Woman admits to starting Fred Mountain Fire near California-Nevada border, officials say

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Richard Ramos

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    WASHOE COUNTY, Nevada (KOVR) — A 47-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of intentionally starting the Fred Mountain Fire, one of two wildfires that have merged at the California-Nevada border as thousands of people remain under evacuation orders and warnings.

Christine Mitchell was arrested in connection with the Fred Mountain Fire after investigators said she intentionally started multiple fires near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road in Nevada, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday evening.

According to the sheriff’s office, fire crews responding to the Fred Mountain Fire shortly after it started were flagged down by Mitchell, who allegedly told them she had intentionally started the fire.

Deputies and detectives later developed probable cause to arrest Mitchell on charges of third-degree arson and possession of a controlled substance.

“Starting another fire while crews were already committed to an active wildfire placed additional strain on emergency resources and unnecessarily threatened additional portions of our community,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.

Now combined, the Fred Mountain Fire and the Bug Fire have burned more than 57,000 acres and containment was only at 4% as of Monday night, according to fire officials. The flames have prompted thousands of evacuations in Nevada north of Reno.

The Bug Fire originated on the California side of the border in Lassen County and has since been determined by the Bureau of Land Management to also be human-caused. The cause of that fire is separate from the allegations against Mitchell in connection with the Fred Mountain Fire.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency Monday for portions of Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony affected by the Bug and Fred Mountain fires.

The fires have also forced school closures in the Reno area. The Washoe County School District canceled classes and activities Tuesday at nine schools because of evacuation zones, power outages and updated information from public safety agencies.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation into the Fred Mountain Fire remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed.

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Denver Zoo head veterinarian discusses recent deaths of animals, explains zoo’s “whole life care” philosophy

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Kelly Werthmann

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    DENVER (KCNC) — Under bright lights inside the Denver Zoo’s animal hospital, 12-year-old Sumatran tiger ChloJo lies on an operating table Tuesday morning as veterinarians remove a small mass from her back.

It’s not an emergency — it’s preventive care. And for head veterinarian Dr. Jimmy Johnson, it’s part of a philosophy that guides every decision made for the zoo’s roughly 3,000 animals representing 450 species.

“We tend to refer to that as ‘whole life care,’ which is a huge part of what we do here at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance,” Johnson said.

That care includes everything from birth and routine checkups to aging, chronic illness, and, when necessary, end-of-life decisions.

“Ensuring they have a really enriched and fulfilling life throughout their time here in our care, and that does include, unfortunately but inevitably, end of life care as well,” Johnson said.

The topic has drawn increased attention this year following several high-profile animal deaths at the zoo.

In May, the zoo euthanized Rudy, a 32-year-old black rhinoceros, after chronic health conditions and age-related mobility issues continued to progress. In June, staff said goodbye to Indy, a 46-year-old Egyptian vulture believed to be among the oldest of her species in human care. July brought the loss of Kai, a Cape buffalo calf born earlier this year, after veterinary teams determined his kidney failure could not be treated. Days later, Hagrid, a critically endangered Bactrian camel, died unexpectedly after suffering acute gastrointestinal complications.

Kai’s case remains especially difficult for the zoo’s animal care team.

“As he grew, his kidneys were not able to keep up, and that unfortunately is a condition we were not able to cure and allow him to continue to grow and lead a meaningful quality of life,” Johnson explained.

Two other animal deaths this year resulted from human error; two Malayan tapirs died after receiving toxic levels of a copper supplement. The zoo said an investigation found a medication preparation error and prompted an internal review of its procedures. Additional safeguards have since been implemented to help prevent a similar mistake from happening again.

Johnson said every loss is difficult for staff members who spend years caring for the animals.

“It is hard, and it’s hard because we care,” he said.

Still, he said the number of animal passings this year is not too unusual for a zoological institution with thousands of animals and hundreds of species, each with different lifespans, health challenges and aging processes. When an animal develops a terminal or untreatable condition, Johnson said the animal care teams focus on quality of life rather than simply extending life.

“We always ask ourselves, just because we can, should we, and what does the outlook for that animal look like?” he said. “We don’t focus just on quantity of life; we focus on quality of life as well.”

That philosophy, he explained, guides euthanasia decisions.

“Euthanasia in itself means ‘good death’, and it’s a part of the care we provide,” Johnson said. “It’s not giving up. It is not an absolute last resort. It is a part of a thoughtful end of life care plan because we want every animal to have a comfortable and dignified end of their life.”

Johnson added care teams do all they can to make those decisions before animals experience significant pain or suffering.

“An animal’s last day does not need to be their worst day,” he said.

And the work does not stop when an animal dies. The zoo’s board-certified pathologist performs a necropsy and reviews diagnostic information following every animal death. Johnson said those examinations help veterinarians better understand diseases, improve animal care, and contribute to conservation efforts around the world.

“It’s a silver lining, but a very positive silver lining, in that even though we’ve lost an animal and that’s hard, that animal is contributing to our understanding and allowing us to continue to advance the already high-quality care that we provide,” he said.

For visitors, the zoo experience is often measured in moments spent watching animals in their habitats. Behind the scenes, Johnson said, the work is measured across a lifetime. And sometimes, he said, caring well for an animal means making one of the hardest decisions a veterinarian can face.

“I have euthanized animals throughout my career, it doesn’t get any easier,” he said. “But I think what really reaffirms my commitment to our animals in this profession and my love of animals is knowing that the animals that live at Denver Zoo have the absolute best care possible, and that includes end of life care as well.”

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Man arrested for stealing over 100 avocados from Miami-Dade grove, police say

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Ana Maria Soler

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — A Hialeah man was arrested after a Miami-Dade deputy found over 140 stolen avocados in his truck at a southwest Miami-Dade grove.

According to the arrest report, the deputy was checking the Brooks Tropical property located at Southwest 200th Street and 152nd Avenue at around 11:17 p.m. on Sunday when he saw a white pickup truck parked at the end of the driveway. The deputy turned on his emergency lights and went to investigate.

The arrest report said that Duniel Arecesgonzalez, 37, approached the deputy during the investigation, so the deputy detained him and confirmed that Arecesgonzalez owned the truck.

The deputy noted in the report that he found 17 avocados in the truck bed. Four black construction trash bags filled with avocados were also found next to the truck, and two more black bags filled with avocados were found inside the grove.

In total, 142 avocados were recovered, valued at $852, according to the report.

The report then said that when an investigator tried to interview Arecesgonzalez at the Agricultural Patrol Section office, he said, “Why do I need to speak to you? I was caught stealing avocados.” The report noted that he then refused to answer any other questions.

Arecesgonzalez was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his total bond was set at $3000. He posted the bond amount and was released the next day, on Monday.

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Georgia deputy kills man accused of pulling out gun in McDonald’s drive-thru, GBI says

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Dan Raby

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    BARTOW COUNTY, Georgia (WUPA) — A Bartow County deputy has shot and killed a man who officials say was accused of pointing a gun at a McDonald’s employee.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the incident began around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday when deputies were sent to a McDonald’s on the 1300 block of Joe Frank Harris Parkway SE in Cartersville. According to the authorities, the law enforcement agency received a report that a man had pulled a weapon on an employee in the fast food restaurant’s drive-thru.

A deputy that arrived on scene found the man, identified as 31-year-old Marcus Maurice Williams, in a nearby parking lot holding the gun, the GBI reports.

When the deputy gave Williams commands, officials say he refuse to comply, instead pointing the gun and firing at the deputy. The deputy fired at least one shot, hitting Williams.

Medics rushed the man to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. The deputy was not injured.

The investigation remain ongoing, and the GBI is asking anyone with information to call the agency’s Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun at (706) 624-1424 for its tipline at 800-597-8477.

This incident is the 51st shooting involving law enforcement in the state since the beginning of the year. Thirty of those have ended with a suspect killed, GBI data reveals.

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Cook Co. medical examiner ID’s 11 of 56 bodies found at South Chicago funeral home

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Evelyn Holmes

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    CHICAGO (WLS) — Families are left to wait as the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office works to identify the dozens of bodies found at a Southeast Side funeral home.

So far, at least 11 of the 56 remains found at South Chicago Chapel have been identified.

Meanwhile, no criminal charges have yet to be filed against Clark and Johanna Morgan, the couple operating the funeral home, as the investigation continues.

The medical examiner’s office says the process to identify the remains could take some days.

Dozens of improperly stored bodies, in various states of decomposition, were removed from the South Chicago Chapel on 95th Street on Friday.

More than 50 cremated remains were also found at the funeral home.

Meanwhile, families who used the funeral home share stories of heartbreak, anger and frustration.

Anayah Maize said her family planned to have her dad cremated at the South Chicago Chapel after he died in June.

Now as relatives are waiting to receive his remains.

“What we found out since the day that I last saw my father… no family should have to endure this,” Maize said.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which licenses funeral directors, says it has suspended the license of funeral director Johanna Morgan.

The license of her husband Clark Morgan was revoked in 2024 and the Chicago Heights Crematorium he owned was shutdown last year after more than 100 bodies were improperly stored there.

ABC7 has reached out to the funeral home for a response and has not heard back.

Authorities continue to update families about their loved ones’ remains.

Family members are urged to email MEOfamilyservices@cookcountyil.gov.

The medical examiner’s office said they would handle the cremation of decedents at no cost for all families who choose that option.

Families will also have the opportunity to work with a funeral home of their choice to make final arrangements.

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Bald eagle Jackie’s death turns into lesson in nature and grief for SoCal students

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Tim Caputo

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    BIG BEAR, Calif. (KABC) — Beloved bald eagle Jackie left a lasting impact beyond Big Bear that also spanned across generations, reaching even the youngest nature enthusiasts.

For students like the fifth graders at Graciano Gomez Elementary School in San Bernardino, Jackie’s death has been a lesson in nature, relationships and perseverance. The school’s mascot is fittingly an eagle.

Following the news of her death Monday, teachers quickly turned afternoon lessons into a celebration of the eagle whose journey resonated with kids and adults alike.

“She may not be with us physically, but she’s still with us emotionally in our hearts,” said 5th grader Aaliyah Richardson.

Teachers also used Jackie’s passing as an opportunity to teach students about grief.

“Grief is not always easy and I know some of our students might be going through similar situations where they’ve lost a loved one,” said Principal Maria Martinez.

“So some activities that we would recommend they do is journal, perhaps they can talk to an adult about… their favorite memory that they saw when they were looking at the live cam… Going out in nature and enjoying other animals that they can identify and see.”

Millions around the world tuning in to watch Jackie and her mate Shadow on the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) live eagle nest cam over the years.

Fans followed Jackie’s life for more than a decade on the FOBBV live camera. She raised several eaglets in the nest over the years.

Jackie’s well-documented life and legacy will live on. Her life was cut short by illness, but serves as a reminder that the next generation is ready to spread their wings – like her two eaglets that left the nest last month and never looked back.

“Our motto this year is ‘Soaring with Purpose’ so that really hits home,” Martinez said.

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LA model and influencer accused of stealing from dates denied mental health diversion

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Kevin Ozebek and Julie Sone

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    LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A judge on Monday denied a request for a mental health diversion for model and influencer Adva Lavie, also known as Mia Ventura, leaving her jailed without bond as she faces multiple theft related charges.

Lavie’s legal team argued she needs treatment for psychiatric disorders, not incarceration. But the judge rejected the request, clearing the way for prosecutors to continue pursuing a case that includes allegations detailed in roughly 400 pages of court documents newly obtained by 7 On Your Side Investigates.

Lavie appeared on the “Access Vegas” podcast in 2024, where she said she stopped doing OnlyFans and was in real estate school.

Prosecutors say that during the taping, Lavie got up from her chair and allegedly stole items belonging to other guests from a green room, including a credit card. They say the stolen card was later used at a “pricey Beverly Hills salon.”

Prosecutors also accuse Lavie – who has appeared in Penthouse and Playboy – of stealing from a 78-year-old man she was dating. Investigators claim Lavie allegedly took $17,500 in U.S. currency, $100,000 in designer clothes and gold coins valued at $4,000 from his Van Nuys home, totaling $121,500 in losses.

Detectives say Lavie later posted an “apartment tour” on TikTok and “posted video which showed the stolen clothing in her closet.”

Prosecutors further allege Lavie told the same man that her mother had died and asked him for $25,000 to cover funeral expenses. According to investigators, Lavie traveled to Israel while under investigation and was seen with her mother, who was “very much alive.”

The court documents outline additional allegations, including claims that Lavie stole a Rolex from a man who refused to buy her a Coachella wristband and allegedly nabbing designer purses from women she shared an Airbnb with in Cannes, France.

After Monday’s hearing, defense attorney Jeremy Lessem said Lavie’s history of trauma should qualify her for treatment. Lavie’s attorneys told the judge she was sexually abused as a child and suffers from a series of psychiatric disorders like PTSD.

“We strongly believe that our client is suitable and eligible for mental health diversion. We thought that was the right solution for this case. The judge disagreed,” Lessem said.

Lavie remains held without bond and faces up to 11 years in prison if convicted. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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Teen’s death prompts changes to Rocky Mountain Power transmission towers

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Shelby Lofton

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    FRUIT HEIGHTS (KSL) — Nine months after a 16-year-old boy was electrocuted and fell from a transmission tower in Davis County, Rocky Mountain Power has agreed to dismantle dozens of towers along the Wasatch Front following advocacy from the teen’s family.

Garrett Sears died in November after falling from a transmission tower above a Fruit Heights neighborhood, where he was climbing with friends. His parents, Jen and Phil Sears, say the area was dark and the teens were unable to see warning signs, a nearby memorial for another teen who died climbing the tower or the power lines overhead.

“They went down to the caves,” Phil Sears said. “They were walking along this very sidewalk, and the boys saw this tower that was here and thought it was abandoned.”

The family said Garrett climbed the tower after spotting a ladder and was electrocuted before falling about 60 feet to the pavement below.

“He survived for about 50 minutes, was talking — was out of it, but was saying he couldn’t breathe and everything hurt,” his father told KSL. Months after their son’s death, the Sears family began pushing for changes to the row of transmission towers, arguing the design was outdated and too accessible.

“We found all of these kids that have died since 1909,” Jen Sears said. “I’m telling you, it’s that platform. Kids see that and they’re like, ‘Oh, I want to sit up there.'”

In 2007, 15-year-old Scott Nye died after being electrocuted at the same time. At the time, there was a discussion about whether warning signs or fencing could prevent deaths like his, KSL reported.

The Sears Family also compiled information about Larry Dean Martin, Angus Richins, George Allen and Fred Bramwell, who also died from power tower-related incidents in the area. The family presented that information to Rocky Mountain Power and urged the utility to redesign the towers. The Searses argue utility crews no longer need the ladders because they use bucket trucks and boom lifts to access power lines.

“My mother-in-law wrote Warren Buffett a letter that was miraculously read by Warren Buffett, which is incredible,” Jen Sears said. “God bless him. I really believe that he sent it down his chain of command and asked that it be taken care of.”

Buffett owns Rocky Mountain Power’s parent company, PacifiCorp. The family said they received a letter from Rocky Mountain Power inviting them to a meeting shortly after they sent theirs. The company agreed to dismantle 41 transmission towers from Bountiful to Ogden.

The company said in a written statement to KSL that it was “honored to work with the family to reach a resolution that creates a positive and lasting benefit for the community. As part of our commitment to safety and the communities we serve, we appreciate the opportunity to collaborate on a solution that helps protect our customers and neighbors while supporting continued progress and public safety.”

The family said the changes will honor the six people who have died in similar incidents in the area and help prevent future tragedies.

“They no longer have to worry about any kids climbing these things,” Phil Sears said. “And that mission will continue.”

The Sears said they remember their son, Garrett, as a strong-willed, funny, loud and fearless brother and athlete, who had been showing his creative side in the time before his death.

“Dad raised this tough little cookie of a football player, and he started to morph into this kid that was wearing hearts on his shoes and his clothes,” Phil said. “He really sat down with us at the table one night and said, ‘You know, Dad, I’m known for being tough. I’m known for being kind of the alpha and a bully in certain situations. And I don’t want to be that person anymore. I want to be a nice kid and just look after people.'”

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL 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.

VIDEO | Amazon delivery driver untangles, salutes American flag at Bullitt County home

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Alex Suckow

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    BULLITT COUNTY, Ky. (WLKY) — A routine Amazon delivery became a meaningful moment for a Bullitt County military family.

Ange Burnett said a package was dropped off on her family’s doorstep Monday.

Their Ring doorbell camera got footage of the person, dressed in camouflage pants, setting the package down and then tending to their American flag, which was all twisted up.

The person unwinds the flag, steps off the porch and then gives it a salute.

Burnett said that meant “a great deal” to her family.

“It touched our heart, almost kind of like they recognized the pride our family had. It was a big deal,” she said. “It’s nice to see patriotism at its best when people are just doing positive things.”

Burnett said her husband and two of her nephews served, and they appreciate the simple, unexpected gesture. She called it incredibly meaningful.

She wants to make sure the person in the video is thanked.

“I think it seems obvious to me that they served as well, just because the stance and the salute is not normal for everybody. So I would thank them for their service…and thank them for just taking the time to show us some mercy that our flag was wrapped up and salute our house. That’s pretty cool in today’s world,” Burnett said.

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LAPD officer pleads not guilty to illegally recording his coworkers’ conversations

CNN Newsource on August 11, 2026

By Aaron Hegarty

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    LINCOLN, Neb. (KETV) — More than 700 inmates at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln have been without running water for days after two water main breaks, according to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

The first break occurred Thursday and was repaired Friday, but a second break on Friday remains unresolved. The department said the second break is buried under concrete and near electrical lines, making the repair time unknown.

“If this were my dog, I would go to jail for doing this, withholding water,” said Nature Jackson, the wife of inmate Earnest Jackson, who was convicted of first-degree murder for the 1999 shooting death of Larry Perry.

Nature Jackson said inmates haven’t showered in days and do not have clean clothes because the laundry is impacted. She said they have to choose between drinking water, cleaning clothes, or washing themselves.

The NDCS said in a statement:

“Initially, 20,000 bottles of water were delivered to NSP, and additional water deliveries have since been made. Bottled water is distributed every four hours—and more frequently if needed — to ensure individuals have continuous access to drinking water.” “Portable toilets were delivered on Thursday. Sanitation and operational checks are made hourly, and the toilets are emptied at least every 12 hours.” “A schedule for shower access is in place and will continue until normal water service is restored.” “Laundry from the facility is being sent to other facilities to be cleaned, and those items will be returned and distributed tomorrow. This process will continue until normal water service is restored.” Four of the prison’s nine housing units are impacted, according to NDCS, holding about 715 incarcerated people. That’s more than half of the facility’s average daily population of 1,287.

The Nebraska State Penitentiary is the oldest prison in the state. Aging infrastructure there is a known problem. A replacement being constructed in North Lincoln is expected to be completed in 2028.

“This is an ongoing problem that people in the community have been advocating for long before I even started advocating, and I’m not new to advocating,” Jackson said.

A 2018 Inspector General of Corrections report noted that water main breaks were expected to be a recurring issue, with five breaks reported between September 2018 and the prior December. A 2022 engineering study published by the department estimated $220 million in deficiencies at the prison.

Jackson described the conditions as unacceptable.

“How do we, as a village, a community, expect people to go into a space where they’re treated so terribly, and then the day it’s time to be released, say, ‘All right, go be great in your community,'” she said.

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