New company plans to use AI to help fire teams detect and respond to wildfires earlier

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Karson Wells

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    CALIFORNIA (KSBY) — When a wildfire breaks out, every second counts. A quick response can make the difference between a manageable fire and a catastrophic one.

CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Louis Ermigarat says that in the last 15 years, technological advances have made a huge difference in responding to wildfires quickly and efficiently.

“It’s important for us to get there within, you know, 20 or 30 minutes, nothing more than that, because we’re able to keep the fire ten acres or less 95% of the time,” Ermigarat said.

He says the use of the Alert California camera system has been a game-changer.

“The camera will send an alert to our emergency command center, and the folks will swing the camera over there and zoom in and see the size of it. With that very quick response, not only going, but gathering intel of how the fire started, how fast it’s spreading, we’re able to escalate our response,” Ermigarat said.

Now, a new company is aiming to take wildland fire detection technology even further. EmberPoint, founded by PG&E, Lockheed Martin, Salesforce, and Wells Fargo, is working to advance the tools available to fire teams.

“We want to make sure that our firefighters stay safe and that they have the right tools and the right coordinated technology to be able to, again, prevent, detect, and respond to fires quickly and safely,” said EmberPoint spokesperson Linsey Paulo.

Emberpoint says it will give first responders and utilities access to “artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and integrated command-and-control technologies” to help detect fires earlier and enhance coordination between agencies.

Before the company can fully deploy its technology, it will need to navigate a regulatory process.

“In order to utilize the wealth of information that we’ve developed on wildfire prevention and mitigation over the last 10 years, we’re going to have to go through a regulatory process with the California Public Utilities Commission,” Paulo said.

The technologies are reportedly being built out now and Emberpoint plans to be able to demonstrate them later this year.

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.

Henderson woman fights to keep her animals amid camel controversy

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Ryan Ketcham

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    HENDERSON (KTNV) — You may have seen camels Moses and Abraham around the valley at a variety of community events, but that could change soon.

“Got my first camel in 2013 that was him,” said Nancy Rouas, Petting Zoo 2 U owner who has two camels. “Yup, that’s Moses, he was 6 months old when I got him at that time.”

Rouas has two camels in total and plenty of other animals, all part of her traveling business.

“So my company is called Petting Zoo 2 U, and it started very small in 1997 with just a few goats and chickens and rabbits,” Rouas said.

It’s grown from there.

Rouas now brings her animals all around the valley to community events, birthday parties, church events, and much more.

She even brings the camels with her often. As you’d expect, the reaction to seeing a large camel is priceless.

“So many people are in shock because he’s such an impressive animal. He’s so big, but he’s also super gentle,” Rouas said.

Rouas says the trouble started in 2024 — 11 years after she got her first camel — when she claims a Henderson Animal Protection Services officer visited her property.

“She saw the camels and said that’s an exotic animal, and you’re not allowed to keep exotic animals in Henderson,” Rouas said. “It was a little bit surprising.”

The visit coincided with a USDA reclassification that grouped camels alongside exotic animals. The City of Henderson tells Channel 13 it follows those federal guidelines, meaning camels are considered exotic — and prohibited without a special permit.

But the permit process itself has caused confusion.

“It does not require an owner just to keep a camel or to enjoy their camel,” Rouas said.

She says she’s nervous about the outcome. If her application is denied, she’d either have to give up the camels or leave Henderson entirely — and she says she’d rather move.

Before it came to that, though, Rouas says she would take the fight directly to the Henderson City Council, with a lawyer by her side.

The City says Rouas did apply for a conditional-use permit, but the application also proposed keeping more than 125 animals on her 1.5-acre property.

Despite the scale of her operation, Rouas says she has never received a single complaint.

“Never had a complaint from a neighbor, never a complaint from anyone at a public event, nothing,” Rouas said.

Henderson resident Steve Brincat backed that up: “I have never seen any complaints or heard any complaints from anybody about any animals.”

Rouas says her fight extends beyond Henderson — she also plans to challenge the USDA’s camel classification at the federal level. And she’s not doing it alone.

More than 18,000 people had signed an online petition in her support as of Monday night, with backing from across the country and internationally.

“It’s wonderful to get that kind of support,” Rouas said.

Brincat says he supports her 100%.

Here is the full statement the City of Henderson sent me regarding this story:

“The City of Henderson relies on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for review and permitting of wild and exotic animals, which includes camels. Camels are prohibited in Henderson; unless, owners are able to obtain the appropriate approvals, including any required city and federal permits.

In October, the City Council adopted revised animal code regulations that include enhanced standards for rural neighborhoods. Based in part on feedback Nancy provided during a public meeting, the City added a provision allowing residents to apply for a Conditional Use Permit to request approval for additional animals on their property within the rural neighborhood.

Since the code update, the City has not taken enforcement action and has been working with Nancy over the past four months to bring her animals into compliance with the regulations. She recently received a warning after exhibiting a camel without the required approvals and permits, including a USDA exhibitor permit.

Nancy currently has a Conditional Use Permit application under review. Her application includes the camel and requests approval to increase the number of other animals on her property. The property is approximately 1.5 acres, and the application proposes keeping more than 125 animals.

As part of the review process, the City evaluates the number and types of animals to ensure they are appropriate for the size of the property and consistent with City code.

The City’s animal codes are intended to ensure that animals are kept in appropriate areas, and that adequate space and proper conditions are maintained for their care and wellbeing.

The conditional use permit will be on April 16 Planning Commission agenda.” That Planning Commission meeting is at 4 p.m. April 16.

We will make sure to keep you up-to-date with all the latest on Nancy and her camels, and we’ll let you know what they decide.

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.

1 person shot at VA clinic in Jasper, Georgia; suspected gunman shot by police

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Christopher Harris

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    JASPER, Georgia (WUPA) — Authorities are investigating a shooting at a Veterans Affairs clinic in Jasper, Georgia, where police say a suspected gunman was shot by officers after reports of gunfire at the facility.

According to the City of Jasper, officers with the Jasper Police Department were dispatched around 1:30 p.m. to a report of shots fired at the VA Clinic on East Church Street.

When officers arrived, they located the suspected shooter at the scene. Police said the individual was confronted by responding officers and shot during the encounter.

Officials said one victim was found at the scene and taken for medical treatment before being airlifted to a hospital. Authorities have not released the victim’s condition.

Earlier, CBS News Atlanta was told by the FBI in Atlanta that it was aware of the shooting and was assessing whether federal involvement would be necessary.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed it has been asked to assist with the investigation.

City officials described the area around the VA building as a controlled law enforcement scene and asked residents to avoid the area while investigators continue their work.

Authorities have not released the identity of the suspected shooter or additional details about what led to the incident. The case remains under active investigation, and officials say more information will be released as it becomes available.

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.

Texas teacher dies hours after giving birth to first child; husband shares grief: “I wish she was still here”

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Amelia Mugavero

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    PLANO, Texas (KTVT) — March is Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month, a time meant to support families navigating profound grief. For one North Texas family, that loss is deeply personal.

Natalie Martin, a Plano second-grade teacher, died Feb. 15 while giving birth to her first child, leaving her husband, Aaron Martin, to care for their newborn son.

“Just being here… I catch myself, I wish she was still here,” Aaron Martin said.

Inside the family’s home, photos and keepsakes reflect a relationship built on shared faith and deep connection.

“Everything about our faith and our personalities just meshed so well,” he said. “We complemented each other.”

Natalie Martin worked in Plano ISD, where her husband said she was known for putting others first, especially her students.

“She put everyone first, that included her students… just being someone that was sacrificial from herself to others,” her husband added.

One of life’s most beautiful moments turns tragic

Her pregnancy had been healthy, he said, and the couple was nearing their due date when she began experiencing sudden back pain and went to the hospital as a precaution.

“Just a precautionary check-in to make sure all was well,” he said. “Obviously, things kind of declined from there on.”

Doctors performed an emergency C-section. Natalie Martin died hours later due to internal bleeding.

“There was just some bleeding that they couldn’t stop,” Martin admitted. “I was just in shock… trying to wrap my mind around the situation.”

A battle of grief and joy

Their son, Parker, survived and is healthy.

Martin described the conflicting emotions of overwhelming grief and joy.

“She gave everything for him, and he was first,” he said. “In the few hours they got together, it was clear that nothing else mattered except him.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 18 out of every 100,000 mothers died from pregnancy-related causes in 2024, a slight decrease from the year before. While maternal deaths remain relatively rare, the United States continues to have higher rates than many other developed countries.

Martin said he never expected his family to be part of those statistics.

“She was healthy. Parker was healthy during the pregnancy, so it was never really a thought on our mind that anything could go wrong,” he said. “It was definitely shocking.”

Honoring Natalie

Friends, family and colleagues gathered Friday, March 13, for a candlelight vigil to honor Natalie Martin’s life, remembered for her kindness, faith and devotion to others.

Martin said he finds comfort in seeing his wife reflected in their son.

“Every time I look at him, I see her,” he said. “When we talked about Parker and our future, she would just glow… and when I see him, I see her.”

Martin hopes others facing loss will lean on their support systems.

“It’s something you can’t ever really prepare for,” he said. “But being able to look at him and know we’re going to be OK, and that he’s going to know his mom, that means everything.”

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.

Tempe man accused of killing ballerina wife won’t face trial until summer

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Anne Ryman

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    TEMPE, AZ (KNXV) — Christopher Hoopes, the Tempe man charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of his wife, will not face trial until this summer at the earliest.

Tempe police say Hoopes shot and killed his 25-year-old wife, Colleen, in the middle of the night. She was a dancer with Ballet Arizona.

Christopher Hoopes has pleaded not guilty. His trial has been moved back multiple times, most recently because he switched defense attorneys, and his new lawyer has been involved in another lengthy trial.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Monica Edelstein addressed the delays during a recent court hearing.

“It sounds like, and I just want to make sure the court is tracking based on my notes, there was still work being done with regard to experts, gathering information, disclosing information,” Edelstein said.

Both the prosecution and defense agreed to the extended time. His next court hearing is set for June 15.

ABC15 has covered this case extensively. As ABC15 previously reported, court records indicate his defense team hired pharmacy experts for a potentially unusual defense.

“At the time of the incident, Mr. Hoopes was legally prescribed medications. The use of these medications and the effects of these medications are directly relevant to Mr. Hoopes’ defense,” according to a filed motion by his attorneys previously.

Hoopes received permission to hire two expert witnesses: a pharmacologist and a forensic psychiatrist. The pharmacologist is needed to “educate the jury on the medication, uses, and side effects of the legally prescribed medications,” according to a court filing. The forensic psychiatrist is needed to assist attorneys and “educate the jury on Mr. Hoopes’ mental state, the effects of various medications, and how the relevant medications impact intent.”

James Charnesky, a Tucson defense lawyer who is not involved in the case, told ABC15 in a previous interview that Hoopes may be considering a defense called “involuntary intoxication.”

This is where a defendant claims their legally prescribed medicine caused unintended, even dangerous, side effects that affected their perception.

Court records don’t name the specific medications Hoopes was prescribed. He told police he took medications for blood pressure and asthma, according to a police report, but it’s unclear which ones.

Christopher Hoopes has had his trial delayed multiple times

Christopher Hoopes, the Tempe man charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of his wife, will not face trial until this summer at the earliest. Tempe man accused of killing ballerina wife won’t face trial until summer 220506_baz_17296.jpg By: Anne Ryman Posted 1:20 AM, Mar 17, 2026 TEMPE, AZ — Christopher Hoopes, the Tempe man charged with second-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of his wife, will not face trial until this summer at the earliest.

Tempe police say Hoopes shot and killed his 25-year-old wife, Colleen, in the middle of the night. She was a dancer with Ballet Arizona.

Christopher Hoopes has pleaded not guilty. His trial has been moved back multiple times, most recently because he switched defense attorneys, and his new lawyer has been involved in another lengthy trial.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Monica Edelstein addressed the delays during a recent court hearing.

“It sounds like, and I just want to make sure the court is tracking based on my notes, there was still work being done with regard to experts, gathering information, disclosing information,” Edelstein said.

Both the prosecution and defense agreed to the extended time. His next court hearing is set for June 15.

ABC15 has covered this case extensively. As ABC15 previously reported, court records indicate his defense team hired pharmacy experts for a potentially unusual defense.

“At the time of the incident, Mr. Hoopes was legally prescribed medications. The use of these medications and the effects of these medications are directly relevant to Mr. Hoopes’ defense,” according to a filed motion by his attorneys previously.

Null ABC15 is committed to finding the answers you need and holding those accountable.

Submit your news tip to Investigators@abc15.com

Hoopes received permission to hire two expert witnesses: a pharmacologist and a forensic psychiatrist. The pharmacologist is needed to “educate the jury on the medication, uses, and side effects of the legally prescribed medications,” according to a court filing. The forensic psychiatrist is needed to assist attorneys and “educate the jury on Mr. Hoopes’ mental state, the effects of various medications, and how the relevant medications impact intent.”

James Charnesky, a Tucson defense lawyer who is not involved in the case, told ABC15 in a previous interview that Hoopes may be considering a defense called “involuntary intoxication.”

This is where a defendant claims their legally prescribed medicine caused unintended, even dangerous, side effects that affected their perception.

Court records don’t name the specific medications Hoopes was prescribed. He told police he took medications for blood pressure and asthma, according to a police report, but it’s unclear which ones.

Body camera video from Tempe police that night shows Hoopes telling officers who respond to his home that he was asleep for three hours. He says he woke up startled and grabbed his gun out of his nightstand.

“It was like a dream. I don’t know. Like, I just woke up in a panic,” he tells the officer.

He tells the officer he grabbed the gun, stood up, and shot.

“I fired at my wife.”

“Then I realized it was her.”

The police officer asks Hoopes how many times he shot.

“I think three times,” he says.

Hoopes goes on to say:

“At first, when I shot her, I didn’t, I thought it was someone else.”

The officer questions him further.

“Were you fully aware of what was going on? Did you knowingly do what you were doing?

Hoopes responds, “I didn’t knowingly shoot my wife.”

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.

Chicago firefighter dies after fall while battling in extra-alarm fire

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Elyssa Kaufman

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A Chicago firefighter has died from his injuries after battling an extra-alarm fire Monday afternoon in an apartment building in Rogers Park.

Around 100 firefighters responded to the 2-11 alarm fire at a four-story apartment building at 1757 W. North Shore Ave., just before 11:30 a.m. Monday.

Officials said a firefighter/EMT, identified as Michael Altman, 32, fell from the first floor to the basement and was rescued within one minute.

A Chicago Fire Department spokesman said the Altman was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in serious-to-critical condition on Monday. Sources said he suffered extensive burns all over his body, including second- and third-degree burns.

CFD firefighters gathered at the hospital Tuesday morning before a procession brought Altman’s remains from Stroger Hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office nearby.

“We are heartbroken by yet another loss of our own,” said Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt. “Michael gave everything in service to the people of Chicago, and we will never forget his courage and sacrifice.”

Nance-Holt said Altman would have completed two years on the job in May. He was assigned to Truck 47 in the Edgewater neighborhood, and he was a fourth-generation member of the CFD.

Altman’s grandfather, Edward P. Altman Jr., served as fire commissioner from 1996 to 1999. The senior Altman died in 2020.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the City of Chicago to pray for the Altman family and the Chicago Fire Department.

“Today, the City of Chicago not only lost a public servant, but we lost a hero,” the mayor said. “Firefighter/EMT Altman displayed an incredible amount of courage and bravery and strength, and we are in deep sorrow as a city for this tragic loss.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, the CFD said.

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 mouths ‘Help me’ during traffic stop, leads to arrest in deadly shooting

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Graham Cawthon

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    CONWAY, South Carolina (WJCL) — A South Carolina man has been sentenced to prison for a deadly shooting outside a bar.

Collins Xavier Manning Bates, 32, of Columbia, pleaded guilty Monday to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and possession of a firearm by a convicted violent felon. Bates was scheduled to go to trial in April.

Bates was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a May 2023 shooting in Myrtle Beach, Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson announced.

Authorities said Bates and a group of friends drove from Columbia to Myrtle Beach on May 28, 2023. About 5 a.m., an argument inside the vehicle led to the victim and his girlfriend being forced out of the car in the parking lot of The Waterway House Sports & Spirits.

As the victim got out, Bates opened his door and fired one shot, striking the victim in the abdomen, prosecutors said. Bates then told the driver to leave the scene.

About eight minutes later, North Myrtle Beach police stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation. While officers spoke with Bates at the passenger-side window, the female driver mouthed, “Help me,” prosecutors said.

Police removed Bates from the vehicle and detained him. Investigators later found a firearm under Bates’ seat, and testing by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division matched Bates’ DNA and a shell casing recovered at the shooting scene to the gun, prosecutors said.

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.

3-month-old boy suffers more than 30 fractures; father faces felony charges

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Kelly O’Brien

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    NASHUA, New Hampshire (WMUR) — A Nashua man is facing several felony charges after allegedly beating his 3-month-old son for months.

According to prosecutors, the case began when the infant’s grandmother brought him to Lakes Region General Hospital for cold symptoms. Doctors found more than 30 fractures and bruises on the baby’s body.

Police said the medical team alerted the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families, which then notified Nashua police about the child’s injuries.

The infant’s father, 36-year-old Drew Babcock, was arrested Friday and faces eight counts of first-degree assault (domestic violence).

“He admitted that he did this because he lost control and would not stop crying,” said Prosecutor Melissa Farr.

Court documents state Babcock told investigators he would apply pressure to the baby’s back, ribs and stomach in an attempt to stop the crying, saying the infant was colicky. He also admitted to punching the child in the back and lying on him.

“He stated that he would use approximately 50% of his strength during this time. He admitted that he would conduct these maneuvers on JB about two to three times a week,” Farr said.

The baby remains hospitalized with serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Doctors were also concerned about the child’s weight after he failed to gain any weight since his February appointment.

Authorities said the 3-month-old and his 4-year-old brother are now in the custody of their aunt.

Babcock’s family attended his arraignment Monday.

“I can’t believe it. I can’t see it,” Babcock’s sister said.

Court documents reveal Babcock and his wife were in the process of separating, and that she told investigators she was unaware of any abuse.

Babcock’s defense argued that the child bruises easily because he did not receive a vitamin shot.

“He’s presumed innocent, and I’m going to do everything I can to defend him. That’s all I have,” defense attorney Joseph Fricano said.

Court records show Babcock told his wife he did not realize the pressure he used was breaking the baby’s bones. Fricano said Babcock is remorseful.

A judge ordered Babcock to have no contact with the infant or his 4-year-old son.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police at 603-589-1665.

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Florida bill against marrying your first cousin fails

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Dave Elias

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    CAPE CORAL, Florida (WBBH) — Florida is one of 18 states where marrying your first cousin is legal, a fact that surprises many residents and has sparked questions about why the practice remains permissible.

West Virginia, which is often joked about for cousin marriages, banned the practice in 1955, but Florida has yet to follow suit.

If Florida lawmakers had passed House Bill 733, cousin marriages would have been banned, but the bill did not pass. Doug Schmidt from Cape Coral commented, “It’s pretty unusual they would have that still in the state. It should have been banned many years ago.”

Historically, notable figures such as Albert Einstein and President Franklin Roosevelt married their cousins. Kim Schmidt from Punta Gorda humorously remarked, “Well, it makes for a nice small wedding party.”

The practice, though unusual, accounts for only about 250,000 marriages nationwide. One resident pointed out, “I mean, if you have the same grandpa, you don’t want Grandpa Joe to be on both sides of the aisle at your wedding.”

Cousin marriages are permitted in some countries, including those in the Middle East and North Africa. Margie Vanbentizen, a Polish native, stated, “No! Definitely not in Poland.”

Doug Schmidt from Cape Coral expressed confusion over the lack of legislative action, saying, “I can’t understand why you wouldn’t take action just to get it off the legislation.”

Several bills faced challenges, as the legislature experienced significant gridlock, failing to pass priorities, including a budget or decreases in property taxes.

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Bobcat that attacked dogs is state’s 1st rabies case of 2026

CNN Newsource on March 17, 2026

By Hamilton Kahn

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    Sierra County NM (KOAT) — A bobcat that attacked several dogs and tested positive for rabies is the state’s first case of rabies this year, a New Mexico Department of Health news release said.

All the dogs that were attacked have received rabies vaccines and a booster, and will be monitored for rabies symptoms for 45 days. Two people who may have been exposed were given post-exposure rabies vaccines, the release said.

“Rabies is deadly but preventable,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, NMDOH’s public heealth veterinarian. “Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or strictly isolated for months to prevent human exposure.”

Bats are the animals most likely to have rabies in New Mexico, along with skunks and foxes. There were 13 confirmed cases in New Mexico of animals with rabies in 2025, including one bobcat, and 12 cases in 2024, including four bobcats, the release said.

Animals that appear sick or acting abnormally should be reported to a local animal control officer or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

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.