Category: CNN Regional

By Mindy Basara

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    ABINGDON, Maryland (WBAL) — An Abingdon couple is dealing with something so painful, it’s difficult for them to put into words.

Instead of celebrating their twins’ gender reveal, Paris Singleton-Ajaero and her husband, John Ajaero, are fighting to bring their babies’ bodies back from a foreign country.

“I just want to be able to hold my children, just be able to see them and have them in my presence,” Ajaero told WBAL-TV 11 News.

It all started with the best intentions — a joyous trip for Singleton-Ajaero and her mother, Delores Singleton, before the arrival of the couple’s babies, J.J. and Journey Rose.

Singleton-Ajaero was 21 weeks pregnant and was cleared by her doctor to travel. So, on on Feb. 1, she and her mother boarded a ship for a gospel cruise from Tampa, Florida, to Cozumel, Mexico.

“But we never made it there,” Singleton-Ajaero told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Less than a day into the trip, a nightmare began.

“It was around 3:30 a.m. when things went completely south,” Singleton-Ajaero said. “I wasn’t even processing what was happening.”

Singleton-Ajaero was in pre-term labor and delivered J.J. on the ship. He lived for about an hour.

“They called me around 4:30. I somehow woke up to get the call and found out about the birth of my son. I was able to see my son through Facetime, luckily,” Ajaero told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Over the next 12 hours, Singleton-Ajaero lay in the ship’s infirmary completely still, fighting to keep Journey alive.

“They basically told me, ‘Don’t move, don’t cry.’ Basically, I couldn’t do anything. They didn’t want me to use any abdominal muscles. They wanted to prevent another birth on the cruise, so I just laid in this one spot, on my left side, for the duration of it,” Singleton-Ajaero told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Singleton-Ajaero’s own condition was dire as she needed a blood transfusion. But they were in the middle of the ocean.

Finally, a boat arrived to transport her.

“They lowered me down with a crane, and the boat was bobbing around,” Singleton-Ajaero said. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. It was very scary. I just remember it being dark outside and somewhat rainy.”

Singleton-Ajaero was transferred to another boat and then to an ambulance.

“Everyone was speaking a different language, so there was also a communication barrier,” Singleton-Ajaero said.

By the time she arrived at a hospital in Cancun, 16 hours passed since her ordeal began. She learned at the hospital that her daughter did not survive.

The hospital staff demanded payment up front before agreeing to treat Singleton-Ajaero.

“It was supposed to be a $5,000 promissory payment, but I think, at one point, it was trying to be increased to $10,000,” Singleton-Ajaero told WBAL-TV 11 News.

If an upfront payment sounds fishy, it’s actually standard practice at medical facilities overseas. In fact, a provider could deny care and/or confiscate the traveler’s passport until they’re paid.

And, for those trying to get insurance reimbursements back home, keep in mind, international claims are often considered out-of-network or are not covered at all.

Also, most standard American insurance plans don’t cover medical evacuation, nor do they pay for a patient’s return to the U.S. for treatment.

For all those benefits, travelers would need to purchase separate medical travel insurance. The couple wishes they had known that, and they encourage others to protect themselves.

“Research every avenue before you travel,” Ajaero said.

While Singleton-Ajaero made it safely home after a few days, the nightmare is far from over. Not only are she and her husband dealing with overwhelming medical bills, their babies remain in Cancun. The funeral home wants more than $12,000 to return J.J. and Journey to Maryland. The family has set up a GoFundMe to raise the necessary funds to bring the babies home.

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 Krista Tatschl

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    OLATHE, Kansas (KMBC) — Ninety-four-year-old Korean War veteran Rex Comley of Olathe has some stories to tell.

“Maybe I’m just a big mouth. I like to talk.”

A spectacled Comley, his face brimming with a constant ear-to-ear smile, remembers most of his three years as a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant from 1951 to 1954.

At 19 years old, he and several friends decided to enlist but did not know which military branch to join.

He says, “We only chose the Marines because the line was the shortest.”

Comley was a machine gunner with the Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

He muscled around a 1917 A-1 30-caliber weapon up and down the mountains of central and South Korea. His position hugged the 38th Parallel.

He says of being a target for Korean mortar rounds, “They would put a round in front of you, one behind you, and the third was right in your lap.”

In 1952, a round slammed into his position.

“The whole jacket of the machine gun was torn up, and it picked me up and set me back in the bunker about ten feet. That’s when they carried me back off the lines, and I got hit around the face. It tore this eyelid plumb down back, and they said it pitted my face. I don’t know how I figured that, but they said like 13 or 14 pieces of small shrapnel,” Comley recalls.

He was out of the military hospital and back at his position only days later.

To this day, he still has shrapnel in his face. Such injuries and battlefield mettle are worthy of a medal of a different kind — a Purple Heart.

But, due to suspected lost paperwork, the award never made it to Comley.

Enter Don Puchalla.

Puchalla’s recycle and trash bin cleaning business frequently brings him to Comley’s neighborhood.

About six months ago, Puchalla was wearing a U.S. Marine Corps cap outside Comley’s home. Comley spotted the hat and shouted to his wife, Mary, “Mary we got a Devil Dog out here!”

(“Devil Dog” is a nickname for those who are U.S. Marines.)

Puchalla quickly corrected him, saying, “No, sir, I’m not a Marine. My son was a Marine…he is guarding the streets of heaven.”

Puchalla’s son, Gabriel, died on active duty in the Marine Corps. From that moment on, both men say they became fast friends who shared stories.

During one of those conversations, Comley mentioned he was injured in Korea, and Puchalla asked about his Purple Heart. Comley said, “I don’t have one.”

Puchalla says it became his mission to help get that award pinned to Comley’s lapel.

After enlisting the help of many local agencies that assist veterans for several months, a ceremony was scheduled for Feb. 15 to give Comley his long-overdue Purple Heart.

Puchalla says through tears, “I just think it’s really important not to forget…my son would be saying, ‘Heck yeah, Dad! We got to do this!'”

The presentation ceremony was held at the American Legion Post in Overland Park and was attended by dozens of relatives, friends and veterans.

Comley’s wife of 65 years, Mary, expressed, “I’m happy that he’s getting it, really. He deserves it.”

She humorously wondered, “If he goes first, then I have another bad decision, who gets it?”

Comley responded, “We got a lot of grandkids.”

As the Purple Heart was pinned to the left side of Comley’s jacket, he uttered a quiet, “Thank you very much,” to which the room responded with a standing ovation.

Reflecting on his service, Comley said, “I don’t remember the bad times, I remember the good times.”

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 Schumes

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    INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — A man was caught red-handed stealing catalytic converters from cars in an east Indianapolis lot, and police say he came back for more on the same day.

Stephen Schauf says he discovered the suspect under one of his vehicles at a storage lot near East 11th Street, actively removing a catalytic converter.

“I get over there, he’s back up under there… coming out from under the car with the catalytic converter,” Schauf said.

According to court documents, the suspect was first confronted and told to leave, but returned later and allegedly stole four catalytic converters and several sets of tires worth about $2,500.

“I threatened him to say, ‘Hey, you need to put that down…’ He said some guy dropped him off in a red truck and told him he could get parts off these vehicles,” Schauf said.

Investigators say the man was later identified as Michael Gray after photos were taken of him under one of the vehicles during the theft. Court records show there is an active warrant out for his arrest.

For Schauf and the lot’s owner, this wasn’t an isolated incident. Schauf says he’s been noticing thefts at least once or twice a week.

“People don’t steal catalytic converters unless they got an outlet to sell them, so somebody’s still buying them. So that’s the biggest problem. People are still buying them from people that don’t have legal documentation of the catalytic converter belonging to them,” Schauf said.

The frustration extends beyond just one suspect for Schauf, who says replacing converters can cost hundreds of dollars that people often never recover.

“Well, they need to go out and get a job. Work like I work. Work like they work. These people earn their money to pay for things like that. They take it for granted,” Schauf 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 Meredith Hackler

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    INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — Hundreds of Hoosier students filled the Indiana Statehouse on Monday, determined to make their voices heard on issues affecting young people, with bullying at the forefront for many of them.

The youth-led advocacy event brought together students from across the state. On colorful Post-it notes, they wrote messages and concerns ranging from school safety to mental health, but bullying was a recurring theme.

“When a place that’s meant to be safe becomes a place that starts to break you, you start to believe the problem is you,” said Jakiah Brown, a high school sophomore, speaking to a room full of peers.

Brown shared that when she was 11 years old, she spent eight days in the hospital due to mental health struggles she said were caused by relentless bullying, and that those responsible faced no consequences. She said she tried to report it, but was met with not much action.

“I reached out multiple times, and I didn’t get the answer I wanted or needed, and we see that often in schools where a kid will reach out to a teacher or a counselor, and it will be heard but not taken care of in the right way,” Brown said.

Brown now works with the Parent Coalition for Child Safety & Wellness, and its Speak Our Truth Project, which urges lawmakers to strengthen protections for bullied students. The organization says it has been advocating at the state level for about four years.

“Even in approaching this the right way in the democratic process, we are not getting anywhere,” said Rachel Van Alstine, a parent and coalition member.

This year, the group supported two bills:

House Bill 1093, which would have redefined bullying in state code to make it more reportable

House Bill 1107, which would have required each school district to create a local bullying prevention committee and allowed families to take unresolved cases to the state

Neither bill received a hearing.

“What we are finding is because there is no recourse beyond a district, there is a lot of internal retaliation, there is a lot of internal silencing that happens within school districts, both to the child and parent trying to speak their truth,” Van Alstine said.

Advocates say that’s why student testimony like Brown’s is so crucial.

“Every story matters, every voice deserves to be heard,” Brown said.

According to the Indiana Youth Institute, which tracks child welfare in the state, youth suicides rose from 143 to 152 in 2023. The latest numbers are still being compiled.

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 7 News WHDH

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    SHIRLEY, Massachusetts (WHDH) — After the recent winter storms, one man in Shirley decided to have some fun with all the snow left behind and build a massive snowman for his daughter to enjoy.

Eric Aalerud, who built the snowman, said he used his snow blower to pile up all the snow 20-feet high. He said the base of the snowman is 21-feet across.

“I’m not an artist by any means, I don’t even have good penmanship,” said Aalerud. “I’m a snowman artist if you want to say that!”

Aalerud said he also built a giant snowman last winter, but this one is five feet taller. He said his creation is gaining a lot of attention from people across the area.

“Every five to 10 minutes after we first made the thing, there’d be a car out here stopped,” said Aalerud.

“We got close and it was gigantic. We’ve never seen one this size, so we had to stop and take a picture,” said Mary Whitaker, who spotted the snowman.

The snowman is named “Parker” after the road he lives on. He and his wife said the massive undertaking was a labor of love.

“I was very sore,” Aalerud said. “And I’m an electrician and I flip houses, too. And I will say, I was more sore doing this than anything I’ve done in the last five, 10 years. I don’t think she knows, but I can’t wait to show her this when she’s a little older, you know, we’re on the news!”

With more snow possibly on the way, forecasters say Parker likely won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

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 Tory Wegerski, Meghan Schiller

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    ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — When a property falls into disrepair — whether through abandonment, a neglectful landlord, or the owner can’t keep up — neighbors start to worry about the impact on their community.

Allegheny County has mostly relied on violation notices and liens to pressure property owners to take care of issues. However, an update to the county’s housing standards means the county can hire someone to solve the problem and stick the owner with the bill.

The Allegheny County Health Department says it’s mostly focused on property issues that create risky conditions for a community. That includes abandoned pools becoming mosquito breeding grounds or knee-high grass and weeds becoming a playground for rodents.

With this update, once a property owner has ignored multiple violation notices, the county will hire a contractor to solve the problem.

“That fine does not help that neighbor or that tenant,” said Tim Murphy with the Allegheny County Health Department. “That fine is not getting the mice out of the kitchen. It’s not turning the water back on. They want the problem solved.”

“We can do civil penalty enforcement,” he added. “We find that most of the time, that does do the trick. But having this process laid out for this additional nuisance abatement, we think that’s going to be very helpful.”

Ultimately, he says the county doesn’t expect they’ll have to use the nuisance abatement procedures too often because right now, before they’ve really started using the process, very few property owners don’t solve the problem with some pressure.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t fining owners. It’s about removing a public health hazard. Previously, KDKA has reported on cases in Allegheny County where landlords don’t address issues despite racking up tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

If you live in Allegheny County and there’s a property with public health hazards in your neighborhood, the health department wants to hear from you. The number to report a violation is 412-350-4046, and there is an online complaint form.

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 Wakisha Bailey

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — Grandfamilies, when grandparents step in to raise their grandchildren, often happen unexpectedly without a roadmap.

In North Philadelphia, a group of grandmothers is making sure no one has to do it alone.

When you think of grandparents, your heart softens. But for some families, it also means starting over.

Grands As Parents Inc., aka GAP, supports grandparents who take on the role of parent when their children can’t.

Joan Hughes and Juanita Cox have been friends for more than 50 years. For 30 of those years, they’ve been part of GAP.

“She brought me here, and I have been here ever since,” Hughes said

Cox isn’t just a member — she’s also a grandmother who adopted two of her grandsons.

She said when their parents struggled with addiction, she had to quit her job to care for the boys.

“I had low income and I had to quit my job to take care of these babies. I needed extra food because it was only me,” Cox said.

Organizers said stories like Cox’s are not rare. A recent report says nearly 30% of grandparents in Philadelphia are now serving as guardians — and that’s why support matters.

“Grandparents are on a fixed income. Maybe there’s not enough food for everyone, toiletries, money, but they make it work,” Marcia Abdul-Malik said.

GAP started in 1996 with just three women. Today, it’s a place where grandparents can find resources — and one another.

“Keeping kids off the streets, they start looking forward to coming to GAP,” Hughes said.

For grandparents who have spent a lifetime caring for others, GAP wants them to know they don’t have to carry the load alone.

“Don’t be afraid, just come on down,” Cox said. “We all need help at one time or another.”

GAP provides food, clothing, housing support and legal resources for grandparents raising their grandchildren. The organization relies on community support and is preparing for a Mother’s Day fundraiser to continue the work.

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 Vanessa Murdock

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    CRANFORD, New Jersey (WCBS) — Life in one New Jersey town just got a whole lot sweeter. A man crafted a Good Humor truck out of snow and even sells ice cream out of it for a great cause.

Robert Schott serves up happiness from his front lawn in Cranford, where he parked his truck, which is 99% made out of snow.

Complete with headlights, rims, and a front seat to sit and enjoy, say, a toasted almond, the 1953 Chevy model is “OHSOGOOD,” according to its license plate.

Back then, a Good Humor bar cost only 13 cents, but Schott is selling them for $5 because all profits benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation, which is based in Mountainside. Schott’s friend, Charlie Newman, received care there. Schott’s father, Joseph, who is now just days away from his 104th birthday, spent time doing science experiments and playing games with patients.

“In the 1960s and 1970s, I volunteered there,” Joseph Schott said. “I loved it and I’d like to think they enjoyed seeing me.”

Many people stopped by Monday to appreciate the snow incognito, but the grand opening happened Friday evening. Neighbor Lisa Hunt helped bring the event to life and said the line wrapped around the corner.

“When everybody showed up and Robert was standing there, I thought this is what we did it for,” Hunt said.

Since that grand opening, Schott has raised more than $5,000 for Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation.

On line were some of the children being cared for at Children’s Specialized Hospital.

“The delight the kids were getting — kids with really difficult challenges in their lives and the parents who put so much out to care for their children — that got to my heart,” Robert Schott 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.