Thousands lose power in Massachusetts after wind gusts bring down trees, power lines

CNN Newsource on May 31, 2026

By Paul Burton

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    MASSACHUETTS (WBZ) — A storm in Massachusetts has left thousands without power after wind gusts brought down trees and power lines around the state.

National Grid reported that more than 20,000 residents were without power for part of the day on Saturday. Eversource reported that over 11,000 customers have been affected.

Wind gusts hit up to 55 miles per hour in Boston, with peak gusts hitting 63 miles per hour in Cohasset. Around 229 flights were delayed at Logan Airport and 58 had been canceled.

Several trees in Woburn blocked roads and ripped down power lines. The Woburn Police Department asked residents to avoid Wyman Street in the area of Park Drive and Watson Lane after a tree took down an entire utility pole and blocked all traffic.

The road was shut down for several hours as crews worked to clean up and restore power to dozens of neighborhoods in the area.

“It sounded like a big whoop and there was a huge fire in the middle of the road. We’ve had trees come down here before, but this is worse we’ve seen,” Woburn resident Meghan Nelson said.

Strong winds also caused significant damage to Stefan Brankovic’s home on Broadway in Stoneham. He said he was awoken early Saturday morning after getting home late from a work trip to a giant tree falling on his home.

“I heard a loud noise and shaking of the house. I thought it was a car accident. I came outside and saw the tree fell,” he said.

The tree is on town property. Brankovic, who has lived here for 6 years, says he’s asked to have it removed in the past.

“We have several times where branches and parts of the tree fell and cut internet lines. They came and cut branches but didn’t feel the tree needed to be cut. Now it’s done,” he said.

The gusts tore down trees and limbs, impacting service on several MBTA lines. A tree had fallen on the tracks of the Mattapan branch of the Red Line early Saturday morning and a tree limb blocked overhead wires on the D Branch of the Green Line into the afternoon. Service was disrupted for a few hours until crews were able to remove the debris.

While in Hingham, police said they had received several calls about downed trees and wires. They asked that anyone who discovers a downed tree on power lines call 911 immediately.

“Treat all downed wires as potentially live,” Hingham Police said on social media.

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.

Doggy playdate turns into rescue, reunion mission after dog swept away in floodwaters

CNN Newsource on May 31, 2026

By Rian Stockett

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    FLETCHER, North Carolina (WLOS) — A dog who was swept away by floodwaters earlier this week is now reunited with his owner after being found the following day.

Following storms from earlier this week, the dog, named Monchu, was rescued one day after it had been swept away by floodwaters, thanks to community support and drone technology.

The search began the day after a doggy playdate gone wrong.

Sam Haney and his girlfriend Kristen Honeycutt took their dogs to a spot along Cane Creek, but Honeycutt says that day the water level was much higher than usual.

“Before we could even make it over the hill, to get to the water, the dogs were already in the water before we even got a chance to see the water levels and immediately both of us, when we saw we were instantly like this is not good,” Honeycutt said.

Honeycutt’s dog was being swept away and naturally, she went in to rescue her dog. Honeycutt was swept away as well.

Some of the other dogs entered the water during the rescue attempt. Honeycutt eventually got the dogs and herself out of the water, but Haney’s dog Monchu was still missing.

“I saw Monchu poke his head over Kristen’s shoulder and I was trying to tell him to stay there and he just kind of got freaked out and I guess jumped right back in the water because there was no other path of anywhere to go,” Haney said.

Honeycutt says they called 911 and continued searching along the creek.

As Honeycutt and Haney continued to search, Honeycutt’s mom turned to social media, asking for help.

“Eleven, we get back to the cars and we get quiet for a second and we started hearing complete strangers all around calling for Monchu and it was just the most incredible experience just knowing that the community was out looking for him,” Haney said.

The next day, local drone pilot Bree Day-Bottai saw the social posts, reaching out to offer help.

“We went back down to the river and she launched there,” Honeycutt said.

The rescue mission launched with Day-Bottai quickly locating Monchu.

“I was like, ‘hey, I got him,’ and they were over there instantly looking at the camera and it was him,” Day-Bottai said.

The couple was filled with joy.

“She says I think I got him and we just like jumped up like, ‘ What? ‘” said Honeycutt.

Haney described his reaction.

“Bolted over to the screen,” Haney said. “As soon as I saw him do the little circle on the screen and you couldn’t even make out, it was just a little blob and I saw it do a little loop and I was like ‘yup, that’s him,” Haney 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.

Amistad Honors LULAC at Annual Lucy G. Humanitarian Awards Fundraiser

KVIA on May 31, 2026

Jerry Najera

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Amistad celebrated its annual Lucy G. Humanitarian Awards on Saturday evening, recognizing community service while raising funds to support individuals in need across the region.

The event highlighted Amistad’s ongoing mission to serve vulnerable populations, including older adults, at-risk individuals and people with disabilities. Since 1976, the organization, along with its staff and supporters, has worked to provide assistance and resources to residents throughout the region.

This year’s Lucy G. Humanitarian Award was presented to the League of United Latin American Citizens, commonly known as LULAC, in recognition of its contributions to the community.

Today, Amistad offers more than 40 programs that serve thousands of people across the region, addressing a variety of social, educational and support needs.

Andrea Margaret Ramirez, CEO of Amistad, said the organization’s work has had a lasting impact on families for generations.

“This is more than just a passion,” Ramirez said. “This is something that I remember as a child that kept us bright, and we had a positive light because of an agency like Amistad.”

Proceeds from the event will help Amistad continue expanding its services and support for those facing challenges throughout Southeast Texas.

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Police investigating shooting in Colorado Springs

KRDO on May 31, 2026

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) confirmed to KRDO13 that it is responding to a call for service regarding a shooting near the intersection of Union Blvd. and St. Vrain St. just after 8 p.m. Saturday.

A KRDO13 crew on scene captured a large police presence near the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.

It’s unclear if anyone is injured at this time or if a suspect is in custody.

KRDO13 has contacted CSPD for more information and has yet to hear back.

Details are limited at this time. This article may be updated as we learn more.

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Police: Fentanyl, xylazine toxicity connected to Salida homicide investigation

KRDO on May 31, 2026

Mackenzie Stafford

SALIDA, Colo. (KRDO) – A Monte Vista woman was arrested on May 27, 2026, by the Salida Police Department (SPD). Vanessa Salvio faces charges of criminally negligent homicide and theft in connection with the Jan. 26, 2026, death of Lukas Brown.

Brown, also from Monte Vista, died in Salida, Colo., from acute fentanyl and xylazine toxicity after Salvio admitted to providing and administering fentanyl to him, SPD says. Officers report Salvio also confessed to stealing property belonging to Brown from the motel room where he died.

Salvio told a detective she not only provided fentanyl to Brown but also administered it by blowing it into his mouth from her mouth, according to police. Brown experienced a medical episode shortly after this and died despite attempts at lifesaving measures, SPD said. An autopsy conducted by the El Paso County Coroner’s Office confirmed Brown’s death was a result of acute fentanyl and xylazine toxicity.

On the afternoon of Jan. 26, 2026, SPD, Salida Fire and Chaffee County EMS responded to a local motel for reports of an unresponsive male, according to SPD. Salvio was with Brown in the motel room at the time of his death, according to police.

When speaking with a detective, SPD said Salvio admitted to providing fentanyl to Brown and administering it into his mouth. She reported that Brown began to have a medical episode shortly after she gave him the fentanyl, according to SPD. Officers say Salvio notified motel personnel, who then called for medical assistance, but Brown died shortly after.

After the scene was cleared, police say Salvio was permitted to return to the motel room to retrieve her belongings.

The following day, Brown’s family went to the motel to retrieve his property and discovered some items were missing, police said. Salvio was subsequently interviewed about the missing property and admitted to stealing it when she returned to the room, SPD said. Police say Salvio returned the stolen property to authorities.

Officers say that on May 27, 2026, a Salida Police Detective submitted an arrest warrant/affidavit to the Chaffee County District Court. They say the detective requested that Salvio be charged with One Count of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class five Felony, and One Count of Theft, a Class 1 Misdemeanor. A Chaffee County District Judge reviewed and signed the arrest warrant, setting bond at $2,000 cash/surety, police shared.

On the evening of May 27, 2026, Salvio was taken into custody on her arrest warrant at her home in Monte Vista, according to police. Officers say she was transported to the Rio Grande County Detention Center in Del Norte.

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Rising grocery, retail prices linked to high diesel prices

KMIZ on May 31, 2026

Alison Patton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri drivers are getting a break at the pump, with gas down by 13-15 cents across all types, according to AAA. However, consumers could see higher grocery prices because of how expensive diesel is.

“I think this is affecting all retail, not just grocery,” CEO and president of the Midwest Retail and Grocery Alliance, Dan Shaul, said. “The cost of transportation is figured into everything from blue jeans to lead acid batteries to your bananas, your tomatoes, in this case.”

AAA reports diesel in Missouri is $5.10 a gallon, which is down 15 cents from a week ago, but it’s still $1.91 more now than it was in 2025.

Shaul said Midwest retailers are working to keep prices reasonable.

“When they’re paying diesel fuel costs over $5 a gallon to get it from the point of the manufacturer, or where it’s grown to the consumer, it’s certainly going to have an effect, and we’ve seen that certainly recently,” Shaul said.

A report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows annual inflation rose by 3.8% before seasonal adjustment over the past year. The report also notes that the index for food at home rose 2.9% over the last year, with fruits and vegetables rising 6.1%.

Tomatoes have seen a jump in price, partly because of crop failure and partly because of the cost to transport the vegetable.

Tony “Tomato” White is a farmer from St. Louis. He told ABC 17 News that frost killed thousands of tomato plants in Florida earlier this year, which put more pressure on retailers to buy from Canada and Mexico. However, the quality of the vegetable wasn’t as good.

“You saw some really inferior tomatoes that were selling for $4, $5 a pound, I mean it was ridiculous,” White said.

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the national average is $2.56 a pound for tomatoes, the highest it has ever been.

White said his tomatoes are doing well, and he only had to raise his prices by 25 cents following the Florida freeze in February, mostly because of increased demand and partially because of gas prices.

“We’re very fortunate because we don’t have that travel time. That tomato we talked about from Mexico, well, it takes two or three days to get here,” White said.

He said his customers, mostly chefs who work in esteemed kitchens, were pushed to order a few more pounds of tomatoes so fewer delivery trips needed to be made.

“If we can cut back on our own gas expenses, then we’re going to be able to help you out,” he said.

As for tomatoes in grocery stores, White estimates prices could go back down within the next month or so once crops start to mature.

“When we get into mid-July, there will be a glut of tomatoes back on the market locally, and then that puts less demand for the stuff from Canada,” White said.

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Miniature Horse Show at the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds

KIFI on May 31, 2026

News Team

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) – The Snake River Miniature Horse Club, founded in 2003, offers a variety of competitions for miniature horses and their caretakers. Their miniature horse show began this morning and continues tomorrow.

People of all ages can compete in events designed as family-oriented activities. Tomorrow’s show is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.

The club’s competitions include various events including costume, halter, obstacle, jumping and driving classes. Participants can lead smaller miniature horse breeds over jumps and obstacles, while sport ponies are large enough to be ridden.

Karen Drake, a founder of the Snake River Miniature Horse Club, said the smaller horse breeds are put “on a line so that they can jump because we can’t ride them.” She added that obstacles involve “all kinds of maneuvers they have to do.”

Halter classes judge the horses on their conformation and good looks. Drake emphasized the versatility of the miniature horses, saying “They are wonderful little animals. They are very versatile and just fun,” she said.

The club encourages participation from all ages, including young children. Drake described how younger kids can walk and interact with the horses and foals can even be picked up. Miniature horses can be as small as 28 inches tall when fully grown, a size comparable to a dog.

The club’s activities are considered family oriented. Drake also noted that participants can show their miniature horses through 4-H programs, which hold similar classes at events like the 4-H Fair in August.

Tomorrow’s show will begin at 8 a.m., featuring obstacle and jumping events at the Eastern Idaho State Fair Grounds.

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Artists and attendees enjoy revamped Bend Summer Fest schedule

KTVZ on May 31, 2026

Spencer Sacks

The 2026 Bend Summer Fest, an annual celebration of summer bringing together artists from various disciplines, is currently underway in downtown Bend.

The festival’s schedule was shifted from its usual mid-July timeframe to an earlier date, coinciding with summer’s meteorological start on June 1st. Several artists and locals expressed enjoyment over this change.

Kurt, owner of Mandrake Roots, crafts art pieces from driftwood. This marks his third time participating in Summerfest and his second time working alongside his mother. “I love coming to Summerfest. This is my third time doing it. This is my second time with my wonderful mother over here. So we’re a partnership. Yeah, it’s been absolutely real. I love the I love the customers. I love the people, love coming to bend,” Kurt said.

Oil painter and artist Dave Fox also attended the festival. Fox noted the importance of summer for artists. “I’m excited for summer. It’s a very busy time for artists. Art shows are in the summer typically. Sometimes they’re later in the year. But you got to go much farther south. But in the northwest, it’s all about the summer,” Fox said.

Fox also commented on the benefits of the festival’s new timing. “It’s not as hot as it usually is because they’ve shifted it from mid-July to here. The crowd’s been good and everybody’s enjoying the art. It’s been good so far,” Fox said.

The event showcased a diverse array of artists, including sculptors, painters and jewelers. The festival also offered live music and numerous food trucks for attendees to enjoy.

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Saving Hootie, the baby Great Horned Owl

KVIA on May 31, 2026

Hillary Floren

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A baby great horned owl, named Hootie, is on the path to recovery and slated for release in the coming weeks after being found on ABC-7’s Hillary Floren’s lavender farm in Tularosa and received care from multiple wildlife organizations.

Cressie Drummond was out for her morning walk when she spotted the owlet on the ground just on the edge of the border of the farm. Drummond said Hootie was just looking at her and she described him as a “white fluff ball”.

Hilary’s family came and picked up Hootie, keeping him safe overnight from the elements and predators in the area. The next day, Hootie embarked on his first road trip to the Second Chance Wildlife Rehab Center in El Paso, followed by a transfer to the El Paso Zoo for further care.

At the El Paso Zoo, Dr. Vikki Milne, the chief veterinarian and director of the Raptor Rehab Program, treated Hootie for a significant infection. The Raptor Rehab Program at the El Paso Zoo rescues and treats more than 100 birds of prey annually.

During his two weeks at the zoo, Hootie nearly doubled in size. Staff closely monitored the owl’s health, particularly his hearing.

Following his time at the zoo, Hootie took a third road trip to Gila Wildlife Rescue in Silver City, N.M., where he continued to grow and develop feathers. Here, the focus shifted to teaching Hootie self-sufficiency.

Dennis and Denise Miller, who operate Gila Wildlife Rescue, have saved approximately 12,000 animals over the past 47 years. Their work primarily involves orphaned birds and some mammals, such as bobcats and deer. Miller described their dedication as a “calling.”

The Millers spend $12,000 annually on food for the animals and do not take vacation days. They have also authored a book featuring their numerous rescues. Miller considers the release of animals “almost a spiritual experience.”

Hootie the owl is scheduled to be released back onto the lavender farm in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more information!

Dennis & Denise Miller’s book, “Keeping Them Wild,” is an impressive collection of stories and photos featuring animals they rescued over the years. The book features QR codes that can be scanned for more informatino, and even video of various releases. It’s truly heartwarming and educational. You can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=keeping+them+wild+book&crid=QKFNSFZT7IVE&sprefix=keeping+them+wild+boo%2Caps%2C306&ref=nb_sb_noss

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Bear on Barnes: Spotted climbing trees in Colorado Springs

KRDO on May 31, 2026

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) says its officers responded to the Barnes and Austin Bluffs area of Colorado Springs on Thursday. This is where CPW says a 125-pound male yearling black bear was wandering the area.

CPW, Deme Wright

Wildlife Officers immobilized the bear and placed it in a wildlife trailer, according to CPW. The bear was given a “wake-up” drug and then relocated and released several hours south into a better bear habitat, the wildlife agency reports.

RELATED: Mother bear, cubs relocated after being found under deck of Colorado Springs home

WATCH: Bear caught on camera raiding bird feeder in Gleneagle

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