Category: CNN Regional

By Christopher Harris

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    AVONDALE ESTATES, Georgia (WUPA) — The City of Avondale Estates has received a $1 million anonymous donation. Donors say the gift was made possible “thanks to Waffle House serving Avondale since 1955.”

City leaders announced the contribution this week, calling it a remarkable tribute to the community where the first Waffle House restaurant opened nearly 71 years ago.

On Labor Day 1955, neighbors Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner launched the original Waffle House on East College Avenue in Avondale Estates. Built on the idea of fast service, 24-hour availability, and a welcoming atmosphere, the small restaurant grew into a national chain with more than 2,000 locations across the United States.

Today, the original site operates as the Waffle House Museum, preserving the look and feel of the 1955 restaurant.

City officials say the $1 million gift will give Avondale Estates flexibility to invest in projects that directly benefit residents. Potential uses include infrastructure upgrades, parks and public spaces, public safety initiatives, and other improvements designed to enhance quality of life.

Mayor Jonathan Elmore called the donation “a remarkable act of kindness.”

“For someone to honor a hometown story that began right here in Avondale Estates, and to do so in a way that benefits our city, is profoundly generous,” Elmore said in a statement. “On behalf of the Board of Mayor and Commissioners and our community, we are incredibly grateful.”

City Manager Patrick Bryant said the funds provide a rare opportunity to address both current and future needs while celebrating a company with deep local roots.

“This gift provides the City with a rare and valuable opportunity, allowing us to respond strategically to current and future needs while celebrating a business whose roots are right here in Avondale Estates,” Bryant said.

While the donors chose to remain anonymous, their message made clear the connection between the gift and Waffle House’s origins in the city.

Residents and visitors interested in experiencing that history can tour the Waffle House Museum, which is open by appointment for guided tours on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. The museum also hosts open houses four times a year, with the next scheduled for March 7.

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 Barclay Idsal

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    BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — Members of the House Business Committee are receiving criticism for allowing David Pettinger, who has a history of costumed appearances at the statehouse, to deliver testimony with his face painted brown while wearing stereotypical Mexican attire.

The testimony occurred as the House Business Committee discussed Senate Bill 1247 (SB-1247), which would require Idaho contractors and agencies with more than 150 employees, with contracts equal to or greater than $100,000, and those who are paid wholly or in part with public funds, to use the federal “E-Verify” software during their hiring process.

Chairman of the House Business Committee, Rep. Josh Wheeler (R – District 35) introduced David Pettinger and stated that he had two minutes to deliver his testimony.

Pettinger’s racist testimony began, “El jefe, amigos, mi interpreter es presente… no hablo inglés.”

He was then cut off by Rep. Steve Berch (D – District 15). “Mr. Chairman, point of order, this is not performance theater here; if we can please have straight testimony, otherwise, I don’t think this is an appropriate form of testimony for this committee here,” said Rep. Berch

Rep. Wheeler agreed with Berch’s statement and instead asked Pettinger to deliver “straight testimony, otherwise we’ll move on.”

Pettinger responded by asking the committee to proceed in Spanish: “en espanol, en espanol?”

The committee was then put at ease for a short break before resuming Pettinger’s testimony, which he resumed in English.

Pettinger went on to say that he was going to argue against the bill as an undocumented immigrant to further make a point about how undocumented immigrants are endangering the “community.” Without providing evidence, Pettinger went on to make claims about Idaho companies employing undocumented immigrants who raped underage females.

He finished by stating that SB-1247 is a “good bill” and that he “was looking forward to giving you some entertainment, and uh, I think that you would have enjoyed that testimony substantially more.” He conceded, “I don’t wanna end up in these handcuffs again, uh, by your friends from the Idaho State Patrol in the back, we will just leave it at that.”

In a statement, Director of the ACLU of Idaho Ruby Mendez-Mota slammed the committee chair for allowing the testimony to proceed.

“Allowing a clearly racist demonstration in their committee absolutely does qualify as ‘conduct unbecoming a Representative which is detrimental to the integrity of the House as a legislative body,’ and the committee chair allowed it. Members of our community have been gaveled for far less, and that double standard is inexcusable,” said Mendez-Mota. “We are calling on leadership to enforce that standard and be held accountable. We remind lawmakers that they represent all of their constituents, even those with dark skin, even those who don’t speak English as a first language, even those they disagree with; and we remind them it is their duty to hold themselves accountable to a high standard, or we will do it for you. What this committee did here is support racist behavior, and it’s absolutely unacceptable.”

Poder of Idaho echoed those sentiments, saying in a social media post, “Behavior like such will not be tolerated by our community.”

In a phone interview with Idaho News 6, committee member Rep. Steve Berch (D – District 15) called the testimony “patently racist,” adding Pettinger should have been escorted out. “If someone had appeared in blackface and discussing issues affecting African-Americans, you wouldn’t tolerate that for a minute. And neither should you do that when someone who was not Hispanic dresses and basically mocks Hispanic Idahoans. So, you know, to me, this was completely inappropriate and under any rule of decorum— the person in question should have been escorted out of the committee room.”

When asked who may interfere or stop testimony in progress, Rep. Berch answered that the committee chairman has the “broad decision-making authority in regard to how public hearings are conducted.”

Public testimony instructions as listed on the House Business page state, “You may be asked to leave by the committee Chairman if you participate in disruptive activities.” The instructions do not mention the way people must be dressed.

Idaho News 6 has reached out to the House Business Committee to ask what policies govern the conduct and appearance of individuals who testify, and to House leadership to clarify who holds the authority to intervene when a member of the public’s conduct during testimony is deemed disruptive or offensive.

Pettinger was previously arrested at the Idaho Statehouse in 2021, while dressed as The Joker, for a warrant related to disturbing the peace. He was also seen in brownface, holding out a microphone to passersby, while dressed as Aladdin at the 2025 State of the State Address.

Pettinger was also captured on video in April 2025, replacing the city’s Pride flag at City Hall with an “Appeal to Heaven” flag.

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 Matt Schooley

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — The Blizzard of 2026 will be something one Boston couple will never forget. They eloped right in the middle of the snowstorm.

Maddie McNamara and Drew Baker had planned a small wedding at Boston Public Library.

They then learned both the library and an alternate location were closed as a blizzard hit the city. They decided to elope in their hotel instead.

Their photographer walked over from his hotel and after a five-minute ceremony, the newlyweds headed outside into the snow.

“They went into the Common and frolicked around there, threw snowballs at each other. Jumped in the snow laying on their on their backs like snow angel style. It was just, I’ve never seen couples like let loose like that before,” photographer Chris Graham said. “A lot of brides, they’re stressed on their wedding day, you know? And I’ve never seen anybody as not stressed as they were. It was amazing.”

Graham told WBZ-TV he hopes the unorthodox wedding will show others you can do whatever you want for your special day.

Boston is still cleaning out Tuesday after the blizzard dumped 17.1 inches of snow in the city.

Other parts of Massachusetts saw even more snow. In the southeastern part of the state, some communities were buried with more than three feet of snow. More than 200,000 customers were still without power in Massachusetts as of Tuesday night and Eversource said full restoration will likely take several days to complete.

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 Kaley O’Kelley

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    TEMPE, AZ (KNXV) — For many Arizona families, taking care of an aging loved one is an act of devotion. It can also be emotionally draining, financially stressful, and physically exhausting.

Every day in this country, about 10,000 Americans turn 65, according to the Pew Research Center.

More older adults are choosing to remain in their homes as they age, and here in Arizona, that decision often falls on families to make it work.

The challenge is the cost, as in-home care can exceed $80,000 a year. Assisted living in our state averages more than $5,500 per month, and memory care can cost significantly more.

As families search for solutions, some are turning to CareYaya Health Technologies, a service connecting families with trained healthcare students who provide in-home support.

Through partnerships with universities, including Arizona State University, the program matches families with vetted students studying nursing, pre-medical fields, and other healthcare disciplines. These students can provide companionship, assist with meals, help with mobility and daily routines, and give family caregivers something many desperately need: time to rest.

The service is meant to support families and improve quality of life, not replace professional medical care.

Founder Neil K. Shah created the program after facing a caregiving crisis in his own family. He says many families are trying to balance careers, children, and aging parents at the same time.

Support through the program averages around $20 per hour, offering a more affordable option than traditional in-home care.

But the impact goes beyond saving money: families gain relief and peace of mind, students gain real-world experience and a deeper understanding of patient care, and older adults gain companionship and meaningful connections.

For many, those relationships grow into bonds that feel more like extended family.

Arizona families can learn more by visiting careyaya.org, creating a profile describing their care needs, reviewing matched student caregivers, and scheduling visits based on availability.

The program may be especially helpful for families needing respite support, older adults living independently at home, caregivers feeling overwhelmed, or seniors seeking companionship.

Families should evaluate their loved one’s medical needs to determine whether supplemental support or licensed medical care is required.

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 Caroline Foreback

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    RANDALLSTOWN, Maryland (WJZ) — A Baltimore County man was arrested for allegedly setting his house on fire after an explosive argument with his wife last weekend, according to charging documents obtained by WJZ.

Gary High Sr., 72, has been charged with arson and attempted murder.

Officers were called to a home on Collier Road in Randallstown around 9:15 p.m. on Saturday for reports of a fight in progress and that someone was trying to set the house on fire.

“Caller advised someone is trying to burn the house down, there is someone pouring gasoline,” a dispatch responder said.

High lives in the home with his wife and her two adult children, according to charging documents.

Earlier that night, the couple got into an argument about their living arrangement. High told investigators he came home and started pouring gasoline all over the house, charging documents stated.

Police said a fight broke out when another occupant of the home tried to stop High, who then allegedly used a lighter to ignite the fire in the basement which caused an explosion.

“I’m being told there’s been some kind of explosion,” dispatch audio said. “It’s in the basement. I’m trying to make sure everybody is out.”

The other family members in the home escaped, and High was arrested and was taken to a hospital.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a bail review hearing.

Neighbors said they were startled by the noise.

“We heard a boom in the house, and we just kind of looked out, and a lot of the neighbors were yelling, and the family came out of the house,” said Fred, a neighbor. “There seemed to be a big commotion.”

Fred said High has lived in the house for at least 30 years. He never pictured High doing anything like this.

“I’m surprised because he’s a nice guy, he really is,” Fred said. “I talk to him all the time. He takes care of his house and his property and the neighbors and everything so he was a really good guy so I don’t understand what would have caused this issue to start.”

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 John Franchi

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    SALT LAKE CITY (KSTU) — Lori McQueen arrived in Utah in 2023 with nothing. Health issues were one factor that caused her to lose her nursing job in Florida, and she found herself homeless for months, staying in a women’s shelter.

Today, McQueen is a resident and employee at The Other Side Village in Salt Lake City — a face of hope for others who are walking the same difficult road she once traveled. “At midnight when the bus came in, I walked with my walker to the shelter, and thankfully, they had a bed for me,” McQueen said.

After months at the women’s shelter, McQueen moved into The Other Side Village, where she found stable housing and a job. She now draws on her own experience to mentor and support fellow residents.

Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village, nominated McQueen for a FOX 13 Dream Team surprise and described the many roles she plays in the community. “To see her in a role — whether it’s a mentor role, could be a friend role — for many in the village who live here she might be a mother role, or aunt role or sister role. She has a lot of different hats,” Cochrane said.

Cochrane said he was inspired to nominate McQueen after watching a previous Dream Team story on FOX 13. “Lori has been through a lot,” he said.

McQueen now serves as a receptionist at The Other Side Village, greeting visitors and answering calls in the lobby. She said the community she has found there has become her family. “It’s important that we have each other and we are there for each other,” McQueen said.

For McQueen, The Other Side Village offered more than shelter — it offered a path forward. “If you are ready to make a change and you have hit rock bottom, you’re done — it gives that whole person change,” McQueen said.

She said the bonds formed within the community have made all the difference in her recovery and stability. “It’s a good thing to always have people to talk to, to go cook together, watch movies together, play games together — it’s really good,” McQueen said.

The Dream Team surprise was organized by Cochrane, who snuck the Dream Team into the community room where McQueen’s friends had gathered. Sharlene Wells, representing Mountain America Credit Union, presented McQueen with a gift basket that included blankets, lotions, chocolates, gift cards, and a contribution to her savings.

“Lori, we are amazed by your incredible journey. We are so proud of you. We have a very heavy gift basket to pamper you — blankets, lotions and chocolates and some gift cards and something for your savings. We want you to know how amazed and impressed we are by your incredible journey. You have come so far,” Wells said.

The Other Side Village currently has 60 tiny homes and plans to expand to 456 homes to accommodate 500 residents, with the goal of getting more people into stable housing.

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

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    BIG BEAR, Calif. (KABC) — Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, have laid their third egg of the season after tragedy struck the nest last month.

It’s the first egg of Jackie’s second clutch after she previously laid two eggs in January.

Around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, video from the live nest camera shows Jackie standing up to reveal a freshly-laid egg. She then fluffs the nest around the egg a bit before sitting back on top of it.

Last month, Jackie and Shadow’s nest was invaded by ravens while the bald eagles were away, breaching the two eggs Jackie had previously laid.

According to the non-profit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, which owns and operates the camera, Shadow left the nest around noon, and Jackie did not come in, leaving it unattended for several hours. At that point, the non-profit noticed that one of the eggs looked like it had broken.

“We will never know why, but we are sure they had their reasons as they have been incubating the eggs faithfully,” the non-profit said in a post on social media last month. “It is possible Jackie and Shadow sensed something was wrong with the egg. They could have also been protecting their territory as many other bald eagles have been seen in the valley recently.”

It was later that afternoon when ravens came to the nest and breached both eggs, the non-profit said. Jackie later returned and continued to incubate one of the breached eggs.

Ever since the eggs were breached, fans of the beloved bald eagles had been waiting patiently to see if Jackie would lay a second clutch of eggs. Nesting season runs through April, so it’s possible Jackie could lay additional eggs.

The pair has raised several eaglets in the past, including Sunny and Gizmo last year.

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By Matteo Iadonisi

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    PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — As she nears the end of her career in public safety, Officer Rebecca Key-Gaskins is trying something new: teaching school children a pastime that was passed down from her mother.

Key-Gaskins remembers her mom teaching her how to crochet as a kid. However, it wasn’t until later in life that she picked it up as a therapeutic hobby at the end of a busy work day.

Last Halloween, Key-Gaskins invited one of her colorfully-crocheted dolls to tag along in the passenger seat of her patrol vehicle.

After seeing the reaction from kids, she was inspired to teach children how to crochet themselves.

Temple University Police had already established the ‘Cops in the Classroom’ program, inviting officers to read aloud to children in North Philadelphia schools.

Thus, Key-Gaskins paid a visit to St. Malachy Catholic School to teach them the very basics of crochet.

Although she plans to retire this year, Key-Gaskins hopes to continue teaching students long into the future.

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.