Persons of interest identified in deadly Asheville shooting, police say

CNN Newsource on July 26, 2026

By Marisa Sardonia & Itinease McMiller

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — In a community briefing Friday, law enforcement officials revealed they have identified several persons of interest in the deadly downtown Asheville shooting that left two people dead and seven others injured last weekend.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 19, a shooting occurred on Biltmore Avenue outside Dalton’s Distillery and the neighboring Smile Starters parking lot. Officers responded to reports of shots fired and multiple people struck by gunfire. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and seven others were hospitalized.

During the briefing, Interim Police Chief Jackie Stepp confirmed that investigators identified multiple persons of interest in the deadly shooting. She did not release any names.

“We remain committed. We are working around the clock, and we will find those responsible for this and hold them fully accountable, and we will not stop until we do,” Stepp said.

Stepp said investigators believe the shooting was a direct act of retaliation for a separate shooting earlier this month on Sunday, July 5, at Maple Crest Apartments. In that incident, one person suffered a gunshot injury to the shoulder. Police said an arrest has already been made in that earlier case.

Authorities have not said whether the shootings were gang-related, but Stepp confirmed the people involved knew each other.

“This is a group of individuals who know one another,” said interim chief Stepp. “There are ties to them knowing each other and committing ongoing retaliatory acts against one another.”

Police also confirmed that a Glock switch, which is a small device that illegally modifies a handgun and converts it into a machine gun, was used and recovered in last weekend’s fatal shooting.

Stepp said the police department has implemented safety measures in response to concerns about further retaliation, but did not elaborate on what those measures are.

“APD is putting safety measures in place as we speak and as we gather the evidence and analyze the evidence to try to prevent future gun violence, particularly related to this specific event. But what I would say is we remain committed around the clock. We will find those responsible for this and hold them fully accountable, and we will not stop until we do,” Stepp said.

Authorities confirmed that this weekend, there will be at least two police officers assigned downtown, with as many as 25 officers available citywide to respond within minutes if needed.

Anyone with information about the deadly shooting is asked to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

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.

“Matilda” stars shine in Stage Left Production

KEYT on July 26, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) Family and friends lined up to see “Matilda.”

Stage Left Productions is presenting to Roald Dahl’s “Matilda” in the Santa Barbara High School Theatre. 

The musical serves as a reminder that somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world. 

There are two casts with two more shows at 2 and 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

Tickets are available at the door.

For more information visit https://www.stageleftsb.com

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One Stop Repair Shop celebrates”Pops” B-day

KEYT on July 26, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The owner of the One Stop Repair Shop in Camarillo and Santa Barbara is being celebrated,

Walt “Pops” Stallings is celebrating his 86th birthday.

Family and friends, including Piper Bill from Camarillo, decided to have a Birthday Party and Christmas in July celebration at the shop on De La Vina in Santa Barbara.

They also made shirts that read, “Pop. The Man. The Myth, The Legend.”

There are other versions as well.

While his son operates the Santa Barbara store, customers can usually see Pops at that location on Saturdays.

“I have a store in Santa Barbara and  that sometimes I have problems and I have to go solve them, that makes me think and I can still function pretty much the way I did years ago which keeps the circulation going, and people identify with that and it gives them kind of a little bit kind of a little bit of hope maybe and it gives me a little bit of hope too,” said Stallings.

Customers may know about the former Jedlica’s horse inside the One Stop Repair Shop.

It can no longer fit outside the front door due to remodeling.

The shop is known for all kinds of items from cowboy boots to Berkinstocks.

He also cells luxury bags.

As for repairs the shop repairs vaccums, sharpens knives and much more.

For more information visit the shop at 2603 De La Vina Street in Santa Barbara or 2131 Pickwick Drive in Camarillo.

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McNish Memorial Sets Sail

KEYT on July 26, 2026

Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) The 49th Mcnish Classic set sail off the coast of Oxnard.

It is now called the Mcnish Memorial Wooden Yacht Classic in memory of its founder Dick McNish.

McNish, the longtime owner of Errol Flynn”s classic yacht Cheerio II, died at the age of 98 in November.

His memorial race had 9 classic yachts competing from up and down the coast of California.

The race, hosted by the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club, started at noon off the coast of the Channel Islands harbor in Oxnard.

Sailors shared their thoughts about the special day.

“If we were over steering the boat he said the snake would be following us because you could see the trail and he said she is a Nice lady and you be gentle with her and she will take care of you,” said Cheerio II first mate and navigator Kevin Dickmann.

He sailed with a crew that included Dick McNish’s son and close friends.

Richard W. Dean is part of the race committee

“We are celebrating 50 years at the PCYC.”

Next year will be the club will host the 50th race.

“We were fortunate to actually meet dick mcnish we were hoping he would make it to the 50th which is next year but he passed away this year so it is very poignant but we are really delighted to participate,” said Chris Gorog, who sailed the Spirit of California from Los Angeles.

Kym Renga sailed a classic Morning Song that was built in Santa Barbara.

Before the race she said she bought the yacht with her late husband, Armand Renga.

She had a crew of relatives who raced in his honor, too.

“I sailed to Mexico with and even as I sail today he is in my head about how to things properly so I am very pleased to have him with me in my heart today,” said Renga.

People lined the jetty to watch the classic yachts.

CF Kohler’s classic yacht Sally of San Diego finished first.

He won his weight in champagne like McNish often did.

Paul Script’s Miramar from San Diego won the fastest and best elapsed time.

Cheerio II came in third in its Split Rig Class.

Congrats to all.

For more information visit https://www.pcyc.org

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American Veterans United hosts 10th BBQ

KEYT on July 26, 2026

Tracy Lehr

OXNARD, Calif. (KEYT) The 10th annual American Veterans United BBQ fundraiser took place at ‘olołkoy Beach Park.

The park formerly known as Oxnard Beach Park is named after the Chumash word for dolphins.

Veterans from as far away as Santa Maria and Orange County attended.

They enjoyed dancing, food and and a fundraising auction.

The nonprofit helps veterans with all kinds of things.

“We assist veterans family members and children entitled to benefits with their pension, compensation, survivors benefits, education benefits, we don’t charge anything, we operate out of San Luis [Obispo] County,  Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Orange County,” said Frank Renteria, the AVU President.

The vets enjoyed the weather by the beach.

All the money raised will help veterans and their families.

For more information visit https://avuinc.org

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Jefferson City woman seriously injured in jetski crash on the Osage River

KMIZ on July 26, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 43-year-old Jefferson woman was seriously injured in a jetski crash on the Osage River Saturday evening.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the woman was a passenger in a 2021 Kawasaki STX 160 being driven by a 23-year-old Jefferson City man. At around 6:15 p.m., the man was driving west from the St. Thomas Ferry Access when he hit a shallow area of the river, causing the woman to be thrown off the jetski.

The man then drove away from the scene with minor damage to the jetski.

The woman was taken to University Hospital and was wearing a life jacket.

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Extreme Fire Danger Across Central Oregon: Here’s How You Can Help

KTVZ on July 26, 2026

Lance Campbell

Hot, dry weather, low humidity, and occasional gusty winds continue to keep fire danger very high across Central Oregon. With several active wildfires already burning, it only takes one spark to start another.

Here are a few simple ways you can help protect our communities:

Prevent human-caused sparks. Avoid mowing dry grass during the hottest part of the day, parking or driving on dry vegetation, or using equipment that can create sparks. Always check local fire restrictions before burning or having a campfire.Never fly drones near wildfires. If a drone is spotted, firefighting aircraft must stop flying immediately for safety. That delays water drops and other firefighting efforts. If you fly, they can’t.Stay away from active fires. Please don’t drive to wildfire areas to watch or take photos. Extra traffic can slow emergency responders and make firefighting more difficult.Drive carefully in smoke. If you encounter heavy smoke, slow down, turn on your headlights, and leave extra following distance.

Stay Informed

As always, we’ll continue keeping you updated on the latest weather, fire conditions, and air quality here on KTVZ. Thank you for doing your part to help protect Central Oregon, our firefighters, and our communities.

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California man seriously injured in Callaway County crash

KMIZ on July 26, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A 51-year-old man from Citrus Heights, Ca. was seriously injured Saturday morning in a car crash.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the man was a passenger in a 2025 Volvo VNL driven by a 54-year-old Citrus Heights man. At around 11:55 a.m., the driver was going west on I-70 east of US Route 54 when he drove off the road and hit a jersey barrier and a median barrier, then flipped.

The 51-year-old was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt and was taken to University Hospital. The Volvo had extensive damage.

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Rain helps extinguish Rice Fire near Malta as 500-acre Gaston Fire burns near Aberdeen

KIFI on July 26, 2026

Seth Ratliff

MALTA, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews and emergency responders across southeastern Idaho are actively monitoring and responding to multiple wildfires that broke out Saturday.

Here is what we know about the active blazes currently burning in the region:

The Gaston Fire (West of Aberdeen)

According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), an estimated 500-acre wildfire is currently burning roughly 13 miles northwest of Aberdeen.

Dubbed the Gaston Fire, the vegetation fire was first detected around 8:42 p.m. via satellite hotspots on NOAA’s Wildland Fire Data Portal. Details regarding ground response, containment, or potential structures threatened remain limited at this time.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

The Rice Fire (Malta Area)

Further south, crews from the Raft River Fire and Ambulance Protection District are battling a blaze north of Highway 77 near Malta.

The Rice Fire was first reported on Saturday at 2:06 p.m. According to WildCAD data, the fire had grown to approximately 50 acres by 5:00 p.m. Officials with the protection district confirmed that both ground and air resources are actively deployed on the scene.

With help from localized rainfall, crews successfully knocked down the fire Saturday evening.

“With some good rain and multiple airplane drops, the fire was shut down quickly and effectively,” the Raft River Fire and Ambulance Protection District shared in an update around 9:30 p.m.

The cause of the Rice Fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 will provide updates as new information becomes available.

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Fire breaks out at South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station

KEYT on July 26, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – A fire broke out at the Santa Barbara County transfer station in Goleta just before 5:00 p.m. today, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The official cause of the fire that involved contents inside a trash trailer remains under investigation, as Your News Channel spoke to people at the scene.

The e-waste area of the station had a fire burning near it, and Your News Channel believes exploding lithium batteries may have caused the incident.

The trash trailer that needed its load dumped only sustained minor damage and fire crews quickly put out the flames, according to the SBCFD.

More information on the fire will be provided once available to Your News Channel.

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