Tourism continues to rebound 2 years after Helene, Explore Asheville says

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Rian Stockett

Click here for updates on this story

    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Many business owners attended Explore Asheville’s annual meeting on Thursday to learn where we’re at in tourism recovery two years after Helene.

“…not only to recover but to rebound,” President and CEO of Explore Asheville Vic Isley said during the meeting.

She said Asheville is a tourism destination climbing back from the devastation of a natural disaster.

Posana restaurant co-owner Peter Pollay attended Explore Asheville’s meeting to learn what’s being done to bring more visitors to the area, including Asheville.

“I’m kind of interested to see what they’re going to say on what their plan is to get more tourism in here, because it is still down, and also to see what the trends are around the country,” said Pollay.

He says Posana relies on tourism and that business isn’t what it was before Helene.

“We have a lot of employees that we like to give checks to. We love to build peoples’ careers, so it’s a little stressful but we’re doing alright, we’re hanging in there, we’re doing OK,” said Pollay.

At the meeting, Adam Sacks from Tourism Economics delivered a keynote speech on tourism recovery from Helene.

“Buncombe County continues to rebound. We’ve seen this in the data,” said Sacks.

While he says that the recovery is remarkable, he notes that for 2026, combined hotel and short-term rental room demand and combined lodging revenue were below pre-Helene levels.

But he says there was a 5.4% growth in lodging during the first eight months of this year.

In his speech, Sacks also acknowledged national trends that work in Asheville’s favor like the shift toward driving instead of flying.

“From April 26 to August 2026, a drop from 48% to 40% travel by air and an increase in road from 26 to 32,” said Sacks.

According to Explore Asheville, 50% of the U.S. population lives within 600 miles of Asheville.

“People are still planning to travel but they’re changing how they travel so they might be going closer to home,” said Isley.

Pollay said the data shared in the meeting seems pretty positive for Asheville.

“Hopefully everyone out there knows that Asheville is open and ready to accept people and show everyone what we’re all about,” said Pollay.

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.

Emergency rule targets bear feeding in Buncombe County

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Kelly Doty

Click here for updates on this story

    BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) approved an emergency rule to prevent black bear interactions in Buncombe County at a meeting Thursday, Oct. 1, as the state agency said the county saw more than 800 reports of bear activity in a five-month period alone.

The rule, which was approved in a unanimous vote, prohibits both intentional and passive feeding of black bears in Buncombe County. Passive feeding includes leaving unsecured trash and pet food outside or installing bird feeders in bear-prone areas.

Buncombe County and the city of Asheville already have ordinances prohibiting bear feeding that were developed with NCWRC’s support. However, the new emergency rule will carry criminal consequences for violators and, for the first time, allow the state to exercise wildlife enforcement jurisdiction when needed.

“Our priority is helping residents of Buncombe County understand how intentional feeding of black bears can create dangerous situations for both humans and bears,” Major Chad Arnold said in a statement. “When officers detect violations they will take appropriate action, which may include issuing warnings or citations, depending on the circumstances. The goal is not punishment, but prevention: reducing conflict, protecting public safety and ensuring that bears remain wild.”

According to NCWRC, between May 1 and Sept. 30, residents and wildlife officials submitted 836 human-wildlife interaction reports involving black bears in Buncombe County alone: an average of 5.5 interactions a day.

NCWRC provided the following breakdown of those reported interactions:

– 271 reports of people feeling threatened by bears, – 30 reports of a bear posing a real threat to people, – 71 reports of bears entering homes, – 31 reports of humans feeding bears, – 14 reports of bears consuming pet food, – 5 pets killed by bears, – 2 injured pets, and – 2 reports of residents injured

“These incidents are primarily due to people feeding bears or leaving unsecured food attractants, such as outdoor pet food, trash cans and bird feeders, which causes bears to lose their natural fear of humans and associate humans and their property with an easy source of food” NCWRC Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn said in written statement.

NCWRC data indicated close human-bear encounters have ramped up this year. Of the 115 reports of forced entries between 2023 and 2026, 64% have occurred in the last five months.

NCWRC said Buncombe County accounted for 43% of all bear reports the agency received statewide during this time frame.

After Thursday’s vote, the measure will now move to the Office of Administrative Hearings for final approval.

Food conditioning in bears NCWRC says when bears feed on unnatural food sources around human homes, like trash, pet food and birdseed, they can lose their fear of humans and become more likely to approach people. This can often lead to dangerous situations for both humans and bears.

Wildlife officials said taking steps to keep bears wild and not accustomed to people as sources of food is key to keeping wildlife and humans safe. This includes never intentionally or unintentionally feeding bears by securing all garbage, removing bird feeders when bears are active and never leaving pet food outside.

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.

Community prayer vigil set for Sha’Michal Russell, 13

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By we

Click here for updates on this story

    SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (KTBS) — A community prayer vigil is scheduled Friday evening to honor Sha’Michal Russell, 13, who was killed while shielding his younger sister from gunfire.

The event will focus on comfort, healing, and action following the tragedy. The vigil is set for 6 p.m. at 6725 Buncombe Road in Shreveport.

Sha’Michal was shot and killed Monday night at the Olde Salem Village Apartments. According to his family, the teenager used his body to shield his little sister from bullets while they were playing outside in a shooting that also left a 2-year-old and a 17-year-old injured.

Authorities announced Wednesday that Javieon Abbott, 19, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with Russell’s killing. On Thursday he was also charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder. He is being held at the Caddo Correctional Center on a $1 million bond.

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.

Jobs report ahead as oil falls and futures rise

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Juliegrace Brufke | Quincy News Correspondent

Click here for updates on this story

    Washington (Quincy News) — Market Recap

U.S. stocks eked out gains Thursday after Treasury yields retreated from their highest levels in more than two decades. The Dow rose 0.04% to 50,926.56, the S&P 500 gained 0.19% to 7,666.45 and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.04% to 26,871.60. All three major indexes remain on pace for weekly losses.

The 10-year Treasury yield climbed as high as 5.342%, its highest level since 2002, before falling back toward 5.24% as buyers returned to the bond market and several Federal Reserve officials signaled patience on another rate hike. Oil moved sharply higher Thursday, with Brent crude settling at $102.31 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $92.87 amid renewed concerns about Middle East supply disruptions.

Today’s Focus

Friday is jobs day. The Labor Department releases its September employment report at 8:30 a.m. ET. The Dow Jones consensus calls for about 84,000 new jobs, down from 162,000 in August, with the unemployment rate holding at 4.1%. The report will be closely watched for signs that the labor market is strengthening or weakening as the Fed considers its next move on interest rates.

Markets were pointing higher ahead of the report, with S&P 500 and Dow futures up about 0.5% and Nasdaq-100 futures up roughly 0.8% in early trading. The 10-year Treasury yield was near 5.24%. Markets are now pricing in roughly a three-in-four chance that the Fed leaves rates unchanged at its October meeting.

Oil also reversed sharply overnight. Brent fell below $100 a barrel and WTI dropped toward $89.50 as European Union countries discussed a French proposal for additional releases of diesel reserves, along with a potential coordinated release of crude stocks by International Energy Agency members.

ON THE SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

– 8:30 a.m. ET – September employment report: nonfarm payrolls, unemployment and average hourly earnings

– 10:00 a.m. ET – August factory orders

– 10:00 a.m. ET – Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan gives welcoming remarks at a Dallas Fed workshop on the macroeconomic implications of migration

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.

Roseville looks to grow local food scene by mentoring new chefs

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By James Taylor

Click here for updates on this story

    ROSEVILLE, California (KOVR) — Roseville is looking to cultivate a new generation of local food businesses as rising costs continue to put pressure on restaurants across the region.

The city is showcasing emerging chefs and food entrepreneurs through a program designed to help them turn their culinary ideas into sustainable businesses — and ultimately add more dining options to Roseville.

At the city’s annual food showcase, chefs from across the community recently gathered to serve up dishes ranging from butternut arancini and burekas to creative takes on macaroni and cheese.

“We have a lot of new businesses opening here, a lot of new restaurants,” said Gina McColl with the City of Roseville’s Economic Development Department.

McColl said Roseville and Placer County continue to be among the fastest-growing areas in the region, creating opportunities for new businesses.

Among the entrepreneurs participating is Vaquesha Taybron, owner of V’s Baking Boutique. Taybron is building her business around recipes inspired by her grandmother’s Southern cooking, including her chai spice cake.

“I have remixed all of her desserts and put a little bit of a millennial and modern spin on it,” Taybron said.

Helping chefs turn passion into a business Taybron is participating in Roseville’s Venture Lab, a program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs develop the skills needed to grow their businesses.

“How to scale your business, how to find customers,” she said of what she’s learning through the program.

One of her mentors is Executive Chef Eric Rocha of Randy Peters Catering, who understands the challenges of running a food business.

“The restaurant industry is not easy,” Rocha said.

The industry can be particularly difficult because revenue and expenses can fluctuate, he said.

“The business goes up and down, and so up and down means money goes up and down,” Rocha said. “So you just have to stay focused.”

The goal of the city’s program is to help local food entrepreneurs navigate those challenges and create businesses that can grow in Roseville.

“The best-case scenario is that they continue to grow and expand their business,” McColl said.

For Taybron, the long-term goal is clear. She currently prepares her baked goods from home and sells them online. But she hopes the knowledge and connections she’s gaining through the program will eventually allow her to open a storefront.

“My goal is to one day open up a little small bakery,” she said.

The city is also offering financial incentives to encourage additional businesses to open downtown. Roseville city leaders have approved a program that can provide up to $50,000 toward the cost of opening a new business in the downtown area.

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.

$80,000 bronze statue of Kentucky Derby winner stolen in Sacramento

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Madisen Keavy

Click here for updates on this story

    SACRAMENTO, California (KOVR) — A nearly 7-foot bronze statue honoring a Kentucky Derby winner has been stolen from Sacramento’s Del Paso Boulevard, leaving a community without a piece of its history.

The bronze statue of Ben Ali was cut from its pedestal near the 1900 block of Del Paso Boulevard and Winnipeg Street, where it had stood for nearly two decades. The statue is now valued at about $80,000.

Ben Ali was a racehorse that won the Kentucky Derby in 1886. The horse’s connection to the area dates back to Rancho Del Paso, a massive ranch that once covered about 44,000 acres of open pasture where thoroughbreds were raised.

The statue was installed in 2007 with the help of a grant and city funding.

Mina Perez, vice chair of the North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, said the horse represented the accomplishments of an underdog — something that resonated with a community that has faced its own challenges.

“This represents that we can fall, and be broken, but we can still make a difference,” the chamber said.

Longtime residents also described the statue as a beautiful reminder of the neighborhood’s identity and culture. Now, only a bronze hoof remains at the site.

Perez said the city does not currently have the money to replace the statue.

“They don’t have the funding to do this. I don’t know if they’ll ever have the money,” she said.

The Sacramento Police Department is investigating the theft and asking anyone with information to come forward.

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.

San Francisco underground vault eruptions shut down downtown blocks

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Cecilio Padilla

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN FRANCISCO, California (KPIX) — A series of underground vault eruptions in downtown San Francisco prompted evacuations, an expanded shelter-in-place order and a power outage Thursday morning, fire officials said.

The San Francisco Fire Department responded just after 6 a.m. near California and Front streets after smoke was reported coming from several underground vaults. Earlier reports had described the incident as a vault fire.

SFFD said four vaults in the area have since experienced eruptions, all contained to the vaults themselves.

The immediate area has been evacuated and surrounding streets cordoned off while firefighters, police and PG&E work under a unified command.

The shelter-in-place order has been expanded to the 100-300 blocks of both California and Front streets.

A power outage is also affecting the area, and PG&E is shutting off additional power as crews work to make the scene safe. Fire officials said that will affect more nearby buildings.

PG&E told officials it anticipated resolving the incident around 9:30 a.m.

No injuries have been reported.

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.

Montrose rescue team saves motorcyclist while looking for lost hiker

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Laurie Perez

Click here for updates on this story

    MONTROSE, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A remarkable twist of fortune in an unfortunate situation led to two lives being saved in one night this weekend.

The Montrose Search and Rescue Team said they headed up the Angeles Crest Highway on Sunday after receiving an iPhone SOS message from a solo hiker who had no idea where he was.

“He was completely lost, like 15 miles away from where he thought he was,” Reserve Deputy Mike Leum said. “He had been hiking for over 12 hours. All of it in the wrong direction.”

Three units hit the road, urgency rising with nightfall, when another call came in. A motorcyclist had collided with a car about five miles ahead of them.

Leum and Reserve Deputy Sean Morrisroe arrived at the scene first.

“It was very dark, very chaotic, debris all over the road,” Morrisroe said.

The deputies said the biker lost a lot of blood after his leg was partially amputated, and time was running out to save his life. They quickly tied a tourniquet to stem the bleeding.

“He was getting very pale and cold,” Morrisroe said. “It was just by God’s grace that we got the call out for the hiker, and we were five minutes away from the accident.”

The deputies said that had they not been there, a Los Angeles County Fire Department crew would have responded from 35 minutes away.

“He didn’t have 15 minutes, definitely not 20,” Leum said.

Instead, the team was able to call for the LA County Fire helicopter.

“That person’s bleeding was so extreme that without that tourniquet getting applied as quickly as it was, things would have been a lot different,” said Jay Balagna, a member of Montrose Search and Rescue.

Once the biker was loaded on, the helicopter crew flew four minutes to the hospital.

The search-and-rescue teams continued onto the original call, finding the lost hiker off the Rincon Red Box Fire Road, where he told them he’d started hiking that morning in Sierra Madre.

He was dehydrated but otherwise fine.

“There’s a whole lot of issues with his lack of preparedness and he felt badly, and he was very apologetic,” Leum said. “I told him, ‘If you hadn’t hit the SOS 911, we wouldn’t have been activated. We wouldn’t have been in a place where we were able to save that motorcyclist.”

Luck, fate or divine intervention, the volunteers at Montrose Search and Rescue said whatever happened led them to two people in danger on Sunday. They said it reaffirmed that whenever they show up for work, they are exactly where they need to be.

“The fact that we were on our way to that lost hiker and happened to be just short of them on the same road was miraculous,” Balagna 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.

Culver City bus driver shot and killed by passenger

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Matthew Rodriguez

Click here for updates on this story

    CULVER CITY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A Culver City bus driver was shot and killed by a passenger on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the shooting happened at about 5:15 p.m. near the intersection of South Centinela and Mitchell Avenues in Mar Vista. Investigators said there were four people on the bus, including the driver and suspect.

Witnesses told officers that the passenger argued with the bus driver about missing a turn before pulling a gun out of a backpack and shooting the driver.

The roughly 40-year-old driver was taken to the hospital, where he later died, according to police.

Investigators said the suspect ran off the bus and grabbed his bicycle after the shooting. He was gone when police arrived.

Officers closed off the road as they continue their investigation.

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.

Divers locate final body from the Catalina Island helicopter crash

CNN Newsource on October 2, 2026

By Matthew Rodriguez, Chelsea Hylton

Click here for updates on this story

    CATALINA ISLAND, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Three people died and two more were hospitalized after a medical helicopter crashed off the coast of Catalina Island on Wednesday night.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said it dispatched helicopters and divers at around 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday, shortly after receiving the initial reports of the crash. Five people were aboard the flight, which was transporting a woman seeking additional medical treatment on the mainland, according to LA County Fire.

Rescue crews found four of the passengers immediately after the crash.

The pilot and a nurse were declared dead at the scene, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. The two others, a medic and another man, were flown to the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA.

Recovery crews located the final person’s body, the patient seeking further medical treatment, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The U.S. Coast Guard, LA County Fire and the LA County Sheriff’s Department spent nearly 24 hours searching for the woman and the wreckage.

During a news conference earlier on Thursday, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said dive teams located the helicopter resting on the ocean floor, 218 feet below sea level. Shortly after, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said crews were not sure if the woman’s body was still in the helicopter. He added that divers were hoping to find the woman alive but that it was “highly unlikely.”

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate what caused the crash and said the helicopter that went down was a Eurocopter EC 135 P2.

The helicopter belonged to Reach Air Medical Services, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

Flight tracking data showed a Reach Air Medical Services helicopter taking off from Oceanside in San Diego County at 6:40 p.m. and landing on Catalina Island at 7:04 p.m.

LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn said she is heartbroken for the families of the people who lost their lives in the crash.

“The people onboard this helicopter dedicated their careers to saving lives,” Hahn wrote in a statement. “They are heroes, and this is a terrible loss not just for Catalina but for our County.”

A Reach spokesperson said the company was grieving the loss of their colleagues and offered their condolences to their families on Thursday.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic helicopter accident involving a REACH Air Medical Services aircraft. This is an incredibly difficult situation, and our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy,” the spokesperson wrote.

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.