Category: CNN Regional

By Meghan Daniels

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    DAVISON, Michigan (WXYZ) — While miniature cattle may be small in stature, they’re making a significant impact on mental health across Genesee County.

From therapy sessions to community visits, the cows at Mini Mitten Acres are bringing comfort and calm to people of all ages. The cows are fluffy, friendly, and as therapeutic as they come.

“This wasn’t really the plan to become a business like this, but we’ve decided that sharing them is pretty cool and they get so much attention that people love coming out here,” said Micki Shirah, the owner of Mini Mitten Acres.

What started as a hobby for Shirah has transformed into a haven where people can come to relax, reconnect, and find peace.

“We just kind of teach them about the cows, some of the other animals that we have here on the farm, let them get in, love on them. The kids really like to brush them, put different bows in their hair,” Shirah said.

The simple act of touching and caring for an animal can have a powerful effect on the brain, according to healthcare experts like Dr. Christine Kivlen from Wayne State University’s Occupational Therapy program.

“It can trigger the release of oxytocin, which is a bonding hormone. And we know that that release can reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and connection,” Kivlen said.

The effects extend beyond science. Mercedes White, the director of hospice education, marketing, and outreach at Swan Hospice, says those benefits are easy to observe when these mini cows visit people in hospice and memory care facilities.

“We had a patient at one of the communities who actually started reminiscing about her past and living on a farm and just being able to take care of farm animals and things like that. So that brought that back to reality for her, and it was really nice to see,” White said. “Animals bring joy. You cuddle with them, it soothes you, it makes you feel like really just happy.”

Shirah says that’s what makes these cows so special – not just their size, but their spirit.

“We’re passionate about bringing them to the community,” Shirah said.

It’s proof that healing can come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes it wears a bow and says moo.

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.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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By Sam Landstra

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    KENT COUNTY, Michigan (WXMI) — There’s an old saying about rain on your wedding day.

A West Michigan woman is scrambling to save hers after Hurricane Melissa, which has strewn death and widespread devastation on its path through the Caribbean, dashed her best laid plans for a destination wedding.

“You never think a hurricane is going to come on your wedding day,” said Katie Papke, a Grand Rapids Township resident. “Rain, maybe, but not a hurricane.”

This weekend, Papke and her fiance, Donnie Green, were set to fly out to Dream Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where they planned on saying their vows in a small, sandy ceremony. Papke had packed white flip-flops. Green was going to wear beach attire.

Two weeks prior to their departure, though, the couple’s wedding planner told them about a tropical storm picking up strength and speed in the Caribbean. On Tuesday, when Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica with Category 5 wind speeds, Papke called off the trip.

“A wedding ruined is definitely not comparable to what’s happening [in Jamaica],” Papke said. “Absolutely not.”

“My heart goes out to them and their families, their places of residence, their businesses,” she said.

Still, Papke and her fiance wanted to save the date (Monday, November 3), leaving them with less than a week to land a new venue and everything else that comes with saying, “I do.”

“November 3 is really significant to me,” Papke said. “I will be celebrating 25 years of sobriety and my fiance, Donnie, is really supportive of all of that.”

“So that’s why we want to keep the date instead of reschedule,” she said.

The same day the couple canceled their plans at the resort, Papke’s sister put up a Facebook post. She went looking for help and wound up finding a lot of willing people.

“I was so overwhelmed with the amount of responses from the Grand Rapids community,” Papke said.

Perhaps most notably, Frederick Meijer Gardens said on Wednesday it would be willing to accommodate the wedding, a relief for the rapidly (re)planning bride-to-be.

“Love will prevail. If there is a will, there’s a way, and we’ll make it happen,” Papke said.

To offer your services for the wedding of Katie Papke and Donnie Green, contact November3bride@gmail.com.

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By Fernanda Silva

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KSHB) — On Friday, the Kansas City, Missouri, community is bringing some Halloween magic to a 3-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a rare and painful genetic condition.

Tucker Langford’s family is counting their blessings. They know exactly how precious time is, as doctors have told his mom, Chandler Langford, that the future is uncertain.

“They just told us to make memories,” Chandler said. “Because we don’t know what tomorrow could bring for us.”

His parents and grandparents put their careers on hold to spend as much time as possible with Tucker.

“We’re on limited time,” said his grandfather, Rick Langford.

Tucker was born on Christmas Eve with epidermolysis bullosa — a name as hard to pronounce as it is to live with.

“Any friction that he gets — putting on a shirt, if the shirt hits his head — will instantly cause a big blister and open wound,” Chandler said.

In addition to his skin condition, Tucker was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy on Sept. 12.

“The doctors said it could be weeks, it could be months. It just depends on how hard he’s fighting, and right now, he’s fighting like no other,” Chandler said.

He was sent home for hospice care on Oct. 6.

“It was hard for us to go through that, to see him that way,” Rick said.

To welcome him home, trucks, motorcycles, and even camels lined up in a parade for him. His mom says thousands of people showed up.

To lift spirits, his family is once again counting on the community.

“We’re trying to make it special for him,” Rick said. “We’re very blessed to be Kansas Citians.”

On Friday, they expect hundreds of people to stop by so Tucker can trick-or-treat without leaving home.

“We want them to see him, and him to see them,” Rick said.

“I don’t think I could tell anyone thank you enough,” Chandler said. “We’re making those memories, and the community coming together and supporting us is amazing.”

They say it will help Tucker in the long run.

“We’re going to try to get some video, and we want some things that he can watch to help relieve his pain while we work on him,” Rick said.

Bringing color to his life — when they need it the most.

The family says Tucker will be by their front door at 5801 NE 43rd Terrace, in Kansas City, Missouri, on Friday, starting at 5 p.m. Tucker will be protected from the cold.

They hope to do the same on Saturday if he’s feeling well enough.

“He’s happy. We’re happy,” Rick said.

After Tucker gets “all the candy he wants,” the family hopes to donate what’s left.

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By Victoria Balderrama

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    MATHIS, Texas (KRIS) — A neighborhood in Mathis is dealing with Africanized bees, commonly known as “killer bees,” raising concerns for residents and their pets.

Al Pacheco discovered a hive of aggressive Africanized bees in a tire near his home.

“We have a hive of bees that seem pretty aggressive,” Pacheco said.

According to Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Africanized bees have been in South Texas since the fall of 1990, spreading to 163 of the 254 counties in Texas. Research shows the Africanized bee is only slightly different from the honey bee, but the danger they pose is significant.

“They’re super dangerous. They can and they will hurt you, or they can and will kill you,” Rick Sanchez, a bee removal expert, said.

Rick Sanchez is an expert in removing honey bee hives and educating the public on bees.

Sanchez reports a dramatic increase in Africanized bee hives in the region.

“In 2024, I did 16 Africanized hives in one season. This year, in 2025, this is going to be number 36 of the Africanized killer bees here in South Texas. That’s a lot of increase, a lot of population explosion,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez works all over South Texas, including Mathis, Flour Bluff, Calallen, and Portland, where he mentioned a recent bee attack occurred.

“Some dogs died there, I don’t know exactly all the details, but they were attacked,” Sanchez said.

The City of Portland confirmed they have received three reports of bee swarms within city limits over the past four months.

Sanchez believes human development is contributing to the problem.

“Man is getting so industrialized and so into technology that they’re forgetting about nature and they’re leaving it unchecked,” Sanchez said.

Texas Apiary Inspection is taking an aggressive approach to slow the spread of Africanized bees in the state. Sanchez suggests what we need are more beekeepers.

“We need to take care of our bees because we need them so badly and nothing grows without bees,” Sanchez said.

Most experts acknowledge that while bee removals are necessary, they often try to save the bees for pollination purposes.

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By Blair Sabol

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    ELLICOTT CITY, Maryland (WMAR) — A high school senior who loves Halloween and tech has transformed his front yard into an elaborate Halloween spectacle that’s inspiring neighbors to join in the spooky fun.

Sam Reid created “The Fright Nite Show” — an automated display that parodies The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

“So when I started to work on the show back in February, it was just a crazy idea,” Reid said.

The impressive setup requires seven screens, four computers and significant power to operate. Reid programmed the automated show, complete with lights synced to music, smoke machines and more.

“So this year, our sound system is using around 3,500 watts of pure power going to our seven speakers around the property,” Reid explained.

The tradition along Carroll Wind Drive in the Hollifield Station neighborhood began after COVID, when Reid saw an opportunity to combine his interests into one spectacular display. It took some convincing to get his family on board.

“We don’t do a lot of like holiday decorations and Halloween was his thing, so he asked us, can you start doing some lights? Can you do a little bit of this, a little bit of that?” said Jarrett Reid, Sam’s father.

Before they knew it, the display had evolved into the immersive experience that now draws crowds on Halloween night.

“I said to my wife, I think we need to get more candy this year,” Jarrett said.

The show features plenty of action, including a guillotine that drops on cue, a new motorized element all built and programmed by Reid.

He doesn’t just operate the display from behind computers — he’s also part of the performance alongside characters like Tibia Turner and JackO Lantern.

The entire script is written by Sam and voiced with help from friends and neighbors. The audience is also encouraged to participate in the interactive experience.

Reid has noticed his elaborate display has inspired others in the neighborhood to step up their own Halloween decorations.

“Truly proud, you know, it’s bringing community together. We have a lot of people come by. Everyone’s excited, everyone’s very supportive,” Jarrett said. “Some of the neighbors got together and made a plaque for him recognizing how he’s been bringing everyone together and sort of the joy that he’s brought to the community.”

The show runs every 20 minutes throughout Halloween night, weather permitting. While Reid continues tinkering with final details until the last minute, he’s already planning how to top next year’s display.

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

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Katie Nielsen

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    OAKLAND, California (KPIX) — It’s not exactly the jewelry heist of the Louvre in Paris, but the Oakland Museum of California says thieves made off with more than 1,000 priceless objects from their collection.

The museum has the largest collection of items with significant California-specific history – mostly objects used in everyday life throughout the history of the state.

The director, Lori Fogarty, says the objects that were stolen are priceless in terms of historical value, but not something that would be incredibly valuable in terms of selling on the black market.

“We have one of the greatest holdings of California history anywhere,” Fogerty said, adding that the museum’s collection includes more than 2,000,000 items, only a handful of which can be on display at any given time.

“We in our collection have over 5,000 Native American baskets,” Fogarty said.

Many of the items in the museum’s collection are stored in an off-site warehouse, which is where burglars broke in sometime late into the night on Oct. 15, or the early morning of Oct. 16.

“It is heartbreaking for people who really dedicate their careers to preserving and stewarding and caring for and presenting objects of cultural and artistic importance,” Fogarty said.

Some of the items stolen include an old photograph, some jewelry, a woven Native American basket, and scrimshaws –intricate ivory carvings – leading Fogarty to believe this was probably a crime of opportunity.

“I think it is very possible that the people who stole these items don’t really know themselves what they have,” Fogarty said.

Stealing from a museum is a federal offense, so the FBI Art Crime Team is investigating along with the Oakland Police Department. CBS Bay Area spoke with former FBI agent Jeff Harp about the specialized task force.

“It’s a small cadre of agents across the nation, probably less than 20,” Harp said. “They have a lot of expertise in how these deals are done where a lot of times these irreplaceable art pieces are sold. Sometimes it’s done underground, but these guys have a good network of informants and information that allows them to track this stuff.”

In 2012 and 2013, a man broke into the museum itself, stealing items from the Gold Rush exhibit both times. Oakland police were able to catch the suspect when a pawn shop owner in Chinatown recognized a stolen jewelry box and called police.

Fogarty hopes that by releasing photos of some of the items stolen two weeks ago, eagle-eyed members of the public might be able to help the museum recover them.

“If people are at swap meets or they’re at auctions or they’re in a pawn shop or antiques store and something looks off, please let us know,” she said.

Anyone with information about the heist can also contact Oakland police.

Please note: 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.

KPIX

By Katie Nielsen

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    OAKLAND, California (KPIX) — It’s not exactly the jewelry heist of the Louvre in Paris, but the Oakland Museum of California says thieves made off with more than 1,000 priceless objects from their collection.

The museum has the largest collection of items with significant California-specific history – mostly objects used in everyday life throughout the history of the state.

The director, Lori Fogarty, says the objects that were stolen are priceless in terms of historical value, but not something that would be incredibly valuable in terms of selling on the black market.

“We have one of the greatest holdings of California history anywhere,” Fogerty said, adding that the museum’s collection includes more than 2,000,000 items, only a handful of which can be on display at any given time.

“We in our collection have over 5,000 Native American baskets,” Fogarty said.

Many of the items in the museum’s collection are stored in an off-site warehouse, which is where burglars broke in sometime late into the night on Oct. 15, or the early morning of Oct. 16.

“It is heartbreaking for people who really dedicate their careers to preserving and stewarding and caring for and presenting objects of cultural and artistic importance,” Fogarty said.

Some of the items stolen include an old photograph, some jewelry, a woven Native American basket, and scrimshaws –intricate ivory carvings – leading Fogarty to believe this was probably a crime of opportunity.

“I think it is very possible that the people who stole these items don’t really know themselves what they have,” Fogarty said.

Stealing from a museum is a federal offense, so the FBI Art Crime Team is investigating along with the Oakland Police Department. CBS Bay Area spoke with former FBI agent Jeff Harp about the specialized task force.

“It’s a small cadre of agents across the nation, probably less than 20,” Harp said. “They have a lot of expertise in how these deals are done where a lot of times these irreplaceable art pieces are sold. Sometimes it’s done underground, but these guys have a good network of informants and information that allows them to track this stuff.”

In 2012 and 2013, a man broke into the museum itself, stealing items from the Gold Rush exhibit both times. Oakland police were able to catch the suspect when a pawn shop owner in Chinatown recognized a stolen jewelry box and called police.

Fogarty hopes that by releasing photos of some of the items stolen two weeks ago, eagle-eyed members of the public might be able to help the museum recover them.

“If people are at swap meets or they’re at auctions or they’re in a pawn shop or antiques store and something looks off, please let us know,” she said.

Anyone with information about the heist can also contact Oakland police.

Please note: 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 KellyDoty & Itinease McMiller

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — The most wonderful time of year has begun at the Biltmore Estate as crews raise the centerpiece of the house’s seasonal décor.

Biltmore officials say the Banquet Hall tree is the final and largest holiday decoration installed before “Christmas at Biltmore” officially opens on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Biltmore’s Floral Design Team will decorate the tree throughout the day Wednesday, using scaffolding and handmade tools to place ornaments and lights on its tallest branches.

Crews carefully carried a 35-foot Fraser fir tree through the front doors of America’s largest home on Wednesday, Oct. 29, before hoisting it into the upright position in the Banquet Hall, avoiding art, antiques, and a grand chandelier.

This year’s holiday cheer is extra special after Hurricane Helene hit last year.

“Thinking back to where we were a year ago and our monument sign having been rebuilt and new trees planted, it does feel like this Christmas,” said Biltmore Estate floor manager Lizzie Whitcher. “We’ve come so far, and Christmas is a chance to celebrate that.”

To give guests a unique experience and extra twinkle in their eye, Whitcher said they’re also looking back to 1895 – George Washington Vanderbilt’s first Christmas at the iconic house.

Planning for Christmas at Biltmore began last year; Whitcher said each room tells a different story, including the Banquet Hall, where the 2,500-pound Christmas tree is now displayed. Trip Hudgins, engineering operations manager for Biltmore, said it took about 40 people to get it inside and place it just right.

“It comes around the Winter Garden and into the Banquet Hall,” Hudgins said. “That’s the hardest part as it squeezes through those doors at an angle.”

The trees, which are purchased from family-owned business Andrews Tree Farm and Nursery, vary in size each year.

Now that the tree is up, there are just two days left to put on the finishing touches before the public gets to experience the traditions and customs of a true Biltmore Christmas.

“When it comes to what we’re wanting to achieve, [it’s] the magic of Christmas,” Whitcher said. “We want guests to come and feel transported back to 1895.”

When Christmas at Biltmore begins Saturday, officials hope that people will take away some inspiration to add to their homes for the holiday season.

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By Nick Lunemann

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    Minnesota (WCCO) — A Lakeville family has turned their driveway into a small, free food pantry. It’s a place where anyone can stop by and grab fresh produce and staples with no questions asked.

Kate-Madonna (Hindes) Quast says what began as sharing extra garden produce has grown as the need has increased.

“We noticed there was a need as we went into fall and winter. We had never done this before,” she said. “We had cars lined up to come and get the food. It was completely full yesterday, and now it’s almost empty.”

She says the family recently partnered “with an organization, a few other families” to expand the giveaway. She added that many neighbors are struggling to bridge gaps between paychecks and benefits.

Her husband, John Quast, said the whole thing started simply.

“When we started it, it was just like, hey, we have more produce than we can use, and we wanted to share it with our neighbors,” he said. “And then times changed, and people actually really appreciated it and needed it.”

The family keeps items out that can handle the weather and accepts donations from neighbors and nearby growers. John Quast has a nickname for the setup.

“We call it garden to driveway to table,” he said.

Around the neighborhood, it’s better known as the Little Free Veggie Library.

Kate-Madonna (Hindes) Quast says the most meaningful feedback came from one late-night visitor.

“There was a woman last night who messaged, and I’m happy to share the message. It was very sweet,” she said. “She said she got to her car and she was crying because she felt that there was good in the world, and she was really struggling. That was the reason we do what we do, because we don’t know their struggle, but we can empathize with it, and John and I have both been there.”

Even with Halloween decor out front — “Beware” and “Stay Away” signs — the family says everyone is welcome.

And if kids stop by on Oct. 31? They have an answer for that, too.

“If a trick-or-treater wants a potato, a trick-or-treater can absolutely have a potato or an onion. We’re the house with the carrots,” John Quast said.

Kate-Madonna (Hindes) Quast says they gladly accept donations of food, but not cash.

If you’d like to follow the couple, just search “Little Veggie Library” on Facebook or send them an email at LittleFreeVeggieLibrary@gmail.com.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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.