Alysa Liu’s Olympic gold medal win inspiring young skaters at Oakland ice rink where she trained

CNN Newsource on February 21, 2026

By Andrea Nakano

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    OAKLAND, Californa (KPIX) — News of Alysa Liu’s gold medal in the women’s single skating event, the first American woman to win gold since 2002, is the talk of the town in Oakland.

Liu was raised in Richmond and trained at Oakland Ice on her way to the Olympics. While she dazzled on the ice in gold, many were cheering her on at her old rink.

Giada and Keanu Lee drive all the way from eastern Contra Costa County to get a few hours of practice at Oakland Ice. Giada started when she was 7 years old.

“When I was younger, I watched the Olympics and stuff with my mom, and I told her, ‘I want to go up and skate there, too,'” Giada Lee said.

She even inspired her brother to take up the sport. Both have been watching Liu’s career take off. Keanu even had a minor collision with the Olympic star when they were all training together at Oakland Ice.

“I accidentally bumped into her once, and I was really nervous,” said Keanu Lee. “Sorry and stuff like that. She was, like, ‘That’s okay.’ Really friendly.”

Giada has different memories of Liu, those that motivate her to love the sport.

“I really like how she’s always smiling when she practices,” she said. “She really gives me happiness when she skates.”

The impact of Liu’s success can be seen as beginners take the ice.

“I thought it was crazy and she’s so good,” said 10-year-old skater Chloe, who added that she’s not as good as Liu yet but has a passion for skating.

“I love it because I’m gliding on the ice and I can dance around,” she said.

Skaters say there is a big lesson to learn from Liu’s journey to the gold medal stand. The 20-year-old walked away from the sport after the Beijing Olympics and came back on her own terms.

“She hopped back on the ice now feeling confident and happy because this is what she truly wants to do,” Giada Lee said. “She knows that now. It’s really inspiring.”

While Liu inspired, she also taught many here to dream big and never give up.

“She comes from this rink, so it proves that anybody from here can also go to the Olympics and compete,” Lee 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.

Los Angeles County accuses Roblox of exposing children to online predators in new lawsuit

CNN Newsource on February 21, 2026

By Anabel Munoz

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    LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, alleging the massively popular online gaming platform fails to adequately protect children from online predators.

The county argues the platform, widely used by young players, does not have sufficient safeguards to prevent adults from posing as minors and interacting with children.

“I can sign up, say I’m 12 years old, create an avatar for myself, and start playing the game, and start interacting with 9-year-olds, 10-year-olds, 12-year-olds,” said Scott Kuhn, assistant county counsel.

The county pointed to a recent lawsuit filed on behalf of a 12-year-old girl. According to the girl’s mother, her daughter was allegedly befriended by a predator posing as a teenager, who then lured her to another platform and manipulated her into sending sexually explicit images and videos.

“We are seeking to have Roblox change the way it does business to protect children and not to put profits over the price of children’s protection,” Kuhn said.

He added that the county wants stronger age verification tools, including the use of IDs, along with independent monitors of conduct on a platform where users can create experiences.

“Investigating complaints, checking on what the different games have been created,” Kuhn said.

In a statement to Eyewitness News, Roblox said it strongly disputes the claims in the lawsuit, saying in part, “We have advanced safeguards that monitor our platform for harmful content and communications, and users cannot send or receive images via chat, avoiding one of the most prevalent opportunities for misuse seen elsewhere online.”

Roblox also said that as of January, it requires users to complete a facial age check to access chat features and sorts players into age groups.

County officials maintain the measures aren’t enough.

“I would just encourage parents whose kids are playing Roblox to make sure they check in with them, they monitor what’s going on, and they file complaints with Roblox if they see anything,” Kuhn said.

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Thieves carve hole through drywall to steal high-value Pokémon cards from Anaheim shop

CNN Newsource on February 21, 2026

By Amy Powell

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    ANAHEIM, California (KABC) — Police in Anaheim are searching for three suspects who broke into a collectibles shop and stole tens of thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon cards after forcing their way in through a neighboring business.

The incident happened late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning.

Surveillance cameras at Do-We Collectibles on Harbor Boulevard captured three men smashing glass display cases around 3 a.m., grabbing hundreds of trading cards in less than 10 minutes.

The store’s burglar alarm alerted owner Duy Pham at his home.

He said the suspects first broke into the business next door, then created a large hole in the drywall to reach his shop.

“They took a lot of smaller, single cards, and we have a lot of those so it does add up to a lot … big amount of merchandise was stolen here,” he said. “All of our display cases were empty.”

The owner estimates his losses at around $20,000 – and that’s not counting the damage to his shop.

This comes after a similar incident in January at a Simi Valley store, where surveillance cameras captured several thieves breaking glass cases and taking merchandise.

Police responding to an alarm there found signs of forced entry. The owner reported that about $500,000 worth of cards had been stolen.

The rising value of high-end collectibles has fueled thefts across the country.

Some cards sell for thousands – or even millions – of dollars, including a rare Pokémon card sold by social media personality Logan Paul for $16.5 million.

Incidents involving masked thieves have also been reported at a Pokémon store in New York.

Pham said his shop has several surveillance cameras and additional security measures, but he wasn’t surprised it was targeted.

“We expected that something was going to happen sooner or later,” said Pham. “In this business, we have a target on our back where … we cannot sleep well at night because sooner or later, we’re going to get a break-in. It just happened to be on Tuesday.”

Police said the suspects got away in a dark-colored sedan.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.

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Water main break buckles California street, briefly trapping pickup truck

CNN Newsource on February 21, 2026

By Tim Caputo

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    BURBANK, California (KABC) — Crews worked to repair a stretch of road in Burbank after a water main break buckled the pavement Friday morning, temporarily trapping a pickup truck.

The incident happened around 1 a.m. near Hollywood Way and Whitnall Highway.

There were fears of a sinkhole as the rushing water from the broken water main flushed out much of the foundation below the road, and a large section of the pavement gave way underneath a white truck that was parked on the street.

The vehicle was eventually hoisted out, and no injuries were reported.

It doesn’t appear that the damage extended to the sidewalk or close to any homes in the area.

The cause of the break 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.

Giraffe calf at Detroit Zoo euthanized after suffering “serious” spinal injury

CNN Newsource on February 21, 2026

By DeJanay Booth-Singleton

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    DETROIT, Michigan (WWJ) — A baby giraffe at the Detroit Zoo has died after she suffered a spinal injury, zoo officials said on Friday.

Officials say 2-month-old Okidi ran into a habitat viewing panel earlier this week. Animal care and veterinary teams determined that the giraffe calf sustained a vertebral injury, which they described as “serious.”

“Given the severity of the injury and poor prognosis, our animal care and veterinary team made the humane but heartbreaking decision to euthanize Okidi. The herd, including her mother, Zara, was given the opportunity to observe Okidi following the procedure, an important step in supporting herd dynamics,” the zoo said.

The giraffe was born on Nov. 23, 2025, and was a few days shy of reaching 3 months old.

Zoo officials say they are providing support for the mother, Zara, father, Jabari, and two other giraffes in the herd, Mpenzi and Kivuli.

“Okidi brought joy to so many, and she was deeply loved by those who cared for her each day. We are grateful to our staff for their compassion and expertise, and to our community for holding space with us as we mourn this loss.”

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High school student dies from rare flu complication, family says

CNN Newsource on February 21, 2026

By Dan Raby

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    PAULDING COUNTY, Georgia (WUPA) — Friends, family, and the community are mourning the loss of a South Pauling High School student who died from a rare flu complication earlier this week.

Bailey Cruse’s parents said in a statement that the teen became ill a week ago with “what appeared to be normal flu-like symptoms.” While recovering at home, she experienced a cardiac arrest. Despite her father’s best efforts, she suffered brain damage and died at a local hospital.

“This was an extremely rare complication of the flu — something no one could have anticipated or expected,” Erin and Brad Cruse wrote. “Our hearts are completely broken.”

In a letter posted on Facebook, officials at South Paulding High School said that counselors and support staff will be on campus on Monday to give students a safe space to express their feelings and get support.

“We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Cruse family and friends during this unimaginably painful time,” school officials wrote. “We are here to offer our support and stand together as a school community to provide comfort and strength during their grieving process.”

The community has set up a fundraiser to support the Cruse family during this difficult time.

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11-year-old girl dies in Utah avalanche while on vacation

CNN Newsource on February 21, 2026

By Riley Rourke, Brandon Truitt

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    BRIGHTON, Utah. (WBZ) — An 11-year-old girl from Rochester, Massachusetts has died in an avalanche while on vacation with her family in Brighton, Utah.

The avalanche began just after 12 p.m. on Thursday near Brighton Ski Resort, according to police. The 11-year-old girl, identified as Madelyn Eitas, was the only victim caught in the snow.

The Unified Police Department said that rescuers arrived and quickly began looking for Madelyn, alongside 20 nearby citizens and her family.

“It was just scary and crazy,” said Harrison Garner, one of the many people searching for Madelyn. “I was just super sad. Just thinking what if it was my family member, what I would be doing. And just thinking super sad for that family.”

But it was Madelyn’s brother, Cameron Eitas, who “heroically used an application to locate her,” according to police.

“Numerous agencies responded and worked together in an urgent and coordinated effort to care for the victim in attempts to provide life-saving measures,” a press release from police said.

Madelyn was unable to be airlifted out of the area due to risks from the avalanche. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in an ambulance in critical condition, where she later died.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The communities here in Utah, as well as the family’s home community in Massachusetts, now have the important responsibility of rallying around the family to provide support, compassion, and comfort in the times ahead,” Unified Police said in a statement.

“It’s a very solemn and depressing thing to have to notify people of and it’s very difficult to think of the idea behind a family being together and having something so tragic happen,” Unified Police Department’s Quin Wilkins said to CBS affiliates KSL-TV and KUTV.

Madelyn attended Rochester Memorial School, according to Superintendent Michael Nelson.

Nelson said that the school will be offering counseling for staff members and students.

“This is devastating news for our school community. We offer our sincere condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers during this unimaginable time. Our focus at this time is on supporting those who are grieving and we ask that the family’s privacy be respected.”

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Father-son referee duo pin down lifelong dream on wrestling mat

CNN Newsource on February 20, 2026

By Olivia Tyler

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    DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Dale and Jared Acheson are celebrating a major milestone as they officiate the Iowa high school boys state wrestling tournament together.

Dale Acheson has refereed wrestling in Iowa for 46 years and has worked the state tournament for 37 of them. He is a member of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame, recognition that reflects decades of dedication to the sport.

His son, Jared Acheson, has been a referee for 16 years, but it’s his first time officiating the state tournament, which he says has been a goal for as long as he can remember.

“Started coming to this tournament before I could even walk,” Jared said.

Dale reflected on past experiences at the tournament, saying, “I was here when Jared wrestled for Urbandale and finished 8th here. And to be here again with him on the mat in an official perspective is a great and lifelong dream.”

Earning a spot as a state tournament referee is no small feat, Dale said, that is why he’s so proud of his son.

“It’s difficult to get here. To be recognized by your peers that you’re good enough to be here,” he said. “To be sharing that with my son is wonderful.”

While several wrestlers are chasing the rare accomplishment of a fourth consecutive state title this year, the Achesons have achieved a milestone of their own — working Iowa’s premier high school wrestling event together.

“Somebody else is making a dream, and we get to be part of that,” Jared said.

For Dale, the significance runs even deeper.

“To be involved in this capacity at this level with my son — we’re a part of history,” he 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.

‘It was just so scary’: Driver takes off after truck slams into southwest Oklahoma City home

CNN Newsource on February 20, 2026

By Jordan Ryan

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — A driver fled after a pickup truck crashed through the side of a southwest Oklahoma City home and into a family’s living room.

The crash happened in a neighborhood near Southwest Grand Boulevard and South May Avenue. Two people were asleep inside, but they were not hurt.

The collision left a large hole in the side of the house, and Oklahoma City fire crews had to ensure the home’s structural stability as there was a danger of collapse.

Police told KOCO 5 that the person driving the pickup truck got out and ran away. Along with damage to the home, the driver crashed into another truck and moved the second vehicle completely across the front lawn and smashed it into another vehicle.

A girl who heard the crash told KOCO 5 that she called 911.

“I was just scared for my neighbor because, like, what if they weren’t OK,” Karely Fierro said. “I was surprised because my brother’s truck is really, really heavy. And just to see that it got all the way over there from my driveway, it was just so scary. And I felt bad for my cousin.”

Information about the driver has not been released.

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Alyce Clarke Award: Hazlehurst teacher finds strength in students after personal loss

CNN Newsource on February 20, 2026

By Brooklyn Joyner

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    HAZLEHURST, Miss. (WAPT) — Dr. Veronica Wiley, a teacher at Hazlehurst High School, has been named the Alyce Clarke Award recipient for February.

Wiley has been working at Hazlehurst High School for seven years, teaching biology and environmental science courses. She believes it’s important for students to see someone who looks like them succeed in this field.

“I spent a year interning at NASA. I earned a couple of degrees while I was here so, my students have really seen that as an option,” Wiley said. “They never really paid attention to that before and that means a lot to me.”

In addition to her teaching duties, Wiley coaches the boys basketball team and sponsors the robotics team, maintaining a busy schedule.

“I try to stay busy; it keeps me out of trouble,” she said.

At the start of the year, Wiley faced unimaginable loss.

“The beginning of the school year, I lost my grandfather, my cousin and my dad in the first 30 days of school so it has been very difficult,” she said.

Despite her grief, Wiley finds motivation in her students, who serve as her inspiration to persevere.

“What they have and who they are is good enough. Never minimize yourself because God created you a certain way,” she said.

Her students, in turn, express their admiration and support for her.

“Congratulations, Ms. Wiley, and we love you so much, and just continue to do you because that’s just everything that a student could ask for from a teacher,” said Lundyn Collins, a student at Hazlehurst High School.

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.