Month: November 2025

By Loureen Ayyoub

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    REDWOOD CITY, California (KPIX) — Some gyms offer more than just fitness. They can also provide a way forward, and for professional fighter Victor Pasillas, Undisputed Boxing Gym has done exactly that.

Pasillas said the gym, based in Redwood City, changed his life so profoundly that he left his old life in East Los Angeles behind to start anew with his coach, Brian Schwartz.

“This is the gym that brought me from Los Angeles to the Bay Area.”

Moving from Southern California to the Bay Area shifted the entire trajectory of his life. Growing up surrounded by gang violence, Pasillas said the Bay Area taught him how to thrive despite hardship.

“It’s been very, very hard times, you know. Moments where we had to live in very uncomfortable circumstances, eating oatmeal at night,” he said. “And the Bay Area is what taught me to truly be a provider. And not worry about having one source of income, but six, seven incomes. It just taught me to be an entrepreneur. That’s something I can say the Bay Area has taught me.”

But the transformation didn’t come without a fight. Pasillas faced heavy trauma as a child, including the incarceration of his mother. It’s why boxing became so much more than a sport.

“Boxing has adopted me. It has made me its child. It has loved me, and I loved it back. It saved my life, point blank,” Pasillas said. “Sometimes, as a kid, things are given to you that you don’t want. You want a set of parents, you want something that’s yours. And as a kid, I never had that. So boxing — I knew it was mine. It was my sport. I belonged there.”

Undisputed Boxing Gym, founded by kickboxing veteran Brian Schwartz, has become a place of empowerment for athletes and beginners alike.

“Especially as fighters, sometimes we don’t talk about the emotional components and the psychological components that go into fighting,” Schwartz said. “When you talk about being tough, being strong, and having that killer instinct — there are things that go on in your head, those natural thoughts that people have, that just aren’t really acceptable for fighters to talk about. But to be able to talk about that kind of stuff and pass that on, along with all the moves, is such a great gift. I feel like he’s learned so much through that whole process because of that.”

Now preparing for his next match, Pasillas said he hopes to inspire unity and growth within the Bay Area boxing community.

“We got to put our fighters together so we can learn from each other,” he said. “I feel like the only way to get better and succeed in your world is by competing and being competitive.”

For Pasillas, that healthy competition has done more than sharpen his skills, it has helped him grow and rewrite his story on his own terms.

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By Zoe Hunt

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    SALINAS, Calif. (KSBW) — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has a new honorary community ambassador, a miniature horse named Cookie.

Cookie lived at a kill pen in Texas, where she suffered severe neglect. However, just when she was about to be sent to Mexico for slaughter, Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Rebecca Gordano stepped in to rescue her.

“When I first got her, she came to my house. She looked almost like she had mange; she was missing fur in multiple spots, she was thin, you could see her ribs… very withdrawn. She never really trotted around the yard,” said Deputy Gordano.

However, after a year and a half of healing, Cookie’s loving personality started to shine through. She began to bond with Deputy Gordano’s other animals, including her rescued blind donkey.

“If they are separated… they both let out a neigh,” said Deputy Gordano.

Deputy Gordano is known for her animal rescue efforts. She has 35 animals living on her family’s farm. Her colleagues describe her as someone who never fails to stop for an animal in need.

“To see Cookie today and how confident she is compared to a year and a half ago, it’s just an amazing story of resiliency,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto.

On Wednesday morning, the Sheriff’s Office swore Cookie in as their Honorary Community Ambassador. She got to shake “hands” with Sheriff Nieto and even got her own badge.

Cookie’s care is all funded by the Gordano Family, who will continue to look after her.

Sheriff Nieto said she hopes Cookie will serve as a bridge between the public and law enforcement.

“Cookie’s now going to be that ambassador to say that second chances matter… She’ll be the bridge to building trust,” said Sheriff Nieto. “You may be afraid to approach a deputy, because we look intimidating at times, but a miniature horse… You saw Cookie, you see the love in her eyes. Who doesn’t want to come up and just pet Cookie?”

Cookie’s first day on the job will be Thursday, when she will attend the Salinas Farm Day event at the Salinas Sports Complex.

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By Alyse Jones

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — The life of a convicted murderer now rests in the hands of Oklahoma’s governor.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 Wednesday to recommend clemency for Tremane Wood, convicted of murder, ahead of his scheduled Nov. 13 execution. The board’s decision was based on claims that Tremane’s attorney more than 20 years ago failed to adequately represent him.

Tremane’s family made an emotional plea to the governor.

“We’re more than thankful for the clemency board doing this. They didn’t have to grant my uncle clemency, but they saw what Oklahoma has done is wrong to my uncle and how they treat him. The injustice in his trials, they finally saw everything, and I’m glad they granted him clemency because he deserves it. He really does,” Brooklyn Wood, Tremane’s niece, said.

Tremane Wood was convicted and sentenced to death for the 2002 murder of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf.

“My uncle is not a monster. He’s not,” Andreyana Wood, Tremane’s niece, said.

The board’s recommendation marks the first step in potentially sparing his life, with the final decision resting with Stitt.

“Gov. Stitt, if you hear this, as one last act of human compassion while you are in office, please, please save my son’s life. His life is in your hands now,” Linda Wood, Tremane’s mother, said.

Since Gov. Stitt took office, the Pardon and Parole Board has recommended clemency in four cases, but he has granted clemency only once, in 2021 for Julius Jones.

During his tenure, 16 people have been executed.

The board said death penalty cases require a high bar.

“You’re asking and the state of Oklahoma is asking the board to approve an execution of a man who’s been convicted of murder. Not every inmate convicted of murder gets the death penalty, so I think this is a little different case than normal,” a board member said.

Tremane’s family is now begging Stitt to side with the board and the bar they set.

“In a perfect world, we would love for him to come home. He has done enough time for his role in this, but as long as his life is spared, we can deal with whatever else happens. Commuted to life without, we can deal with that. He’s still alive and breathing on this earth,” Linda said.

Stitt’s office released a statement Wednesday afternoon on the clemency hearing.

“Governor Stitt will follow the same process he does following every clemency recommendation. He will meet with the defendant’s attorneys, the attorney general’s office, and the victim’s family to ensure he has all the information needed to make a decision. He does not take the process lightly,” officials withing Stitt’s office wrote.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond voiced his disappointment in the board’s decision and plans to urge Stitt to uphold the jury’s original sentence.

Tremane’s attorney released a statement to KOCO 5 after the clemency recommendation. Read the full statement below:

“We are grateful to the Board for carefully considering all of the evidence showing that Tremane’s death sentence is excessive and is the direct result of a trial lawyer who abandoned him and who failed to give the jury all the information it needed to reach a fair and reliable decision over his punishment. The Board’s clemency recommendation today restores public faith that, when confronted with manifest miscarriages of justice, criminal justice system actors can, and will, intercede to correct course and prevent those from occurring. Given the facts that Tremane is facing execution for a felony murder conviction where he did not kill anyone, where the confessed killer received a life sentence and is now deceased, and where the victims have also publicly called for mercy for Tremane, we hope Governor Stitt will accept the Board’s recommendation and agree that clemency is warranted in this case,” said Amanda Bass Castro-Alves, an attorney for Tremane.

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By John Grinvalds

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    LINCOLN, Neb. (KETV) — Nebraska’s top lawyer put a Swiss billionaire in his sights on Wednesday, announcing a lawsuit to shut down what he called “an unprecedented assault of foreign money” influencing state politics.

“What we have found is really a scandal hiding in plain sight,” Hilgers said. “We have a billionaire from Switzerland by the name of Hansjörg Wyss, who has spent a half $1 billion in United States that have flowed into elections around the country and a massive amount, relatively speaking, a massive amount of those dollars have flowed into Nebraska.”

Hilgers unveiled a flowchart, showcasing what he says is a trail of dark money from Wyss, who is worth up to $12 billion, through foundations and onto advocacy groups and ballot initiative campaigns.

“We do not want foreign funding of state ballot initiatives in the state of Nebraska,” Hilgers said.

The ballot questions Hilgers said were boosted by that money include Lincoln for Fair Housing, Support Our Schools, Protect our Rights, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and Nebraskans for Paid Sick Leave — all issues Hilgers identified as left-wing.

Reporters asked if Hilgers applied that same scrutiny to right-wing causes.

“I’ve noted this is a far-left radical, we believe,” Hilgers said. “Have I seen anything on the right? We see no evidence that. Be very clear. The statute has no ideological carve out.”

Hilgers filed the suit in Madison County Court on Wednesday. He said he chose that venue because of his policy to spread cases across the state.

Hilgers said his office hadn’t “forensically” traced money directly from Wyss to specific ballot campaigns in the state, but he said in Nebraska, indirect donations from foreign nationals are unlawful.

Nebraska Appleseed and Civic Nebraska were named in the lawsuit as part of the flow of money, but Hilgers said he’s not targeting them and that they’re not defendants. Most of the initiative campaigns and nonprofits named in the lawsuit did not provide comment on Wednesday.

But Sixteen Thirty Fund called the lawsuit “baseless” and “politically motivated.”

“Sixteen Thirty Fund fully complies with all laws and regulations governing social welfare organizations in Nebraska, and we’re proud to have supported local organizers who fought to secure paid leave, fair housing, and reproductive freedom for Nebraskans,” a spokesperson said.

The Wyss Foundation and Berger Action Fund released a joint statement.

“These allegations are false. We are confident the facts will demonstrate that the Wyss Foundation and Berger Action Fund have always complied with the law.”

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By Daisy Kershaw

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    CINCINNATI (WLWT) — A Walton couple tied the knot in Covington during a special ceremony in front of a special guest Wednesday.

This wedding centered around their three-year old-daughter, who was born with serious health complications.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Wise exchanged vows surrounded by their sweet children. The magical night was also a miracle night because their little girl was there.

Doctors told the couple that the odds were staked against baby Oakleigh.

“They told us that, you know, she may not be here for this. So it is definitely, very emotional,” said dad Mike.

Mike and Samantha spent years making wishes in hospital waiting rooms and years wishing for more moments with their little girl.

Wednesday, when it came time to kiss the bride, Oakleigh was by her parents’ side.

The couple says Kenton County Magistrate Stephen Hoffman made their wish come true.

Hoffman was touched by their story. He says he wanted to surprise the couple with something special, so he planned the ceremony.

“I just wish that they have the best of life and everything they can do for their whole family,” says Hoffman.

This special occasion is proof that love conquers all.

“Have faith in your heart, because things can always turn around and I think we’re proof of that,” said Mike.

Next week, the Wise family is getting another wish granted thanks to Make-a-Wish. The foundation is sending them to Florida for a Disney World vacation.

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By Brittany Decker

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    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WVTM) — He’s no stranger to giving.

At just 6 years old, Birmingham’s Ethan Hill found his calling — helping people living on the streets. Now 15, the young man whose compassion inspired a city is asking for help to keep his mission alive.

Back in 2019, Ethan’s story first caught attention when he began collecting sleeping bags for those without a place to stay. “I need to help — it’s my responsibility to help others,” a young Ethan said then.

Year after year, he’s kept that promise. His nonprofit, Ethan’s Heart, has provided thousands of care kits filled with food, flashlights, hygiene items, and hope to people experiencing homelessness across Birmingham.

“What started as helping one man under a local freeway,” Ethan said. “Turned into a mission to help anyone in need.”

As Ethan’s grown, so has his understanding of what it takes to make a difference.

“The more I go out, the more I see,” he said. “When I was six, I saw one problem I wanted to fix. Now, I see so many — and I just want to keep my mission moving forward.”

So far, Ethan and his team have handed out more than 12,000 care kits. He even launched a mobile store and education trailer, stocked with essentials so people in need can choose what helps them most — restoring a sense of dignity and independence.

But this year, Ethan’s mission hit an unexpected setback.

A large tree fell on his trailer, crushing the roof and damaging the structure beyond use. Not long after, the truck used to haul it broke down, its engine beyond repair.

“This trailer right here,” Ethan said. “It’s my prized possession. If we can get it back going — keep it moving — we can touch so many more people.”

Now, the young man who has spent nearly a decade helping others is turning to the community for help.

To help support his efforts, visit ethansheartbham.org.

Ethan is also inviting the community to join his seventh Annual Bags4Blessings Winter Homeless Survival Supply Packing Party. The event will be held Dec. 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Don Hawkins Recreation Center, 8920 Roebuck Blvd., Birmingham, 35206. Volunteers of all ages can register for free.

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By Addie Meiners

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    LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WLKY) — Khalil Love said that in the year he’s worked at the UPS Supply Chain Solutions, which sits around 500 feet from the end of a runway at Muhammad Ali International Airport, he never thought about a plane hitting his building. Until Tuesday, when it did.

“We lived by a very narrow margin,” said Love. “Because if they didn’t manage to pull up, I think I wouldn’t be standing right now.”

Love described hearing the plane hitting the building, then running outside to see a cloud of smoke. He said he and his coworkers then left the premises and have yet to return. He remains shaken but grateful to be alive.

“It was just mind-boggling that, like, we all just came so close to being wiped off the census,” Love said.

Currently, employees have been asked to stay away from the premises until the building is deemed safe for return.

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By DeAndria Turner

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    LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WLKY) — A man who lived just steps from the UPS plane crash site says he’s lucky to be alive, even as he mourns friends who didn’t make it.

Robert Sanders has worked as a maintenance man at Grade A Auto Parts and Recycling for 12 years. He also lived in his RV on the property, which became part of the crash site on Tuesday morning.

“I started hearing this real loud like rumbling, roaring sound, and I stepped outside the bay door there and looked, and the only thing I could see was black smoke, flames, and fireballs,” Sanders said.

He told WLKY he had just been inside his RV minutes before the plane came down.

“I had just been in my RV like two minutes early, and I came down there to building 12,” he said.

Moments later, a plane filled with jet fuel came crashing down, ripping straight through his RV.

“You think about that thing a thousand times…what would happen if a plane crashes, but you don’t think it will ever really happen. But then it happened,” Sanders said.

Now, all he has left are the clothes on his back and his truck. But what haunts him most are the faces of three close friends who didn’t survive.

“I got three friends, close friends that are gone,” he said.

Visibly shaken, Sanders said the memories still play on a loop, the sound of the explosion, the smell of smoke, the terror of the moment.

“It was just terrifying. I’d never been that scared, you know? And it’s still messing with me,” he said.

For now, Sanders says he’s holding on to the only thing the crash couldn’t destroy, his will to survive.

He told WLKY he’s grateful to be alive, but he’s starting over from nothing. He doesn’t know where he’ll go next, but he says one thing is certain: he’ll never forget what happened here.

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By Yunier Martinez

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    ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. (WPTZ) — Farmers, families, and industry leaders from across the country are gathering at the Champlain Valley Exposition for the first-ever American Dairy Xpo in Vermont.

The two-day event highlights the latest technology and innovation in dairy farming, from robotic milkers to advanced harvesting equipment, all designed to help farmers improve efficiency and productivity.

“They need a day off to come, to be educated, to access innovation, and continue to grow their farms,” said Jordan Underhill, Director of USMCA Exhibitions, the group behind the event.

More than 200 companies from around the world have set up displays, showing farmers new ways to milk, feed, and manage their farms.

“The automation that we provide, a lot of younger farmers are already familiar with it,” said Chris Hill of Lely Center New England. “We work closely with them so they can use it efficiently and comfortably to improve their operations.”

For many in the industry, the event isn’t just about technology; it’s also about connection and understanding.

“That’s important to the farmer because they need to know what they’re harvesting, how efficient they are, and where their costs are,” said Dave Wilbert, territory manager for Claas in the Northeast. “We can all work together to help their bottom line.”

Vendors said the event is also about celebrating the people behind Vermont’s largest agricultural sector.

“It’s about showing kids where their food really comes from, hard-working people here in Vermont and beyond,” said John Buzeman of United Ag & Turf.

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By Jim Keithley

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    TOPSHAM, Maine (WMTW) — A Topsham police officer is being hailed as a hero for springing into action and saving a woman from jumping off a bridge, a rescue that was captured by his dashboard camera.

Officer Lucas Shirland responded to the Merrymeeting Bridge in early October and found an older woman sitting on the railing of the bridge, which carries Route 196 over the Androscoggin River from Brunswick to Topsham.

“I asked: ‘Can I talk to you?’ She looks at me and shakes her head yes, but then I noticed she looked down back towards the river and then scooches closer to the edge,” Shirland said. “It was just gut reaction. I just reached out, grabbed her and pulled her over the railing and back to the sidewalk.”

The woman was taken to a hospital for further evaluation. Shirland said the woman told him she had gone to the hospital earlier in the day and asked for help.

“I hate saying it, but we bring them to the emergency room and it’s like a revolving door and they are back out on the street,” Shirland said. “It could be an hour or two later and then we could be dealing with them again.”

Shirland said more needs to be done, including adding inpatient beds to handle the cases that continue to increase.

“We deal with mental health calls on a daily basis, multiple times a day,” he said.

This is not the first incident on the Merrymeeting Bridge involving someone in the throes of a mental health crisis.

In January, police shot and tased a man after authorities said he came at them with a machete. He survived. In February 2022, a woman threatened suicide and was fatally shot after police said she pointed a gun at them. The Maine Attorney General’s Office ruled that the shootings were justified.

Topsham police Chief Marc Hagan said all officers are required to take crisis intervention training. But in this most recent case, Shirland said instinct kicked in.

“She said she’s been suffering from depression for many years and just wanted to end it,” Shirland said. “I was just doing my job and, hopefully, she gets the help she needs.”

There are resources available through Sweetser and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. People can call or text 988 to receive help from a trained counselor.

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