‘We love our teacher so much’: Students deliver an act of kindness to their teacher

CNN Newsource on May 7, 2026

By Eileen Buckley

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    NIAGARA FALLS, New York (WKBW) — Three Niagara Falls High School students are being recognized for going above and beyond for their math teacher — showing up after school to clean up a mess left by her former neighbors, delivering a special act of kindness.

Kabraun Miller, Ramir Matthews and Asa Allen-Collins heard their math teacher, Patti Gabriele, expressing frustration about trash that had been dumped outside her home after neighbors moved out.

Without being asked, the students organized themselves and got to work. Niagara Falls High School shared a photo of the students on Facebook with the caption: “This is what character looks like.”

“We love our teacher so much,” Allen-Collins said.

The students said they created a group chat, got the address from Gabriele and showed up ready to work.

“We made a group chat. She wrote down the street on a piece of paper, and we just showed up at the time that she told us to; we got straight to work,” Allen-Collins said.

Gabriele said she was surprised by how quickly — and efficiently — the students responded.

“They actually overheard me complaining about the neighbors moving out and leaving it a mess,” Gabriele said.

She told the students to arrive by 5 p.m. and said she was caught off guard when they were right on time.

“I told them, be there by five. And I was a little shocked that at five o’clock, here they come, and they showed up and jumped right into it, and they took care of things in like half an hour. What would have taken me hours,” Gabriele said.

Matthews tells me the motivation was simple.

“I wanted to help her out, because she’s, you know, she’s a lady. She shouldn’t be doing that by herself,” Matthews said.

When I asked what compelled him to help, Matthews said it came down to character.

“Just being a kind student and a kind young man, trying to build myself to be a better young man,” Matthews said.

Miller said his faith guided his decision to act.

“I stay in my Bible. I pray a lot. You know, it talks about giving back and helping out. So when I hear, first of all, a lady, a woman, a teacher that I respect, I hold dear, and I was willing to jump into action,” Miller said.

Allen-Collins said Gabriele’s consistent kindness in the classroom made the decision easy.

“Ms. Gabriel, she’s just been a great teacher, like throughout every day in the classroom, just always kind, respectful. She gives the same respect to us that we give back to her,” Allen-Collins said.

Gabriele said the outpouring of attention that followed has been unexpected.

“They’re good kids, and, you know, I see them every day, so it’s like, we laugh and we joke about it. Nobody ever thought it would take off like this,” Gabriele said. “This meant a lot to me.”

The students said they hope their actions inspire other teens to step up for the people around them.

“I feel like it’s something that we should be doing regardless,” Allen-Collins said.

“You should do this for any teacher that you respect; they will respect you back,” Matthews said.

Miller said the reward is not the point.

“You shouldn’t have to feel like you need a reward. It should be within you…like out of the kindness of your heart,” Miller said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WKBW 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.

Battle over $850,000 Quincy saint statues comes before Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

CNN Newsource on May 7, 2026

By Neal Riley

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is weighing whether two statues of Catholic saints can be installed at the entrance to a new public safety building in Quincy.

Quincy officials say the 10-foot-tall statues of St. Michael and St. Florian are important to police officers and firefighters. The high court heard arguments Wednesday morning about the long-running dispute between the city and some residents of different religious faiths who say their presence in a government building would violate the Massachusetts Constitution.

Some have objected to the statues’ cost, which is about $850,000. But the court is focused on the religious symbolism of the statues, with the American Civil Liberties Union and others arguing that they don’t belong on public property. Justice Gabrielle Wolohojian asked how common the statues are, saying, “I take it that there’s not another fire department or police department in the commonwealth of Massachusetts that has these statues on the front of a building.”

Joseph Davis, an attorney for the city of Quincy, pointed to similar displays at police and fire departments in Los Angeles, New York City and Bristol, Connecticut.

“So none in Massachusetts, and you’ve come up with three out of the probably hundreds of thousands of police and fire department buildings in the country,” Wolohojian replied.

Quincy has argued that as the patron saints of police and fire departments, the statues are important symbols to first responders.

“They’ve come to represent firefighters and police officers, whatever their beliefs or backgrounds,” Davis said.

The court also had tough questions for the side opposed to the statues. Justice Scott Kafker said he’s trying to figure out why the proposed statues cross the line.

“The Supreme Court’s cautioning us … there’s not a hermetically sealed separation between church and state,” Kafker said. “Some of it’s allowed.”

The ACLU’s Jessie Rossman said Quincy is sending the wrong message to followers of other religions, as well as non-religious people.

“It’s the government using its platform to elevate a religious belief over the beliefs of others,” she said.

A Norfolk Superior Court judge in October temporarily blocked installation of the statues. It’s not known when the justices will issue their decision.

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.

Tearful Mother charged with killing her 2 children in Massachusetts court arraignment

CNN Newsource on May 7, 2026

By Neal Riley

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    DEDHAM, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Janette MacAusland, the Wellesley mother who allegedly confessed to killing her two young children, appeared emotional as she faced a judge in a Massachusetts courtroom on Wednesday.

MacAusland was arraigned on two charges of first-degree murder in Dedham District Court. A not guilty plea was entered on her behalf. She wore a gray sweatshirt and glasses and kept her hands clasped in front of her while looking down during the proceedings.

The judge ordered her held without bail. Her next court date is July 13.

Investigators say the 49-year-old showed up to her aunt’s house in Bennington, Vermont on April 24 and admitted to killing her 6-year-old daughter Ella and 7-year-old son Kai. There was dried blood on MacAusland’s neck from a large cut, the aunt told police.

“She said ‘I wanted the 3 of us to go to God together but it didn’t work,'” the aunt said.

When police arrived, they asked MacAusland if her children were OK.

“I strangled them and then I tried to kill myself,” MacAusland allegedly said, according to an affidavit.

Wellesley police conducted a well-being check at MacAusland’s home on Edgemoor Avenue, where they found the children dead in her bed. Court records show MacAusland’s husband Samuel had filed for divorce last October was seeking custody of the children and their home.

MacAusland appeared virtually in a Vermont courtroom last week and agreed to return Massachusetts to face murder charges. She was wearing a padded vest in jail during the proceedings.

Family babysitter Cale Darrah told WBZ-TV that the tragedy was unexpected.

“She seemed to just deeply love her children, like any other mother that I’ve come across,” Darrah 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.

Bill would let traffic cameras ticket drivers for speeding, going through red lights in Massachusetts

CNN Newsource on May 7, 2026

By Neal Riley

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Some lawmakers are making another push to get drivers to slow down and stop at red lights by legalizing traffic cameras in Massachusetts.

A bill proposed in the state Senate would allow cities and towns to install cameras that take pictures of license plates when someone breaks a traffic law. The system would then send a ticket to the owner of the car.

Among the violations the cameras could catch: Failing to stop at a light that’s already turned red, making a right on red where it’s not allowed, going 10 mph or more over the speed limit, and blocking an intersection.

Bill sponsor Sen. William Brownsberger of Belmont says there’s a lack of enforcement on Massachusetts roads.

“There’s a lot of speeding, there’s a lot of people going through red lights, there’s a lot of people blowing through right turns on reds,” he told WBZ-TV. “I do think it’s gotten worse over the past few years.”

Violators could face fines between $25 and $150. But no points would be added to a driver’s license, so insurance rates would not be impacted. To address privacy concerns, the bill only allows cameras to take pictures of license plates – not the driver.

The bill would not let cities and towns make money on the fines; they would simply cover the cost of maintaining the equipment.

“It’s not going to be a cash cow for anybody. Municipalities are not going to have any incentive to just throw these up and basically tax people for going through the community,” Brownsberger said.

Similar bills have been proposed previously in Massachusetts without success, and the Legislature has a July deadline to get this passed.

“We need this to start making our roads safer again,” Brownsberger 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.

Maryland lawmakers demand answers from Air Force about jet fuel spill at Joint Base Andrews

CNN Newsource on May 7, 2026

By JT Moodee Lockman

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    PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Maryland (WJZ) — Maryland lawmakers are asking the Air Force to answer questions about a 32,000-gallon jet fuel spill on Joint Base Andrews that prompted an investigation and clean-up effort.

State delegates wrote a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, claiming there has been a lack of transparency surrounding the leak.

Leaders said the leak resulted in 20,000 gallons of fuel being released, contaminating the soil outside the base at the waters of nearby Piscataway Creek.

The lawmakers raised concerns about what they called a delay in the Air Force providing “full information” to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).

According to their letter, the Air Force’s “failure to promptly notify for many weeks prevented MDE from implementing measures to minimize the spread of the contamination.”

WJZ has reached out to the Air Force for comment.

In mid-April, base officials said federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Response Center, were notified of the leak and mitigation efforts were initiated.

The 32,000-gallon leak occurred between January and March, according to MDE officials. The jet fuel leaked from a refueling system, which has since been shut down, officials said.

The leak was discovered by staff on the base who saw a visible sheen and smelled fuel coming from Piscataway Creek, officials said.

A contractor is working to clean up the leak and investigate the cause of the system failure, according to MDE. The agency said in April that drinking water was not impacted.

“The installation continues to work closely with regulatory partners to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to address the release and protect surrounding waterways and ecosystems,” officials said in April. “The base is also coordinating with public health agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the base populace and surrounding communities.”

Maryland lawmakers listed several questions for Sec. Meink about the status of the containment efforts, the current systems used to detect fuel leaks, and measures to prevent future incidents.

“Legacy pollution from Joint Base Andrews has already resulted in PFAS contamination in Piscataway Creek and the surrounding area, and this fuel spill adds to existing environmental stressors affecting the watershed,” lawmakers said. “The release has the potential to cause further ecological harm to the Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River, a key Chesapeake Bay tributary.”

The lawmakers included the following questions and requested a briefing and written response:

Detailed timeline of when the leaks were detected and what contributed to the delay in reporting it? How much fuel has gone into Piscataway Creek versus the ground? What is the base using to measure the fuel loss? What immediate and long-term strategies are being used to address water and soil contamination? What measures will be taken to ensure containment of contaminated areas during rain or other weather conditions? What monitoring systems are being used to detect future leaks? What steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future? How will ongoing updates be communicated to agencies and the public? What impacts has the leak had on base operations?

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.

2 Southwest planes clip each other at BWI airport

CNN Newsource on May 7, 2026

By Bryant Reed

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    BALTIMORE, Maryland (WJZ) — Passengers aboard two Southwest Airlines flights were forced to change planes earlier this week after the airplanes clipped each other while leaving the gates at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

According to both the FAA and Southwest Airlines, during pushback, Southwest flights 1048 to Connecticut and 562 to Houston backed into each other and caused minor damage to the wingtips.

Southwest said the planes were immediately removed from service.

The air carrier said no passengers were injured, and an internal review is underway.

In a statement, Southwest said, “Safety is their top priority for both passengers and employees.”

The FAA is investigating. On Live ATC, the pilot of flight 1048 can be heard telling air traffic controllers about the incident after the collision.

“Hey, ground, Southwest 1048, we had contact between the 2 aircraft back here,” the pilot said. “We’re going to need to taxi straight ahead back to Alpha 7.”

However, beforehand, the FAA said that the area is an area where air traffic controllers typically do not have any communication with the crew.

CBS News Baltimore was told that navigating the gates at BWI for pilots and planes takes a bit of geometry. Patience and awareness are needed to safely maneuver.

Dwain Celistan, a frequent flier, said that despite air travel coming under scrutiny over the past year for crashes and failed communications, it doesn’t scare him away from using that mode of transportation.

“It’s becoming more frequent and more concerning, but I still believe it’s the safest way to travel and so while it does occur it’s so infrequent as to not deter me from wanting to fly,” Celistan 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.

Mid-Missouri aircraft company helps customers build and fly their own planes

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Laney Toliver, KOMU 8 Reporter

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    MEXICO, Missouri (KOMU) — — In a hangar in central Missouri, pieces are built and put into a kit for customers to purchase.

Zenith Aircraft Company has been manufacturing kit airplanes in Mexico, Missouri, since the early 1990s, operating in a niche corner of aviation where buyers build their own aircraft from supplied parts and instructions.

The company traces its origins back to aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, who began designing light aircraft in the 1970s. Zenith Aircraft was later established in Missouri to produce and distribute those designs in kit form, according to company history.

Ownership has remained within the family. Sebastian Heintz, the company’s owner and president, said the business is rooted in his father’s work in aviation.

“My dad started building airplanes even before I was born, so I kind of grew up in the business,” Heintz said. “Being surrounded by airplanes, it was always a love for me. And we’ve been doing this for over 34 years now.”

Zenith does not sell completed aircraft. Instead, customers receive pre-manufactured components and assemble the plane themselves.

The company operates in what aviation groups describe as the experimental and amateur-built aircraft category, where thousands of aircraft are registered across the United States each year.

For many customers, Heintz said, the appeal is both financial and personal.

“Building an airplane is an interesting way of going about it,” he said. “And the nice thing is, when you’re flying in the airplane that you’ve built yourself, there’s definitely a big reward there.”

Most builds take hundreds of hours, often stretching across multiple years depending on the builder’s experience and available time.

Roger Dubbert, a demo pilot with Zenith Aircraft, said many customers come to the company later in life after years of wanting to build and fly their own plane.

“I’m talking to customers who have waited all their lives to build their own aircraft and fly it,” Dubbert said. “And so it’s very rewarding to be with them and help them achieve their goals and then take them for a demo flight.”

Dubbert, who has worked with Zenith since the 1990s, said he also built his own aircraft, a Zenith 701.

“I built a Zenith 701 back in ’98, and we use it as a demo airplane also,” he said.

During a flight in one of the company’s aircraft, Dubbert said the plane being used had taken about two years to build.

Heintz said the building process can feel intimidating at first, especially for first-time builders.

“It’s getting started, having the confidence in yourself that you can do it, and then actually doing it,” he said.

To help with that learning curve, the company hosts workshops where builders can practice skills such as drilling and riveting before beginning their own aircraft.

While modern manufacturing techniques have made kits easier to assemble, Heintz said the core appeal has not changed.

“It used to be you got a flat piece of sheet metal, you had to cut it, measure it, drill it,” he said. “Now the parts are ready for assembly.”

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.

Glendale takes steps to regulate delivery robots as fleet expands across Los Angeles area

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Michelle Fisher

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    GLENDALE, California (KABC) — There’s a growing debate in Glendale over AI robots used for deliveries. While many residents believe they offer a convenient service, some city councilmembers are questioning the growing number of robots now sharing local sidewalks.

The company behind the delivery robots known for their googly-eyed design and unique, individual names — Serve Robotics — has deployed 500 robots across 40 Los Angeles neighborhoods. That’s up from just two neighborhoods in 2023

Not everyone is happy about the growing fleet. The city of Glendale recently took steps to impose restrictions on the robots, citing concerns about delivery worker displacement and pedestrian accessibility on crowded sidewalks, according to a report from the Los Angeles Times.

“I find them a welcomed addition to Glendale,” said resident Shantelle C. But, city leaders may not feel the same way about delivery robots.

Last month, the Glendale City Council drafted a moratorium — which has not yet been passed — to better regulate the driverless AI-powered bots.

“There are so many of them now,” said Pawandeep Khinda, the owner of All India Cafe.

Khinda said she doesn’t mind the robots, but admits there are pros and cons.

“Obviously, drivers are not happy. They obviously complain about it,” Khinda said. “But I would say, this is the technology. It’s going further. So we have got to move on with it.”

In downtown Glendale, Eyewitness News followed along as robot “Anderson” made a delivery.

The robot politely asked for help with the message, “Push crosswalk button for me?” It even said “Thank you” before crossing the street.

“I would say I get deliveries from a robot probably once a week,” said Shantelle C.

She says she has noticed just how well-mannered the robots are.

“They are always friendly. They aren’t rude. They don’t smoke,” Shantelle C. said. “They usually are always right where they are supposed to be. They wait patiently.”

The debate happening in Glendale may become a case study on best practices as technology becomes an increasing part of the landscape.

“I love when you see children who see them passing by,” Shantelle C. said.

“Wow, like, weird. It’s kind of crazy that a robot is delivering,” said 9-year-old Zinai from Monterey Park.

At the end of each shift, the sidewalks are cleared nightly when the robots are loaded up and taken to their depot in North Hollywood.

“Pros and cons to everything, but as technology is moving, you have to just learn how to adapt with it. It sucks, but it is 2026, you know?” Khinda 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.

Inside Kim’s Home Center, the home goods store in Koreatown that’s beloved by Koreans across SoCal

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By KABC Staff

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    KOREATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and throughout the next few weeks, Eyewitness News is highlighting members of the community.

On Wednesday, the focus turned to Kim’s Home Center, a home goods store in Koreatown that has become a beloved staple for Korean families across the Southland.

Kim’s Home Center was founded in 1979 by the grandfather of current vice president Scott Kim. He immigrated from Korea and recognized a gap in the market for Korean appliances and household items.

“There weren’t a lot of Korean appliances, there weren’t a lot of Korean kitchenware or even home goods that anyone is able to provide, so that’s something he saw a market in,” he said.

The family-run business has evolved through multiple generations, with each bringing different perspectives on what customers want.

Cindy Kim Evans, the store’s import director, said those differences have helped the business grow.

“My dad is 40 years older than I am. Two very different generations, but we have, like, different eyes,” she said. “He sort of knows what the older generation Korean wants. I’m like, ‘Hey, younger people are more into this.’ Now with Scott joining the business as like the third generation, it’s great because he has a whole different set of eyes.”

The store is known for its wide-ranging inventory, from Korean slippers ordered in large quantities to popular K-beauty products.

Customers say the selection is difficult to find elsewhere.

“So these are the visors that sold out, and they’re amazing because it covers 180. You can’t really find them in [Orange County.] That’s why we buy them here,” said Sarah Ahn of @ahnestkitchen.

For many shoppers, Kim’s Home Center is more than a place to buy household items; it is a link to cultural memory and family history.

“It’s just the nostalgic place for us,” Ahn said. “For our parents, it was their version of Korea to get their products, and for us, new generation, it’s where we continue to buy our parents’ things that they use. I think it’s just such an iconic part of K-Town and no one knows beyond maybe the Korean community and people who live around here. But I feel like every SoCal Korean knows this place. It’s low key, but also not.”

Other customers echo that sentiment, citing both the products and the people who work there.

“I love just the people that work here. I come in and I feel like their aunties are just like watching over me as soon as I come in,” said Keehup Yong of Koreatown. “To have a store like this, where again, you can see everything that you grew up with. It’s like really nice. Fifteen different rice cookers?! It’s like a dream to me.”

Kim Evans said she now sees younger generations continuing the tradition of shopping at the store for hard-to-find items.

“It’s all of the kids and the grandkids who are now shopping here when they’re like, ‘Hey, I think I need to buy this thing for when I make this thing,'” she said. “It’s like, where can I find that? Oh, let me try Kim’s, and usually, we’ll have it here.”

Ahn summed up the appeal simply: “Where else are you going to get the big kimchi bowls? Where else are you going to get the Korean home slippers that last a long time?”

For Scott Kim, continuing the family business is about more than retail success.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to continue to preserve that Korean culture,” he said. “It’s not just for us, but also for the people who come here and shop here.”

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.

‘Fawn-napping’: CA wildlife officials warn against taking young deer found alone, leading to deaths

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Tim Johns

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    MONTEREY COUNTY, California (KGO) — Wildlife experts across California are urging the public not to pick up young deer they find alone in the wild, warning that a well-intended act can seriously harm the animals.

The practice, sometimes referred to as “fawn-napping,” happens when people remove baby deer they believe have been abandoned by their mothers. Experts say that assumption is often wrong.

“Unlike many babies, fawns are actually left alone for the majority of their day while their mothers go and forage for food and then come back and take care of them,” said Beth Brookhouser, who works with SPCA Monterey County.

Brookhouser said people who encounter a lone fawn often believe they are helping but instead cause unnecessary stress to the animal.

“They scoop them up, throw them in the car and bring them to us. Which is so incredibly stressful to the fawns. And, sometimes, they don’t even survive that stress,” Brookhouser said.

So far this year, SPCA Monterey County has handled six cases of fawn napping. Two of those animals have died.

Officials say the problem is not limited to Monterey County. Jeffrey Stoddard of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said cases are reported throughout the state, including the Bay Area.

“For Memorial Day weekend coming up, we’ll have a lot more people out there recreating and that’s the time where this sort of an issue pops up more often,” Stoddard said.

Wildlife experts say people should only intervene under extreme circumstances, such as when a fawn is visibly injured, crying out in distress or when its mother is found dead nearby.

Even when rescued and rehabilitated, Stoddard said young deer face long-term challenges.

“Even if we are able to rehabilitate them, they aren’t going to learn the skills necessary from their mother to find forage, to survive, to know what predators are,” he said.

Experts say fawn season typically lasts through the summer and urge the public to leave young deer alone unless there is a clear and immediate danger.

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.