Category: CNN Regional

By Joan Murray

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    MIAMI, Florida (WFOR) — Thousands of Floridians who pay for health insurance are encountering significant obstacles when attempting to fill prescriptions, as health insurance companies increasingly deny coverage for medications recommended by their doctors.

For some, the struggle has become a way of life. Marilyn Bach-Nunez, a 71-year-old retired advocate in Sunrise, cares for her daughter, Joy, who has a rare genetic condition causing chronic pain. Bach-Nunez, who has COPD and rheumatoid arthritis, said she has had to fight her health insurance provider to cover necessary prescriptions not on the official list.

“It makes me angry inside, especially because I worked my whole life,” Bach-Nunez said. She asserted, “The insurance companies are becoming our doctors, and they are not doctors”.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, which lobbies for the industry and patient access, recently claimed a staggering number of prescription denials. “70 percent of patients face rejection on their initial attempt,” PhRMA said.

Health insurance companies dispute this. America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the industry’s trade group, countered in a statement that the research is misleading. AHIP alleged that “Brand drug makers bankrolled this misleading research to distract from the unaffordable prices they alone set and raise”.

In Fort Lauderdale, cardiologist Dr. Tiffany DiPietro reports that a prescription she writes for a patient is rejected almost daily. “All insurance companies have a formulary, so they want you to try what’s cheaper,” she explained. “But the best medicines are newer, one company makes it, and they set the price”.

The high cost means some patients in South Florida simply go without. Shirley Hanson, an 82-year-old home health aide, never picked up prescriptions to treat blisters on her arm. “I’m 82, and I’m still working. I can’t afford my prescriptions,” she said.

“In my humble opinion, they hope you give up,” Dr. DiPietro said of the denial process, noting she can spend “one to two hours on the phone hoping to get through”.

However, AHIP maintains that “Health plans approve the vast majority of claims and connect patients with care that’s effective, safe and as affordable as possible”.

Marilyn Bach-Nunez refused to give up. After two appeals and two and a half months, she is now paying $12.65 for her COPD medication, which has a shelf price of $765. She said that “within three or four days with this medicine, I wasn’t getting out of breath”.

What to do if your insurer denies coverage: Appeal the decision and work with your doctor on the appeal process before submitting it to the insurance company. Look for discounts online directly from the drug manufacturer and prescription cards. Apply for a grant from a nonprofit organization such as The PAN Foundation, which may offer a cheaper price on your prescription.

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 Abby Dodge

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    MIAMI, Florida (WFOR) — The ex-wife of a Cuban operative said her life transformed into a thriller from the silver screen after she learned her husband had been living a double life. Her comments came as she reacted to the recent indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of a civilian aircraft.

Ana Margarita Martinez, the ex-wife of Juan Pablo Roque, described a mix of relief and lingering disbelief tied to one of the most painful chapters of her life.

“You can’t serve an evil regime like the Cuban regime and not be a sociopath,” Martinez said, referring to Roque.

Martinez met Roque in 1992 after he allegedly defected from Cuba. The two married in 1995. Martinez said he embraced a public life within Miami’s Cuban exile community, acting as a stepfather to her children and participating in humanitarian efforts.

“He was a partner, as far as I could see,” Martinez said. “Of course, I didn’t know that he was living a double life.”

Roque became involved with Brothers to the Rescue, a group that conducted flights to search for and assist Cuban rafters. Martinez said he helped pack supplies for those at sea and flew missions alongside volunteers.

The incident occurred on Feb. 24, 1996, when Cuban fighter jets shot down two unarmed Brothers to the Rescue planes in international airspace, killing three American citizens and one U.S. resident.

Martinez recalled that Roque told her he was leaving for a business trip the day before the planes were shot down. He later resurfaced in Cuba alongside Fidel Castro. “It was just surreal,” she said. ” It was unfathomable. There’s no justification for that.”

Authorities have alleged that Roque was part of a broader intelligence effort that infiltrated exile groups. Martinez noted he had worked closely with some of the men who were later killed in the incident.

Standing inside the historic Freedom Tower as news of the indictments was announced, Martinez said she felt a sense of long-awaited validation.

“I’m just feeling grateful that this has finally happened,” she said. “That the Trump Administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have taken this step.”

The indictment of Castro and others marks a significant development decades after the attack, which remains a defining moment for many in the Cuban exile community.

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By Andrew Adams, KSL-TV

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    DRAPER, Utah (KSL, KSL TV) — A Utah couple believes their 7-year-old is now the youngest child ever to complete a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon, after finishing the course in about 17 hours on Saturday.

Nate and Beckie Lambert said 7-year-old Tim didn’t tire until the final mile of the nearly 22-mile trek that featured approximately 11,000 feet of elevation change.

“This is rated as one of the most strenuous hikes in America,” Beckie said during an interview on Wednesday with KSL. “It’s a tough hike. It’s a tough hike for adults. It’s a really tough hike for a 7-year-old.”

The parents said they hadn’t always planned on taking the 7-year-old with them for the hike, but they began training about 5 months ago with their teenage children, and Tim seemed up to the task.

“We started going on these runs, these 4-mile runs, and he was, like, at the top of the pack and leading the way on these runs, so we were like, ‘Hey, we think he’s got this in him,’” Nate said. “Then we did a 5K race, and he took first place in his division.”

Beckie said Tim was also able to run to the top of Corner Canyon with her, also raising confidence that he could do the rim-to-rim hike.

“It became pretty evident to us that Tim could outrun, out-hike and out-attitude nearly all of his older siblings, and he really, really wanted to go,” Beckie Lambert said. “We decided we’re going to let him, we’re going to let him go.”

Tim shrugged.

“My brothers and sisters were, like, training for the Grand Canyon and I wanted to train with them, so we did,” the 7-year-old said. “My parents just realized that I could hike the Grand Canyon.”

The couple said the family started in 40-degree temperatures at 4:36 a.m. Saturday at the North Rim, continued along the North Kaibab Trail, traversed across the canyon near Phantom Ranch in 110-degree heat and then finished at the South Rim on the South Kaibab Trail at 9:43 p.m.

During that time, they said the family took plenty of breaks and consumed salt pills hourly along with plenty of water and food.

“This was not about beating a time — anything less than 24-hours beats the record, so we let him take it at whatever pace he was safe doing,” Beckie said of Tim. “He aced it.”

The family said Tim earned the nickname of “Rim-to-Rim Tim” for his performance, which earned the adoration of other hikers they encountered along the trail.

The Lamberts said several people signed affidavits for Tim’s record pursuit.

Tim said the hike proved he could do hard things and he planned to do more.

“If I can do this, then I can do all this, higher, hard stuff,” the 7-year-old said. “It was, like, super fun.”

The difficulty of the trek was the point, according to his parents.

“A lot of parents these days want to help their kids avoid any kind of suffering or chance of failure,” Nate said. “We feel like we want to give our kids the chance to stretch themselves and really push through the pain and show themselves that they can do hard things because that’s a big boost of confidence.”

When asked if his parents could talk him into doing the rim-to-rim hike again, Tim said “no.”

However, he said for his next feat he was hoping to complete a 10K run soon.

Nate simply beamed about what Tim had accomplished already.

“To have a son that has a world record is, like, really thrilling,” he said.

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 Dan Spindle

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    TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is the first Star Wars film to hit theaters in more than six years. But before you head to the movie theater for a fantastic popcorn flick, consider how important these characters from a “galaxy far, far away” can be to those who need an extra boost in the healing process.

West on Grant just east of Craycroft and right into the parking lot; “This is the Way” to the Tucson Medical Center Emergency Department for children.

For Meagan Bethel, it’s also a way for her to express creativity through a costuming group, the Mando Mercs, that keeps them coming back for the kids.

“People know it’s Star Wars, even though it’s my own custom character, they know the Mandalorian t-visor and they know the armor; what that means,” Meagan said.

For her, it started with conventions and fandom.

“I saw a lot of women dressed up as Mandalorians, like, oh it’s not just for the guys. I can do this, too. There’s so much Star Wars happening right now that I feel like there’s something for everybody,” Meagan told me.

This group, unlike the Empire loyalist 501st Legion or the Rebel Legion with its Jedi peacekeepers attracts volunteers looking to embody the warrior spirit of the Mandalorians.

“I’m in no rush today so it’s your schedule,” Meagan told the hospital staff.

So the health care professionals at TMC set aside a space where the magic happens, piece by piece, soft and hard goods attached.

“Even though we have our own custom characters, we do have to follow a very strict rule to make sure they look screen accurate,” Meagan showed me with several pieces of armor locked in place.

Then it’s time to don the helmet for any person looking to follow this creed of kindness.

Of course, a little help from the bad guys is always welcome as this TIE fighter pilot tags along.

“I was a young kid when the prequel were coming out. I remember The Phantom Menace. People relate to Star Wars, whether it’s when they were kids or they saw it last week. It’s something that everyone can have fun with,” Meagan told me.

On this recent Star Wars Day, I followed along, room to room to room.

“It’s nice to meet you! My name is Nadala Haast. I’m a Mandalorian.”

These tiny fans got to travel to “a galaxy far, far away.”

“Hello there. Happy Star Wars Day!” “Hello! Happy Star Wars Day!” “Hello there. Happy Star Wars Day!”

They traveled far from their stresses and far from the pain and hospital beds…

“Yeah Grogu couldn’t come today but he wanted to send this as a gift to you. He’s filming the movie. He’s pretty famous.”

…and close to the connection Star Wars brings through the goodness and generosity of others. Call it a Force that can help in the healing process.

“It says something really special about a human being that can put time apart to bring you joy and just a simple smile into someone’s day,” Stephanie Padilla, a pediatric nurse at TMC, told me.

Meagan the Mandalorian moved on.

“Are you gonna go see the movie when it comes out? I’m excited for it.”

Her mission as a Mandalorian? To help kids like KC have a moment of make believe in a fantasy world; if only for a few special minutes.

“I hope you have a good Star Wars Day. Maybe watch some Star Wars later,” Meagan said.

“It’s awesome. It’s never like I’ve seen before,” KC Sandia told me of the unexpected visit.

“I hope you have a happy Star Wars Day,” Meagan told the patients, already planning her next visit clad in armor to break down walls spreading smiles through Star Wars.

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 Kimberly King

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    HENDERSONVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — For the first time, the daughter of Gudrun Casper-Leinenkugel is speaking out publicly, insisting that her mother is innocent of accusations that she fatally poisoned her other daughter and attempted to poison other relatives during a Thanksgiving dinner in 2025.

Maija Lacey, 28, attended Wednesday’s bond hearing, where a Henderson County judge denied Casper-Leinenkugel’s request to be released while awaiting trial.

“We just want our mom out. I don’t think it’s right that she’s in there,” Lacey said after the hearing.

Henderson County Judge Athena Brooks denied bond as prosecutors outlined details tied to two separate death investigations involving Casper-Leinenkugel. Prosecutors allege Casper-Leinenkugel poisoned her adult daughter, Leela Jean Livis, and others at a Thanksgiving gathering last fall by serving wine laced with acetonitrile, a chemical that converts to cyanide in the body.

Casper-Leinenkugel is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and multiple counts of distributing a prohibited food or beverage.

Investigators have also charged Casper-Leinenkugel in the 2007 death of Michael “Misha” Schmidt, who died at the same rural Henderson County property where Casper-Leinenkugel lives.

“The victim and the defendant were friends,” prosecutor Michael Van Buren told the court of the Schmidt case. “The victim had a trailer on that property. At one point in time, somehow this defendant was able to get that property.”

Van Buren said investigators determined Casper-Leinenkugel was the last person seen with Schmidt before he was found dead after the two had been drinking alcohol together. Prosecutors allege Schmidt’s death was also caused by acetonitrile poisoning.

Maija Lacey, Casper-Leinenkugel’s daughter, said she does not believe either case against her mother is supported by strong evidence.

“There’s a lot of factors in it that just don’t make sense,” Lacey said. “They’ve put a lot of stuff out there that’s just twisted words and not what’s actually been said.”

Lacey describes her mother as loving and devoted to her children, saying Thanksgiving dinner last fall felt no different than previous family gatherings.

“We were all there having fun. She cooked everything like she always does,” Lacey said. “It was nothing different than any other holiday get-together.”

Investigators said Casper-Leinenkugel poisoned her 32-year-old daughter, Livis, through wine served during the meal. But Lacey said her mother never handled the wine.

“Mom didn’t touch the wine. It was Leela that poured it,” Lacey said.

Evan Pegg, Maija Lacey’s boyfriend, also attended the dinner and said he became violently ill after drinking the wine. Despite that, he said he does not believe Casper-Leinenkugel had any role or poisoned anyone.

“The reason why I’m alive is because of her mom telling Maija to call the ambulance,” Pegg said.

Lacey said she also drank the wine but did not become sick. She added that her mother and Livis had always been very close. She said everyone was loving and happy to be together last Thanksgiving.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the prosecutor told the court that investigators found internet searches on Casper-Leinenkugel’s devices about what happens when someone ingests acetonitrile.

“It’s not anything normal people would have in their home,” Van Buren said. “It’s used for industrial pharmaceutical-type uses.”

Van Buren said emergency responders found Livis unresponsive and claimed Casper-Leinenkugel later specifically asked medical personnel to test for cyanide poisoning.

Defense attorney Paul Bidwell argued that prosecutors lack direct evidence tying Casper-Leinenkugel to the alleged poisoning. Bidwell questioned the handling of the wine and whether investigators can prove his client delivered the substance.

“They’re trying to prove Ms. Leinenkugel attempted to murder people at that Thanksgiving dinner,” Bidwell said. “That theory suggests she did it in a very inefficient way because she apparently did not ever touch the delivery system for the poison.”

A future hearing in the case is scheduled for August, when attorneys are expected to argue additional motions before the court.

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 Rachel Henderson

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    KANSAS CITY, Kansas (KSHB) — Kansas City, Kansas, honored its fallen officers Wednesday, making sure all families who lost someone in the line of duty were invited, including one family that hadn’t attended a memorial service in decades.

Roger Lutcher Jr. attended the service to honor his father, Patrolman Roger Lutcher, who was killed in the line of duty.

The department reached out to Lutcher Jr. through Facebook.

In late December 1969, Patrolman Lutcher was shot by a suspect he helped chase.

Police fired at the escaping suspect, who was killed.

Patrolman Lutcher died from his injuries days later in January 1970, leaving behind a wife and two young children.

Lutcher Jr. was just 4 years old when he lost his father.

“I was four or five, and to be told that your dad’s not coming back is something I remember,” he said.

His father’s fellow officers stepped in to help in the years that followed.

“I was raised with all the other dads,” Lutcher Jr. said. “His partners all became my dads; it was like four of them. There was no separation because they were always there for us.”

That law enforcement presence shaped how he grew up and how he raised his own children.

“It was pretty much a law enforcement bring-up,” Lutcher Jr. said. “They did a wonderful job because I took that, and I raised my sons the same way.”

His little sister also pursued a career in law enforcement.

The connection to his father runs deep; Lutcher Jr. and his father share the same middle name, Edward.

One of Lutcher Jr.’s sons, Roger Lutcher III, also shares the name.

To this day, his mother keeps the memory of Patrolman Lutcher alive.

“To this day, she’s constantly reminding me, ‘You look just like your dad, you do this like your dad, you write like your dad.’ It’s a whole lot of reminders,” he said.

With his father’s name etched in stone, Lutcher Jr. knows the department never forgot him.

But over the years, that connection faded.

“That has faded, but when I came here and started seeing this again, I started remembering that again,” Lutcher Jr. said. ”Seeing his photo and everything helped make me remember dad’s not coming home anymore.”

Tuesday was the first time Lutcher Jr. had seen this photo of his father.

He saw it at a gathering for family members held Tuesday evening.

His father’s name appears on a list with 19 other officers KCKPD has lost in the line of duty since 1889.

The most recent loss came in 2025.

To this day, the department is still working to connect with families.

“There is a concerted effort to build on inviting relatives of all the fallen men and women that we honor today,” said Wyandotte County Administrator David Johnston. “We’re also looking for the family members of those who gave their lives decades ago.”

Wednesday was Lutcher Jr.’s first time at a memorial service in decades.

“I think I just got lost, and now they found me,” Lutcher Jr. said. “So it really feels good to be found again and be part of this again.”

Attendees embraced one another Wednesday, leaving loved ones with words of comfort.

KCKPD Chief Karl Oakman addressed those in attendance.

“What I do pray is it is well with your soul,” Oakman said.

Lutcher Jr. also took a moment to speak to other grieving families.

“Just to be there, to be able to hold their hand and shake their hand and let them know, ‘It’s going to be okay, they’re going to take care of you because they did and they still are to this day,'” Lutcher Jr. said.

For him, the day carried deep meaning and a renewed sense of belonging.

“Now I feel like it’s a part of me here,” Lutcher Jr. said. “We share that name, but I’ve never lost this family.”

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

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By Tamara Vaifanua

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    RIVERTON, Utah (KSL) — A student at Riverton High School decided to write thousands of letters to every student at his school, all in an effort to be kind.

Student Body President Seth Christensen said he wanted to make a personal effort to connect with his classmates in a meaningful way. He said some days he would get up at 3 in the morning just to get started handwriting the letters, then deliver whatever he had written that day at school.

“I want people to be able to know that they are loved,” he said. “I hope that’s what they get from those letters — that they are worth the time to have someone write a letter for them.”

In all, Christensen said he wrote 2,336 letters.

The school’s attendance office even helped hand out the letters, since there were so many.

Christensen said it was worth it just to make others feel loved.

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