Fire survivor defies odds, walks again after months of recovery

CNN Newsource on February 5, 2026

By Kennedy Mason

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    CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida (WBBH) — A house fire that nearly took her life has led Nikki Bostic down a path of resilience and recovery.

After a devastating blaze in November that left her in a medically induced coma for weeks, Bostic is walking again, without the help of physical therapy.

“I shouldn’t be able to walk as good as I do,” Bostic said with a smile. “Last night, I went out without my wheelchair, which was really cool. That was the first time I had done it.”

The fire, which investigators believe started from her husband’s motorcycle, trapped Bostic inside her home on McGuire Avenue by hurricane shutters. After three months of physical and emotional recovery, she and her husband, Roy, have made the difficult decision to move forward — by demolishing the home they once shared.

The decision to not rebuild on the land where she nearly died was an important one for Bostic.

“I don’t think I want to rebuild on a piece of land that I technically died on and came back,” she said.

While the emotional scars may never fully fade, Bostic is determined to embrace her recovery. She’s left with permanent scars on her neck and head, and she lost some toes in the fire. But her strength is undeniable.

“I didn’t want to look at the fact that I had scars on my body,” she said. “Now I just wear them as badges of honor.”

Bostic’s journey is far from over, but her spirit remains unbroken.

“Nobody’s going to smother that light,” she said. “Nobody’s going to take it away. I control that light, and that light’s going to go from that little ember to a blazing fire, but it’s going to be a good blazing fire. Not one that takes houses down.”

Looking ahead, Bostic hopes to use her experience to inspire others.

“I’d like to work with kids who have gone through something like this and tell them, hey, you don’t let this stop you.”

Nikki and Roy plan to sell the land and have already signed a lease for a new apartment. Their focus now is starting fresh and creating new, brighter memories.

The journey continues, but the fight is far from over.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

San Marcos girls water polo wins overtime playoff thriller in CIF-SS Open Division

KEYT on February 5, 2026

Mike Klan

ORANGE, Calif. (KEYT) – Buckle up, the CIF-Southern Section Open Division girls water polo playoffs are a thrill ride.

#5 seed San Marcos High School outlasted #4 Orange Lutheran 15-14 in overtime to begin postseason pool play in a game played at Santiago Canyon College.

USC-bound senior star Charlotte Raisin scored 6 goals for San Marcos who overcame an early 4-1 deficit to the home Lancers.

Sophomore Jade Pattison scored three first quarter goals as the Royals managed to tie the game at 6 in a high-scoring opening quarter.

The game was tied at 10 at the half and then the defenses settled in for the rest of the game.

San Marcos did not score in the third quarter and trailed 12-10 heading into the fourth quarter.

Raisin, sophomore McKenna Stuart and junior Shea Estabrook each scored in the fourth quarter for the Royals.

The defense came up with timely steals and Harvard-commit Bethany King totaled five blocks in the cage as the Royals allowed just one goal in that fourth quarter to send this game into overtime tied at 13.

Estabrook opened up the scoring in the first three-minute overtime session and Pattison followed with a beautiful outside shot that she floated over both her defender and the goalie for what proved to be the winning shot.

The Royals led 15-14 after the first overtime period and no one scored in the second three-minute overtime.

Charlotte Raisin sealed the game with a steal with less than 10 seconds left and the Royals ran out the clock and celebrated a huge road win to open up the playoffs.

The Royals continue pool play A on Saturday at #1 seed Mater Dei who beat Long Beach Wilson 13-5.

In pool play B, #2 Newport Harbor crushed Corona del Mar 18-4 and #3 Oaks Christian routed JSerra 13-3.

The top three teams in each pool advance to the next round with the winners of pool A and pool B moving directly into the semifinals.

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Sinkhole opens up in Lancaster community, bringing neighbors together

CNN Newsource on February 5, 2026

By Taylor Hess

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    WEST EARL TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WGAL) — A sinkhole has emerged at the intersection of State and Locust streets, causing disruption but also bringing the local community together.

Daryl Stoltzfus recounted how his wife noticed the sinkhole forming just minutes after she had been outside.

“My wife was out here five minutes before. Five minutes later, she goes to leave the driveway and sees a sinkhole starting to open up,” Stoltzfus said. She quickly alerted him, saying, “You might want to come down here. I think there’s a sinkhole.”

Crews had spent hours searching for a broken water main until the ground revealed the issue. The sinkhole, initially beside a driveway, has now expanded to the entire intersection.

Stoltzfus took precautions to protect his property.

“I told my wife to back the car up. I didn’t want it going into the sinkhole,” he said.

While their cars were spared, their mailboxes were not as fortunate.

“Both of our mailboxes. We had them on the same post. It was sitting there, and then today, that’s when it all went down,” Stoltzfus said.

Despite the road closure, neighbors have found a silver lining in the situation.

“It’s kind of interesting. These tragic things happen in the middle of our little community. Route 772 is usually so busy when it shuts down, you really see people come together. It’s like family,” said Jonathan Duty.

For residents like Stoltzfus and Jonathan Duty, who live close to the sinkhole, maintaining perspective is crucial.

“When you put things in perspective, we’re just without water for a few days,” Stoltzfus said. Duty echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re only out of water. It’ll come back on. We might’ve missed a shower, but we’ll get ourselves back together.”

The community has rallied not only for each other but also for the workers fixing the sinkhole. Residents have provided donuts, hot coffee, and pizza as a gesture of thanks for their hard work.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Selecting the right running shoes is the topic of OSU-Cascades Science Pub

KTVZ on February 5, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BEND, Ore. — With hundreds of running shoe styles on the market, runners often face a challenge in choosing footwear that helps them perform well and lowers the risk of injuries.

Oregon State University–Cascades researcher and biomechanics expert JJ Hannigan will share insights into how running shoes influence biomechanics and injury prevention during a Science Pub presentation on Feb. 17.

Hannigan, who serves as an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and co-director of the FORCE biomechanics lab, will explain how different shoe designs can affect movement patterns and overall performance. His presentation will also outline key features runners should consider when choosing shoes for both training and racing.

The Science Pub will be held from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Charles McGrath Family Atrium in Edward J. Ray Hall at OSU-Cascades. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for networking and dinner, followed by Hannigan’s presentation at 6 p.m.

Tickets cost $22 per person and include a light, pub-style dinner prepared by OSU-Cascades chefs. A no-host bar will also be available. Registration is required, and on-campus parking is free.

To register, visit osu-cascades.edu/science-pubs. OSU-Cascades employees and students can email events@osucascades.edu for tickets. Those needing disability accommodations may contact 541-322-3100 or events@osucascades.edu.

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Columbia Board of Realtors hosts first candidate forum for April elections

KMIZ on February 5, 2026

Sam Roe

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Board of Realtors hosted the first candidate forum for the 2026 municipal elections in April. Candidates for the Columbia School Board and City Council introduced themselves and spoke on a variety of topics.

Four candidates are running for three open seats on the school board. Those candidates include current school board members seeking reelection: Board President John Lyman, Board Vice President Paul Harper, and Board Member April Ferrao. They are joined by trauma surgeon and CPS parent Keary Husain, who is running for the first time.

The candidates for the school board discussed a wide variety of topics, including behavior intervention, teacher retention, healthcare, charter schools, attendance and many other issues.

“We know that students who are in seat 90% of the time or more do significantly better on all of those standardized tests,” Board President John Lyman said.

“If you’re in seat 90% of the time or more, you scored twice as well on those tests as if you don’t.”

Keary Husain is running for one of the three available seats on the school board. A Columbia native, Husain is a surgeon who, according to his campaign website, has expertise on trauma and critical care.

“Being an educator myself, maybe not in the primary or secondary school type of areas, but certainly at that level…makes me sort of the obvious candidate, because that’s where I would come, where I care,” Husain said at the forum.

Don Waterman, council member for the fifth ward, is running for reelection against local business owner Christina Hartman. First ward council member Valerie Caroll is running unopposed.

The local municipal elections will be held on April 7.

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Golf Courses across Eastern Idaho open in February

KIFI on February 5, 2026

Par Kermani

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI)– Unseasonably warm and dry conditions have led to a historic early opening at the Blackfoot Golf Course.

General Manager Preston Hafer announced that the course officially opened its back nine to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3, marking the earliest opening in his memory.

“It’s been a weird winter here,” Hafer said. “We haven’t had any snow at all. We’ve been getting a lot of phone calls to see if we’re open… people are itching to get out and play”.

The course is currently operating on a limited schedule as staff monitors weather patterns:

Due to lingering moisture in the turf, the course is currently restricted to walking only. Motorized golf carts are not yet permitted on the grounds.

The early opening provides a rare winter revenue stream for the city-owned facility. In previous years, heavy snow often delayed the season until April.

Beyond the financial boost, the lack of snow cover has allowed the maintenance crew to begin course improvements much earlier than usual. Hafer, who served as the course superintendent for four years before becoming general manager, said the early start allows the team to get “ahead of the game” for upcoming summer tournaments.

Blackfoot is not alone in its early start. Several other regional courses, including Riverside in Pocatello, Sage Lakes and Pine Crest in Idaho Falls, and courses in Rexburg, have also opened or plan to open this week.

While the clubhouse is currently bustling with season pass sales and equipment audits, Hafer warned that the season remains at the mercy of Idaho weather.

“In the forecast, it looks like we’re supposed to get some snow,” Hafer said. “As long as the course is playable, we’ll allow people to come out”.

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There’s Good News: Highland Elementary students blast off on ‘mission to Mars’

KTVZ on February 5, 2026

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — KTVZ News launched a new initiative to end each newscast with a positive story from around Central Oregon, called “There’s Good News.”

For our first edition, we highlight students at Highland Elementary in Bend. They “blasted off” this week on an imaginary mission to Mars, turning a school day into an out-of-this-world learning adventure.

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students said their goodbyes and “launched” on a pretend rocket ship to the Red Planet, as families gathered on the playground to cheer them on.

The event is part of the school’s “Scottish Storyline” method, where students step into a story to help bring lessons to life.

After weeks of research and planning their Mars journey, launch day gave students a chance to apply what they’d learned in a creative, hands-on way.

The trip may be imaginary, but teachers say the experience reinforces real lessons in curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving.

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FIND Regional Food Bank receives $200K donation from members of Hideaway Golf Club

KESQ on February 5, 2026

Jesus Reyes

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – A big step up in fighting food insecurity in the valley. On Thursday, a $200,000 check was presented to the FIND Regional Food Bank.

The funds were provided by the members of the Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta. They raised that amount during their annual campaign to support food banks. Thanks to this big check, the FIND Regional Food Bank will be able to continue to provide meals to those in need.

“Now more than ever with the increases of the cost of goods and the economy and housing, there’s so many people that are having to make some really difficult choices between paying for medicines or paying for rent or feeding themselves,” said Debbie Espinosa, President/CEO of the FIND Regional Food Bank.

Espinosa said the donation has the capability to help more than 800,000 meals get served to people in the valley.

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Send a valentine, support wildlife: Think Wild offers custom gifts, with local delivery

KTVZ on February 5, 2026

Barney Lerten

(Update: Video Added)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — This Valentine’s Day, Think Wild is partnering with local businesses to offer local, sustainable gifts and delivery services throughout Central Oregon.

“Purchase a gift package for a friend, tweet-heart, or significant otter, and support local wildlife!” the organization said in a news release Wednesday that continues below:

Each Valentine’s Day gift package includes a locally-grown everlasting dried flower bouquet, toffee from Holm Made Toffee Co, local honey from Broadus Bees and The Royal Bee, and a personalized wildlife card.

Additional items such as private wildlife release opportunities, songbird and squirrel nest boxes, and naming opportunities are also available.

For example, wildlife kitchen sponsorships include a custom plaque displayed in the wildlife hospital kitchen, where a name, quote or message can celebrate the recipient and their love for wildlife every single day.

Delivery service within Central Oregon can be added for an extra fee. Funds raised support local wildlife conservation, education, and rehabilitation. 

To purchase a Valentine’s Day gift, visit Think Wild’s website (thinkwildco.org/valentines-day) and order by 4 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Orders can be picked up at Think Wild’s wildlife hospital at 62410 Erickson Rd. in Bend between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. Deliveries will take place on Saturday, Feb. 14 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

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About Think Wild

Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the High Desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation. We provide veterinary treatment and care at the wildlife hospital, staffed by expert wildlife rehabilitation staff, animal husbandry volunteers, and our staff veterinarian. We also provide wildlife habitat installations, native plantings, and wildlife education programming for youth and the community, and can help with conflicts with wildlife. Wildlife injuries can be reported to our Wildlife Hotline at 541-241-8680, which is monitored seven days a week from 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit us online at thinkwildco.org, or on Instagram or Facebook @thinkwildco. 

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Aslett Foundation Plans to Expand Museum of Clean Building

KIFI on February 5, 2026

Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Aslett Clean World Foundation in Pocatello formed to carry on the legacy of Don Aslett, founder of the beloved Museum of Clean. Following his passing, the foundation has plans to expand the museum building into a community center filled with all kinds of experiences for guests.

The foundation held an open house this afternoon at the Museum of Clean library for community leaders and guests to hear about the plans of the foundation. Their mission is to continue inspiring guests through the vibracy and uniqueness of the Museum of Clean while carrying forward the opportunities the building provides.

Samantha Stoddard, Executive Director for the Clean World Foundation, stated “What we’re trying to do as an organization with the foundation is to carry on that legacy that Don created, for future generations to come. We’re really trying to create spaces for families and children in our community, and be a place that is a mecca of good things.”

Currently, only three of the five floors of the Museum of Clean building are in use. The foundation hopes to partner with local businesses to fill the unused floors with fresh ideas and new experiences for guests. Idaho Coffee Company, through local business Glean Coffee, has already set up a mini market within the museum.

Leaders of the foundation spoke about large companies like Micron and the possibilities their technology may bring to the experiences of the building. Because of this expansion project, the building will be renamed within the next couple of months. Rather than simply the Museum of Clean and the Children’s Discovery Museum, the building will serve as a melting pot within the community for adults and youth alike.

The property contains a large event center, which the foundation plans to renovate and turn into a fully functional event space with a sound system, so that local businesses can rent the space. They compared the vision for the campus to that of JUMP in downtown Boise-a hotspot for every kind of event and a local place for children to go for educational, artistic and cultural enrichment.

“The purpose is so that we can invite other organizations and opportunities into the building and it can really have a lot of other aspects, not just one thing,” said Stoddard. “We are asking for the community’s help in the renaming of the space so that it can really be a little more conducive to the overall objective of the building.”

The foundation hosts the beloved “Touch-a-Truck” event for children in the community, which will be hosted this year on June 9th. They will also host their second annual Potato Festival on August 22nd.

If you’re interested in helping to rename the Museum of Clean building, you can visit museumofclean.com and navigate to the renaming survey.

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