Month: July 2026

By Itay Hod

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — The secret word you say quietly after pressing a nondescript buzzer in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District doesn’t just open a door.

It opens a portal into another time, when passwords granted access to hidden rooms, and liquor flowed freely even while the law insisted otherwise.

Back then, alcohol was prohibited. Today? It’s your phone.

Inside Bourbon & Branch, a bar built inside one of the city’s original Prohibition-era speakeasies, the cocktails are stiff, the lights glow amber, and conversations happen face to face. It looks like 1924. In many ways, it feels like it too.

“We just ask that you speak easy and don’t use cell phones while you’re with us,” the hostess tells customers as she seats them, menus already in hand.

When new owners took over in 2006, they kept everything that made the place what it was, the dark wood, the amber light, the hidden doors and added one more rule: No phones.

“People are really looking for a way to engage with each other and get away from that constant need and desire to be looking at your phone,” said General Manager Anastacia Cortez.

Cortez, who admits she was one of the last people to get a smartphone and still regrets it, said the phone-free policy wasn’t a gimmick. It was a philosophy.

Turns out, Bourbon & Branch was ahead of its time.

In cities across the country, bars and restaurants are now enforcing the same rule. A 2025 survey from Talker Research found that 63% of Gen Z intentionally disconnect from their devices, making the generation that grew up online the very one now leading the charge to log off.

Addison Sutton, out for the night with friends, said putting the phone away isn’t as easy as it sounds. But the 24-year-old said he wasn’t worried about the withdrawals.

“I have alcohol to fix that,” Sutton said.

The original speakeasy, which still holds all of its original secret exits, was built so patrons could vanish if police came calling. CEO Brian Sheehy, said the no-phone rule has always been about preservation. Not just of the bar’s history, but of the experience itself.

Prohibition may be long over. But contraband, it seems, is alive and well.

First-time phone offenders get a polite reminder. Repeat offenders will get shown the exit, and not the secret one.

“When you’re trying to put on the ultimate hospitality experience, you have to minimize the number of distractions to your guests and to your colleagues,” he said. “It really come down to hospitality.”

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 Brittney Ermon

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    GRANADA HILLS, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Workers at a Granada Hills Vons said their managers kept the grocery store open for hours with a customer’s dead body lying in an aisle.

Paszion Horner-Smith said she was working as a supervisor on July 5 when one of her customers suffered a medical emergency in the supermarket’s bakery aisle.

“It’s just something I’ve never, ever in my 27 years that I’ve worked for the company, ever encountered or dealt with,” she said.

Horner-Smith and another employee performed CPR, but the customer died.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said crews were called to the store just after 7 p.m. that night for a report of a cardiac arrest.

Horner-Smith said her corporate managers told her to cover the body with carts and umbrellas while the store remained open.

“I’m being called by someone in corporate because they’re looking at the cameras, telling me that I need to barricade the body by using carts,” she said.

Horner-Smith said the customer’s family stayed at the store for four hours until a mortuary removed their loved one from the store.

“This poor family that’s just sitting there,” Horner-Smith said. “They can’t even see their loved one. They can’t touch their loved one. They sat in the store for four hours while people continued to shop around their deceased loved one.”

UFCW Local 770 President Kathy Finn said she contacted the Albertson’s labor relations department after learning about the incident. She said the company has not responded to her questions about protocols for handling a customer’s death in the store. The union urged the company to review its emergency policies.

“This situation is just one incident of that kind of callous attitude towards the needs of the workers,” Finn said.

Horner-Smith said she’s taking a week off to recover from the incident.

“Vons, you need to do better,” she said. “You need to have some sort of policy for when someone passes away in the store. This should not have happened.”

Albertsons, the parent company of Vons, did not immediately respond to CBS LA for comment.

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 Marvin Hurst

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    RICHARDSON, Texas (KTVT) — Mario Martinez started cutting hair when he was 15. He did not plan on it becoming a career until a few years later, when he was in college.

“Whenever I found out that I was already making more cutting hair than what I was going to college for, I was just like, yeah, I’m just going to stick to it,” he said.

In that time, Martinez has certainly seen his clientele evolve.

The first athletes in his chair were a Cowboys practice squad player and a pro boxer. Since then, his Legends Barbershop and Co. in Richardson serves players from the NBA, NFL, UFL and other sports.

Among his customers is former Dallas Cowboy Dez Bryant. He said he’s even given CeeDee Lamb a trim. In fact, Martinez said it was Lamb, as well as the son of former NBA player Robert Horry, who called him in 2023 about cutting hair for members of Real Madrid.

Martinez said he was on vacation, but he passed the opportunity off to Bryan Guardado, another barber at his business.

“He’s the one that’s a big soccer fan. I like football more than anything, but he’s the soccer guy,” Martinez said.

Guardado kept the cuts with soccer players going. Martinez said the barber travels with Spanish soccer phenom Lamine Yamal, and was in Los Angeles for Friday’s match between Spain and Belgium.

Martinez got in on the action, too. He had just moved into a new home with his wife and children last month when a call came to him.

“The national team of Sweden actually was asking around for a barber, and my name came up,” Martinez said.

He dropped everything and started cutting the hair of players he didn’t know. What he does know, however, is how to cut hair.

“It is mainly just professionalism. I feel like that’s one of the most important things, and just professionalism, consistency,” he said. “Some people overthink it. But in my opinion, it’s just, stay consistent, just do the job. That’s it.”

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 Barry Pintar

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    SHALER, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — A paralyzed dog named Gandalf ran away from his home in Shaler after Fourth of July fireworks spooked him. But he was found thanks to a woman who volunteers her time to find lost pets, and the heartwarming reunion with his mom was caught on camera.

Amelia Breitenbach of Pittsburgh Drone Pet Search and Rescue was called to help after early fireworks on July Fourth scared Gandalf. His owner looked for him all night into the early morning but couldn’t find him. Breitenbach soon arrived and jumped into action, launching her drone.

Gandalf was found in a ravine about six houses away, scared, shaking and covered in leaves. He had been out there through a night of fireworks and thunderstorms. A video of Gandalf reuniting with his mom went viral, with nearly 8 million views.

“I have no words to express my gratitude and love for Amelia,” Gandalf’s mom wrote in a Facebook post. “Her generosity and selflessness on a holiday, no less, are why I have my baby boy back with me today. While this story started as a nightmare, it ended with joy and relief. Gandalf could not have come home on his own even if he tried. Only having his front legs, he could not make it out of that ravine.”

While Breitenbach uses her drone to find lost pets, her instincts are even more important. She’s been doing this for years — and she does it for free.

“So they call me and I go out free of charge to them,” Breitenbach said, adding she spends “pretty much 24/7 doing this.”

Government agencies, police agencies and fire departments often call upon her, and she helps them for free too. Remember the cows that got loose on Interstate 279? Police called in Breitenbach to keep track of them. Perhaps her most famous case: the carjacking of an 87-year-old veteran with Lucky the dog still inside the car. Lucky was never found but Breitenbach jumped into action, actually driving to North Carolina to help in the search.

And though Lucky has still not been located, a Facebook group posted just a few days ago saying they’re not giving up. And luckily for them, Breitenbach is ready to fly into action if need be.

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 Carmela Karcher

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    LODI, California (KOVR) — After long hours caring for patients at San Joaquin General Hospital, LaCrissa Black was finally enjoying a day off.

She was relaxing with her kids at Lodi Lake Beach on Thursday afternoon when she heard the lifeguard whistle.

“I looked back and a lady had fallen. I believe she more so collapsed,” Black shared. “I ran over. People were trying to help her, talk to her, but the way it looked, it was a little more severe.”

Without hesitation, Black’s day in the water called for skills she uses when she’s in her scrubs.

“She was not breathing,” she explained. “We put her on her back. I started CPR. I instructed someone to give breaths while I was doing CPR.”

A woman was in the middle of a medical emergency. She had no pulse and a deep gash on her forehead. Instantly, Black and others rushed to help.

“It was a hard sight to see,” Black said. “I was basically just directing everyone on what to do. A lot of people didn’t really know what to do. They were trying their best to help.”

The woman regained a pulse but was still unresponsive. She was then quickly taken to the nearest hospital by first responders.

The city decided to give the lifeguards a day to recuperate on Friday, prompting the beach to close for the day.

“It just came natural to me. I was just happy to be there to help because it was it was critical,” Black shared.

A community coming together to help one another.

“I thank everyone for their support,” Black continued. “It’s weird to me because I just jumped in and did what anyone would do. We have been praying for her and her family. We pray that she is okay and her family is okay. Just hope for the best.”

CBS Sacramento reached out to the city of Lodi to speak with the fire department and lake employees, but they said they were unavailable today.

In terms of the woman’s condition, the city said they are still waiting for an update.

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 Elyssa Kaufman, Victor Jacobo, Sabrina Franza

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    MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana (WBBM) — An Indiana State Police trooper was shot multiple times after a pursuit in Michigan City Friday morning, and the suspect was later found dead in a wooded area nearby, state police said.

Around 5:30 a.m., the trooper was pursuing a suspect driving a stolen silver 2019 Ford F-150 on I-94.

Authorities say the chase began with a report of a stolen plate at a casino in New Buffalo. The suspect, later identified as 54-year-old Kevin W. Meyers of LaPorte, Indiana, left the state and Indiana State Police pursued the vehicle. They said during the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple shots from a rifle and also pointed the gun at pursuing officers.

The chase ended when both vehicles crashed near a Speedway gas station after exiting onto U.S. 421, according to Indiana State Police.

The suspect then fired at the trooper from inside the truck, hitting him multiple times, police said. The trooper returned fire as the suspect drove away.

Cameron Davis saw part of the massive police response from his property in Westville, Indiana.

“I seen two unmarked Indiana state troopers with chargers and AR-15’s and right outside my property when I pulled out of the driveway,” he said.

The trooper, Sergeant Justin Heflin, a 12-year veteran with ISP and a U.S. Marine veteran, was taken to Franciscan Health Michigan City by responding officers for emergency care before being taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where his condition was stabilized after undergoing successful surgery, police said.

Just after 9:16 a.m., with help from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department aviation unit, police located the Ford in a wooded area near Wozniak and Joliet roads, approximately 5 miles south of the crash site. As additional officers moved in, police said gunfire was heard from a nearby cornfield. No officers were hit.

A perimeter was established, and a tactical team searched the area. Police later confirmed the suspect was found dead in the cornfield from gunshot wounds.

State police were joined by the Lake County Sheriff’s aviation and K9 units. All in all, around 100 officers were trying to stop the suspect. They said there is no ongoing threat to the community.

CBS News Chicago learned that Meyers was last booked in the La Porte County Jail on May 18 and released on June 17. An autopsy for Meyers is schedueld for Saturday, July 11, police said.

This is the third officer in northwest Indiana to be shot on the job in the last few months.

On May 22, La Porte County Sheriff’s deputy Jon Samuelson was critically injured after he was shot three times at Michigan City’s Franciscan Health Hospital.

Then, just four days later on May 26, an Indiana State Police trooper was shot and a suspect was killed in a shootout during a traffic stop in Hammond. According to state police, the trooper was shot in the chest, but was wearing a protective vest. He was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital for surgery and later released.

“We’re hurting as a profession, but this is something that we work through. Unfortunately, these things happen,” said Public Information Officer Glen Fifield.

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 Reg Chapman

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    MINNEAPOLIS-ST.PAUL, Minnesota (WCCO) — For six weeks in the summer, Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School in North Minneapolis is home to one of 12 Freedom Schools across the Twin Cities.

Freedom Schools started back in 1964, a year after the historic Children’s March that saw more than 1,000 students marching in the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, in protest of legalized segregation in the city.

It led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Today’s Freedom school provides a fostering environment that supports young people to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves, families, communities, and the world.

Students and staff start the day with Harambee, the Swahili word for let’s pull together.

“We come in every morning, welcoming them, saying good morning. A lot of kids don’t hear that on a day-to-day basis,” said Tylyn Harris an educator at Freedom School. “So getting that from the staff and that energy and it puts that fire in them.”

Cheers, chants, and announcements all centered around music. It’s like a morning cup of coffee to get these scholars going.

It’s in the classroom where all the fun begins. Each room is decorated by the educators who help the scholars celebrate their potential and affirm their profound impact on the world.

Servant Leader Instructor Tylyn Harris used to be a young scholar during Freedom Summers. She credits her former teachers for her involvement in the program today.

“They had a lot of passionate staff who brought the energy every single day,” said Harris. “It definitely brought me up to where I am today.”

Children Defense Fund Freedom Schools’ focus is on literacy, civic engagement, and community building.

Reading is a big part of what scholars do here.

“We have young people whose grade level jumps in the summer without really teaching the mechanics of reading,” said Leavon Fields, the site coordinator for Freedom School. “Just teaching the love of reading, showing them books they can relate to, books with characters that look like them.”

Freedom Schools are in 97 cities across 29 states.

Minnesota leads the country in the number of scholars involved in Freedom Schools,1500 youngsters. And we have a lot of firsts.

“First to have a juvenile detention freedom school in the United States, first to have an American Indian freedom school, and also first to have a STEM-focused Freedom school,” said Fields.

“Today we read this book called Daddy Daughter Day and how it is important to have time with your dad and how you need like a good role model in your life,” said Naiya Walden, an educator.

Freedom School allows scholars to believe in their ability and responsibility to make a difference.

“They are asking us why Freedom School is only in the summer; why can’t regular school be like this? I think it’s something I would want my kids to be a part of, and I know they will be a part of it when I have kids ,” said Harris.

Freedom School is for everybody. Educators say it is an atmosphere they want all children to experience.

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.