Author: CNN Newsource

By Marisa Sardonia

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    BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A Buncombe County grand jury has indicted two people in connection with the shooting deaths of three family members inside a western North Carolina home.

On Tuesday, June 2, a grand jury indicted 16-year-old Star Grant and 28-year-old Devan Loving on first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Grant’s parents and grandmother. These indictments were handed down nearly one month after investigators say three victims were shot and stabbed inside their home in Fairview, N.C.

On Thursday, May 7, deputies responded to a welfare check at a home on Ashworth Drive in Fairview, where they found the bodies of three victims, identified as 41-year-old Travis Eugene Grant, 42-year-old Kimberly Michelle Grant and 66-year-old Sharon Harwood Grant. Authorities said Travis and Kimberly Grant were married, and that Sharon was Travis’ mother.

Detectives also determined that 16-year-old Star Grant, who lives at the Ashworth Drive residence, was missing and unaccounted for. On Friday, May 8, authorities said the teenage girl was located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, accompanied by an adult male, who was later identified as Devan Loving. The pair was then taken into custody.

Both Grant and Loving are charged with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy to commit murder. Although Grant is a minor, she is charged as an adult. Loving also faces an additional charge for the abduction of a child

“Your Honor, the co-defendant (Star Grant) and Mr. Loving did shoot, then stab all three individuals,” Buncombe County Assistant District Attorney Amy Buchanan said in court in May. “They then took their wallets, as well as a firearm, and fled the state. They were found days later in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. And after they were found, they both did speak with law enforcement, and did admit to their involvement in the murders.”

As previously reported, family members have said Grant and Loving were in a romantic relationship, one that her parents opposed. One family member said the parents reportedly planned to seek a restraining order against Loving, though court records confirm no restraining order was ever filed.

Both Grant and Loving waived their extradition rights last month and were transferred from Tennessee to North Carolina to face charges.

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 Erin Miller

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    SUFFOLK, Virginia (WTKR) — A Suffolk firefighter is being recognized as an Everyday Hero after grabbing his gear from his garage and helping battle a neighbor’s house fire while off duty.

Joshua Baker was at his Chesapeake home when a neighbor came banging on his front door.

“[If] we have somebody banging on the front door, normally it’s a medical call or something along those sorts, [but] she said the house was on fire,” Baker said.

Baker ran to his garage where he coincidentally had his firefighting gear.

“I had just been shipped out the day before to another station to drive the ladder. Therefore, I had all my gear with me. I was on a 5-day break and I just kind of had it stored in the garage to get it out of the truck, and it was just there. So, it was definitely a lucky thing,” Baker said.

He said when he got to his neighbor’s property everyone was out of the house already.

“I took a [garden] hose and we kind of went inside. We couldn’t make it there, so we threw a ladder up and were able to extinguish it from the window on the outside until the engines got there. Then Chesapeake did a fantastic job on their end, and they wrapped everything up,” Baker said.

Baker’s wife and children were inside his home at the time and watched as he sprung into action and climbed a ladder to fight the fire.

“We didn’t know what was going to happen to him and watching him climb up the ladder and get in [the house] was just crazy, but we’re glad that he’s safe,” his daughter said.

Baker said he and others were able to keep the fire contained until Chesapeake firefighters arrived.

“We kind of kept it at bay and then like I said, Chesapeake was able to come in and finally fully extinguish it,” Baker said.

When asked whether there is an ‘off-switch’ for a firefighter, Baker said there isn’t one.

“There’s no off-switch. You’re never really off-duty when you’re a firefighter. When you sign up and you take that oath, you know that it’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It doesn’t matter,” Baker said.

His wife, Ashlynn, said watching him respond firsthand was an emotional experience.

“He goes above and beyond whether he’s here at the station or in the community, but to see the action firsthand in our neighborhood was overwhelming, exciting, [and] scary, but also just — there was not a hesitation in reaction. He will go above-and-beyond to help anybody, so [we’re] just really proud of him,” she said.

Southern Bank gifted Baker $425 — $125 more than usual to celebrate the bank’s 125 years in the community.

Baker said the recognition was not necessary, but he appreciated it.

“This isn’t needed, but I do appreciate it. I mean, I think anybody that’s standing in this room right now would have done 100% the same thing, 100% the same thing,” Baker 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 Rachel Whelan

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    CINCINNATI (WLWT) — A night of baseball, music and hope brought together people living with ALS at Great American Ball Park.

The Cincinnati Reds hosted their annual Lou Gehrig Day celebration, honoring those affected by the disease and raising awareness for the ongoing fight to find a cure.

Among those taking part was John Driskell Hopkins, known to fans as “Hop,” the guitarist for the Zac Brown Band. Hopkins was diagnosed with ALS in December 2021, but he continues to tour, perform and advocate for research through his foundation, Hop On A Cure.

“My breathing is good, I obviously have my appetite,” Hopkins joked. “And I’m too blessed to be depressed.”

Before the game, Hopkins performed an intimate concert for people living with ALS and their families outside Great American Ball Park.

“I am so very proud of each and every one of you that doesn’t give up,” Hopkins told the crowd.

Hopkins said his foundation, Hop on a Cure, has helped raise more than $5 million for ALS research in the past year alone.

Also in the crowd was 27-year-old Hannah Broermann of Okeana, who was diagnosed with ALS last year. Broermann said meeting Hopkins was especially meaningful because she and her husband, Logan, are longtime Zac Brown Band fans.

“We love him and the Zac Brown Band,” Broermann said. “They were our first dance song at our wedding, and we’ve seen them here in concert. So it was awesome.”

Later in the evening, Broermann took the field for a moment she will never forget. With her family helping her out of her wheelchair and Logan waiting behind home plate, she threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

For Broermann, the support from her family has meant everything.

“They’re the type of family who, as soon as we called them to let them know what was going on today, they were like, ‘Alright, where do we buy tickets? What’s the plan?’” Broermann said. “No questions asked. I know they’re going to be there.”

The night ended with Hopkins singing the national anthem before the Reds game, a fitting close to a day meant to honor, remember and support those touched by ALS.

While there is still no cure for the disease, those gathered at Great American Ball Park said nights like Lou Gehrig Day help bring the ALS community together and remind families they are not alone.

If you’d like to learn more about Hop on a Cure, visit the organization’s website.

A “Hope for Hannah ” Benefit will support Hannah Broermann and her family as they navigate ALS. The event is July 18 at Badin High School.

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 Travers Mackel

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    NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — A recently passed Louisiana bill, HB 211, could make sleeping on public streets and sidewalks a misdemeanor statewide if signed into law by the governor.

The legislation, authored by Metairie state Rep. Debbie Villio, allows for the arrest of individuals sleeping on public streets and sidewalks. Those arrested would be required to undergo treatment, including drug rehabilitation, alcohol abuse counseling, mental health care, and other services.

Many reportedly refuse such treatment.

Sarah Parks, who runs the nonprofit homeless assistance group Grace at the Green Light, criticized the bill.

“I think it’s an awful idea that will only hurt the community,” Parks said.

“I think it’s discriminatory and can be used in ways to target individuals,” she added.

Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley expressed support for the bill, citing concerns about violence among the homeless population.

“We are going to enforce it as I’m glad to see Rep. Villio put in the bill the assessments for drug abuse and mental illness so we can get help for these individuals,” Conley said.

Lawmakers are divided on the legislation.

“It’s really more an idea of getting them on a path to get the help they need. The vast majority of homeless people have mental health issues and need that attention,” said State Sen. Kirk Talbot, a Republican from River Ridge.

“You can’t solve the issue of homelessness by arresting people. It’s a lazy approach and flawed method,” said State Sen. Royce Duplessis, a Democrat from New Orleans.

The New Orleans Police Department has not indicated whether it will enforce the law, but Louisiana State Police are expected to do so.

“This is just further creating challenges for individuals,” said Parks.

The bill would ban sleeping on public streets and sidewalks statewide, not just in the New Orleans area, and the arrest for this offense would be classified as a misdemeanor.

Villio says in 2024, on average, over 3,400 people across the state were homeless on a nightly basis. Over 1,900 were in emergency shelters, and the other 1,500 were on the streets.

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 Adam Roberts, DMM

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    FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — A federal judge ruled that former reality TV star Josh Duggar filed his motion too late in his attempt to have his child sexual abuse material conviction overturned.

The judge wrote in his order that the Clerk of Court did not receive Duggar’s envelope containing the motion until 55 days after the deadline. Duggar claimed he had put it in the mail on time, but the judge found that wasn’t likely.

In December 2021, Duggar was found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography. He was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.

Duggar claims he was denied a fair trial because his attorneys weren’t allowed to present evidence that one of his employees was the one who downloaded the videos onto the computer.

The legal motion also claimed that a prosecution witness manipulated forensic data and lied when he testified that the computer was offline when he examined it.

“He intentionally modified the cloned forensic image of the computer during government analysis, overwriting system data. He then falsely claimed under oath that he made no changes,” the motion claimed. “This perjured testimony misled the jury, obstructed the defense’s ability to challenge the evidence, and violated Joshua Duggar’s Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights.”

He has made a similar appeal in the past.

Duggar became famous from the show “19 Kids and Counting” that he starred in with his family.

He later served as executive director of the Family Research Council and led rallies against LGBTQ rights.

He was sent to a low-security prison in Dallas County, Texas, in 2022.

Joseph Duggar, one of Josh Duggar’s brothers, faces charges in Florida in the sexual abuse of a young girl and charges in Arkansas of false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Kendra Duggar, who is married to Joseph, is facing those same Arkansas charges.

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 Zoie Henry

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    WAUKESHA, Wisconsin (WISN) — A nonprofit organization gave 5-year-old Alice Endres, a kindergartener battling cancer, a dream room makeover, creating a joyful moment for her family.

Alice, who was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer that spread to her lungs, returned home to a grand reveal of her new bedroom.

“There’s a lot of bed making, there’s a lot of hanging of art,” said Colleen Cowan, a director with the nonprofit Special Spaces. “There’s creative decisions that are made by the volunteers.”

Alice’s mother, Julianne, shared the moment they realized something was wrong.

“So it was Alice’s fifth birthday party that we decided she needed to go in. Something wasn’t right. She didn’t want to play at her birthday party. And we got her in for bloodwork,” Julianne said.

During Alice’s 42 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, Julianne discovered Special Spaces, which creates dream bedrooms for children battling life-threatening illnesses.

“Alice was so sweet. She is. She has got a really sweet, warm soul. She wanted. And mom and dad wanted a really great place for her just to be able to rest and relax. Have good night sleep,” Cowan said.

“This is super important because you’re taking a family who have just been given their worst news ever, and you’re just saying, OK, you know what? You’re really busy. We’d like to give you a space that is what you’re looking for,” Cowan added.

The transformation took just one day, culminating in an emotional reveal.

“Alice, knock on the door three times,” Cowan said.

“They said, ‘Come on in, Alice,'” Lillian, Alice’s older sister said.

“Open it, open it, open it!” Julianne said.

Alice’s new lavender, floral, artist-themed getaway brought her joy.

“My very own mirror,” Alice said.

Special Spaces also surprised Alice’s big sister, Lily, with a room makeover of her own.

“Let’s face it, the siblings go through a lot when the child is in treatment. And, you know, sometimes the siblings sort of have to maybe go on the back burner for a few minutes. So we wanted to be able to do something for Lily, too,” Cowan said.

Reflecting on the support they’ve received, Julianne expressed her gratitude.

“We are very, very fortunate to have so many people throw happiness around like confetti. And they show up when they had absolutely no reason to show up for, for our small little family,” Julianne said.

Alice, who has now completed treatment, is set to ring the “end of treatment” bell next week.

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 Erin Heft

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KCRA) — A transition in Sacramento’s Step Up on Second shelter and transitional housing program has left about 20 to 25 families displaced in the last 24 hours, forcing some to sleep on the street, in parking lots, or inside their cars.

Among those displaced is 11-year-old Keith Smith, who is now living in a car with his sister, their disabled mother, and all of their belongings. Keith described the conditions they faced overnight and the toll the situation has taken on his mother.

“I mean you don’t have to worry about heating, close that door, close the door, it heats up like an oven,” Keith said. He also said his mother has a leg injury and uses a walker.

Isaac Wright, whose family of four has lived at a Motel 6 for the last two years, said the sudden displacement has been devastating.

“It’s like y’all kicked us out and it’s now just like I don’t like, you know, we keep dropping like we’re going below rock bottom,” Wright said.

He said families believed they would be guaranteed vouchers and replacement rooms, but that did not happen.

“Well, at first we didn’t know we were supposed to, you know, leave because they guarantee everybody vouchers, and everybody rooms, so they just kicked us out like… We were waiting in the parking lot for four hours just to say leave,” Wright said.

The city of Sacramento said about 150 families were part of the housing program that is being replaced by a new voucher-based system.

According to the city, most families made the transition successfully, but around 25 families were displaced.

The Sacramento Homeless Union said it has been working to support those affected and warned that the disruption has hit some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

The city said families unable to secure a room at participating motels would be offered space at the city’s Outreach and Engagement Center.

Officials also noted that some motel owners refused to honor vouchers for a small number of families because of previous issues.

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 Ricardo Tovar

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    SALINAS, California (KSBW) — Students at Kammann Elementary School in Salinas participated in the Horse Powered Reading program today, which uses horses to help improve literacy skills.

The program, run by the nonprofit Hope, Horses and Kids, uses the unique bond between humans and horses to help students improve their reading skills.

The nonprofit said, “By integrating horses into the learning process, kids stay focused and are more likely to retain information.”

The program is free to students, and organizers hope to bring it to more schools in the future.

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 Jacqueline Aguilar

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    TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — Several people broke into Showtime Cards on the Eastside and stole an estimated $100,000 worth of sports trading cards, including rare collectibles the owner had accumulated over years.

Surveillance video shows a group of people breaking into the store and smashing a display case before taking off with some of the shop’s most valuable sports cards.

The break-in happened around 3:45 a.m. Monday morning.

“I looked at our cameras and there’s someone inside the shop, and you could see them with duffel bags, grabbing boxes and stuff, breaking glass showcases,” owner George Mares said.

Mares says the people used a sledgehammer to get inside the shop and moved quickly before taking off.

“They had everything planned out. I think they had a timer on the phone. You could see them arguing if you watch the footage. They set their phone down. They’re talking about like, hey, watch the phone, you know, the time and stuff. So, they did everything in and out in one minute and two seconds,” Mares said.

He says the people targeted high-end sports card boxes and cases worth thousands of dollars each.

“They knocked the glass down with his leg. He kicks it down. He steals three boxes of national treasures going back to 2020. That first pile of cards was $20,000 right there–it was $21,000,” Mares said.

Mares tell me some boxes carry steep price tags.

“Just one box of cards is $1,300, that’s a single box, $1,000 for a single hobby box. And they’re just kind of pulling, lifting boxes down the shelves,” Mares said.

Some of the stolen items had been in the store for years and had grown in value over time, according to Mares.

“It’s our baby, blood, sweat, and tears, everything we have into this,” Mares said.

Mares has owned Showtime Cards for 28 years and says the growing popularity of sports card collecting has also attracted criminals.

“It’s unfortunate these values go up and people look for ways to steal,” Mares said.

He says similar break-ins have been reported at card shops in other Arizona cities, and the methods appear to be the same.

“They’re using these sledgehammers, the same type of mask, gloves. They’re stealing the same types of products,” Mares said.

Despite the loss, Mares says support from Tucson’s card collecting community has helped him stay optimistic.

“We can definitely bounce back from this. But yeah, I mean, it hurts,” Mares said.

Mares is hoping the public can help identify the people involved. He is offering a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest and is encouraging anyone who recognizes the individuals in the surveillance video to call police.

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