Month: February 2026

By Forrest Sanders

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    NASHVILLE (WTVF) — For the past week, we have, of course, been focused on this severe weather event. We also wanted to also mention this. As our city worked to recover, we passed the forty-year anniversary of a major moment in US history; the space shuttle Challenger disaster. We have a local tie to the moment.

I was watching a tape from 1986 in the NewsChannel 5 archive when I came across a video. It was of a teacher talking to her class. When I realized what this teacher was talking about, I wanted to find her today; Carolyn Dobbins.

“I was pretty well convinced I had put it aside,” Dobbins said, speaking from home. “Oh, was I wrong. How do I feel at this moment? I can talk about it. I’m glad I have not broken down in tears.”

Growing up in Eagleville, Dobbins had big dreams, but the thought of space travel was just too big.

“It was so out there,” she nodded. “It was untouchable as far as I was concerned. I had no idea that anything like this could ever be part of my life.”

A day in 1984 changed that. The Teacher in Space Project was announced. NASA was going to begin taking teachers on space missions so they could share the experience with their students.

There was a huge packet to fill out. How was a teacher like Dobbins going to find the time?

“An amazing thing happened,” she remembered of January 1985. “Snow day. Then we had another snow day and another snow day, those snow days were what I needed! It was basically a mini-book about your beliefs, your desire to go into space, getting to the soul of the person.”

The day came Dobbins was able to tell her class at McMurray Middle the big news. Out of 11,000 applicants, she’d been chosen as a semi-finalist.

“There was a student, and I can remember to this day her beautiful face,” Dobbins said. “She said, ‘Mrs. Dobbins, what if you don’t ever come back? I said, ‘oh, I’ll be back.'”

Dobbins was among the semi-finalist teachers invited to Washington D.C. to be interviewed by a review panel.

“I was totally overwhelmed,” she remembered. “I have never met such outstanding people in my life. Everybody here is a star! We all felt we would be the one chosen.”

The teacher who was chosen was Christa McAuliffe, a social studies teacher from Concord and mother of two children.

In January 1986, Dobbins was watching as seven crew members launched in space shuttle Challenger.

“When I heard, ‘we have liftoff,’ I sighed a sigh of relief and thought, ‘way to go, Christa! You are there!'” Dobbins said.

At that point, Dobbins turned the TV off.

“Within seconds, the phone rang,” she said. “It was a friend. I said, ‘isn’t it great? The shuttle has gone!’ She said, ‘Carolyn, you don’t know.’ It was the tone. You don’t know. I just put the phone down, flipped on the TV. There it was. Already the footage was going of the explosion. That is still such an emotional moment.”

The tragedy of the shuttle explosion was felt across the country. Flags were lowered at the state capital, while resolutions were passed honoring the astronauts. Then-Governor Lamar Alexander announced a scholarship fund in honor of Christa McAuliffe.

“[She was] a teacher whose mission reached every classroom in America and into every family in this country,” Alexander said in 1986.

It was then, NewsChannel 5’s visit happened to Dobbins’ classroom. What’s striking is in this visit is Dobbins wanted to try the Teacher in Space Project again.

“It was my love of students,” Dobbins said, remembering her perspective from 1986. “It was that same desire to inspire them. If I had the chance, would I be willing? Yes, I would be willing. [The students] reminded me often, ‘you are not going into space. You are not going into space.'”

Dobbins taught for metro schools for 28 years and at Brentwood Academy for another 23 years. She said for a long time, students asked her about the experience. As the distance from the event grew, she was asked about it less. Dobbins is again sharing this moment in history, always a teacher.

“I have both gratitude for the life I’ve been allowed to live and also such deep respect for the families of those seven,” she said.

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.

By Kelsey Gibbs , Justice Kennedy

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    HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) — A warm bowl of chili and even warmer hearts brought Hendersonville residents together Sunday afternoon as the community rallied to support neighbors and utility crews working to restore power after days of outages.

Elevate50 Hendersonville hosted the free community meal from 2 to 4 p.m. at 197 Imperial Blvd, serving hearty chili topped with cheese and sour cream alongside cornbread and fresh toppings. Live music by Georgia Owen Music provided entertainment as neighbors lined up to share a meal and show appreciation for the crews working tirelessly to restore electricity.

Heisman Roofing & Construction LLC sponsored the event under their motto “Excellence with Integrity.”

The gathering offered more than just food during the ongoing power restoration efforts. It provided a chance for residents to connect with one another and support local businesses that stepped up to help during challenging times.

The collaboration between Elevate50 Hendersonville, Heisman Roofing & Construction, and local volunteers demonstrated how community resilience builds one bowl at a time. The musical backdrop added a festive touch, transforming a relief effort into a genuine community gathering.

Organizers hope the event becomes a recurring reminder of Hendersonville’s neighborhood strength, showcasing generous volunteers, local businesses, and residents who come together during times of need. Those who missed Sunday’s meal should stay tuned for future community events and volunteer opportunities.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVF verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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.

By Randall Newsome

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    CHARLES COUNTY, Maryland (WMAR) — Fyutch and Aura V, the father-daughter music duo madde the trip from Charles County, across the country to Los Angeles with a dream — and they’re returning home with a Grammy in hand.

Fyütch and his eight-year-old daughter, Aura V, made history at the Grammy Awards, winning Best Children’s Album for their debut project, Harmony. The win officially crowns Aura V as the youngest Grammy winner ever and marks a major milestone for the Maryland-based duo.

Their sound — a blend of different genres — is intentional, Fyütch says, designed to speak to listeners of all ages and walks of life.

“Through hip-hop music, through gospel, through R&B — those are my foundations,” Fyütch said. “So I wanted it to be musical. I wanted to speak to all ages and be classic and timeless.”That message of unity and positivity shines throughout Harmony, now officially an award-winning album.

Before their big night in Los Angeles, WMAR-2 News had a chance to catch up with the pair — and made sure to ask an important question: What does an eight-year-old want after winning her first Grammy?

Aura V’s answer was simple — and priceless.

“I wanna get some bunnies.” Not one. Not two. Ten.

That’s where dad stepped in.

What followed was a lighthearted negotiation, complete with laughter, disbelief, and a firm counter-offer from Fyütch. While the Grammy may be secured, the bunnies are still very much up for debate — at least until Grammy win number two.

For now, the duo is celebrating their historic achievement, their message of harmony, and a moment they’ll never forget.

And while the jury may still be out on those ten bunny rabbits, one thing is certain: Fyütch and Aura V are officially Grammy winners — and music history makers.

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.

By Mallory Sofastaii

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    BALTIMORE (WMAR) — Utility bills were already high, and a recent cold snap could push them even higher. Weather and rate increases are major factors, but there is another costly problem to watch for, and it is one homeowners can actually fix.

For most of the winter, Donn Deitemyer’s bill stayed the same. Then, in the spring, it sent him into a panic.

“I got this bill for $7,000,” said Deitemyer, a Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) customer.

Deitemyer was on budget billing, paying around $300 a month. But when the utility reset his average, his bill jumped to $1,000, and then some.

“This situation went on from November, December, January, February, and March, I guess five months,” Deitemyer said.

Deitemyer traced the issue back to the fall, when he had a new thermostat installed. Almost immediately, his energy use quadrupled without him realizing it.

“There’s a part of a heat pump called a reversing valve, and it had been wired incorrectly so that my heat and my air conditioning were both trying to run and going back and forth,” Deitemyer explained.

Both systems ran around the clock for four months.

He eventually called a different company to fix the problem. His energy usage dropped right away, but the balance did not.

“Yeah, I have about $2,000 left,” Deitemyer said. “Still paying it, and this was two years ago.”

Deitemyer tried to recoup the costs from the HVAC company that incorrectly installed the thermostat, but the company later went out of business. He then requested relief from BGE, which was denied.

Deitemyer says he should have tracked his usage more closely, which he does now. He also says budget billing gave him a false sense of security. And while heat pumps can use more energy in the coldest months, he is happy with his system as long as it is wired correctly.

“Heat pumps are really popular when you go a little bit further south where it’s not as cold, and heat pumps have become popular here because there were a lot of federal rebates that made the offsets worth it,” said Michael Holcomb, COO of Complete Climate Services.

This is the busiest time of year for Holcomb’s company. Between no-heat calls, he hears from customers upset about high bills. Many of them have heat pumps, which use electricity instead of a gas furnace.

“During the storm that came, we’re finding ice buildup on the outdoor heat pump, which is essentially the outdoor unit that runs in heat pump mode,” Holcomb said. “And when you have ice buildup, it causes the auxiliary heat to come on.”

Auxiliary heat is far less efficient and much more expensive. Drastic thermostat changes or an improper installation can trigger it sooner. Holcomb says regular maintenance and filter changes are also key.

“The rule of thumb is, realistically, just to keep your thermostat set at a temperature and leave it,” he said. “In the wintertime when it’s really, really cold, move it to like 66. Put on a jacket, put on an extra blanket. You don’t need to crank it up and crank it down.”

With single-digit temperatures, many homeowners could see sticker shock. For Deitemyer, the experience forced tough tradeoffs.

“It’s such a helpless feeling, you know, because we’re sort of stuck with [BGE],” he said. “It’s really helpless and you just don’t know what your bill’s going to be and therefore it’s hard to budget.”

To avoid surprises on your bill, track your daily usage. Under “My Account” on BGE’s website, click “My Usage.” You can see daily costs, a projected bill, and what in your home is using the most energy.

Holcomb says if you see a major spike in usage after installing a new thermostat, call a professional to have it checked. Keeping your system properly maintained could save you thousands.

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.

By Austin Schargorodski

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    SANIBEL, Florida (WFTX) — Sea turtle nests on Sanibel are being wiped out at a fast rate and the city says coyotes are the reason why, so they’re looking for a solution.

Now, city leaders are considering a targeted, lethal removal of coyotes on the island.

One of the hardest parts of a sea turtle’s life is making it from the nest to the water. But, lately on Sanibel, a lot of hatchlings never even get that far.

Graphs from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation show that since 2021, coyotes have caused nearly 20,000 more sea turtle egg losses than hurricanes.

Last year, almost 42 percent of all sea turtle nests on the island were destroyed by coyotes.

Sanibel Conservation Officer Rachel Rainbolt says that number should be closer to 10%.

“Sea turtles have a relatively high mortality rate anyways aside from depredation, so the number of eggs and hatchlings impacted translates into long term conservation risks for sea turtles,” Rainbolt said.

Rainbolt says since 2015, the city has tried non-lethal options, things like cages and sound deterrents, but none of it made a big enough dent.

“So a different management strategy that is being proposed is known as targeted lethal removal where there would be the removal of coyotes that have demonstrated they are proposing a threat to sea turtle conservation by attacking these nests,” Rainbolt said.

If approved, the plan would bring in USDA Wildlife Services, using thermal imaging and suppressed firearms to kill coyotes.

Rainbolt stressed this wouldn’t be a widespread removal.

Some people on the island say it’s time.

“We’d rather have sea turtles than coyotes it’s that simple,” said John Eberhard.

“I don’t mind a few but they’re out of control,” said John Costanza “They’ll overwhelm everything that’s supposed to be here,” added Douglas Cooper.

But not everyone agrees. Bridgit Budd, a wildlife photographer believes the nest attacks are a learned behavior after recent hurricanes wiped out other food sources.

“I’m very sad that it has to happen because it wasn’t their fault,” Budd said.

Sanibel city leaders will vote on whether to approve the plan at their council meeting on Tuesday.

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.

By Kaitlyn Ross

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    ATLANTA (WXIA) — Inside one of the most popular video games on the planet, a powerful new story is unfolding, one rooted in empathy, courage, and hope.

During Heart Month this February, Fortnite players around the world can take part in a limited-time, story-driven quest designed to help them understand the journey of children waiting for heart transplants.

The experience lives inside “Super Pet World,” a free-to-play Fortnite island developed by Atlanta-based Ghost Gaming.

The quest, called “Side Quest: Heartbeat on the Wind,” was created in partnership with Enduring Hearts, the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to funding pediatric heart transplant research.

Players are introduced to Alice, a young patient born with a heart that does not function properly. As she waits for a lifesaving transplant, Alice relies on an advanced mechanical heart device inspired by real-world research funded by Enduring Hearts. Players help Alice and her loyal companion, Meep Neep, gather components, build the device, and navigate challenges along the way.

“When we were building this game, it was really important for us to understand what this journey is like for real patients,” said Brian Grayson, head of game development for Ghost Gaming. “We spent time reading real patient stories.”

Unlike traditional media, this experience places the player directly into the story. Every choice matters. Every action is intentional.

“What makes gaming different than any other type of media is that you are the protagonist,” Grayson said. “You are not just passively seeing content. You are leaning in. You are making choices.”

Ghost Gaming CEO Todd Harris says the goal was never to monetize the experience, but to create something meaningful that stays with players long after they log off.

“To be able to be empathetic and understand that this journey is a long one,” Harris said. “Getting the heart is just the first part of the journey.”

For Enduring Hearts CEO Lynda Lee Smith, that message is critical. Children waiting for heart transplants often face years of uncertainty, surgeries, and lifelong care.

“You have that moment where you ask yourself, am I still going to be able to be an adventurer?” Smith said. “And then you realize, of course, you can still pursue your dreams. There are just some steps along the way.”

By placing this story in Fortnite, developers hope that kids facing similar medical challenges will feel seen and understood, and less alone, while helping millions of players build empathy for a journey they may never have known about.

“Games have an incredible ability to tell human stories in deeply personal ways,” Harris said. “Our hope is that players walk away remembering not just the game, but the people behind the story.”

The quest is available globally beginning January 30 and will remain live throughout February in honor of Heart Month. Rewards earned during the experience will stay permanently unlocked for players.

How to play: Players can access “Super Pet World” for free inside Fortnite on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch by searching for the island in the game.

How to help: Players and viewers who want to support pediatric heart transplant research can donate to Enduring Hearts by texting HOPEBEYONDTHESURGERY to 44834.

Enduring Hearts is the only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to funding research that helps transplanted hearts last longer and work better. Since 2013, the organization has awarded more than $11 million in research grants across 43 institutions worldwide.

This is gaming with purpose. And for kids waiting for a second chance at life, it could make all the difference.

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.