Category: CNN Regional

By Kayla Morton

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    FEDERALSBURG, Maryland (WBAL) — A Caroline County farm owner is facing an estimated $500,000 loss after a chicken house fire on Sunday.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal said an electrical or mechanical failure in the tunnel fan of a chicken house in the 6600 block of Reliance Road in Federalsburg created a fire that quickly spread.

A release from the state fire marshal said 35,000 chickens died when the interior caught fire and the building was eventually leveled. The chickens, valued at $1 each, contributed $35,000 toward the estimated damages.

It took 60 Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Department firefighters more than one hour to get the fire under control, the release also said.

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By Brooke Kinebrew

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    CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, California (KSBW) — Carmel Owls, a nonprofit organization, is installing platforms for great horned owls across the Monterey Peninsula to help homeowners address rodent problems naturally.

“A lot of people have problems with rats eating their car wiring harnesses, which are soy-based, since 2015,” said Paul Falworth, chief owl officer of Carmel Owls.

The group completed the second phase of its installations, putting up eight platforms last week and another eight this week.

They aim to install 35 platforms this year, each designed to last about 30 years.

Great horned owls begin searching for nesting spots in December-January, with nesting season starting in February.

Owl families can consume about seven rodents a night for two to three months.

“It’s returning to natural predation, trying to get rid of rodenticides, which has a lot of secondary kill when you spread poison in your backyard, obviously, dogs and cats and other raptors,” Falworth said.

Volunteers build and install the platforms for free, but only about one in 10 applicants qualify for installation. Robb Talbott, a property owner who had a platform installed last week, said rodents have caused significant damage to equipment and problems around his home for years.

“The bird will do the rest, so we don’t poison the environment. I’ve never used poison to kill gophers,” Talbott said. “We’re hoping for our family to come when the season chooses, to help us. Until then, we trap every single day.”

Stevenson School recently had a platform installed next to its new science building, providing students with an opportunity to observe the owls from the third floor for educational purposes.

“We never know if a mating pair of owls are going to find a nest and actually inhabit it. But, if they do, I’m all ready to put up a cam and have it livestreamed and have people from wherever they are, they can keep track of the owls,” said Andrew Czerny, a science teacher at Stevenson School.

Carmel Owls said they hope to see owls move into the platforms by next April, though it could take a year or two.

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By Hamilton Kahn

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    ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — Thanks to the magic of music, nine-year-old Hunter Rael’s story of his heart transplant — in his own words, with imaginative enhancement — filled Popejoy Hall with love and admiration on Sunday.

Hunter is still recovering from the transplant in Denver with his mother, Anna Moya, but they were able to be there virtually.

The Albuquerque Youth Orchestra’s original music, with student Carlos Hovey reciting Hunter’s story, moved the audience and transcended the medical ordeal he experienced after he was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. Here’s an excerpt:

“For a couple of years, I did pretty well after being diagnosed, but during a routine CT scan, the doctors found out I needed a heart … Now I can’t do any activity at all, not even jump rope. That makes me sad.”

The story continues with Hunter saying he got into playing Minecraft, hanging out with his brother and cousin, and listening to Jelly Roll.

“Even though I can’t do a lot of things now, I know what I want to do when I grow up — be a police officer, because they help me. This is what I’m thinking about right when I start to go sleeping, right before my surgery. Everything goes away.

“Nice shot. Stop. Run to arrest. Get on the floor and make sure all the civilians are safe first, then chase the robber down the street. I’m very fast, but I still call for backup to make sure we keep the city safe. I yell at the radio, ‘Officer Noah, I need backup now.’ Just when I’m about to lose the robber, Officer Noah kills me.

“Together we save the day and catch the bank robber. Then, something amazing happens. I imagine I’m getting hurt, and it turns me into Iron Man. I find fans. A very bad guy is with us. He’s trying to take over the world and turn everyone into dust. With my super strong, brand-new heart, I win the battle against Thanos and save the world.”

Hunter’s mom, Anna, told KOAT about the joy, appreciation and compassion she felt from the orchestra’s performance.

“Pretty awesome. Pretty cool to hear Hunter’s story and the music,” Anna said. “It really touches the heart. They went out of their way to make a cool story about Hunter. It’s very humbling to know that they care about Hunter so much. They were able to do this for him and make it special for him and tell his story.”

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By Maricela De La Cruz

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    MODESTO, California (KCRA) — California peach growers are facing significant challenges after the closure of the Del Monte cannery in Modesto earlier this year, which left hundreds unemployed and growers uncertain about their future.

“I would have at least three to four more years out of these trees,” said Ranjit Davit, a peach grower in Sutter County.

Davit is one of about 70 growers across the state now working to remove 60 acres of cling peach trees after losing contracts with Del Monte.

“We have about 70 growers who have been left behind as part of the Del Monte bankruptcy, and as a result of the bankruptcy, we have watched our industry shrink by 25% virtually overnight,” said Rich Hudgins, president of the California Canning Peach Association.

Davit expressed his surprise at the closure, saying, “I never thought the name Del Monte would go away ever.”

“We thought it was kind of guaranteed,” Davit said. “We know they’ve had their issues, but we never thought they’d go away, so it was a shock to us.”

The impact of the closure extends beyond the orchards.

“We had to lay off and probably use half the seasonal workers that we would normally use,” Davit said.

Approximately 70% of the growers affected by the closure are located in the Yuba-Sutter area. While many farmers are still figuring out their next steps, the USDA has announced a $9 million funding package to help remove clingstone peach trees. Hudgins explained, “It doesn’t buy new trees, it simply allows the grower to prepare the ground to plant new trees.”

The California Canning Peach Association is contributing an additional $1 million, bringing the total funding to $10 million. The funds will help remove about 3,000 acres of peach trees across the state.

Despite the relief, farmers say the transition remains difficult.

“It’s extremely difficult. We put a lot of money and our heart into these orchards, and now that they’re coming out with no home to go, it hurts,” Davit said. “We got to transition into another commodity, takes a lot of time and money, and three to four years with no income.”

Next week, rows of green peach trees in Sutter County will be replaced by empty dirt, a visible reminder of how quickly the industry has changed.

“We’re seeing troubles in all industries,” Davit said. “We see other large companies, whether it be walnuts or almonds, that are going out of business as well, so it’s definitely very concerning.”

Farmers could begin receiving funds to remove trees in about two months.

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By Chloe Godding

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    JOHNSON COUNTY, Kansas (KMBC) — Newly released court documents are shedding light on a 3-year-old’s death after she was found unresponsive in a hot car in Johnson County, Kansas.

Tyler Pence was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment after he was accused of leaving the 3-year-old and a younger child in a hot car on Sept. 3, 2025. Pence was arrested in April 2026.

According to an affidavit, Pence called 911 at 5:22 p.m. on Sept. 3 and told dispatchers that his daughter was not breathing.

Deputies responded to eastbound K-10 Highway in Johnson County and found Pence’s 2019 Buick Encore with all the windows down.

A 3-year-old girl was unresponsive in a car seat in the backseat, according to court documents. She was reportedly pale and covered in sweat.

A 2-year-old boy also appeared unresponsive in the backseat. Deputies gently shook him, and he responded lethargically.

Despite efforts by medical crews, the 3-year-old was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. The 2-year-old was hospitalized.

Pence told law enforcement officers that he had left his Overland Park residence at 4 p.m. and drove toward Lawrence to look at apartments. He said he and the children had been driving around for 20 minutes, according to court documents. Pence said he did not work that morning and that the children had been with him the whole time.

Deputies noted the vehicle’s air conditioning was turned on low with the fan at full blast. They also noticed that Pence did not appear to be sweating, according to court documents.

Investigators began work to figure out what happened leading up to the girl’s death.

They determined via a weather report that the lowest temperature recorded from 3 p.m. to 5:18 p.m. on Sept. 3 was 85 degrees. A medical examiner said conditions in the vehicle could have reached up to 130 degrees, according to court documents.

Detectives spoke with Pence’s colleagues, who said he showed up for his normal shift, which was 3 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., on Sept. 3. One of those colleagues told detectives that they had told Pence to go home that day because he had been sick, but he said he wanted to start his shift and get everyone organized before leaving.

Surveillance of entrances and exits showed that Pence arrived for work at 2:59 p.m. and got into his vehicle at 5:19 p.m. Surveillance video at a nearby gas station showed Pence purchasing a snack and two kids’ drinks just before that shift, consistent with what was found in the vehicle.

Based on security footage, detectives allege in the affidavit that Pence left the young children in the car, which was not running and had the windows rolled up, for 139 minutes.

Detectives spoke with other parties throughout the investigation, including a babysitter, who said she told Pence she could not watch the kids on Sept. 3. Another person told detectives that at a family gathering on Aug. 29, she told Pence that she wasn’t working at the moment and could watch the kids if he needed. At that time, Pence reportedly wrote down his work schedule, including Sept. 3.

During a formal interview, Pence reportedly told detectives the air conditioning had been out in his vehicle and he had not been able to get it fixed. He said that he had left his place around 4 p.m. to look at apartments.

Detectives said a license plate reader captured him on K-10 at 2:48 p.m. Pence then apologized, according to court documents, and said it could have been 3 p.m. He again said he did not work and was off that day.

The 2-year-old was transferred to a standard pediatrics room in the hospital in October 2025. Court documents did not include the 3-year-old’s exact cause of death.

Pence’s next court hearing is scheduled for July 6.

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By Abel Garcia

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    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Triple-digit temperatures are hitting Southern Nevada before summer has even officially started, and the people who spend their days outside are already feeling the impact.

Asphalt at a shopping center on the corner of Charleston and Rancho measured 136 degrees, while bus stops in the area were registering between 120 and 130 degrees — conditions that workers and transit riders are navigating every day.

A worker with a cleaning services company at the shopping center said the heat this year feels more intense than usual. He and his crew take a 10-minute break every 40 minutes, stepping into the shade or into their cars with the air conditioning running.

“It’s been very hot,” said Martha Rando, a regular bus rider.

Rando waited nearly an hour at one of those scorching bus stops for her bus to arrive.

“About an hour. It was an hour. I was an hour late for the appointments,” Rando said.

Pool plastering worker Erick Calderon said the extreme heat forces his crew to shift their schedule.

“We usually work like one, like we say just one hour difference earlier,” Calderon said.

Calderon said proper preparation is essential for anyone working outdoors.

“Our sombrero and our long sleeve shirts for the sun because without long sleeves….you would get burned,” Calderon said.

Calderon said the heat is no joke and urged everyone to dress appropriately, stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada told me it has secured a $750,000 federal grant to launch a program called “Let’s Go Prepared.” Over the next two years, the program will work to make the transit system more resilient to extreme weather. On Tuesday, the RTC’s Summer Heat Team was out at bus stops distributing water bottles to help riders stay cool.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KTNV verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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By Jarah Wright

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    LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Should spousal privilege be lifted so a possible murder confession can be admitted in court?

That’s what prosecutors are asking a judge, according to new court documents.

This all stems from an incident in November 2024. Las Vegas police received a report from the officer manager of an HOA who was concerned that she hadn’t seen resident 68-year-old Monique Gilbertson in at least a week, that Gilbertson lived alone with her dogs and birds, and an unknown vehicle was parked in front of her house.

When officers arrived at the home, court documents state officers knocked on the front door for over 45 minutes with no response. However, after they saw several dogs and excrement, they contacted a locksmith to remove the lock on the outer screen door and Daniel/Jazzlyn Roush opened the inner door. Officers also discovered Gina Lopez inside the home.

As officers searched the home, court records state officers looked “anywhere a person could be or a body could be.” They found a locked deep storage chest freezer that was covered in “blankets, towels, and junk.” The locksmith was called to open it and officers found Gilbertson wrapped in a tarp.

“It appeared to LVMPD officers that Gilbertson had been there for quite some time as her body was completely frozen, showing signs of frostbite, and smelled as if the body had begun to decompose,” court records state in part.

In addition to finding Gilbertson, records state police also found methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder and various drug paraphernalia.

During an interview with police, the officer manager told officers about a conversation she had with Gilbertson. Gilbertson said she met a transgender person, later identified as Roush, at Home Depot and she wanted to help Roush by letting them stay with her, records state.

“Within one week of Roush moving in, problems emerged. Gilbertson complained Roush was a filthy/messy person, and many of Gilbertson’s belongings mysteriously went missing. Drug paraphernalia also started to appear throughout the house,” court records read in part. “Gilbertson decided to contact a lawyer friend about eviction. Ultimately, Gilbertson kicked Roush out and changed the locks.”

That’s a different story than what Roush told police.

According to court records, Roush told officers that Gilbertson was “someone who used cocaine, opiates, and pain pills, and was also taking Ozempic.” They also said while Gilbertson briefly threatened to evict them, they had resolved those issues.

Roush said a week before Halloween, he returned to the house and found Gilbertson “slumped back in a chair in the ‘bird room’ with her head and arms hanging limp, rigid to the touch.” They also claimed there was powder and a straw on a nearby dining table, which Roush assumed was cocaine. Rather than call 911, Roush “panicked” and “claimed to be extremely afraid that, as someone who had recently moved in and had conflicts with Gilbertson, Roush would be suspected of causing Gilbertson’s death.”

They also state the next day, his wife, later identified as Lopez, wrapped Gilbertson in a tarp, emptied the freezer and placed the body inside. Roush also told officers they locked the freezer and cleaned up the drug paraphernalia, according to court records.

In an interview with detectives, Lopez told officers she had been married to Roush for about 16 years, and while they weren’t divorced, they had not been living together for years. She said Roush had come back into her life a month before Gilbertson’s death.

Lopez told officers that she and Roush used methamphetamine and that Roush dealt drugs as their “sole means to make money and had been supplying Gilbertson with cocaine and fentanyl.”

While Lopez initially told officers that she had nothing to do with placing Gilbertson in the freezer, court records show officers found Lopez’s DNA on a towel inside the freezer and Gilbertson’s identification was in Lopez’s purse.

According to records, detectives “also confronted Lopez with anonymous tips alleging that she had not only supplied drugs to Gilbertson but had also smothered her.” Lopez initially denied those claims but disclosed that “Roush had told her, during the car ride to the residence on the night of the arrest, that Gilbertson had been overdosing in her chair and that Roush had smothered her with a pillow because she panicked and did not want to be blamed for the overdose.”

Lopez then admitted to grabbing Gilbertson by the ankles while Roush took her under the arms and that together they placed Gilbertson into the freezer,” records state.

The question is if those admissions will be allowed in court due to spousal privilege.

In Nevada, spousal privilege protects married couples from being forced to testify against each other, either through testimony or protecting private, confidential conversations during marriage. There are certain exceptions. For example, spouses suing each other in civil court cases and juvenile or family court proceedings to protect children from abuse or neglect.

Prosecutors are asking the court to rule that spousal privilege doesn’t apply in this case because while the two are legally married, “they have been irreconcilably separated for numerous years.” They also argue spousal privilege does not apply because they fall under the crime-fraud exception, which allows such communications.

Court records show that Judge Tierra Jones has set an evidentiary hearing to discuss the matter on Thursday.

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By Colette Bordelon

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    DENVER (KMGH) — In the final days of the 2026 legislative session, two Colorado mothers are taking a stand for their sons who were killed by police through a bill they believe will help other families in the future.

Senate Bill 26-190 would require law enforcement agencies share recordings of deadly encounters involving civilians with their families before the public. In addition, it would implement protocols around investigations worked by several agencies, and restrict attorneys or officers from making statements that could “prejudice legal proceedings.”

Basic information like charges, public records, investigation status, and arrest details could still be shared publicly.

According to State Senate President James Coleman, D-District 33, this concept has been in the works since the beginning of the year.

“The bill ultimately does two things in the name of transparency. One is making sure that families can get access to body cam footage in a reasonable amount of time, as well as some kind of communication from the department where the interaction happened with law enforcement and the individual,” Coleman said. “I want to be clear: This bill was way bigger than that in the beginning. There’s a lot of issues that we need to address when it comes to relationships between law enforcement and community. But, we thought this is a great start.”

SB26-190 would require law enforcement agencies proactively provide relevant video and audio recordings when officers kill a person to their immediate family within 21 days of the incident.

A family member could decline viewing or listening to such recordings.

In addition, families would have to be notified of their right to view the footage at least 72 hours before it is released to the public.

“We just want to make sure that the measures are in place, so that in the case of something unfortunate happening, that families can get information. You get clarity,” said Coleman. “We know that it’s not going to necessarily be the perfect solution, but it’s a solution that gets us a better outcome for the families.”

Those unedited recordings would be available to anyone upon request, but only after that 21-day family notification period has ended.

Within the first day of any use-of-force incidents where a person is killed, law enforcement agencies must update all known immediate family members of the victim on the current status of the investigation and inform them of every agency that is part of the investigation.

Coleman believes the bill, which is being run by Democratic lawmakers, will pass out of both chambers before the end of the session.

“I’m the Senate President. Not the president of the Democrats or Republicans or the Black community only, but I am Black, and have a responsibility to people who look like me to make sure that I’m running these policies that impact — not just us — we believe everybody will be impacted by this in a positive way,” said Coleman. “The folks who need some kind of direction in terms of how they better communicate with families and body cam footage when it comes to these incidents, they’ll have a blueprint to utilize.”

LaRonda Jones understands the pain of losing a loved one at the hands of law enforcement.

“There’s no backing down. There’s no moving aside,” Jones said. “I’m standing strongly until this fight is completely over, until we get justice for my son, Kylin Lewis, and to let the officers know that things are about to change.”

Kilyn Lewis, 37, was unarmed when he was shot and killed by an Aurora SWAT officer in May of 2024.

“I cannot watch the body cam footage because I don’t want to see the last things that my son did — because of our closeness, our relationship — I want to see remember him in the peaceful moments that we had,” Jones explained. “For other families that would like to see the full scope what happened to their loved one, what this bill, 190, does for them… Whatever the case may be, they’ll be able to see what happened in those moments.”

Jones, alongside Veronica Seabron, came to the Colorado State Capitol to watch SB26-190 during its second reading on the Senate floor on Friday.

“You lose a loved one, time keeps going, but in your heart, the time stops,” Seabron said.

Her son, 23-year-old Jalin Seabron, was shot and killed by a Douglas County deputy when responding to a shooting inside the Main Event in Highlands Ranch in Feb. of 2025.

“I wanted to see the footage. I never heard anything back from the police until I actually got an attorney. And then once I got an attorney, then they allowed me to go to the police station to see the video with my attorney,” Seabron said. “Me and my attorney saw the video, but the public didn’t, so I felt like I was the only one who knew what really happened before all the speculations were put out.”

Seabron believes SB26-190 will give future families the ability to see that footage, if they would like to, in a timely manner.

“This bill would be fantastic for other mothers to not just start from square one,” said Seabron. “It’s been a wound that you have to reopen in order for people in society, for the public to see what is actually fair, what is fair for the living victims that are left.”

The families have worked closely with MiDian Shofner, the CEO of the Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership, on the legislation. Shofner said SB26-190 exemplifies practical, not just conceptual, legislation.

“The opportunity and the transparency that will come through this legislation is something that I don’t think we’ve seen in modern time,” Shofner said. “While we didn’t agree on everything, I have to applaud the legislators for holding the line to making sure that it was the families that were prioritized to ensure that we are not talking just about intent, but we are actually talking about and holding expectancy of impact.”

Shofner said SB26-190 is the first step in a “comprehensive legislative proposal” that is now taking shape.

In the first hearing for SB26-190, Republican lawmakers on the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee voted against advancing the legislation.

State Sen. Rod Pelton, a Republican who represents District 35, provided a statement to Denver7 explaining his position. Pelton said the bill is “another example of government rushing to politicize law enforcement,” and that the proposal “risks undermining due process, compromising active investigations, and fueling public outrage before all the facts are known.”

Read the full statement from Pelton here:

This bill (SB26-190) is another example of government rushing to politicize law enforcement instead of supporting the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. This bill risks undermining due process, compromising active investigations, and fueling public outrage before all the facts are known. Colorado families want safer streets and accountability, but they also want fairness and respect for the rule of law. I stand with law enforcement officers who deserve the same presumption of innocence and protections afforded to every citizen.

State Sen. Rod Pelton, R — District 35

The Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police has concerns with portions of the bill they believe could “create legal ambiguity and unintentionally discourage timely, factual communication with the public during critical moments.” The organization told Denver7 they support the goal of transparency for families and communities after such incidents and are working alongside lawmakers to ensure the legislation reflects that.

“Police chiefs have a responsibility to support thorough investigations while also helping keep their communities informed and safe. Clear communication helps prevent misinformation, reduce unnecessary community tension and provide important context,” a spokesperson for the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police said in a statement. “Our focus remains on ensuring any legislation strengthens transparency for families and communities without undermining public communication, transparency or community safety.”

In Colorado, Senate Bill 20-217 implemented an increased use of body-worn cameras. The following year, House Bill 21-1250 adjusted that original legislation, clarifying when body-worn cameras or dash cameras should be activated and setting certain provisions around how the footage is released.

SB26-190 has passed out of the Senate and is heading to the House of Representatives for consideration. There is no estimated cost to the state.

The 2026 legislative session ends on Wednesday.

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 Maggy Wolanske

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    DENVER (KMGH) — Goalies across the NHL have found unique ways to share their personality on their protective gear. Transforming their goalie masks with symbols and signs that fans have turned to love.

Colorado Avalanche Scott Wedgewood has burgundy and blue all over his helmet with designs of his daughter as Baby Peach and his two dogs. These helmet designs are not just for the pros; local youth proudly showcase their personalities and the motivation to play.

Scott Sage, a visual arts teacher at Trails West Elementary and die-hard Avs fan, transforms blank hockey masks into personalized artwork.

“It’s different working on helmets, just taking things from a 2-D aspect, or that’s just the design to putting it on to a 3-D surface,” said Sage. “I think it’s just, I don’t know, there’s something about just watching it come to life. I think the fun part for me is actually getting to sit down with the kids and actually ask them, like, what do you want it to look like?”

Working at Trails West Elementary is a full-circle moment for Sage, who attended the school. He remembers when his current classroom was a kindergarten room where he was picked up as a student outside.

“Both my parents were teachers growing up, so I always kind of knew that’s the route that I was going to take,” said Sage. “I love working with kids, and so getting my first full year in has just been unbelievable, and getting to know the kids really well.”

While art is one passion, hockey is another. He’s not only a proud Avalanche fan but also plays goalie and is thrilled with how the team is playing so far.

“Oh, I’m stoked, it’s eerily familiar to 2022, but I feel like we’re even stronger, especially with our goalies, and I think the lumber yard is the best in the league,” Sage said.

He has noticed the storytelling ability of hockey masks, where players can have their personalities shine on the ice through their gear.

One of the masks displays two wolves and is proudly worn by Amelia Howser. She described the special meaning this design has.

“I did wolves because they symbolize courageousness and relentlessness, and they symbolize what a goalie is actually like being about,” said Howser. “I picked ‘howler’ cause I grew up loving wolves. Me and my grandfather always used to howl at the moon every time I went over to his house, and he started calling me ‘howler.'”

While Sage has designed several goalie masks, the ones worn by his former students hold special meaning and are a reminder of the heart in hockey.

“Ultimately, that’s what you want to do as a teacher,” said Sage. “You want to leave marks on the kids and hope that when they leave, when they’re older, they still remember you and stuff like that. This is one way that they’re going to remember me as long as they’re wearing it, so I think that’s huge.”

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.