Stephanie Elam, a veteran correspondent with CNN, has announced her departure from the network after more than 20 years. During her heartfelt farewell, she reminisced about a career that has taken her to numerous places and brought countless experiences.

“Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the CNN family, reporting on a wide array of stories touching on the environment, entertainment, business, and breaking news,” Elam shared in a statement.

“I am immensely proud of my journey at CNN. Whether live or recorded, crafting packages or presenting stories, I’ve experienced it all. Being able to witness and capture history firsthand has truly been a blessing.”

Elam’s departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter at CNN, where she became a recognized figure based out of Los Angeles. Her reports spanned topics from natural disasters and the economy to high-profile celebrity events.

In an emotional on-air farewell, Elam was joined by colleague Sara Sidner, who commended her not only as a dedicated journalist but also as a cherished friend.

‘I want to say thank you for being my friend, helping me through cancer and being a sister, really,’ Sidner said during a segment shared online. 

‘You have been a sister to me. CNN may have brought us together, but ain’t nothing gonna tear us apart.’

Elam looked visibly moved by her friend’s glowing tribute. 

Stephanie Elam is leaving CNN after more than 20 years across two stints at the network

Her departure also saw an emotional on-air goodbye with her colleague Sara Sidner, left, who praised Elam not just as a journalist but as a close friend

Elam first joined CNN in the early 2000s and returned in 2013 after a brief period working at KNBC in Los Angeles

‘You’re not getting rid of me, I love you,’ she said. ‘Tell everyone there, every stage manager, everyone there, I love you guys. It’s been a joy working with you all.’

Her colleagues Jake Tapper also delivered a pointed and personal farewell to Elam on-air, recalling some of her most demanding assignments in the field.

‘I first met you covering the tornadoes in Oklahoma, 2013 or 2014. And I saw you in Ferguson. You and Sidner were just like two of the gutsiest reporters I’d ever seen during all that craziness,’ Tapper said, referencing her reporting during both natural disasters and civil unrest. 

He went on to acknowledge her departure more directly, telling her: ‘We’re really gonna miss you.’ 

‘I do not know what’s going on. But when I take over the company, I will bring you back,’ he joked.

CNN, in a statement, praised her tenure in similarly glowing terms.

‘Stephanie brought clarity, credibility, and heart to every story she touched over her two decades at CNN,’ the network said. 

‘Her versatility and natural ability to connect with audiences made her a trusted voice and a valued colleague. We are grateful for her many contributions and wish her continued success in her next chapter.’

Elam worked alongside prominent CNN figures over the years, including former anchor Don Lemon, during her long tenure at the network. The pair are pictured together earlier this year

CNN said Elam brought ‘clarity, credibility, and heart’ to her reporting over two decades

CNN colleagues have praised working with Elam. Pictured, from left, CNN journalists Elie Honig, Sara Sidner, Stephanie Elam and Jake Tapper having dinner together in Washington D.C.

Elam’s career at CNN saw her joining the network in the early 2000s, working as a business correspondent based in New York broadcasting on CNN International and HLN. 

During that time, she reported on major financial developments and breaking news, including the death of Michael Jackson.

After a brief stint away from the network at KNBC in Los Angeles, she returned to CNN in 2013, this time as an LA-based correspondent.

In the years that followed, she covered high-profile events including the eruption of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano and the death of the pop star Prince.

She also covered red carpet events, public health crises, and national breaking news.

Her journalism career began long before CNN, starting at Dow Jones Newswires as a copy editor in 1995  before moving into reporting roles covering corporate earnings and financial markets. 

She went on to anchor business programs and contributed to nationally syndicated shows focusing on finance.

Singer D4vd entered a plea of not guilty on Monday in connection with the murder case of a 14-year-old girl. The girl was reportedly discovered dismembered and in an advanced state of decomposition in the trunk of the singer’s purportedly abandoned Tesla last September.

Identified as 21-year-old alt-pop artist David Burke from Houston, D4vd was taken into custody in Los Angeles last Thursday. His arrest came after seven months of public speculation about the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was initially reported missing in 2024.

Burke now faces charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, and killing a witness involved in an investigation. These serious allegations could result in the death penalty, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.

In addition to murder, the charges against him include continuous sexual acts, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and mutilation of human remains.

This case has drawn significant public attention, with Burke’s mugshot released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, as he faces these grave accusations.

During Burke’s arraignment Monday afternoon, his defense team entered not guilty pleas on his behalf to all counts, arguing that evidence shows Burke did not kill the girl, the Associated Press reported.

“We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez,” lead defense attorney Blair Berk said. “We would like to have the evidence come into the light of day.”

Burke was also denied bail at his arraignment, which was attended by the girl’s parents, the outlet said.

According to authorities, Burke allegedly engaged in continuous abuse of the victim beginning when she was 13, spanning at least a year from September 2023 to September 2024.

She later ran away from her home in Lake Elsinore, about 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles, at 14 years old, officials said, according to Fox 11 Los Angeles.

On April 23, 2025, Burke allegedly invited the victim to his home in the Hollywood Hills, where he is accused of killing her with a sharp object after she threatened to expose their relationship as his career was on the rise.

Photographs, intimate notes, and flowers are among the items left at a memorial on Thursday for slain teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez who was found dead in the trunk of a Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard on September 25, 2025, in Lake Elsinore, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Prosecutors alleged Burke mutilated her body about two weeks later, Fox 11 said.

Four months later, on Sept. 8, 2025, the victim’s decomposed and dismembered remains were found in the trunk of a car registered to Burke that had been impounded after being reported abandoned.

“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her,” Hochman said.

“But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car. There the dismembered body sat for over four months decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”

Singer D4vd arrested in Los Angeles in connection to the murder of a 14-year-old girl found in a Tesla trunk, police say. (Cyril Zingaro/Keystone via AP)

Burke was reportedly on tour in support of his album when Hernandez’s body was discovered. After allegations of his involvement surfaced, he had canceled his remaining shows.

Based on the charges, Burke faces death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole.

The glitzy premiere of the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” took place on April 20 in the glamorous city of Los Angeles. The event was a star-studded affair, drawing an array of celebrities who walked the red carpet in style.

Among the notable attendees were renowned actress Laura Harrier, celebrated actor Colman Domingo, and the ever-elegant Nia Long. Each brought their own flair to the event, showcasing a variety of striking fashion choices that captivated onlookers and photographers alike.

The red carpet was alive with flashes and excitement as the stars posed for photos, offering fans and fashion enthusiasts a glimpse of their best looks for the evening. The premiere not only celebrated the film but also paid homage to the enduring legacy of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

As the night unfolded, the anticipation for the biopic grew, with everyone eager to see how the film would portray the iconic musician’s life and career. The gathering of such esteemed personalities underscored the significance of the film, making it one of the most talked-about events of the season.

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CHICAGO (WLS) — In the early hours of Monday morning, a pair of thieves were caught on video forcefully breaking into a trading card and comic book store on Chicago’s Northwest Side.

Ronnie Holloway, who owns Elite Sports Cards and Comics located at 3406 North Harlem Avenue in the Dunning neighborhood, reported significant losses from the brazen smash-and-grab incident. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time one of his businesses has been targeted by criminals.

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“They specifically went after high-value hobby items,” Holloway noted.

As alarms blared, the criminals made off with approximately $100,000 worth of valuable Pokémon and major league sports cards. Much of the stolen inventory had only recently been acquired, leaving Holloway visibly shaken.

“It’s a devastating hit for a small business like mine,” Holloway expressed. “This is my livelihood, my way of supporting my family. Calculating the losses, already at $100,000, it’s overwhelming. Facing this situation again, dealing with insurance, it’s another ordeal. Recovery isn’t as straightforward as it seems.”

Holloway lives 10 minutes away from his store and rushed there when his alarm company called him. It was 2:30 a.m., and he got there ahead of police.

“This is my passion, and this is what happens to businesses that are trying to have something to provide for their families,” Holloway said.

Holloway opened the store three-and-a-half years ago after enjoying success with the city’s oldest card store in the Montrose neighborhood, which he bought from its retiring owner, who had run it for 41 years. In 2022, thieves targeted that collectibles store, too.

“There has to be, when these people are caught, there has to be accountability,” Holloway said.

The growing popularity of collectable cards has turned the industry into an investment market and turned the card shop sellers and buyers into a target for criminal activity.

“Similar to kind of a stock market or anything, there’s only a certain number of these cards in the market so as more and more popularity draws to these cards,” said Running to the Rip co-owner Zach Horwitz. “It’s going to start driving the price up, basically just some supply and demand, not enough copies around, but people willing to pay more and more.”

Horwitz says as Running to the Rip’s merchandise grew in popularity and market value,and other card shop owners have upgraded security.

“We have a buzzer system similar to the way all the jewelry stores do. So, even if you did grab something and try to run out, the doors lock,” Horwitz said. “We’ve had to had more security systems and more precautions in order to make sure that items don’t leave the store. Because once they do, they’re probably gone forever.”

Holloway is convinced that his stores are being targeted, but he feels that he has taken every precaution, and the city needs to do more to protect business owners like him.

“The mayor has to do something other than say, ‘We need to give guidance to our kids,’” Holloway said. “There needs to be action taken because we cannot continue to allow this. They’re putting us out of business. We are people paying taxes like anyone else. We work hard. We’re supposed to deal with it. It’s not that simple.”

Both card shop owners say because there is no way to trace these items, it makes their shops more of a target.

Police said the burglary happened just before 2 a.m. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown vehicle.

Area Five detectives are investigating.

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