Category: CNN Regional

By Alex Barber

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    ROWAN COUNTY, Kentucky (WLEX) — A 10-year-old boy with autism in Rowan County has published his first book — a colorful alphabet learning guide illustrated entirely with his own monster drawings — and is using proceeds to support first responders.

Bryce Morrison, a fourth-grader at McBrayer Elementary in Morehead, has Level 2 autism and has spent years expressing his emotions through drawing. His father, Ryan Morrison, saved those drawings and eventually helped turn them into a published book.

“We’ve been saving all his drawings and we had stacks,” Ryan said. “We took his best ones and tried to get it published, just trying to preserve his drawings.”

The result is “Alphabet Monsters,” an A-to-Z learning book published last month. The book features Bryce’s original monster illustrations paired with letters of the alphabet, designed to help young readers learn while showing that monsters don’t have to be scary.

“Everything has a story. They are all positive. None of his monsters are scary and he gives disclaimers how they’re really nice,” Ryan said.

Bryce has also been donating copies to his local school library, the Rowan County Public Library and several “leave a book, take a book” blessing boxes around the city. He donated books to his former elementary school in Woodford County, where he attended kindergarten through third grade, and his teacher there turned the book into a lesson plan — having students draw the monsters and learn the alphabet.

“He is really concerned about helping everybody,” Ryan said.

Beyond promoting reading, Bryce is using his book to give back to Rowan County EMS. Ryan has worked as an EMT for seven years and has been with Rowan County EMS since October. Proceeds from every “Alphabet Monsters” book sold will go toward purchasing sensory kits for first responders.

“They’re called ‘Carter Kits.’ They are sensory kits that go on the ambulance. That include things that will help kids and adults that have autism,” Ryan said.

For Ryan, the book represents something bigger than reading or fundraising.

“For him and us parents it gives us and other people hope that they aren’t limited and that they can do these types of things,” Ryan said.

Bryce is already working on his next book, which will focus on teaching numbers.

The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart.

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 Kate Devine

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    WICHITA, Kansas (KAKE) — A Wichita couple says nearly everything they owned was stolen from their storage unit at Prime Storage near 13th and Maize.

Muirgheal Redford and Adrian McCorgary said they had been renting the unit since December. On Sunday, they went to pick up tools for work and found the unit almost completely empty.

“We arrived here to pick up some tools,” Redford said. “As he’s opening the door, as he’s rolling it up, at my feet I see a coat and a big cardboard tube that I assumed had posters or something in it. And as I look up, we just see everything’s gone. It’s kind of shell shock, really. Every single thing you own missing.”

The couple said whoever broke in did not get through the front door.

“They unscrewed the wall paneling on their side of the unit on the inside, took the panel down and gained access to our unit, and then were able to undo our lock from the wall, from the inside of the unit,” McCorgary said.

Redford and McCorgary estimate between $80,000 and $100,000 worth of belongings were taken, including collectibles, appliances, furniture and business items.

“Pretty much any appliance or furniture we’ve had our entire lives, going back to our childhood,” Redford said.

The couple said some of the most painful losses are the things that cannot be replaced.

“Great-grandmother’s handwritten recipes were in a box,” Redford said. “She made stained glass art, so some stained glass pictures from her, and then childhood blankets and other blankets with our names embroidered, and her letterman jacket from high school.”

McCorgary said he also lost family keepsakes.

The couple said it looked like the theft involved more than one person.

“It looks like it was cleared out by multiple people, by multiple vehicles,” McCorgary said. “It wasn’t just one person. It looks like it was a crew of people.”

Redford and McCorgary said they are still working through the insurance process and waiting for updates in the case.

“We’re still figuring out the insurance,” McCorgary said. “We were refunded our last month of rent. The general manager fought for that for us. Other than that, we haven’t been told anything. We haven’t been contacted by the detective on our case yet, so we’re not sure what’s going to happen.”

They said the insurance they were told about would only cover $3,000, and the maximum protection plan offered through the company would only cover up to $10,000.

McCorgary said they are leaning on family as they try to move forward.

“Everything minus two suitcases of clothing that we both brought to a family’s house is gone,” Redford said.

“The hope is insurance covers some of it,” Redford said. “The other hope is that anything that isn’t of value but has a lot of sentimental value, maybe we can find it dumped somewhere or someone has the sense about them to maybe turn some of it back in.”

A GoFundMe has been set up for the couple. You can find it here: gofund.me/98fe78e14

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 Abby Wray

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    TOPEKA, Kansas (KAKE) — A program that benefits cats, dogs, the Helping Hands Humane Society and the residents of Topeka Correctional Facility, the only women’s prison in the state, offers its residents the chance to not only train animals before they are adopted, but also cuddle with kittens and puppies for a purpose.

About a year ago, Topeka Correctional Facility started the PHAT cat program- placing homeless and terrific cats- where residents would care for and nurse kittens and cats in need.

That program has grown and expanded, and now includes Pawsitive Pathways, allowing residents training opportunities that are truly transformational. Because of these programs, now both incarcerated women and local animals in need have a new leash on life.

Ruby Mata-Hernandez is one of 16 residents at Topeka Correctional Facility with a big responsibility.

“Cause that’s what we do, we train them, we care for them, and we make sure they are not dogs that bite,” explained Mata-Hernandez.

She’s part of the Pawsitive Pathways program, helping to provide behavioral, obedience, leashing, and kennel training to dogs from the Helping Hands Humane Society.

“It’s a rewarding feeling because they grow so fast, and I just love playing with them. They have a little personality, each one of them- this is Nova right here,” said Mata-Hernandez.

Mata-Hernandez says she had never really had a dog before her time in prison, so it’s taken time to learn every aspect of caring for the animals full-time, but she says it’s all worth it.

Residents work in three shifts, and they are in charge of bathing the dogs and sanitizing their facilities. And there can be a lot to clean with upwards of 70 animals in their care at one time.

The program actually started as the PHAT cat program – placing homeless and terrific cats, but now, dogs and cats alike receive training and care from residents of the prison.

Topeka Correctional Facility got its first dog back in August 2025, but the program has grown since then. Now residents spend about three hours a day training little puppies like this, while the bigger dogs require about six hours of training on a daily basis.

Helping Hands Humane Society says when the animals leave the prison for adoption, they’re incredibly well socialized, far exceeding the original expectations of the program.

“We get compliments when people come to adopt of how friendly, and well-behaved, and already learning training these puppies and kitties are that they’re meeting, so we know that they are getting really good quality interactions with the people out there,” said Emi Griess, the communications coordinator at His Helping Hands Humane Society.

So far, 138 animals have come through the program- each one quickly adopted after 6-11 weeks of training at the prison.

“It makes me feel accomplished at the end. Even if it’s sad when the puppies leave, it makes me feel good that I did something productive,” said Mata-Hernandez.

Another incredibly positive aspect is an incentive program that reaches all residents at Topeka Correctional. “People will actually stay out of trouble in order to cuddle with the puppies for 15 minutes,” explained Mata-Hernandez.

Officials say that since puppy cuddle time has been offered as an incentive, disciplinary reports at the prison have decreased 27%.

“They help people that are going through things. Like being with a puppy makes everything better,” said Mata-Hernandez.

The goal of the program is not just to benefit the animals, but the people taking care of them, too.

“Some of them, when they leave, they’re going to be able to work at any kennel they want to or maybe even get their foot in the door at a grooming salon for pets or those types of things,” said Ashley Jackman, a TCF employee and PREA compliance manager.

Mata-Hernandez says when she gets out of prison, she wants to pursue dog training, providing puppies with consistency and care to transform their lives.

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 KITV Web Staff

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    KILAUEA, Hawaii (KITV) — The 46th episode of Kilauea that begun on Tuesday morning end after over 9 hours of fountaining, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed.

Lava fountaining began in Halema’uma’u at the summit at 8:17 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

USGS officials reported that the north vent fountain heights are currently reaching 500 ft. The National Weather Service forecasts light and variable winds becoming southeast 5 to 7 mph Tuesday morning, which suggests that volcanic gas emissions and tephra may be distributed throughout the summit region.

The eruptions ended abruptly at 5:22 p.m. after 9 hours of continuous lava fountaining. Tephra fall from volcanic ash clouds has only reached within 3 miles of the vents, while lighter ash and Pele’s Hair may appear further from the vents.

Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.

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 Jenna Wells

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    MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (WDJT) — This week, many animal rescues are preparing to pick up beagles, after Ridglan Farms struck an agreement with Big Dog Ranch Rescue to release 1,500 dogs into their care.

Many of those beagles will end up at rescues in Milwaukee and eventually will be available for adoption.

Thrifted Kittens Animal Rescue in Milwaukee is one of many that picked up dogs on Monday, May 4.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue connected with Thrifted Kittens recently, asking if they were able to help.

“We’re a pretty small rescue, so we couldn’t take a lot,” said Emilie Rackovan, Thrifted Kittens’ director. “But we had to do something, so we agreed to take four.”

Thrifted Kittens volunteers also helped Big Dog Ranch with veterinary needs on site Monday.

Now Daffy, Gordon, Timothy, and Banjo are settling into their new Milwaukee foster homes.

“Every moment is learning something new about them,” Rackovan said. “They’re like, fresh off the transport van.”

While Thrifted Kittens mostly fosters cats, they also take in dogs with special needs that could make shelter life difficult, and these beagles fit right in.

“I knew this would be a little bit of a challenge, and a good experience,” said Judy Carlson, a volunteer and foster for Thrifted Kittens.

She, Rackovan, and two other foster parents spent Tuesday watching these pups transform from nervous to curious.

“Everything is a new smell at this point to him,” Carlson said about her foster, Gordon. “He just wanted to go all around the house, check everything out.”

“He wanted to be near me at all times, so he actually slept in my bed, which I don’t usually do with fosters,” Rackovan said about her foster, Daffy.

The dogs have been figuring out different floors, stairs, and even foods.

“It doesn’t seem like they know how to eat hard food or anything, which is really interesting. They’re not really interested in treats or anything,” Rackovan explained. “We have a whole array of different types of food, and all these different things, so we can learn about them, and see what they like.”

While in foster homes, the dogs will be neutered and receive any needed medical care. Big Dog Ranch Rescue has already given them initial vaccinations and microchips.

Once the time is right, many of the rescued beagles will be ready for adoption.

Every dog is an individual. One might be ready right away, and one might need months,” Rackovan explained. “We really have no idea, so we’re just taking it day by day.”

What is certain is that these pups are special, silly, and full of love to give.

“Each one of them has completely distinct personalities,” Rackovan said. “It’s really cool to be able to see that.”

Rackovan estimates all four dogs are between six months to one year old, as they each have tattoos on their right ears indicating they were born in 2025.

For now, she said the best way to support the beagles is to donate to the rescues who are caring for them, as they’ll need to funding for supplies, care, transport, and medical needs. Many rescues are also in need of foster homes.

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 Kimberly King

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Asheville City Council is set to take up a major funding decision next week: whether to direct more than $18 million in disaster recovery money toward future affordable apartment projects while many homeowners are still waiting on help.

The debate heads to full council Tuesday after the housing development committee voted to advance it. At issue is how to allocate recovery dollars from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, known as a Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), tied to Hurricane Helene.

City staff says 132 homes are currently waiting for rebuilds or repairs. So far, just one home has been completed, and seven have been approved for work in Asheville city limits.

During a committee meeting, Councilwoman Sage Turner voiced frustration with the pace of progress for residents.

“I don’t feel like our residents’ homes are getting fixed,” said Turner.

At the same time, the city is recommending three public-private apartment developments, including one along Tunnel Road. The plan would allocate $18 million toward 331 units.

City staff says a May 15 application deadline is approaching, tied to the state for review.

Bridget Herring, Asheville’s Helene funding coordinator, said timing is critical to ensure projects move forward.

“It’s time-sensitive to try and move forward the projects we think are most likely to get built as quickly as possible,” said Herring.

But the broader financial picture raises concerns for Councilwoman Turner. City staff estimates it could cost between $30 million and $40 million to fully repair and rebuild Helene-damaged homes—potentially more than what’s currently set aside for housing recovery.

Turner listed her priorities with federal funds for recovery.

“I am putting fixing people’s homes at the top, fixing infrastructure at the top and subsidizing affordable apartments below both of those,” Turner said. “I don’t want to just build apartment complexes in place of fixing people’s homes.”

Other council members signaled that they are ready to continue the discussion at the full council level. Councilwoman Sheneika Smith supported moving the proposal forward, along with Committee Chair Antanette Mosley.

Beyond the immediate proposal, city staff is recommending a broader reallocation of $225 million in CDBG-DR recovery funds:

Housing: $41 million Infrastructure: $115 million Economic revitalization: $52 million Planning: $3.79 million Administration: $11.2 million

The final decision now rests with the full council, where debate is expected to continue over how best to balance urgent home repairs with long-term housing development.

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 Max Williams

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    FREMONT, Nebraska (KMTV) — Three Rivers Public Health Department in Fremont is offering free colon cancer screening, radon and well water testing kits to residents — and they are available every day, not just at special events.

The department held a drive-thru style giveaway on Monday, making it easy for residents to pick up testing supplies. Fremont resident Martina French stopped by while running errands.

“I was just running errands and my good friend Ashley asked me to pick up some radon kits for her so this is great,” French said.

Katie Schultis, director of environmental programs and special projects at Three Rivers Public Health Department, said radon testing is especially critical in Nebraska because the state has the third most high-risk counties in the country.

“The environment you spend the most time in for a lot of folks our kiddos our older adults is at home is where you spend the most time,” Schultis said.

Lead exposure is also a concern in the area. 65% of houses in Dodge, Washington, and Saunders counties were built before lead paint was banned. The department offered lead testing equipment at the event, allowing residents to test everyday household items.

Fremont resident Nelle Richardson used the equipment to test plates she inherited from her grandmother. A reading over 1 milligram of lead paint per square centimeter can put harmful amounts of lead in the body. Her plates tested positive, coming back at over 10.

Fremont resident Rebecca Flores brought her grandchildren to the event because she wanted to protect her family from lead exposure.

“It’s very important because we also have our animals out there our cats and dogs and stuff and we don’t give them water from the sink we give them the bottled water,” Flores said.

All of the testing kits available at the drive-thru event are free and available daily at the Three Rivers Public Health Department.

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