Police credit Uber driver’s vigilance in arrest of man for child sex crimes

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Chloe McCoy

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    GEORGETOWN, South Carolina (WYFF) — An Uber driver in Georgetown, South Carolina, is being praised by police for his vigilance after reporting suspicious activity involving an adult male and juvenile female.

On Friday, the Georgetown Police Department responded to a call from an Uber driver who had just dropped off a juvenile female at the Georgetown Inn.

The driver reported that upon arriving at the hotel, the minor entered a hotel room occupied by a man who was later identified as 45-year-old Donovan Williams.

When officers arrived and spoke with the juvenile, she told them she had traveled to meet Williams for employment and was told she would have to engage in sexual activities to keep the job.

She told officers she needed the job due to lack of money and food.

Williams was placed under arrest by authorities and charged with third-degree sexual criminal conduct. He is being held at the Georgetown County Detention Center.

Georgetown Police commended the Uber driver in a Facebook post for his quick thinking, writing that he was “instrumental in enabling a timely police response and helped ensure the safety and well-being of the juvenile, protecting her from further harm.”

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San Clemente neighborhood officially removes racist housing covenant after nearly a century

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Marc Monroy

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    TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — For nearly a century, the San Clemente neighborhood has offered a tight-knit community, but not for everyone. Now, residents are celebrating the removal of a race restriction that had been in place for decades.

Pima County court documents show that on Friday, race restrictions in the San Clemente neighborhood were officially removed. The 1968 Fair Housing Act had already banned racial discrimination in home sales, but the neighborhood’s original language remained.

“But one restriction was adopted in perpetuity — only people of the white or Caucasian race could own or live in these homes,” Margot Veranes said.

The covenants were put in place in the 1930s by developer Stanley Williamson, who hoped keeping minorities out would maintain property values.

Veranes and her neighbors took action after learning about the restriction.

“It was a very upsetting experience to see that language,” Veranes said.

Resident Emerson Edgecombe said he was shocked, particularly as someone who identifies as part of a minority group.

“It was disappointing — we’re in the 21st century, far removed from 70 or 80 years ago when we had Jim Crow laws,” Edgecombe said.

Another resident, Kalyan Raman Bharathan, reacted with humor.

“One time I thought… if Michael Jordan decided to move into this neighborhood, would you say no? It’s really a funny thing,” Bharathan said.

Despite strong winds, tents stood firm at the San Clemente neighborhood’s bi-annual picnic as residents celebrated the change.

“It feels as though a load has been lifted,” Veranes said.

Veranes hopes this serves as a message to other neighborhoods with similar covenants, urging them to take action and remove race-based restrictions.

“I would encourage other neighborhood associations and other individual property owners,” Veranes said.

Mapping Racist Covenants shows more than 65 neighborhoods throughout Tucson still have rules saying only white or Caucasian residents can live there.

San Clemente was among those neighborhoods until residents fought to erase that language and the history it carried.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGUN verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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.

Debris from Miami Mandarin Oriental implosion smashes into nearby condo lobby

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Anna McAllister

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — The demolition of the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami drew thousands of viewers Sunday but quickly turned chaotic for nearby residents, who say flying debris shattered windows, thick dust blanketed their property and left them facing costly cleanup and safety concerns.

“We initially were thinking, because of the wind and everything, that we weren’t going to be impacted as we were,” Hernan Picalomino said. “It was really close, where we felt our building shake.”

Residents who live at the nearby St. Louis condos, like Picalomino, say the demolition took a chaotic turn.

“A piece of debris … went through the front lobby window like a speeding bullet and destroyed our glass mirror inside,” he said.

Video showed the moment the debris smashed through the lobby door as a man stood nearby.

“Luckily he wasn’t next to the door,” Picalomino said. “If he was next to the door, anyone could imagine a size rock like this going at high velocity — we’d be having a different conversation right now.”

Residents also told CBS News Miami thick dust blanketed the property, and say they had to cover the expense of the clean-up.

“I believe it’s going into the six figures with just the clean-up alone,” Picalomino said.

Some residents concerned for safety from nearby construction Picalomino and other residents that CBS News Miami spoke with off camera said they’re concerned about their safety when construction of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, a new hotel that includes private residences, starts.

CBS News Miami reached out to BG Group LLC, who facilitated the demolition and resident’s concerns and received a statement that reads in part: “Initial reports indicate that the controlled implosion of the former Mandarin Oriental in Miami was successfully completed. … We have received reports of minor glass damage which were promptly addressed by our team.”

“The narrative is nice from them, but for the people who live here and just experienced an implosion 100 feet away, it’s a whole different narrative,” Picalomino said.

CBS News Miami reached out to city officials regarding the demolition and are waiting to hear back.

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Big Sur hikers recount discovery of woman found dead near hot springs

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Felix Cortez

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    MONTEREY COUNTY, California (KSBW) — A hike into the Big Sur wilderness turned deadly for a woman whose body was found Thursday afternoon along the Pine Ridge Trail near Sykes Hot Springs.

Her body was discovered Thursday morning by a group of hikers who spoke with KSBW after returning from their two-night hike in the backcountry.

“I didn’t see any blood. She was pale. She had markings around her neck. I don’t want to say, you know, choking marks, but when the firefighter lifted the jacket, he confirmed that she had a big gash on her head,” hiker Gabe Holmes said.

Weather and darkness prevented search-and-rescue crews from recovering the woman’s body until Friday afternoon, but her death is now being treated as suspicious by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

The hikers said they also came across a man who claimed to be the woman’s friend. They said he appeared cold and was shaking.

“Scared, nervous, like shocked, his face just, like, numb and dull,” hiker John Heerema said.

“On one hand, we didn’t know if he was just having the worst day of his life or, on the other, like he had just killed someone, so I just went in with, like, all right, just be ultra-cautious, slow things down and make sure everyone’s safe,” his brother, Luke Heerema, added.

When the hikers asked what happened, the woman’s friend told them this:

“She went to the bathroom. She was cleaning herself off in the river around 10:30 a.m., and he went looking for her and then just saw her face down in the water, naked,” Luke Heerema said.

The hikers also gave statements to first responders, but the woman’s cause of death is unknown and no one is in custody. The concern is how a woman could go hiking on a popular Big Sur trail and never make it out alive.

“That’s all I could think about, just how their family and friends will feel, you know, losing a loved one like that. It’s supposed to be a trip out in nature, you know, to escape everything and get away from all the horrible things in the world. And that happens. It’s just atrocious,” hiker Jack Cileo said.

A key part of the investigation will be the woman’s autopsy: What was her cause of death, and was foul play involved?

The sheriff’s office also noted there is no current threat to anyone hiking or camping near Sykes Hot Springs.

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Viral TikTok video saves a 19-year-old’s struggling taco restaurant from closing its doors

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Faraz Javed , Brian Schwartz

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    TAYLOR, Michigan (WXYZ) — A 19-year-old restaurant owner in Taylor whose business was on the brink of closure is now selling out nearly every night after a heartfelt plea on TikTok went viral.

Alexander Quinones, a Taylor High School graduate, opened Detroit Loves Tacos 2 last November. He invested $5,000 of his savings and graduation money into the business, and his mother, Julie Stevens, also contributed to keep the dream alive.

However, the restaurant struggled to bring in customers. Stevens said Quinones was making just enough to cover daily expenses and his one employee. Just two weeks ago, they faced a breaking point.

“We had a difficult discussion that day. We’re gonna have to close if something doesn’t give,” Stevens said.

“I felt like I was failing in life a little bit. I put all my money into this, I put all my time into this. So it really, really hurt me,” Quinones said.

Facing closure, Quinones posted a 30-second video on TikTok.

“No shortcuts, no big investors, just me working every single day, long nights, with a vision,” Quinones said in the video.

“I woke up in the morning, and he was viral, literally, like overnight. It was like a blessing,” Stevens said.

The video drew Mexican food lovers from across Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Canada. Siblings Breanna Huynh and Jordan Huynh drove across the border from Windsor to support the business.

“It’s really good,” Breanna Huynh said.

“It’s just amazing, balanced bite, it’s great,” Jordan Huynh said.

Isabel Zuniga and Breanna Niese made a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Ohio after seeing the video.

“This place is great,” Niese said.

“Worth the drive,” Zuniga said.

Another customer, Dallas, also praised the menu.

“They got this pineapple pork, and I love it,” Dallas said.

Quinones discovered his passion for the restaurant business at age 12 at Detroit Loves Tacos in Corktown, which stemmed from Stevens’ catering business. Now, Stevens helps in the kitchen at the Taylor location due to the overwhelming customer response.

“He is the first one in, the last one to leave. He has watched me his whole life. That’s how my mom raised us,” Stevens said.

“His work ethic has always been stellar,” Stevens said.

“Restaurant’s like my passion. I love serving people with food. I love seeing their smiles. It means the world to me,” Quinones said.

Quinones said he is grateful for the community support and tries to ensure he has enough inventory to feed everyone, as the restaurant almost completely sells out every day.

“That’s crazy,” Niese said.

“All I thought was a simple video, just to get my name out there,” Quinones said.

“I’m so grateful, I’ve almost sold out, almost completely every day out of the week. But I try and make sure that I have enough inventory, just to feed everybody,” Quinones said.

Quinones plans to expand, including opening more stores and food trucks. He hopes his story encourages others to never give up on their dreams.

“Definitely lean on the people around you,” Breanna Huynh said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WXYZ verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Florida teen charged as adult in killing of stepsister Anna Kepner on Carnival cruise ship, DOJ says

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Steven Yablonski

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    Florida (WFOR) — The 16-year-old stepbrother of Florida teenager Anna Kepner has been officially charged as an adult in her killing after she was found dead aboard a cruise ship in 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.

According to court records, the Titusville teenager, identified by federal prosecutors with his initials “T.H.,” was traveling on Carnival Cruise Line’s Horizon with 18-year-old Kepner and other family members in November 2025 when the incident occurred during a Caribbean voyage, according to the DOJ.

Investigators said that while the ship was in international waters en route to Miami, the teenage stepbrother allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed Kepner, according to the DOJ.

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office later determined the cause of death to be mechanical asphyxiation.

“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said in a news release. “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care.”

Quiñones went on to say that Kepner’s stepbrother is presumed innocent unless or until he’s proven guilty.

The teenager was initially charged as a juvenile in February, and the case remained sealed until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered it transferred for adult prosecution.

According to the DOJ, Kepner’s stepbrother was charged with first degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse.

If he’s convicted in her killing, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Family member reacted to the indictment of Kepner’s stepbrother on Monday.

“I am glad that justice is starting and I am hoping she gets the justice she deserves,” said Chris Donohue Sr, Anna’s step grandfather. “Her life was cut short and we are saddened that we will not be able to see what a beautiful life she would have had.”

No court date has been set as of Monday afternoon.

“It was inevitable that the stepbrother would be charged as an adult,” said Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach prosecutor who reviewed the indictment and has followed the case but is not involved. “The adult criminal justice system is better equipped to handle a 16-year accused of such violent crimes that result in death.”

A juvenile track in the federal courts would have allowed the defendant to potentially be released fro prison at 21-years-old regardless of how severe the crime was, according to Aronberg.

FBI Miami is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. López is prosecuting the case.

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Experts discuss health risks of harmful algal blooms in Southwest Florida

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Natacha Casal

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    FORT MYERS, Florida (WBBH) — The Calusa Waterkeeper hosted a discussion at Florida SouthWestern State College Saturday morning to spotlight the long-term health and environmental effects of harmful algal blooms.

Keynote speaker Dr. David A. Davis, with the University of Miami Brain Endowment Bank, shared findings from his research on dolphins, revealing concerning neurological changes.

“We found that they can exhibit changes in their brain that are kind of similar to what we see in patients with Alzheimer’s disease,” Davis said.

Currently, there is limited research showing that algal blooms cause illness through airborne exposure. To address this, the Calusa Waterkeeper developed an “Aerosol Detector for Harmful Algae Monitoring,” or ADAM.

“So basically where the water meets the air, there’s an interface there where a certain amount of the sign of toxins that we’re trying to look at with this equipment, they become airborne and then they travel around and can move several miles from onshore and around in water; and people are breathing these toxins,” said Joe Cavanaugh, Calusa Waterkeeper.

Cavanaugh noted that while most people know not to eat shellfish exposed to algal blooms, fewer realize that even breathing in the smell could pose long-term health risks.

“Although, we can limit them with limited nutrient loading. And that starts up at Lake Okeechobee and it’s agricultural runoff. It’s fed by septic systems and fecal indicator bacteria that gets in the water. You know, all that stuff is creating a saturation of nutrients in the river,” Cavanaugh said.

Cavanaugh and others are advocating for more research and better tools to track how harmful algal blooms impact the environment and human health.

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Deputies solve 2023 murder case over ‘money dispute’

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Christian Bussiere

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    COCOA, Florida (WESH) — After nearly three years, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Cold Case unit was able to solve a case from August 2023.

On April 7, agents from BCSO arrested Tavery Houston, who also goes by the alias “Cookie,” for the murder of Franklin Orwig.

“Our Agents, Analysts, and Crime Scene members worked diligently at getting a violent individual off of our streets and behind bars where he can’t victimize anyone else,” Sheriff Wayne Ivey said.

The investigation started when the BCSO received a call regarding a shooting at 5500 Burgess Ave. in Cocoa.

When deputies arrived on scene, they located Orwig, who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

Orwig was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The manhunt was on, and deputies spoke to witnesses who could only recall a man in a dark mask leaving the area.

The case remained unsolved, and with limited information to work with, BCSO worked to obtain reliable evidence. This work eventually revealed the shooter’s nickname, Cookie.

As the tips came in, investigators conducted interviews to locate the suspect, and they were able to connect with Cookie, subsequently identified as Houston, BCSO said.

This led deputies to question Houston, and when his statement was paired with evidence and interviews collected, they concluded he had killed Orwig.

This arrest also gave insight into the events that unfolded on August 11, 2023.

Investigators said the shooting occurred over a money dispute.

Houston made his first appearance in front of a judge on April 8 in Brevard County.

“I want to thank everyone for a great job on this investigation, as Houston is now behind bars on a no-bond status for 1st degree premeditated murder,” Sheriff Ivey said.

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Bail bondsman accused of trading bond for sexual favors takes plea deal

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Shane Winsten

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    ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — The bail bondsman accused of trading bond for sexual favors reached a plea agreement on Monday morning, before his trial was about to begin.

Russell Moncrief was arrested in October 2024 after investigators said he forced women to have sex or perform other favors in exchange for posting their bail.

Moncrief agreed to plead no contest to the racketeering charge.

Prosecutors agreed to drop all other charges, including human trafficking.

Moncrief will serve 34.5 months in prison along with 6 years of probation.

Moncrief will remain out on bond until formal sentencing in January.

The judge amended his bond to allow him to travel to multiple Central Florida counties, but he will remain under GPS monitoring.

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‘You can always come home’: Sister seeks answers six weeks after brother goes missing

CNN Newsource on April 13, 2026

By Olivia Yatooma

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    NORTON SHORES, Michigan (WXMI) — A Muskegon family is pleading for help bringing 38-year-old Lee Longmire Jr. home after he went missing in February.

“Lee has been missing for about six weeks,” said sister Shamontia Salazar. “It’s hard to wake up every day and not be able to call him or see him.”

Longmire was last seen on Feb. 28, according to the Norton Shores Police Department.

FOX 17 previously reported the vehicle Longmire was last known to use was located on Sunday, March 1, on fire on Norton Avenue near Jefferson Street at the border of Norton Shores and Muskegon Heights.

Salazar describes her brother as outgoing, helpful, sweet and kindhearted.

“I’m having faith and believing that he’s somewhere out there,” Salazar said. “We just want to find where he’s at. You know, we care about what happened to him, but we care the most about finding him and him just coming back to us.”

In a statement, Norton Shores Police Chief Marc VanderStelt said the investigation is still very active.

“We have followed up on dozens of leads, interviewed several people, and searched numerous locations. We are still asking for the public’s help with this investigation,” VanderStelt said.

In a plea to the public, Salazar said, “If it was your family, what would you do for your family? How far would you be willing to go to make sure your family comes back home?”

In a message to her brother, Salazar said, “I love you, and no matter what, you can always come home. Call somebody if you’re out there, let us know you’re okay. You know there’s nothing you can’t get through, and we’ll be here to support you, and we love you.”

Longmire was last known to be wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a white t-shirt, and white Nike shoes. Police said he is 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 240 pounds.

Anyone with information on where Longmire might be is encouraged to contact the Norton Shores Police Department at (231) 733-2691.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Silent Observer at (231) 722-7463.

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