Pet cat faces off with wild coyote in Los Angeles County neighborhood

CNN Newsource on May 5, 2026

By Lesley Marin

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    LOS ANGELES COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A security camera captured the intense encounter between a family’s pet cat and a wild coyote in a Los Angeles County neighborhood.

Owner Debbie Beltran said she was shocked when she later saw her neighbor’s footage.

“Holy cow, that’s our house, and that’s our cat,” she said. “That’s Mama. Oh my god!”

Beltran said the face-off happened last Friday on the street in the Pico Rivera neighborhood. In the security camera video, Mama and the coyote square off for several seconds, with the pet cat rushing the wild animal, which is twice her size. It continues until Mama rushes up a neighbor’s tree

“She was pretty high up. She was just hidden in there,” Beltran said. “She’s very smart because she knew where to go to get away with it.”

The Pico Rivera family, who owns several cats, adopted Mama five years ago. She came to them pregnant, which is how she got her name. They said that while the video shocked them, they weren’t completely surprised that their feline was so fearless.

“She does what she wants,” Beltran said. “She’ll come out, and if there are any cats around, she’ll rumble.”

Beltran’s family believes Mama is about 10 years old. They said she doesn’t like to be held and is a bit sassy. The family believes she may have been trying to protect her other cats when she encountered the coyote.

“I know she was protecting whatever felines are here at night or during the day,” Beltran said.

The Beltrans said coyotes are not new to their neighborhood. A year ago, one of their cats was killed by one. This time, Mama escaped practically unharmed.

“Her neck was literally wet, so I panicked,” Beltran said. “One of her paws had slight blood, but there was really no blood. I don’t know if it came from the coyote.”

The family is glad Mama is back home safe. They said their fearless feline will most likely become an indoor cat now. Beltran said Mama has been sleeping and eating a lot more since the encounter.

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.

New program helps drivers with health conditions safely interact with first responders in Missouri

CNN Newsource on May 5, 2026

By Lily O’Shea Becker

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    DOUGLAS COUNTY, Missouri (KSHB) — A new program in Douglas County is helping first responders safely interact with drivers who have a variety of medical and mental health conditions.

Free State High School resource officer Bailey Salsbury introduced the Blue Envelope Program this month, and it is now available across the county at these participating agencies: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, KU Police Department, Eudora Police Department, Baldwin City Police Department, Lawrence Kansas Police Department, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical, and Mental Health Response Team.

Drivers can put their license, vehicle registration and insurance inside the envelope. On the outside, they can identify an emergency contact and any medical or mental health conditions they may have.

“They might be deaf or hard of hearing, limited vision, different medical alerts like diabetic, seizures,” Salsbury said. “They might have autism, they might have Tourette’s Syndrome. It really alerts us that behavior that we might normally see and perceive as an avoidant behavior, maybe like a preindicator of a fight or flight type of issue, and let us know that might actually be related to their diagnosis, so we can come at it with a different approach.”

Erin Campbell is a paraeducator at Free State High School and her son, Aiden Toms, has autism. She found other law enforcement agencies in the Kansas City area utilizing the program and brought it up to Salsbury.

She said Aiden, 15, might take a driver’s education course this summer.

He said he is looking forward to driving, and a blue envelope would make him feel safer on the road.

“If a cop is pulling me over and I was starting to build up social anxiety because the cops are behind me, I would first of all, stop the car, I would breathe — take my breaths — and I would find my envelope and hand it to them to let them know,” Aiden said.

Campbell said Aiden’s social anxiety could make him act differently.

“He may impulsively reach for something,” Campbell said. “We’ve had that conversation that police are trained if someone is reaching and they haven’t asked them to, that’s unsafe for them.”

Decals for cars and house windows are also available with the Blue Envelope Program.

Salsbury says the program increases safety for both participants and first responders.

“It’s a very positive response,” Salsbury said. “I’ve heard a lot more parents that are a lot more comfortable with their kids being able to drive. Just making that impact on even just the youth in addition to the entirety of the community, as an SRO, makes it worth it in my opinion.”

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.

KCPD: Child under 5 struck, killed by Amazon delivery vehicle

CNN Newsource on May 5, 2026

By KSHB 41 News Staff

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KSHB) — An investigation is underway after a child under 5 years old was struck and killed by an Amazon delivery vehicle Monday evening.

Just after 6:25 p.m., the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department responded to a reported fatal crash involving a pedestrian in the 1800 block of East 3rd Terrace.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a marked Amazon delivery vehicle had just got done delivering a package in that area.

Police said that after the delivery, the vehicle began traveling westbound on East 3rd Terrace toward Woodland Avenue.

At about the same time, a child under 5 years old was playing in a grassy area of a nearby public park.

The child then entered the roadway and was struck by the delivery vehicle, police said.

The driver initially stopped at the scene but then left before the officers arrived, according to police.

KCPD said a family member attempted to follow the vehicle to a subsequent stop and told the driver what happened.

However, the driver denied their involvement in the incident and left the area.

The child was pronounced dead as a result of the injuries that they sustained, according to KCPD.

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.

Public invited to share input on downtown Bend parking challenges and solutions

KTVZ on May 5, 2026

Triton Notary

Editor’s Note: A video previously attached to this article incorrectly showed a City of Bend logo. The Downtown Bend Business Association is conducting this survey.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) The Downtown Bend Business Association has developed a Draft Downtown Parking Management Plan and is seeking community input. The organization emphasizes that the plan is not finalized and no new policies are currently being implemented.

The City of Bend is responsible for making all parking decisions and setting policy. The Downtown Bend Business Association serves as a guide in this process, working to define challenges and ensure community voices are represented in conversations about parking.

The Downtown Bend Business Association is asking the public to provide feedback through several steps. Community members can watch a short video to understand the background of the draft plan and what the association has heard so far. They can also review the draft plan to see the ideas being explored to address parking challenges. Finally, residents can complete a community survey to share their experiences, concerns and priorities regarding downtown parking.

The association states that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for parking. It acknowledges that what works for a business owner may differ from a visitor’s needs and an employee’s perspective might vary from a resident’s. The Downtown Bend Business Association is taking time to listen to ensure any future direction reflects the community’s actual needs.

The Downtown Bend Business Association will continue gathering feedback and listening to the community. This input will help shape what comes next for downtown parking, ensuring future directions reflect real community needs.

Editor’s Note: A video previously attached to this article incorrectly showed a City of Bend logo. The Downtown Bend Business Association is conducting this survey.

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Former Oklahoma dental assistant sentenced to 55 years for assaulting sedated patients

CNN Newsource on May 5, 2026

By Kilee Thomas

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    STILLWATER, Oklahoma (KOCO) — A former Stillwater dental assistant was sentenced to 55 years in prison for sexually assaulting and recording unconscious patients.

Former Stillwater dental assistant pleads guilty to assaulting sedated patientsFormer Stillwater dental assistant pleads guilty to assaulting sedated patients

More than a dozen young men walked into the dental office for surgery and walked out not knowing they were victims. Three years later, a video surfaced on the dark web, sparking an investigation.

Cody Stolfa sentenced to 55 years

Former dental assistant Cody Stolfa pleaded guilty to more than 30 counts for sexually assaulting and videotaping more than a dozen young men, including some children. These crimes took place while the patients were unconscious during dental procedures in 2021.

The crimes went undetected for years until 2024, when the FBI received a video from the Telegram app, leading Stillwater investigators to more videos found in Stolfa’s email.

Agents also discovered thousands of graphic files, including child sexual abuse material.

In the Payne County courtroom Monday, Stolfa was sentenced to 55 years in prison, as well as 10 years of probation. The judge called Stolfa a significant threat, saying he earned the lengthy prison term.

Victims’ families attend emotional sentencing

After Monday’s sentencing for Stolfa, families were too afraid to go on camera, fearing they would identify their loved ones. But they described the lasting trauma that the crimes had.

Many family members held back tears as they waited for the judge’s decision. One aunt said her nephew is not the same person anymore.

Victims said they have lost their sense of safety, now fearing medical procedures.

Background on the case

Stolfa was accused of sexually assaulting young male patients who were recovering from surgery. He faced three dozen charges in total, including 10 counts of sexual battery, forcible sodomy, clandestine recording and other offenses.

Stillwater community reacts to news of dental assistant accused of sexually assaulting patients Stolfa was arrested in 2024, accused of assaulting sedated patients in Stillwater.

After his arrest, police found videos on his devices showing him sexually assaulting 16 unconscious patients during surgery. They also allegedly found more than 10,000 files of child sexual abuse material and other graphic content.

Investigators said Stolfa was also connected to an unsolved case from 2021 involving secretive and explicit pictures taken inside an Oklahoma State University bathroom.

In January, Stolfa went before a judge and pleaded guilty.

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.

The next Pueblo Zoo funding request is coming at the ballot box; how did we get here?

KRDO on May 5, 2026

Michael Logerwell

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — The Pueblo Zoo is going to the ballot box this November to ask voters to approve a more sustainable source of funding.

“We may be forced to close in two to three years, if we don’t find more sustainable funding,” Abbie Krause, Executive Director of the Pueblo Zoo, said.

The Pueblo Zoo is proposing a 0.167% retail sales tax initiative for the November ballot in an effort to address continued funding issues. The measure aims to counteract funding cuts that began in 2024 and to increase operational costs.

The proposed tax equates to around 17 cents on every $100 spent in Pueblo. This initiative includes a five-year sunset clause, after which voters would re-evaluate and decide whether to renew the tax. Zoo leadership estimates it would generate $3.5 million.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Despite receiving accreditation, Pueblo Zoo faces budget concerns (Dec. 2024)

This isn’t the first time KRDO13 has covered financial problems at the Pueblo Zoo. Dating back to 2024, the Pueblo Zoo has had a budget shortfall.

“The zoo is always run on a very, very lean budget,” Krause said. However, that is becoming unsustainable. Krause admits their employee wages are uncompetitive, the 100-year-old facility is in desperate need of repairs, and the zoo needs to keep pace with modern zoological standards.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pueblo Zoo faces budget shortfall (March 2025)

One of the more pressing costs is the outdated life-support system for animals, such as the water pumps for otters and penguins, which can run up to $60,000 each, according to officials.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pueblo Zoo receives funding boost after difficult year, but support still needed (Nov. 2025)

Going to the voters wasn’t the first option zoo leadership considered. Krause says they’ve raised ticket prices, gone to donors, applied for grants, and hosted events at the zoo, but it hasn’t been enough. Even the funding boost it received from the Pueblo City Council can only sustain operations for so long.

“Even flatlining the budget is [that] we’re not keeping up with inflation and everything that we need to do for maintenance at the zoo,” Krause said.

In the zoo’s pitch to voters, Krause says they contribute almost $20 million per year in direct and indirect economic impact through jobs, tourism, and purchasing. The zoo also provides educational programming to more than 10,000 students annually. There’s also the cultural impact of having a world-class zoo in a smaller city that typically doesn’t have a zoo.

“We are a cultural amenity. We help recruit people to come here, and it’s something that people look forward to when they move here,” Krause said. “It’s not that we’re not looking for people necessarily to bail us out. We want to be a partner. We’re hoping that we’ll be around to also free up some [city] funds for security, fire, police, etc.”

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Brush fire erupts along Tumalo Road, contained by quick response

KTVZ on May 5, 2026

Campbell Porter

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A brush fire erupted along Tumalo Road between Valeview and 92nd today, prompting a swift response from Bend and Redmond Fire Departments. The fire, which likely originated from hot debris from a passing vehicle, was quickly contained and prevented from spreading to homes or vehicles, though several fences sustained damage.

The fire stretched for hundreds of yards along the north side of Tumalo Road and burned less than an acre. The first fire engine from the Tumalo fire station arrived to find neighbors and passersby actively attempting to stop the fire with shovels and hoses. Three brush engines from Bend and one from Redmond completed the extinguishment.

Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki of Bend Fire & Rescue indicated that hot debris from a failing brake or catalytic converter was the likely cause, as the vehicle traveled west on Tumalo Road toward Old Bend Redmond Highway.

Fire officials noted that fire season has arrived earlier than usual, making roadside vegetation dry enough for hot vehicle parts to ignite fires. Residents are reminded to check their vehicles and trailers before traveling to prevent similar incidents. This includes ensuring catalytic converters and brakes are in good condition and that no chains or metal drag from vehicles or trailers, which can spread sparks into dry brush.

Bend Fire & Rescue emphasizes the importance of vehicle maintenance as summer approaches and vegetation becomes even drier. Drivers should continue to ensure their vehicles are in proper working order to prevent brush fires.

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KEYT on May 5, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Pascucci, a staple Italian Restaurant in Santa Barbara, will soon have a new name and a new concept.

After 33 years, owner Laura Knight said Pascucci will bid “Ciao” to Santa Barbara.

She says the process of moving her liquor license from the lower State Street location to the new 1230 State Street location near the Granada Theatre is slow going.

The new owner of her old location has new plans for the building.

Now Knight plans to change the name of her business and cater to the Theatre District.

“We are going to be open for another month plus we are in the process of transferring our liquor license to this location, it has been a challenging year and we just made the decision around the holidays to try something new,” said Knight.”

Customers can still count on Pascucci’s on this Mother’s Day.

“We are opening this weekend on Mother’s Day and I’ll be baking homemade cookies and we will have chocolate covered strawberries for all of our guest to celebrate the mom’s that we love”

Then they hope to reopen and serve up items customers may want after going to the theatre.

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The Santa Barbara Waterfront is Cleaner After Weekend Efforts

KEYT on May 5, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The collaboration of many volunteers and groups have helped to take out bags of trash and discarded items in the Santa Barbara waterfront.

The annual “Operation Clean Sweep” took place in the Santa Barbara Harbor over the weekend.

Those participating from the waterfront staff, environmental groups and volunteers pulled out many items that were discarded into the ocean and sank to the bottom o the harbor.

The focus was in the Marina 4 area and also near the sport fishing docks.

The area is known for items that have fallen off of boats and also trash that has blown into the harbor and swirls into corners where docks are located.

The Santa Barbara Waterfront Department says Operation Clean Sweep brought in 2,200 pounds of junk.

Partners included – Salty Dog Dive Service, dockside volunteers from SB Channelkeeper, Stanford Club of SB, and the SB Sail and Power Squadron.

There was also a united clean up nearby involving the non-profit Tidy Seas, Mountain Air Sports and Teva shoes made by Deckers.

Volunteers came to the pop-ups at Mountain Air on lower State Street, grabbed gloves and a picker and took a bucket as they went on their search for debris. Teva offered shoes to try out during the project work.

Filled buckets came back in and were dumped in trash bags.

Tidy Seas offered those participating some coffee from Starbucks, burritos from Mony’s and the Solis drink from Sunstone.

The combination effort covered an area from the Funk Zone and Stearns Wharf to the eastern end of the harbor.

The Tidy Seas volunteers have also been along the beaches and in the near shore waters cleaning up leftover lobster tracks.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Stardust Sportfishing sounds alarm over Marine Protections that could impact local fishing grounds

KEYT on May 5, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) An effort to expand Marine Protected Areas has some local sportfishing companies worried about their livelihood.

Stardust Sportfishing and the Santa Barbara Landing are urging people to attend a regional Fish and Game Commission meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 5th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta.

Santa Barbara Landing CEO and Manager Jaime Diamond said that’s when they will talk about fishing off the coast of Carpinteria.

The shop is giving out flyers about the meeting and “Keep Carp Fishy” stickers.

“For our business here Stardust fishing; we take folks to the half day fishing grounds right there off Carpinteria, that is where we take a lot of our first timers, kids groups, Fish For Life, which takes Special Needs kids fishing, that is where we go because it is protected a little more from weather and that is where Carpinterians go because it is our local spot,” said Diamond.

She said the proposed Mishopshno State Marine Conservation Area is the one that includes fishing closest to the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Diamond said environmental groups are proposing blanket MPA expansions that will have unintended consequences.

But the Environmental Defense Center supports expanding protections.

They will have a spokesperson attending the meeting on Tuesday.

The EDC said people could still fish off the shore or further out.

Another meeting follows on Wednesday that focuses on marine protected areas by the Channel Islands.

The EDC said that will help marine life included grasses make a comeback.

People may also join a zoom at https://us02web.zomm.us/j/89046108064

For more information visit https://fca.ca.gov

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