Author: CNN Newsource

By Karen Wynne

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    MARION, North Carolina (WLOS) — At nearly nineteen years young, Siobhan, a black cat with yellow eyes and a loud meow, is living her best life, fostered by Brett and Christine McIntire.

The couple lives in a spacious multi-level home near Downtown Asheville, where Siobhan, still playful, has her own room and gets walked on a leash outside. But, often her favorite place is on one of the McIntires’ laps.

“She’s very social. She’s not afraid of strangers. She’s very playful,” Christine said, petting Siobhan’s shiny black coat.

Brett says this cat is perfect for someone who wants a more mellow cat.

“Maybe you don’t want crazy kittens running around your house. She’s super playful, but also spends a lot of time relaxing and sleeping during the day,” Brett said.

Nancy Gavin, President of foster-based rescue Laps and Naps Home for Senior Cats, says many senior felines end up much less fortunate than Siobhan, often becoming homeless after an elderly owner passes away.

Gavin says that the cases in which the cats shut down are critical.

“Where, if you don’t take them in right away, they end up in a shelter, or they’ll take them to a vet to be euthanized, Gavin said.

To give more senior cats happy golden years, Laps and Naps Home for Senior Cats plans to build a sanctuary on five acres of land in Marion. The Marler Road property is now a horse farm.

As Nancy Gavin was driving from the McIntires’ home in Asheville to the Marion property, she received two calls, which she says underscore why it’s so important to build the senior cat sanctuary soon.

“Just on the ride over here, I have received two phone calls, and in both cases, a family member died, leaving behind two cats,” said Gavin, knowing she will need to get those four cats fostered immediately.

Laps and Naps is trying to raise a million dollars for the planned 37 square foot facility and a small residence for a vet tech to be on site 24/7. Gavin says having a place where homeless senior cats can go immediately is crucial.

“We don’t know if they’re carrying communicable diseases, and we’re asking people to take them directly into their homes, where they may have other cats,” Gavin said.

The planned facility also has space for community involvement.

Thompson adds that the horses will also remain on the property.

The McIntires say such a facility will likely draw more fosters.

“People would have the freedom to come out and look at the cat, spend some time with the cat, and get to know it,” says Christine.

Nancy Gavin says Laps and Naps Home for Senior Cats is seeking corporate sponsors and individuals, adding that no donation is too small.

“We need people who just believe in our vision,” Gavin 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.

By Loureen Ayyoub

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    BERKELEY, California (KPIX) — Once incarcerated and now standing beneath the lights of an iconic Bay Area stage, Anthony Michael Puthuff is telling his story on his own terms.

Puthuff is one of the featured performers in the Formerly Incarcerated Peoples Performance Project (FIPPP), a storytelling festival now onstage at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The project centers the lived experiences of people who are formerly incarcerated, inviting them to perform personal narratives that challenge stereotypes and offer a more complex view of the justice system and the people affected by it.

“It’s surreal to be here doing an interview,” Puthuff said. “The last time I was on the news, it was in a different context and it wasn’t so flattering, so it’s really an honor to be here right now and be able to share with the world who I really am.”

The FIPPP festival aims to disrupt dominant narratives around incarceration by placing formerly incarcerated people at the center of the story — not as statistics, but as artists and community members. Performers develop and present original work that explores their histories, accountability, and transformation.

Before his legal troubles, Puthuff traces the roots of his past, describing a childhood marked by instability and the absence of positive role models.

“I grew up in a single-mother, single-parent household,” he said. “My father was an alcoholic. My parents divorced when I was very young. My mom did her best, but she struggled with her own mental health and addiction issues. There was really no structure or discipline as a young man growing up. I really didn’t have a positive male role model, and so I acted out.”

The festival is produced and co-directed by Mark Kenward, who says the project helps bring society together in a time when divides seem to increasingly separate communities. He believes it is the misunderstood stories that deserve the limelight even more.

“They’ve seen a lot of things, done a lot of things,” Kenward said. “And now they’re here sharing their stories, and it’s really life-affirming, I find.”

A prior FIPPP storyteller, Freddy Lee Johnson, says the process of preparing and performing the work is deeply personal.

“It was very therapeutic, because I try not to be seen,” Johnson said.

Kenward says visibility is a crucial part of healing, both for performers and audiences.

For Puthuff, stepping onto the Berkeley Rep stage represents more than artistic expression. It is full-circle empowerment.

“It’s more validation that individuals like myself, like no matter the circumstances we go through, that we are redeemable and that transformation is possible,” he said.

The FIPPP festival continues its run at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre through Sunday evening.

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.

By Conor McGill

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    STOCKTON, California (KOVR) — Thirty-seven years after the tragic shooting at Cleveland Elementary School, the Stockton community gathered Saturday to remember the five children who lost their lives and the dozens more who were injured.

On Jan. 17, 1989, a lone gunman opened fire on students during recess at Cleveland Elementary School, forever changing Stockton.

Just over half a mile from the school, dozens of community members gathered at Oak Park to honor the victims and reflect on their lasting legacy.

One by one, the names of the five children were read aloud, each followed by the ringing of a bell. Photos of the students stood as a powerful visual reminder of lives cut short.

“I don’t ever want our community to forget those five beautiful children,” aquote from former Cleveland Elementary principal Pat Busher was also read aloud.

“Thirty-seven years ago, a lone gunman fired shots into the playground where almost 400 students were playing at recess,” said survivor Judy Weldon.

The shooter, 24-year-old Patrick Purdy, killed five children, wounded more than 30 others, and then took his own life.

“This is one of those dates that many Stocktonians have etched in their collective memory,” said Niki Smith with Cleveland School Remembers. “There are many dates in history like that, but here in Stockton, it’s January 17th.”

While the pain of that day remains, organizers say remembrance is also about moving forward. During Saturday’s ceremony, five maple trees were planted at Oak Park, each dedicated to one of the children who lost their lives. The trees are meant to stand for generations as living memorials.

“When we plant a tree, we plant a legacy,” Weldon said. “The lives of the children lost have shaped the future in ways we didn’t imagine.”

The group Cleveland School Remembers says it remains committed to ensuring the tragedy and the lives lost are never forgotten.

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.

By Kennedy Cook

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    FREDERICK, Colorado (KCNC) — Nearly six months after 16-year-old Maximus Munro was killed in a head-on crash in Colorado, his family is finally getting answers and turning their grief into a message of prevention and kindness.

At the crash site in Frederick, a memorial still stands. Flowers, energy drinks, and handwritten notes from friends have remained there for months, marking the spot where Maximus lost his life.

His mother, Brenda Munro, and sister, Shelby Crowder, say the loss has forever changed their family.

“My brother will definitely be remembered for the way he made people feel — goofy, silly, making everyone laugh — but when it mattered, he was always there for you,” Crowder said through tears.

For months, the family had questions about what caused the crash. Now, the Frederick Police Department has released a report revealing that the other driver, Melendez Forero, was driving under the influence of drugs when he attempted to pass on a two-lane road at approximately 80 miles per hour. He struck Maximus head-on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.

“It was determined the other driver was high on drugs. A high amount found; the kind often seen in accidental overdoses,” Brenda Munro said. “This wasn’t an accident. It could’ve been prevented. That’s the worst part: this should’ve never happened.”

Despite the heartbreak, Brenda Munro says she’s finding ways to honor her son’s memory through acts of kindness.

“Random acts of kindness — buying someone coffee, cooking a meal for a friend — that’s one way I share his love and light,” she said.

As she continues to heal, Brenda Munro has a powerful message for others: “Call an Uber. Have a friend come pick you up. It is not worth it. Maximus is everything to me. This should not have happened.”

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.

By Julia Avant

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    DETROIT (WWJ) — It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, a phone call that something terrible happened to their child.

For one Metro Detroit family, that was a reality when they told CBS News Detroit their daughter was hit by a car.

“I remember the whole thing, even flying in the air, I saw my shoes come off,” said De’asia Pesti, an 18-year-old who survived after being hit by a car in Metro Detroit on Tuesday.

It’s a day De’asia Pesti will never forget. She was trying to get to the bus stop on 8 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue when she was struck by the car, a near-death experience she says she remembers every second of.

“Its like going on a rollercoaster, watching everyone go a million miles under you,” said De’asia Pesti.

She has gone from the operating table to the recovery room after facing multiple broken bones and open-heart surgery.

“Everything felt like the world was flying past us, and we were standing still and we couldn’t reach her in time,” said her father, Darryl Pesti.

The family says police have yet to find the driver who hit her.

Despite the long road ahead, De’asia Pesti forgives the driver.

“I just want to be real about it,” said De’asia Pesti. “I feel like it might have been a kid. I mean, I am not going to lie, we all do dumb stuff when we are young … just turn yourself in.”

The family says police have yet to speak to the teenager with her being in the intensive care unit.

CBS News Detroit has reached out to the Eastpointe Police Department, but has yet to hear back.

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.

By Frankie McLister

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    WILLMAR, Minnesota (WCCO) — While many of the headlines have focused on the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota is feeling the impacts of the immigration crackdown, too.

In Willmar, community members say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests have closed restaurants and left a community on edge.

The city has a diverse population of a little over 21,000.

“You have families that are scared for their life. People refusing to come out of their house,” said Abdullahi Mohamed of Willmar.

Streets on Friday appeared to operate as normal, but businesses were not.

Area establishments have posted signs saying they’re either closed or taking orders differently.

“They detained someone just across the street where I was working,” said Brentt Fees of Willmar.

Mohamed added, “I’ve seen with my two eyes ICE detaining people.”

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant closed after WCCO confirmed agents visited the spot for lunch and later returned, detaining its owners and a dishwasher nearby after they had closed early due to the federal law enforcement’s previous appearance.

A 20-year-old, who says his parents own the restaurant and are now detained, says the business will reopen on Saturday under his leadership.

A visitor who stopped by El Tapatio to show his support says the liquor store he works at has lost 75% of its business since agents have appeared in Operation Metro Surge.

“I just wanted to make sure everything is okay,” said Fees. “And apparently it’s not because they’re closed now.”

WCCO asked a man who retired from Jennie-O, one of the town’s biggest employers, what he wants for his community right now.

“To get together and vote these people out. We’re not scared, man,” said Willmar resident Abdulcadir Gaal.

Willmar Mayor Doug Reese says he’s urging residents to stay calm and to respect one another to keep the community safe.

WCCO reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on the matter. The Assistant Secretary responded to our inquiry in part:

“On January 14, ICE officers conducted surveillance of a target, an illegal alien from Mexico. Officers observed that the target’s vehicle was outside of a local business and positively identified him as the target while inside the business. Following the positive identification of the target, officers then conducted a vehicle stop later in the day and apprehended the target and two additional illegal aliens who were in the car, including one who had a final order of removal from an immigration judge.”

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.

By Chris Hoffman

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    SOUTH HILLS, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — We all have days where it’s a struggle, and life can be hard.

However, Chris Guy is going across the region to give a sign for everyone to keep their head up. He says, “Everyone deserves to have a good day at some point.”

On the day KDKA caught up with him, he was in Mt. Lebanon with a simple message, but one that is so powerful: “The world is a better place with you in it.”

“This is something that everyone should hear from their friends and family. If you don’t have that in your life, it’s an honor to be that person for someone,” Guy said.

For the last six years or so, Guy has been waving, smiling, and telling people they matter across the region, usually in the South Hills. He gives love to total strangers.

“That’s really what it’s all about,” Guy said.

To each person, he says, the message may have a different meaning.

“That’s the best part about it,” Guy said.

Guy has seen depression in his life, with loved ones and friends battling it. The idea is not to spread any ideology or political message. He doesn’t take any money either. He appreciates the smiles, waves, and honks, but he hopes people go home and think about the nine words on his sign.

“Even if one person sees my sign, goes home and thinks about it and decides they were having a better day than they had previously, all the more worth it,” Guy said.

While living in Meadville, he had someone thank him for his work as he battled some struggles.

“You’ve got to be the change you want to see in the world, and I think it’s a good first step for anybody, myself included,” Guy said.

On this day, another stranger thanked him as they battled some personal problems. He hugged Guy and thanked him for his positive message. While it’s some black lettering on a white poster board, it can change a life.

“It truly is a blessing that I get to do this,” Guy said.

According to him, anyone can help someone. He encourages others be a bright spot in a world that too often can feel dark.

“The world is a better place with you in it,” Guy 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.

By Eva Andersen

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — Philadelphia marked the third week of its “52 Weeks of Firsts” series Saturday with an event highlighting the origins of America’s first volunteer fire company — coinciding with Benjamin Franklin’s 320th birthday.

Franklin founded the nation’s first volunteer fire company, the Union Fire Company, in 1736.

Families and visitors toured Fireman’s Hall Museum in Old City, which is housed in a renovated firehouse from 1898, according to its website.

Guests learned how early firefighting in Philly relied on hand pumps, bucket brigades and later, leather hoses — some of the technology predating American independence.

“We’re celebrating how we started as a volunteer organization and we gravitated from that to a paid department,” Brian Anderson, a Philadelphia firefighter and the museum’s historian and curator, said.

Exhibits traced the evolution of tools and equipment used from the volunteer era to the paid era. One of the oldest hand engines on display dates to 1752.

“You’re actually pumping by hand to build the pressure to squirt water to extinguish fire,” Anderson said.

For many families, the event doubled as a hands-on history lesson.

“I think it’s crazy,” Dina Gigliotti, who attended with her 12-year-old son, said . “I was just looking at the wooden water main, how it was like wooden. I’m just trying to figure that out. Like, the water went through wood!”

Others reacted to early fire hoses.

“I didn’t know the old hoses were made out of leather,” Michele Jordan said.

A Boy Scout troop from Hatboro tried racing to put on fire uniforms the fastest.

“They seem to be enjoying it,” Troop leader Keith Grimes said.

Inside the museum, the event also underscored the risks modern firefighters continue to face. A memorial wall features the names of more than 300 Philadelphia fire fighters killed in the line of duty.

“I’m the person who puts those names on when members die in the line of duty,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s volunteer or paid: the mission is still the same. First responders have an obligation to keep the citizens safe and protect their property, and that mission is still carried on today.”

The “52 Weeks of Firsts” series is part of Philadelphia’s lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a new historic “first” each week through the end of the year.

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.

By Liz Crawford

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A South Jersey mom surprised her son with Eagles tickets Sunday, and it turned into a nightmare. When they left the game, her car was gone. She thought it was stolen, but police told her it was courtesy towed. As of Thursday evening, her car is still missing, and Jacquie Martin doesn’t know if it was courtesy towed, stolen, or both.

Martin was thrilled to snag tickets to the Eagles’ playoff game Sunday against the 49ers and couldn’t wait to surprise her 16-year-old son.

“He was like, what!?! He was very excited,” she said.

Martin said parking was impossible when she got to the sports complex, so she decided to park her car on 7th Street, not far from Pattison Avenue. She admitted she parked it illegally, along with a long row of other illegally parked cars on 7th Street.

After the game, she returned to the spot and said it was gone. Martin said at first, she thought it might have been stolen or towed to the impound lot because she parked in a No Stopping zone, but the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has no record of it being ticketed or towed. On Monday, she says a police officer told her he had good news.

“Your car was courtesy towed. And I said what do you mean courtesy towed?” Martin said.

A courtesy tow is when a parked car gets legally moved to make way for utility work or a special event, among other things. Police, the PPA or a private tower could be behind the tow.

Martin said police told her, “An officer used an outside vendor to tow my car, somewhere, not in an impound lot, but on a street somewhere and I have to go find it,” she said.

On Monday, Martin said she and her 80-year-old mom drove all around the area and never found it. The next day, she went to the police department’s 3rd District.

According to the city, if a car is courtesy towed, the district should have a record of it, but they didn’t. Instead, Martin said an officer offered to drive her around and look for the car. They never found it, and she ultimately filed a stolen vehicle report. By Thursday, she said her insurance agent found a clue and sent her an email.

It showed her car had been spotted by a police license plate reader at 2 a.m. on Monday, less than a mile from where she says she parked it before the game. CBS News Philadelphia checked that location Thursday afternoon, and it wasn’t there.

“It’s a nightmare. It’s crazy. Because nothing makes sense, right?” Martin said.

She’s still hoping her car turns up, especially because she only has two payments left on the loan.

CBS Philadelphia also reached out to the Streets Department to see if they know anything. We haven’t heard back yet.

Meantime, she’s not the only one exasperated by the city’s towing policies. A CBS News Philadelphia investigation last spring found courtesy tows in Philadelphia can leave people searching for their cars and paying fines. In October 2023, Philadelphia City Council adopted a resolution to hold hearings to investigate courtesy towing. They have yet to hold a single hearing.

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.