Author: CNN Newsource

By Eric Graves, Alan Shope

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    KANSAS CITY, Kansas (KMBC) — NASCAR driver Patrick Staropoli can give you a perfect description of what drivers will see this weekend, turning laps around the Kansas Speedway.

“There’s so much of this that’s hand to eye coordination,” Staropoli said.

He would know plenty about that. Staropoli isn’t just the driver of the No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, he’s also an eye surgeon.

“You go into the clinic and you’re talking to a patient, you’re talking about their eye and what you’re going to do to help them out and the other half they want to know how the race went,” Staropoli said.

He returned to NASCAR in 2025 after putting his driving career on hold to focus on his other career.

Patrick has been a driver since he was a kid, and he always wanted to be a doctor, too. While in medical school he kept on racing, and ended up joining Big Machine Racing.

“The autograph session, I had a lot of people ask me what kind of doctor I am and if I think they could swing by for an eye exam,” he said.

At age 36, Staropoli loves bringing his two passions together.

“We try to use the racing platform to raise awareness for things that are important to us in the medical field,” he said.

Staropoli started 24th and finished 14th in the Kansas Lottery 300 on Saturday.

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 Anahita Jafary

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    MARYSVILLE, California (KCRA) — A break-in at West Coast Falconry in Marysville has left five birds missing, sparking devastation among workers who fear the animals cannot survive without human care.

On Friday morning, owner Kate Marden woke up to shocking news.

“My housemate woke me up at six and said all the birds were gone. So whatever occurred, occurred in the very early morning hours,” Marden said.

She described feeling numb after discovering her home and business had been violated.

“The anklets have been cut. The jesses have been cut. Some of the leashes had been cut,” Marden said.

For Marden and her team, the most heartbreaking part is the release of their birds, which are imprinted on humans and cannot survive in the wild.

“These birds are all imprinted on humans. They cannot survive in the wild without our care. For most of them, this is a death sentence,” said Sierra Whelan, an educator at West Coast Falconry.

Whelan said the experience has been overwhelming.

“It’s complete and utter shock is basically where we’re at. And then the crying panic of your friends are gone… And no, these aren’t pets. They’re never going to be pets. They’re habituated to humans, but they each have their own individual personalities that we’ve come to love and care for,” Whelan said.

The team has been walking and driving around the property in search of the missing birds, but their efforts have not been enough.

“We’re constantly checking every single bird that flies above that looks to be the right size to see if they match any of the markings we’re looking for on the birds we’re missing,” Whelan said.

Marden adding, “We still have five birds out, an eagle, two owls, a hawk and a falcon. The hawk is blind in one eye and was deemed irreplaceable because it was their dominant eye. So her hunting skills are cut in half. The peregrine was a bird that was transferred to us from Raptor Rehab. He had been taken from the wild illegally and had been imprinted.”

Marden shared another unsettling detail about the break-in.

“Trying not to take it personally, but it feels lik there was a photo of my friend and that was hacked up and put on the floor and stomped on,” Marden said.

The facility will not be fully operational to offer its classes until October, especially if the missing birds are not recovered.

“If you see one that looks suspiciously comfortable around humans, call us please, because that’s the only way we’re going to be able to come and recover them,” Whelan 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 Alyssa Munoz

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    GALLUP, New Mexico (KOAT) — A new sculpture titled “Run” is drawing attention along Route 66 in Gallup, New Mexico, continuing the tradition of roadside attractions that have captivated travelers for nearly a century.

Local artist Robert Wilson, who retired as a doctor in 2016 to focus on art full-time, created the piece using salvaged materials in a style known as “recycled art.”

“I was overjoyed,” Wilson said about the opportunity to work on the project. Wilson described his artistic process, saying, “Trying to take that, shape it, carve it, weld it, do whatever I can to make something. My term would be elegant out of it.”

The idea for “Run” came from an encounter with jackrabbits on the West Mesa.”I thought, you know, that’s a great symbol for Route 66,” Wilson said. The sculpture was built using parts from a 1953 Chevy Bel Air, with the car’s design influencing the final creation.

“The ’53 Chevy Bel Air has curves and a kind of muscularity that I think fit with an animal like a jackrabbit,” Wilson said. Wilson said the project pushed him into unfamiliar territory.

“I’d never used a plasma torch before, but I got a plasma torch, learned how to use it. And I’ve never torn down a car,” he said. He also shared that remnants of the car were repurposed for the sculpture. “This is what’s left of the materials that I used for ‘Run,'” Wilson said.

The finished sculpture stands 10 feet tall, spans 12 feet wide, and weighs over 1,200 pounds. “It’s basically the size of a car,” Wilson said. Reflecting on the year-long process, Wilson said, “It was fun, and it was hard at the same time. Trying to find that, trying it on, turning it, flipping it all the way around, and finally saying, there it is.”

The sculpture includes hidden details, such as a speedometer integrated into the left eye. “I took it apart and I tack-welded the needle at 66 mph. You get it,” Wilson said.

Wilson encouraged visitors to examine the sculpture closely. “Look for parts of the paws and the ears and try to figure out what part of the car was used to make that paw, that leg,” he said.

“Run” transforms salvaged materials into a symbol of motion and the spirit of the open road. A dedication ceremony for the sculpture was held in Gallup on April 17th at noon.

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By Jazmon DeJarnette

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    SEASIDE, California (KSBW) — Seaside police are using a new device to measure illegal exhaust noise in seconds as part of their efforts to maintain safety and reduce disruptions during Car Week.

Seaside is the first city in Monterey County to adopt this technology, which allows officers to place the device under a vehicle’s exhaust to get an accurate measurement.

With this technology, police have already issued 20 citations.

“We have something ready to go that we can actually take action, other than, say, your exhaust is unlawful; we can actually measure it and have proper evidence to take to court,” said Nick Borges, Seaside police chief.

The legal limit for exhaust noise is 95 decibels, but officers are only issuing tickets for vehicles exceeding 100 decibels.

“We’re doing this very fair. 95 decibels is the legal limit, and we’re not going to give anybody a ticket unless it’s over 100 decibels, and an average car, give or take, newer cars are about 70 decibels,” police said.

Residents have expressed support for the initiative, citing the disruptive and frightening impact of loud exhaust noise on the community.

“The pets get really scared, especially the dogs. They don’t know what the noise is, and they instantly go into panic mode,” said Diane Sevaaetasi, a Seaside resident.

Darrell McDowell, another resident, added, “It’s a good idea because it gives the police extra advantages. There are other things that they can use to keep the community safe and make sure that people can enjoy the community without all the extra noise.”

Seaside police have issued a clear warning to drivers on social media: “Rectify the issue or avoid Seaside.”

“This is really inspired by not people who are coming to our city with vehicles that are showcasing. That’s not what this is about. This is for those who come to our community and disrespect our community,” Borges said.

The new technology ties into Seaside PD’s broader plans to keep crime out of the city.

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 Erin Clark

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    MONTEREY, California (KSBW) — The American Cancer Society’s Monterey fashion show at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach celebrated cancer survivors, raising money for research and patient support while providing a day of beauty and emotional reprieve.

Behind the scenes, all the models receiving glamorous makeovers were cancer survivors, with the day dedicated to making them feel beautiful.

“I think it’s really a special occasion to celebrate people, celebrate their accomplishments in overcoming and making it through to the other side,” one participant said.

The event also offered a break from the fear and anxiety that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Razya, a breast cancer survivor, shared her experience.

“For me, I had to try and push the fear away, meditative breathing, and I leaned into my faith because it was consuming me to the point where I’d be shaking. Trying to care for my daughter, and I thought, I have to get hold of myself. I have to be strong,” Razya said.

Abby Taylor-Silva, a colon cancer survivor, reflected on her journey and highlighted the importance of routine screenings.

“I had stage three, pretty advanced colon cancer when they found it. So many times we push off those routine doctors’ visits, and I think my story is a good example of why we need to do it, we need to get our screening done to make sure we’re OK because without that blood work I never would have known,” Taylor-Silva said.

Both Razya and Taylor-Silva are now cancer-free, but many attendees are still in the fight. This year’s theme, “Old Hollywood,” featured hats and fascinators designed by Kathleen Kelley, who donated her time and talent to the event.

“Making the hats is joyous work, and it’s joyful work to be here supporting this lovely group of ladies and men who have been overcoming terrific challenges. I’m in awe of their courage,” Kelley said.

After weeks of preparation, the show began, with cancer survivors taking the stage as superstars, sharing their stories and supporting one another.

This fashion show, originally conceived by friends over 30 years ago, has grown significantly while staying true to its roots.

“Shows like this, it’s like a golden star. It makes them so happy and so excited. It gives them a day of forgetting what they are going through,” one organizer said.

Though the event has expanded to raise money and awareness, its core mission remains unchanged: friends showing up to support friends.

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 Mark Landon

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    SALINAS, California (KSBW) — Maverick Foletta is already reaching new heights at Salinas Airport, where he has been taking flying lessons and building toward his dream of becoming a pilot.

The Mission Park Elementary School student has logged more than 10 hours in the air so far, a remarkable start for someone his age. Maverick said his love of flying began about two years ago when his dad first introduced him to lessons.

“It all started like two years ago with my dad. He gave me some lessons. I really enjoyed it,” Maverick said. “Recently, he gave me some more lessons, and I’m enjoying it right now.”

Maverick’s instructor, Enoch Weichers, said the young student has impressed him with how quickly he learns in the cockpit.

“Maverick has been an awesome student,” Weichers said. “I think kids really tend to learn really quickly because they don’t have any preconceived notions of how to do things. He’s very humble and a very quick learner.”

Flying requires focus, and Maverick said there is a lot to keep track of while in the air, from instruments inside the plane to watching carefully outside.

“There are so many things,” Maverick said. “You have all your instruments, and you have to look outside mostly.”

Maverick’s dad, Mike, has spent plenty of time flying with his son and helping him develop strong habits in the cockpit. For Mike, sharing the experience with Maverick has been especially meaningful.

“I’ve been flying a long time. I got my license a long time ago, then took a break, then started flying again,” Mike said. “It’s always been my dream to fly with Maverick, and that was a dream come true.”

Mike said flying together has helped strengthen their bond.

Weichers says most students are ready to solo after about 60 hours of flight time, with 40 hours considered the minimum. Maverick’s instructor believes the young aviator is progressing quickly and could be ready sooner than many expect.

“If Maverick could, he’d probably be ready to solo pretty soon, maybe in the next couple of flight lessons,” Weichers said.

As for what inspires him most, Maverick has a clear answer.

“It’s because I want to be like Top Gun Maverick,” 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.

By Carrie Hodgin

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    WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (WXII) — Winston-Salem police said the suspects and victims involved in a park shooting Monday morning have been identified and located.

The shooting led to two Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools remaining on secure hold, including Jefferson Middle and Mount Tabor High School.

The shooting occurred in the area of Leinbach Park at Sally Kirk Road in Winston-Salem. The Winston-Salem Police Department said it began as a fight around 9:52 a.m. While officers were en route, the situation escalated to a shooting.

PARK SHOOTING DETAILS

Police said the initial investigation suggests it was a planned fight that involved several young people, which escalated to multiple people shooting each other. Police said there are multiple victims. The police department said this is not an active shooter call, as it stemmed from a planned fight between two young individuals.

Police said it remains an active incident at this time.

Follow the WXII 12 News Facebook page here.

ROADS CLOSED

The following roads are closed at this time:

Norman Road at Robinhood Road Sally Kirk Road at Norman Road Leinbach Park

Robinhood Road remains open, but with heavy traffic. Police are asking drivers to avoid the area due to the shooting investigation.

SCHOOL UPDATES

Jefferson Middle School Update: Class is operating as normal. If you are picking up your child, use the following streets: Take Peace Haven to Millhaven to Tallison to Thornhill. Enter through the car rider line entrance.

Mt. Tabor High School Update: Class is operating as normal. There is no need to pick up your child. If you choose to do so, bring your photo ID and arrive at the front door. Career Center students will remain at Career Center.

If you have any information, call Winston-Salem Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800, text-a-tip to 336-276-1717 .

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 Kristi Harper

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    COLLEGE PARK, Maryland (WMAR) — The University of Maryland Golf Course is transforming into a living laboratory, providing students with hands-on experience in environmental science and conservation.

Laura Russell, director of special projects at the University of Maryland Golf Course, networks to make the space welcoming for golfers, birds, bugs, and students.

“The more student involvement we have, the more we learn, and the more this university is providing a living laboratory,” Russell said.

Mario Dajani, a sophomore studying physics and math, and Preston Jackman, a second-year environmental science and policy student, took on the challenge of fixing a rain garden on the course. Both students are part of the College Park Scholars Program.

“This is pretty bad. This is full of rocks and sediment and it’s not actually doing its job,” Dajani said.

The rain garden project started as an assignment to create a proposal for the University Sustainability Fund. The students went further by submitting the proposal and were awarded funds to put their plan into action.

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure we’d get this far, but I’m very grateful that we were able to,” Jackman said.

Russell sees the vast open spaces of the golf course as an opportunity to provide much-needed habitat.

“I started by reaching out to as many departments of environmental science and technology and the extension program and, um, asking people for ideas,” Russell said.

After a storm toppled hundreds of trees in 2022, the golf course coordinated with the University of Maryland student chapter of the Audubon Society to install birdhouses. Students now participate in Nest Watch, a national citizen science effort to gather data on the health of bird populations.

Lynn Hui, the Nest Watch committee chair for the University of Maryland Audubon Society, works as a citizen scientist to further the understanding of bird habitats.

“With birds on the decline because, you know, deforestation and habitat loss and climate change, um, scientists really need to keep an eye on how birds are doing,” Hui said.

“This data is really important for the scientific community because, um, birds are kind of in decline. Every week or so you open nest boxes and kind of like check to see if there is a nest, you know, how the nest is doing,” Hui said.

The golf course creates a balance with nature that nurtures the careers of young scientists and engineers.

“Without the student community to support it, wouldn’t be able to maintain them all, and that’s a critical piece to a successful, um, housing for birds,” Russell said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WMAR’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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By Alyssa Bethencourt

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    HENDERSON, Nevada (KTNV) — The City of Henderson Animal Protection Services removed more than 40 animals from a home where officials say they were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The animals recovered included dogs, cats, birds, turtles, ferrets, and more. Officials noted some of the animals needed urgent medical care.

We first brought you this story on Thursday, when APS responded to the home after receiving a call for service. Investigators discovered a nonprofit animal organization was being run out of the residence, which violates city ordinances.

Sources indicate a rescue called Street to Sanctuary was operating out of the house. Cat towers and cages were left outside the property following the response.

It remains unclear how long the operation was running or how the conditions deteriorated to this point. I stopped by the house hoping to speak with the person running the rescue, but no one answered.

The person responsible is expected to be cited as the investigation continues.

APS has all of the animals in its care. They will eventually be placed up for adoption once they are healthy.

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