El Paso deputies issue 265 citations during ‘Operation Slow Down’ on Transmountain Road

KVIA on July 8, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday announced it executed “Operation Slow Down” to reduce dangerous driving on Transmountain Road.

EPCSO said the operation lasted six days and involved highly-visible law enforcement presence.

Within six days, deputies did 292 traffic stops. On average, deputies did 48 traffic stops and gave 44 citations a day, according to the sheriff’s office.

At the end of the operation, the sheriff’s office issued 265 citations and warnings:

204 speeding citations

27 citations for no insurance

16 driver’s license violation citations

12 registration violation citations

2 citations for failing to exit a lane for an emergency vehicle

1 citation for an unrestrained child

2 possession of THC/marijuana reports

2 traffic warrant referrals to Justice of the Peace Precinct 7

77 written warnings

“Our goal is not to issue citations, it’s to save lives,” Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said in a statement. “When drivers see deputies out enforcing traffic laws, they’re reminded to slow down and make safer choices behind the wheel.”

Additionally, EPCSO didn’t report any crashes in the area during the six-day period.

ABC-7 spoke to Emmanuel Soria, the Chief Deputy with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Soria said the main goal of the operation is to target speeders. The office received complaints about reckless drivers on Transmountain and wanted to target them.

“The whole concept is presence,” said Soria. “It’s unfortunate that we have to have six patrol cars lined up on Transmountain in order for people to see that.”

Soria says they will hear complaints from residents about speeders and reckless drivers on state and county roads and try to have a presence there.

“Our conclusion based on this operation is that it’s evident when patrol cars are visibile, peole will tend to abide by the speed limit,” said Soria. “But we don’t want it just to happen only because we’re there. We would like the community to help us patrol themselves.”

ABC-7 will have a full story on Operation Slow Down tonight on ABC-7 at 10.

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Santa Barbara Zoo Welcomes the Birth of Two Rare Red Panda Cubs

KEYT on July 8, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Two endangered red panda cubs have been born to first-time parents Ruby and Raj at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Zoo officials say the twin cubs are the first red pandas born at the Zoo since 1993 and represent an important contribution to ongoing efforts to conserve the species.

They were born on July 2nd.

“The birth of these red panda cubs is an extraordinary milestone,” said Charles Hopper, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Welcoming red panda cubs for the first time in more than 30 years is a remarkable accomplishment made possible by the exceptional dedication, expertise, and patience of our Animal Care & Health team. As an AZA-accredited zoo participating in the Red Panda Species Survival Plan, we are proud to contribute to a global network of conservation organizations working together to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species.

“These cubs represent more than a joyful new addition to our Zoo family; they symbolize the meaningful role the Santa Barbara Zoo plays in wildlife conservation at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Their birth also inspires our community to become active partners in protecting the natural world for generations to come.”

Zoo veterinary and animal care teams say they are closely monitoring first-time mother Ruby and her cubs and are cautiously optimistic about their progress. The cubs appear healthy.

Red panda cubs are especially vulnerable in their first weeks of life.

Ruby and her cubs remain behind the scenes in their nest box.

Ruby came to the zoo in 2025 and  joined their father Raj  who arrived in 2023.Zoological Manager Liz Cunningham said, “it is a very vital time for the mom to spend time with the cubs in a nice quiet area so that is why she is  behind the scenes at this point and time.”

Fresh fruit treats are often served up and it was helpful when they were doing a medical check a couple of months ago on Ruby to  verifying her pregnancy. Santa Barbara Zoo Keeper Joseph MacPhee said, “she stands on her back feet  with her front paws on the front (rail) and she let’s us ultra sound her abdomen.  She was hand raised at the zoo she came from so her instincts have been perfect and she has done everything she was supposed to do .”

The staff will monitor their growth, development, and wellbeing. It is expected that the cubs will remain off habitat until they are approximately three months old, but their father Raj will be visible to guests in the habitat.

When it comes to meal time, they can be fussy but seem to like Farmers Market fresh fruit. “We he  first came to us Raj would only eat Craisins  and his palet  has expanded since he’s lived in Santa Barbara.   He prefers fresh peaches or nectarines (and) cherries are from the Farmers’s Market .”

For the Santa Barbara Zoo this is exactly what the staff works for on and off the property every day.

Cunningham said, “conservation  work happens in the wild and we support  local field programs. Conservation also happens at the zoo with these breeding programs.”

For more information or to make a donation go to: Santa Barbara Zoo

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Judge denies bond for suspect in Moberly teen murder case

KMIZ on July 8, 2026

Matthew Sanders

HUNTSVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Randolph County judge denied bond Wednesday for one of six suspects in the death of a Moberly teenager.

Julian Mason, 26, made his first court appearance in the death of Kayla Huff before Judge Mason Gebhardt. Mason is charged with kidnapping, tampering with evidence, second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage.

Mason pleaded not guilty Wednesday. His defense also asked for a $25,000 bond, which Gebhardt denied, saying Mason was a flight risk.

Huff, 16, was last seen May 6 before her body was found about a week later after an extensive search of Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area.

Five adults and a minor have been charged with crimes ranging from murder to evidence tampering in Huff’s death. Alayna Mason, 20, is charged with first-degree murder and allegedly told police that she and other suspects beat and shot Huff before putting her in a car trunk and dumping her body.

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Gene Autry back open after oil spill in the wash area

KESQ on July 8, 2026

Julia Castro

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — North Gene Autry Trail was closed for several hours at the wash Wednesday morning because of an oil spill on the roadway.

The closure was first reported around 7:35 a.m. Officials said the road is expected to remain closed for about an hour while crews work to clear the spill.

Northbound lanes were back open by 10:30 a.m.; however, southbound lanes remained closed for several more hours.

Palm Springs police announced the road was fully reopened just before 3 p.m.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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“It’s weird”: Jayson Tatum speaks for first time about Jaylen Brown trade

CNN Newsource on July 8, 2026

By Tammy Mutasa

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    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — For the first time, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is publicly talking about his partner of nine years, Jaylen Brown, being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Dynamic duo, “The Jays” meant a lot to fans and this city and now they’re broken up, which he admits is tough.

“To be honest it’s weird. It’s weird. You know, you play on a team with a guy for nine years who I was fortunate enough to go to the finals with twice and win a championship and push each other to be the players that we are today,” said Tatum. “The NBA is an incredible business, an incredible job but there are some downsides to the business we’re in and moments like this, you feel like you’re going to be on a team with somebody because that’s all you know and then it’s just like one day you find out that they’re no longer on your team anymore and we’re all human and we feel those emotions.”

Tatum’s talk with his young fans was through the lens of his favorite role: being Deuce and Dylan’s dad at an event for his new book: “Baby Dunks-A-Lot: The Day the Basketballs Stopped Bouncing.”

The Silver Unicorn Bookstore and Newtonville Books hosted the event Tuesday night at the Newton Community Stage.

Feeling those emotions too, his former partner on the court Jaylen Brown speaking at MIT, as his 7uice Foundation’s Bridge program kicked off.

“I’m still trying to make sense of it, I’m still trying to process it. I’m just grateful to have an opportunity and I’m grateful for the families to allow me to come into their communities and get involved,” said Jaylen Brown.

Brown says regardless of where basketball takes him, his commitment to the community here will stay.

“I want to say, there’s nothing to be sad about there’s a lot of opportunities that I will still be able to fulfill here and I hope they can follow me on my journey,” said Brown.

While the future is uncertain with the duos apart, Tatum assured the youngest fans what matters to him.

“The best part about being on the Celtics? Honestly, I would say you guys,” said Tatum.

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.

Bend Park and Recreation District: No bridge jumping in Bend parks

KTVZ on July 8, 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — An important reminder from the Bend Park and Recreation District: Bridge jumping is not a harmless summer activity– and it’s extremely dangerous. 

Already this summer, the district says its seen more jumpers than ever.

Bend Parks and Rec says this year’s low water levels and drought conditions make bridge jumping even more risky.

What often seems to be a fun jump can quickly turn into a serious injury—or worse.

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Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks new casino opening in Madras

KTVZ on July 8, 2026

Kelsey Merison

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A new casino at the Plateau Travel Plaza in Madras is set to celebrate its Grand Opening this Saturday (July 11th), featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Chamber at noon, alongside a cultural blessing and a series of exciting events.

From noon-9 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music, art vendors, special deals, and more. The ribbon cutting will take place at noon.

It all happens Saturday, July 11th, at 215 NW Cherry Lane in Madras.

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Woman seriously injured in semi-truck crash in Moniteau County

KMIZ on July 8, 2026

Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A California, Missouri, woman suffered serious injuries in a crash involving a semi truck in Moniteau County on Wednesday night.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 52-year-old California woman was driving a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser west on Highway 50 at Route H just south of Clarksburg at 8:55 p.m. in Moniteau County. A 57-year-old Columbia man, also heading westbound, was driving a 2026 Peterbilt 579 semi-truck and was attempting to pass the woman; she then made a left turn and collided with the semi.

The woman was flown to University Hospital with serious injuries. The male driver was not injured.

Both drivers were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the report.

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Judge issues 7-year prison sentence in Jefferson City bar homicide

KMIZ on July 8, 2026

Matthew Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Jefferson City man was sentenced Tuesday to seven years in prison for a homicide outside of a bar.

Kamari Balton had been charged with murder in the August 2024 death of 49-year-old Rafael Ayala at Twisted Chicks, a Jefferson City bar. The owner told ABC 17 News at the time that the incident happened outside the business.

Balton pleaded guilty in May to involuntary manslaughter.

Police released few details about the case, such as how Ayala died and the possible motivation, and prosecutors used the grand jury to indict Balton, keeping details out of public charging documents.

The amended complaint in the case says Balton caused Ayala’s death by “striking” him.

Judge Brian Stumpe sentenced Balton to seven years in prison with credit for time served.

Balton remained in the Cole County Jail on Wednesday. He’s been in jail since September 2024, according to jail records.

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Body cam footage shows gunman opening fire on southern Minnesota police, injuring officer

CNN Newsource on July 8, 2026

By WCCO News Staff, Frankie McLister

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    ST. PETER, Minnesota (WCCO) — New body camera video shows the chaotic moments when police officers came under fire last month in St. Peter, Minnesota. A standoff triggered a shelter-in-place order for a neighborhood in the small college town.

Still images from footage released Tuesday by the St. Peter Police Department shows the 21-year-old suspect aiming a shotgun down a staircase at officers inside a residence of someone he knew on the city’s north side on June 18. Minutes before, the suspect had fled Mankato police in a vehicle.

St. Peter officer Austin Buss was hit in the arm and ballistic vest from the barrage of bullets. He’s now recovering at home.

The suspect was later found dead inside the residence. Police helped a woman and a girl get out of the home safely before gunfire broke out.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is still investigating.

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.