A man sits in a Michigan jail while his 1-year-old daughter awaits her next round of chemotherapy.

Brian Randolph, 23, told police he robbed a bank to help pay for his baby daughter’s cancer treatments because her insurance had been canceled. He was charged with armed robbery and bank robbery following an arrest on Aug. 14 in Detroit. 

"As a parent, I can understand. I want the best for my child too. If all this was supposed to go towards the child's care, why is he is spending money on nice things for himself?” Lt. Chris Sovik of the South Lyon Police Department told NBC Owned Stations. 

Randolph is accused of robbing the Vibe Credit Union in South Lyon of $8,173 on Aug. 12. He allegedly entered the bank with glasses and a baseball cap, passed a note to a teller that stated he wanted $20,000 and had a shotgun in his pants, according to the Detroit Free Press.

He was apprehended by the Oakland County Violent Crime Task Force in a rental car with just over $3,000 in cash and designer clothing on Aug. 14. Randolph is being held on a $500,000 cash bond and his next court date has been scheduled for Sept. 2.

A Go Fund Me account was set up by Asia Dupree, the mother of Randolph’s child, for the baby's battle against retinoblastoma. As of Aug. 28, $29,363 has been raised.
 

Stay current with official notices from South Florida pertaining to Tropical Storm Erika:

Miami-Dade Residents Advised to Be in Ready Phase for Erika

Miami-Dade’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is closely monitoring the movement of Tropical Storm Erika. At this time, all Miami-Dade County services continue normal operations.

The Miami-Dade County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue to operate at a Level 2, partial activation status effective 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28. Under Level 2 status, OEM staff, county officials and partner agencies are required to report to the EOC.

While Miami-Dade County is not in immediate danger, all residents and businesses should check their disaster kits, review their hurricane plans and remain alert to new information and instruction about the developing storm. Specifically, residents are urged to:

• Make sure that emergency equipment, such as hurricane shutters and battery-powered radios, are in good working order.
• Ensure that sufficient emergency supplies (e.g., nonperishable food and water) are on hand for each person in the home to last at least three days.
• Obtain and store materials necessary to properly secure your home.
• Secure yard and construction debris so they do not pose a hazard during a storm.
• Take tree trimmings to a local trash & recycling center.
• Find out if you live in a flood or evacuation zone by visiting miamidade.gov.
• If you live in a surge planning zone determine, in advance, where you will stay, how you will get there, and what supplies you will take if you are ordered to evacuate. Also, plan your departure time so ample time is allowed to get to a safe area. Miami-Dade surge planning zone maps are available on our website.

The 3-1-1 Answer Center has extended its hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 29, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To reach the 3-1-1 Answer Center, residents can dial 3-1-1 in Miami-Dade or 305-468-5900, TDD: 305-468-5402 or via email 311@miamidade.gov. Specialists are taking calls in English, Spanish and Creole. Residents can access disaster-related information 24 hours a day on the OEM website located at www.miamidade.gov/oem.

OEM is committed to working with its partners and the community to lessen the impact of disasters and potential catastrophic incidents. OEM accomplishes its mission through planning, response, and coordination of information and resources.

Miami Beach Advisory - Friday

Miami Beach continues to monitor the path of Tropical Storm Erika. South Florida is still in the possible path of the storm. At this time, there are no evacuations nor are there any anticipated evacuations for Miami Beach. You should be prepared and stocked up on your supplies.

Possible Flooding
Tropical Storm Erika is expected to bring large amounts of rainfall. Flooding is expected in low-lying areas especially during the extreme high tide periods on Sunday and Monday. Although Miami Beach and Florida Department of Transportation installed storm water pump stations to assist with the flooding, the program is not complete. Operational crews will be monitoring flood prone areas and are ready to address flooded areas accordingly.

Closures
South Pointe Pier will be closed on Sunday, Aug. 30. City events and meetings at municipal facilities are canceled for Sunday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Aug. 31.

No Tree Trimming
Please cease any tree trimming at this time. Limbs and leaves can become potential projectiles.

Parking
All municipal parking garages will have normal operations throughout the weekend as of this notice.

Information:
Hotline: 305.604.CITY(2489)
Twitter @MiamiBeachNews | Facebook @CityofMiamiBeachGovernment

American Red Cross Prepares for Tropical Storm Erika

Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in Florida Friday morning in preparation for Tropical Storm Erika which includes the 13 counties of the American Red Cross South Florida Region. The staff and volunteers of the Red Cross have been monitoring the storm and making preparations with the possibility of opening shelters on Saturday. Red Crossers across the region have been mobilized to help if and when the time comes.

“The next 48 hours are critical in the formation and trajectory of Tropical Storm Erika. We are watching it closely but strongly encourage South Florida to prepare,” said Carlos Castillo, Regional Disaster Officer. “Be Red Cross Ready: build a kit, make a plan and stay informed.”

BUILD A KIT
It should contain a three-day supply of water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a 7-day supply of medications, a multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items and copies of important personal documents. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks worth of emergency supplies at home.

MAKE A PLAN
It is important that everyone in the household helps put the emergency plan together and knows what they should do if something occurs. Household members may not be together when a disaster happens.

STAY INFORMED
Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local media outlets for critical information about the storm and download the Red Cross Emergency App. This free app provides information on what to do before, during and after emergencies. The preloaded content in the apps gives people access to vital information to use during emergencies, even if they can’t connect to the internet. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
People can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. We respond to nearly 70,000 other disasters every year, from home fires to hurricanes and more. Learn more about how Disaster Relief donations have helped people affected by previous disasters including home fires.

Coast Guard Urges Preparation for Tropical Storm Erika

The Coast Guard urges mariners to heed warnings as Tropical Storm Erika is expected to affect South Florida this weekend.

As Tropical Storm Erika approaches, the Coast Guard urges people to be mindful of the following:

• Anticipate bridge closures. Mariners are advised that during strong storms drawbridges along the coast may deviate from the normal operating procedures. Drawbridges are authorized to remain closed upon the approach of gale force winds or higher as stated in the Code of Federal Regulations 117.35, which applies to “natural disasters or civil disorders.” Mariners should anticipate bridge closures by listening to the National Weather Service and Coast Guard broadcasts on the storm conditions.
• Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities are degraded as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters are urged to heed weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories. People should not go out on their boats 48 hours prior to and at least 72-96 hours after a hurricane has passed as debris may be in the water and navigational aids may have shifted.
• Evacuate as necessary. If evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed to those orders. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.
• Secure your belongings. Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage. Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, life jackets, emergency position indicating radio beacons and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
• Be cautious of hazardous materials. If you have hazardous materials on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure them prior to any foul weather.
• Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers are urged to wait until local officials say the water is safe.
• Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of Tropical Storm Erika through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF-FM channel 16. Information can also be obtained on port conditions in South Florida by visiting the Coast Guard's Homeport Site.

For more information on the progress of Sandy and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center’s website. For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast.

Monroe County Office of Emergency Management

As of 2 p.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Erika was nearing the southern coast of Hispanola and its center was positioned about 900 miles east, southeast of Key Largo. The storm, according to meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center and Key West National Weather Service Office, continues to be poorly organized.

Monroe County Emergency Management is preparing to respond to a tropical storm, if needed. Protective actions have not yet been implemented and will be announced later this evening, if necessary.

Focus areas for Erika include the county’s special needs clients; potential school closings; campgrounds and parks; as well as instructions for Keys visitors.

Monroe County does not evacuate in the event of a tropical storm.

In conjunction with the Key West National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, Keys officials are continuing to monitor the situation and residents and visitors should do the same.

On the web: http://monroecountyem.com/

Miami-Dade Schools on Erika

Miami-Dade Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho will make a decision this weekend regarding potential school closures as a result of Tropical Storm Erika. Carvalho will make his decision in collaboration with Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management, based on all of the best information that is available.

“South Florida enters the weekend with the possibility of a tropical storm looming, and growing concern from parents and students,” said Carvalho. “For Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the safety and security of students and staff is our number one priority, and will always be the most important factor in our decisions.”

Among the factors that will influence possible school closures will be the impact the storm will have on the District’s transportation fleet (buses cannot operate in sustained winds of 39 MPH or more), potential flooding of low-lying areas, and the possible use of some schools as shelters. Any decision regarding school closures will be communicated to parents, students, employees, and the community with ample time, using a variety of forms of communication to be sure to reach everyone concerned.

Earlier this month, the district tested its emergency preparedness systems, at the district-level and at individual schools, and we are happy to report that “We Are Ready”.

For updated information, visit the school district’s website, www.dadeschools.net or follow us on Twitter (@mdcps) and Facebook.

South Florida Water Management Prepares for Potential Erika Impacts

In advance of potential heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Erika, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has prepared the regional flood control system to reduce flooding where possible.

“This agency was created in 1949 to operate what has become a $13 billion regional flood control system serving more than 8 million people,” said Jeff Kivett, SFWMD Director of Operations, Engineering and Construction. “We are making final preparations to move stormwater in advance of the storm while also balancing the need to store water for future supply.”

Canals and water control structures in key areas of South Florida’s system were placed in the low range Friday afternoon, and adjustments will be made as necessary. Water managers are also operating the system to enhance the ability of local and community drainage facilities to route excess runoff into the District’s regional canal system.

Water levels and flows are monitored around the clock by field staff and the District’s advanced Operations Control Room in West Palm Beach.

Pre-storm preparations by the District include:

• Lowering canal levels in key areas to make room for moving water
• Inspecting the flood control system
• Ensuring adequate fuel supplies for pump stations and other equipment
• Readying staff and equipment for storm assignments
• Strapping down equipment and closing storm shutters at facilities
• Conference calls with local drainage districts that connect to SFWMD canals

The SFWMD is also coordinating information with the state Emergency Operations Center as well as federal and local partners, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

City of Miami Garbage and Recycling

The City of Miami Department of Solid Waste will suspend services due to the upcoming storm and will resume regularly schedules service on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Residents may dispose of household waste and debris at the Department of Solid Waste Mini Dump Facility that is open special hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, and from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, located at: 1290 NW 20th Street, Miami, Florida.

For more information, please contact Customer Service at 311 or (305) 468-5900.

City of Sweetwater to Provide Sandbags to Residents

With Tropical Storm Erika on track for South Florida, Sweetwater is taking measures to help their residents mitigate any potential flooding. Sandbags will be given out on Saturday to City residents, across from the City’s Public Works facility. “The sandbags are an extra precaution for our residents due to the amount of rain we’ve had these past few days which can potentially saturate the ground and make it easier for flooding to occur, “said Mayor Orlando Lopez. The sand bags will be limited to six per household; proof of residency in the City is required. Other flood control measures the City has taken include new underground water pumps, clearing drainage from debris that may obstruct water flow, and emergency retention basins.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 at 9 a.m. while supplies last.
WHERE: Sweetwater Public Works, 1701 NW 110th Avenue (Lot across the street)
WHO: Orlando Lopez, Mayor, City of Sweetwater

Hollywood Out of Sandbags

In preparation for Tropical Storm ERIKA, the City of Hollywood Department of Public Works is currently distributing more than 2,400 sandbags to Hollywood residents. The distribution is as follows:

Friday, Aug. 28, 1 p.m to 6 p.m.

A second day of sandbag distribution was cancelled after strong turnout Friday, officials said. This sandbag distribution is for Hollywood residents only. Hollywood residents may pick up sandbags on a first come, first served basis at the Public Works Administration Complex, 1600 South Park Road. Proof of Hollywood residency is required.

A maximum of 10 bags per household will be provided. Public Work's staff will be on duty to assist with loading the sandbags into residents’ vehicles.

For more information on the sandbag distribution, please call Public Works at 954.967.4526.

Hollywoof Dog Park Grand Opening Celebration Is On

The Hollywoof Dog Park Grand Opening Celebration is still scheduled to take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015 beginning at 9 a.m. As with any special event hosted by the City, weather conditions are closely monitored in an effort to keep the public safe. Should conditions deteriorate causing the postponement of this event, the Office of Public Affairs and Marketing will notify residents via a NotifyMe alert, and post to the information to the City’s website, twitter feed and facebook page.

The celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Stan Goldman Memorial Park, 800 Knights Road in Hollywood. Dog owners are welcome to bring their four-legged friends and join the Junkanoo band procession that will lead into the dog park for the celebration.

For more information on the Hollywoof Dog Park Grand Opening, please call the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at 954.921.3404.

Shredding Event and Used Clothing Donation Postponed

Due to Tropical Storm ERIKA the shredding event and clothing donation scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29 at Boulevard Heights Community Center has been canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date. Employees scheduled to assist residents with their boxes have been reassigned to prepare the City for the possible impact of Tropical Storm ERIKA.

For additional information on the City’s shredding events, please call the Office of the City Clerk at 954.921.3211.

Sign up For CodeRED

CodeRED is an emergency notification system in which alerts can be received on your home phone, by text message or e-mail. These alerts will provide emergency updates to residents and advise them of any protective actions they should take in the event the City is placed under a tropical storm watch or warning. Visit www.hollywoodfl.org/emergency to sign up for CodeRED.

Miami-Dade Collge Monitoring Erika

The Miami Dade College Emergency Planning and Executive Crisis Teams are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Erika. The college remains open and under normal operations through the weekend.

For the latest status of operations, students and employees are urged to check MDC's homepage at www.mdc.edu, the MDC Hotline at 305-237-7500, the news media and the college's social media pages.

Coral Springs Erika Advisory

In light of past hurricane landfalls in South Florida, City officials are encouraging residents to be prepared. Emergency staff will be in place to deal with potential problems if Tropical Storm Erika continues on its projected path.

City officials remind you to please remain indoors during the storm. This storm is expected to produce substantial rain and cause extensive flooding.
Here are the latest updates as of 5 p.m.:

Waste Pro:

• Bulk or yard waste services may be suspended next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Please refrain from placing bulk items out for collection or doing any tree trimming this weekend to prevent flying debris during the storm.
• Residents may drop off any bulk and yard waste at the Waste Transfer Station this weekend in preparation for the storm. The Station will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday with extended hours this Sunday only (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
• Garbage and Recycling cart collection will occur as normal as long as winds are below 39 MPH. Check the City website, www.CoralSprings.org for updates on garbage and recycling pick-up schedules.

City Facilities:

• Officials will determine over the weekend if City Hall will be closed on Monday, Aug. 31. Please monitor the City's website at CoralSprings.org, CityTV Channel 25 on Advanced Communications and Channel 99 on AT&T’s U-Verse, CityRadio 1670 AM (can also be streamed online at CoralSprings.org/cityradio), and local news broadcasts for the status of City Hall.
• All outdoor recreation events will be canceled on Sunday. Parks and park facilities will be closed on Sunday.

Schools:

• Broward County School Board will be making a decision over the weekend and notifying parents. Residents may also check www.browardschools.com for updates.

Elderly/Disabled/Special Needs

• The Vulnerable Population Registry is for residents who are at risk due to disability, frailty or health issues, regardless of age, who elect to stay at home in the event of a hurricane or other emergency. To sign up for the Vulnerable Population Registry, please call Lynne Martzall at 954-344-1833 and leave a voicemail. After the storm, Coral Springs Police will may use the Registry to help evaluate resident needs and to assist in planning their response in an emergency.
• For a Special Needs Shelter, residents MUST call the Broward County Hotline at 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000 (City does not coordinate Special Needs Shelter assignments).

The Hurricane Call Center will be activated on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. To reach the Call Center, please call 954-344-1001. Staff at the Call Center will be able to answer questions about City-related issues and not concerns regarding canals, cable television or electricity.

Miami-Dade Sandbags Available if Tropical Storm Advisory Issued

With South Florida still in the cone of uncertainty of Tropical Storm Erika, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss is urging residents to get prepared. Residents should be stocking up on water and essentials and checking out the County’s Hurricane Guide at www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/.

Should a tropical storm advisory be issued, sand will be available at eight locations in District 9 where residents who live in flood-prone zones can come to fill their sand bags. Residents are asked to bring their own sand bags and shovels. Before visiting the sites, please call 311 or visit www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/ and stay tuned to weather reports to confirm that a tropical storm advisory has been issued and that that sand is available at the sites.

The locations are:

West Perrine: West Perrine Park
10301 SW 170th Terrace, Miami, FL 33157

Richmond Heights: 14660 Lincoln Blvd. (Williams Grocery lot)
Miami, FL 33176

Goulds: Habitat Housing
11496 SW 227th Terrace

Naranja: Across from St. John MBC
13740 SW 264th St., Naranja, FL 33032

Country Star/Cambridge Estates
28350 SW 136th Place

Richmond West: Eureka Villas Park
14301 SW 180th Street

South Miami Heights: Roberta Hunter Park
SW 117th Avenue and 208th Street, Miami, FL

Las Palmas:
Southwest corner of Krome Avenue and Southwest 200th Street

Florida Keys Community Collge Closes for Erika

Due to Tropical Storm Erika, Florida Keys Community College will be closed as follows:

• The Key West Campus will be closed Saturday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Aug. 31.
• The Middle Keys Center in Marathon will be closed Sunday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Aug. 31.
• The Upper Keys Center in Tavernier will be closed Sunday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Aug. 31.

During the time periods stated at the respective locations, all classes are cancelled, services suspended, and buildings will be locked at all College locations.

The College plans to resume operations as normal on Tuesday, September 1. Students and employees are encouraged to monitor their FKCC email, their voicemail, as well as the College’s website: www.fkcc.edu for any further notifications.

A pilot died Friday after his propeller-driven stunt plane crashed while he was practicing tricks for a weekend air show in New York's Hudson Valley.

The plane crashed around 2 p.m. at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, where the New York Air Show is scheduled to take place this weekend

The pilot was the only person in the plane, an experimental aircraft owned by Andrew Wright, of Austin, Texas, said New York State Police Trooper Steven Nevel.

Aviation journalist Benjamin Granucci, of the blog NYC Aviation, tweeted that the plane appeared to be a single-engine Giles G-202.

He said the plane was making a practice run for the weekend's events. He said that it appeared the aircraft crashed into the ground after coming out of a dive.

A woman at the air show box office said the show will go on as scheduled.

Vicki Gardner, a local tourism official who was being interviewed by WDBJ-TV when a gunman opened fire on the news crew on live television, remembers dodging bullets before being shot in the back, a spokesman for her family told NBC News on Friday. 

"It happened fast, and it was frightening," Troy Keaton, the family's spokesman, said. "She saw Alison shot, Adam also. She was ducking and dodging and ended up on the ground, kind of hunched over, and he shot her in the back."

Alison Parker, a reporter, and Adam Ward, the cameraman, were killed by a disgruntled former reporter from WDBJ, who later killed himself. Parker was shot in the head and chest, and Ward was shot in the head and torso; both deaths were ruled a homicide, a medical examiner said. 

One person was hospitalized after a rollover crash on the Florida's Turnpike in Deerfield Beach Friday.

The person was trapped under the vehicle after the crash in the northbound lanes of the Turnpike south of the Sawgrass Expressway, Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue officials said.

After the victim was extricated, they were flown to Broward Health North, where their exact condition was unknown.

The crash caused heavy delays in the area. The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known.

A South Florida family called out to the community on Friday to help them find whoever was responsible for the death of a loved one.

49-year-old Keith Cox, a Metrorail security officer, was shot and killed this week at the MLK Station.

"My brother could be your husband, your wife, your child. Somebody saw something," Kevin Cox said. It was an emotional plea from the brother of Keith Cox, who was shot Tuesday night.

"The cowards who perpetrated this senseless crime have taken his life," Kevin said.

Keith was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center where he was listed in critical condition. His daughters wiped away tears during Friday's plea, as Latanja Gill described the distant, but close relationship shared with their father.

"We spent two weeks in Orlando just three weeks ago. It was the first time our whole family had been together. I'd not met my sister, I'd not met my brother, my uncle. That was the first time we all got together and that was all he wanted," she said.

Now, they're clinging to hope that Miami-Dade Police will find the culprit.

Members of the family said part of their reason for their plea was to connect with the community in hopes of finding new leads and answers.

"Help us solve this crime, get justice for my brother. My brother did not deserve this, nobody does," Kevin expressed.

A New Jersey toddler wandered out of his daycare center and walked home without employees noticing, his astonished mother complained Friday.

Yomara Ortiz said she dropped off her 3-year-old son Dariell at KinderWorld EduCare Center in Hamilton, New Jersey, as she does every day. Not long after arriving at her job, a family member called to say that Dariell suddenly appeared at the front door of his home.

"I couldn't believe it," Ortiz said. "I thought she was playing a joke on me."

Ortiz lives only two blocks from the daycare center, but the toddler had to cross a busy street to get home.

Daycare staff had no idea that the 3-year-old had wandered off, Ortiz told NBC 4 New York.

"She didn't know where he was," Ortiz said of the staff member's response. "She had nothing to say. She just apologized and said it wouldn't happen again."

It won't, Ortiz said, adding that she will no longer leave her son at KinderWorld.

The daycare center was open Friday and taking care of children. Employees decline to speak to NBC 4.

Ortiz filed a formal complaint against KinderWorld and a state inspector visited the site Friday. 

A boat carrying about 3,000 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $7.6 million was intercepted in the Caribbean Sea by officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Miami.

The suspicious vessel was spotted on Aug. 18 and was tracked CBP aircraft and Coast Guard boats as the suspected smugglers onboard tried to elude the authorities, officials said.

The boat was eventually stopped and three suspects were taken into custody while the 1.5 tons of marijuana was seized.

"Our highly-trained agents are fully engaged and diligently disrupting illicit activity before it reaches the coastline," William Gibbon, Director of CBP’s Miami Air and Marine Branch. "We’re focused on providing aerial and maritime surveillance, interdiction, and operational capability in support of the maritime border security mission."

Donald Trump spoke Friday evening during a fundraiser at the home of a famed New England car dealer.

Ernie Boch Jr. hosted the Republican frontrunner in Norwood, Massachusetts. More than 1,000 guests were charged $100 to attend, but the candidate insists this isn't about raising money.

"This is not a fundraiser tonight," he said.

In fact, Boch says the party is not an endorsement, either — he says he's curious about the candidate and wants to know more. He said he hopes his guests have fun and come away with a better understanding of Trump.

"Whether they like him, fine, if they hate him, fine. I'm not going to try to convince anybody to vote for him or not to vote for him," said Boch. "I just want to have him over here and up close and personal."

Outside the iron gates of the sprawling mega mansion, dozens of protesters gathered, hoping to point out that Trump is pro-life.

"We're going to hold him accountable," said protester Christian Miron. "Donald Trump opposes a woman's right to safe, legal abortion care."

But some women told necn they don't just vote based on reproductive rights.

"There's so many other issues out there that are important," said one attendee. "I'm concerned about kids in the inner city getting better education, and I'm going to ask Mr. Trump about that today."

Boch added that he thinks Trump "could tone down on some of the stuff he says about women."

"I'm pro-choice. I'm socially liberal and fiscally conservative," he said.

And Trump did soften his tone when asked about female voters.

"I cherish women," he said. "My daughter and my wife said, 'You have to talk about that,' because they know how I feel."

He used the issue to fire a shot at fellow Republican candidate Jeb Bush.

"Bush said he didn't want to fund women's health issues, and then he came back a few hours later and said he misspoke," said Trump.

Asked why he often attacks Bush, Trump got another jab in.

"I would say Jeb Bush is a frequent target because when this whole thing started, I thought he was going to be the primary competition," said Trump. "He's drifted very much to the middle of the pack and he's rapidly disappearing, so we're going to have to start looking at somebody else."

He also addressed recent gun violence.

"We have a problem with mental health in this country," said Trump. "Whave to take care of people and we have to find out who these people are."

With his feud with Boston Mayor Marty Walsh fresh in everyone's memory, Trump was asked his thoughts on the local leader.

"Honestly, I don't know him. I don't know him. He said something nasty about me and then I said, 'You failed on the Olympics.' And he failed," said Trump. "I hope he does a great job as mayor, but I really don't know him."

From there, he segued less than seamlessly into something sure to gain the favor of Patriots fans.

"I do know Tom Brady, who's great, Bob Kraft, who's great, and Coach [Bill] Belichick, who's great. Those people I know, but those are real winners," said Trump. "Leave Tom Brady alone, right? We love Tom Brady!"

Brady's former teammate, offensive tackle Matt Light loves the Donald, too.

"I think that what most people want in this country is somebody that's going to be honest, they're going to be open, and they're going to say it the way they see it," said Light. "And I can't see anybody else but Donald Trump fitting that bill."

The Miami Marlins played a rare meaningful game on Friday and beat the Washington Nationals by a final score of 4-3.

The Nationals are in desperate need of wins as the New York Mets continue to increase their lead in the division. After this loss, Washington's elimination number is down 29. Miami is out of contention, but will have a say in the division race. The Marlins have several more games with both Washington and New York.

Adam Conley wasn't stellar but he was good enough to pick up his second major league win. Conley gave up three runs on six hits in five innings while striking out six. The rookie now has a 4.96 E.R.A. and is a candidate to start 2016 in the rotation.

Miami's bullpen did a tremendous job of preserving the lead with four innings of one-hit ball. The pen combined to allow no runs and one walk while striking out a pair. Kyle Barraclough, Bryan Morris, Adam Dunn and A.J. Ramos all saw time on the mound. Ramos notched his 23rd save of the year in the ninth.

Martin Prado was a big reason for Miami's win as the third basemen had two hits and brought home two runs. Prado brought home both of those runs in the third inning when he sent his seventh home run of the season out of the park. The veteran has been hot lately and has his batting average up to .274.

Marcell Ozuna also homered in the game with his seventh blast of the season. Ozuna added his 19th double of the year as part of a two-hit day.

The Marlins will turn to Tom Koehler on Saturday as they look to take a second straight from the Nationals.

San Quentin Prison officials on Friday confirmed at least one case of Legionnaires' disease on prison premises, located on the shore of San Francisco Bay just east of Larkspur.

Officials said one prisoner had undergone tests at a hospital outside the prison facility after falling sick The tests confirmed that he had the potentially life threatening disease. He is currently in stable condition, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said.

Two more inmates were hospitalized after displaying symptoms and were transported to an outside hospital for pneumonia-like symptoms, but no officials diagnosis has been made.

San Quentin has temporarily halted inmate intake as the investigation continues.

Prison officials had shut off all water to the prison Thursday, including to showers, toilets, sinks and the kitchen. Prisoners could be seen lining up with jars to receive water on the prison grounds Friday from the NBC Bay Area chopper. Water stations and a line of porta potties were also spotted.

According to a statement from CDCR Friday afternoon, the prison will resume the use of plumbed toilets inside the facility’s housing units and monitored use of water for cooking after consulting with health experts. Water sources such as bottled water and water tanks will continue to be consumed until it is deemed safe to resume normal water use.

Currently around 30 inmates are ill and have symptoms associated with Legionnaires' disease. The inmates have not been confirmed to have Legionnaires disease and were only being treated as a precaution, Dana Simas from CDCR said. All unconfirmed cases are being treated at San Quentin’s on-site medical unit, Simas said.

The CDCR is working with Marin County Public Health to identify the source of the problem. The prison will keep bringing in water until the problem has been fixed, Simas said.

Most cases of legionellosis or Legionnaires’ disease are caused by Legionella pneumophila, but all species of Legionella can cause the disease, according to the CDC. People contract Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor (small droplets of water in the air) that has been contaminated with Legionella bacteria, which grows in warm freshwater environments.

Person-to-person transmisison does not occur with Legionnaires’ disease, the CDC says.

A recent Legionnaires' disease outbreak in the south Bronx sickened more than 120 people, killing 12 of them. Officials in New York identified a cooling tower at the Opera House Hotel as the source of that outbreak.

The largest outbreak — 449 cases — ever reported was traced to a cooling tower on the roof of a city hospital in Murcia, Spain in 2001. The bacterium is named after a 1976 outbreak, when people who attended the American Legion convention in Philadelphia caught the disease.

An estimated 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease each year in the U.S.

John Zuchelli and Torey Van Oot contributed reporting.

A Texas Sheriff's deputy was fatally shot from behind Friday night, while pumping gas into his police vehicle at a Houston-area Chevron station, police said.

The Harris County Sheriff's office identified the slain deputy as Darren H. Goforth, 47, a 10-year veteran on the force, who was in uniform when he was shot multiple times "execution-style."

The shooting occured at about 8:30 p.m. local time at a Chevron station in Harris County, Texas. The duputy had just finished responding to a routine call and was alone in the car, the Sheriff's office said. 

Police are still searching for the suspect, who they described as a dark complexioned man in his early 20s wearing a white t-shirt and red shorts. He was reportedly driving a dark red or maroon extended cab Ford Ranger.

Witnesses called 911 and multiple units arrived on the scene, but were unable to save the deputy, according to the Sheriff's office.

Miami-Dade Police were called to the scene where a vehicle crashed into a pool.

It happened on Friday afternoon in the 3300 block of Southwest 63rd Avenue.

Police said the vehicle ended up in the pool following a two-vehicle crash.

They said the driver of an Acura hit a Mazda four-door with a woman and two kids inside, ages 6 and 8. The Mazda spun from the street and ended up in the pool.

"She must not have put on the brakes, she hit the gas instead. She propelled herself through the fence behind us and flipped upside down into the pool, trapping her and her two kids inside," said witness David Taggart.

Police said a neighbor in the area observed what happened and came to the aide of the woman and the children, helping them get out of the vehicle. The woman escaped through the sunroof, while the man helped the children get out through the trunk.

"By the grace of God this man was in the right place, at the right time. An angel who saved my kids," the mother said.

"It was nice of him to do that and very brave and he doesn't take credit. He's gone. He's not here," said the homeowner, Adolfo Garcia.

Luckily, no one was injured in the incident.

Police said the Acura driver was at fault for not making a proper stop, but there's no word on whether she has been ticketed.

Sarah Palin hosted Republican candidates Donald Trump, Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz on her show, "On Point with Sarah Palin," for a friendly interview Friday that steered clear of the tough questions they faced duing their first debate earlier this month.

Trump criticized the current tax code, calling it "a joke," and slammed the "horrible" treatment of the country's middle class and veterans, vowing to improve their lives. "If I win … believe me, the vets will be taken care of," he said. Palin did not prompt him to explain what he would change.

She invited Cruz and Bush to sound off on the recent controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood, Hillary Clinton's email server scandal and the proposed Iran nuclear deal, which Cruz called "profoundly dangerous to our country."

President Barack Obama appointed the country's first special envoy for hostage affairs following a review of the government's current hostage policies, the White House announced on Friday.

Former State Department official Jim O'Brien will be tasked with "one overriding goal," according to Secretary of State John Kerry, to whom O'Brien will report: "using diplomacy to secure the safe return of Americans held hostage overseas." 

O'Brien will also communicate directly with the families of hostages—a response to criticism from families of American hostages who complained that the U.S. government left them in the dark.

O'Brien will be part of a "fusion cell" made up of officials from the FBI, the State Department, the Pentagon and CIA.

He previously worked as a presidential envoy to the Balkans during the 1990s and a senior adviser to former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.

Friends and family will gather Saturday afternoon to remember a young woman who was shot and killed outside her home in northwest Miami-Dade earlier this month.

The funeral for 24-year-old Precious Jackson will take place at 2 p.m. at the New Beginning Church in Miami Gardens. A large crowd is expected to come out and pay respects to the woman who was gunned down outside her house along Northwest 84th Street and 24th Avenue in West Little River on August 13.

The incident was caught on video, and police are still searching for her killer.

Jackson was coming home from her job as a manager at Checkers when she was fatally shot. Her mother, Tesha Green, described her daughter as well-liked and a hard-worker, and says she has no idea why someone would have targeted her daughter.

"I'm trying to be strong for her because I know that's what she'd want me to do, to help find her killer. The way that they shot her, she didn't deserve that," said Jackson's mother, Tesha Green.

New Beginnings Church has helped the family with funeral costs, and have also held prayer meetings and gatherings to support the family through this difficult time.

A small memorial of candles and stuffed animals also sits outside the church.

Miami-Dade Police have not identified any suspects connected to the crime.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.

Police in Thailand arrested a suspect in the deadly Bankok bombing that killed 20 people at a crowded Shrine earlier this month.

National police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri told Reuters that the suspect fit the description of a man seen on a surveillance video leaving a backpack at the scene.

Thavornsiri added that police raided an apartment used by the suspect in northern Bangkok and discovered possible bomb-making materials.

The bomb detonated at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's commercial center on Aug. 17, killing 20 and wounding dozens more.

Uber is going into overdrive helping Miami-Dade residents prepare for hurricane season.

While much of Miami-Dade is out of Tropical Storm Erika's cone of concern as of Saturday morning, the ride-sharing service is still giving away free storm readiness kits.

Starting at 10 a.m., Uber is handing out free storm readiness packs on demand through the Uber app in Miami-Dade.

The free kit is filled with storm essentials, including water, a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries... and in case you get bored, a deck of cards.

For more information, visit Uber Miami.

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