Ironman California brings thousands of athletes, millions of dollars to Sacramento

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Lee Anne Denyer

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KCRA) — It’s race weekend for Ironman California.

Thousands of athletes, their supporters, volunteers and more are descending on Sacramento this weekend for Ironman California, the largest Ironman event in North America, which brings millions of dollars in economic impact to the region.

“Ironman is a great event for Sacramento,” said Mike Testa, president and CEO of Visit Sacramento, on Monday. “The great thing about an event like this is they come in early, they acclimate to the course to the weather they bring witnesses with them to prove they’ve done an Ironman.”

Visit Sacramento estimates the event generates $16 million for the region, with average stays for the race often spanning a week or more. Testa said 30,000 hotel rooms are booked for the athletes stay.

“These are folks who train year-round for this event,” he said. “They’re coming in. They’re spending money.”

The event draws competitors from around the world, including JoRuetta Ellington, an Ironman athlete from Pennsylvania. She is participating in her first Ironman race — and visiting Sacramento for the first time.

“I am not forecasting any failure this weekend. I will cross the finish line and be an Ironman,” Ellington said.

Ellington said she’d planned to complete the race with a friend, but decided she’d still take on the course solo after her friend got injured during training and had to cancel.

“I feel I’ve grown tremendously because now I don’t question can I do it. I know for a fact that I can,” she said.

The Ironman race is a challenging test of endurance, featuring a 2.4-mile swim in the Sacramento River, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon, ending at the California State Capitol. Hundreds of volunteers are stationed along the course.

The Ironman Foundation gives grants to groups that volunteer. Ironman is still looking for volunteers for this weekend.

The race begins at 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Ironman is still seeking volunteers for those who are interested in getting involved.

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.

Toddler with rare medical condition in need of living kidney donor

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Marisa Nuñez

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    RED OAK, Iowa (KETV) — At 15 weeks pregnant, Angela Aughe found out at her appointment that she had no amniotic fluid. A few weeks later, medical professionals confirmed her baby had no kidneys.

That baby is Moxon Petersen. He was born at 32 weeks and four days and is actively in need of a living kidney donor.

Moxon was born with bilateral renal agenesis, a rare and often deadly medical condition where a baby is born without kidneys.

Forty percent of babies born with BRA are stillborn, and most die shortly after birth. Aughe, Moxon’s mom, said his case is rare.

“I haven’t come across a lot of bilateral renal parents where they’re his age and haven’t transplanted yet, or they just haven’t made it,” Aughe said.

Moxon’s family is currently searching for a living kidney donor. He is on the transplant list but is not active.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, a living kidney lasts 15 to 20 years, and a deceased one lasts 10 to 15. Moxon’s parents are looking for a healthy living donor, 18 years of age or older, with blood type O to give Moxon a longer chance of life.

Moxon reached the height and weight eligibility for a transplant in June. Since then, his family has used social media, flyers and business cards to spread the word.

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.

Albuquerque Balloon Museum gets $400,000 donation

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Cody Thomason

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    ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum received a $400,000 donation from the UMB Financial Corporation Charitable Foundation to support the Museum’s Outdoor Balloon Adventure.

The donation includes naming rights for the project’s Balloon Tower, a prominent feature of the outdoor exhibition now under construction on the museum’s back lawn, overlooking Balloon Fiesta Park. The tower is intended to serve as a landmark welcoming visitors to the space.

The donation was announced Oct. 9 at a museum event held during the 54th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Community partners, local leaders and Balloon Museum Foundation board members gathered to mark the first phase of construction and build support for the project’s next phase.

The Outdoor Balloon Adventure is designed as an immersive, educational exhibition featuring an elevated walkway and interactive learning stations focused on hot-air and gas ballooning. Visitors will be able to walk through a partially inflated hot-air balloon, try a competitive ballooning activity and enter the capsule of a stratospheric gas balloon.

The planned space will also include a performance area, seating and interactive play areas.

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.

Love takes flight with Balloon Fiesta proposal

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Meagan Halbardier Moore

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    ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KOAT) — Love was in the air when Christian Guerrero surprised Susie Sass with a proposal at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

The Denver couple met through mutual friends and remained that way for more than a year before they started dating. Guerrero said his feelings were clear from the start.

“I had a crush on her since day one,” he said.

For Sass, the romance was more of a “slow burn.” The two began spending more time together, often going to restaurants and hanging out one-on-one.

“Somewhere along the way, I was like, ‘What? I kind of like him,” she said.

Sass had wanted to attend the Balloon Fiesta since the couple met. Early in their relationship, she also told Guerrero she had always dreamed of being proposed to in a hot air balloon.

Guerrero began planning the proposal months in advance. He contacted a photographer about three months before the event and told family and friends about his plan. He persuaded Sass to make the trip alone by presenting it as a birthday surprise.

Keeping the proposal secret in the crowded park proved challenging. Guerrero had to discreetly coordinate with the photographer, find a clear place to kneel and retrieve the ring, which he had hidden in his sock.

Guerrero said he remained composed until it was time to ask the question.

“I was cool, calm and collected until the last second,” he said. “And then I got nervous. And then I couldn’t speak. And then I think I blew it all. I don’t know why she said yes.”

The proposal began with one memorable question: “What are you doing for the rest of your life?”

Sass recalled Guerrero telling her, “I love you. I always have.”

“And then I think I blacked out because I don’t remember you actually asking me to marry you,” she said. “But I said yes.”

Sass said the look on Guerrero’s face is one detail she will always remember.

“He just seemed so happy, and it made me really happy,” she said.

The couple also marveled at the sight of hundreds of balloons rising over Albuquerque.

“It’s just waves after waves of balloons,” Sass said. “It was beautiful.”

Guerrero said the proposal required careful planning but encouraged others considering a Balloon Fiesta engagement to go for it.

“It’s a little nerve-racking to do, but it’s doable,” he said. “If I can do it, anybody can do it. And then you just have really cool pictures after.”

His other advice: Arrive early because the park fills quickly.

Guerrero and Sass said they hope to return to Balloon Fiesta, possibly for a group camping trip with friends. For now, they plan to enjoy their engagement before beginning the wedding-planning process.

“It was incredible,” Sass said. “I kept saying, ‘Best weekend ever.”

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.

‘They locked me in’: ConvenientMD staff goes home, leaving New Hampshire woman in exam room

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Mike Moses, Jackson Stoever

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    KEENE, New Hampshire (WMUR) — A woman seeking treatment for an asthma attack in Keene says she was left alone inside an urgent care clinic after employees closed for the night, forcing her to call 911 to get out.

Tia Chandler said at around 7:45 p.m. on Sept. 24, a ConvenientMD staff member gave her a steroid shot and told her they would be right back, but she said no one returned.

Instead, she said the staff closed the clinic and left with her still inside an exam room.

After realizing she was alone, she said she tried to leave, setting off an alarm. And then she called 911.

“I pop my head out and said, ‘Hello? Hello?’ And, then I got a little nervous. So, I ran to the front, thinking that there was just a skeleton crew on and that they were, you know, cleaning the office,” Chandler said. “And so, I went to the office. ‘Hello?’ And, looked around and there’s nobody there, and I kind of panicked a little and texted my husband, ‘They locked me in. Call 911.’ I’m, like, panicking.”

Keene police confirm they responded to the incident.

“Very shocking. Just like, I can’t believe this just happened to me, because literally when I was thinking in my head, sitting there at 8:10, ‘They would never lock me in there. That’s crazy talk. That only happens in movies or on a show, not in real life,’” Chandler said.

When asked if she would go back, Chandler said, “Probably not. And we’ve utilized them quite a bit in the past.”

The company said it has taken steps to make sure this does not happen again, telling News 9:

“We sincerely regret the incident that occurred on Thursday, Sept. 24, at our urgent care clinic in Keene involving one of our valued patients. Clearly, this should never have happened and does not represent the quality of care we seek to provide the Keene community. The practice manager immediately expressed our deepest apologies to the patient.

“We have taken steps to ensure this won’t happen again and we remain committed to providing the Keene area with the high-quality care we have been providing for more than a decade.”

Chandler said she is sharing her story so this doesn’t happen to anyone else.

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Fire engine could deliver your Domino’s pizza in Florida. Working alarms might make it free

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Derrick Shaw

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    CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Florida (WBBH) — Charlotte County Fire & EMS is partnering with two Port Charlotte Domino’s Pizza locations during Fire Prevention Month to encourage residents to check their smoke alarms, with some customers getting a chance to earn a free pizza.

According to Charlotte County Fire & EMS, randomly selected customers ordering from the participating Domino’s locations between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Thursday, Oct. 15, may receive a special delivery from firefighters arriving with their pizza.

Firefighters will offer to inspect the home’s smoke alarms. If the alarms are working properly, Domino’s will provide the pizza free of charge. If they are not working, firefighters will replace the batteries or install new smoke alarms at no cost.

“Working smoke alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family in the event of a fire,” Charlotte County Fire Chief Matthew McElroy said. “This partnership with Domino’s gives our crews a fun and unique opportunity to connect with residents, check smoke alarms and share important fire safety information.”

The campaign is part of Fire Prevention Month, which this year carries the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” Fire safety information about purchasing, charging and recycling lithium-ion batteries will also be placed on pizza boxes at participating locations.

“Being a part of this community means looking for ways to make a difference beyond pizza,” Port Charlotte Domino’s franchisee Al Farace said. “We’re excited to partner with Charlotte County Fire & EMS to not only promote the safety of our friends and neighbors but reward those who prioritize fire safety.”

The participating Domino’s locations are at 1940 Kings Highway and 2150A Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.

Residents can place orders by calling either participating store, ordering through dominos.com or using the Domino’s app. Special deliveries will be selected at random during the designated hours.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS also reminds residents to test smoke alarms every month, replace alarms that are 10 years old and install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

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‘Made me cry’: Lifelong Sooner fan diagnosed with cancer gets unforgettable surprise during OU-Texas

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Emma Burch

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    OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma (KOCO) — A group of University of Oklahoma fans is showing one Sooner that he doesn’t have to fight alone.

Rusty Weller has spent his life cheering on the crimson and cream through the highs, lows and everything in between. As he battles cancer, a little Sooner magic and a lot of heart made this year’s Red River Rivalry one he will never forget.

Weller’s home looks like a museum of OU memorabilia. From ceiling to floor, he has decked out his home in crimson and cream, and he is known as a “Senior Sooner.”

“I started just adding and adding and adding. Some people donated a lot of it,” Weller said.

Weller has been a fan since childhood, even attending OU in the 1960s and earning a degree in journalism.

He went on to be a sports reporter, following the Sooners for years.

“Oh, up and down, I’ve seen them go bust. I’ve seen them go great. You know, there’s some dark days in the past, but I’ve been enjoying it,” Weller said.

After his wife died in 2018, he became even more invested in the team, which is evident from his home to his OU uniform that he wears to every game he attends.

“I mean, people wear jerseys and shorts. White shorts. Well, what’s the deal? I mean, well, then I added pads, and it got a little more serious,” Weller said.

He posts on Facebook about the games but also about his battle with cancer. That’s where Landry Smith, who didn’t know Weller, knew there was something she could do.

She went on Facebook to see if other Sooners could help put a get-well basket together.

“We went and filled up his gift basket with some more goodies, nuts, and some lotion and lip balm and stuff that he might need during treatments,” Smith said.

The basket also included another item: a visor signed by former OU head football coach Bob Stoops.

“They got him set up to come down there. Within 48 hours, he had signed all of his merch for him, signed a get well soon card, the classic legendary Bob Stoops white visor,” Smith said.

On Saturday, during the Red River Rivalry game, Smith gave the basket to Weller.

“Well, the visor is what made me cry. That meant something,” Weller said.

As Weller got the only autograph he has ever had and watched OU beat the Texas Longhorns, he said it was a Red River Rivalry that he will never forget.

“Well, to have that basket just with all the autographs and other things. That wasn’t all. That cheered me up something fierce,” Weller said.

Smith said Weller is a person that she will never forget.

“It brought a smile to his face, and it kind of got a story out there, and so it’s just been special to witness,” Smith 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.

WNBA player and Gorham native Mackenzie Holmes hosts youth basketball camp

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Keenan Mills

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    PORTLAND, Maine (WLKY) — WNBA player and Gorham native Mackenzie Holmes returned home this week to host a youth basketball clinic in Portland.

According to the Seattle Storm forward, it’s been a few years since she’s hosted a similar event simply because she hasn’t been home.

“I was talking to my family,” commented Holmes. “I was like, ‘I don’t know the last time I’ve seen Maine fall leaves or been around for foliage season.’ So, it’s been really cool to get this month at home and spend time with family and friends.”

The camp was split into two sessions for hoopers in grades 4-12 in the area. While the drills highlighted a range of skills, Holmes hoped that the campers would walk away with one important lesson.

“I think, if anything, just to be an inspiration to them, like just to see that it’s possible for kids from Maine to get to high levels of basketball,” answered Holmes. “So, even if they didn’t learn anything, I’m hoping that I can at least share some knowledge, share some wisdom, and share part of my story as to how I got to this point.”

Both sessions closed with the chance to meet the all-time leading scorer for the Indiana Hoosiers.

“I mean, it’s a blessing. It’s why I do it. It’s definitely a reason why I keep playing, why I keep trying to be the best of my ability, is just to be someone that they can look up to because I know at one point I was in their shoes, I was having the big dreams, big aspirations,” added Holmes. “So it just means a lot that people are still watching, still paying attention to what I’m doing and are willing to show up to do that and look up to me.”

Holmes’ season with the Storm has come to a close, but for her it’s not too long of an offseason. The former All-American will soon travel overseas to China to play in the WCBA before returning to Seattle in the spring.

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.

Nonprofit created by Florida high school students goes far beyond helping those in need

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Najahe Sherman

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — For five True North Classical Academy seniors, fighting hunger isn’t just about feeding people. It’s about making them feel valued. And they’re doing it with something you might not expect: steak.

“Instead of just giving them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, like most people might do for caloric efficiency, we decided to go for something that’s more connecting, like steak, and can bring more people together,” said Nicolas Bello, founder of the Giving Grill.

The non-profit the Giving Grill was born during a hangout among friends and quickly turned into a mission to serve their community.

“We’re all eating these steaks, having a good time, and he [Nicolas] says, ‘What if we do a steak non-profit’ and boom, the idea of the Giving Grill was born from there,” said senior, Milad Farajzadeh.

So far, they’ve served about 300 people, grilling 150 pounds of steak at a homeless shelter. Bello said it’s not just about the food. They serve the meals themselves, sit down, and connect with the people they’re helping, and he said that’s the best part.

“Seeing the faces of everyone I’ve helped and just experiencing the meals with them. Handing out, eating the meals and just seeing their pure joy when they’re eating it,” said Bello.

CBS News Miami sat in one of their brainstorming meetings.

“The start-up is obviously going to be more than doing a normal fundraiser,” said senior Macsen Rowlands, referring to their next big event.

“I’m going to send another letter to the IRS; hopefully we could get put on the EOBFM ,” said Bello.

“Last time it went pretty well just getting it in bulk,” replied senior Travis Phinney.

As they prepare for college, these students hope to take their mission beyond Miami, bringing their passion for helping others to new communities.

“We want to take these ideals of friendship, take the new friends we meet at these universities, the same enthusiasm to help the community, because Miami is not the only place facing food insecurity,” said Farajzadeh.

Proving that sometimes making a difference starts with a simple meal and a seat at the table.

The students credit their mentors and educators at True North Classical Academy for helping them develop the Giving Grill.

They said every dollar raised goes directly toward purchasing steaks and expanding their outreach.

They’re now looking for community sponsors to help bring their steak dinners to more people across South Florida.

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.

Search intensifies for missing woman and teen daughters from Pennsylvania amid concerns for welfare

CNN Newsource on October 13, 2026

By Michael Guise

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    CARLISLE, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — The search for a missing woman and her two teenage daughters from Pennsylvania has intensified amid concerns over their welfare, officials said.

The Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office said authorities are searching for 45-year-old Jeanette Price, 15-year-old Samantha Evans and 16-year-old Jalisa Freshwater, who have been missing since Sept. 9. They are from Carlisle.

In a news release on Monday, the district attorney’s office said that there is “no specific indication of harm” to the trio, but “various circumstances have raised concern for their welfare.” The news release went on to say that family, friends, and associates have not reported any contact with Price, Evans or Freshwater. The news release did not provide additional information as to why authorities are concerned for their welfare.

It was not immediately clear who reported the three people missing, where they were last seen or if they were believed to be together.

If anyone has been in contact with them or has information about the missing persons investigation, they can contact the Cumberland County dispatch center at 717-243-4121 or submit a tip online.

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.