Injured mountain lion cub finds a friend in Northern California

CNN Newsource on March 23, 2026

By Hunter Sowards

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    SONOMA COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — While receiving state-of-the-art care in Northern California, the injured mountain lion cub found on a Castaic street has made a new friend, a fellow orphaned cub from the Central Coast.

The cub, named Cas Cat by staff, has been recovering at Doris Duncan’s Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue.

“So, when I heard the story break about this cat, and saw the news media of it sitting in the center divider with traffic going by it, I saw, more than maybe most people, the terror in its eyes,” said Duncan, the executive director of the rescue.

Duncan’s team was tapped to take in and care for the cub when efforts to reunite Cas Cat with her mom failed.

“Then, when I found out we were getting the cat, I was just ‘OK team, it’s happening!” Duncan said. “The kitty’s coming our way! Let’s get ready!”

Animal care director Katie Woolery meticulously prepped the Cas Cat’s new home and transformed it into a dense forested space for the cub.

“It’s really amazing now, in the few years that we’ve been doing these big predators, the rate that we can mobilize people and get these enclosures ready,” Woolery said.

After arriving at her new home, Cas Cat became friends with another cub found in San Luis Obispo. Staff spent weeks trying to acclimate the two before introducing them to each other.

“One was really aloof,” Duncan said. “Let’s just pretend one was in junior high and the other was in high school, and the junior high one wanted to go play with the really cool one that went to high school. And, she’s like really aloof.”

The staff said they don’t usually rehabilitate cubs in the same enclosure unless they are siblings, but the two became friends, grooming each other over time.

“And to see that one of them grooming, it was basically the stuck-up girl was grooming the little needy, groveling girl, and I was like ‘Yes, they’ve made it!” Duncan said.

The pair still have to learn how to fend for themselves before they can be successfully released back into the wild.

“Just kind of leaving them to their own devices and having them try and ffigure out what they’re going to do once they’re out there,” Woolery 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.

Highway 115 closure for 24 Fire now extended two miles north to Fort Carson Gate 1

KRDO on March 23, 2026

Scott Harrison

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The explosion of growth in Fremont County’s “24 Fire” has led authorities to lengthen the 18-mile closure of Highway 115 that has been in place since Thursday evening.

The closure is now extended two miles north, essentially to Fort Carson’s main gate.

That’s where southbound drivers begin seeing cones, reducing traffic flow from two lanes to one.

Over the weekend, the wildfire grew significantly, from 600 acres on Friday morning to 4,600 acres as of late Sunday.

For KRDO13’s full coverage on the ’24 Fire’, click here.

With six agencies and at least 120 first responders working the fire, authorities likely want to ensure they have plenty of room to move heavy equipment back and forth.

More resources could arrive on Monday, as the fire still has no containment, although crews have been successful so far in keeping the flames from jumping west across the highway toward Fort Carson.

There was additional activity early Monday morning, as a crew was restriping lane markings on the north end of the closure.

A worker told KRDO 13’s The Road Warrior that the striping is a separate project unrelated to the fire.

The striping added another navigation challenge for drivers getting accustomed to the new lane configuration brought by the extended highway closure.

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Farm turns to old-school conservation, new crop to weather drought concerns

CNN Newsource on March 23, 2026

By Averie Klonowski

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    SPANISH FORK, Utah (KSTU) — As extreme heat and drought conditions impacts nearly all of Utah, a seventh-generation family farm in Spanish Fork is relying on long-practiced conservation methods and a new, colorful crop to weather the challenge.

“This is a whole new ball game. This is the driest I can remember,” said Rex Larsen, owner and operator of Larsen Family Farms.

Larsen explained that the challenge of farming is that no two years are alike, but this year is particularly difficult.

“The least amount of snowpack that we’ve had. Our Spanish Fork River is about 50% normal,” he said.

For Larsen, farming is a legacy he feels compelled to continue. His family has been working on the land for seven generations.

“Barely, wheat, alfalfa, corn, pumpkins, and now tulips,” said Larsen. To protect that legacy, the family has spent years creating water conservation techniques.

“Nearly every one of our ditches is lined with concrete, so the water will stay in the ditches and go out into the field,” Larsen explained. “Most of our land is laser-leveled, so it’ll irrigate more efficiently.”

The farm also captures and recycles any runoff water.

While Larsen plans for some of his fields to remain idle, his daughter, Kara Lewis, had an idea to ensure the farm can still profit.

“We’ve planted 250,000 tulips here on our farm,” Lewis said.

She planted the seeds back in December, selecting a crop that is better suited to the current conditions.

“They are very drought resistant. They don’t like a lot of water in the spring,” Lewis said.

Using a specialized system that gets water directly to the crop rows, the family is continuing their conservative approach to watering. Larsen hopes the tulips will be ready for the public to see within a week or two, providing a way to supplement the farm’s income when other fields can’t grow anything.

Larsen said water conservation is something most farmers strive for, adapting to whatever conditions they face.

“Those years that it’s dry, you learn to conserve,” he said. “Those years that it’s wet, you learn to pivot and take what you can.”

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.

OKC flights to and from LaGuardia Airport canceled after deadly plane crash with fire truck

CNN Newsource on March 23, 2026

By Jonathan Greco

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Multiple Oklahoma City flights to and from LaGuardia Airport in New York were canceled Monday morning after a crash between a plane and a fire truck killed two people.

Authorities say an Air Canada regional jet struck a fire truck on a runway while landing at the New York airport late Sunday night, killing the pilot and copilot.

The crash crushed the nose of the aircraft, and around 40 passengers and crew members were taken to area hospitals. Most have since been released from treatment, according to authorities.

The pilot and copilot were both based out of Canada, Garcia said during a news conference.

The airport will remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday to facilitate the investigation, which is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for all planes at the airport. LaGuardia’s website also showed arriving planes were diverted or returned to their point of origin.

The website for Oklahoma City Will Rogers International Airport showed that multiple departing flights and one arriving flight for Monday morning were canceled. People who want to check their flight status can do so here.

LaGuardia Airport, which opened to commercial traffic in 1939, covers 680 acres and borders Flushing and Bowery bays in Queens. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey describes it as “one of the nation’s leading domestic gateways for business and leisure travel” in its 2024 Airport Traffic Report.

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.

Metairie family still waiting for closure four years after loved one’s death

CNN Newsource on March 23, 2026

By Sula Kim

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    METAIRIE, La. (WDSU) — A local family is still waiting for closure several years after their loved one’s death.

Metairie native Thomas Hand was gunned down in 2022 while preaching the gospel on the streets of Montgomery Alabama.

The 38-year-old was shot to death right in front of his pregnant wife and two-year-old son.

A 17-year-old was arrested and charged in the case, but he posted bond and there has been no movement in court. They’re still waiting for a trial four years later.

Sister Kelly Massa says her calls are not getting through and there’s been no clear communication or transparency. She feels frustrated because her repeated attempts for an update are going unanswered.

“I don’t understand how a murderer can make bond for a capital murder charge and now he’s living his life for four years. It’s another setback and I feel like I’ve been living in disbelief,” Massa said.

To soothe her pain, Massa visits her brother’s grave in Metairie, where the grief continues until they get some closure.

“It just feels like we’re sitting here with this open wound, and we can’t close it until we get some type of peace and justice for Tommy. It’s frustrating and I’m hoping for help by speaking out,” Massa said.

Charlie Hawthorne from the Montgomery Alabama district attorney’s office told WDSU, part of the delay was because the suspect’s attorney got suspended from practicing law. He said the trial is scheduled for July, but Kelly Massa says the family has not been told anything. Massa says no one has reached out to inform her about the updates.

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.

Gardner family raising money for accessible van to help daughter with rare condition

CNN Newsource on March 23, 2026

By Alan Shope

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    GARDNER, Kan. (KMBC) — A Gardner family is asking for help to improve their daughter’s quality of life by raising money for an accessible van.

Twelve-year-old Macy Hornbuckle is known for her bright personality and signature smile.

“That’s her number one signature look right there — her smile,” said her mother, Jacque Hornbuckle.

At a young age, Macy was diagnosed with a rare hypomyelination disease — a condition so uncommon her family says there are only a handful of known cases worldwide.

“She started having seizures, and we found out that she had hypomyelination disease,” her mother said.

Macy, now a sixth grader, attends school by bus. But outside of school, her mobility is limited, making even simple outings difficult.

“You have to plan a trip just to go to your local grocery store,” said her father, Mark Hornbuckle.

The family’s challenges grew even greater when the van they relied on to transport Macy broke down more than a year ago.

Now, they’ve launched a campaign called “Miracle for Macy” to raise money for a fully accessible van, which can cost between $50,000 and $80,000.

“It would mean so much to us,” Mark Hornbuckle said.

In an effort to raise funds, a family member donated a Ford Mustang that belonged to Macy’s grandfather. The family is now raffling off the car through a business in Junction City, hoping to generate enough money for a down payment.

“It was her grandfather’s Mustang, and my brother donated it,” Mark Hornbuckle said.

For Macy’s parents, the goal is simple: give their daughter the opportunity to experience more of the world.

“That is why she needs a van,” Jacque Hornbuckle said. “She needs the van to be able to go do these things that a typical child does.”

“Be able to let her see things and be able to get out and enjoy her life like she should be able to,” Mark Hornbuckle added.

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.

Dog reunited with family 11 years after being stolen from backyard

CNN Newsource on March 23, 2026

By 6abc Digital Staff

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    PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — It’s a reunion more than a decade in the making.

A Philadelphia family had two dogs stolen from their backyard in Mayfair back in 2015.

One of the dogs was found, but the other dog, named Forty-Cal, never came home.

Forty’s family searched for days, which turned into weeks and years.

Time moved on, and the family relocated to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. But they never forgot him.

They made sure to keep Forty’s lost pet report active and ensured his microchip information was up-to-date, despite thinking he was long gone.

Then, ACCT Philly found a senior stray on Saturday night.

The shelter scanned his microchip, and because the information was current, they were able to finally contact the family with the happy news.

Forty-Cal was finally able to go home.

“I thought it was a joke. It’s just amazing, and I can’t believe after years that he was brought back to us,” said owner Jourdyn, fighting back tears. “He’s very old, and he’s going to go home with us and just live his best life for the rest of the time that we have with him.”

The family hopes their story encourages people to never give up and make sure to keep your pet’s microchip updated.

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.

Warming conditions throughout Monday afternoon, possible record highs continue

KIFI on March 23, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

We’ll start this first full week of spring with warm temperatures and sunny skies. A pleasant start to the new season will also bring a continued run of record-high temperatures across the region, as a warming trend spills into the first half of the week.

On Monday, we’ll start the day off with temperatures climbing out of the 30s and into the 40s by 9 am. No weather hazards or impacts are expected on this day, as low clouds brush by in the early morning hours. High temperatures are expected to sit in the upper 60s this afternoon, then drop back into the 30s overnight lows. Wind gusts will peak today, generally around 15 to 20 miles per hour. Very little chance of precipitation in the region.

A small wind advisory will be in effect on Tuesday and Wednesday. The highest wind gusts are expected tomorrow, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening, reaching up to 35 miles per hour. High temperatures on both days will remain above average, in the upper 60s and lower 70s.

By Thursday, temperatures will begin to fall slowly as a minor cold front is expected to move across the region for the weekend. Slight precipitation in more mountainous areas surrounding the Island Park area, with stray showers as a possible forecast. We end the week colder than we started, with our highs in the lower 60s by Friday afternoon.

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Funeral and procession set for former Columbia fire captain

KMIZ on March 23, 2026

Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A funeral and procession will be held Monday for former Columbia Fire Captain Billy Hurt, who died after an accident at the Kennedale Speedway Park in Texas earlier this month.

Hurt’s funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at The Crossing Church on Southland Drive. The procession will begin around 3:15 p.m. and travel west on Grindstone Parkway, north onto Providence Road, then west to Stadium Blvd. and head westbound on I-70 to the Route B exit in Boonville.

The procession will then travel through Boonville around 3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the sides of the road and intersections along Route B, Route J and Route O during the procession.

Any Boonville resident wishing to pay their respects as the procession goes by can do so by gathering at the empty parking lot by the Rick Ball car dealership on Main Street or the Route B mall parking lot.

Billy Hurt was a longtime sprint car safety official and retired Columbia firefighter who died during an accident at a World of Outlaws event in Texas on March 14. The Kennedale Police Department said two officials collided while responding to an on-track sprint car crash, ejecting both from their vehicles.

The 66-year-old had served as a sprint car safety official for more than 23 years, a role colleagues described as one of his true passions.

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Hundreds line Goldsby streets to honor volunteer firefighters killed in crash

CNN Newsource on March 23, 2026

By Patrick Talbot

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    GOLDSBY, Okla. (KOCO) — Hundreds of people lined the streets of Goldsby and Purcell on Friday to honor the two volunteer firefighters killed when their firetruck crashed.

The two men, who were identified as Todd Pendleton and Bryan Jenkins, were involved in a crash between Goldsby and Washington at about 3 a.m. Friday. Later that day, members of their communities lined Highway 74 to show support for the men who lost their lives.

“These firefighters have spent their lives in service of their community. They served alongside their family, friends and neighbors. The town of Goldsby mourns their loss and honors their memory,” Deputy Cary Bryant with the McClain County Sheriff’s Office said.

Pendleton was a volunteer firefighter for 12 years. Jenkins was a volunteer firefighter for 35 years.

“I always realize, or stop and think about, what they give up in order to protect us, and I know that so many times, even I’m guilty of taking for granted what it means to go to bed at night and know you’re safe, have that safe feeling. So, I just wanted to pay my respects,” Donna Haffner, who attended the procession, said.

Pendleton and Jenkins were answering a call to protect a burning home when their firetruck crashed into two trees, according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

“The heart and soul of a volunteer firefighter is their community, and they were very much a part of this community, and that community was very much a part of them,” Bryant said.

People from all over the area came to McClain County to show their support.

“There are also, you know, calls of support from all over the place. Anytime anybody in public service dies, it’s an outpouring of emotion and an outpouring of respect, and we have certainly felt that right now,” Bryant 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.