Month: July 2026

By Leah Phillips

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    ANDERSON, South Carolina (WYFF) — A student-run branch of Upstate Federal Credit Union (FCU) is helping students from kindergarten through high school learn the fundamentals of financial responsibility.

Crescent High School is home to a fully student-led branch of Upstate FCU that operates like a traditional bank while giving students hands-on experience managing money before they graduate.

Students can open accounts, make deposits, and learn how everyday banking works under the guidance of credit union staff.

“Our dream is to see financial education at all levels of the schools,” said Donna Metz, president and CEO of Upstate Federal Credit Union.

Some branch employees, including recent graduate Lilly Cook, are helping inspire the next generation to build healthy financial habits through creative methods, including her piglet puppet, LES.

“LES stands for Learn It, Earn It, Save It,” Cook said.

Together, Cook and LES visit elementary classrooms to teach students the importance of balancing saving and spending.

“I kind of wanted to bring it back old-school with puppets,” Cook said. “I wanted to turn it into a fun way, and who doesn’t love a puppet?”

Cook said she was inspired to teach financial literacy after seeing how many families in South Carolina struggle financially, and wanted the next generation to feel equipped to make financial decisions.

“I was floored that she, on her own, decided to create this puppet and go out and teach financial education,” Metz said.

Metz also stressed the importance of introducing financial education at an early age is critical. “The need for financial education starts young,” Metz said. “Some families, all the way up into adulthood, are unbanked.”

At Crescent High School, the student-run credit union branch also gives students the opportunity to put lessons from the school’s recently added financial literacy curriculum into practice by opening and managing their own accounts.

“They just started doing financial courses, but honestly with some teachers and some students, they learn it in the classroom, and then what’s next?” Cook said.

For many students, that next step is gaining real-world experience managing money—an opportunity they may not have had without access to the school’s credit union branch.

“Being able to give them the card, it kind of gives them some light, a sense of independence, because these kids, they haven’t had bank accounts before,” Cooke said.

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 Jennifer Peñate, Imani Clement

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    HOLLISTON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — A child was flown to a hospital Sunday after a reported possible drowning in Holliston, Massachusetts.

The Holliston Fire Department said the incident happened just before 7 p.m. Sunday at Stoddard Park. Fire officials said the child was conscious when they were loaded into the helicopter.

Vanessa Gomes and Beatriz Souza were attending a church outing at Lake Winthrop when they heard screaming and rushed to help.

“Loud crying, they said help, help, help, and the mom said save my babe, save my baby,” Souza said.

The two friends rushed to the family who had just run out of the water, holding a little girl in their arms.

“Her mouth was blue, her face, was blue, her arms were blue,” Gomes said.

Souza, who recently became certified in CPR, immediately jumped in to help the two-year-old who was not responding.

“She didn’t move for one or two minutes and now what can I do if she doesn’t come back?” Souza said.

Refusing to give up, the two stayed by the little girl’s side, giving her compressions and helping clear her airway for several minutes.

Officials said the child was flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Her mother said she is now home and in good health.

Firefighters said there was another patient at the scene, but have not released that person’s condition or provided details about what happened.

The incident remains under investigation.

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 Britt Leoni

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    FORT MYERS BEACH, Florida (WBBH) — Along Shrimp Boat Lane… across from Fort Myers Beach, fleets sit at the docks today, in peace. But years ago, these docks weathered nothing short of a battle.

“Everybody talks about Ian, but we’ve had hurricanes before Ian, and we’ll have hurricanes after. We’ve just got to get through it, said Jesse Clapham, a fleet manager at Erickson & Jensen’s Seafood Market.

Clapham’s seen his share of hurricanes wreak havoc in his four decades here.

“We’re trying to bounce back,” said Clapham.

While devastation has painted a picture most would call bleak, a new player sets food, and undoubtedly brings joy.

“She’s been on the front page more than most people have,” said Clapham.

Meet Cupcake, the potbellied pig. At just six months old, Cupcake weighs in at 200 pounds.

“If I take a bite of ice cream, the pigs get a bite of ice cream; if I eat a pretzel, the pigs get a pretzel. That’s how they are,” said Clapham.

Clapham found Cupcake walking around a reserve in LaBelle. He says it was fate, considering his wife, Holly, was fixing for a pet pig.

“She said, ‘get that one,’ and I had to jump out and chase it around until I caught it,” said Clapham. “Then, we put it in the truck and brought it home.”

While Cupcake is now a part of the family, she’s also family to the shrimpers nearby.

“We come down here, and we’ll see him talking to her, sitting with her,” said Holly.

So while Fort Myers Beach has endured more than enough pain, new memories are being made off Shrimp Boat Lane.

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 Lauren Seaver

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    SEASIDE, California (KSBW) — At 88 years old, Libby Downey is two years into her law degree at Monterey College of Law, proving it’s never too late to chase a lifelong dream.

“It just makes life so much more interesting,” Downey said.

Downey is a wife, mother, grandmother, retired nurse, former Monterey City Council member, and has served on nearly 40 boards during her 60 years on the Monterey Peninsula. Her life has been dedicated to public service, but one goal she always wanted to achieve was attending law school.

“I said, ‘You know, Mitch, if I had my life to do over, the only thing I wish I had done is go to law school.’ And he said, ‘Well, come to my law school,’” Downey said. “When he said that was a possibility, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I think I’ve wanted to do this all my life.’”

Mitch Winick, the former dean of Monterey College of Law, said, “I have a strong suspicion she is the oldest law student in the United States.”

Downey’s dream of studying law dates back to high school, but societal expectations at the time limited her career options.

“My choices in that day, a woman was to be a nurse, a school teacher, or a secretary. So I thought that was it,” Downey said.

Now, decades later, she is one of 100 students enrolled at Monterey College of Law, which is one of the first two accredited online JD programs in the country. The program allows students to pursue a legal education at night while working full-time during the day.

“The practice of law is such a critical part of equity and fairness in our community,” Winick said. “We need lawyers, and we particularly need lawyers who are rooted to the community.”

Downey is nearing a master’s degree in legal studies and plans to decide her next steps after completing it.

“I’m getting very close to a master’s in legal studies. So I think I’ll do that first and then we’ll see if I hang in there,” she said.

Upon graduation, Downey hopes to work in mediation or consulting with attorneys in the medical field or city policy.

“You know you’re not going to have as many years to practice what you’re doing. But the enrichment and the learning—nobody can take away from me what I’ve learned in law school,” Downey said.

Winick added, “Libby could’ve retired many times. And yet what Libby does is she looks and finds something else to do in service.”

Downey said her drive comes from her desire to stay active and engaged.

“I don’t want to sit around and watch TV and go out to lunch,” she said. “I need to do something where I feel like I’m accomplishing something.”

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 Jazmon DeJarnette

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    SANTA CRUZ, California (KSBW) — A lifeguard at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, battled massive waves to rescue a young swimmer in a dramatic incident captured on camera.

The man who recorded the rescue, Scott Vander Dussen, said, “I’ve never seen a rescue this intense before. So when I saw that unfolding, I just didn’t know how it was going to turn out.”

The lifeguard fearlessly ran into the huge waves to reach the boy, holding onto him throughout the ordeal.

“That just missed the opening seconds where the first lifeguard just fearlessly ran out into those huge waves and did what was needed to bring help to that boy,” Dussen added.

Several bystanders attempted to assist but were quickly knocked off their feet by the powerful surf.

Lifeguards explained that while such efforts are appreciated, they can unintentionally create more victims.

“I understand the instinct to want to go and help someone. And often the more effective way to help is going to be getting someone who is trained and professional to respond to that,” said Anaiis Moise, Marine Safety Officer for the City of Santa Cruz.

After a relentless fight against the waves, another lifeguard joined the effort, and together they brought the boy safely back to shore.

The man who shared the video said, “My heart for sharing the video was to bring a cautionary tale to people coming out to the beach. We want to see people come out, have a good time, enjoy the weather, but get home safely.”

California State Parks lifeguards for Santa Cruz issued a statement, saying, “We have made 34 rescues for beach visitors that misjudged the danger these waves present. Conditions change rapidly, and what seems normal is potentially deadly.”

California State Parks lifeguards have rescued 34 people in Santa Cruz County since the weekend began.

For those who witnessed the rescue, it was a reminder of how quickly the ocean can turn dangerous.

“People ignore, and there’s rescues every day in this area. So the beaches are safe as long as you don’t turn your back to the water and you obey the rules,” said Karen Crivelli, a Santa Cruz County resident.

With strong surf expected throughout the week, lifeguards are urging beachgoers to know their limits before entering the water.

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 Kaylee Olivas

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    BEREA, Ohio (WEWS) — A 4-month-old puppy allegedly thrown from a third-story window on July 6 is recovering well, according to the Berea Animal Rescue.

Berea Animal Rescue executive director Jennifer McCarty told me the puppy, Luna Mae, was transported to MedVet Cleveland, where she was cared for before its shelter stepped in to help.

“We can confirm that our MedVet Cleveland team provided extensive care to Luna Mae for injuries sustained after she reportedly fell out of a window. Along with treating her physical injuries, the team provided lots of love and attention, including iPad time for mental stimulation throughout the time she was with us,” MedVet vice president of communications Sarah Berger told me via email.

McCarty believes a police report was filed when the incident happened, but neither the animal rescue nor MedVet knew where.

I reached out to several law enforcement agencies in Cuyahoga County for information. One department said it sounded like the incident involving Luna Mae happened in Lorain County, so I reached out to several departments there as well.

No one has been able to confirm a location as of Monday night.

McCarty said Luna Mae suffered two traumatic leg breaks as well as cuts and abrasions to her face.

“She was casted up on the front leg and then the back leg. The way it was broken, there really wasn’t anything we could do. Just had to try to let it heal and hope we could save that leg,” McCarty said.

The animal rescue’s original estimate for Luna Mae’s medical costs was $2,000.

McCarty said the total cost was looking to be around $6,000 when I last talked to her.

“Now that we’re seeing more orthopedists, it’s going to be a little bit more,” she told me. “Orthopedists aren’t cheap. We’ve thought about amputating her leg, but because she’s growing, we’re trying to make sure we do the right thing for her future health.”

Amputating Luna Mae’s back leg still isn’t off the table, but McCarty said the rescue is working through every other option before that.

The initial $2,000 request has been met through crowdfunding.

“This community always comes through in a time of crisis. We put the call out, and we raised it in probably less than a day, and money is still coming in because I’ll tell you, our community knows not only does Luna Mae need help, there’s always gonna be the next Luna Mae, unfortunately,” McCarty said.

McCarty said Luna Mae’s situation is sadly not a first-of-a-kind case for the animal rescue. Knowing that it will continue to be the case, though, she told me the rescue will always say yes to intakes.

“We have a very small staff. There’s only four of us that are full-time, and then I think I’ve got a staff of about 11, but we have nearly 400 volunteers and probably 100 foster families,” McCarty said. “It’s truly a village.”

One of those foster families, Donna and Ken Federer, has welcomed Luna Mae into their home the last few weeks.

“After we had lost our two dogs this year, we decided to start going around to different shelters and looking at dogs,” Ken said. “When we came to [Berea Animal Rescue], this was the first dog that they had shown us, and she had a cone around her head. She was in a cage in a room with just one other dog. She had these sad eyes when she was looking at us with that donut around her neck. I guess it was just a first impression type of a thing.”

Donna and Ken describe Luna Mae as the sweetest dog they’ve had.

“Luna gets three different medications a day. She gets anxiety pills, she gets pain pills, and she gets anti-inflammatory pills, so we have to give her those pills three times a day. We don’t let her jump around too much, but there are occasions when she just chases a butterfly or something like that. We try to keep her under control so she doesn’t hurt herself anymore,” Ken said.

In the short time they’ve cared for her, Ken said there have been major improvements.

When I sat with Luna Mae a couple of weeks ago, she was already out of the front leg cast and donut. She does have a limp, but overall, Luna Mae is looking much better.

Ken and Donna plan to adopt Luna Mae once she is medically cleared.

“She definitely didn’t deserve what happened to her. What could she have done? Pee on the floor, maybe then got what she got? She’s been excellent. She’s been great. She’s enhanced our lives,” Ken said.

The Berea Animal Rescue is always accepting donations.

There will be a fundraiser at The Local Bar in Strongsville on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., where proceeds will go to the animal rescue.

There will be live music, raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, an ice cream truck and even a dunk tank.

Berea Animal Rescue pups will also be there for meet-and-greets.

“I want people to realize that animals need care, and they need a home, and they need someone to love them unconditionally. They’re gonna make mistakes just like kids, but you need a heart to give to them,” Donna said.

Throughout the month of August, customers of the new Flamingos Coffee Cafe in Columbia Township will also get an opportunity to make a difference. One dollar from all purchases of a drink called “The Charlie” will go to the Berea Animal Rescue.

“If you want a dog, go to your local shelter and see what they got. There’s a lot of love out there in the shelters, and you can donate. Do anything to help them because they need help just as much as everybody else does,” Ken said.

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 Karina Vargas

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    SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego lifeguards responded to 464 water rescues over the weekend as heat drew large crowds to the beach amid dangerous surf conditions.

Officials say that number is nearly double the 336 rescues recorded from July 14 through July 21, and warn the hazards are far from over.

“That number is definitely above average for us, and it’s a strong indication that our lifeguards are out there and doing good work,” Lt. Charlie Knight of San Diego Fire-Rescue Marina Safety said.

Large surf and strong rip currents are driving the dangerous conditions. A beach hazard safety statement remains in effect through Wednesday.

Candace Hadley, public information officer for San Diego Fire-Rescue and Lifeguards, said the summer season has already seen elevated rescue numbers.

“It’s well north of 3,000 rescues since June for the summer, and while we see a lot of that activity every single year, this one is a little bit elevated,” Hadley said.

Officials say the dangers extend beyond the water. Over the weekend, a 17-year-old was seriously injured after attempting to jump from Sunset Cliffs, hitting the cliffside before falling into the water. Hadley said jumping from any height above 5 feet into the ocean is illegal.

“Be really mindful of those signs, if it says do not pass, do not, there is an unsafe area, and it is actually illegal to jump off of any height above 5 ft. here into the ocean,” Hadley said.

Lifeguards are urging beachgoers to take extra precautions while the beach hazard safety statement is in effect.

“When you’re coming down to the beach here, especially with this beach hazard safety statement that’s in effect until Wednesday, to just take extra precautions,” Hadley said.

Lifeguards say the safest option is to stay out of the water if conditions look rough, and to follow instructions if told to stay clear of certain areas.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KGTV 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 Shelly Garzon

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Nearly a week after a deadly shooting in downtown Asheville, city leaders are shifting the conversation beyond the investigation and toward community safety, prevention efforts and support for those impacted.

At a community briefing Friday, officials discussed the ongoing investigation, resources for families and the work they say is needed to prevent future violence.

Police say they are still working to identify the people responsible for Sunday night’s shooting, but community leaders say addressing violence requires more than arrests.

Michael Hall, chaplain with Be More Alive Ministries, said one question remains: what resources are available for young people when they are not in school?

“But where do our young people go when school is closed? What do they have to do?” he said.

Hall said community violence can be connected to deeper issues.

“When you have a number of young people and sometimes old that have picked up suppression, picked up anger, picked up frustration through living in an impoverished neighborhood, broken families, and they’re not giving the tools to learn how to manage, okay, ‘I’m angry and what do I do with this?’ What do they do?” he said.

City leaders pointed to Asheville’s violence prevention plan as a key part of the response moving forward. Mayor Esther Manheimer said continued collaboration with community partners will be important.

“The county has worked to put in place a strategic plan around addressing community violence, and I think the work around that with all of our community partners is what needs to continue,” she said.

At the same time, Asheville Police Department officials said they are seeing increasingly dangerous firearms in the community, including illegally modified weapons that can require federal prosecution.

Interim Chief Jackie Stepp said APD’s partnerships with federal agencies have been important in addressing those cases.

“We are fortunate that we have very good relationships with our federal partners in terms of prosecution. Those guns are highly illegal, but that, unfortunately, is what we are seeing in our community,” she said.

While the investigation continues, APD is also preparing for another busy weekend in downtown Asheville.

“We are in regular communication with our community leaders to identify areas where we believe large gatherings may take place, in putting safety measures in place to ensure the safety of our community and everyone involved,” Stepp said.

For those working directly with families affected by violence, Hall said the impact of the shooting goes beyond the investigation.

“It’s hurtful, apart from knowing two of the young men, another two human beings are no longer here with us,” Hall said.

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 Bianca Holman

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    RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) — Coping with the loss of a loved one can be a difficult and deeply personal experience.

One North Carolina man who lost his younger sister in a tragic accident has turned his grief into a resource designed to help others navigate their own loss.

Meredith Lynn Smith was 17 years old when she died in a car crash on July 26, 2012. According to her brother, Zack Smith, Meredith was a high-achieving student-athlete with big dreams for the future.

“She had aspirations to go to Princeton,” Smith said. “She would have been the first four-year varsity cheerleader at our high school. She was an accomplished gymnast. She was just amazing.” Smith was 18 years old when his sister died.

More than a decade later, he still vividly remembers the moment he learned she was gone.

“My mom came running in my room in the middle of the night screaming, ‘Meredith is dead’ over and over again,” Smith said. “When I went out to the living room and saw the state troopers there, it really hit, and I understood what was going on. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

In the days following Meredith’s death, Smith said he struggled to process the loss.

“For the first few days, you’re in a fog,” he said. “You don’t really know what’s up and down. You don’t sleep. You can’t eat.”

As he worked through his grief, Smith realized that people dealing with loss often need someone who truly understands their experience.

That realization inspired him to create “Stages,” an anonymous peer-to-peer grief support app.

“On top of therapy, it basically matches people with others who have experienced the same type of loss,” Smith said.

The platform connects users with people facing similar circumstances, offering a space for conversation and support. “You kind of just want somebody to talk you through your grief and know that it’s coming from a good place,” Smith said.

Smith spent nights and weekends developing the app, which people across the United States and Canada are now using. For Smith, the project is about more than technology.

It is a way to honor Meredith’s memory while helping others through some of life’s most difficult moments.

“I just wanted to help people and help them through their grief experience, just like I wish somebody had for me,” Smith said.

As Stages continues to grow, Smith hopes the platform can provide comfort, connection and understanding to those facing loss – ensuring that no one has to grieve alone.

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 Riley Nagel

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    BAKERSFIELD, California (KERO) — A bald eagle at Calm Zoo recently donated blood to help save the life of another bald eagle in critical condition.

Spirit, a bald eagle who lives at Calm Zoo, provided a blood donation to Jackie, the well-known bald eagle from Big Bear Valley who has been watched by thousands through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam.

Jackie was rescued after an apparent altercation with 2 younger eagles. She was found with serious injuries, and veterinarians determined she was suffering from severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys.

The Ojai Raptor Center says Jackie remains in critical condition, but she is alert and eating while receiving treatment.

The transfusion was arranged after the Ojai Raptor Center reached out to Calm Zoo looking for help.

“Honestly, it’s really amazing. It’s great to have this network of practitioners and facilities that come together of just what do we need? How can we help this animal? And just as soon as they reached out to us, like 100% like we’ll be able to help,” Calm Zoo veterinarian Leslie Healis said.

Spirit came to Calm Zoo with a previous wing injury and an old eye injury, but has continued to thrive and serve as an ambassador for her species.

Healis said Spirit handled the donation without complications.

“She did great. She didn’t have any of those signs at all. She recovered really well. She ate well afterward. She didn’t have any problems with it, so that’s really great for her,” Healis said.

This was Spirit’s first blood transfusion donation. Calm Zoo says it will continue to monitor her health following the procedure. The zoo says it does not yet have an update on Jackie’s condition following the transfusion.

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