Author: CNN Newsource

By Megan Knight

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    COLUMBIA, Maryland (WMAR) — Linda Penkala knows about living life in the fast lane.

From the late 1970s to early 80s, she worked as a horse jockey on racetracks in Maryland, around the country and around the world.

“I was one of the leading female riders here [in Maryland]. I was the leading female rider,” she said.

Penkala said she set several records, including becoming the first woman to make the program at Laurel racetrack, which means she was in the top 10 of jockeys. She traveled to Japan to compete with other women in the Ladies Cup in 1982.

“Thank God I’m alive. It’s a very dangerous way to make a living.”

When Penkala started a family, she traded the high-risk job of jockey for a more zen career in massage therapy.

“The only other thing I ever liked to do was use my hands. I already have strong hands and use my hands to help other people.”

Her goal is to create balance for her clients, but more than a decade ago, Penkala’s life was thrown off balance when she her heart began beating irregularly. Her doctor said she had atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heart beat.

“I asked all the questions, how did this happen, what went wrong so I don’t do this again. He said Linda, all of your numbers are normal. Your blood is good, everything is normal, everything is good. Sometimes we just don’t know why this happens and I said that’s not good enough for me.”

She went on a journey to find the answers and shares what she found in her book “The Pause to Relax”.

“Stress was a good component of it. Dehydration was a part of it and paying attention to alcohol is part of it. Paying attention to how you’re dealing with sleep is part of it,” she said.

In the book, Penkala talks about the symptoms of heart disease, the factors that cause it and what women can do to prevent it.

“I really had to offer women how they could kick it up a notch even more, because there’s a clarity and call that we’re dying even more, than all the cancers combined and we’re dying more than men.”

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, causing one in every three deaths a year.

Penkala talks about the importance of women having strong friendships and social interactions, saying it helps to activate the oxytocin in our brain, or the “happy hormone”.

“We need more friends, we need more community, we need more people. And we don’t need to be isolated from one another,” she said.

In the book, Penkala also weaves in stories about her days on the track and the dangers of living life in the fast lane.

“How fast horses go and how fast women go and how we have to pause and stop and take inventory, if you will, and have moments to stop.”

Penkala’s book “The Pause to Relax” can be purchased through her website or on Amazon.

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 Amanda Hari

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — In recent years, people’s habits have shifted away from drinking, and now the Trump administration’s tariffs on wine are another hit.

Joe Arias just opened Frenchie Wine Bar in Dolores Heights five months ago, during a tumultuous time for the wine industry. But he’s doing what he can as tariffs drive prices up.

“It’s a great champagne,” Arias said, pointing to one of the shelves. “It has a great price for champagne.”

Arias is trying to keep prices competitive and give his customers the best bang for their buck.

The recent uncertainty has made things more difficult, especially for a new small business.

“With tariffs, you don’t know exactly what will be the increase of pricing from when you order wine, maybe a month before and the month after,” said Arias, explaining how the prices are constantly fluctuating.

Previously, the U.S. imposed hefty tariffs on imported wines, driving up prices and hurting exports.

Then the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of those tariffs, saying President Trump overstepped. Now the administration is trying to put new tariffs in place through other routes.

“In the end, that means tariffs are really taxes on American consumers,” said Peter Andrews.

Andrews is the founder of Culture Wine Co., they specialize in and distribute South African wine, an area that was hit by some of the highest tariffs, 30%.

“Thirty percent is not a number I can absorb, it’s not a number I can ask my suppliers or my wineries to observe, and it’s certainly not a number consumers can absorb,” said Andrews. “So everyone has to make a sacrifice there.”

He says every part of the supply chain is hurting financially.

Wineries are feeling it in a variety of ways. Jamie Kutch owns Kutch Wines in Sonoma County. For two decades, his company continued to grow year after year, shipping his American wine to other countries, but recently, tariffs have changed that.

“We’re seeing a big pushback of purchasing on American wines,” Kutch explained. “I think a lot of the rhetoric coming out of the administration has caused challenges to some great partners that we’ve had for almost two decades. Between Denmark and Sweden, we’ve seen an evaporation of almost 30% of our goods being rejected and not being purchased.”

Kutch is worried. If this continues for another three years, he’s not sure if his winery will be able to weather the storm.

Back at Frenchie Wine Bar, Arias is continuing to diversify, offering foreign wines, American wines, and even some small plates. It’s all in an attempt to build up a defense against the constant changes.

“There is always a bit of concerns, but I think we are going to do the right thing to bring good wines to the people who come to our wine bar,” Arias stated.

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 Conor McGill

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    STOCKTON, California (KOVR) — Nearly three months after a deadly mass shooting shook the city of Stockton, killing four people and injuring 13 others, the community is continuing its path toward healing.

On Saturday night, local group Stockton Stand Up hosted a benefit concert honoring the victims and supporting families impacted by gun violence.

“It was a night of unity and healing,” organizers said, as faith leaders, community members, and grieving families gathered to send a clear message: enough is enough.

The pain from November’s mass shooting remains fresh for many.

“When innocent kids, innocent children are getting shot, we have to stand up and say enough is enough,” said Ricky Anicas, evangelist at No Limits Revival Center.

Among those in attendance was Julia Arista, the mother of Susano Archuleta, one of the four victims killed in the shooting.

“It’s love that’s going to take this city,” Arista said. “It’s God’s love that’s going to break any stronghold, violence, death, murder.”

Despite her grief, Arista says she chooses forgiveness while still calling for justice.

“I want justice the right way,” she said. “But I also forgive those kids that hurt my son because I don’t know their background. I don’t know if they even have love at home. I want them to know that I forgive them and I hope they get the love that they need.”

Earlier this month, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office announced investigators recovered two vehicles believed to be connected to the November shooting.

Authorities say the vehicles have been processed for evidence, including DNA collection and comparison. So far, no arrests have been made.

Organizers say accountability, healing, and faith are exactly why they hosted the event.

Anicas, also a Christian hip-hop artist, recently released a new song titled “Stockton Stand Up,” inspired by the tragedy and aimed at addressing gang violence in the city.

“God put it on my heart to stand up and fight back,” he said.

He added that healing must come first.

“Wounds need to be acknowledged and hearts need to be restored before we can even take a stand.”

For Arista, change begins at home.

“That looks like every mother telling their children that they love them,” she said. “Every mother showing their children how they love them because sometimes that’s all they need.”

Organizers say all proceeds raised from the concert will go directly toward Stockton Stand Up’s community messaging.

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 Hunter Sowards, Dean Fioresi

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — A jarring video shows the moments that a man attempts to carjack a vehicle from a woman pumping gas at a Los Angeles County gas station while her baby was still inside in early February.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies say that the incident happened on February 9, when the victim was pumping gas at the Chevron Lakewood station located in the 11500 block of E. Carson Street across from the Long Beach Towne Center.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows a shirtless man as he gets into the woman’s black sedan after he appeared to threaten her with what appeared to be a metal object. As he enters the driver’s side, she is heard screaming for help. She then lunges forward, pounding on the window.

Deputies say that the keys weren’t in the car, so the man wasn’t able to drive away. They also thanked the good Samaritans who sprang into action to help get the baby out of the vehicle and out of danger.

“Prior to our deputies responding, I think it’s safe to say we thank the community,” said LASD Detective Eric Kim. “Their actions actually helped us.”

Lakewood Special Assignment officers who assumed the investigation said that they quickly identified the suspect as a “repeat offender” who was known in the area. He has since been taken into custody.

Deputies say that neither the woman nor the baby was injured during 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 Christa Swanson

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    PARKER, Colorado (KCNC) — Residents of Parker, Colorado, and nearby communities have been gathering to support the owner of a beloved smoothie shop who was seriously injured last year.

Located on Main Street in Parker, Berry Blendz is a family-owned shop that draws customers from near and far, including neighboring Elizabeth.

“We live out in Elizabeth, so we drive here for these,” one customer shared.

Regulars say it’s not just the quality smoothies that keep them coming back, it’s the warmth and personal attention from owners Rachel and Julia Cooper. Seven years ago, the mother-daughter duo built much of the shop themselves.

“Mom and I did the build-out of this. The only things we didn’t do were electrical and plumbing, so it’s very special to us,” Rachel Cooper said.

Inside, vibrant colors brighten the space. Whiteboards once displayed prayer requests and Bible verses, reflecting the owners’ strong faith and close connection with customers.

But in August of last year, life changed dramatically.

Julia Cooper was standing on the counter updating scripture boards when she fell, breaking five vertebrae in her neck. Doctors say a previous cervical fusion likely saved her life. She was within a millimeter of paralysis and underwent multiple emergency surgeries, including full neck and shoulder reconstruction.

During her recovery, Julia Cooper was diagnosed with autonomic dysreflexia, a condition in which the body overreacts to pain or irritation, causing sudden and dangerous spikes in blood pressure.

“It’s been a long, long, long recovery and journey,” Rachel Cooper said. “But she has a smile on her face every single day.”

Now, the Parker community is rallying around Julia Cooper and her family.

“I first heard about it through social media,” one local business owner said. “I was just talking to them about how my company can help support and raise awareness.”

Another customer described Julia Cooper as “a firecracker of a gal” who offers a personalized experience every time.

“The amount of people that showed their grace and love, buying smoothies for businesses and family, the impact from the community is unexplainable,” Rachel Cooper 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 Nick Lentz

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    LAPEER, Michigan (WWJ) — Police in Lapeer, Michigan, are investigating after more than 40 sharp spikes, described by officials as fence spikes, were found in two city parks.

Officers responded to Cramton Park during the afternoon of Feb. 13 for a report of a spike device found on playground equipment, according to officials. The item was given to police, who searched the area and found nine other spikes buried under snow. All were placed with the sharp ends facing upward.

“Continued sweeps of Cramton Park have since recovered a total of 23 spikes,” police said in a news release on Thursday.

Officials added that between Monday and Wednesday, 21 spikes were found at Rotary Park, which is just over a mile northeast of Cramton Park.

Police say they’re searching through all city parks and are urging residents to be on the lookout.

Officials ask anyone who sees suspicious activity or hazardous items to call the Lapeer Police Department at 810-664-0833 and avoid removing the items themselves

City officials say they’re working on improving lighting and security at all parks.

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 Ray Campos

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    MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Musicians across the Twin Cities Metro area have released a protest song to raise money for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota.

“I wrote this song on the day that Alex Pretti was murdered,” said Katy Vernon, musician and songwriter of “They Lie.” “It all came out in a stream of emotion,” Vernon said. “Seeing the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, it just felt like the city was under attack.”

Katy Vernon, a British immigrant, said she wrote the song “They Lie” as an emotional response to how DHS officials responded to Pretti’s death.

“The storylines of everything we saw, anyone who watched. It was so obvious that what we were then told by at least two spokespeople from the administration was so obviously a lie,” said Vernon.

Together with the help of Kevin Bowe, who produced the song using his guitar, bass and keyboard. Paul Odegaard contributed the trumpet and Peter Anderson on the drums.

“We got this dreamy feeling on top of all this aggression and I think that the mix of those two things bumping against each other. It felt like how we were in Minneapolis, back to this sadness and anger,” said Bowe. “That’s what brought the track together.”

In addition to the single, Vernon reached out to fellow musician Jason Chaffee to help create a music video.

“He was out on the streets, in his own neighborhood. Filming neighbors and ICE activity, and at whipple. He was out there daily,” said Vernon. “When I wrote this song I reached out to him and asked if he would be interested.”

Released on January 20th, Jason Chaffee’s music video features moments he captured while being out at protests and memorials.

Operation Metro Surge has sparked ongoing debates in Minnesota over immigration enforcement tactics and their effects on local communities.

For Bowe, music and intentional lyrics are important in times of tragedy.

“That’s what artists do. Farmers grow crops, artists write songs. This is what’s happening right now, and what’s motivating us,” said Bowe. “Of the best lyrics ever written, are that, where they just say it.”

Each sale of the single “They Lie,” will go towards ACLU Minnesota.

“The reason I wanted to shine a light on all of this and raise money for the ACLU Minnesota. The ACLU is one part of who is going to hold people accountable for this,” said Vernon.

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 Josh Taylor

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Friday was “Pim Neill Day” in the city of Pittsburgh. The 6-year-old is doing something no one has ever done as a Girl Scout, going viral for her cookie-selling ambitions.

In her first season, she has sold more than 100,000 boxes of cookies, and on Friday, she even got to sell a couple of boxes in the mayor’s office.

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor welcomed Neill and her dad into the mayor’s office on Friday for a special ceremony. The mayor presented her with a proclamation that officially declared today as Pim Neill Day.

Neill and her family are residents of the city, although Neill’s Girl Scout troop is based in the Baldwin-Whitehall area.

As of Friday afternoon, she has officially sold more than 117,000 boxes of cookies. It’s thanks to a social media campaign that has seen multiple videos go viral. She even sold 20,000 in one day.

O’Connor says you can tell she has a “passion” for selling cookies, and her story is a positive message for everyone.

“I think it’s amazing what her story is to so many people, and how many people she has inspired. And then to have her be from Pittsburgh, it really helps promote our city too. So she’s not only inspiring people, but she’s helping to promote Pittsburgh and the city. Credit to her, she was very aggressive in getting me to buy cookies.”

Neill’s original goal was 10,000 cookies and then once she passed that, it became 100,000. Now she has her eye on the career record of boxes sold by one Girl Scout that is around 180,000.

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 Tony Aiello

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — While this winter has been tough, it hasn’t been as tough as the winter of 1917.

It was 109 years ago when the Hudson River became frozen solid for 40 days. Ferries couldn’t run, so adventurous souls drove their cars – and even raced – between New York’s Westchester and Rockland counties.

The accident happened near the landing at Nyack. The car ended up submerged under 10 feet of water.

On Feb. 12, 1917, the ice opened, and nearly swallowed the car that carried Bob Klebe’s grandfather, uncle and mother, who was just 12 years old at the time.

“Hockey players came and saved my mother by wrapping one of their hockey sticks around her scarf and pulled her out of the Hudson River. The whole story is just unbelievable all the way around,” Klebe said.

Klebe, a Yonkers native who now lives in St. Louis, is downsizing, and his mother’s desk ended up at a vintage boutique. A customer discovered it had a secret compartment, holding an envelope with photos of that icy drama.

“The whole family knew the story but we hadn’t seen the pictures of the car going through the ice,” Klebe said.

There were no photos in the 1917 newspaper accounts, and Klebe said some may have doubted his mother when she told the tale of the car in the river.

“I think it’s a great story, but a lot of people would say ‘no way,'” Klebe said.

He said he’s not sure why his mother never pulled out the pictures that were hidden in her desk, but he’s happy to have them now. It’s history frozen in a photo that was captured on the frozen Hudson River.

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.