Category: CNN Regional

By David Collins

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    ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (WBAL) — A bill before Maryland’s General Assembly would put people and communities at the center of environmental decisions.

The bill, called the “Cherish Our Communities Act,” requires pollution permit decisions to be based on environmental justice data. The data determines the impact on public health, and Maryland currently lacks legal authority to make permitting decisions based on those numbers.

The bill creates a system where community voices matter in decisions that affect their health. Its goal is to protect communities while providing clear guidelines for industry.

The Cherish Our Communities Act ensures neighborhoods already dealing with pollution burdens aren’t forced to accept even more without safeguards and benefits. A coalition of environmentalists and concerned citizens voiced their concerns during a rally at Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis Tuesday.

“We’re here today because the Cherished Bill is what puts communities back into decision-making. The point of Cherish, it’s beautifully as it sounds in the name, to cherish our communities. For far too long, the communities across the state of Maryland have dealt with the air pollution, with groundwater pollution, and had to take on more of their own share of pollution and harm being done into their communities,” concerned citizen Carlos Sanchez from South Baltimore said.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has a state map showing communities overburdened by pollution and underserved by government services. The legislation sets new requirements for pollution permits in these areas and allows MDE to deny permits based on environmental justice grounds.

“I am a proud mother of two children, including my young son who’s living with asthma and autism. Every day, I worry about the air my son breathes. Families like mine living in my neighborhood, surrounded by pollution, our children are paying the price with their health,” Marta Orellana from Baltimore City said.

“I’m speaking for families with children who struggle, as we just heard with asthma, for industries and households that are contaminated, for farmers whose land is saturated with nitrates that they can barely use; these are not statistics. But these are my neighbors,” Monica Brooks with the NAACP said.

The bill also requires a burden report to be included in an application. This is a baseline understanding of risk, disparities and environmental needs.

“Let me be clear about this bill and what it is and what it is not. The CARES Act is about fairness. Yeah, it’s about transparency, and it’s about making smarter, more responsible decisions when it comes to the environment and our health,” State Sen. Benjamin Brooks (D), the bill’s sponsor, said.

Advocates have been working for months with lawmakers. They agreed to concessions and made the bill more budget-friendly. The legislation has already been heard in the House and Senate, while no vote has been scheduled.

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 Madison Sims

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    CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WRCB) — For two students at Cleveland Middle School who rely on wheelchairs, getting through the school hallways just got a little easier, thanks to a group of their own classmates.

Sixth graders Angel Molina and Angel Diaz navigate the school differently than many of their peers.

The boys’ STEM teacher, Derek Morris, says it was clear the boys wanted to be able to do certain things on their own.

“They’re in wheelchairs, and they want to be independent. It’s like anyone else. Sometimes they get stuck on the door a little bit and have to have some help.”

Looking to change that, one of the school’s paraprofessionals, Betsy Wilis, approached Morris with an idea to make the boys’ travel a little easier: create a tool that would allow them to open doors on their own. She brought the concept to Morris and his STEM class, challenging students to find a real-world solution.

“Our goal for this class is not only just to get them into STEM and excited about it, but also find real-world application.”

They used only materials they had on hand, like scrap wood, cardboard, and a few items students brought from home.

“We started picking up junk and started making stuff,” Morris said.

In just one week, students designed and built six different prototypes of door-opening devices, each aimed at helping Molina and Diaz move more independently through the school.

“They help me open the door,” Molina said.

The impact of the project went beyond functionality. Diaz said it felt good knowing his classmates were working to make his day-to-day life easier.

The project also left a lasting impression on the students who created the devices.

“This was a really good project to help them get through our hallways and hopefully make them better,” said student Braylyn Harmon.

While the tools are still being refined, the effort has already made a difference.

And for Molina and Diaz, it’s one more step toward greater independence and a smoother ride through the school day.

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 Akilah Davis

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    RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) — The Rev. Dr. Robert Turner began a 40-mile march for justice at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in Warren County, calling the journey to the State Capitol in Raleigh both symbolic and necessary.

By midday, Turner had already covered about 20 miles, walking along U.S. 1 through Youngsville and toward Wake Forest, holding a sign that reads “Reparations Now.”

“I’m cold. My feet are exhausted. I’ve been up since 3 o’clock,” he said during a brief stop.

Around 9:30 p.m., Thompson reached his destination in Raleigh.

Turner said each step is intentional, rooted in a long history of injustice.

“What happened here in 1982 was never repaired for. What happened in 1619 is still not repaired. What happened during Jim Crow is still not repaired,” he said.

The 42-year-old Baltimore pastor acknowledged that he did not train for the grueling distance, but said adrenaline and a deep sense of purpose are carrying him forward. He began the march at a historic marker commemorating the 1982 PCB protests, when Black residents in Warren County opposed the state’s decision to place a toxic waste landfill in their community. The landfill was ultimately built, contaminating the area and helping spark what is widely recognized as the environmental justice movement.

Turner argued that the effects are still being felt.

“There’s a lack of health care, lack of transportation to get to jobs, and continued disinvestment in rural Black communities,” he said. “It’s not too late to make it right.”

Turner has made similar symbolic marches before, including multiple 40-mile walks from Baltimore to the White House, echoing the unfulfilled promise of “40 acres and a mule” issued at the end of the Civil War by Union General William T. Sherman.

He was not entirely alone on this journey. Raleigh pastor the Rev. Larry McDonald of St. Paul AME Church walked alongside him for part of the route, while others, including Associate Minister Bill Kearney, followed in cars to provide support and raise awareness.

“My role has been to meet him, support him along the walk, and help people understand what’s happening today,” Kearney said.

Turner said the response from the public has been unexpectedly positive. Drivers have honked in support, and some have even stopped to check on him.

“A White gentleman pulled over to see if I needed a ride. A police officer did the same,” Turner said. “I was pleasantly surprised because I’ve experienced the worst. I thought I was going to get the worst,” he said.

Turner, a mentee of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, said that he is continuing that legacy following Jackson’s recent death.

“My heart still aches for the family, but his work will never die as long as I’m alive,” Turner said. “I will continue to advocate in his memory.”

Turner said the march was part of a broader effort to raise awareness nationwide, with plans to continue into Virginia next month.

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 Cassandra Garcia , Aja Dorsainvil

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    MARTIN COUNTY, Florida (WPTV) — A driver survived after a large oak tree toppled over and smashed his truck’s windshield, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said.

The incident happened Monday along SR-714, also known as Martin Highway, near Selah Drive. Deputies say heavy wind gusts caused the large, rotted oak tree to fall into the roadway and collide with a Toyota Tacoma as it came down.

The impact sent large limbs through the windshield, striking the driver on the side of his head, deputies said.

The driver was transported by ground to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Longtime drivers of the route said beauty and danger go hand-in-hand along Martin Highway.

“It’s just oak trees all the way down the line. Over the years and decades they have crowded over the road and created this beautiful canopy effect,” said Okeechobee resident Graham Foy, who travels the road daily.

Foy explained he avoids the route when the wind picks up.

“It really doesn’t take much more than a 30 mph wind to bring something crashing down,” said Foy.

Another driver, Chris McCarty, said storms send debris everywhere.

“There’s usually brush flying everywhere, especially palm fronds,” she said.

After listening to these drivers concerns, WPTV’s Cassandra Garcia asked the county what is being done to prevent these types of incidents.

Martin County told her the following in a statement:

“The County conducts annual evaluations and maintenance of all roadways and related assets. The most recent maintenance on County Road 714 occurred in October 2025 and included vegetation management, undergrowth clearing, and tree removal.

County crews also perform routine post-storm assessments and cleanup. During removal of the fallen tree involved in the accident, an inspection observed a healthy, green canopy, which would not have warranted further evaluation under standard assessment protocols.”

Both Foy and McCarty said they wouldn’t want to see the scenic route destroyed, but hope maintenance keeps pace with the hazards. For them, Martin Highway is as dangerous in high winds as it is beautiful on a sunny day.

“I would tell everyone out there, slow down on that road, because at least that will give you a chance to maybe stop before the branches fall,” Foy said.

“Mother nature always wins, that’s what I always say,” added McCarty.

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 Colter Anstaett

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    HAMPTON, Virginia (WTKR) — Christopher Daily has a new way to get around.

“It’s a whole lot easier to go on two wheels than two feet,” Daily said.

He was one of the many people in need of a bike who stopped by Buckroe Coffee Co. in Hampton to get one for free.

“I actually grew up doing a lot of bike riding. It actually would put me back on the road, both for whatever I need to do as well as for leisure,” said Daily.

The bikes come from Hampton Strong, a nonprofit that collects and fixes up old bikes and then gives them away.

“Man, it makes my soul sing,” said Hampton Strong President Jeff Pugh.

Pugh runs the nonprofit.

“We’ve got a bike lane right here in front of Buckroe Coffee that gets you to three public beaches. So that was one of our driving forces. Like, get people on the road, and safely,” Pugh said.

When Buckroe Coffee Co. Co-owner David Spring found out he needed some help, Spring offered to handle the bike giveaways so Pugh could focus on the everything else.

“It just seems like a way you can give directly back to people who don’t have the very basic essentials to get to the grocery store or to get a job or anything. So, it just feels like a real impactful moment,” Spring explained.

“To see that a business owner is driven like that makes me want to drive even harder,” said Pugh.

Spring was also motivated by what he calls his bike test. As a way to get a feel for crime in the area, he occasionally puts a bike outside the coffee shop to see how long it takes to get stolen. One time, he tracked down the thief who said he needed a bike to get a job.

“I just gave him the bike. It just seemed like the right thing to do,” Spring said.

Daily said he’s thankful for people like Pugh and Spring.

“It’s good to know that there’s community outreach out there donating things that actually help people that really need it,” said Daily.

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 Felix Cortez

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    SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KSBW) — State leaders have announced that sport fishing for salmon will reopen on the Central Coast starting April 11, with commercial fishing set to begin the following month, marking a significant moment for commercial fishermen who have been unable to fish for salmon since 2022.

“It’s the news that everybody’s been waiting for,” said Blake Anderson, Santa Cruz Harbormaster, expressing the anticipation surrounding the reopening of salmon season.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed that recreational fishing will commence on April 11, while commercial fishing is scheduled to kick off in May.

The Santa Cruz Harbor is preparing for an influx of boaters, which is expected to benefit local businesses.

“We expect a lot of visitation here, a lot of boating,” Anderson said. “It’s good for the harbor, good for the businesses around here. You know, recreational salmon is really important and it’s part of our culture here in Santa Cruz.”

An abbreviated recreational salmon season last year lasted about two weeks, but the reopening is particularly significant for commercial fishermen who have been unable to fish for salmon since 2022.

Anderson noted the challenges faced by larger boats due to quota restrictions but highlighted the opportunity for smaller boats to harvest salmon and earn money.

State wildlife leaders have determined that salmon stocks have recovered sufficiently to allow sport and commercial salmon fishing from south of Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to the U.S./Mexico border.

Hans Haveman, owner of H&H Fish Market, expressed excitement about the reopening, emphasizing the popularity of salmon and its improved health this year.

Haveman said. “You know. it’s definitely the fish. Everybody wants a 3 to 1 salmon over anything else. And it’s like a little healthier this year. We’re really excited.”

Predetermined fish quotas will dictate the duration of the fishing seasons, which could last weeks or months. Local fish markets are eager for the return of fresh salmon, although Hans cautioned that there might be some sticker shock due to limited supply.

“This year is going to be abbreviated, but we’ll have a few fish that’ll come in and it might be some sticker shock because it won’t be a lot of them,” Haveman said. “But we’ll try to keep prices down and then take care of our local fishermen as best we can. And some of our local eaters, too.”

The exact date for the start of the commercial season will be determined in mid-April.

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By Aaron Cantrell

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    WILSON COUNTY, Tennessee (WTVF) — A Tennessee mother is getting a second chance years in the making—now free from the shadow of her past after receiving a pardon from Governor Bill Lee for convictions out of Wilson County.

For Jessica Birch, the moment she learned her pardon had been approved played out on social media—marking the end of a long journey and the start of a new chapter.

Birch began documenting that journey in 2022, sharing her efforts to restore her civil rights.

For years, she was in and out of jail in Wilson County, facing drug-related charges and lifestyle choices that led to a felony conviction in 2017—even after entering recovery.

But she says there was a turning point.

“I realized it’s not always everybody else’s fault,” Birch said.

She eventually moved to Knoxville, got clean and began rebuilding her life—finding housing for herself and her children despite the challenges that come with having a criminal record.

Still, her past continued to follow her.

When her son’s school changed its field trip policy, and she was no longer allowed to attend because of her record, Birch said she knew something had to change.

“No matter how far I go, I’m always going to be a number to the system, and I’m always going to be told no,” she said.

That moment pushed her to begin the process of applying for a pardon.

Her first attempt was denied.

But Birch tried again in 2024, eventually earning an interview.

Birch said the process wasn’t easy, but in January 2025, she received unanimous support during her hearing.

Months later, she got the call—her pardon had been approved by Gov. Lee.

“You have a remarkable story,” Lee said in a video shared by Birch. “I’m grateful you’ll be able to do it a little more freely now.”

Last week, Birch returned to the Wilson County Criminal Justice Center one final time—this time walking out with her rights restored.

“Every time I pushed that bar to come out the door, it’s always been so heavy… and this time it was so light,” she said. “It just flew open for me.”

Now, Birch said the journey was worth it—especially for her children.

She has since launched a nonprofit called Handcuffs to Hope, which supports people impacted by trauma and the criminal justice system.

Now, she’s hoping to connect with Jelly Roll, who was also part of the same group granted pardons by the governor last year, because she thinks they could do great work together in the Volunteer State.

This story was reported on-air by reporter Aaron Cantrell and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVF 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.