as September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Nova Stafford was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma — eye cancer — when she was only five months old.

“The left and right eye had tumors inside of them,” Matisha Stafford said, Nova’s mother.

This health journey hasn’t been the easiest for the Stafford family. They’ve spent time between Birmingham and Memphis, Tennessee, getting treatment for their young child.

“When she was five months old, we were vacationing; when I took a picture of her, the picture came back, and her eye was glowing. In her left eye, and I was like, that’s not normal. It wasn’t a red flash; it was a glow in her eye,” Matisha said.

Nova went through 10 months of chemotherapy for the tumors in her eyes. About three months after that treatment was finished, they dealt with more health concerns for the little girl.

“The tumors in her left eye burst, and we had to immediately go back to the hospital in Memphis. They did emergency surgery. And they removed her left eye,” she said.

After more medical tests, Matisha told WVTM that they learned the cancer had spread to Nova’s liver and bone marrow. This led to more aggressive treatment and time in the hospital.

The journey from the very beginning was met with many questions from the Stafford family.

“My heart, it literally sank, it crumbled. I felt like what did I do wrong? What happened? How could life be this way for us? She’s my one and only child,” the mother said.

Fast forward to the present day: Nova is thriving.

“As of now, there’s no evidence of disease. The tumors in her right eye are what they consider to be not growing. The same with her liver, the lesions have disappeared,” Matisha said.

The school held a parade for Nova, a walk of honor, and a big party.

WVTM spoke to the six-year-old Wednesday about how she feels about everything she’s been dealing with.

Nova told us, “Cancer, it’s bad, sad,” and gave it a thumbs down.

Her favorite subject is math, because it’s easy for her. Although her life hasn’t been the easiest, she still has a bright smile.

Matisha feels an immense sense of joy when she looks at her daughter.

“Especially when she’s sleeping, it brings tears to my eyes to know that she’s with me because some days was so tough, I didn’t know if I was going to bring my baby home,” the mother said.

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By Russ Reed

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    LIMERICK, Maine (WMTW) — A Limerick man who claims he was unlawfully assaulted and beaten by Maine State Police troopers who arrested him last year has sued those officers and the law enforcement agency, as he seeks more than $100 million in damages.

Justin Savage and his girlfriend, Shawna Morse, filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Maine; the Maine State Police; MSP Col. William Ross, the leader of the agency; MSP Trooper Jamie Fenderson; MSP Sgt. Adam Schmidt; and Det. Anna Ritland.

MSP officials said that on the night of March 16, 2024, troopers responded to a report of a domestic assault happening on Long Street in Limerick.

State police initially reported that Savage was detained by troopers after he had assaulted Morse in front of their home. But in a revised news release that was shared in May 2024, state police said a neighbor called to report Savage had assaulted Morse in front of their home.

According to state police, Savage became combative and during an ensuing struggle, he landed on Schmidt’s leg and broke his ankle — an injury that reportedly required surgery. Police then accused Savage of biting Fenderson’s hand in an effort to escape, causing two lacerations.

Savage was arrested on charges of domestic violence assault, assault on a police officer, refusing to submit to arrest and disorderly conduct.

A booking photo shared by the York County Jail with Maine’s Total Coverage in March 2024 shows Savage had a black eye, a split lip, and severe swelling on the left side of his face.

The lawsuit claims that Savage and Morse did not understand why troopers responded to their Long Street home, and that the police caused and escalated a conflict.

According to the lawsuit, Savage had his hands cuffed behind his back by Fenderson when Schmidt body slammed Savage onto the driveway, and all three troopers swarmed on top of him.

The lawsuit states that while Savage was being put inside a police cruiser, Fenderson punched and beat his face, drawing blood. The troopers then put leg restraints and a hooded spit mask on Savage, the latter of which caused him to have difficulty breathing that was ignored by the troopers for “an excessive and unreasonable amount of time,” according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit goes on to state that the troopers removed Savage from the cruiser, laid him on the ground, and held him there. According to the lawsuit, Fenderson once again repeatedly punched and beat Savage’s face.

“At all times, Justin was fully restrained, immobilized, in handcuffs, leg restraints, fully covered with a face mask, and had multiple individuals sitting on and holding him on the ground. Justin did not and could not pose any threat nor protect himself,” the lawsuit states. “Fenderson’s violent punching and beating of Justin’s face was outrageous, unlawful, unjustified, and wrongful, and done with malice, or malice can and should be implied. Justin suffered serious head injuries and lasting severe physical and psychological injuries from the assault.”

Maine’s Total Coverage has watched video of the arrest, which shows troopers handcuffing Savage before taking him to the ground. The video also shows the troopers punching Savage while he was on the ground.

Court documents state that all criminal charges against Savage were dismissed on April 15, 2025.

Maine State Police officials also said Morse tried to help Savage in his attempt to escape, and she was arrested on charges of obstructing government administration and refusal to submit to arrest.

The lawsuit states Morse was falsely accused of using force and resisting arrest, and that she was detained or restrained.

“[Shawna] visibly witnessed the assault on Justin and she suffered severe and lasting emotional injuries,” the lawsuit states.

According to court documents, all criminal charges against Morse were dismissed on Feb. 24, 2025.

Savage and Morse are requesting a jury trial as they seek compensatory damages. Legal-Ease, the Portland-based law firm representing Savage and Morse, said in a news release that their clients are seeking damages in excess of $100 million.

Maine State Police officials said the agency wound up receiving a complaint that the officers involved used excessive force. According to officials, the troopers completed a use of force report and submitted their video footage of the incident along with criminal investigative reports — which were approved and reviewed by their direct supervisors and commanding officer. The reports were then forwarded to the Maine State Police Training Unit for additional review of the officers’ tactics, officials said. The troopers’ video, use of force reports and criminal investigative reports were also reviewed by the State Police Office of Professional Standards.

“The agency determined the use of force in this case was lawful, justified and proper based on the circumstances, resulting in exonerating the officers,” reads a statement from the Maine State Police.

In a statement shared with Maine’s Total Coverage, state police said Savage’s “lack of cooperation and resistance to being detained” is what led to the use of force. State police said no force would have been used and no one would have been injured if Savage had been compliant.

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By Madison Monroe Adams

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    CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida (WBBH) — The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrested a woman after she was accused of renting out someone else’s home.

Cori Carmichael was arrested last Thursday, and she is facing charges for grand theft.

Khiana Mace’s life was disrupted in 2024 when her childhood home in Punta Gorda was destroyed by multiple hurricanes, forcing her to move in with a friend. “We lost everything,” Mace said.

In August, she managed to get back on her feet by signing a lease for a duplex on Cristobal Avenue in Deep Creek. “It took us a while to get the help and assistance,” she said. “It’s been very hard.”

Nearly two months after moving in, the property manager discovered someone was living in the home during an inspection and called 911. Charlotte County deputies arrived at Mace’s door, questioning why she was in a home that didn’t belong to her.

“I kind of was like. What? Like, I was confused. I was like, why are you here? Like, why y’all messing with us?” Mace said.

She showed officers her lease, only to learn that the woman who rented her the home, Cori Carmichael, had no legal right to do so and had collected thousands of dollars in rent. Deputies said Carmichael does not own the home and was only given permission to clean and list it by the homeowner.

Now, Mace says the real property manager is suing to evict her.

“I am so scared to open our door because you never know if you’re gonna get thrown out for no reason,” she said. Mace has tried to contact the actual homeowner, hoping to stay, but says she hasn’t received a response.

“It’s really upset me,” she said. “It’s just very traumatizing because, like I said, nobody should have to worry about laying their head down at night and being forced out of their home or the place that they rent, which they consider their home.”

Khiana Mace’s life was disrupted in 2024 when her childhood home in Punta Gorda was destroyed by multiple hurricanes, forcing her to move in with a friend. “We lost everything,” Mace said.

In August, she managed to get back on her feet by signing a lease for a duplex on Cristobal Avenue in Deep Creek. “It took us a while to get the help and assistance,” she said. “It’s been very hard.”

Nearly two months after moving in, the property manager discovered someone was living in the home during an inspection and called 911. Charlotte County deputies arrived at Mace’s door, questioning why she was in a home that didn’t belong to her.

“I kind of was like. What? Like, I was confused. I was like, why are you here? Like, why y’all messing with us?” Mace said.

She showed officers her lease, only to learn that the woman who rented her the home, Cori Carmichael, had no legal right to do so and had collected thousands of dollars in rent. Deputies said Carmichael does not own the home and was only given permission to clean and list it by the homeowner.

Now, Mace says the real property manager is suing to evict her.

“I am so scared to open our door because you never know if you’re gonna get thrown out for no reason,” she said. Mace has tried to contact the actual homeowner, hoping to stay, but says she hasn’t received a response.

“It’s really upset me,” she said. “It’s just very traumatizing because, like I said, nobody should have to worry about laying their head down at night and being forced out of their home or the place that they rent, which they consider their home.”

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By Jennifer Eagan, Emily Maher

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A man with a knife was shot by police early Wednesday in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood after officers responded to a 911 call for a breaking and entering at a restaurant, officials confirmed.

Officers were called just before 6 a.m. to an alleged breaking and entering at 97 Mount Vernon St.

Taylor Pacifico called 911 reporting that a naked man had shattered the front door of the restaurant 1928 Beacon Hill.

“He was smashing plates and going crazy in there,” she said.

One of the responding officers was seen on video at the door of the restaurant with his gun drawn as other officers rushed to a back ally, where police said they encountered a man armed with a large knife.

“An officer dispatched his department-issued Taser, striking the suspect to no avail. Officers then discharged their department issued firearms multiple times, striking the individual,” Boston Police Department Superintendent Paul McLaughlin said.

“They were screaming, ‘Boston Police,’ and then we heard the man when the Taser was going off screaming, like, really intensely, and then we heard a gunshot and more screaming,” Pacifico said.

The man was given first aid by officers at the scene, and he was taken to a hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries, McLaughlin said.

Two pest control workers were inside the restaurant when the man entered.

“He just came in,” one worker said. “I definitely didn’t see him. He was naked though.”

Residents of the quiet neighborhood said they woke up to the sounds of gunfire and chaos.

“I just woke up to the sound of a gun,” one resident said.

“Unreal. It wouldn’t happen in this neighborhood,” another resident said.

Three Boston Police officers were taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

The names of the man and the officers involved in the shooting were not released.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Boston police at 617-343-4470.

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By Phil Taitt and WABC News Staff

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    EAST VILLAGE, New York (WABC) — An off-duty NYPD officer is recovering at the hospital after he was shoved onto the subway tracks during a dispute with a homeless man at an East Village subway station.

Police say it happened at the 3rd Avenue station at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night.

The 24-year-old officer landed on the L subway line tracks after being allegedly pushed by 28-year-old Aaron Walker, who also fell onto the track bed.

Both men pulled themselves onto the platform and Walker fled on a train. He was arrested at the Union Square station.

Walker was charged with attempted murder, assault, attempted reckless endangerment, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

The off-duty officer was taken to Bellevue Hospital and was said to be stable.

The officer was assigned to United Nations General Assembly security and had just gone off duty.

Police say Walker has 28 prior arrests. He is awaiting arraignment.

According to the governor’s office, subway crime is down.

This past summer, crime was down 9% compared to last summer. And in August, specifically major crime on the subway was down 23%.

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By Felix Cortez

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    PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KSBW) — Ira Bastian, 86, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 1991 murders of Prunedale restaurant owner George Smith and his mother-in-law, Eva Thompson, after DNA evidence linked him to the crime last month.

Smith’s daughter, only identified as Christine, expressed her feelings during the sentencing, saying, “I do not believe we owe Mr. Bastian any mercy.”

Christine recounted the brutal nature of the murders, stating, “I know how my dad died, I know how Eva died and I know that the reason they were murdered was for a few hundred dollars so that Mr. Bastian could buy crack.”

Bastian, who was an employee at Smith’s restaurant, stabbed the owner and his mother-in-law nearly a dozen times with a kitchen knife.

Judge Andrew Liu acknowledged the severity of the crime, saying, “I want to recognize that Mr. Bastian is a human being, but this was an extremely brutal murder of two innocent people who ran a nice family restaurant.”

Family members spoke about the victims, describing Smith as a decorated Army veteran who offered second chances by employing people and entertained guests at his restaurant with magic tricks.

Smith’s daughter shared the impact of her father’s murder, “When my dad was brutally murdered, my world seemed to come to an abrupt stop as my life had been changed forever at a time when I needed my dad for support and encouragement, he was brutally taken from me from us.”

The family waited 34 years for justice, and Judge Liu granted their request for life imprisonment without parole.

“His lack of remorse, and to show him the same lack of compassion for some of his victims, Mr. Bastian deserves to spend his final days in prison without family, without compassion, without mercy.”

“Even though there is that saying that justice delayed is justice denied, I see no injustice in imposing this sentence, I do hope it brings some much-needed closure to this longstanding pain,” added Smith’s daughter.

Despite the conviction, Bastian maintains his innocence, and his defense attorney has indicated that Bastian will file an appeal.

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By Mónica De Anda

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    LOS ANGELES, California (KABC) — Fans are questioning the dark inspiration behind singer D4vd’s work as the investigation continues into the death of a teenage girl who was found dead in the trunk of his car in Hollywood.

A previous interview with the singer on the “Zach Sang Show” podcast is sparking online conversation as he talks about his music.

“Meaning like you get into a friendship expecting it to end in a devastating, tragic, sad way so it can inspire art, but are you manifesting that…?” the singer was asked.

“I don’t know, I hope I’m not,” D4vd replied. “I look back to old songs like “Life’s A Dream” and all these songs I wrote in my closet… my sister’s closet in 2022. When I’m looking at my life in the past eight to nine months, I’m like woah. Like bro, these songs are soundtracking my life.”

The online discourse among fans comes as the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez were released to her family this week.

That could mean a cause of death has been determined but that information hasn’t been released.

The teen’s dismembered and decomposing body was found more than two weeks ago at a tow yard inside a Tesla registered to D4vd.

When asked about it during an on-set interview with ABC7’s Phillip Palmer Wednesday, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said he couldn’t share much about the ongoing investigation.

“We have a lot of resources dedicated to bringing it to a conclusion. But to go beyond what’s already been made public would be inappropriate,” McDonnell said.

As for speculations that the 20-year-old singer might’ve had a relationship with Hernandez, who would’ve turned 15 years old this month, the police chief said: “Whenever you investigate a homicide, the detectives look at all of the associated issues as well. In this case, that’s something that they would be looking at.”

Last week, investigators took a computer as they searched a Hollywood Hills home where D4vd stayed.

D4vd has since canceled the remainder of his tour as police investigate the teen’s death and any potential ties to the singer. He has not publicly commented on the case, nor has he been named as a suspect.

As he remains silent, his fans are loud online, critiquing his lyrics and music videos that feature gory imagery and themes.

One of his most popular songs is titled “Romantic Homicide.”

In the music video for “One More Dance,” it appears to show a blindfolded D4vd in a bloodied shirt standing by as two people put a body into the trunk of a car.

And the anime-style music video for his song “Rehab” depicts a girl’s arm being cut off.

Meanwhile, a verified GoFundMe account has raised more than $24,000 to help pay for Hernandez’s funeral services, which is set for Oct. 4.

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By Royale Da

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    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KOAT) — As Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated across New Mexico, one Albuquerque business is brewing more than just great coffee — it’s serving up a story of culture, community, and deep-rooted pride.

Paul Gallegos, founder and master roaster of Cutbow Coffee in the North Valley, has turned his passion for coffee into a tribute to his heritage.

Raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley, with family ties to Las Vegas, Wagon Mound, and Mora, Gallegos blends his cultural identity into every cup.

“I feel like I represent a culture and a state and a family who is very proud of their heritage,” he said.

Gallegos launched his roasting career in the late 1990s, starting in the Bay Area before returning home to New Mexico to open Cutbow Coffee. The café’s name is inspired by the cutbow trout — a hybrid fish found in northern New Mexico — symbolizing the blend of cultures that define the state.

For Gallegos, roasting is more than a trade — it’s a responsibility.

“I feel a great sense of responsibility to represent a rich and proud heritage,” he said.

Today, Cutbow Coffee is a local favorite, known not just for its quality brews but also for its welcoming atmosphere and community focus. Gallegos hopes to continue mentoring young roasters while preserving the traditions that shaped him. Cutbow Coffee is located on Rio Grande Boulevard, just north of I-40, in Albuquerque.

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By Carolina Estrada

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    SACRAMENTO COUNTY, California (KCRA) — Donna Ouchida, an 82-year-old from Sacramento County, lost $35,000 in a scam that began with a message asking her to verify a suspicious charge.

“I got this message that said, is this 200 and something dollars charge yours? If not, call this number,” Ouchida said.

Just a week earlier, one of her credit cards had been compromised, so she called the number.

On the other end, a man claiming to be from the U.S. Treasury warned her that her identity had been stolen.

“That credit cards had been opened in my name all over the world and I got scared,” Ouchida said.

Then he sent a warrant, supposedly for her arrest.

“They said we need you to show you’re not laundering money,” she said.

To prove her innocence, she was told to send $50,000 in cash.

After arranging with her bank, she withdrew $15,000.

The man kept texting, giving her detailed instructions on how to ship the money, including hiding it in a box with toys so it looked like a gift.

“Then we had to withdraw more money for the second payout,” she said.

This time, $20,000 were picked up in person, and surveillance cameras captured an image of a car believed to be involved.

“I wasn’t allowed to talk to the person, except ask their name and password,” Ouchida said.

Finally, the scammer asked for a third payment.

“That’s when things started to seem suspicious,” she said.

She told her family, who helped intercept the package that contained nearly $18,000.

“He was so concerned they’d come back—that they’d come to my house,” Ouchida said.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating.

Sgt. Amar Gandhi said cases like this are common.

“They’ll use everything—from promises of riches to straight-out fear tactics,” Gandhi said.

Financial scams targeting seniors are on the rise, and the numbers are staggering.

The FBI says in 2024 alone, Californians lost more than $832 million to fraud.

Back in August, KCRA 3 covered a similar case—a woman who lost her life savings of $30,000. It’s what motivated Ouchida to share her story—to warn others.

“It’s really terrible. I know I should’ve known better,” Ouchida said. “If you see a phone number you don’t recognize, don’t answer it.”

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