Program works to address tree canopy inequality across neighborhoods

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Alexandra Coenjaerts

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    SPOKANE, Washington (KXLY) — As temperatures rise, finding shade becomes increasingly important, but access to tree coverage varies dramatically across Spokane neighborhoods.

According to The Lands Council, some areas like the South Hill have over three times the tree canopy coverage compared to Northeast Spokane. The disparity has prompted a local initiative called SpoCanopy which plants hundreds of trees a year in high-need neighborhoods.

The trees are planted for free within a the right of way, which could be a planting strip, space behind a sidewalk, or an area next to the curb.

“I will go and make sure that there is a good location for the tree. Then we have three contractors through our grant and our arborist and do really high-quality planting,” said Amber Ramirez, urban forester with the City of Spokane.

The program accepts requests year-round and is open to both renters and homeowners.

Addressing the coverage gap Data shows the stark difference in tree coverage across the city. The Lands Council states areas like the South Hill average 40% canopy coverage, while northeast Spokane averages just 13%.

SpoCanopy, operated jointly by the City of Spokane’s Urban Forestry Department and The Lands Council, is prioritizing those areas where canopy coverage falls well below the city average of 20%.

The program’s goal is to achieve at least 30% tree coverage in every area of the city by 2030.

Benefits beyond shade Organizers say tree canopy coverage provides multiple community benefits beyond providing relief from heat. Trees can decrease energy use, lower street and neighborhood temperatures, improve air quality, and increase property values.

The program also aims to build a more climate-resilient community for Spokane’s future by enhancing the city’s urban forests.

Community involvement The program hosts volunteer planting events where community members can help plant trees for residents who have requested them through the program.

“And then we will go out into the neighborhood. We have the trees already layed out. It is kinda like a fun scavenger hunt. You go out get your trees and get them planted,” said Justyce Brant, urban forestry program director with The Lands Council.

Volunteers receive tools and training but are asked to bring water, gloves, and clothes suitable for outdoor work.

Residents interested in receiving a free tree through SpoCanopy can submit requests through this website: landscouncil.org/urban-canopy

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Animal Rescue takes in 4 beagles from Ridglan Farms

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

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.

Woman arrested for chasing child on dirt bike with car

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Daniel Pursell

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    SPOKANE COUNTY, Washington (KXLY) — A 56-year-old woman was arrested for attempted first-degree assault and DUI after she drove on a sidewalk to chase down a child on a dirt bike.

Wendy Clemente was arrested one week ago following the incident on Fruitvale Road in the West Plains. Deputies arrested her about a mile away, where she was also accused of trying to trespass on someone’s property.

The West Terrace neighborhood is shocked by what happened.

“I couldn’t even imagine if our kids or neighbor’s kids were out…that would be very nerve wracking to see someone chase him down like that…nothing like this ever happens on our street…its very safe,” said Jenny, a neighbor.

Neighbors say it’s usually a peaceful place where kids play outside and ride dirt bikes.

“Its pretty quiet…people are aware of the motorcycles…but other than that its real peaceful…its real quiet around here,” said Don Bowman, a neighbor.

Court documents show Clemente admitted she “probably had too much to drink.” She was slurring her words and didn’t remember driving on the sidewalk.

The child told deputies he was terrified.

“Its strange to see something like that happen in a place where you live… where you know its usually really calm here,” said Ethan, a neighbor.

Clemente lives down the road from where this happened. She was released from jail without bond and declined to comment.

She’s due back in court on May 20.

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Asheville City Council to decide where to direct $18M+ in Helene recovery funds

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

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.

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Georgia man arrested after allegedly setting fire to Buddhist Temple in Sanford

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Madilyn Destefano

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    SANFORD, Florida (WESH) — A former member of the Wat Navaram Buddhist Temple in Sanford, Danny Singhasouk Phanouvong, is accused of burglary, arson, and causing extensive damage to the temple on Saturday.

Surveillance footage captured Phanouvong damaging priceless relics, setting fires in the Daily Worship Hall and residential area, and fueling the blaze with items from inside the hall, including electronics that ignited small explosions. The fire blackened the red ceiling of the hall.

The temple’s attorney, Joe Panyanouvong, said Phanouvong also attempted to disable a van used by monks for transportation.

“He took a lot of concrete items from here and threw them into the van, broke all the van’s windows out. He used it to break into the main residential area as well,” Panyanouvong said.

Damage extended to other buildings, leaving the community shaken.

“Everybody’s in shock, and everybody’s sad, especially knowing that the person who did this was once a member of our temple,” Panyanouvong said. “It appears to be some type of mental health problem, mental health crisis.”

Phanouvong’s family was unaware of the incident, according to Panyanouvong, who said the suspect had moved to Atlanta 10 years ago but drove from Atlanta to Sanford to allegedly cause the devastation.

While the attorney suspects damages could run into the tens of thousands of dollars, he expressed concern for a wheelchair-bound monk who was trapped inside an apartment during the fire. The visiting monk from Thailand was unharmed and safely removed from the apartment after another monk called 911.

Panyanouvong believes the damages and arson were targeted, noting that the suspect focused on the hall used daily by seniors rather than the main worship hall reserved for larger events.

“We have two worship halls. One is the main worship hall here, which is used for big events, but he targeted the hall that is used daily every day,” he said. “It’s kind of shattered their peace and shattered their sense of safety here.”

Phanouvong is being held in the Volusia County Jail without bond on charges including first-degree arson and burglary. The local community and businesses, along with supporters worldwide, have offered assistance to help rebuild the temple.

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.

Nebraska ‘Drive Thru’ gives out free radon, lead, and water testing

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

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.

After founding Mother’s Day in Philadelphia in 1908, Anna Jarvis spent her life fighting for its true meaning

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Kerri Corrado

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Mother’s Day may be filled with chocolates, flowers and breakfast in bed, but it wasn’t always meant to be like that. Anna Jarvis, the Philadelphia woman behind the holiday, started Mother’s Day to honor her late mother and advocate for better healthcare for women and children.

The first large-scale Mother’s Day celebration was held in Philadelphia in 1908 after efforts spearheaded by Jarvis.

“She was the mother of Mother’s Day, but she did not have children,” Selena Austin of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania said, “and this was really her carrying out the cause of her own mother.”

Jarvis was from Grafton, West Virginia, and moved to Philadelphia in 1892. When her mother Ann Marie Reeves died on May 9, 1905, Jarvis started the celebration to honor her spirit and Reeves’ advocacy, repeatedly championing better healthcare for women and children.

Jarvis helped coordinate a service at their church in West Virginia and in Philadelphia on May 10, 1908, a day close to the anniversary of her mother’s passing.

“She also, though, has friends in Philadelphia and she has an advocate in John Wanamaker,” Austin said. “John Wanamaker, who at this point is very, very well established, very successful with the Wanamaker department store, and had a very close relationship with his own mother, lets Anna use the space to hold a ceremony.”

There, thousands of people attended. They handed out carnations — Anna’s mother’s favorite flower — to all of the mothers there.

From there, Mother’s Day began to be celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. Out in front of City Hall, near the Wanamaker Building, is a historical marker to show the city’s connection.

As Mother’s Day celebrations picked up steam, other states around the nation wanted to join in. But Jarvis grew upset that the meaning of the holiday was being lost, Austin said.

“It’s no longer about celebrating and advocating for these people in our lives,” Austin said. “It’s now become commercialized, and there is a dollar sign attached to it, which really, really irritates her and leads her, unfortunately, to sort of regret ever organizing this holiday.”

Jarvis spent the rest of her life fighting to bring back the true meaning of Mother’s Day until she died in 1948.

“In the end it’s not what she envisioned it to be. It took a different turn,” Austin said. “It’s a bittersweet story.”

While it’s important to spoil all moms everywhere, it’s also just as special to remember why the holiday started.

“Remember that the original intent of the holiday is to celebrate your mother, everything that she has done for you,” Austin said, “and everything that women have accomplished and been able to achieve, and what they can still continue to do.”

While moms everywhere ought to be celebrated 365 days a year, Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson.

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.

Man accused of holding family’s dog for ransom until police knocked on his door

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Peter Maxwell

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    WARREN, Michigan (WXYZ) — A Warren family’s search for their missing dog ended with a police investigation and an arrest after a 21-year-old man allegedly demanded money in exchange for the dog’s return.

Leslie Richardson and his family posted on social media after their dog, Diesel, escaped from their fenced yard. Richardson said he spent hours searching for him.

“He went down the street to do his usual. Then he turned around and went somewhere else,” Richardson said. “We wanted our dog. I probably spent about 4 and a half hours over three days looking for him because I am also on call for work at all times.”

Warren Police Detective Daniel Toth said the social media post attracted the wrong kind of attention.

“They started receiving fictitious texts and phone calls,” Toth said.

Those messages demanded money in exchange for Diesel’s return. The investigation accelerated when Richardson’s mother-in-law received a message claiming someone had the dog.

“My wife’s mother received a message saying, ‘Hey, we have your dog. We paid 600 (dollars) for him,” Richardson said.

Police say 21-year-old Lemarzay Tolbert told Richardson he had bought the dog off the street and wanted cash to return him. Toth tracked Tolbert to his home.

“This gentleman wanted to work out something financially for the return of the dog. Last Friday, we went out to this gentleman’s house, knocked on his door, heard a dog barking. He opened up the door, and there was the dog. He refused to give the dog back,” Toth said.

Police arrested Tolbert when he left his home and charged him with one count of receiving and concealing stolen property.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said the demand for payment crossed a legal line.

“They were holding the dog ransom for a certain price by making that statement,” Lucido said. “This is an unfortunate incident. I hope we don’t see this commonly done because with technology we have today, you will be found and you will be prosecuted.”

I went to Tolbert’s house to ask why he would do this. He told me he had no comment and to leave.

Richardson said his family is relieved to have Diesel home and wants others to be cautious.

“We are glad to have our best friend back,” Richardson said. “Be very wary of people asking for money. If you can’t meet up and hand them cash, don’t do it.”

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

Soccer dispute leads to deadly double shooting, police say

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Kit Kuhne

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    GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (WXMI) — A woman and a teen boy are dead following a shooting Tuesday night in Grand Rapids.

The shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. in the area of Rumsey Street SW and Oakland Avenue SW.

Interim Police Chief Joe Trigg said a group of juveniles were playing soccer at a nearby park when the suspect approached and asked to join. The suspect was turned away, which led to a verbal fight. Trigg said the suspect then pulled out a weapon and shot the 14-year-old teen.

A woman in her 30s who tried to defend the teen during the fight was also shot.

Officers responded to the scene and found both victims on the property of Southwest Elementary School. Officers attempted life-saving measures on the teen, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Trigg said it is believed the woman and teen are related.

“[It was] juveniles, older juveniles, you know, that witnessed this. Which is just horrific, horrific for anybody to witness this, let alone juveniles. To see a friend gunned down is terrible,” Trigg said.

Trigg said the suspect ran from the scene, but police located him at a home and arrested him. Police were not able to share the age of the suspect.

Following the shooting, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby sent a letter to staff, along with Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle High School families. It said crisis teams and school therapists would be available to any students who need support.

The district initially said there would be school Wednesday, but later sent out an update saying Southwest Elementary and Southwest Middle High School will be closed Wednesday. All other GRPS schools will be open.

Read the letter below:

Dear GRPS Staff,

I am writing to share information about an incident that occurred just outside of Southwest Elementary School this evening. Shortly after 6:30 p.m., a shooting occurred near the playground at Southwest Elementary. According to the Grand Rapids Police Department, two people died as a result of the shooting.

This took place well after dismissal today and was not connected to any activities happening at the school. At this time, we do not have additional information about those involved. Updates on the incident will be shared with our community by the Grand Rapids Police Department as they become available.

We expect that officers will remain in the area overnight as they continue their investigation.

Our crisis teams and school therapists will be available to support any scholars who may need help processing this violence in our community. Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this tragic incident.

Sincerely, Leadriane Roby, Ph.D. Superintendent

The Grand Rapids Police Department’s Major Case Team is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 616-456-3380. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Silent Observer.

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Cape Coral’s ‘Deadpool Killer’ Wade Wilson to be featured on new season of Netflix series

CNN Newsource on May 6, 2026

By Carson Zorn

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    CAPE CORAL, Florida (WBBH) — Wade Wilson, a man convicted of the first-degree murder of two women in Cape Coral in 2019, will be a featured element of an upcoming season of a Netflix true crime show.

Wilson will be one of the four subjects of Season 2 of Blumhouse Productions and ITV America’s true-crime docuseries “Worst Ex Ever.”

Wilson, who is also known as the “Deadpool Killer” and the “Handsome Devil Killer,” was convicted on all charges, including two of first-degree murder, in June 2024. He was found guilty of killing Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz. A jury recommended Wilson for the death penalty.

His crimes will be featured in an episode of the upcoming season, which will be released on Wednesday, May 6.

The true-crime doc features a blend of testimonials, bodycam footage and animated reenactments.

Watch the trailer here.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.