Free crisis counseling offered following shooting

CNN Newsource on August 3, 2026

By Ryan Hill

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    TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT) — The aftermath of the shooting has left many in the community feeling scared and confused. It’s why nearly 50 crisis counselors gathered to provide mental health help for free to those who need it.

Melissa Osen, the owner of Chance for Change said that Lori Stewart with the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office saw a need and mobilized other local leaders. They decided to offer crisis therapy services and therapy dogs at Rock Creek Elementary School. Osen said dozens of people attended with most in a state of disbelief.

“It’s kind of sinking in for people, that this happened here in our community, and that concern people have,” Osen said.

The therapy sessions help people understand the emotions that come after a traumatic event like this.

“This is something that most of us have never seen in our lifetime especially here in Twin Falls and we’re just trying to help people normalize what they are feeling, these reactions that they are having, these feelings, how it’s showing up for them. These are normal feelings they are feeling to a very abnormal event,” Osen said.

For someone like Samuel Ferrell, those feelings are powerful. He said he was near the In-N-Out, originally wanting to go there to eat, when he saw it was too crowded.

As Ferrell pulled away, he heard popping sounds and originally thought his tires burst, then he saw people running.

“I remember just seeing people running, screaming, somebody was saying, ‘Shooting! Shooting! Shooting!’ and running the opposite direction of where I was driving to,” Ferrell said.

Ferrell said his first instinct was to try to help, then the police quickly closed off the area. He found himself put on lockdown inside his hotel room, where he remained for hours. He contacted his sister, wife, and parents to let them know he was safe.

Ferrell said that learning more about the victims and being in proximity to the shooting makes this very emotional for him.

“In the moment, you got an adrenaline rush and then when you come off of it, its like an extreme anxiety, depression, anger, being sad, all coming into one and like an atom bomb just blasting and it’s not really an easy scenario to comprehend,” Ferrell said.

Ferrell said he plans to go to counseling in the future and is grateful for the support of his family.

Osen added offering therapy sessions for free helps encourage people to seek help and heal through connection.

“We want this to be available for everyone. And we don’t want anyone to feel, ‘It didn’t happen to me as much, I wasn’t right there, I saw it on something somebody posted.’ If it’s coming up for you if you are thinking about it, if it’s a thought for you, if you can’t get it out of your mind, come in, meet with the amazing therapists that are here,” Osen said.

If you missed the sessions Sunday, Osen said they’ll be back at Rock Creek Elementary School Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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.

MetroCon 2026 draws thousands to Tampa Convention Center

CNN Newsource on August 3, 2026

By Blake Phillips

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    TAMPA, Florida (WFTS) — MetroCon 2026, one of the biggest anime conventions in the country, is back in Tampa — and this year, the event has grown bigger than ever.

The convention, held at the Tampa Convention Center, draws thousands of cosplay enthusiasts, artists, vendors, and fans from across the region. This year, lines stretched out the door.

Heidi Craddock, the Director of Exhibits, said the numbers reflect just how much the event has grown.

“We grew from last year definitely we’re about over, I think believe we should break 18,000,” Craddock said.

The economic impact of the convention extends well beyond the convention floor. According to the Tampa Convention Center, tickets and hotel rooms alone historically generate around $3 million — and that does not include what the event brings to vendors.

Sara Pike and Tiffany Ciper own Epicycle Studios, a business built around drawing art and selling at conventions across the country. But MetroCon holds a special place for them.

Ciper has been attending since the early days of the convention, which was first hosted in 2003.

“I’ve been to every single MetroCon, way back when it was in the hotel. I’m pretty sure it was on MLK Street here in town. And I freaking loved it,” Ciper said.

Pike believes the reason fans and vendors keep coming back — and why the convention’s popularity continues to grow — comes down to the community feel inside the exhibit hall.

“There’s not a lot of people selling like generic corporate-made products. It’s mostly people and collectors; yeah, it’s mostly people who made their own stuff, and you’re getting something unique,” Pike said.

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

Former Texas Congresswoman, Fort Worth’s first female mayor, Kay Granger dies

CNN Newsource on August 3, 2026

By S.E. Jenkins

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    Texas (KTVT) — Former U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, a trailblazing North Texas Republican who became the first woman to serve as Fort Worth’s mayor, has died, officials said Sunday night. She was 83 years old.

The longtime congresswoman wasn’t only the first female mayor of Fort Worth; she was the first Republican woman from Texas elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first female Republican appropriations chair.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson released the following statement:

“Kay Granger devoted her life to serving her Fort Worth, Texas community — as a teacher and businesswoman, on the Fort Worth Zoning Commission and City Council, as Mayor, and in Congress for nearly three decades, where she also served as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee. Throughout her career, she broke barriers for women in public service.”

Republican Congressman Craig Goldman, who succeeded Granger, representing the 12th District, which includes Fort Worth, said Texas has lost a legend.

“Texas has lost a legend and I am deeply saddened by this news,” said Goldman. “Kay Granger transformed the city she loved. Across her many decades of service to the Fort Worth community and all of CD TX-12, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those she represented. She was the first woman to lead Fort Worth as Mayor, the first Republican woman to represent Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first Republican woman to chair the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Kay will be greatly missed, but her incredible legacy will not be forgotten. I extend my sincere condolences to her family. May her memory be a blessing.”

Fort Worth leaders honor Kay Granger Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price said Granger set an extraordinarily high standard for women in public service and stood as a true Texas trailblazer.

“She was a force to be reckoned with — principled, determined, and among the most dedicated public servants I have known,” said Price. “Across decades of service, first as a Fort Worth City Council member, then as mayor, and later as a United States congresswoman and chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Kay devoted her life to strengthening our city, our state, and our nation. Her legacy will forever be ingrained in Fort Worth and will continue to inspire Texans for generations to come.”

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said in a statement that Granger was a trailblazer and tenacious leader.

“Over the years that I worked with Kay, I learned from her indelible spirit, work ethic, constant sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Texas and Fort Worth. I’m fortunate to have called her a mentor and friend,” Parker said. “To Kay’s family, my prayers are with you. What a lady, and the end of an era in political service.”

Kay Granger stepped down in 2025, After serving in the U.S. House since Jan. 3, 1997, the North Texas Republican stepped aside, addressing health challenges and extended absences from Washington before completing her final term and retiring in January 2025.

Her office released a statement at the time on her behalf:

“As many of my family, friends, and colleagues have known, I have been navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year. However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed, making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable. During this time, my incredible staff has remained steadfast, continuing to deliver exceptional constituent services, as they have for the past 27 years.”

A spokeswoman for Granger and Granger’s son said she was living in an independent living facility. Granger’s son told the Dallas Morning News she was “having some dementia issues late in the year.”

In 2025, Granger was named Fort Worth Inc.’s 2025 Person of the Year for her decades of public service and lasting impact on the city.

“Kay lived a life of historic firsts,” Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said in a statement. “For nearly three decades, she championed North Texas, our Armed Forces, and a strong national defense. We are praying for her family and all who loved her.”

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.

Oil Drops, Manufacturing Data Ahead, Jobs Report Friday

CNN Newsource on August 3, 2026

By Jacqueline Policastro | Quincy News Correspondent

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    Washington (Quincy News) — Market Recap: U.S. stocks ended higher Friday as strong Amazon earnings outweighed a drop in Apple. Amazon jumped more than 15% after posting strong quarterly revenue growth, lifting the S&P 500 0.7%, the Nasdaq 1.0% and the Dow 0.5%. Apple fell 7.4% after warning supply constraints could slow growth. Both companies are major components of retirement accounts and index funds, making their earnings closely watched by investors.

Treasury yields remained elevated, with the 10-year ending near 4.71%, its highest level since January 2025, as investors weighed inflation risks and last week’s Federal Reserve decision to leave rates unchanged. Higher Treasury yields can keep borrowing costs elevated for mortgages and other loans.

Today’s Focus: Oil is in focus after crude prices fell more than 5% overnight following President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would hold off on additional strikes against Iran. OPEC+ also approved a production increase of about 188,000 barrels per day beginning in September.

The Japanese yen strengthened after the U.S. and Japan confirmed a rare coordinated currency intervention, while Treasury yields eased in early trading.

Investors will also watch the final July S&P Global Manufacturing PMI followed by the ISM Manufacturing Index. Friday’s July employment report remains the week’s biggest economic event.

ON THE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026

-9:45 a.m. ET – Final S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI (July)

-10:00 a.m. ET – ISM Manufacturing PMI, June construction spending

-3:00 p.m. ET – Treasury quarterly borrowing estimates, ahead of Wednesday’s refunding announcement

-Earnings: Tyson Foods, Marriott, Palantir

-Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. ET – JOLTS (June) and factory orders

-Earnings: AMD, McDonald’s, Merck

-Wednesday, 8:15 a.m. ET – ADP employment report

-Wednesday 8:30 a.m. ET – Treasury quarterly refunding announcement

-Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. ET – ISM Services PMI

-Earnings: Disney, Uber, Airbnb, Warner Bros. Discovery

-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. ET – Weekly jobless claims; second-quarter productivity and unit labor costs

-Friday, 8:30 a.m. ET – July employment report

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.

Thousands gather in Pacifica for World Dog Surfing Championships despite rough surf

CNN Newsource on August 2, 2026

By John Ramos

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    PACIFICA, California (KPIX) — Thousands of people converged on the small town of Pacifica on Saturday morning to witness an event that has become an annual phenomenon: dog surfing.

Combine that with a dangerous surf warning for the coast, and there was even more drama than usual.

Now that the World Cup is over, we can get back to what is really the most popular sporting event on the planet: the World Dog Surfing Championships. At least, that’s how it felt by the size of the crowd at Pacifica’s Linda Mar Beach.

“I love World Dog Surfing,” said contestant Sophia Sadlowski from Huntington Beach. “They are the best event out of all the events that we do. This is the best event. The crowd is the best.”

Fourteen dogs showed up for this 10th annual competition. Winning is a bit subjective, with the canine contestants judged on how long they stay on a wave and how happy they seem to be about the whole thing.

Sadlowski said her small miniature pinscher, Rusty the Surfing MinPin, won’t let her leave the house alone if he thinks she’s about to hit the beach.

“Whenever I get ready to go surf, and I don’t take him, he gets very upset,” she said. “He runs up and down the stairs going, ‘ooh, ooh, ooh.’ And if I make it to the garage door, he’s there.”

But there was more drama than usual this year. With a hazardous surf warning in effect for the entire coastline, the waves were larger than usual and caused a few of the later heats to be cancelled.

“It was rough,” Sadkowski said. “A little too rough for that size dog. Yeah, I mean it’s rough for the other dogs, but when you’re 12 pounds, it’s just too much.”

“The surf was great this morning. Just for the last half-hour to hour, it started picking up and getting a little rough,” said event crew member Laura Cass. “So, we definitely want to keep the dogs safe…”

But a few intrepid canine surfers gave it a try anyway. One of them was crowd favorite Rippin’ Rosie, a fearless yellow lab who normally surfs Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz. She managed a couple of short runs in the crashing waves and got a hero’s welcome back on the shore.

“That was not Pleasure Point. That was pretty brutal, but hey, it was super fun, challenging, a great event. Look at all these people cheering us on. It’s amazing,” said Rosie’s surf partner, Steve Drottar. “She’s a fearless beast. She just goes. It’s scary for me. I’m the one that’s exhausted and she’s like, ‘ahh let’s go’ “

The competition was free to the public, so there were no official estimates of the crowd’s size. But the event has grown to the point that it was being recorded for an upcoming ESPN broadcast.

When the awards were handed out, Rusty and Rosie were both winners in their class. But friends Debbie Cohen and Tina der Torossian, who witnessed the spectacle, considered themselves among the winners, as well.

“And it’s an excuse to get up, and dogs are great!” said Cohen. “Just something about dogs in the water is a kick.”

Or as the surfers like Drottar might put it: “It’s just nothing but good vibes out here. It’s the way surfing’s supposed to be, just good vibes!”

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.

Feliz Fire grows to 872 acres, prompts evacuations in Mendocino County

CNN Newsource on August 2, 2026

By Richard Ramos

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    MENDOCINO COUNTY, California (KOVR) — A fast-moving wildfire in Mendocino County grew to 841 acres and was 5% contained Sunday after prompting evacuations Saturday.

The Feliz Fire was reported around 3:30 p.m. near Feliz Creek Road. Fueled by hot, dry and windy conditions, Cal Fire said the flames were spreading rapidly through vegetation.

Mendocino County officials issued evacuation orders and warnings for multiple zones surrounding the fire, including from Saracina Vineyards to Feliz Creek Road.

Temporary evacuation points were set up at the Mendocino County Office of Education, 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah, and United Disaster Relief, 650 Babcock Lane in Ukiah. A large animal shelter was opened at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, while small animals could be taken to the Mendocino County Animal Shelter.

The fire also forced the closure of a portion of U.S. Highway 101 between Highway 175 and the Hopland area for several hours Saturday. By late Saturday evening, authorities reopened the highway to one lane in each direction with intermittent traffic control, though motorists were urged to avoid the area while firefighting operations continued.

Cal Fire said the blaze was threatening structures and power lines.

Firefighters continued working into the late night with the help of three helicopters, multiple air tankers, hand crews, bulldozers and additional ground resources ordered to the incident, Cal Fire said.

The cause of the Feliz Fire remains under investigation.

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Kroger responds after viral TikTok appears to show bugs near produce at store

CNN Newsource on August 2, 2026

By Heath Kalb

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    DEARBORN, Michigan (WWJ) — A viral TikTok that has more than 400,000 views appears to show bugs all over the produce aisle at a Kroger in Dearborn, Michigan.

It’s a video that’ll make you wary of ever buying fruit again, and many who have seen it are understandably disgusted.

Chris from Detroit told CBS News Detroit, “It’s unfortunate they need to do something about that. You can’t be a multi-million dollar company and the food is like that. It’s not cool, man.”

CBS News Detroit has made multiple attempts to contact the woman who posted that video on Thursday. She has not yet responded, but our CBS News Confirmed team has determined that the footage appears authentic.

Jalen McCar from Detroit said, “Yeah, I’m happy I didn’t buy no fruit in there. I feel like they need to clean up everything.”

The supermarket chain responded to CBS News Detroit, saying, “We take these matters seriously. Food safety is a top priority for us. We are aware of the video, and have already partnered with professional pest control services while implementing enhanced preventative measures.”

On Friday, CBS News Detroit went inside the Kroger and didn’t see any creepy crawlers near the produce section, but heard from multiple people who said that even prior to the video, they had already decided to never buy produce at the supermarket ever again because of past experiences.

“A lot of bugs, flies, man. Just a lot of things that shouldn’t be in that produce aisle. Don’t anybody want bugs and flies,” said Chris.

One woman told us off camera that the last time she was buying fruits and veggies at the Kroger, gnats were flying all over the produce.

“There was a lot of gnats. Like, as soon as you go to pick something up, the gnats just swarmed. They swarmed all around you,” she said.

Even as Kroger told CBS News Detroit that they were aware of the viral video, the store remained open and busy Friday afternoon. But as the TikTok continues to rack up views and cyclosporiasis cases continue to soar in Michigan, there’s definitely one big feeling of hesitancy around the fruits and veggies at this store.

“Even vegans don’t wanna eat vegetables and stuff no more. It’s crazy,” said McCar.

Chris added, “People should just start growing their own fruits and vegetables. I would.”

Even though the video was posted on Thursday, CBS News Detroit has not yet confirmed when it was recorded.

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.

“The Sopranos” actor Vincent Pastore remembered as a fixture in Bronx community

CNN Newsource on August 2, 2026

By Andrew Ramos

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — “The Sopranos” actor Vincent Pastore is being remembered as a fixture in his Bronx community.

He was found dead inside his City Island home Saturday morning.

Friends tell CBS News New York that Pastore had been under the weather the past couple of weeks, even canceling an 80th birthday celebration last month, and they hadn’t heard from him in recent days.

Pastore was raised in New Rochelle, but he was born in the Bronx and returned there even after making it big in Hollywood.

Aspiring actor Rob Becerra met Pastore when he signed on to become his acting coach nearly a decade ago.

“He always said, listen, you know, if you got talent, you got it. And he’s like, and you’ve got it and I’m going to help you out,” Becerra said.

The veteran actor even agreed to appear in a scene on Becerra’s film reel, lifting young talent while never asking for a dime.

“Everyone he met, he touched. He was such a positive person, such a happy person,” Becerra said. “He said the biggest thing, ‘Never give up.’ And that always stuck with me in anything I ever did.”

Pastore became a regular at some of the small businesses along Arthur Avenue in the borough and often highlighted them on podcasts and during interviews.

Pastore was 80 years old. A cause of death has not yet been released.

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.

Man charged after allegedly kidnapping and raping door-to-door saleswoman

CNN Newsource on August 2, 2026

By Riley Rourke, Logan Hall

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    EVERETT, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A 67-year-old man has been charged after allegedly kidnapping and raping a door-to-door saleswoman in Everett, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office.

The woman had allegedly knocked on the door of the man’s home on Fremont Avenue to sell him a phone plan, the DA said. The man threatened the woman with several weapons before “holding her against her will in his home and sexually assaulting her.”

The man was identified as Everett resident James Mugford. He has been charged with aggravated rape, kidnapping in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a woman, and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

He was arraigned in Malden District Court on July 23 and ordered to be held without bail after being deemed dangerous by a judge. He will return to court on August 28.

Neighbors said that Mugford was well known in the neighborhood and frequently painted lawn signs for residents. Ellen Summers said she watched the police arrive at Mugford’s house from her kitchen.

“I can’t believe it happened,” Ellen’s husband Bill said.

Everett, Massachusetts is around 4 miles from the heart of Boston.

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.

School counselor who stopped school shooter arrested on prostitution-related charges

CNN Newsource on August 2, 2026

By Bryant Reed

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    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A Baltimore County school counselor, credited for tackling a school shooter at Perry Hall back in 2012, has been arrested on a misdemeanor count of attempting to patronize a prostitute.

Jesse Wasmer, a man once hailed as a hero, was allegedly caught trying to pay for sexual acts at Crystal Therapy, a spa located in Wilmington, Delaware.

“When you are a teacher with the school system, and this happens, it hurts more,” Kevin Bethea, a Baltimore County resident, said.

New Castle County Police in Delaware say Wasmer and another man were arrested during the incident.

“It’s unfortunate when these things happen,” Bethea added.

Bethea’s daughter went to Perry Hall High School and still has ties there.

Back in 2012, Wasmer tackled a school shooter and held him down until police arrived and placed the man under arrest. Many say his actions saved lives.

Bethea says he remembers the day and was amazed at Wasmer’s actions, but now feels there’s a blemish on his record.

“It was a good thing what he did, but now finding this out, it just lessens it and turns it into a different story,” Bethea explained.

Police say they were at Crystal Spa on July 15 for a drug and human trafficking investigation.

According to officers, three women were found as victims who were forced to work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, without being paid properly.

Officers seized more than $15,000 and bulk quantities of condoms from the spa.

Both the owner and operator were arrested by police and charged with multiple felony counts.

“A lot of times you might have individuals that start out doing the right things and acts of heroism, but then they get caught up in situations like this,” Bethea said.

Wasmer had been working at Bear Creek Elementary, Grange Elementary, Sandy Plains Elementary, and Patapsco High School, according to a letter, obtained by WJZ, that the principal of Bear Creek sent to families.

Wasmer is now on administrative leave and is barred from the school, per the notice. Support staff is available to students and their families if they have questions or want to talk about the situation.

Meanwhile, on social media, many people remain in Wasmer’s corner, saying it doesn’t matter what he did; they still consider him a hero.

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.