Category: CNN Regional

By Adam Schumes

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    GILBERT, Arizona (KNXV) — A 29-year-old Gilbert man is using his longtime love of video games to raise awareness and money after being diagnosed with ALS.

Jorge de Cardenas, a Mesquite High School graduate, said he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in June after noticing changes including a limp, hand cramps, and multiple falls.

“I didn’t have a choice in it,” de Cardenas said. “I stopped being scared, and I just decided to be brave.”

De Cardenas, a licensed behavior analyst who has worked with children with autism, created GAMINGwithALS with help from his younger brother, Daniel.

Through the Twitch channel, de Cardenas plays video games while sharing what living with ALS looks like day to day.

“It’s not about the games, it’s about the message,” de Cardenas said.

His family is part of that effort. Daniel helps manage the stream, while de Cardenas’ wife, Angely, helps with his daily needs.

The diagnosis came shortly after Jorge and Angely were married and as they were making plans for their future.

“Right now we have no idea,” Angely de Cardenas said. “But we have each other, and we have love and positivity and strength.”

GAMINGwithALS is also raising money through ALS Arizona ahead of the Scottsdale Walk ALS on Nov. 7 at Salt River Fields. The team has surpassed its $10,000 fundraising goal, according to ALS Arizona.

Angie Tigges, vice president of development for ALS Arizona, said de Cardenas is helping introduce the disease to a younger audience.

“There’s so many people that don’t understand what ALS is, and he’s educating a whole new demographic,” Tigges said.

For de Cardenas, sharing his experience is about more than his own diagnosis.

“I feel like ALS needs a voice,” he said. “And I feel like I could be a voice for ALS.”

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 Eric Hanson

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    IOWA (KCCI) — Before the first light of dawn, the streets of Earlham are quiet, save for the hum of an early pickup truck and the chirping of morning insects. Among the stillness, Penny Frey laces up her running shoes, ready to begin her day.

“Yeah. We all wake up thinking, what are we doing? We’re crazy,” Frey said around 5:30 a.m.

Frey, who has been running with a friend since 2010, treasures these early morning moments. “It’s beautiful to watch the sunrise,” she said.

What began as a goal to lose weight quickly turned into a much larger challenge. “I was more of a couch potato,” Frey said. “We decided to challenge ourselves and run a marathon.”

The thought of running 26 miles was daunting. “I remember getting so nervous, I got a cold sore on my chin because my anxiety was getting the best of me,” she said. But after completing that first marathon, Frey and her running partner set their sights on a new goal: finishing a marathon in every state.

“So then that became our challenge to finish all 50 states,” Frey said.

» THIS IS IOWA: Visit the This Is Iowa page on KCCI’s website and follow the series on Facebook

Now, with only four states left — Montana, West Virginia, Alaska, and Hawaii — Frey is nearing the finish line of her ambitious goal. “We have four left,” she said. “And then we’ll be done. So that’ll be our 50th. It’ll be Hawaii.”

Over the years, Frey has marveled at sights like New York’s skyline and California’s coast. But as she runs, her vision continues to fade. Frey first noticed the change during a run in North Dakota in 2017.

“I stopped, and I’m like, ‘Oh, crap. Where am I?’ And she’s like, ‘Penny, you’re going in the ditch.’ And I’m like, ‘Oh no!'” she said.

Doctors confirmed her fears. “My dad had a hereditary eye disease called ADNIV, and so he was blind,” Frey said. “And I knew I had it at the age, probably at 25, but I never really thought it would progress too much.”

But the disease has progressed. “Even the last three years, I’ve noticed it. It’s getting worse,” Frey said.

Now, time is of the essence. “I really need to finish my goal of marathons. And I can only do that with the help of my running friends. Otherwise I couldn’t be. Wouldn’t be possible,” she said.

Frey runs tethered to her friend Teresa Algreen with a short yellow leash. “If I start going into the ditch, she’ll pull me over or if I get too close, she’ll go like that—which happens a lot in the dark,” Frey said.

As the sun rises and visibility improves, Algreen gives Frey more slack. “When I give her slack, it’s giving her, I think, independence where she needs that,” Algreen said.

“As soon as it starts getting light, I can go on my own. But I need somebody to get me through the dark times,” Frey said.

Running has become both a physical and emotional outlet for Frey. “You know, I don’t know what’s ahead. I’ve cried a lot,” she said, her voice breaking. “Running with my friends helps because it gives me time not to think about it. Because I know what’s going to happen. And maybe it won’t. I don’t know, but I’m going to enjoy my life while I can. I’m sorry.”

Despite the challenges, Frey remains focused on her goal. “Running the race probably is the easiest. The training is hard,” she said.

Every mile is a chance to savor the sunrise. “I do, because I know someday I might not be able to see that,” Frey said.

Confident she will complete her 50-state marathon journey, Frey reflects on the significance of her achievement. “It’s a goal that I never thought I would reach, you know? And then put the blindness, you know, going blind on top of that,” she said.

For Frey, the finish line is just the beginning of her next chapter — whatever it may look like.

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 Stephanie Moore

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    CLARENDON COUNTY, South Carolina (WYFF) — A Philadelphia man involved in the I-95 69-car pile-up in South Carolina decided to propose to his girlfriend in the middle of the chaos.

The crash happened Thursday morning on the Santee Bridge over Lake Marion on Interstate 95 in Clarendon County, South Carolina.

Officials said approximately 92 vehicles were on the bridge, with 69 involved in the collision. At least two vehicles had people trapped inside.

The Medical University of South Carolina staff said Kevin Cossa and Meghan Quinn were traveling south from Philadelphia for vacation when they were caught in the crash.

With traffic stopped and uncertainty all around them, Kevin decided there was no reason to wait for the perfect moment.

“I honestly, at that point in time, with so much confusion and everything going on, didn’t even know what tomorrow meant,” Kevin said.

So, right there on the bridge, he asked Meghan to marry him.

She said yes.

The couple was later treated at MUSC Health Orangeburg, where our care team learned about their special moment.

“We’re grateful Kevin and Meghan are doing well and wish them safe travels, a happy engagement and many years of happiness together,” a social media post 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 Damien Bartonek

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    PUEBLO, Colorado (KKTV) — For Grant Morris, being a Denver Broncos fan is more than a game-day tradition.

Morris says he has been cheering for the Broncos for 45 years, and that dedication is easy to see around his home, and in the pickup truck he has transformed into a tribute to the team.

The truck is covered in Broncos colors, with orange and blue details throughout. His home also features plenty of Broncos-themed décor.

Morris says the team holds a special place in his heart, and he has high hopes for the Broncos this season.

He believes Denver will win the Super Bowl.

“I can’t wait for that,” Morris said.

If the Broncos do bring home a championship, Morris already has his celebration planned. He says he will be doing a celebratory dance while wearing his Bo Nix jersey.

After 45 years of being a Broncos fan, Morris says he is not slowing down.

He plans to enjoy the season one game at a time, with hopes that it ends with a Super Bowl run.

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 Luana Munoz

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    ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — Patrick Herman, a 69-year-old Orlando resident, was found dead in his home on Sept. 7, leaving friends mourning his loss and searching for answers.

Michael Hollmen described Herman as “a very peaceful person” who was “incredibly intelligent” and deeply committed to his values, which included his circle of friends, family, and community.

Friends grew concerned when Herman, a member of the Orlando Front Runners and Walkers group, failed to show up for a run.

“The Saturday before Labor Day weekend, he didn’t receive a text from Patrick, and we all meet in a group before we run and walk,” Hollmen said.

According to the medical examiner, Herman died “from blunt force injury of the neck.”

Orlando police issued a statement regarding the case, saying, “We understand there is significant community interest in this case, and we want the community to know our detectives are working around the clock to put the pieces together and bring this investigation to a resolution.

“At this time, we are unable to provide additional details in order to protect the integrity of the investigation. While we may not be releasing further information right now, our detectives remain actively engaged and committed to resolving this case.”

Nearly a month later, friends say they are frustrated by the lack of updates.

“But as the weeks have gone by and we’ve heard nothing. That has been becoming more of a frustration,” Hollmen said.

Herman was more than just a runner, friends said. He was an architect, an artist, a member of the Orlando Gay Chorus, and an avid climber and traveler.

“Patrick was one of those persons, if you knew him, you were going to hug him. You weren’t going to kill him,” Hollmen 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 Adam Bartow

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    PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) — Traffic at the Portland International Jetport continues to increase, but Sunday brought an unusual arrival – an international passenger flight with an unusually large plane for Portland.

A United Airlines flight from Edinburgh, Scotland, was headed to Washington Dulles International Airport, but dealt with stronger headwinds crossing the Atlantic Ocean than anticipated, causing the plane to use more fuel than expected.

The Boeing 757-200 had to divert to Portland to get more fuel, landing at about 4:15 p.m.

While FedEx does use 757s in Portland, the Airbus A321 is typically the largest passenger aircraft to serve Portland. The 757-200 is nine feet longer than the A321, though both have similar seating capacity and the 757 has a slightly wider cabin.

The 757 is also about six feet taller than the A321. Because of the aircraft’s additional height, a scissor lift was needed for refueling. Crews added about 5,000 gallons of fuel to the plane while the passengers remained on board.

Because the plane was refueled while passengers were on board, the Portland Fire Department Red Units from the Jetport stood by.

Once refueling was complete, Flight 979 left the Jetport and continued on to Washington Dulles.

The plane was on the ground in Portland for just over an hour.

There has not been regularly scheduled international service to the Portland International Jetport since 2013, when Air Canada ended its service between Portland and Toronto.

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 Charlotte McAleer, Tori Yorgey, Greg Ng

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    BALTIMORE (WBAL) — “The words I would use are horrific. Heartbreaking,” said Erricka Bridgeford about Saturday’s deadly shooting of Khloe, a 12-year-old girl, during a youth football game.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said officers were called around 6:15 p.m. Saturday to Leon Day Park on North Franklintown Road.

Worley said officers arrived and found a woman and the 12-year-old girl suffering from gunshot wounds. Worley said officers rendered aid and the victims were taken to taken to hospitals, where the girl died.

“A 12-year-old little girl, who was probably down there watching football, was shot and killed,” Worley said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the community and our city. Our officers are following multiple leads, but we’re urging anyone who may have seen anything to call 911 or Metro Crime Stoppers.”

“Two grown men got into an argument, and now a 12-year-old is gone,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said. “What happened out here today, is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen in my life because that baby was just out here, at homecoming for this youth football league is out here every single day, trying to keep young people safe, trying to keep young men and young women on the right path.

The commissioner said two men also walked into hospitals, seeking treatment. All adult victims are believed to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Parents and coaches tell WBAL-TV 11 News it happened during a youth football game.

“The potential of their baby being lost like that in an argument where people just did not know how to handle their conflict is really sad,” said Bridgeford.

Bridgeford is the Founding Director of the Baltimore Peace Movement and the Executive Director of the Baltimore Community Mediation Center.

Baltimore Police say it happened around 6:15 Saturday at the Leon Day Park. They believe two men were fighting over a parking space when they began shooting at each other. Police say three adults were shot and a fourth adult had a graze wound to the back. The incident hits close to home for Bridgeford.

“This happened in neighborhood where I grew up. My brothers played football there. My father and mother trained my brothers there. I spent time playing there,” said Bridgeford.

In fact, it was an experience in that neighborhood that motivated Bridgeford to get into conflict management. She has trained thousands through her work.

“I got into it because in an argument one of my family friends in that neighborhood shot one of my brothers,” said Bridgeford. “Getting into mediation and conflict management, it touched me because I’ve been going to funerals since I was 12 years old, losing my friends.”

As the community begins to try to recover – Bridgeford says she’ll be getting to work in the neighborhood. She hopes her work will encourage more people to walk away.

“You are not a punk if you just walk away. You are not weak, and you are not a punk….You actually get to go home without guilt and pain and more trauma in your life,” said Bridgeford.

Raw video below: BPD update to shooting investigation

Preliminarily, it’s believed there were two shooters who were arguing over a parking space before the gunfire erupted, Worley said. Investigators did not yet know how many gunshots were fired.

“The dispute most likely occurred from a stupid parking spot, and they get into a fight, and the two cowards pull guns on each other, and the one fires multiple rounds down range and hits the little girl who most likely was down there by field,” Worley said.

“Two grown men, or so-called men, got into an argument, and now this baby is gone, never going to see her full potential,” Scott said.

Police closed North Franklintown Road at North Ellamont Street.

Police provided update stating that an additional adult victim, 35-year-old woman, walked into an area hospital with a graze wound to the back. She is in stable condition.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.

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.