Category: CNN Regional

By Ashley Sharp

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    WOODLAND, California (KOVR) — Following a vicious attack by a large, loose dog on a small dog at a Woodland park, both the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and Yolo County Animal Control are investigating the incident, as potential criminal charges are pending for the owner of the dog responsible.

It happened on Saturday, March 14, at Campbell Park in Woodland.

Neighbor Tom Bowler tells CBS Sacramento he was just wrapping up a walk at the park with his 14-year-old rescue dog, Petey, when a loose dog he describes as a pit bull came running from the garage of a neighboring home.

“I did everything I could to save him. I still feel some guilt,” Bowler said.

Petey was rushed to the vet, where he eventually died from severe injuries to his neck and torso.

“He took Petey into his mouth and he held on to him for about two minutes, mauling him. I did everything I physically could do to try and release the grip of the Pitbull while yelling for help,” Bowler said.

Bowler says mid-attack, the dog’s owner eventually ran out from the open garage to help.

That neighbor, he says, was the first to report the attack to animal control.

“I asked the animal control officer where the dog was. He told me the dog would remain with the owner, because the owner told him that this had never occurred before. Well, if I were the owner, I’d say the same thing,” Bowler said. “I’m being told by the animal control officer that the maximum penalty for this is $500 and I’m faced with $10,000 plus in vet bills, which I could care less about. I’d give every every dime I’ve got to get my dog back. But something needs to be changed in the laws regarding this kind of stuff, because, clearly, a $500 fine, it does nothing. It’s meaningless.”

Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig told CBS News Sacramento on Tuesday that they have identified the dog’s owner and they could potentially face criminal charges, pending the completion of the investigation.

The dog responsible has not been taken by animal control at this time.

Across Campbell Park, Bowler hung flyers in Petey’s memory. He hopes other dog owners will be aware.

“It is kind of scary to hear that, because a lot of people here are dog lovers, you know, and so we want to protect our animals,” said Leslie Contreres, a neighbor walking her two small dogs at the park Tuesday evening.

She worries it could happen again and said she has had to run from another loose dog in the park in the past.

“It’s just being aware of what your abilities of your dog are, and if they can get out, you know. Accidents happen, but that’s a pretty serious accident,” Contreres said.

Last Tuesday, March 17, Bowler went to the Woodland City Council meeting and spoke in public comment to explain what happened and advocate for change.

“What I hope can come from this is some more proactive enforcement, maybe some new laws locally,” Bowler said at the podium.

“We’ll see what we can do, perhaps more patrols in that area if there is a continuing problem,” Mayor Tom Stallard responded, saying he, too, had lost a pet cat to a loose dog in the past.

It’s a petition for tougher consequences from a dog owner who says he never expected to lose the dog he adopted from the Yolo County SPCA at just 18 months old in this horrific way. He called Petey his best friend.

“The only reason I’m not crying now is I’m pretty much cried out, but to witness the carnage, the sounds, the sights, that’s something that’s in my head, and it is getting out of my head anytime soon, if ever,” Bowler said.

Almost exactly one month ago, CBS News Sacramento reported on another small dog being attacked and killed by a large dog in Natomas.

The Yolo County District Attorney’s office posted on social media Tuesday, reminding people of local leash laws across the county, sending a message that incidents like these will not be tolerated.

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.

KOVR

By Ashley Sharp

Click here for updates on this story

    WOODLAND, California (KOVR) — Following a vicious attack by a large, loose dog on a small dog at a Woodland park, both the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and Yolo County Animal Control are investigating the incident, as potential criminal charges are pending for the owner of the dog responsible.

It happened on Saturday, March 14, at Campbell Park in Woodland.

Neighbor Tom Bowler tells CBS Sacramento he was just wrapping up a walk at the park with his 14-year-old rescue dog, Petey, when a loose dog he describes as a pit bull came running from the garage of a neighboring home.

“I did everything I could to save him. I still feel some guilt,” Bowler said.

Petey was rushed to the vet, where he eventually died from severe injuries to his neck and torso.

“He took Petey into his mouth and he held on to him for about two minutes, mauling him. I did everything I physically could do to try and release the grip of the Pitbull while yelling for help,” Bowler said.

Bowler says mid-attack, the dog’s owner eventually ran out from the open garage to help.

That neighbor, he says, was the first to report the attack to animal control.

“I asked the animal control officer where the dog was. He told me the dog would remain with the owner, because the owner told him that this had never occurred before. Well, if I were the owner, I’d say the same thing,” Bowler said. “I’m being told by the animal control officer that the maximum penalty for this is $500 and I’m faced with $10,000 plus in vet bills, which I could care less about. I’d give every every dime I’ve got to get my dog back. But something needs to be changed in the laws regarding this kind of stuff, because, clearly, a $500 fine, it does nothing. It’s meaningless.”

Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig told CBS News Sacramento on Tuesday that they have identified the dog’s owner and they could potentially face criminal charges, pending the completion of the investigation.

The dog responsible has not been taken by animal control at this time.

Across Campbell Park, Bowler hung flyers in Petey’s memory. He hopes other dog owners will be aware.

“It is kind of scary to hear that, because a lot of people here are dog lovers, you know, and so we want to protect our animals,” said Leslie Contreres, a neighbor walking her two small dogs at the park Tuesday evening.

She worries it could happen again and said she has had to run from another loose dog in the park in the past.

“It’s just being aware of what your abilities of your dog are, and if they can get out, you know. Accidents happen, but that’s a pretty serious accident,” Contreres said.

Last Tuesday, March 17, Bowler went to the Woodland City Council meeting and spoke in public comment to explain what happened and advocate for change.

“What I hope can come from this is some more proactive enforcement, maybe some new laws locally,” Bowler said at the podium.

“We’ll see what we can do, perhaps more patrols in that area if there is a continuing problem,” Mayor Tom Stallard responded, saying he, too, had lost a pet cat to a loose dog in the past.

It’s a petition for tougher consequences from a dog owner who says he never expected to lose the dog he adopted from the Yolo County SPCA at just 18 months old in this horrific way. He called Petey his best friend.

“The only reason I’m not crying now is I’m pretty much cried out, but to witness the carnage, the sounds, the sights, that’s something that’s in my head, and it is getting out of my head anytime soon, if ever,” Bowler said.

Almost exactly one month ago, CBS News Sacramento reported on another small dog being attacked and killed by a large dog in Natomas.

The Yolo County District Attorney’s office posted on social media Tuesday, reminding people of local leash laws across the county, sending a message that incidents like these will not be tolerated.

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 Adam Rife

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    RACINE COUNTY, Wisconsin (WDJT) — Harry Wait has been found guilty on three of the four counts in his election fraud case. The jury found Wait guilty of two misdemeanor counts of election fraud against both Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Racine Mayor Cory Mason. He was also found guilty of one felony count of identity theft against Mason. Wait was not found guilty of a felony count of identity theft against Robin Vos.

The jury deliberated for more than three hours Tuesday evening.

Wait had admitted to requesting absentee ballots using the identities of Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Racine Mayor Cory Mason, claiming he did it to expose vulnerabilities in the system. But the state charged him with four counts, two of them felonies.

Wait took the stand Tuesday afternoon in his own defense. He always admitted he requested the ballots, but his defense is that he never intended to break the law.

Wait repeatedly testified he never thought he’d receive Vos and Mason’s ballots, never intended to vote with them and did not personally benefit from his actions.

But the state conducted a lengthy cross-examination that was contentious throughout.

They drilled down the fact Wait knew it was wrong to request the ballots and that people who break the law should be punished.

Judge: “You swore or affirmed things that were not true, right?” Wait: “Yes.” Judge: “And you have said, ‘I’m guilty, I stand ready to be charged?'” Wait: “Correct.” Judge: “You agree with me that people who harvest ballots should be held accountable?” Wait: “Absolutely.” Judge: “What does holding them accountable mean to you?” Wait: “Accountable means that you go to jail.”

A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Wait tells us his attorney plans to file an appeal.

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 Sara Roth , Tiffany Tarpley

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    ELYRIA, Ohio (WEWS) — Communities across Ohio that host recreational cannabis dispensaries are finally getting the tax revenue they were promised when voters approved adult-use marijuana in 2023.

According to state tax records, three communities in Lorain County collected nearly $820,000 in recreational cannabis tax revenue between September 2024 and November 2025. Elyria brought in the most at $374,000.

revenue?

Communities across Ohio that host recreational cannabis dispensaries are finally getting the tax revenue they were promised when voters approved adult-use marijuana in 2023. By: Sara Roth , Tiffany Tarpley Posted 8:07 AM, Mar 24, 2026 ELYRIA, Ohio — Communities across Ohio that host recreational cannabis dispensaries are finally getting the tax revenue they were promised when voters approved adult-use marijuana in 2023.

According to state tax records, three communities in Lorain County collected nearly $820,000 in recreational cannabis tax revenue between September 2024 and November 2025. Elyria brought in the most at $374,000.

Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker told Good Morning Cleveland anchor Tiffany Tarpley he wasn’t sure the city would ever see the money.

Payments had been on hold until the passage of Senate Bill 56 in December. The legislation directs 36% of cannabis tax revenues to communities with at least one licensed dispensary, while the other 64% goes to Ohio’s general fund.

Brubaker said Elyria expects to receive about $23,000 per month moving forward. The money will go into the city’s general fund to support operations across several departments.

“Twenty-three thousand on a $50 million general fund budget that we have, it’s kind of like a needle in a haystack; it’s not a lot, but it will help,” Brubaker said.

Elyria has two recreational cannabis dispensaries, including FRX, which also serves medical marijuana patients.

FRX General Manager Robert Horn told Tarpley that business has grown since recreational cannabis use became legal.

“I think it’s really beneficial for not only the city as far as the revenue they’re making, but for the people as well,” said Horn.

Sheffield Township is set to receive $168,000, though the township’s auditor told News 5 the community has not yet determined how the money will be used.

The City of Lorain received an initial payment of more than $275,000.

Lorain’s auditor sent News 5 a statement saying, “The cannabis revenue will be used to support all functions of the City including police and fire safety forces and general government operations such as the municipal courts, parks, and other general administrative departments. Future distributions may be designated for specific projects of the City by the administration but only by way of an ordinance or resolution passed by Council.”

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 Danny Valle

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    LANSING, Mich (WSYM) — Alfonso Salas went through personal threats in his mission to dedicate a street in Old Town Lansing to his hero Cesar Chavez.

It’s a cause he fought for. A movement he nearly paid a personal price to defend.

Now it’s at the center of one of the most difficult conversations Lansing’s Latino community has ever had to have.

Alfonso Salas, owner of Atlantic Athletics, was a key figure in the movement to rename Grand River Avenue to Cesar Chavez Avenue in Lansing. Salas says he condemns the sexual abuse allegations against Chavez but urges the public to weigh his national legacy before deciding to rename the street. The City of Lansing will begin formal discussions on a possible renaming Thursday, March 26, at 4 p.m. on the 10th floor of City Hall.

Salas, who has operated Atlantic Athletics in Lansing for years, didn’t hesitate when asked about his reaction to the bombshell New York Times report detailing sexual abuse allegations against the iconic labor leader, including allegations involving women and children, and fellow United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta.

“We were saddened, just like thousands of people. [Chavez] was a person that we look up to, he was one of our mentors,” Salas said. “He should be judged on two levels, as an individual and also on the national level.”

On the individual level, Salas didn’t mince words.

“I believe that if he abused a woman and he did what they say he did, then he should be condemned” he said. “We all have daughters, we have sisters, relatives, and we don’t want our family members to go through that.”

City Council member Trini Lopez Pehlivanoglu announced that the Committee on City Operations will meet Thursday, March 26, at 4 p.m. for a discussion on a draft resolution to rename the avenue.

The meeting will be held on the 10th floor of City Hall in the city council conference room.

“Please note this is the first step in the process and there will be several additional opportunities for community conversations and public input,” Pehlivanoglu wrote on her city council Facebook page.

Changes to Chavez’s legacy have been debated nationwide since the NYT report surfaced.

Lansing has already canceled The Legacy for Cesar Chavez Dinner that was scheduled for March 25. Michigan State University changed a website once named after Chavez and Huerta to “Farmworker Appreciation and Commemorative Celebration.”

For Salas, the timing brings up an old wound.

Salas was one of the community leaders behind the push to rename Grand River Avenue to Cesar Chavez Avenue, facing fierce backlash at times.

Salas remembers buying a trailer as a gift for his daughter’s wedding when he received a threatening phone call.

“They said, ‘We know where you live, you trailer trash. Why don’t you put your street sign, Cesar Chavez, in front of your trailer?'” Salas recalled. “I had to go in and remove my daughter from the trailer because I thought they were going to go and bomb it or burn it.”

“I went through hell,” Salas said. “That’s how bad some of the things went.”

Years later Salas finds himself in the middle of the debate again this time from a different angle. He said abuse cannot be excused but asks people to slow down.

“I wish that people were, before they come to judgment, to conclusion, that they’ll think it over and do some research,” he said.

For Salas, the name on that street has never just been about one man.

“By taking the name out, I feel like we’re taking the name out not only of him, but the fight for the farm workers,” he said. “They’re the ones that put food on our tables. And we need to continue the cause.”

Salas’ connection to that cause is personal. After graduating, Salas joined a union shop at General Motors, a path he credits directly to Chavez’s labor advocacy, and eventually opened his own business.

“I am where I am because of him,” he said. “And this is just me. There are a lot of other people like me.”

If it were up to him, the name would stay, not to honor the man, but the movement.

Salas suggested if a change does happen that the street be named after someone who made a tangible difference in Lansing’s Latino community, like Tony Benavides, the city’s first Latino mayor.

But Salas is clear that the decision ultimately belongs to the people.

“It’s up to the community. It’s up to the people to decide what they’re going to do,” Salas said.

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

By Lauren Crawford

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    GRAPEVINE-COLLEYVILLE, Texas (KTVT) — In one North Texas classroom, book reports sound a little different.

Instead of standing at the front of the room, students at Heritage Elementary in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD are stepping up to the microphone.

At just 7 and 8 years old, second-graders are the voices behind “Only Readers in the Building,” a student-led podcast where they review their favorite books, from action-packed adventures to laugh-out-loud stories.

Twice a week, students trade their desks for the mic, diving into plots, characters and the moments that made them laugh.

The idea came from their teacher, Christi Cooper, who wanted to reimagine the traditional book report.

“Every year I try to think of something exciting for my students to do,” Cooper said. “I wanted to do something beyond a traditional book report, something that incorporated technology and allowed us to share our ideas with other students, their families, and the broader school community.”

And that’s exactly what they’re doing.

QR codes posted around the campus allow students and teachers to listen to each episode any time, turning a simple classroom project into a schoolwide experience.

“It’s very cool, very fun, and you can show your parents!” student Ethan Hand said.

The podcast is about more than just books; Students are building confidence, practicing communication skills and learning how to bring their ideas to life.

“We are working on writing, speaking, following a script and producing something we can be proud of at the end,” Cooper said.

And with each episode, the second-graders are proving that storytelling doesn’t have an age limit, just a voice.

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.