Man with traumatic brain injury prepares for scuba diving trip to Bonaire

CNN Newsource on June 5, 2026

By Connor Schmidt

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — What started as a simple conversation between a volunteer and a resident at QLI has turned into the trip of a lifetime.

For nearly the last year, Mark Fitzpatrick, a QLI resident living with a traumatic brain injury, has been training in adaptive scuba diving through a partnership with Diventures and Dive Pirates. On June 13, he will leave for Bonaire to take part in an classified diving trip alongside trained instructors and volunteers.

Fitzpatrick was first introduced to scuba diving by QLI volunteer Gene Pasha, a certified diver who initially simply wanted to spend time with residents at the rehabilitation center.

“It really started with an idea,” Pache said. “‘Gee Mark, how would you like to go scuba diving?’ And he said, ‘Yeah.'”

That idea quickly grew into months of training sessions focused on adaptive diving skills. At Diventures, instructors worked with Fitzpatrick on techniques like mask clearing, regulator recovery and underwater communication while using specially trained dive buddies to assist with mobility and safety.

Dive instructor Dave Dietze said adaptive diving focuses on what each individual can do independently.

“When you get somebody that may have mobility issues, and then they get to see a whole new world like that, it just opens up a ton of possibilities,” Dietze said.

For Fitzpatrick, the experience has already made a lasting impact.

“I just love the water,” he 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.

Jury awards $13 million to Star Trek star’s family in death lawsuit

CNN Newsource on June 5, 2026

By John Rupolo

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    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KOAT) — Nichelle Nichols, widely recognized for her role as Lt. Uhura on “Star Trek,” became a trailblazer as the first Black woman to play a lead role on television.

Not only did Nichols consider leaving “Star Trek” to pursue theater, but Martin Luther King Jr. personally urged her to stay. “Please, this is the first time a person like us has been in a role of power and influence, and I need you to stay,” said Lisa Curtis, an attorney for the Nichols family.

Nichelle Nichols’ family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Gila Medical Center in Silver City, New Mexico, where Nichols was treated in 2022. A jury awarded $13 million to the family.

“Nichelle Nichols had a new heart condition, and the great people that were taking care of her sent her to the emergency room to be diagnosed. They did a terrible job of that,” Curtis said.

The lawsuit alleges that Gila Medical Center “hired, credentialed, and inappropriately supervised unqualified medical providers and allowed them to treat Ms. Nichols.”

Nichols was later transferred to an assisted living facility, where she died hours later.

“So, she needed to see somebody that could diagnose her and treat her. They didn’t transfer her to Las Cruces. It’s just a trip down I-25. It should have been an easy call, but the problem is a hospital [with] very poor policies for that,” Curtis said.

Attempts to reach the medical center and their attorney for comment were unsuccessful. However, in court filings, the hospital stated Nichols died due to natural causes.

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.

Paddleboards, poles and everything outdoors. ‘Get Outdoors Day’ returns to Memorial Park

KRDO on June 5, 2026

Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – It’s the classic “try before you buy,” but with no strings (or fishing line) attached. Multiple partnering organizations are coming together on Saturday at Memorial Park to provide southern Coloradans with a no-cost adventure experience.

“Get Outdoors Day” is a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the City of Colorado Springs, and the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance. It’s an effort to expand interest in outdoor activities by providing all the necessary equipment with none of the typical costs.

“This is a chance for them to experience something they may never have had the chance to do,” CPW Education Coordinator Tracy Predmore said. “I love when kids hit the (archery) target, and they hear that thunk, they get so excited. They are kind of nervous because it seems a little scary, but as soon as they hear that hit the target, they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so cool.'”

CPW is waiving all fishing license requirements across the entire state to encourage families to give it a try. At Memorial Park, the first 650 kids 15 and younger will get free poles, bait and fishing lessons for the day.

The event lasts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free and includes no-cost access to archery, paddleboarding, fly fishing, a climbing wall, a ‘Touch a truck’ zone, a dunk tank, outdoor safety instruction and more. In addition, dozens of vendors will have other free activities for guests.

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Medicare Advantage Plan cuts to affect roughly 30,000 patients in New Mexico

CNN Newsource on June 5, 2026

By Faith Egbuonu

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    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KOAT) — On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Presbyterian Healthcare Services announced most of its Medicare Advantage Plans will be discontinued by 2027 amid financial strain. According to PHS, roughly 30,000 members will be impacted by the change.

Health plan and administrative roles have also been reduced, and 150 layoffs will go into effect. Currently, there are 14,000 Presbyterian employees. However, the decision will not affect members’ coverage for the current year. KOAT reached out to PHS in response to the announcement. PHS sent the following statement.

What are Medicare Advantage Plans?

“A Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C) is a bundled “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare. Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, these plans combine your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage, and most also include prescription drug coverage (Part D).” On Tuesday, KOAT spoke with licensed clinical social worker Kenneth Winfrey on the impacts he believes the cuts will have on New Mexicans in the near future. Winfrey works with patients under Medicaid and Medicare.

“Health members are going to end up with a fractured care team. What the Medicare Advantage Plans have been able to allow some people to do is to create a suite of services. So, they have a cardiologist or a primary care physician or a physical therapist that are covered under one plan,” Winfrey told KOAT.

“We’ve come to appreciate and understand that the Medicare Advantage plans are very difficult for providers and for entities like Presbyterian. It’s just really unfortunate that it’s happened this way with such a large entity,” Kenneth said.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services statement

“Presbyterian is focused on where we can make the greatest difference: delivering high-quality care, expanding access, and staying a strong, independent healthcare system for New Mexico. To support that mission, we have made the difficult decision to no longer offer most of Presbyterian Health Plan’s Medicare Advantage plans in 2027.

Importantly, this decision does not affect members’ coverage for the current plan year, which will continue as expected. For Presbyterian, continuing in this market would limit our ability to invest in the care, workforce and access to serve New Mexicans where they need us most. We will continue to offer our Medicare Advantage Dual Plus Special Needs Plan (D-SNP).

We have also reduced some health plan and administrative roles. These are difficult decisions involving valued members of our workforce who have made meaningful contributions to Presbyterian and to our communities.

About 150 roles have been impacted. Direct patient care roles will not be affected. Hiring and expanding clinical positions is our greatest need—we are actively trying to fill about 870 open clinical positions across our hospitals and clinics.

We know this news may be disruptive and we are committed to supporting our community throughout the transition. Community members can call (505) 923-2000 (TTY 711) for help.”

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.

21 Cares for Kids: Highlighting our six incredible community partners making a difference for Central Oregon children

KTVZ on June 5, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A warm bed. A caring mentor. New clothes for school. For many children, these simple things can make all the difference. That’s why KTVZ’s 21 Cares for Kids program shines a spotlight on local nonprofits working to give kids the support they need to thrive. 

The Assistance League of Bend provides new clothing, shoes, and coats to thousands of local students each year, helping children arrive at school with confidence and the essentials they need to succeed. 

“Just to see the looks on their faces when they can go ahead and just be like everyone else, it’s a wonderful, wonderful feeling,” said Dianne Benson, a member of Assistance League of Bend.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon connects young people with caring adult mentors, creating one-to-one relationships that help youth reach their full potential. 

“It’s being a consistent adult in a child’s life who just needs someone there to be in their corner,” Jenn Davis, the program manager, shared with us about being a mentor. “Going out and going hiking, or going to the movies, or coming out to our beautiful campus that we have out on 20 acres in east Bend and playing games or seeing our horses. Spending time together.”

Bethlehem Inn offers shelter, support, and hope to families experiencing homelessness, providing a safe place to rebuild and move forward. 

“Our mission is transforming lives together through shelter, help, and hope. And the really most imporant part of that line is the together,” said Michael Hancock, the president of Bethlehm Inn. “We serve just under 200 people a night.”

Every Child Central Oregon supports children and families impacted by foster care, providing essentials like clothing, diapers, car seats, and other critical resources. 

“What we have to remember is, kids coming into foster care, aren’t making that choice. They didn’t choose to be in foster care. They are our most at-risk youth and we want to continue to bring more resources to them in this hard time,” said Melissa Lovemark of Every Child Central Oregon.

Healing Reins uses horse-assisted therapies and mental health services to help children, teens, and adults heal emotionally and physically. 

“These animals are incredible to talk to, whether it’s the goats, the chickens, even the miniature cow or the horses themselves. People would rather be outside and interacting with them,” said Polly Cohen, the executive director of Healing Reins. “On a weekly basis, we (serve about) about 250 (people). And that’s like a little bit of a steady climb as we’re adding more services.”

Sleep in Heavenly Peace works to ensure no child sleeps on the floor, relying on volunteers to build and deliver beds to families in need. 

“If they don’t have a bed, we give them a bed. How do we determine if they need a bed? Three things. They need a bed because they don’t have one. They have a space to put the bed. And they’re between the ages of 3 and 17,” said Bob Mickelsen, the interim chapter president.

Together, these organizations are creating brighter futures for Central Oregon’s children.

To learn more about our 21 Cares for Kids partners and how you can help, click here.

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Dash cam video shows wrong-way driver on Interstate 295 in Portland, Maine

CNN Newsource on June 5, 2026

By Jim Keithley

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    PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) — A security guard who came across a wrong-way driver while traveling on Interstate 295 in Maine took action to help prevent a potential crash.

Max Smith has a car that is equipped with a professional dashboard camera, which captured footage of a white Honda CR-V that was traveling north on the southbound side of I-295 near mile marker 5 in Portland on Wednesday.

Smith described the encounter as one of the scariest moments he ever experienced, but he still decided to position his car in the way of the CR-V to stop the wrong-way driver from going any further on the highway.

“I realized something had to be done and that’s when I veered back in and then she stopped and I completely got in front of her and got out and made contact with her,” Smith said. “She didn’t say too much other than she was very sorry and that she was late for an appointment. I believe she might have got confused.”

A number of incidents involving wrong-way drivers have ended tragically. A Massachusetts State Police trooper was killed last month when his cruiser was struck by a wrong-way driver, who also died in the crash. In December 2025, a woman was charged with operating under the influence after she drove the wrong way on I-295 in Topsham.

Maine State Police Cpl. Robert Burke said troopers are responding to at least two wrong-way driving incidents every week in southern Maine. On average, there is one fatality in Maine each year involving a wrong-way driver.

“We are outgrowing I-295 as a population, so there’s more motorists, which leads to more intoxicated drivers, which leads to more incidents on the highway because there are more people traveling on our limited-access highway,” Burke said.

Burke said drivers going the wrong way are either impaired, distracted or confused, and that the problem is getting worse. If you find yourself in a situation where a wrong-way driver is approaching, Burke said the safest thing to do would be to immediately pull over to the right side of the road.

“Always pull over to the right and stop in the breakdown lane until the emergency has passed,” Burke said.

State police said the wrong-way driver on I-295 in Portland, a 76-year-old woman, was cited for operating the wrong way on a divided highway.

No injuries were reported. Smith said he is glad he was in the right place, at the right time.

“I’m glad I was there to prevent something really bad from happening,” Smith said.

Burke said the Maine Department of Transportation is committed to adding more of the flashing “Do not enter” signs near on- and off-ramps to serve as a deterrent to wrong-way drivers.

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.

Naked man grabs female DoorDash worker during food delivery, police say

CNN Newsource on June 5, 2026

By Madilyn Destefano

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    COCOA, Florida (WESH) — A man is accused of grabbing a female DoorDash driver during food drop-off on Tuesday while naked, according to the Cocoa Police Department.

The incident occurred at 1:07 p.m. at a residence on W. King Street in Cocoa, police said.

Jamar Carter, 20, ordered Denny’s through DoorDash, according to the arrest report.

When the victim arrived at the residence to deliver the order, the man opened the front door completely naked and “erect,” officers said.

The victim told police that when she saw Carter naked in the doorway, she dropped the food on the ground and attempted to retreat to her vehicle.

However, police said Carter grabbed the right side of her hip, restrained her, and pressed the front of himself against the back of her person.

While trying to get away, Carter allegedly grabbed the victim’s rear, the arrest report said.

The victim stated that at this point, she continued toward her vehicle, and Carter said, “Where the [expletive] do you think you’re going?”

After making it to her vehicle, she dialed 911.

When officers spoke with Carter, he advised he did not place a DoorDash order and claimed not to be home, the report said.

After further investigation, police found an email receipt for the DoorDash order.

Carter is charged with attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual battery and was transported to the Brevard County jail, where he has since bonded out.

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.

Ban of kratom sales passes unaminously in Idaho Falls

KIFI on June 5, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) – The sale of Kratom will be banned in Idaho Falls in a new law set to take effect on July 1, after a unanimous vote was passed in the Idaho Falls City Council meeting Thursday evening.

This comes after local health officials and leaders linked the substance to multiple deaths in Bonneville County. Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez released a statement in October of 2025 that her office confirmed six kratom-related deaths over the last 18 months, including four cases where the primary active compound, mitragynine, in kratom was determined to be the sole cause of death.

Those findings prompted city leaders and council members to begin discussions this week about whether kratom should continue to be sold in Idaho Falls. City Council members heard compelling testimony from the county coroner, local law enforcement, medical professionals, and members of the public who argued the product poses a growing public health risk.

The ban was passed unanimously, with all five council members approving the ordinance, following public commentary on the proposal.

Before making the motion to adopt the ordinance, Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman acknowledged the limits of the local ban. “I’ve recognized that kratom will continue to be sold online in other cities and counties,” she said. “But this ordinance makes it clear where our community stands on this drug, and if our ordinance saves one life, as Councilor Jim Freeman said, or serves as a tool for educating our community, I believe this ordinance is therefore appropriate.”

Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw announced that the city will begin an awareness campaign to inform the public about the new kratom ban.

“I do sympathize with parents who have no idea that these products are sitting on the shelf,” Burtenshaw said. “That is something that we will address with the Idaho Falls Police and through the mayor’s office and through the school district.”

While Idaho Falls has moved forward as one of the largest cities in Idaho with a local ban, kratom remains legal statewide for now. At the state capitol, lawmakers have been debating whether to ban the substance altogether or to regulate its sale and distribution. Several competing proposals have been considered during the 2026 legislative session.

For Idaho Falls retailers, the city’s action to ban kratom products means it will soon be removed from store shelves inside the city limits, even as statewide debates continue into the future.

To see previous stories linked to Idaho Falls’s kratom-related deaths, visit here.

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High School staff member placed on paid administrative leave after senior prank

CNN Newsource on June 5, 2026

By Kendra Broddus

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    LITTLETON, N.H. (WMUR) — A staff member at Littleton High School has been placed on paid administrative leave after a group of students trashed the school after hours in what was intended to be a senior prank.

At a school board meeting Monday, teachers recounted arriving at the school the next morning to find classrooms and hallways trashed.

They said toilet paper had been scattered throughout the building, a chair had been placed on the roof, and soap and baby oil had been poured on floors.

Teachers said the incident got out of control and went beyond a harmless prank.

“You use a teacher’s salt shaker and spread it all over the desk and computer, trashed rooms, hallways, and broke screens to get access to the room, and then went on to the roof of the school. This is not a prank. This is vandalism and super dangerous. If this was done at a house, the person accountable would be facing jail time,” said one math teacher.

Teachers also raised concerns about safety and security.

“Students gained access to school keys and security code and then let in other students. Students were on the roof in the dark and horsing around near the edge,” an English teacher said.

The Littleton police chief said no reports were filed regarding the incident.

The question remains about how students gained access to the building after hours.

The Littleton School Board said it instructed administrators to take immediate action to address security concerns and that those measures have been implemented.

In a statement to News 9, the school board said, “The Superintendent has informed the entire High School community that the students involved have taken responsibility for their actions, apologized to those impacted, and agreed to perform community service.”

School administrators are continuing to investigate and will determine whether additional disciplinary action is necessary.

News 9 has reached out to the Littleton School District for comment and is awaiting a response.

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.

‘Scared for my life’: Victim describes moment man allegedly attacked him at lake

CNN Newsource on June 5, 2026

By Jamy Pombo Sesselman, Ted Wayman, Arielle Mitropoulos

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    HOPKINTON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A Hopkinton, Massachusetts, man was charged with attempted murder after he allegedly held a man who walks with crutches under water during an altercation over the use of a residents-only lake Wednesday, police said.

Steven Dana, 70, was charged with an attempt to murder, two counts of strangulation/suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person.

He was held without bail at his arraignment at Framingham District Court on Thursday.

Prosecutors allege Dana started a fight with a 21-year-old man at Sandy Beach on Lakeshore Drive just before 7 p.m. after he confronted the victim about his use of Lake Maspenock.

The only boat ramp to the lake, which straddles Hopkinton and Milford, is on Lakeshore Drive, and use of the ramp is limited to Hopkinton residents from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, police said.

Speaking with NewsCenter 5, the victim, Matthew Duffy, said he feared for his life.

“I was so scared for my life because I can’t fight back, I broke practically everything and this guy’s on top of me under the water, I can’t see what’s going on, I can’t fight back,” Duffy said.

According to a Hopkinton police report, Dana shouted at a group of young men that it was “time to go,” referring to the group riding a jet ski on the lake.

The group and Dana shout back and forth, with Dana eventually walking up to the group to confront them, according to officials.

“Are you going to beat up a cripple?” one of Duffy’s friends reportedly asked Dana.

“I don’t care, I’ll take a cripple.” Dana responded, according to the report.

New video provided by one of Duffy’s friends shows the full confrontation.

Police reviewed video footage that appeared to show Dana slapping Duffy across the face before they ended up in a struggle in the water, at which point Dana forcefully held Duffy under the water, officials said.

Bystanders then pulled Dana off of Duffy.

“This is an incident of senseless violence that could have had tragic results, and we treat matters like this with the utmost seriousness,” Deputy Police Chief Scott van Raalten said. “The Hopkinton Police Department asks that residents contact the proper authorities to investigate incidents that involve the enforcement of the town’s bylaws rather than taking matters into their own hands.”

Dana and Duffy declined medical treatment, although Duffy told NewsCenter 5 he was going to get himself checked out at the hospital.

Officials learned that the 21-year-old had been involved in an accident a few months prior that caused severe injuries and that he was walking on crutches.

Prosecutors said Dana has an extensive criminal history going back to the 1990s where he used aliases. He will be held on bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Friday.

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.