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COVINGTON, Ky. — A Covington man who was reported missing over the weekend was found dead Sunday morning, according to the Covington Police Department.

Capt. Justin Bradbury said Joshua McDowell, 22, was located near the Monte Casino neighborhood, where he was last seen days earlier. Police confirmed that McDowell had been reported missing on Saturday, prompting a search by local authorities.

According to police, McDowell was last seen around 5:30 p.m. Friday in the 700 block of Monte Lane, located in the Monte Casino neighborhood. After he failed to return or make contact, family members reported him missing to authorities.

Covington police officers, along with deputies from the Kenton County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the area and conducted search efforts that continued into Sunday morning. McDowell was ultimately found deceased near the neighborhood, officials said.

At this stage of the investigation, police say there is no indication of foul play. Capt. Bradbury noted that investigators are continuing to review all available information to determine the circumstances surrounding McDowell’s death.

The Kenton County Coroner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death. Police have not released additional details pending the outcome of the investigation.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen McDowell on Friday evening or who has information related to his disappearance to come forward. Those with information are encouraged to contact Det. Gregg Andrews at 859-292-2271 or Cincinnati/NKY Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040.

The investigation remains ongoing.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Authorities are looking into a deadly house fire in Bloomington that claimed the lives of two people and led to one person being taken into custody early Sunday.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and crews from the Monroe County Fire Protection District were called to a home in the 3800 block of East Anderson Road around 2:39 a.m. after receiving reports of a structure fire.

When first responders arrived, they found a vehicle that had crashed into an attached garage, which was already engulfed in flames.

One person was able to escape the house but suffered serious burn injuries. Another individual at the scene provided initial information to investigators. Both were taken to a local hospital and later transferred to Indianapolis for specialized burn care.

During a search of the home, emergency crews discovered two more occupants inside the residence.

As firefighters and deputies worked the scene, law enforcement began searching for a suspect believed to be responsible for starting the fire. With assistance from the Bloomington Police Department and Indiana State Police, authorities located a person of interest, identified as Braydon Blake, about an hour later in a wooded area on the property.

Officials said Blake also had burn injuries and was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to Indianapolis for further treatment.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that two individuals later died from their injuries. The Monroe County Coroner’s Office has not released the victims’ names, pending notification of their families.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details have not yet been made public.

AMBRIDGE, Pa. — Two people were killed in a shooting early Sunday morning in Ambridge, prompting a multi-agency investigation that ended hours later with a suspect taken into custody in Ohio.

According to the Ambridge Police Department, officers responded to a residence along Locust Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. after neighbors reported hearing gunfire coming from inside the home. When officers entered the residence, they found a man and a woman deceased.

The victims were later identified as Ashley Delucca, 38, and Andre Littles, 54, police said in a press release. Authorities have not released details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting or the relationship between the victims and the suspect.

Two teenagers were also inside the home at the time of the shooting. Police said the teens were found safe and were not physically injured. They were later released into the care of another family member.

Following the discovery, police identified a suspect as Howard Thomas Jr., 39, and issued a “be on the lookout” alert to surrounding law enforcement agencies. Authorities said Thomas fled the area after the shooting.

At approximately 8:37 a.m., Ambridge police were notified by the Ohio State Highway Patrol that Thomas had been apprehended following a vehicle crash in Zanesville, Ohio. Further details regarding the crash and the circumstances of his arrest have not yet been released.

Investigators remained on Locust Street for several hours as they processed the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed neighbors. The Beaver County District Attorney’s Office is expected to be involved as the investigation continues.

Police have not announced potential charges or a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Ambridge Police Department.

This is a developing story.

CHICAGO — The Talcott Elementary School community and residents across Round Lake Heights and Chicago are mourning the tragic death of Joanna Reina Tapia, a beloved special education elementary school teacher whose life was cut short in a fatal accident last week.

Tapia, 25, of Round Lake Heights and recently of Chicago, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Chicago. Her sudden passing has left family members, colleagues, students, and friends grieving the loss of a young educator described as compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to the children she served.

Born June 13, 2000, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Tapia was the middle child of Eduardo Tapia and Maria Rodriguez. Family members said she brought balance and warmth to those around her, a role she carried naturally throughout her life. She was raised in a close-knit family and maintained strong ties to her community, values that later shaped her career in education.

Tapia graduated from Bradley University in 2023, where she pursued her passion for teaching and advocacy. Following graduation, she joined Chicago Public Schools and worked as a special education elementary school teacher at Talcott Elementary School. Colleagues said she was known for her patience, empathy, and ability to connect with students, particularly those with additional learning needs. Parents and fellow educators described her as a teacher who went above and beyond, ensuring her students felt supported, understood, and valued.

Talcott Elementary administrators and staff said Tapia’s impact extended beyond the classroom. She was remembered as a trusted colleague, a mentor to newer teachers, and a consistent source of positivity within the school community. In the days following her death, tributes from coworkers, families, and former classmates highlighted her dedication to education and her unwavering belief in every child’s potential.

Outside of her professional life, Tapia was recently engaged to her fiancé, Chase Luther, whom she met while attending college. Friends said the couple shared a deep bond and were looking forward to building a future together. Her sudden death has left loved ones struggling to process the loss of a life filled with promise and purpose.

Tapia is survived by her parents, Eduardo Tapia and Maria Rodriguez; her brother, Eduardo Tapia, and his partner, Marilyn Sanchez; and her younger sister, Cynthia Tapia, whom family described as “the sun to her moon.” She is also survived by her grandparents, Javier Tapia and Adela Ramos, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Antonio Rodriguez and Reina Camacho.

As news of her passing spread, messages of remembrance poured in from across the community, many noting Tapia’s kindness, infectious smile, and the profound impact she had on those around her. School officials said counseling and support services have been made available to students and staff affected by the loss.

While her life was tragically short, family members and colleagues said Tapia’s legacy will live on through the students she taught, the relationships she built, and the love she shared so freely. She is remembered not only as a devoted educator, but as a daughter, sister, fiancée, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed.

PELHAM, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting local law enforcement following a reported shooting Sunday afternoon in Pelham, authorities said.

Agents with the GBI responded to the scene alongside the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and the Pelham Police Department. According to Pelham police, the incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in the area of Castleberry Road.

Officials have released few details as the investigation remains in its early stages. Police have not yet said what led up to the shooting, who may have been involved, or whether there are any injuries or fatalities. No suspect information has been made public.

A source close to the investigation said gunshots were heard in the area, prompting the law enforcement response. Authorities have not confirmed how many shots were fired or whether a weapon has been recovered.

Law enforcement officers remained on scene for several hours as investigators worked to secure the area, collect evidence, and interview potential witnesses. The presence of the GBI suggests the incident is being treated as a serious criminal investigation.

Residents in the area reported a heavy police presence near Castleberry Road following the incident. Officials have not indicated whether there is any ongoing threat to the public but urged anyone with information to come forward.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released as more information becomes available. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Pelham Police Department or the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office.

This is a developing story.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Washington University in St. Louis is mourning the loss of a student, a tragedy that has deeply affected the campus community. Out of respect for the family, university officials have not released details surrounding the student’s passing.

The news has cast a somber mood across classrooms, residence halls, and shared campus spaces. Students and faculty describe a period of reflection and grief, with peers checking in on one another and instructors pausing lectures to acknowledge the emotional impact on the community.

University leaders emphasized that support is available for students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time. Counseling and Psychological Services, wellness teams, chaplains, and other student support resources are offering extended hours and guidance for anyone struggling with the loss or related concerns. Officials have encouraged community members to seek help, reminding students that accessing support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

While the circumstances remain private, the tragedy has prompted renewed conversations on campus about mental health, stress, isolation, and the pressures students face. Many are responding with acts of compassion and connection, reaching out to friends and classmates, listening, and offering presence as ways to honor the student’s memory.

University representatives said the student’s contributions and presence on campus will not be forgotten. “We remember their efforts, dreams, and place within the WashU community,” officials stated, noting that the student’s legacy will live on in the shared commitment to care for one another.

The university encourages anyone struggling with grief or mental health concerns to reach out for support. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for confidential assistance via call or text at 988.

PINE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 19-year-old Long Island man was killed Friday night in a single-vehicle crash in Lycoming County, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Troopers identified the victim as Quinn Dowdell of Floral Park, New York. The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. along Route 287, about six miles south of the borough in Pine Township.

Police said Dowdell was driving a Nissan Xterra southbound on the two-lane roadway when he lost control of the vehicle. Investigators have not released details regarding speed or roadway conditions at the time of the crash.

According to state police, the SUV traveled off the right side of the road, reentered the roadway, crossed both lanes, and went down a small embankment before striking a tree and overturning. The vehicle sustained heavy damage, trapping Dowdell inside.

Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling Jr. said Dowdell was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered severe traumatic injuries. Emergency crews responded to the scene, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and Dowdell was pronounced dead at the scene by a deputy county coroner.

Authorities said Dowdell had been traveling from Ski Sawmill to Williamsport at the time of the crash. Route 287 is a rural roadway with winding sections and limited lighting, though police have not indicated whether road or environmental conditions contributed to the crash.

Dowdell’s body was taken to the Lycoming County Forensic Center in the Newberry neighborhood of Williamsport. The coroner’s office will continue to assist with the investigation.

Pennsylvania State Police said no other vehicles were involved and the crash remains under investigation.

LOS ANGELES — Dr. Thuong Tran, DNAP, CRNA, a certified registered nurse anesthetist and recent graduate of the University of Southern California, has died, according to statements from the university and colleagues. His passing has been met with widespread sorrow across the healthcare, academic, and nursing communities.

Dr. Tran was a 2025 graduate of the Keck School of Medicine of USC Nurse Anesthesia Program, where he was recognized for academic achievement, clinical skill, and dedication to patient care. During his time in the program, he received the USC Agatha Hodgins Award for Clinical Achievement, one of the program’s highest honors, and was also a recipient of a scholarship award recognizing his academic excellence and leadership potential.

Prior to entering nurse anesthesia training, Dr. Tran worked as an intensive care unit registered nurse, building a strong clinical foundation that shaped his transition into advanced practice nursing. His career path was guided by a commitment to service, equity, and mentorship within the healthcare profession. In 2021, while working as an ICU nurse, he attended a Diversity CRNA event that helped inspire his pursuit of nurse anesthesia education.

Despite the demands of his training and early career, Dr. Tran remained actively involved in mentoring future CRNAs. As recently as April 2025, he volunteered as a mentor at a Diversity CRNA event hosted by Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia, offering guidance and support to aspiring nurse anesthetists.

Colleagues and peers described Dr. Tran as compassionate, driven, and humble, with a strong commitment to excellence and service. He was widely respected for his leadership, generosity, and willingness to support others entering the profession.

The university has not released additional information regarding memorial arrangements. The focus, officials said, remains on honoring Dr. Tran’s life, career, and the impact he made on students, patients, and colleagues.

The USC Nurse Anesthesia Program and the broader Trojan community have expressed condolences to Dr. Tran’s family, friends, classmates, faculty, and colleagues, remembering him as a dedicated clinician and mentor whose legacy will endure through the many lives he touched.