Category: CNN Regional

By Megan De Mar

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    LAKE COUNTY, Indiana (WBBM) — Across the country, 911 call centers are so understaffed that some are turning to artificial intelligence to answer non-emergency calls.

At Lake County 911 in Indiana, an AI call taker named “AVA” has handled more than 35,000 calls within just months.

But how does it work?

Lake County 911 takes calls for 44 different police, fire and EMS agencies across the county. AVA has taken more than 444,000 calls so far this year, but not every call is a true emergency.

“You need to do more with less,” said Mark Swiderski, executive director at Lake County 911.

He explained that emergency communications centers across the country, including his, are facing a critical staffing shortage.

“It’s really challenging to get people to want to apply for this career,” he said.

AVA, which stands for “Automated Voice Assistant,” is helping fill that void—answering more than 35,000 non-emergency calls in the last six months alone.

The goal? Free up human call takers and dispatchers to focus on calls where seconds can make a difference.

“So if they need assistance, but maybe they don’t need a human being to assist them, we can provide them that assistance in a timely manner as well,” Swiderski said.

AVA is a product of a company called Aurelian — founded by University of Chicago graduates Max Keenan and James Liu.

“For the average 911 center, 70% of their calls aren’t even 911 calls,” said Aurelian CEO and co-founder Max Keenan. “We thought this would be a great use of AI to help them focus more of their time and energy on the actual emergencies, and make sure the community gets the best response possible.”

Aurelian currently serves more than 60 agencies across the country, including Lake County 911 — representing more than 15 million residents.

One other advantage AVA has over a human call taker? She can talk to dozens of people at once.

Keenan says that during training, they’ve had AVA handle as many as 300 calls simultaneously.

“I think that AVA is giving us the opportunity to be available for those people when they need us,” Swiderski said.

But with any new AI technology, there is also the question of whether it could eventually replace the people doing the job.

Swiderski says it is not taking dispatch jobs from his location, but pointed out that they still have a staff member checking AVA’s work.

They’re looking into other ways to incorporate AVA into their workflow, because when it comes to answering the call, AVA is proving AI may be ready to pick up the slack.

“If this allows us to answer that call even one more ring sooner, I think it’s doing its job,” Swiderski 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 Olivia Young

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    CASTLE ROCK, Colorado (KCNC) — A nonprofit in Castle Rock supporting thousands of people in need is seeking some support of its own.

Sunday Salmon opened in January 2025, offering free meals on Sunday nights. The restaurant served nearly 20,000 meals in its first year. In 2026, it’s on track to double that.

As Sunday Salmon expands service, the founder says they are struggling to meet the growing need.

“I love feeding people, and I had a vision one day to simply extend the table,” said Mary Grothe, Sunday Salmon founder.

What started as a free weekly meal is now a food source for many in Castle Rock.

“We’re seeing the need increase. We’ve been breaking records consistently on Sunday nights. A couple of times now we’ve had to bust out the folding table and chairs to make room for people who are walking in,” Grothe said. “Right now, we’re doing about 1,000 meals a week between all of our programs.”

In the last year and a half, nonprofit Sunday Salmon has expanded to include a mobile food trailer, daily meals for some local schools and a weekly meal delivery program, Wednesdays Wheels.

“When I realized that we were the food source for so many diners here in Castle Rock, I realized a bridge midweek meal would make a huge difference,” Grothe said. “We have a lot of neighbors who have physical disabilities and transportation barriers, and they cannot get out here on Sundays.”

Since May, more than 200 meals are delivered each Wednesday, arriving via the “Salmini” (Grothe’s Mini Cooper) to low-income apartments, housing for seniors and disabled adults and individuals.

“You can see we all stand in line,” said Wanda Zuehlke, a meal recipient in senior housing. “It’s tasty. It’s good food, all healthy.”

“Mary makes the best food ever. She’s adorable. I love her,” said Buddy, a meal recipient at the Wellspring Community’s Unity on Wolfensberger housing.

The Wednesday deliveries have a waitlist of over 150 seniors and veterans.

“The need continues to grow,” Grothe said.

Grothe says changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits, a difficult job market and rising costs are driving more people to her Sunday table, and less of them can afford to pitch in.

“We used to have about 50% of our diners donating. Now, it’s less than 10%. This past Sunday night, I don’t even think it was 1% of our diners donating,” Grothe said.

But the nonprofit is feeling those pressures too.

“It’s hard for us to keep up with the growing demand. Our food costs have increased by at least 20%,” Grothe said.

Grothe says she’s absorbing those costs to keep providing meals to a community that now relies on her.

“My paycheck gets deposited directly into the Sunday Salmon bank account, and it’s my commitment to not have an interruption in service to the best of my ability,” Grothe said. “I never understood how much of a lifeline we would be. People think Castle Rock is just full of affluent people. The need here is so hidden.”

Grothe recommends a reservation for Sunday dinners. You can make one on the Sunday Salmon website. That’s also where you can inquire about getting added to the Wednesday meal waitlist, or sign up to donate or volunteer.

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 Anna Alejo

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    DENVER (KCNC) — She has about 320,000 followers across social media platforms and a growing reputation as one of Denver’s most trusted food guides.

You may only know her by her handle @milehighandhungry. To family and friends, she’s Haley Paez. The inspiration for Haley’s work and passion began in her grandmother’s kitchen.

Her father’s mom, Gloria Paez, from Mexico, didn’t speak English but loved to cook.

“That was how she would show us that she cared about us and she loved us,” Paez said.

Paez is proud of both sides of her family, Mexican and Polish, but said it’s her grandmother Gloria’s kitchen that influenced her most. While tamales covered the table at Christmas, Gloria cooked all regional varieties of Mexican cuisine. She hailed from Guadalajara, and her husband Mario from Veracruz.

“She was known for her enchiladas verdes, which is made with tomatillo salsa,” Paez said.

A socially conscious upbringing also shaped her business model. Paez does not take money from the independent restaurants she features. Her income comes from contracts with national brands, including beverage companies, grocery and restaurant chains and sports companies.

Paez met our crew at Tarascos on south Federal Boulevard, and she raved about their mole and other specialties from Michoacán. “If you want good food in Denver, you have to go to Federal,” Paez said.

For Paez, food is about more than sustenance, a view she learned from her grandmother.

“It was something greater that builds community, builds love, and builds connection with the people around you,” she said.

She said that philosophy drives every post, and she doesn’t take her influence lightly.

“I don’t see it as a privilege of ‘oh I have all these followers and all this stuff’; I see it as I hold the responsibility to my community, and that’s what I take the most pride in,” Paez said.

Paez said local business owners feel the impact firsthand.

“Hearing restaurant owners say, ‘We’ve had so many people in our restaurant, we’ve gotten new regulars, we’ve gotten people in the door,’ is so powerful,” she said.

The digital storyteller who learned to love people through food is now feeding that love to all of Denver.

You can follow Paez on multiple platforms via @milehighandhungry

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 WCCO Staff

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A Minnesota State Patrol trooper ran into a burning Minneapolis home overnight Thursday to rescue residents, according to the Minneapolis Fire Department.

Crews were called just before 1 a.m. to the home off 29th Avenue South near Riverside and East Franklin avenues in the Seward neighborhood after the trooper reported the fire.

The trooper had rescued two residents before firefighters arrived, says Assistant Chief Melanie Rucker, but one resident was still trapped inside.

Firefighters were able to pull the third resident from the home, and they were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The other two residents were also hospitalized for smoke inhalation and are in stable condition, Rucker says.

The trooper also suffered smoke inhalation but wasn’t hospitalized. Rucker says firefighters also rescued and revived a cat at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with the residents injured in this fire and with the State Trooper who bravely entered the home before our crews arrived,” Rucker said. “Their actions, and the rapid, coordinated efforts of our firefighters and medical teams, helped prevent an even more devastating outcome. We remain hopeful for the full recovery of everyone affected.”

Rucker says the home is now “uninhabitable,” and the cause of the fire is still under 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.

By Matt Schooley

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    HAMPTON FALLS, New Hampshire (WBZ) — Police are investigating a crash at a New Hampshire apple orchard that left two people with serious injuries.

It happened around noon on Wednesday at Applecrest Farm Orchards on Exeter Road in Hampton Falls. The business describes itself as the largest apple orchard in New Hampshire.

The Hampton Falls Police Department said two people were seriously hurt after being hit by a car.

First responders treated the patients and both were taken to area hospitals for evaluation.

Police did not provide any additional details on the extent of their injuries.

The driver involved in the crash, which police said is not considered suspicious, has been identified. They remained on scene after the crash and have been cooperating in the investigation, police said.

Hampton Falls Police have not yet released the names of the driver or the people who were injured.

Police did not immediately release details about what led up to the crash.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Hampton Falls Police Lt. Justin Ranauro.

Video from the scene showed several damaged cars in the parking lot, along with what appeared to be damage to a nearby farmstand. A white SUV with front-end damage and a white sedan with rear-end damage were each towed from the scene.

No additional details on the crash are currently available.

Applecrest Farms says that in addition to being the largest orchard in New Hampshire, it’s also the oldest in the state.

Located on the seacoast of New Hampshire, Hampton Falls is about 45 miles north of Boston.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By WTKR Web Staff

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    NORFOLK, Virginia (WTKR) — One Norview High School student was killed and another was injured in a shooting during school dismissal on Wednesday, according to Norfolk police.

Officers responded to the 6800 block of Sewells Point Road around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found two 16-year-old students who had been shot. One died of their injuries, according to NPS Superintendent Jeff Rose.

“I am at a loss for words about the shooting that occurred during dismissal involving three Norview High School students today,” Rose wrote in an email to the community. “Unfortunately, one of our students passed away because of this incident.”

Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot said the shooting happened outside of the school as school was being dismissed.

He says an altercation happened between two groups and someone pulled out a gun and started shooting.

“We understand the scope of what happened out here. It’s certainly tragic, but we anticipate being able to quickly wrap this up,” said Talbot.

A Norfolk Public Schools spokesperson said three students were involved in the shooting.

Norview High School went into lockdown during the incident, and Norview Middle delayed dismissal.

“Norfolk Public Schools Security kept all of our students at Norview Middle School safe and secure during the incident, which is what caused the delayed dismissal,” Rose wrote.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi also came to the school to review what happened. “Without going into the facts of the case, children are children. Their brains are different. Their ability to control their impulses is different and that means that the entire legal system for children is different,” he said.

Fatehi wanted to reassure parents the incident was isolated. “For parents who are worried about their kids thats part of life unfortunately,” Fatehi said. “This is isolated we’re out here because this does not happen every day.”

An NPS spokesperson said that crisis counselors, psychologists, school counselors and other support personnel for students and staff will be available at Norview High School in tomorrow and in the coming days.

Additional NPD officers, NPS school resource officers and security personnel will also be at school before the start of the day up until all students have been dismissed.

Norfolk police are still investigating the incident.

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 Margaret Kavanagh

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    NORFOLK, Virginia (WTKR) — Two 25-year-old Chinese nationals are facing federal charges after prosecutors say they ran a scheme to steal Teslas using stolen identities this past spring and summer.

Jialiang Huang, a student at Virginia Tech, and Yaoxu Zhou are accused of wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy and aggravated identity theft, according to federal court records.

According to the records, the two men allegedly bought and leased numerous Teslas using stolen identifications.

Prosecutors say they then removed the GPS systems from the cars and had them re-titled in Montana using fraudulent documents.

It states removing the GPS systems made it difficult for authorities to locate the cars.

Court records outline two allegations of theft — one in Henrico and another in Norfolk.

Prosecutors allege that on May 16, Huang and Zhou went to a Tesla dealership in Norfolk and used the stolen identification of a man to lease a Cybertruck, making a down payment of more than $11,000.

It states Tesla never received any additional payments.

The victim discovered an application for a car loan on his credit report and contacted authorities.

Prosecutors say the suspects were also working with another suspect located in China and another man who is currently in a California jail on related charges.

Legal analyst Sonny Stallings explained the allegations.

“It’s sophisticated crime. Somebody had to sit down and work on this and know how to do certain things, know what they needed when they went to lease that car. That’s key. They just didn’t walk into the leasing agent and say, ‘Hey, I want to lease that car. What do I need?’ They knew what they needed. They needed identification. They needed insurance information,” Stallings said.

Stallings said the case is a good reminder to check your credit and make sure it’s protected.

“The people are out there, they get you information, you got good credit, you could one day find out you bought a car.” Stallings said.

Arrest warrants have been issued for both men. Attempts to reach them were unsuccessful.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team 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 Tom Wait

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    LOS ANGELES, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A Los Angeles County court is considering a conservatorship for a Fairfax homeowner after years of trash piling up at the property.

The seemingly never-ending saga in the 600 block of Martel Avenue, just south of Melrose Avenue, came to a head in April 2024, when city crews removed seven tons of trash and debris that attracted rodents and a host of insects.

Property records showed that the LA Building and Safety Department cited the homeowner in 2014 for violations, including garbage on the property, excessive vegetation, open storage, and no driveway access.

Neighbors said the homeowner, who is in his 70s, suffers from mental health issues and collects recycling to make some money.

“He has a mental issue and it’s real,” said neighbor Liz Kay. “It’s called hoarding and he’s just been so abused in this neighborhood. I feel terrible for him because he’s a really nice man and he tries.”

When the situation got out of hand two years ago, Mayor Karen Bass paid a visit to the neighborhood and said she would work with county officials to “figure out how we get care for him.”

In 2026, Bass aired her frustration that the trash kept piling up.

“It is outrageous that the owner of this private property has once again allowed the conditions to disintegrate and neighbors are forced to live near this mess,” Bass wrote in a statement. “The criminal case against the owner is ongoing as the court considers appointing a conservator.”

The mayor’s office said the homeowner has a court hearing scheduled for Oct. 16.

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.