Category: CNN Regional

By Karen Morfitt

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    WESTMINSTER, Colorado (KCNC) — A man in Westminster spoke to CBS Colorado this month about the deaths of his husband and son. They died when they couldn’t escape a fire that started in their family home.

Travis Whitson also responded to a CBS Colorado investigation that uncovered the gaps in 911 coverage for the area where his family lived.

“Everyone got out of work on time and ate pizza together,” Travis Whitson told CBS Colorado.

Whitson described a simple night following a busy day, the kind families have all the time, never realizing how precious those moments are, until they’re gone.

“It was a good day — a really good day,” he said, reflecting.

It is also the last memory Whitson has with his family.

“It’s still crazy,” he explained. “We really had everything we wanted.”

On Jan. 13, just after midnight, Whitson woke up to the barking of the family dog Charlie. A fire had started on the back patio.

Jeff Whitson, Travis’ husband, tried to get Elijah, their 9-year-old son, out of the house. Travis Whitson grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to keep the flames from spreading to the deck.

Jeff decided the front door was unsafe and attempted to escape with Elijah through the boy’s bedroom window, next to the carport — a route the family had often discussed as an emergency exit. Jeff broke the window open, but the sudden rush of air pulled heat and flames upstairs from the already-melting sliding glass doors.

Jeff and Elijah never made it out of their home.

Inside the house, Whitson remembers a home built around togetherness. Jeff loved to cook, gathering family and friends around the long breakfast bar. The den was Elijah’s world, filled with toys and family movie nights.

“This was a good space,” Whitson said. “It was a good house,” walking through the charred rubble left behind.

Whitson says Jeff was a lifelong public servant. He worked as a social worker, served as a court clerk and spent time as a middle school teacher.

“You always knew if my husband was in the room,” Whitson said. “He had a lot of light, a lot of charisma.”

Whitson described Elijah as a serious child just beginning to discover his passions.

“He loved karate,” Whitson said. “He was dedicated for his age. He earned his brown belt. He loved Cub Scouts and soccer.”

CBS Colorado had already begun to uncover a gap in the 911 dispatch system covering the area before speaking to Whitson. And, when he learned about that, he wanted to share his family’s story.

“Just hearing there was a closer fire station, with Arvada, but they didn’t get the word because the systems don’t always talk to each other,” Whitson said about the report.

CBS Colorado learned that, despite the proximity, Westminster dispatchers could not see Arvada units in their computer-aided dispatch system. Fire chiefs from both departments say connecting those systems could save time.

While Whitson agrees the issue deserves closer examination, he does not believe it would have changed the outcome for his husband and son.

“The firefighters were great,” Whitson said. “There’s nothing they could have done.”

Months later, Whitson continues to navigate grief and a rebuilding process with no roadmap.

“You see on TV when someone’s spouse died of a heart attack or a car accident, and then they have that moment where they’ve got to get rid of the clothes and the shoes and let it go. And, you know, I don’t even have a shirt that smells like them. I don’t have anything like that,” he said.

What he does have are memories — and the knowledge that many others share them.

Travis Whitson is planning a public celebration of life for Jeff Whitson and Elijah Whitson on May 8 at Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr Street. The reception is at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m.

There is also an online fundraiser setup to help support Whitson with unexpected expenses.

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 Noelle Friel, Brandon Carr

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    DETROIT, Michigan (WDIV) — A Metro Detroit restaurant owner is facing federal charges for allegedly harboring and illegally employing immigrants who were in the United States without authorization.

Prosecutors allege that Yong Ni, owner of three Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse locations, two in Shelby Township and one in Royal Oak, employed undocumented workers and allowed them to live in homes he owned in exchange for labor.

According to an indictment unsealed last week, Ni housed at least a dozen individuals in Shelby Township properties rent-free while requiring them to work shifts of up to 12 hours at his restaurants.

Federal agents executed search warrants at one of the homes in May 2024 and encountered about a dozen people who said they were living there, prosecutors said.

Authorities later raided the restaurants in May 2025, after surveillance showed workers being transported to and from the businesses.

Investigators identified at least five people working without legal authorization, three of whom were living in another home owned by Ni that he allegedly referred to as “dorms,” according to court documents.

Ni faces 10 counts, including charges of harboring and unlawfully employing immigrants.

Prosecutors also allege that Ni himself was in the United States without legal status and is charged with possessing a fraudulent immigrant visa.

If convicted, Ni could be required to forfeit two properties and three vehicles that authorities say were seized during the investigation.

Court records did not immediately list an attorney for Ni. It was not clear when he was expected to appear in court.

Federal prosecutors have not released additional details about the status of the workers involved.

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 Montse Ricossa

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    PEWAUKEE, Wisconsin (WDJT) — As we face more storms Monday night, we continue covering the devastating effects of a storm from two weeks ago. Peter Paul Garamone Sr. died after being struck by lightning in Pewaukee on April 14. He was a truck driver from Pennsylvania, walking through a Kwik Trip parking lot when lightning hit.

“The house feels very empty without him here,” shared Lisa Cox, wife of Garamone Sr. “I don’t think he, or even I, ever thought something like that would happen. I don’t think anybody thinks something like that would happen,” she continued. Garamone Sr.’s death marks the first fatal lightning strike in the United States of 2026. On average, about 20 people die from lightning each year, according to the National Weather Service. Cox said that’s part of the reason it’s hard to believe this is real.

“It’s such a small amount that it’s not something that crosses your mind when you have someone that’s on the road all the time. That’s not what you think, you know, could possibly happen. I was always worried about him driving but not lightning. And it’s just so scary to know that that can take someone that’s so loved away that fast.”

Lisa and Pete had just celebrated their eight-year anniversary one week before he died. Lisa says he’d been a truck driver for about seven years and was doing so to help his family and his 7-year-old son.

She explained, “He was a great guy. He just wanted to work and provide for his family.” Music and concerts were a big part of their relationship, said Lisa, which is something she hopes to show her son as he gets older.

As Lisa plans Pete’s funeral, she warns others to take severe weather seriously.

“If there’s a storm, it’s not worth it. Just don’t get out of your, you know, vehicle. Get someplace safe. You can lose someone at any second,” she said.

The Waukesha County Medical Examiner said Monday they are still determining Garamone Sr.’s cause of death.

His service will be on Sunday. A GoFundMe has been created to help the family with expenses.

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 Makayla Richardson

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    SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, California (KSBY) — Agriculture is one of the pillars of San Luis Obispo County, and strawberries are one of our biggest crops— so how has recent weather affected this specific fruit?

Resident Taylor Filler shops for her fruits and vegetables locally. “There’s just so much agriculture in the area, and we’re able to grow so many things here,” Filler said. “It feels like it’s crazy to be buying stuff from far away when we have it all right here.”

But Filler said the last batch of locally grown strawberries she bought went bad in less than a week. “We literally just had that this week, where I bought some on Wednesday, and they were already bad five days later, like Saturday,” Filler shared. “So that was definitely different than prior ones we’ve had.”

Community reporter Makayla Richardson spoke with Edward Lucas, who explains it’s not the grower who’s at fault, but the gloomy, rainy weather that’s been sticking around the Central Coast.

“It makes the strawberry [rot] faster than it’s normally [does],” Lucas said. “So that’s why it doesn’t last long, especially if you don’t keep them in a fridge and you try to sell as fresh as possible.”

Lucas has known Fabian Garcia for 30 years. Garcia, who owns Garcia’s Fruit and Vegetables, says strawberries are easily impacted when the weather is either too hot or too wet, like the past few days. “Wetter weather will make strawberries less sweet while summer makes them ripen faster and sweeter,” Lucas said. “Either way, it’s going to go bad.”

During heavy rain, a 1/2 inch of water could be detrimental to the crop. Berries can split from excess moisture, and mold can spread fast, causing the fruit to rot faster.

Filler said despite the weather and its impacts on the fruit, she’s still choosing to shop locally. “Just all the options here and feeling like you’re supporting local workers and farmers…is pretty cool.”

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 Gianella Ghiglino

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    SANTA BARBARA, California (KSBY) — Paul Forester, a retired teacher, has started relying less on his car and more on his e-bike.

“I shop with it… a whole bunch of stuff I used to do with my car, I now do with my e-bike,” Forester said.

And he’s not alone. A 2026 study from the micromobility company Veo found that 68% of people with access to a car have replaced some of their driving trips with bikes or e-bikes.

Forester said saving money on gas is only part of the appeal.

“Parking, you don’t have to worry about parking,” he said. “It’s so much easier going around downtown to get groceries and do errands, or go to the bank when you don’t have to worry about parking.”

At Isla Vista Bike Boutique, staff said they have seen a recent increase in interest in used bikes as gas prices remain high.

Bicycle mechanic Henry Sarria said the shift has already changed his own routine.

“As far as grocery shopping, we just ride our bikes to the IV Food Co-op, pick up groceries, and call it a day,” Sarria said.

From e-bikes to bike lanes, Santa Barbara County is steadily building around two-wheeled transportation.

In Isla Vista, for example, a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project is adding protected bike lanes, improved sidewalks, curb extensions and upgraded crossing signals aimed at making cycling safer and more connected.

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 Peter Choi

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    EL PASO COUNTY, Colorado (KOAA) — A man in northern Colorado Springs is doing more than giving rides. He is using his transportation service to spread hope and help people who need it most.

People say music tells a story. For John Redmon, music tells his life story.

Redmon is a devoted fan of jazz legend Louis Armstrong and often performs impressions of the iconic singer. He admires Armstrong’s humility, talent and humanitarian spirit so much that he named his company after Armstrong’s famous nickname, Satchmo.

“To honor his legacy, I wanted to name my private taxi service Satchmo Taxi,” said Redmon.

That same spirit of service is what drives him every day.

Redmon provides rides for everything from grocery runs and medication pickups to doctor appointments and other essential errands across northern Colorado Springs.

Customers say the rides offer more than transportation.

One client, David Richey, said Redmon helped him when he needed a ride to an important court hearing.

“He introduced me to John because I was having trouble getting a ride,” said Richey. “John was able to take me and drop me off for my court case.”

But Redmon wanted to do even more.

He said he began saving tips earned through ride share work into a separate account he calls the “Song Fund.” The fund is designed to help cover one-time emergency rides for people in the community who cannot afford transportation.

“We have over $1,100 for this emergency Song Fund for emergency rides for the community,” said Redmon.

Several clients have already benefited.

Redmon says the mission is simple, give back, build community and spread love and hope to people in need.

“I like building community,” he said.

For many customers, Redmon has become someone they know they can count on.

“John’s always one of those people that when I call, I can almost guarantee he’s going to be there for me,” said Richey.

Through every ride, John Redmon is helping make El Paso County a little more like “What a Wonderful World.”

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 Cameron Polom

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    PHOENIX (KNXV) — After surviving leukemia and undergoing a stem cell transplant, Allan Jones is now volunteering on the very same floor where he once fought for his life. Known by staff for his kindness during treatment, even handing out snow globes to nurses, Allan has returned to offer comfort and connection to patients facing the same diagnosis.

Now, he spends his time visiting rooms, sharing his experience, and offering something uniquely powerful: perspective from someone who’s been there. For patients like Marc Geyer, that connection can make all the difference, turning fear into hope and uncertainty into possibility.

Allan’s journey has come full circle, inspiring others not only through his words but through his presence, proving that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from those who truly understand.

In the video player above, ABC15’s Cameron Polom introduces us to the survivor turned volunteer, shows how he’s making an impact on the same unit that once cared for him, and highlights the growing need for volunteers who can help patients feel seen, supported, and encouraged.

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 Maggy Wolanske

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    NORTHGLENN, Colorado (KMGH) — There’s no denying that fans in the Mile High go all out to cheer for their Colorado teams. With both the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, one local hair salon is buzzing with excitement, literally shaving team logos and even Nuggets MVP “Joker” onto the back of customers’ heads.

Scissorhand Design Studio opened in 2015, with a priority of serving the community and giving confidence through unique hair designs and styles. TeJay Mora, also known as Scissorhands, said they have customers from all over, from Castle Rock to Fort Collins, but the majority come from the Northglenn and Westminster area.

He has been a barber for the past 17 years, carrying on his family’s roots in the hair industry.

“I never thought I would be a barber,” said Mora. “My mom’s a barber. My grandma was a [cosmetologist], so I kind of just followed in her footsteps, and now it’s great to see the legacy, because now that I’m doing it and have been doing it for a while, I see all my kids also in this industry, in this craft, doing what they do. It is a blessing, it is amazing.”

With several of Mora’s children working inside the salon, it is an opportunity for each of their talents to shine, and while not everyone is related by blood. Mora proudly calls all the employees part of his family, all best supporting each other.

“We’ll help each other out,” said Mora. “There are some people here that are strong in other areas, where there are other people with strengths in other areas, and we just come together, and we’re a big family here.”

Mora’s daughter introduced herself as ‘baby scissorhands,’ proudly incorporating her father’s nickname into her own. She has been braiding hair for several years and remembers coming to the salon from school and being put to work.

“It’s like the best thing ever. I mean, working with your family, you’re a big family, you kind of grow up and everybody has their different lives going on, but then you get to come to work every day, and you get to hang out together and play with hair,” baby scissorhands said.

On the walls, clients can spot posters from the Nuggets’ 2023 championship run. Now that the Nuggets are back in the playoffs, stylists are getting creative to bring some wild designs to life.

I will say the hardest thing about it, like a logo, is just keeping it proportionate and making sure everything is like it’s supposed to be,” Adrian Takhashi, one of the barbers, said.

Having one home team in the playoffs is exciting, but having two is even better. Anthony Oviedo, one of the barbers, was hard at work on an Avalanche logo, spraying the perfect shade of maroon and blue onto his client’s hair.

“I’m all about just kind of showing what I got,” said Oviedo. “I really want to show people what I can do on this show, and that Denver does have a lot of talent. Not just the teams, you know what I mean.”

If you want to have a special up-do for one of these playoff games, Mora said to call them ahead of time for an appointment or to check them out on social media.

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.