Author: CNN Newsource

By Chase Houle

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    ATLANTA (WXIA) — A driverless Waymo vehicle ended up in the middle of an active police scene in Atlanta over the weekend, prompting renewed concerns about how autonomous vehicles respond in dangerous situations.

The incident happened on Saturday on Cheshire Bridge Road. 11Alive’s Chase Houle watched the Waymo vehicle, with a passenger seated in the back, bypass multiple Atlanta Police squad cars and officers before coming to a stop in the middle of the crime scene.

Just down the street, an apartment complex was on lockdown. SWAT teams and officers in tactical gear were seen going in and out of the building as police responded to what they described as a dangerous situation. According to Atlanta Police, a man had barricaded himself inside a unit after allegedly shooting at officers. Two reported injuries during the encounter; one officer was grazed in the head while the other sustained lacerations to his hand from falling debris.

This is not the first time Waymo vehicles have drawn attention in metro Atlanta.

In December, an autonomous vehicle was recorded driving around a stopped school bus that had its stop sign extended and lights flashing while children were exiting. Our reporting of the incident prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to open an investigation into similar cases.

A month later, another situation involving a Waymo vehicle raised questions. A woman rear-ended one of the autonomous cars, and a responding Georgia State Patrol deputy allegedly told her he was unsure how to handle the crash.

Following Saturday’s incident, questions remain about how police are expected to manage driverless vehicles that enter active emergency scenes.

Attempts to obtain clarification from the Atlanta Police Department on standard operating procedures were unsuccessful. A spokesperson directed inquiries to the department’s website, where no relevant or updated guidance could be found.

An open records request has since been filed seeking more information.

A Waymo spokesperson said in a statement: “While navigating the parking lot, we entered an unsecured, not-taped-off lane (to the left of your video framing) before coming to a stop. As our protocols are designed and we’ve trained first responders to do, a police officer disengaged the vehicle, and our roadside assistance team retrieved it.”

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 Kaitlyn Ross

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    ACWORTH, Georgia (WXIA) — There’s a full-court press at the cash register when Michael Masterangelo is working.

At the Publix in Acworth, customers will wait 30 to 40 minutes to check out in Michael’s line.

“They will come here specifically just to get in his line,” his mom, Dayna Peshel, said. “They will wait 30 or 40 minutes just to get in his line. It means everything. I am so proud of him.”

Michael, who has an intellectual disability, has worked at the same Publix for 10 years. He greets nearly every customer as if they were an old friend.

“I like ringing people up and seeing people every day!” he said. “I’m just so happy to be here, every day to work.”

As soon as some shoppers arrive, they start scanning the lanes, not for the shortest line, but for him.

“As soon as I walk in the door, I look for him,” one customer said. “And if he’s here, it just changes everything.”

Store Manager Courtney McGuinness says that kind of impact can’t be trained.

“His positivity that he comes in every day with, it makes working and shopping here enjoyable,” she said. “He’s always smiling. He’s always interacting.”

And Michael isn’t just greeting customers. He’s rallying a team.

“This is his team that he’s raising the money for,” McGuinness said. “And he was very focused on meeting his goal.”

That team? Special Olympics is a community Michael has been part of since he was 7 or 8 years old.

“I enjoy what I do! I love doing this for the Special Olympics organization,” he said. “I like to have fun playing sports with each other. I love this whole event.”

This year, Michael set a personal fundraising goal at his register.

Then he shattered it.

“I can’t believe I did $31,603 by myself, at my register!” he said. “My personal goal is crazy! And I did that in 6 days!”

He raised more than $31,000 in less than a week, right there between scanning groceries and counting change.

“He raised more alone than certain districts in our region,” McGuinness said.

Michael remembers the moment the biggest donation came through.

“The biggest donation I got was $1,200!” he said. “I was like WOW, oh my goodness, no way, this is crazy!!”

Customers weren’t just donating. They were cheering.

“He’s my buddy!” one shopper said from behind the counter. “He is one of the few people I trust!”

Michael treats everyone in his line as if they matter.

“Him being so genuine, he truly cares about every single person he comes in contact with,” McGuinness said. “Whether it’s a child, it’s an adult, someone he played a sport with, someone he grew up with, he genuinely cares about everyone.”

And they care right back.

“They make me so happy and cheer me on and stuff!” Michael said about the customers who show up to his basketball games. “Next coming weekend, they’re coming to watch me play basketball!”

For his mom, watching the community show up for her son is overwhelming in the best way.

“It makes me feel amazing,” Peshel said. “I feel like I raised him right, and he is just a light to everyone. I get text messages, phone calls. I am very proud. I am a very proud mom. I don’t worry about him. I know he is going to be okay. Because he has so much love with family, friends, and community.”

Michael says the feeling is mutual.

“It feels like I am so special, helping people and others,” he said. “And I love this whole community, and everyone loves and supports me!”

Between ringing up groceries, talking Georgia Bulldogs football, and hyping up every customer who walks through his lane, he keeps the energy high.

“I am always so positive,” he said. “I am always encouraging people, like, ‘ Oh yeah, you got this, let’s go!!”

Then comes the final send-off:

“Welcome, have a good day, come back and see us!”

At this Publix, it’s not just a checkout lane.

It’s a team.

And Michael? He’s playing to win.

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 Stahl

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A better treatment for sickle cell disease, which strikes mainly people of color, is transforming medicine in Philadelphia, making this Black History Month especially meaningful for one local family.

This is a new gene therapy that works with the patient’s own blood, which gets reprogrammed. It’s already changing one young man’s life.

Austin Louis, 20, stays busy almost a year after getting a revolutionary treatment for sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that causes excruciating pain.

“It totally worked, I feel amazing,” he said.

For the first time in his life, Louis can enjoy being outside in the cold, which triggered pain before the treatment.

“I feel totally different,” he said. “It’s a brand new body. I feel like a new human.”

Louis was the first patient at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia — outside of a clinical trial — to get a new FDA-approved treatment.

It involves collecting his stem cells, which are then manipulated with a gene editing technology called CRISPR to normalize the blood.

Last March, Louis was back at CHOP for the infusion of his reconstituted blood.

“I totally feel relieved,” Louis said.

His parents, who moved the family from New York to South Jersey to be closer to CHOP, are relieved, too.

Because sickle cell disease affects mainly people of color, this Black History Month is especially poignant for the family.

“This is history in the making,” Jennifer Louis, Austin Louis’ mother, said. “I think it’s pretty amazing.”

It’s also a big accomplishment for the team at CHOP, offering a novel new way of treating — and maybe even curing — sickle cell disease.

“You don’t get these very often in your career. So for me, wow, this is a big one,” said Dr. Alexis Thompson, attending hematologist at CHOP. “To be able to imagine something that is as extraordinary as gene therapy affecting a population that so often feels overlooked and is underserved by our health care system, it’s just so rewarding.”

A growing number of patients have received the gene therapy, putting a future within reach where sickle cell disease is not such a devastating diagnosis.

Austin Louis is glad to be living without pain for the first time in his life – and helping others along the way.

“I’m paving the way for others,” he said. “So I feel great about that.”

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 Kaley Fedko

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Valentine’s Day is going to feel cold for 94 couples invited to step onto the ice this weekend at Gas South Arena.

They plan to get married or renew their vows all at once on the ice during Saturday’s Atlanta Gladiators game.

“Our goal is 94 couples at once, all during our first intermission,” Gladiators President Jared Youngman told CBS News Atlanta, “And Angie Ward with The Bull is going to officiate them all of them at once.”

Ridge Beck and Kelly Ahern are newlyweds of two years and will be renewing their vows on Saturday.

The Marietta couple are season ticket holders and said Gladiators games are recurring date nights.

“I think she might be a little bit shy about it, but I’m pretty excited,” Beck said. “I think it would be super fun. It’s kind of scary but exciting at the same time. Everyone’s watching you, but it’s a lot more people than at our wedding.”

For Marietta’s Jeffery and Jamie Durkee, the timing of the game could not be more perfect. The game falls just two weeks before their 40th anniversary.

“I was planning on taking her to the vow renewal as a surprise, then somebody let it out that,” Durkee said. “‘Weren’t you planning on doing that vow renewal thing at the Glades game?’ I was like ‘Oh yeah, I was, but you weren’t supposed to say anything.’ So no mystery ride, but still wanted to take the opportunity for our 40th anniversary to renew our vows.”

Then there is the big question: what do you wear?

“Well, he suggested that I wear my wedding dress, but that’s insane, so I’ll probably be wearing a jersey, but maybe a white jersey,” Ahern said.

“We do still have the dress,” said Jeffery Durkee, “and I do have a tux, but we’ll be in Glads gear for sure.”

The event, called 94 Weddings on Ice, is in its second year after a successful first year with the Gladiators last season.

The puck drops at 7:10 p.m. 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 Donald Fountain

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — An Atlanta comedian born in Minnesota is using her talent to protest the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in her home state.

Frankie Runquist has loved telling jokes her entire life.

“It just brings out the inner child in me. It just feels like I just want to be immature forever,” said Runquist.

On Thursday night, Runquist is bringing her popular comedy show, “Funny Bachelors,” to Atlanta. The show features Runquist and other comedians playing matchmaker with singles in the audience.

While the show focuses on laughs, the proceeds from it are serving a bigger purpose. Runquist says a portion of the money raised will go to families in Minnesota impacted by immigration enforcement.

“So I thought I was like, OK, this would be a good way to kind of like bring more awareness here and see who wants to support,” said Runquist.

Runquist got the idea from a comedy show in Minnesota about ICE enforcement. That show raised over $3,500.

“Seeing them do that inspired me to like, OK, I can do that here. Bring more awareness here, too, because I don’t think that a lot of people outside of Minnesota, like, really understand what’s currently happening to the extent,” said Runquist.

While Runquist understands the seriousness of the situation, she believes that it makes it a perfect topic for comedy.

“I think comedy is meant to push boundaries. It’s meant to make you feel or think something. So, I think comedians shouldn’t shy away from any topic,” said Runquist. “if you can pull off a joke and have it be about like a tense issue and it’s funny that and you’re still offended at that, then I just think you shouldn’t go to comedy shows.”

The next show will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday at Argosy in East Atlanta.

You can learn more about Frankie Runquist on her Instagram page.

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 Mike Sullivan

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    SOMERVILLE, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A good Samaritan in Somerville, Massachusetts needs help clearing a sidewalk that hasn’t been shoveled for weeks because the building behind it caught fire in early December.

Brad Stone says the inches of ice and snow make it hard for people with disabilities to get through the neighborhood. It may force some people to move into the street.

“I work in an ER, and we have had a couple of fatalities that way. People are in their wheelchairs, and a snowplow doesn’t see them or a truck doesn’t see them,” Stone said.

He set out to clear the stretch on Marion Street in an effort to improve the situation.

“I would say probably six inches of pure ice, and then on top of that is another inch or two or three of snow,” said Stone. “It’s exhausting, but I’m motivated.”

Stone’s father is an Army veteran who now battles muscular dystrophy. He is now required to use a wheelchair. Stone’s nephew also suffers from the disease.

“He was of able body, and now if you were to see him, it’s pretty sad. He can’t pick his hands above his head,” said Stone speaking of his father.

His friend Ben is also in a wheelchair and lives in the neighborhood. He says this stretch can be difficult for him to get through.

“Everything just accumulated, and being that I was off work, and a nice day, I got possessed with the motivation to chisel it out,” said Stone.

There is no one to shovel the sidewalk because the building behind it caught fire. An Eversource worker saved someone who was stuck on a balcony during the fire. The worker used their bucket truck to get the person to safety.

“It’s post-devastating fire, so no one lives here at the moment,” said Stone. “I guess there is an owner somewhere, but I think they are going through a pretty rough time.”

He is literally picking up for them, but it’s a big job, so he is hoping his neighbors will pitch in to keep the area clear for the winter.

“That’s the hope that people say, ‘I have an extra few minutes, and arms that work, I will come help,’ but even if they don’t, I will still do it,” said Stone.

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 Amelia Mugavero

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    DALLAS (KTVT) — The Dallas Mavericks are taking their first concrete step toward what could become a new home arena, fueling speculation – and questions – about the franchise’s future in Dallas.

Mavericks President Ethan Casson said the organization is entering what he calls a transformational moment.

“We are at the beginning of what we’ll look back on as the most remarkable evolution of a team both on and off the court,” Casson said in an interview with CBS News Texas.

A major partnership signals a shift

After months of speculation about life beyond the American Airlines Center, the Mavericks have made their first tangible move: partnering with Creative Artists Agency, or CAA. The global firm has been involved in major arena and stadium projects, including San Francisco’s Chase Center and Levi’s Stadium, host of this year’s Super Bowl.

Casson said the partnership marks the moment the team’s long‑term vision becomes real.

“But until you start to add partners to it, that kind of formalizes it, and today is that day,” he said.

He emphasized that the project is about more than a new building.

“And when we talk about the arena, we are wanting to elevate the premium experience like no other team or organization has ever done,” Casson said.

He added that the team is exploring everything from sports bars and restaurants to commercial space, residential development and, hypothetically, a hotel.

Fans split on the idea of leaving AAC

While the Mavericks have not announced a location or timeline for a new arena, the idea of leaving the American Airlines Center – the team’s home since 2001 – is stirring mixed emotions among fans.

Nicolas Fernandez said the AAC holds memories he isn’t ready to let go of.

“I’m sad because this is just so many memories … but still, I mean, it’ll be cool to see how they do it and what all the stuff around it ends up being,” Fernandez said.

Other fans say they prefer the current setup, where the Mavericks and Stars share the building.

“It’s cool having the Stars one night and then the Mavs on the next night,” fan Zack McGrath said. “A new venue doesn’t get me excited.”

For diehard fan Chauncy Fletcher, the AAC is where he saw his first NBA game – and even filmed his first music video. But he believes the franchise is ready for something new.

“And I’m waiting on everybody to see it the same way. I mean, it’s time for change,” Fletcher said.

What comes next

The Mavericks will remain at the American Airlines Center through their current lease, which runs through the summer of 2031. Until then, the team’s legacy – and its legends – remain rooted at 2500 Victory Avenue.

Casson said fans curious or concerned about what comes next should know the organization intends to get it right.

“What I would say to the fans asking about the ‘what if’… we are going to solve all of those ‘what ifs’ to make it the most personalized experience you could possibly have,” Casson 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 Matt Schooley

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — A new racket sport called Typti aims to tap into the popularity of pickleball while also solving some of the noise complaints surrounding the sport.

If you are familiar with pickleball, you know the high-pitched and repetitive sound that has become the center of neighborhood controversies around the country.

In Braintree, the city had so many complaints they had to put up a sound barrier around their local courts. Nantucket considered a ban on pickleball due to noise complaints.

Typti appears to solve that problem.

“It’s a big foam ball, a little bit bigger than a tennis ball, very quiet, which is kind of interesting. It doesn’t make any noise at all,” Stephen Mitchell, co-owner of the Boston Pickle Club told WBZ NewsRadio. “And it is a lot of fun. I can see why people would be getting into it.”

Mitchell said the game is so new, he’s only played it once. He described it as a cross between pickleball and tennis that is played on a pickleball court.

“I sort of fixed everything that was wrong with tennis and everything that was wrong with other racket sports and made what I think is the perfect racket sport,” Typti creator Steve Bellamy, founder of the Tennis Channel, told WBZ-TV. “There’s so much joy when you play Typti.”

The sport has some big-name investors that include former Saints quarterback Drew Bres and actor Chris Pine.

According to Bellamy, Tipti is easy on the body and great for beginners.

“The most important thing about Typti is the barrier of entry is so low. You can go out with no racket skills whatsoever and you are playing a racket sport,” Bellamy said.

The rules are a bit different than pickleball. You don’t need to worry about the kitchen like you do in pickleball. And if you hit it into the net, the ball is still live. But you have to use your hand, foot or really any body part.

“You can use any part of your body at any time to use a ball strike. The only thing you can’t do is hit the string bed twice,” Bellamy said.

Mitchell said because pickleball infrastructure is already in place, Typti opens up a new opportunity for business owners.

“It’s definitely going to be interesting to see what happens with it in this area. It is something for us, in terms of being a pickleball facility. It’s played on a pickleball court. So it’s another sport we can use at our facilities,” Mitchell said.

And it could offer some peace and quiet for those who live near the courts.

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.