Barbara Gagne 
Miami, Florida — A new Florida law is giving more families access to free swimming lessons for young children as state officials and safety experts warn that drowning deaths remain on the rise. The expanded program comes at a critical time, with Florida appearing to be on track to exceed last year’s record number of … Read more
Buena Park, California — A California man is facing multiple felony charges nearly a year after prosecutors say an illegal Fourth of July fireworks display turned into a deadly tragedy, killing an 8-year-old girl who was watching the celebration with her family. According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, 47-year-old Earl Decastro has been … Read more
Cheyenne, Wyoming — A Wyoming father is facing a criminal charge after authorities say he repeatedly told deputies his infant son was safely asleep inside the family home, only for officers to later discover the baby locked inside a hot SUV outside the residence. According to investigators, the alarming incident unfolded on the evening of … Read more
Oakdale, California — A Northern California man has been arrested after authorities uncovered what officials described as a disturbing scene inside a residence where multiple deceased cats were found during an animal cruelty investigation. The shocking discovery was made Wednesday after the Oakdale Police Department and Animal Control Officers responded to reports of dead animals … Read more
Vista, California — A San Diego County homeowner says she was left stunned after opening an insurance renewal notice that showed her annual homeowners insurance premium had increased by more than 350% in just one year, underscoring the financial strain many Californians are experiencing as insurance costs continue to climb. Chrystal Nowakowski, a real estate … Read more
Sacramento, California — Thousands of licensed drivers across California are being told they must return to the Department of Motor Vehicles to retake their written driver’s license exam after the agency identified what it describes as “irregularities” in previous test results. According to the California DMV, approximately 11,000 drivers who completed written knowledge tests between … Read more
Clackamas County, Oregon — A family vacation to Disneyland that had been eagerly anticipated by an Oregon mother and her two young daughters ended in heartbreak after the woman was allegedly shot and killed by her husband just weeks before they were set to leave. According to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Tara Bowen … Read more
Boston, Massachusetts — Fans of authentic Belgian waffles will soon have another spot to satisfy their cravings as Zinneken’s Waffles prepares to expand into downtown Boston with a new bakery-café near Boston Common and Emerson College. The upcoming location is expected to become a popular stop for students, office workers and visitors exploring one of … Read more
Chicago, Illinois — As communities across the country celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, businesses throughout the Chicago area are joining the festivities with limited-time discounts, family activities and special $2.50 offers in honor of the historic milestone. From discounted zoo admissions and patriotic treats to arcade games and community celebrations, both local attractions and national restaurant … Read more
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Western Pennsylvania is preparing for one of its biggest Independence Day celebrations in years as communities across the region get ready to mark America’s 250th birthday with spectacular fireworks displays, parades, concerts, and family-friendly events. From downtown Pittsburgh to smaller boroughs throughout the surrounding counties, residents and visitors will have dozens of … Read more