Asheville marks 25 years since 9/11 with remembrance ceremony

CNN Newsource on September 13, 2026

By Itinease McMiller

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, first responders and city leaders in Asheville gathered Friday to honor the lives lost and reflect on the lasting meaning of service and sacrifice.

The City of Asheville held a remembrance ceremony outside the Court Plaza fire station, bringing together firefighters, police officers, city officials and community members.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the traditional ringing of the bell in memory of the firefighters and victims who never came home. The Asheville Fire Department’s Honor Guard also presented the colors as those in attendance paused to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks.

Local first responders said the anniversary serves as both a moment of remembrance and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with public service.

Asheville Deputy Fire Chief Chris Budzinski said the legacy of 9/11 continues to influence how first responders do their job.

“It is a reinforcement, too, that our firefighters, first responders and police officers put the public above themselves, and it reinforces the need for them to be ready for any type of event, any time of the day, so it reinforces our training needs,” Budzinski said.

Leaders from the Asheville Fire Department, Asheville Police Department and City Manager’s Office reflected on how the attacks changed the nation and the lessons that continue to resonate 25 years later.

Asheville City Manager DK Wesley said the courage shown by first responders that day remains at the heart of public service today.

“They put the safety and lives of others ahead of their own,” Wesley said. “That kind of commitment and courage is at the heart of public service, and it is something I am proud to see every day here in Asheville and across the community we share.”

Interim Asheville Police Chief Jackie Stepp also emphasized the importance of continuing to serve with the same courage and dedication shown by those who ran toward danger that day.

City leaders said remembering 9/11 is not only about looking back, but also about renewing a commitment to service, unity, and hope.

They are encouraging people across the community to take time to remember those who were lost, honor those who served and make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

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.

Local Republican Reflects on attending Midterm Convention

KEYT on September 13, 2026

Tracy Lehr

VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) Local Republicans are home from the midterm convention in Texas.

They include the Budget Chair of the California Republican Party brought his baby, Gunnar, to his first National Convention.

The former Carpinteria resident and CPA now lives in Ventura.

Greg Gandrud enjoyed seeing a who’s who of republicans.

“In addition to getting to from president Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance I also got to hear from one of my favorite people RFK Jr., I am really a big fan of making American healthy again,” said Gandrud.

Before leaving his hotel he recalled the final night.

“The arena was just packed last night with patriotic Americans and there were some really emotional moments like when we remembered the 25th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center, the one year anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s murder and also when we heard from the Angel Parents whose children have been murdered by people who have been in this country illegally,” said Gandrud.

Republicans left the convention with an assignment.

His son also experienced his first Aquarium in Texas before flying home.

Republicans are now tasked with urging fellow Republicans to vote on Election Day, Nov. 3.

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DP Water Polo wins SB Invitational with dramatic victories in semifinal and final

KEYT on September 13, 2026

Mike Klan

GOLETA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Dos Pueblos High School boys water polo team is clutch!

The Chargers captured their first ever Santa Barbara Invitational championship by winning a last second semifinal game and then prevailing in a wild overtime final.

Semifinal: Dos Pueblos 11, Beckman 10 Freshman Wyatt Warkentin scored the winning goal as time expired to put the Chargers into the championship game.

Head coach Chris Parrish called time out to set up the winning play with an extra attacker and DP executed it to perfection.

Senior Grant Nelson led the Chargers with 6 goals.

Sophomore goalie Koa Zertuche made 7 blocks for the Chargers

DP trailed 7-5 at the half.

Final: Dos Pueblos 17, Laguna Beach 16 (Overtime) Senior Lucas Neushul scored a game-high 9 goals including the game-winner with :52 seconds left in overtime to give the Chargers the championship. Seven of Neushul’s 9 goals came in the fourth quarter and in overtime.

Koa Zertuche made a big block with four seconds left to preserve the win for the Chargers who went 4-0 in the tournament.

Grant Nelson scored 4 goals in the final.

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Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival welcomes beachcombers

KEYT on September 13, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival is celebrating its 11th year.

Beachcombers are enjoying the entertainment and the sea glass for sale and on display at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

There is entertainment and arts and crafts outside and sea glass inspired jewelry and art inside.

Collectors and artists, alike, consider each piece a treasure

“I have been collecting for about two decades, all along the west coast and now I live in far Northern California, so the beaches I frequent now are mostly in Humboldt County, Del Norte County, Southern Oregon and so I love all nature, so the ocean to the mountains, so my subjects could include ferns, they can include water scenes that are not just ocean, lagoons, I love botanical, so anything in nature is a subject to me to exposure and I just love bringing the joy of what I do to other people and I feel like there is a channeling that goes into each piece everything I make I feel like is for someone that is just yet to discover it,” said Beckie Hobbs of B. Found sea glass.

“Just knowing that is has been tumbled out to sea for so long and makes those beautiful non-clear piece and and anyone can find it if they walk the beaches long enough,” said Gail Pine.

The festival runs through Sunday at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.

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

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Book Sale benefits Planned Parenthood

KEYT on September 13, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) The 52nd Mary Jane McCord Planned Parenthood Book Sale is on.

Book lovers are finding their favorite subjects at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.

In addition to books for all ages there are puzzles and games.

Volunteers are on hand to help.

“We love it and I always tell people when they buy books they are actually saving lives at planned parenthood,” said September Bowman.

Bowman was a friend and neighbor of the late book sale’s namesake.

Each day they replenish tables with more books that are collected throughout the year.

For more information visit https://booksale.ppcentralcoast.org

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Two people seriously injured in Howard County motorcycle crash

KMIZ on September 13, 2026

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man and a woman were seriously injured Friday evening in a motorcycle crash in Howard County.

According to a Missouri Highway Patrol crash report, the crash occurred around 4:40 p.m. The motorcycle, a 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King Special, was being driven by a 43-year-old Madison man on Route U, just east of County Road 251.

The man hit two deer that ran onto the road, causing the motorcycle to flip and throwing the man and his passenger, a 37-year-old Moberly woman, off the bike.

Both people were transported to University Hospital for treatment.

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The Final Day at The Eastern Idaho State Fair

KIFI on September 13, 2026

News Team

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Eastern Idaho State Fair wrapped up on Saturday, September 12 after nine days of performances, intense carnival rides, famous fair food and hundreds of 4-H animals on display. The fair is the largest event in southeast Idaho, drawing hundreds of thousands of people from around the region every year.

Between Flo Rida’s concert, the Gabriel Iglesias aka “Fluffy” comedy show, and the Pro Rodeo Bull Riding Championships, the week was packed with entertainment. Many fair-goers went for the simpler pleasures like their annual favorite foods.

“The scone nuggets or the Blackhawk’s mac and cheese was my favorite,” said Trey, a high school fair-goer. His friend Jo added the corn nachos were delicious.

“I go to the horse pulls every year with my grandpa, so that’s just been super fun,” Jo said. “I love watching and seeing the big draft horses pull, that’s probably one of my favorite memories.”

Trey on the other hand shows pigs with 4-H and says he loves seeing his family so happy at the fair every year.

“My mom is always happy when she’s here and it’s good when you get to see your mom happy,” he said. “I love her and she’s the reason why I’m standing here today, she paid for my day today.”

Other visitors were adventurous enough to ride one of the amusement park rides like The King, Turbo, or the famous Swings. Matt Durham and Kate Leavitt waited anxiously in line for the Turbo ride.

“I’m pretty nervous, it looks pretty sketchy not going to lie,” Durham commented. “It looks like it could fall apart at any second.”

After the ride, the couple said they loved it, screamed a little, and would absolutely ride the Turbo again.

The pinnacle of the Eastern Idaho State Fair for many people is the food. Countless food vendors sell everything from burgers and fries, to crepes, tacos, smoothies, baked goods, churros, ice cream sundaes and shaved ice.

One fan favorite is the Bullseye Burger– a patty squished between two glazed donuts rather than a bun, topped with cheese, bacon and their signature “Outlaw” barbeque sauce.

“You should expect an amazing burger, it’s life changing,” said the employee working at Bullseye Burger on Saturday.

Following an announcement by the Eastern Idaho State Fair this week, residents were assured the dates of the fair would remain the same for 2027.

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Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes 5k run held in Yuma

KYMA on September 13, 2026

Wesley Williamson

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Travis Manion Foundation Yuma Chapter held a 9/11 Heroes 5k run Saturday morning.

Local first responders, law enforcement and military were all in attendance for Saturday’s run.

The run started and finished at the Colorado River State Historic Park in downtown Yuma.

The event which is in its second year has already become one one of the largest draws of participants amongst bigger cities through out the United States.

Organizers said over 700 people registered for the run, and said they are looking forward to continuing this patriotic event in Yuma that was made for the people by the people.

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Paso Robles Police arrest man for assault with a deadly weapon

KEYT on September 12, 2026

Caleb Nguyen

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (KEYT) – The Paso Robles Police Department arrested a 149-year-old man after he shot at several people at Larry Moore Park on Friday.

PRPD officers found several people gathered at the park to socialize, ages 17 to 23, later determined to be the victims of the attack.

The 49-year-old shooter fled the scene after firing shots from a handgun in their direction, though none of the people were injured by the shots.

PRPD officers identified the man and found him in an unrelated dispute from the shooting after attempted contact.

PRPD officers then found the handgun involved after arresting the 49-year-old on assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, and resisting an officer.

The man is currently being held without bail at the SLO County Jail, and the incident is believed to be isolated without outstanding community threat.

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Community gathers to remember 183 missing people in Idaho

KIFI on September 12, 2026

Kaelyn Blessinger

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Members of the community gathered together at the Bonneville County Courthouse this afternoon for Missing Person’s Day.

The day is to remember the over 180 current missing people across the state of Idaho as well as show support to the families of those who are missing.

The event featured singing from the Thunder Ridge Chamber Choir and Hayden Owens, multiple people gave speeches, from members of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office to Amber Hoopes family, and even Megan Lentz, an abduction survivor.

Megan Lentz was the 14 year old girl who survived being abducted from her trampoline in 2002, nine months after Amber Hoopes had been abducted. Megan shared the story of her abduction, what awful things she went through at the hands of Keith “Mark” Glen Hescock, as well as her heroic escape.

This is the first time she has ever spoken publicly about what she’s been through. The main reason she came out was to share her story as well as show support for the many who could not go home and have yet to be found.

“For a period of time, I was that missing person and I came home,” Megan said. “That is why I believe so deeply that the names and the faces of those who are missing still matter. Race, background, income, or zip code should have no bearing on whose face gets shared and whose names get remembered. Their stories matter, their families matter, and missing person matters. And every person deserves someone looking for them.”

The hope is for every missing person to be found and for their families to have the closure they deserve. The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office asks if you have any information about any missing persons in our area, to please contact the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office or your local Law Enforcement to report it.

For more information on these cases or if you notice any other criminal activity, anonymous tips and information can be shared online via East Idaho Crime Stoppers at www.IFcrime.org.

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