MADERA, Calif. — A potential nightmare for a group of California parents was prevented by a pair of unexpected heroes.

On Tuesday, the brave men responsible for saving the lives of 20 school children were honored by the Madera County Board of Supervisors and others.

Carlos Perea Romero and Angel Zarco were honored by the Madera County Board of Supervisors in a ceremony after they courageously evacuated the flaming bus filled with students on the way to school on Sept. 4.

“All the students made it out safely without any injuries due to the immediate action taken by the farmworkers and the bus driver. The Board of Supervisors recognize the two men for their selfless courage and bravery, demonstrating the highest ideals of public service, compassion and community spirit,” a press release from the ceremony reads.

September 4 started as a typical workday for Perea and Zarco, until Perea noticed smoke coming from a Madera Unified school bus.

Without a second thought, the pair jumped into action.

“We were just making sure the kids were far away enough so that they wouldn’t get hurt,” Zarco said.

“One more moment that would have lasted, I don’t now what would have happened,” Romero said in a post from Madera County.+

Zarco added, “I’m just happy to help out the community. This is where I grew up, and I’m just glad to be able to keep somebody safe.”

They alerted the driver and began evacuating the students inside, working through thick plumes of smoke to get to the students in the back row.

Moments later, the bus was quickly covered in roaring flames.

“The bus caught fire right away, probably within like two minutes, three minutes. It all happened right away,” Zarco added.

The two men met at the intersection to fix a broken tractor, but Perea is now saying it was no coincidence.

“God put you in that place for a reason. It was to help out the kids, help out the community right there,” Perea said.

The bus was left charred and the bright yellow paint was reduced to an ashy grey.

CAL FIRE Division Chief Larry Pendarvis says he’s grateful for the men’s courageous choice.

“Buses can be replaced, humans can’t,” Pendarvis said.

Perea and Zarco will now forever be known as heroes in their hometown.

Perea’s daughter was also in attendance for the proclamation. He told us it means everything to be recognized for such an amazing act in front of her.

Madera County sheriff Tyson Pogue told ABC that Romero and Zarco’s actions helped protect the local community.

“We are profoundly grateful to the two farmworkers whose heroic actions saved the lives of more than 20 children. Their quick thinking, bravery, and compassion in the face of danger exemplify the very best of Madera County. Without hesitation, they acted selflessly to protect others. Our community is stronger because of individuals like them, and we are proud of their extraordinary heroism,” he said.

A Pomona High School basketball coach and his wife were among the three victims killed in a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles, including several semitrucks, earlier this week on the 10 Freeway in Ontario.

The school confirmed the couple died in the Tuesday afternoon collision but did not immediately release their names. The Pomona Unified School District did not immediately respond to ABC7’s request for more information about the two victims.

The identity of the third person killed in the pileup has also not been released. Four others were hospitalized.

“The hardest part is knowing that at least three of these individuals will not have a Christmas, will not make it home as we get into the holiday season,” said Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

On Thursday, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, the semitruck driver accused of causing the eight-vehicle chain-reaction.

Singh was charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of DUI causing injury. The drug allegedly involved was not specified by authorities.

He is expected to make his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m.

A law enforcement source confirmed to ABC7 that Singh is an Indian national who entered the U.S. illegally three years ago.

Isabelle Tate has died.

The actress, who recently appeared in the series premiere of 9-1-1: Nashville, died on Sunday, Oct. 19, at the age of 23, according to her obituary. Born and raised in Tennessee, Tate is described as an animal-lover who “wanted to change the world” and spent much of her time volunteering.

“Isabelle was full of fire, a fighter, never once making excuses for the fact that she might have a disability relative to others,” the obituary reads. “She was also quite musically inclined, often spending hours writing and recording songs with friends and even publishing a few.”

“What she loved the most though was spending time with family and friends, always the life of the party,” it continues. “Her sister was her best friend and her mom was her shining beacon of light.”

Her cause of death has not been revealed.

On Thursday, Oct. 23, Tate’s 911: Nashville costar Hunter McVey shared an exclusive statement with PEOPLE remembering the actress.

“I was shocked to hear the news. I didn’t know Isabelle prior to filming, but I couldn’t have asked for someone better to work with on one of my first ever days on set,” McVey says. “I was terrified, nervous, and after each take we would get to exchange a couple words which were always supportive from her. I got the pleasure of talking with her after the scene and she had such a great energy. You could tell she brought joy to a lot of people. I’m thankful I got a chance to work with Isabelle and that a part of her will live on forever in the pilot episode of 9-1-1 Nashville. Prayers for her family.”

The actress’ talent agency, the McCray Agency, also shared a tribute on Instagram, writing in part, “We are deeply saddened and completely heartbroken to share that Isabelle Tate passed away on October 19th. She was 23. I’ve known Izzy since she was a teenager and she recently returned to acting. She booked the first series she auditioned for, 9-1-1 Nashville. She had a wonderful time.”

Tate previously opened up about having a progressive neuromuscular disease, which she was diagnosed with when she was 13. In an Instagram post from 2022, she explained that the condition “weakens my leg muscles over time,” causing her to need to use a wheelchair.

“This has been a difficult journey for me because having to accept help and surrender to the progression of this condition has been extremely hard,” she wrote at the time. “While I was trying to come to terms with this, I really did find that I lost myself in certain ways. I hated that it was not only breaking me down physically, but I was allowing it to also break down my spirit.”

She added, “I would’ve never expected something like this to happen to me, as most of us wouldn’t. I don’t know why these were the cards I was dealt in life, but I can’t change it so I’m choosing to embrace it and not let it define me.”

Tate took on the role of Julie in 9-1-1: Nashville, which debuted on Oct. 9, sharing the screen with stars such as LeAnn Rimes and Chris O’Donnell. In the episode, Julie receives a lap dance from McVey’s Blue, who is doing a striptease, after a woman blocks her view and calls her “hot wheels” because she’s in a wheelchair.

Before making her way onto television, Tate attended the Middle Tennessee State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, per her obituary.

She is survived by her mother, Katerina Kazakos Tate; stepfather, Vishnu Jayamohan; father, John Daniel Tate and sister, Daniella Tate.

Kimber Mills, 18, had big dreams of attending the University of Alabama to pursue a career in nursing.

But sadly, she was shot in a wooded area during a high school bonfire.

Police have now arrested a 27-year-old man, who faces three counts of attempted murder.

A sweetness that drew people in

Eighteen-year-old Kimber Mills was the kind of person whose heart seemed to have no limits — always ready to lend a hand, always thinking of others first. A senior at Cleveland High School in Blount County, Alabama, she balanced her life as a cheerleader with running track, radiating energy and school spirit.

Kimber had big dreams, planning to attend the University of Alabama next year to pursue her goal of becoming a nurse, a path that reflected her caring nature.

 

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Kimber’s sister, Ashley describes her sister as warm and friendly, with a sweetness that drew people in, yet Kimber had a spark, a fiery determination that made her uniquely herself.

“She had a little spunk to her step,” Ashley told AL.com.

But tragically, Kimber’s bright future was cut short. On October 18, Kimber was shot and killed in a heavily wooded area in Pinson, Alabama, known as The Pit, during a high school bonfire.

Caught in the crossfire

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported that 27-year-old Steven Tyler Whitehead arrived around 12:24 a.m., and after a verbal and physical altercation, fired multiple shots. In addition to Mills, a 18-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, and a 20-year-old woman were also struck bygunfire.

Whitehead has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and is being held on a $180,000 bond.

“Kimber was caught in the crossfire,” her sister Ashley Mills told AL.com, adding that the shooter was unknown to the group and had reportedly approached one of Kimber’s friends, sparking the fight that ended in tragedy.

Kimber was taken off life support on Oct. 21. Kimber’s family shared that more than 100 people came to see her while she was at the hospital.

Ashley shared on Facebook, “Our sweet baby sister went to be with the Lord at 7:08 p.m. last night! She has had the biggest gathering for honor walk the doc has ever seen! She was and is so loved by so many. We will miss you Kimber! Everyone is free to share this post anywhere they feel necessary!”

Despite her untimely death, Kimber’s generous spirit continues to shine.

Facing the severity of her injuries, the family made the selfless decision to honor her wish to become an organ donor.

“She has too much trauma to her brain,” Ashley said. “She is breathing on her own with an assisted breathing machine… We do have her on a DNR because we don’t want to hurt her anymore trying to bring her back. We’ve already got it set up for her to be an organ donor because that’s what she wanted.”

A final “honor walk” was held at UAB Hospital as staff lined the halls to pay tribute while Kimber was taken into surgery for organ donation.

“It was just a lot of tears and hugs and goodbyes and to me it was God’s will,” recalled Jerrita Hollis, who witnessed the event.

Final act

Through her donation, Kimber will give others a chance to experience milestones she never got to: graduations, weddings, even just another breath of life.

“Nationally, there’s about 100,000 people waiting for an organ donation, but in our state we have 1,200 people approximately waiting,” said Ann Rayburn, director of education for Legacy of Hope, to WBRC.

“What I think about is that each of those numbers is somebody’s sister, mother, father, brother — somebody’s loved one that needs that transplant.”

Remains found buried in a wooded area behind an abandoned school are those of Kada Scott, a 23-year-old woman who had been missing for about two weeks, prosecutors in Philadelphia said Monday.

Authorities said an anonymous tip led police back to the area they previously searched and they found the remains in a shallow grave. DNA tests confirmed her identity.

Keon King, 21, of Dover, Delaware, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping, stalking and other charges in Scott’s disappearance. Bail was set at $2.5 million. Prosecutors say more charges are in the works. A message seeking comment was left Monday for King’s defense lawyer, Shaka Johnson.

“I am confident that homicide charges will be brought,” District Attorney Larry Krasner said at a news conference. “But I also have an obligation to follow the law and uphold the constitution. That means we don’t take shortcuts.”

Prosecutors say King and Scott had cellphone contact and that a stolen vehicle found on fire was used by King. His cellphone was in locations related to her disappearance, prosecutor Ashley Toczylowski told reporters. She said there is extensive video evidence in the case.

Toczylowski said an initial tip last week led investigators to the school but they did not find Scott’s remains, but a new and more specific tip this weekend to “go back, she’s there, look again” led them to Scott.

She said authorities “have reason to believe other people may have been involved after the fact,” calling that a matter “very much still being investigated.”

Additional charges related to the stolen vehicle fire were filed against King, including arson, causing or risking a catastrophe and conspiracy. Krasner’s office said in a news release that the black Hyundai Accent had been reported stolen a day before Scott disappeared on Oct. 4. The car was seen on video parked at a recreation center during the late evening of Oct. 4, near where Scott’s body was found.

Three days later, the Hyundai was reported to be on fire in Philadelphia but it was compacted at a junkyard before investigators could examine it.

King was arrested earlier this year in another case but posted $200,000 bail and was released. In the previous case, prosecutors said, King was accused of kidnapping a woman from in front of her house and forcing her into a car where she was assaulted and eventually let go. Those charges were dropped when the victim and a witness did not appear for court proceedings, Krasner said.

Scott, who worked in an assisted living facility, was remembered Monday in a statement by her parents as a source of “light, kindness and beautiful spirit.” They said their hearts were “shattered” and asked for prayers. She was reported missing after leaving after an overnight shift.

A 14-year-old boy was seen wiping away tears before he vanished after his brother dropped him off at his Long Island high school.

Liam Stark went missing on Friday after security cameras at William Floyd High School caught him beginning to walk inside at 7.10am but never making it in.

‘You can kind of watch him contemplating suddenly, “Am I going? Am I not?” Liam’s mother Christy Stark told News 12 Long Island.

Christy said her son has been going through personal trauma and surveillance footage showed him wiping away tears before he walked away from the school.

‘I think that in a very wounded way, this was his “I can make it,”‘ the worried mother added.

After failing to go inside the school, Liam went to a Dunkin’ Donuts about a three-minute walk away, police said.

He was last seen Friday evening on a road about 2 miles from his school, near the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley.

The high school freshman was reported missing that afternoon after he did not return home on his school bus.

Liam’s brother Aiden said the situation has been ‘devastating.’

‘I just want to give him the world,’ Liam’s mother said as she asked the public for help locating him.

‘I just keep sending out love to him and hoping that he can feel it, wherever he is, and that it can help and he can come home.’

Police have asked that anyone with information on Liam’s whereabouts contact 911 or the Suffolk County Police Department Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752.

Liam is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 155 lbs, officials said.

He has blonde hair, and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, dark blue sweatpants and black sneakers.

The William Floyd School District said it is working with authorities in the search for Liam.

‘The district is hopeful that Liam is safe and will make contact soon,’ the district said in a statement.

A pair of Los Angeles television anchors watched in horror as a suspected car thief was killed live on-air during a police chase Monday night.

Helicopter footage of the near-30-minute chase was being broadcast on KCBS-TV when the suspect was shown emerging from a van in the Mount Washington neighborhood in an apparent attempt to flee.

The man is seen hopping over a divider on the 110 Freeway before a car in the opposing lane speeds by, striking him as the camera had zoomed in.

‘Whoa, wow! Oh my god! Oh no! Oh no!’ weekday anchor Juan Fernandez could be heard saying.

‘Stay wide, stay wide, he got hit,’ said assignment editor Mike Rogers, instructing the cameraperson to pull back.

The feed then cut to the studio, where Fernandez was shown with his mouth open and face frozen, with a hand on his cheek. His co-anchor, Suzie Suh, kept her composure to speak to viewers.

‘We just saw the person who was being pursued get out of their car and actually get hit by another speeding car,’ she said.

Police confirmed the suspect died at the scene.

Video: Suspect struck by vehicle while attempting to flee during a stolen vehicle pursuit in Los Angeles, California.

(Note: This video may be disturbing.) pic.twitter.com/UVvabGLR04

— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) October 21, 2025

He had not been identified by the county medical examiner as of Tuesday afternoon.

A spokesman told the Daily Mail the suspect was a male in his 30s. KTLA reported that he was struck by two vehicles.

Members of the Los Angeles Police Department had begun chasing the suspect in Downtown LA shortly after 8.30pm Monday, the LAPD said.

The driver refused to pull over the stolen van when ordered to do so by an officer.

He eventually led police onto the freeway where he was fatally struck.

Animal control were also called to the scene to remove a dog from the inside the van, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

The LAPD is handling the investigation.

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The 16-year-old Euclid boy who shot five people, one fatally, after a high school football game, was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 20 years.

Darien Harris pleaded guilty on Oct. 20 to one count of murder and one count of felonious assault and was immediately sentenced.

On Aug. 30, 2024, Harris, who was 15 at the time, shot into a group of juveniles in front of the Euclid Fire Station near E. 222nd Street and Tracy Avenue.

Sincere Rowdy, 17, died from his injuries.

Four other juveniles, a 15-year-old boy, two 16-year-old boys and another 17-year-old boy, were also struck and treated at a local hospital for their injuries.

“Darien Harris’s reckless actions took the life of a 17-year-old Sincere Rowdy and injured several others,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley. “Gun violence among our youth continues to devastate families and communities.”

Harris was arrested on Aug. 31, 2024 and bound over from Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court on March 31.

He was indicted by a Cuyahoga County Grand Jury on April 15.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa angrily quit his radio gig at 77 WABC on Wednesday in a fiery on-air argument after its owner and one of the station’s most recognizable hosts called on him to drop his Big Apple mayoral bid.

He raged on the station’s airwaves “you will never see me at the studios of WABC again” as he accused colleagues of betraying him and complained that the station was giving preferable treatment to independent candidate, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“Let me just say should I am directing my comments at everybody at WABC,” Sliwa told host Sid Rosenberg, who is nudging Sliwa to move aside so Cuomo has the best shot at upsetting Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.

“They have said I’m selfish. Selfish? Are you out of your mind?” Sliwa continued. “… But that’s why you will never see me at the studios of WABC again, never, no matter how this election turns out.”

Station owner, Republican John Catsimatidis, also issued a plea for the defiant Sliwa to raise the white flag as pressure intensifies for him to drop the longshot bid.

The billionaire businessman, who owns the Gristedes supermarket chain, said this week while Sliwa would make the best mayor, he should pull out because he has no shot at overtaking Mamdani.

But the GOP chairs across the five boroughs, including Catsimatidis daughter, Manhattan chair Andrea Catsimatidis, have said they are standing by Sliwa.

Sliwa’s show, which bears his name, has been off air during the Guardian Angels founder’s longshot campaign to capture City Hall.

But Sliwa provided some fireworks for listeners Wednesday morning as he and Rosenberg clashed over the state of the campaign.

“I know there are people there at WABC who are personally attacking me, saying I’m running a lazy campaign…. I feel personal, personally offended by what my friends and colleagues, many of whom I trained this ABC, many of whom wouldn’t have a job at ABC without me, have done,” Sliwa fumed.

He said the station’s abbreviations now stand for the “Always Broadcast Cuomo” network.

Rosenberg punched back at Sliwa, accusing the embattled Republican nominee of fixating on Cuomo instead of setting his sights on Mamdani, the frontrunner in the race to replace incumbent Eric Adams.

“This obsession with Cuomo has to stop,” Rosenberg said, adding “You can beat Cuomo and still lose the election.”

Sliwa shot back — claiming he has been forced to hire armed security because of threats made against him and his wife, Nancy, which he blamed on the firestorm of influential people calling on him to leave the race. He also repeated claims that he’d been bribed by wealthy New Yorkers to quit.

“If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals,” he said. “My life is on the line here.”

Polling has consistently shown Mamdani leading in the three-way race with Cuomo trailing in second and Sliwa in dead last. But if Sliwa exits the race, the former governor is in a better position to overtake the socialist Queens state assemblyman, fueling Republicans and moderates to dump Sliwa.

“You’re gonna lose and you’re gonna lose badly, embarrassingly,” Rosenberg told Sliwa as the two continued to bicker and raise their voices.

“You’re talking about WABC and Cuomo,” a frustrated Rosenberg said. “That’s not gonna win you this goddamn race.”

A 12-year-old Texas boy came home from school on Friday to an empty apartment, with his family gone.

According to KWKT, Copperas Cove police were called to a neighbor’s home, where the boy had gone after finding his mother, Erica Renee Sanders, and her boyfriend, Keven Dwayne Adams, gone.

He told the officer that Sanders and Adams had said they would be moving at some point, and the neighbor told police they frequently kicked the boy out.

Officers contacted the couple by phone and were told that his uncle was supposed to have picked him up, but when they contacted the uncle, he said he knew nothing of any such plans.

While speaking with Adams, police say he “complained at length” about his girlfriend’s young son.

Police contacted child protective services, who in turn again contacted the couple, but they refused to say where they were. Police finally located them nearly six hours later and arrested them on charges of abandoning or endangering a child without intent to return.