2 California teens suffer life-altering injuries in Fourth of July fireworks accident

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Michele Gile, Dean Fioresi

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    ORANGE COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Two Orange County teenagers suffered life-altering injuries during a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July and family members are demanding answers.

Maria Escalante said that one of her twin sons lost several fingers on his right hand, which was completely mutilated after he and a friend picked up an illegal firework from the street in Anaheim. She said that he lit the firework, which then exploded in their hands.

“He’s not doing good. He’s going to be in the hospital for about two months. His hands are literally butchered,” Escalante said. “They’re going to do their best to reconstruct his hands, but they can’t guarantee nothing. … They’re going to see if he has proper circulation going to the last fingers he has, to the few fingers he has left in his hand.”

She said that the surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, and if there isn’t enough circulation, they’re going to amputate her son’s fingers.

As she demands action from the Anaheim Police Department, she’s holding onto what’s left of the firework that she found on S. Mountain View Avenue after the explosion. She said that she plans to take the evidence to her lawyer.

“I found out through the other child that was involved with my son, he also had his hands explode and serious cuts to his face,” Escalante said. “His mother told me that every year they sell illegal fireworks here, so I don’t know if the Anaheim Police Department knows about this or not, but they need to start investigating.”

Escalante said that her injured twin’s brother called her screaming after witnessing the blast, and that he’s still traumatized.

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.

Heat advisories extended across much of Southern California as extreme temperatures expected to continue

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Chelsea Hylton

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    LOS ANGELES, California (KCAL, KCBS) — The National Weather Service has extended heat advisories across Southern California as extreme temperatures are expected to continue through the rest of the week into the weekend.

A high-pressure system to the southwest has been making its way closer to the region, pushing temperatures into the triple digits in some inland communities. The heat is expected to peak on Thursday with some communities like Santa Clarita, San Bernardino and Hemet reaching over 100 degrees.

The summer-like conditions have already scorched the Southland, and the NWS has extended a heat advisory until 10 a.m. on Tuesday. For areas like Burbank, Woodland Hills, Wrightwood, Van Nuys and Pasadena, temperatures could likely reach up to 105 degrees. For the Los Angeles County inland coast including downtown LA, temperatures are expected to be between 82 and 94 degrees.

The heat will briefly taper off over the weekend before picking up again early next week. An NWS extreme heat watch will go into effect on Tuesday morning and remain in effect through Thursday. Weather officials said temperatures could reach up to 112 degrees in some areas.

The hot conditions bring an increased risk for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and stroke. Common symptoms to look out for include heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, dizziness, confusion and nausea. Weather officials say if you experience a heat stroke, you should seek emergency medical care.

CBS LA expects a Next Weather Alert to go into effect as soon as Sunday, with the next heat wave approaching this time with higher humidity mixed in for next week.

During the dangerously warm weather, people are reminded to never leave young children or pets in locked cars.

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Lifeguards warn of hazardous surf at California beaches, announce free life jacket stations

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Felix Cortez

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    CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, California (KSBW) — State lifeguards in Carmel are urging beachgoers to exercise caution as hazardous surf conditions, including sneaker waves and strong rip currents, are expected in the coming days.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings about dangerous coastal conditions, and lifeguards stress the importance of understanding the risks.

“People not understanding the conditions and understanding this is a wild place that plays by its own rules, you have to know what’s going on and just be aware of your surroundings,” said Joe Stoffers, a state lifeguard.

Lifeguards are advising visitors to stay off rocks, keep a close eye on children, and never turn their backs to the ocean. They recommend visiting beaches with lifeguard stations, where lifeguards can provide safety information.

“Go talk to our lifeguards, and they will. They know our beaches really well, and they will give you really good information on where to keep you and your family safe on the beach,” Stoffers said. “Our lifeguards are here. They’re happy to talk to you.”

Tourists unfamiliar with local water conditions are particularly at risk.

“Normally I look at flags. Sometimes you have some, you know, yellow flags or red flags on some beaches. So I tend to be careful. Also, what’s in the water like all the, you know, the sharks and all that kind of stuff. I’m not too used to that. But normally I look at the size of the waves and I’m careful,” one tourist from Canada, Francois Dufresne, said.

State lifeguards also revealed plans for free life jacket stations at local beaches, including Carmel River Beach and Asilomar, to enhance safety for beachgoers.

“So you’ll be able to stop here, stop at Carmel River Beach. We should have one at Asilomar where if you’re playing on the beach for the day, you can grab a life jacket, put one on your kids, put one on yourself, and be safe while you’re at the beach,” Stoffers said.

Lifeguards emphasize the importance of staying out of the water if conditions are unclear, obeying warnings, and consulting lifeguards for guidance.

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Local doctor warns of playground risks as desert temperatures climb

KESQ on July 9, 2026

Dakota Makinen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As temperatures climb across the Coachella Valley, a local pediatrician is reminding families to take extra precautions when children are playing outside.

Dr. Rebecca Ward with Desert Care Network’s Family Medicine Center says playground equipment can heat up quickly in the desert sun, increasing the risk of burns, dehydration, and heat-related illness.

She recommends checking surfaces before children play, taking frequent water breaks, and avoiding the hottest parts of the day when possible.

Doctors say simple steps like finding shade and monitoring children for signs of overheating can help families enjoy outdoor activities safely this summer.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Questions grow after ICE arrests Savannah State baseball player

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Tia Maggio

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    SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) — The arrest of a Savannah State University baseball player by immigration agents in New York is drawing scrutiny from family members and immigrant advocates, with questions now centering on whether his detention stemmed from a visa compliance issue or a possible administrative error.

ICE says student remains in custody An ICE spokesperson said agents arrested Johan Efrain Sandoval Rodriguez, 22, on July 3 in Clifton Park, New York, during what the agency described as a targeted enforcement operation. The Department of Homeland Security says he remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

According to ICE, Sandoval Rodriguez entered the United States on a nonimmigrant student visa in 2022. The agency said his visa status was terminated in April 2025 after he failed to comply with its requirements.

ICE also said Sandoval Rodriguez tried to run as officers moved in to arrest him, but agents completed the arrest “without further incident.”

Family and university supporters rally behind him Social media posts shared by Sandoval’s girlfriend said he was detained Friday morning and later taken to an immigration detention center.

Sandoval, from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, attends Savannah State on a full athletic scholarship. He earned All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors in 2025 and 2026 and was named Most Valuable Player at the HBCU Baseball All-Star Game in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

In a statement provided by Savannah State alumni group OneSSU, university President Dr. Jermaine Whirl said he has been involved since learning of the case.

“I’m aware and have been working with his family and immigration attorney from the beginning,” Whirl said.

Advocates question whether detention was necessary Eddie Delgado, civic coordinator with Savannah immigrant advocacy organization Migrant Equity Southeast, said the case may involve an administrative issue rather than criminal conduct.

“There has been a trend — we’re trying to find any small infraction or any kind of inconsistency that they can find to point to, immediately framing these folks as criminals,” Delgado said.

Delgado also said an F-1 visa allows international students to study full-time in the United States, but they must stay enrolled, keep their paperwork current and continue meeting federal requirements.

“To my understanding, the only way they would get terminated is if they were out of school, if they were no longer studying,” he said.

He also criticized the detention itself.

“This is an unnecessary detention,” Delgado said. “ICE detention is supposed to be nonpunitive. The treatment that this student is going to face is going to be very tough.”

Family says detention has been devastating Sandoval’s girlfriend said in a social media post that he was heading to the gym Friday morning when immigration agents confronted him.

In a statement, the girlfriend’s mother said agents demanded his identification and found paperwork showing a visa-related certificate had expired. She said he was later taken to a detention center hours away.

The family has hired an attorney.

A GoFundMe campaign created by his sister, Stacey Sandoval, says the family is working with Savannah State University, immigration professionals and legal counsel to pursue every available legal option so he can continue his education.

“This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional experience for our family,” she wrote. “Johan has no criminal history and has spent his time in the United States pursuing his education, serving his community, and striving toward a brighter future.”

Fundraiser seeks help with legal costs The GoFundMe campaign says donations will be used for a possible immigration bond, attorney fees, court costs, USCIS application fees, legal proceedings and basic necessities while his case is pending.

The fundraiser says Sandoval came to the United States to pursue a college degree while playing baseball and has continued working toward his academic and athletic goals.

Broader questions about student visa enforcement The case has raised broader questions about how student visa compliance is monitored and enforced in the United States.

ICE also used the arrest to warn against resisting law enforcement.

“Resisting officers and evading arrest is dangerous for our officers, illegal aliens, and the public,” the spokesperson said. “We remind the public that resisting officers and evading arrests is a felony and a federal crime.”

The agency also criticized so-called sanctuary policies, saying political leaders should not encourage conduct that could put officers or the public at risk.

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Flying bats at Mount Airy fireworks show prompts rabies exposure concerns

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Ryan Dickstein

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    MOUNT AIRY, Md. (WMAR) — There is some concern in Carroll County over potential rabies exposure following the July 4th holiday weekend.

According to the County’s Health Department, several reports have surfaced about people having contact with bats during the July 3rd fireworks display at the fairgrounds in Mount Airy.

The bats were spotted around 9:30pm when fireworks began.

“Rabies exposure occurs through bites and scratches or saliva from the animal getting into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or a wound,” said Joe Mancuso, Rabies Program Manager at the Carroll County Health Department. “Bats bites are very small and may not be noticeable. If you had contact with a bat, get a rabies risk assessment to make sure you get treatment if needed.”

None of the bats were recovered, and therefore not tested for rabies, so it’s unclear if they were infected.

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Trussville community grieves family lost in I-59 semi-truck crash

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Kayla Davis

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    TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WVTM) — A semi-truck crash in a construction zone on I-59 in Trussville has left a family devastated and the community in mourning, with three family members killed and three children hospitalized.

The crash occurred in an area with narrow lanes and a concrete barrier, making it difficult for vehicles, especially large trucks, to maneuver. Local truck driver Derek Johnson said the tragedy hit close to home.

“It threw me off because I drive a truck and I be telling drivers how dangerous it is. So it really threw me off to see somebody lose their life driving just traveling,” Johnson said.

The victims were identified as Dquarious and Dominique Butler and their 5-year-old daughter, Nailani. The family leaves behind three other children.

“I was hurt because I have little ones. And I couldn’t imagine my whole family lost in a car crash like that,” said Trussville resident Lafeedra Lee.

Lee also shared her concerns about her 22-year-old son, who recently obtained his commercial driver’s license.

“He is 22, and he got a CDL last year. So I’m very fearful first of him hitting somebody because he’s so young and not to me, not educated enough, hasn’t had enough experience. Also, just people in general are not very careful. And then it’s so much construction everywhere. It’s so easy to get in an accident,” Lee said.

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 11,009 out of 260,401 crashes reported in Alabama in 2024 involved trucks. In work zones, 21% of crashes resulted in injury or death.

“It’s too often, especially around here,” Lee said.

Johnson also highlighted the dangers truck drivers face daily.

“That’s one of the most dangerous jobs. People die on the road every day. So it’s really no way to be safe. You can only watch yourself when people drive so crazy. That’s what a lot of drivers don’t understand. You could cut in front of a truck. It’s too long to stop. So you’re putting people’s lives at risk every day,” Johnson said.

Both Lee and Johnson expressed their condolences to the Butler family. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is continuing its investigation into the crash, with no updates provided at this time.

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Beulah remains one of most active areas in the Aspen Acres wildfire but also has greatest area of containment

KRDO on July 9, 2026

Scott Harrison

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) —   On Day 11 of the Aspen Acres Fire, the Beulah area on the east side of the burn presents an interesting contrast.

It’s where most of the containment — which fell from 15% to 14 % overnight — is, but also where dozens of homes have been lost.

→ Follow KRDO’s full coverage of the “Aspen Acres” wildfire here 

The fire’s eastern border remains one of the most active fire areas, with Beulah and Siloam Road mentioned regularly in daily fire updates.

It’s where some of the now more than 1,800 personnel responding to the fire have been working.

On Wednesday night, authorities said that the burn zone received something it hasn’t had since the fire began — significant rainfall from storms.

Enough rain, in fact, that some areas had flash flood warnings.

No problems reported, but as many of us know, flash flooding on bare, fire-burned ground can be an issue.

The fire’s 15% overall containment has held steady for a few days now.

Firefighters are still doing a lot of structure protection, using bulldozers to dig containment lines.

Beulah is no stranger to wildfires; the 2016 Beulah Hill Fire destroyed eight homes and 16 outbuildings and is believed to have started from sparks produced by a road excavator.

Authorities determined that lightning caused the 2005 Mason Gulch Fire, but no homes were lost because of previous extensive fire mitigation in the area.

Authorities also report that a new fire, south of the Aspen Acres burn zone, in Huerfano County, started yesterday morning but is now fully contained.

It was called the Pole Canyon Fire and was approximately two acres in size.

Authorities made water to help contain the fire.

   

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Victims in Jackson triple homicide each shot in head at close range, coroner says

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Ross Adams

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    JACKSON, Miss. (WAPT) — Erica Weathersby, her sister, Keyana Weathersby and Keyana’s 2-year-old son, Camari Givens were all shot at close range at least once in the head, according to Hinds County Coroner Jeramiah Howard.

Howard said the toddler, who was in bed, was also shot in his right arm. The three family members were killed June 27 at their home on Queen Alexandria Lane in Jackson. Four people have been arrested in connection with the triple homicide.

Investigators believe the suspects used a short-barrel rifle stolen from a Jackson Police Department SWAT officer’s vehicle. Experts said multiple 5.56 shell casings found in a bathroom at the crime scene could have been fired from a semi-automatic weapon.

“Absolutely devastating. The short-barrel rifles are extremely loud; they shoot really fast. So it’s got to be, it had to be a horrible situation for the entire family,” said John White, of Two Gun Tactical.

Law enforcement experts criticized the handling of the case, stating that shell casings should have been collected from the scene and that the officer should not have left the rifle in their car while off duty.

Mayor John Horhn said the officer involved will face an internal affairs investigation and disciplinary action. However, details about the officer’s tenure or current status were not disclosed.

Jackson Police Chief RaShall Brackney said the crime lab analysis confirmation is expected to be completed this week.

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Noah Kahan, Keegan Bradley join Boston Common Golf to boost youth access

CNN Newsource on July 9, 2026

By Tim Nazzaro, Josh Brogadir

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — In an effort to expand access to golf among youths across Massachusetts, Boston Common Golf announced a new community platform on Wednesday called Common Ground.

The announcement featured guest speakers like Ryder Cup Captain Keegan Bradley, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, fresh off his latest Fenway Park performance.

“This is not proper golf course attire, kids,” said Kahan. “Do not wear Birkenstocks at a golf course.”

The New England native shared his own golf journey with children at the golf clinic.

“I moved to Boston, to Watertown, started playing Fresh Pond Golf, Newton Commonwealth … and realized that golf is really for everybody and should be accessible to all,” Kahan said.

Boston Common Golf, in partnership with Full Swing, a founding partner of Common Ground, announced the donation of three golf simulators to the City of Boston, providing year-round access to golf technology and instruction.

Additionally, Boston Common Golf is making $5 tee times available for Youth on Course members at George Wright Golf Course in Hyde Park throughout the summer.

“Boston is a national leader in creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and reach their dreams. Through partnerships like this one, we’re expanding access to recreational programs and helping more young people learn how to play golf without barriers,” said Mayor Wu. “We’re grateful to Boston Common Golf and The Busyhead Project for investing in our youth and helping make the game more accessible across our city.”

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.