Category: CNN Regional

By Jordan Bontke

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    MESA, Arizona (KNXV) — Lisa Boshears wanted to be the best grandma ever.

“I’m going to make a ring for them. I’ll be the best grandma ever!” Boshears said.

Her grandkids — 4-year-old Christan and 2-year-old Austin — love wrestling. They jump from high places and call out their moves.

“They just jump from high places, they’ll go, ‘I got the smack down for ya, I got the smack down for ya!'” Boshears said.

A few months ago, Boshears emailed ABC15, saying a contractor she hired to build her grandkids a mini, padded wrestling ring in her backyard took hundreds of dollars in materials and then ghosted her.

“No hard feelings, but don’t take it out on them. My grandkids did nothing to you,” Boshears said.

After that story aired, two people stepped up to help.

Mariana Van Meter of Chandler saw the story and offered high-density wrestling mats her kids used growing up.

“A woman trying to do great by her family, and the wrestling resonated because we have wrestling in our family,” Van Meter said.

Those mats became the first piece of the project for contractor Cesar Ontiveros of Lake Pleasant, who had a vision. His son Israel is a big wrestling fan, but Ontiveros is a bigger fan of righting a wrong.

Ontiveros, the owner of a water restoration company, called Water Fighters, bought the remaining materials for a real, mini wrestling ring and installed it in Boshears’ backyard — complete with spring-loaded ropes, padding underneath, vinyl covering, and even a logo — all for free. Driving a diesel, dual-axel truck, Ontiveros said he put a collective 40 hours into the mini ring ‘just to see the kids’ reaction.’

“Make sure I take care of the kids, I don’t like seeing the contractors take care of no one, I like to step into those situations and make sure our industry is covered with good contractors,” Ontiveros said.

At first, Christan and Austin seemed a little overwhelmed by the surprise. But after the first body slam off the ropes, the match ended with arms locked — and a hug.

“This is probably the best feeling I’ve ever had. I’m about to see my grandkids, and their faces light up,” Boshears said.

Read before you sign: Always read a contract thoroughly before signing. If it’s on an electronic device, ask for a printed copy to review first.

Get it in writing: Ensure all promises and terms are included in the written contract, as verbal agreements are often unenforceable. Don’t let a salesperson leave until you have a copy of the signed contract in your email.

Use credit cards: Pay with a credit card instead of cash, debit, or Zelle. Credit cards offer better consumer protection and the ability to dispute charges if something goes wrong.

Demand receipts: Never pay without getting an itemized receipt that clearly states what the payment is for, the total amount owed, and the payment schedule.

Monitor your accounts: Check your bank and credit card statements at least weekly to catch any unauthorized or recurring charges you didn’t agree to, especially after signing up for services like gyms or memberships.

Know your rights: Be aware of consumer protection laws, such as three-day rescission periods for canceling contracts and lemon law protections for faulty products. Act within these timelines to protect your rights.

Researching and hiring professionals Verify licenses: Before hiring a contractor, ensure they are registered and licensed. Check their status with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and business records on the Arizona Corporation Commission website. An unregistered contractor is a major red flag.

Find out who regulates the business: If it’s a contractor, you can contact the Registrar of Contractors. The BBB is a good resource for all businesses, and the Federal Trade Commission is another potential source to check a company’s record before hiring.

Check reviews and reputation: Research the company thoroughly on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google, and Nextdoor. For specialized services, consult trade groups like the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association.

Get multiple quotes: For any large project or purchase, obtain several estimates from different companies to compare costs and services.

Due diligence for movers: When hiring a moving company, check their reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB, and verify them with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Identifying and avoiding scams

Be wary of unsolicited offers: If a salesperson comes to your door with an urgent, must-sign-now deal for something you haven’t been considering, it’s best to say no and close the door.

Ignore unrecognized calls: Do not answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize. Let them go to voicemail. Answering confirms your number is active, which can lead to more spam calls.

Protect your information: Never give your bank account or Social Security number to strangers. Be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from Medicare or tax authorities, as they do not communicate via phone, text, or email.

Recognize payment scams: If someone asks you to pay for something with a gift card, it is a scam. Similarly, be wary of anyone instructing you to withdraw money and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM for safekeeping.

Deny remote access: Never allow a stranger to have remote access to your computer.

Stay calm and patient: When a problem arises, approach the business calmly and kindly. You are more likely to reach a fair solution by working with them constructively.

Check your receipts: Before leaving a store, always check your itemized receipt to ensure the pricing is accurate and all discounts have been applied correctly.

Understand insurance changes: When adjusting your home insurance, understand exactly what coverage you are losing. A lower premium often means a reduction in protection, such as changing from replacement value to actual value minus depreciation.

Document everything: Take notes on who you talked to, their phone numbers, and any other contact information. Use your phone to take before and after pictures of any project. This creates a clear record of the work and helps ensure alignment with the contractor. Hold onto all paperwork, including receipts, warranties, and contracts, and keep them in a safe place.

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

By Cameron Polom

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    QUEEN CREEK, Arizona (KNXV) — A Queen Creek 12-year-old named Jeremy Gills is proving imagination can become something much bigger than a hobby.

Writing under the name “J. Gills,” the young author has just released his very first graphic novel, Mighty Max. It’s a project he not only wrote himself entirely, but also fully illustrated and helped market with his own custom merchandise designs.

He’s spent countless hours building the world and characters from the ground up, even teasing a second installment at the end of book one. But what makes the story especially uplifting is the example he’s setting for other kids.

Jeremy is autistic, and his family says this journey has become a powerful reminder of what can happen when creativity, passion, and encouragement are given room to grow.

Now, the community that’s watched his dream take shape, including families at Aqua Tots Swim School in Mesa, is coming together to celebrate him with a special book signing 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 Don Nelson

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    RIBGY, Idaho (KIVI) — Rigby, Idaho, is the birthplace of television — or at least the idea behind it. The eastern Idaho town is where Philo Farnsworth first conceived the invention that changed the world.

“Philo Farnsworth has been credited for being the inventor of television. Is that fact or fiction?” Senior Reporter Don Nelson asked, “Well, that’s a fact as far as I’m concerned,” Leon Guyman, chairman of the board at the Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum in Rigby, replied.

Guyman said Farnsworth came up with the concept in 1922, when he drew a diagram on a high school chalkboard and explained to his teacher that he believed pictures could be produced electronically.

That chalkboard sketch would later prove critical.

“Now when Philo left the classroom, his teacher made a copy of that drawing, dated and kept it, and that became very important for Philo later on. A few years later, he applied for a patent for that particular process. He did receive the patent for that process,” Guyman said.

RCA, the electronic giant of the day, disputed his patent. But Farnsworth’s high school teacher traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify before the patent committee.

“Eventually his high school teacher went back to Washington DC and testified before the patent committee as to the exact date that he came up with that idea. So, he was able to keep that patent,” Guyman said, “Philo ended up with over 300 patents in his lifetime.”

Guyman also addressed a common misconception about the museum.

“A lot of people think that because we, they said we claim to be the birthplace of television. They come in and say, ‘Well, where did they invent it?’ Well, he came up with the idea while he was looking at a row crop,” Guyman said.

Guyman noted that while the first television Farnsworth built was not constructed in Rigby, the idea was born there.

The museum draws visitors from near and far. A group traveling to Yellowstone stopped in out of curiosity. One visitor said a YouTube video sparked the detour.

“[I’m] big fan of TV, big fan of history, and I saw it was close and had to come through,” the visitor said.

Even local high school students who had driven past the museum countless times said they were surprised by what they found inside.

“I mean, it’s like a million times more interesting than I thought it was going to be,” the students said.

Farnsworth was posthumously inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2013.

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

By Allie Triepke

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    MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (KIVI) — Four aircrew members are safe after ejecting from two U.S. Navy aircraft that collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sunday.

The crash happened roughly two miles away from the air show venue and spectators attending the free event, according to base officials. Viewer video captured the collision and showed all four crew members ejecting as the aircraft fell and sparked a brush fire near the base.

Mountain Home Air Force Base confirmed the pilots and crew members were recovered and evaluated by medical personnel.

In a statement posted to social media, Col. David R. Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, said everyone involved in the incident is safe.

The collision involved two U.S. Navy Growler aircraft performing during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show. The remainder of the airshow was canceled following the crash, although some ground activities resumed after the base reopened.

Spectators at the event described confusion and concern as emergency crews responded to the scene.

“We started looking at the road, and that’s when we saw that big black plume of smoke behind us,” said Anna White, who told Idaho News 6 what she saw while driving by the show.

“It was definitely a little nerve-wracking to not only hear that there was a crash, but when they informed us that they weren’t really letting anyone leave,” airshow spectator Makayla Sharp said.

Sharp said she saw a large plume of smoke rise from the crash site moments after the collision.

“There was just this giant black cloud, and we were wondering what had happened,” Sharp said. “The announcer told us that we needed to just be where we were and not move at all. That’s when they told us all four parachutes had been deployed and we were like, ‘wait what?’”

Several roads leading to the base were temporarily closed during the emergency response, including Grandview Road north of the base. The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office said one of the aircraft crashed onto the roadway.

Officials also said the brush fire sparked by the crash burned about 25 acres before crews contained it.

As Idaho News 6 reported, windy conditions impacted airshow activities leading up to the weekend, grounding some practice flights, and conditions remained windy Sunday afternoon.

The crash remains under investigation. Military officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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 Emily Pofahl

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Schlitz beer, a Milwaukee icon and once the largest brewer in America, is being retired after 177 years, as Pabst Brewing Company has ceased production.

Founded in 1849 in Milwaukee, Schlitz Brewing Company holds a legendary place in local history.

“Schlitz was sent down on train cars to Chicago after the great Chicago fire,” said Joseph Conforti, general manager of Milwaukee Brat House. “They didn’t have clean drinking water, so they were drinking Schlitz beer.”

The beer has been a source of pride for Milwaukee, with the brand often seen at local dives, restaurants, and the old brewery at Schlitz Park. Purchasing a pint of Schlitz has long been a way to honor a simpler time.

“It’s a nostalgia factor,” Conforti said. “People from out of town are surprised that they still make it. When we hosted the RNC (Republican National Convention) in Milwaukee, that was one of the top-selling products we had.”

Schlitz is still on tap at Milwaukee Brat House downtown, but its availability is coming to an end.

“About two months ago, my sales guy let me know that we’d be losing the brand,” Conforti said.

Pabst Brewing Company owns the brand and stopped brewing Schlitz months ago.

“Schlitz volume had dropped to the point where Pabst has a Busch plant in Texas do their brewing for them,” said Kirby Nelson, brewmaster at Wisconsin Brewing Company. “The minimum quantities that Budweiser required, the brand fell way below that, so they had to retire it.”

Wisconsin Brewing Company received permission from Pabst to brew Schlitz one last time.

“We decided that, Schlitz being what Schlitz was, it deserved a proper sendoff. One with dignity and respect,” Nelson said.

Both Wisconsin Brewing Company and Milwaukee Brat House are planning farewell events for the beer later this month.

Milwaukee Brat House will host a “Last Schlitz on Earth” goodbye party at its Shorewood location on May 29 and at its downtown location on May 30, using the last of its supply.

Wisconsin Brewing Company will brew its final batch on May 23. A pre-order will be available starting that day online or in-person at the tap room. Nelson also plans to host a goodbye celebration at Wisconsin Brewing Company’s Lake Louie location June 27.

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 Duke Carter

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Thousands of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students celebrated their graduation Sunday at Panther Arena, including Bella Lipski, daughter of Milwaukee fire Chief Aaron Lipski.

“I’m so excited. It was awesome. A bunch of my friends were here. My whole family was here. I couldn’t be happier,” Bella Lipski, a UWM alum, said.

Bella Lipski earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational science and technology, with plans to focus on improving mental health support for firefighters.

“For firefighters, they’re working every day, and they’re experiencing all of these different traumas. They’re seeing all these things, and while they’re responding to traumas,” Bella Lipski said.

She shared that her father, Aaron Lipski, inspired her career path.

“I can feel how proud he is of me every day. And it means so, so much to me,” Bella Lipski said.

Aaron Lipski expressed his pride in his daughter and reflected on the challenges firefighters face.

“I was touched that, you know, she’s been watching, right? And she’s been seeing things that a lot of the firefighters that I’ve worked with over the years who have suffered, some of them to the worst final outcome,” Aaron Lipski said.

The National Institute of Sciences reports that 40% of firefighters experience significant levels of anxiety and depression. Aaron Lipski emphasized the importance of mental health programs to retain firefighters and support their well-being.

“We lost, like, I think almost 30 people just retired midcareer. They weren’t at pension or nothing. You know, there were six or seven years in there. Just put their hands up and said, ‘I can’t keep doing this.’ And, that, that really got our attention,” Aaron Lipski said.

Bella Lipski hopes her work will help people better understand the emotional toll firefighters endure.

“I think I just want people to take away that firefighters are human too. They’re the people that we look to when there’s a problem and when we’re in pain or we’re scared, but they have feelings too,” Bella Lipski 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 Samantha Carlson, Edward Franco

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    LEE COUNTY, Florida (WBBH) — Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) says a Florida man is facing charges after a high-speed chase Saturday night, during which he crashed his car and later joked with the trooper about getting a faster vehicle.

On May 16 at approximately 10:25 p.m., FHP says a Florida State Trooper observed a Lexus rapidly accelerating to over 100 mph on eastbound State Road 82 near the intersection of Colonial Boulevard, nearly rear-ending two other vehicles.

“He was swerving in and out of traffic, and people thought he was going to go across the median and hit them,” Jessica Enamorado, a Lee County resident, said.

The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but says the Lexus continued to accelerate, turning onto southbound Daniels Parkway, reaching speeds over 130 mph, and turning off its lights, effectively blacking out.

As the Lexus approached Commerce Lakes Drive, troopers say the driver lost control and rolled into the tree line off the shoulder of the roadway.

FHP identified Yair Alberto Pavon-Rivera as the driver.

He was transported to a local hospital, released, and subsequently arrested for reckless driving, super speeding, and fleeing.

After his arrest, FHP says Pavon-Rivera showed no remorse for his actions.

Troopers say he laughed and asked the trooper, “Should I get a faster car for next time?”

Tire marks, broken car parts, and a damaged sign were left at the crash site.

Witnesses expressed concern about the dangers of speeding. “Not only are you injuring yourself, like it could lead to something very serious, but you’re also putting me, my family, other people’s families, other people’s kids in danger,” Jessica Enamorado said.

Angel Enamorado, another Lee County resident, added, “If you’re going to want to do that, go ahead and do it on a racetrack or, you know, on a dirt road where there’s nobody else around.”

Troopers said the investigation is still active.

Rivera was released from the Lee County Jail on 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.

By Nick Sloan

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    OLATHE, Kansas (KMBC) — An Olathe dealership says a sold pickup truck can’t leave the lot because baby robins have already moved in.

Workers at Olathe Ford Lincoln said a robin built a nest right on the tire of a shiny new F-250 sitting on the lot.

Since then, baby birds have hatched, turning the truck into a federally protected no-touch zone.

That means nobody can move the truck or disturb the nest until the tiny squatters decide it’s time to fly the coop.

Employees said random animal encounters have become almost normal at the dealership.

“We found some cats in the cars before. One of our employees has adopted a cat we found in one of the trucks. And just today, someone came in to get their oil changed, and we lifted up the hood, and there was a mama possum with about seven baby possums. So we’re all laughing because now we’re just an animal rescue,” worker Sammi Dodson said.

The truck has already been sold, but for now, the customer’s brand-new ride is still serving as a bird nursery.

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 Donna Pitman

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    OLATHE, Kansas (KMBC) — What started as a normal morning four years ago held a moment that would forever change Kaleb Stoppel’s life.

Olathe East students alerted administrators to something abnormal: word that a classmate had a gun in his backpack.

Within the hour, Stoppel found himself grappling with the reality he’d been shot in the front office.

While he survived the shooting and has healed physically, Stoppel continues to work on his emotional health. He’s lived with anxiety and depression since that March morning in 2022.

Stoppel says he’d never experienced mental illness.

“I was experiencing more emotional things that were also impacting physical things,” he said.

Stoppel is learning to give space for the anxiety and depression and to give himself grace for the way he now navigates the world.

The former assistant principal and athletic director at Olathe East High School has left education but continues to teach by sharing his experiences in hopes that they’ll help others.

The latest way he’s doing that is through his book, “One Step at a Time: Surviving a School Shooting, Rebuilding my Life, and Rediscovering What Matters Most.”

Stoppel says someone doesn’t have to have survived a shooting for it to resonate with them. It’s for the many people living with anxiety and depression.

“It’s really important to me that this book opens the door to have people just think about their own life, what truly matters to them,” he said. “It is a daily journey still of knowing my limits, what my coping strategies are and how I can go day by day.”

Stoppel’s book is available on Amazon and Stoppel’s website.

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.