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US man fatally shot after hijacking small plane in Belize, stabbing people 1:50 PM (40 minutes ago)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A U.S. man hijacked a small plane in Belize on Thursday, stabbing two passengers and a pilot, before one of the passengers fatally shot him, officials in Belize and the United States said. The plane then landed safely.

The Tripoc Air plane was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, and was flying from Corozal, a small town near Belize's border with Mexico, heading to the popular tourist destination of San Pedro when it was hijacked.

The plane circled in random directions for nearly two hours as the drama unfolded in the skies. The plane was tailed by a police helicopter before touching down at an airport in the coastal town of Ladyville.

The two wounded passengers and the pilot were being treated at a hospital for their injuries, officials said.

Chester Williams, Belize police commissioner, identified the hijacker as Akinyela Taylor and said he was a U.S. military veteran.

One of the stabbed passengers managed to shoot at Taylor, who was killed, Williams said, adding that the passenger was licensed to carry a firearm and later turned his weapon over to police. The passenger was stabbed in his back and suffered a puncture to his lungs, Williams said, adding that he remains in critical condition.

“We are praying for him,” Williams told reporters. “He’s our hero.”

Williams said that Taylor was demanding to be flown out of the country, possibly to Mexico, and at one point wanted the plane to land to add more fuel.

U.S. Embassy spokesperson Luke Martin in Belize said Taylor also insisted that he be taken to the U.S.

“We don’t know why he wanted to go back to the United States or what was the reason,” Martin said, adding that U.S. officials did not know the motive for Taylor's hijacking but were working with Belizean authorities to determine what happened.

Martin could not confirm the Belize police commissioner's statement that Taylor was a military veteran.

Belize authorities declared a full emergency immediately after the incident started, around 8:30 a.m. local time, according to a statement by the Belize Airport Concession Company.

Maximillian Greif, the CEO of the airline company, said the hijacking was a "serious and unprecedented in-flight emergency." He said safety remains a “top priority” for the airline.

“In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing. His actions were nothing short of heroic,” Greif said

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Train collides with funeral home limo in Tennessee; family of 6 injured 1:39 PM (51 minutes ago)

BARTLETT, Tenn. (WREG) — A limo carrying a family en route to a funeral was struck by a train on Thursday in Tennessee. Police in Bartlett confirmed there were multiple injuries in the crash.

Aishia Shabree, a family member who was at M.J. Edwards Funeral Home for her aunt's funeral, came to the scene when she heard the news.

She said the limo was carrying her family to the funeral home for her aunt’s funeral.

She said the car contained five adults and one child, plus the driver. No one died, but all inside the limo were all injured.  

Photos from the scene show a badly damaged limo with an M.J. Edwards Funeral Home logo on the door that had been pushed into a park.

"I instantly thought to praise God, in spite of. Because we could've been planning more funerals, especially based on the impact of how they were hit," Shebree said. "We thank God that we can all live and testify about it."

Police said the intersection would be blocked while they worked the scene. Police also asked drivers to avoid surrounding roads as the train was creating a block.

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Facebook sending out $40 payments to users over 'Like button' issue 1:33 PM (58 minutes ago)

(NEXSTAR) – Check your Venmo, email and mailbox: A payment from a years-old class action lawsuit against Facebook may be on its way this week.

Facebook's parent company, Meta, agreed to settle the lawsuit back in February 2022, but payments didn't start going out until April 10, 2025.

The lawsuit claimed Facebook was using cookies to collect data on users in 2010 and 2011, even when they were logged out or visiting other websites. The suit alleged users were still being tracked anytime they went to a website that displayed the Facebook "Like button."

The social media company denied any wrongdoing, but agreed to a $90 million settlement in the case. Any Facebook users who visited a website that displayed the "Like button" between April 2010 and September 2011 were eligible to receive a piece of the payout.

When the class action suit was settled, it wasn't clear exactly how much each individual claimant would get.

Finally, starting last week, people began receiving payments of $40.67 from "Facebook Internet Tracking Settlement Administrator" related to the case.

Several X users report getting the payment directly in their Venmo accounts, while others report receiving an email with a digital prepaid card.

According to Claim Depot, people had the choice to receive the payment by Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, virtual card or a check in the mail.

If you didn't file a claim back in 2022, it's unfortunately too late to get your payout. However, you may still be waiting on a check from a different – and much larger – settlement involving Facebook. In that case, Meta agreed to pay $725 million to settle claims it violated users' privacy.

That settlement also had a claim deadline, which passed in 2023. Payments still haven't gone out, however, as the court reviews appeals filed by objectors.

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AG Platkin sues 'Discord' for exposing NJ kids to sexual and violent content 10:40 AM (3 hours ago)

(WPHL)-- New Jersey Attorney General, Matthew J. Platkin, and the Division of Consumer Affairs has announced a lawsuit against the messaging platform, Discord, over its lack of safety controls risks for children.

The lawsuit alleges "Discord’s conduct violated New Jersey’s consumer protection laws and exposed New Jersey children to sexual and violent content, leaving them vulnerable to online predators lurking on the Discord app."

“Discord markets itself as a safe space for children, despite being fully aware that the application’s misleading safety settings and lax oversight has made it a prime hunting ground for online predators seeking easy access to children,” said Attorney General Platkin. “These deceptive claims regarding its safety settings have allowed Discord to attract a growing number of children to use its application, where they are at risk. We intend to put a stop to this unlawful conduct and hold Discord accountable for the harm it has caused our children.”

According to a statement from the AG's office, "Discord engaged in multiple violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (“CFA”). Discord knew its safety features and policies could not and did not protect its youthful user base, but refused to do better, the complaint alleges. In particular, Discord misled parents and kids about its safety settings for direct messages (“DMs”)."

The AG and alleges Discord which has been marketed as a "safe" app, has failed to meet the promises of its "Safe Direct Messaging feature" which claims to automatically scan and delete private direct messages that contained explicit media content.

Examples cited in the lawsuit show predators using the app to "stalk, contact, and victimize children."

“Discord claims that safety is at the core of everything it does, but the truth is, the application is not safe for children. Discord’s deliberate misrepresentation of the application’s safety settings has harmed—and continues to harm—New Jersey’s children, and must stop,” said Cari Fais, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “By filing this lawsuit, we’re sending a clear message that New Jersey will not allow businesses to grow their customer base through unlawful and deceptive practices, especially when those practices put children at grave risk.”

Main points in the lawsuit:

According to a statement from the AG, "the lawsuit seeks a number of remedies, including an injunction to stop Discord from violating the CFA, civil penalties, and the disgorgement of any profits generated in New Jersey through this unlawful behavior."

In previous years the AG's office sued, TikTok and Meta in an effort to keep children safe online.

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Two dead, multiple people hospitalized after gunman opens fire at Florida State University 8:33 AM (5 hours ago)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NEXSTAR/WFLA) – At least two people have died and six people are hospitalized after a gunman, who is now in custody, opened fire at Florida State University Thursday, according to police.

The two people who died were not students at the university, but the shooter is believed to be a 20-year-old student and the son of a local sheriff's deputy, according to Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil.

The suspected shooter allegedly used his mother's former service weapon in the shooting.

"We will continue that investigation into how that weapon was used," McNeil said, adding that the shooting suspect was a long-standing member of the Leon County Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council.

"He has been steeped in the Leon County Sheriff's office family, engaged in a number of training programs that we have," McNeil said. "So it's not a surprise to us he had access to weapons."

Responding officers shot the suspect at least once, wounding him, after he refused to comply with their commands, according to Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower.

Police said the shooter was also carrying a shotgun, but it wasn't immediately clear if it had been fired before he was taken into custody.

The six victims are now being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and the shooter is also receiving medical attention.

Police responded to reports of an active shooter in the school's student union around 12 p.m. ET. People on the campus and in the immediate area were told to shelter in place, and lock and stay away from all windows and doors, according to an alert issued by FSU on X.

By 1 p.m., law enforcement was said to be "actively clearing rooms on the main campus," according to the FSU emergency alert system.

  • People comfort each other on Florida State University’s campus in Tallahassee, where law enforcement responded to a reported active shooter incident Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kate Payne)
  • Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)
  • Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

Hundreds of students streamed away from the direction of the student union. Students were glued to their phones, some visibly emotional, while others hugged each other. Dozens gathered near the music school waiting for news.

Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the lower level of the student union after seeing students running from a nearby bar.

“In that moment, it was survival,” he said.

After about 15 minutes, university police escorted the students out of the building and he saw a person getting emergency treatment on the lawn, he said.

Chris Pento told WCTV in Tallahassee that he and his twins were getting lunch at the student union during a campus tour when they heard gunshots.

“It was surreal. And people just started running,” he told the TV station.

They packed into a service elevator after encountering locked doors at the end of a hallway. “That was probably the scariest point because we didn’t know. It could get worse, right?” he said. “The doors opened and two officers were there, guns drawn.”

Florida State’s alert system announced about three hours after the shooting that law enforcement had "neutralized the threat." Officials asked students and faculty to avoid the student union and other areas still considered an active crime scene.

President Donald Trump opened his Oval Office meeting with the Italian prime minister on Thursday with comments on the shooting at Florida State University, saying that he had been "fully briefed."

“It’s a horrible thing," he added. "It’s horrible that things like this take place.”

“Our prayers are with our FSU family,” Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X.

Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the school’s campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

Florida State University is one of Florida’s 12 public universities, with its main campus in Tallahassee. About 44,000 students are enrolled in the university, per the school’s 2024 fact sheet.

In 2014, the main library was the site of a shooting that wounded three people. Officers shot and killed the gunman, 31-year-old Myron May.

The university canceled all classes and events for Thursday. It also canceled home athletic events through Sunday.

This is a developing story. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Red Cross in NJ encourages blood donations: Where you can donate 6:17 AM (8 hours ago)

(WPHL)-- As April is National Volunteer Month, the American Red Cross in New Jersey is encouraging people to become "lifesaving volunteers".

"The American Red Cross asks donors to help keep the blood supply stable by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now. Type O blood and platelets are especially needed to ensure hospitals are fully stocked with lifesaving blood products this spring."

According to the Red Cross, the organization depends on thousands of volunteer donors to collect more than 12,000 blood donations and about 3,000 platelet donations every single day.

Donors who come between April 14-30 will get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt and will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 prize.

Those who come between May 1-18, will get a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will be automatically entered to win a U.S. trip of choice for two.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in New Jersey from April 17 – May 5:

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY

American Red Cross Blood Donation Center – Southern New Jersey

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Rabid raccoon confirmed in Camden County 3:51 AM (10 hours ago)

(WPHL) -- A raccoon in Camden County has tested positive for rabies.

According to the Camden County Health Department, a resident in Collingswood called animal control on April 8 after their dog had an altercation with the raccoon.

Animal control began searching for the raccoon but was unable to located it. On April 9, another resident had an incident with the raccoon while taking a walk.

Animal Control was able to pick up the raccoon and get it tested for rabies at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton (PHEL).

Officials say, "It is unclear if these are the same raccoon, but given the proximity, it is likely they are the same."

After a week of testing the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services was notified by PHEL that the animal tested positive for rabies.

Both residents were notified of the rabies exposure. The dog has been given a rabies booster shot and will be under confinement and observation for 45 days. The two exposed residents have started to receive post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PEP) for rabies.

“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Health Department. “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”

Rules for pet owners:

  1. Keep vaccinations up to date for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
  2. Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals.  If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
  3. Contact your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood.  They may be unvaccinated and could be infected by the disease.

Tips when encountering wild animals:

  1. Enjoy wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes from afar.  Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or liter.
  2. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.  Do not try to nurse sick animals to health.  Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
  3. Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly.
  4. Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people or pets.
  5. When traveling abroad, avoid direct contact with wild animals and be especially careful around dogs in developing countries.  Rabies is common in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  Tens of thousands of people die of rabies each year in these countries.

More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/ or, residents can call the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6370.

Editor's note: The headline and story body have been updated from Gloucester Township to Camden County to correct a previously-published error.

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Police identify Uber driver killed in double shooting; suspects sought 3:37 AM (10 hours ago)

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) -- A $20,000 reward is offered to anyone who provides information on the two suspects responsible in the deadly double shooting in front of a Center City hookah lounge early Wednesday morning.

Philadelphia police confirmed the victim who was shot and killed was a rideshare driver picking up a passenger who they believe was the target in the attack. 

Police have identified the driver as 77-year-old Olatunji Bolaji from Norristown, PA.

Around 2 a.m., police said a 22-year-old man exited the Byblos Restaurant Hookah lounge on 18th and Chestnut in Rittenhouse Square. Investigators said surveillance video shows two men pulling up behind the SUV in which the man was getting inside.

Police said the two men ambushed the man and after a physical altercation, four gunshots were fired. Three shots hit the 22-year-old man in the arm, the chest and the stomach. One bullet hit the uber driver in the back of the head. Police the driver was still able to speed away from the hookah lounge, turning on Chestnut Street and traveling about a block before his SUV slammed into a light post, knocking it off its base, then crashing into a tree. 

Bolaji was pronounced dead on the scene while his passenger was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

In the wake of this deadly shooting rideshare drivers are sending their condolences to the Bolaji family, while hoping to shed light on the risk drivers take every time they accept a ride. 

"We want to stay with them [Bolaji family] and support them in this difficult moment," said Fabian Romero, a member of the Independent Drivers Guild, who advocates for better safety measures for rideshare drivers. "Nobody sees the things that we [rideshare drivers] live day-by-day, the problems that we face day-by-day."

Witnesses of the shooting told police that the suspects fled the area in a dark colored Jeep Grand Cherokee with what they believe were Massachusetts license plates.

The Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit is actively investigating the incident. No arrests have been made at this time. Investigators are using surveillance footage from cameras outside of area businesses to help identify the suspects.

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Six dogs found abandoned in cages in Cheltenham Township 3:34 AM (10 hours ago)

(WPHL)-- Six dogs have been rescued by the Montgomery County SPCA after they were left abandoned in Cheltenham Township.

According to the Cheltenham Township Police Department, the six dogs were found an April 15, at 9:30 a.m. on the 2400 block of Shoppers Lane.

The dogs were located inside two small cages, and their physical condition showed that they were malnourished and neglected.

Cheltenham Township Police Department’s Detectives and Animal Control are working with the Montgomery County SPCA’s Humane Society Police Officers to find the person(s) responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cheltenham Police at (215) 885-1600, ext. 499, or via our anonymous tip line, (215) 885-1600, ext. 777. Tips may also be sent via email to PoliceTips@CheltenhamPA.gov or online by visiting Cheltenhampa.gov/Police and clicking on Anonymous Crime Tips.

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Repeat Philadelphia sex offender charged with assaulting teen 16 Apr 12:18 PM (yesterday, 12:18 pm)

(WPHL) -- A repeat sex offender from Philadelphia, out on bail for child sexual abuse material charges, has been arrested and charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

Craig Coleman (PA Office of Attorney General)

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the arrest of Craig Coleman, 32, this week.

Coleman was previously charged by the PA Office of Attorney General in 2023 with child sex abuse material, according to a statement from the office. Coleman also has a 2017 conviction for manufacturing child pornography and statutory sexual assault.

According to the PA Attorney General's office, Coleman posted bail in November 2024 for the 2023 charges, before pleading guilty in January 2025.

“Based on his previous and present abhorrent conduct, there is no question that this individual is a danger to children,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I commend our investigators who acted promptly and professionally to build this case, file appropriate charges, then argue for high bail.”

Coleman’s bail is set at $10 million. He faces the following charges:

The investigation is ongoing by the PA Attorney General's office.

Victims of sexual assault can get help through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.

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