Category: CNN Regional

By Grace King

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    ATLANTA, Georgia (WXIA) — Travelers flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may notice a new security measure before they even enter the terminal: concrete barriers now line parts of the drop-off and pickup areas.

Airport officials say the barriers, installed over the past few weeks, are part of an expanded security focus as Atlanta prepares for a busy summer travel season and the upcoming World Cup.

With about 2.7 million passengers expected to pass through the airport during the Memorial Day travel period, airport leaders say safety remains a top priority.

“We are the world’s busiest airport, so operationally we are always ready,” Monica Coleman, the airport’s marketing director, said. “Safety and security are first on our agenda.”

Coleman said the airport’s emergency management team has spent the past two years preparing for FIFA-related events in coordination with federal law enforcement partners and local agencies.

Some passengers said the barriers were inconvenient but understandable.

“It was a little bit hard because we were trying to find my brother, and we were over there, and then I was, wait a minute, I can’t just cross wherever I want to cross,” one traveler said.

Another passenger added, “I didn’t really notice it until we started talking about it. Now it’s a little bit of an obtrusive thing in a way. I would probably rather it not be there, but I guess if it’s for safety, it’s better.”

Officials said the barriers create a larger buffer between vehicles and pedestrian areas and were installed, in part, to prevent incidents like a January crash at Detroit’s airport, where a vehicle entered a secure area.

Atlanta’s airport staff also have hosted extra training exercises to ensure they are prepared for heightened summer travel and special events.

The airport plans to release more details soon about its security plan ahead of the World Cup and urged travelers to allow extra time as they navigate the updated traffic patterns.

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 Reeves Jackson

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    ATHENS, Georgia (WXIA) — The University of Georgia Athletic Association has received the largest philanthropic commitment in its history after UGA graduate and Adam Wexler donated $10 million to the school’s men’s basketball program.

University officials announced the historic contribution this week, saying the gift will help fund personnel, operations and future growth for Georgia basketball.

Wexler, the founder of PrizePicks, is a University of Georgia alumnus and one of the most prominent business figures connected to the school in recent years.

The university said the donation represents a landmark moment for the athletic department as Georgia looks to continue investing in and expanding its basketball program within the Southeastern Conference.

School officials did not immediately release details on how the funding will be distributed, but said the investment is expected to support both immediate needs and long-term development for the program.

The contribution surpasses previous athletic donations to the university and sets a new benchmark for philanthropic giving within the UGA Athletic Association.

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 John Dodge

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    ATHENS, Georgia (WXIA) — A trash truck fire sparked by improperly discarded batteries forced sanitation workers to dump a full load of garbage in a residential neighborhood, highlighting ongoing safety concerns for waste crews and the public.

Officials said the fire broke out while crews were on their collection route, requiring the driver to immediately unload the truck’s contents to access and extinguish the flames. The incident occurred in the Country Club Estates area.

No injuries were reported, and crews later returned to clean up the debris.

Waste management officials say the fire was caused by batteries improperly discarded — a growing issue that has led to multiple fires in garbage trucks across the country in recent years.

“These fires put our drivers, first responders, and the public at risk,” officials said in a statement, urging residents to take proper precautions when disposing of batteries.

Authorities stress that batteries must be removed from devices and taken to designated recycling locations rather than placed in household trash. Improper disposal can lead to fires that damage equipment and endanger lives.

Free battery recycling is available at several locations in Athens-Clarke County, including the CHaRM facility on College Avenue, the Solid Waste Department on Hancock Industrial Way, the county landfill on Lexington Road, and fire stations on Cleveland Road, Danielsville Road, and Jefferson Road.

Officials warn that a single mistake can have serious consequences and are urging residents to follow proper disposal guidelines.

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 Jesse Zanger, Andrew Ramos

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    STATEN ISLAND, New York (WCBS) — One person died and over 30 people, mostly members of the New York City Fire Department, were hurt in an explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard Friday.

The person who died was a civilian, according to officials. One other civilian was injured, along with at least 34 FDNY members, including a fire marshal who was critically hurt and a firefighter who was seriously hurt, officials said.

All of the victims were rushed to area hospitals.

The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time in the basement of a metal structure in the rear of a shipping dock, which is located on Richmond Terrace between Lockman and Andros avenues, FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said.

Bonsignore said responding crews were met with limited visibility and heavy smoke, and they were told two workers were trapped in the basement.

“Confined spaces are very dangerous operations for any rescuers,” FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito said.

The fire quickly grew to two alarms, and an explosion rang out shortly after emergency responders arrived.

“I was coming down Richmond Terrace towards my house, and as I was driving close to this area right here, I heard an explosion, and I kind of jumped,” one area resident said. “I didn’t see any fire, but I did hear the explosion.”

“We had firefighters inside conducting searches and on top of the barge and adjacent to the barge,” Esposito said. “We had several that were injured.”

After the explosion, one civilian was found dead at the scene, officials said.

The fire was brought under control around 7:20 p.m. Over 200 first responders were sent to scene.

The cause of the fire and explosion are unknown at this time.

The fire marshal suffered head trauma, including a small fracture and a brain bleed, officials said. As of Friday evening, he was intubated in the hospital.

One firefighter arrived at the hospital in serious condition, but officials said he was doing “very well” Friday evening and is being observed to make certain there is no muscle injury.

“They’re suffering from something that is silent, which is a blast energy. In a confined space, that energy hits you and can penetrate organs,” a doctor said. “Thankfully, both of these firefighters do not have penetrating injuries, and they do not have blast injury damage to their organs, to their heart, lungs or abdomen.”

“Let’s stick together. Let’s keep these folks in our prayers. Let’s make sure that this can’t happen again,” Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said at a press conference Friday evening. “But let us know one thing – that this fire department and New York City EMS, there is nobody better, and let’s pray that these men walk out of [the hospital] on their own two feet in the not-too-distant future.”

“Praying for everyone injured in today’s Staten Island shipyard explosion, including the FDNY firefighters who rushed toward danger to save lives. State agencies are coordinating with city officials as investigators work to determine the cause,” Gov. Kathy Hochul wrote in a post on X.

The civilian who died has not yet been identified. A second civilian suffered serious injuries.

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By WLKY News Staff

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    FORT WAYNE, Indiana (WLKY) — An Indiana woman is speaking out after her mother died following a fight inside a restaurant.

Investigators say 75-year-old Anita Grayson got into a fight with a teenage worker at the Tim Hortons in Fort Wayne.

A shift lead then stepped in and told Grayson to leave, which is when a fight broke out.

Video provided by Fort Wayne police shows Grayson sitting down then collapsing in the store.

She was rushed to the hospital, where she died.

Family and supporters gathered for a protest, accusing the city of editing the video and not being transparent.

“I want justice for my mom. Y’all cannot deny it. That everybody that seen what happened to her. Is that how we treat the elderly people in the community?” said Tawnda Grayson, Anita’s daughter.

Police say the incident is still under investigation.

The coroner has not yet determined her cause of death.

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By Kelly Kendall

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    WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (WXII) — As warmer months bring increased wildlife activity in North Carolina, experts are sharing advice on how to safely handle encounters with local animals.

“For a lot of wild animals, this is breeding season,” Wildlife extension biologist Falyn Owens said.

“The mamas are out looking for food, and the babies are getting ready to leave the nest,” Davie County Animal Services director Lisa Nielsen said.

Residents may encounter animals such as cats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons more frequently during this time of year. Experts say it’s important to watch out for these mammals because they can transmit rabies to humans.

“The main rabies vector in North Carolina are raccoons,” Nielsen said.

Owens and Nielsen say it’s not unusual to see animals thought of as nocturnal during the day this time of year. However, people should watch for signs of strange behavior, including stumbling, drooling, aggression, or symptoms of brain damage such as seizures or paralysis.

“That is definitely an animal that you want to stay away from and potentially get help,” Owens said.

“If you’ve been bitten, try to keep eyes on the animal, because that way we can quarantine it for the ten days and hopefully keep you from needing rabies vaccines,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen says rabies vaccines can be expensive, but those who can’t afford them can apply for financial assistance through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

She added that the best way to prevent rabies from spreading is by vaccinating your pets.

Nielsen also emphasized the dangers of ticks, calling them “the scariest animal out in the woods.”

She recommended checking yourself and your clothes for ticks after spending time outdoors and using tick repellent beforehand.

“The repellent sprays are very effective,” she said. “And as long as you remove the tick within 24 hours, then it’s very unlikely that any diseases would be spread,” Nielsen said.

For snakes, the advice is simple: leave them alone.

“They’re secretive. They want to be left alone,” Owens. “And if you see any kind of snake, regardless of which kind it is, if you leave it alone, it’s going to leave you alone.”

Owens recommends being cautious around areas where snakes could be hiding, such as log piles, garden pots, piles of bricks or sticks, etc.

Owens says people may also come across more baby animals this time of year, such as newborn deer, bird fledglings, juvenile bunnies, and more.

“If you see a young animal that looks like it might be orphaned or abandoned, don’t assume that because the parents are not necessarily nearby all the time,” Owens said. “And if you try to help by picking it up or taking it inside, you could actually do harm, so always contact a wildlife professional before you try to intervene if you find a baby wild animal.”

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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    DELTONA, Florida (WESH) — Sharon Wyker is a 77-year-old woman in Deltona battling a rare infectious disease called Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) and doctors have only given her three months to live. With the help of her family, she’s now on a mission to plan an elaborate and very detailed celebration of life for herself.

“A flash mob. A video of me talking to them. One thousand people. I’m going to count,” Sharon said.

Her appetite for life has not slowed down.

Despite her diagnosis in 2014, Sharon was able to overcome the infection with antibiotics. However, the infection returned in 2021 and again this year.

This time, her body can’t handle the antibiotics.

“I’ve traveled to 22 countries, 20 states. I’m an adventurer. I’m a wonderer,” Wyker said.

Under the microscope, MAC looks like tuberculosis. However, it is slow moving and non-contagious. The disease is more common in people with underlying health conditions.

Dr. Jason Sniffen, an infectious disease specialist, says the bacteria lurks in everyday places including soil and water.

“They are waterborne, so exposure to things like a shower head, spas, hot tubs, even if these facilities are properly maintained,” Dr. Sniffen said.

Sharon worked in the mortgage industry and later as a toll collector, but her real passion is art.

“Then I went to college and learned in order to be famous, you have to be dead. All famous artists are dead. I was like, ‘Oh no, no, no,’” she said.

Sharon has hundreds of paintings and shares them with her followers.

While she may not be famous for now, she hopes people will remember her words of wisdom.

“If you are a dreamer of something that you are trying to get to, you have to believe your miracle and have no doubts and just keep going until you get there,” she said.

Like the stroke of her brush, she says the key to life is to, “go with the flow.”

Sharon says at the end of the video played during her funeral, she wants to sing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

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 Marshall Keely

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    BALTIMORE, Maryland (WBAL) — Four Confederate statues decommissioned nine years ago are being returned to Baltimore after spending months on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, sparking renewed debate about their future.

The statues, which include “Soldiers and Sailors,” “The Confederate Women of America,” “The Lee and Jackson Double Equestrian,” and the Roger B. Taney statue, were part of an exhibit called “Monuments.”

The exhibit examined the movements that led to the removal of Confederate symbols from public spaces nationwide over the past decade. The exhibit ended earlier this month, leaving questions about where the statues will go next.

“As a Black man, you can’t help but think about slavery and the whole Civil War and the ongoing oppression,” one resident said in response to the statues’ return.

“I don’t like that they’re coming back,” said Eve Addison of Baltimore. “I don’t think that they should be back.”

Addison suggested the statues could be placed in a museum rather than in public spaces.

“Maybe a museum just so that we can see where we’ve come from as a society, but not like out in the world where they can just be encountered,” she said.

Scott Ryan, another community member, disagrees.

“They should not be put back on display in the public as public art. Personally, I think they should be melted down and that we put the last remnants of the Confederacy to bed,” Ryan said.

Ryan raised concerns about the cost of maintaining the statues, which were displayed in their current conditions, some still covered in paint from protests.

“Especially metals like this, like most of them are, have their own conservation issues that cost money,” he said. “You need a full-time staff to take care of these things, and I don’t think money should go into it, personally.”

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott addressed the statues’ return during a press conference Wednesday, reiterating his previous stance that he would prefer the monuments be melted down.

“I think you know the answer to that. Yes,” Scott said when asked if he stood by his earlier comments.

Addison supported the mayor’s position, saying, “I’d be fine with that. Works for me.”

Another resident added, “I don’t see any reason for them to have been up initially, let alone see them now.”

City leaders have not provided a timeline for the statues’ return or detailed plans for their future. The mayor’s office released a statement saying it is staying informed as city agencies identify next steps for the monuments once they arrive in Baltimore.

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 Robert Boyd

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    DUNEDIN, Florida (WFTS) — When it comes to your average playground equipment, sometimes a regular slide or swing set just isn’t good enough for families living with Neurodiversity.

So, one Palm Harbor family decided to create their own playground, and now they are sharing it with the entire community.

“We’ve been doing down syndrome meet-up groups for two years, and through those meet-ups, it was really hard to find a space where we could let our kids play, where it was safe and inclusive,” said mother Christine Rittenhouse.

Rittenhouse decided: why not design her own playground, meant just for kids like her daughter, Scarlette? It’s called Little Victories Sensory Gym.

“Raising a child with special needs you celebrate those little victories, they mean so much more, because it’s harder for them to come to those victories,” said Rittenhouse.

Some of the specialized equipment includes a sensory swing, roller slide, and platform swing.

“It’s a little bit different than your typical swing that you would see at a park, where it’s hot and it’s hard,” said Rittenhouse about the platform swing. “This is actually really soft and calming, and offers a repetitive swinging, just like you do normally, but kids can lay on their belly, or on their back, or sit crisscross.”

Over the past year, Little Victories has traveled to churches, community centers, and libraries across North Pinellas County, like their latest visit to Coastal Christian Church in Dunedin.

Mother Kayleigh Zahn said she doesn’t know who benefits more, her or her daughter Summer.

“The equipment is great because it keeps the kids running around and playing, and then you can actually talk with the other parents and get information,” said Zahn.

Christine said she hopes to be a voice in the community for all families out there living with Neurodiversity.

“There’s a lot of special needs families that don’t feel like they belong,” said Rittenhouse. “The kids belong in a place where they can be themselves and have play equipment that can help them grow and build their confidence. And there is just not a lot of accessibility for that, so it’s just super important for us to help provide that.”

Little Victories Sensory Gym is also collecting special-needs-related equipment for at-home use, which will be distributed to families in need later this summer.

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By Logan Hall

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    EVERETT, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Nine students were taken to the hospital as a precaution after a car struck a school bus in Everett, Massachusetts on Thursday afternoon. Surveillance video shows the moment the BMW collided with the school bus full of children at the intersection of Broadway and Langdon Streets.

There were 11 elementary and middle school students, a bus driver and a monitor on board the bus at the time. Nine students were transported to the hospital from the scene, and two were released to their parents. One of the students was taken to the hospital by a parent.

All the students’ injuries are not life threatening and they are expected to be OK. They all attend the Devens School in Everett, a therapeutic day school for students eligible for special education.

Everett Public School Superintendent Bill Hart said it appears the bus driver was following all the traffic laws. The crash forced the bus into a city owned light pole at the corner of Langdon and Broadway, according to Hart.

“The bus was making a left-hand turn from Broadway into Langdon Street,” said Hart. “It was legal, it was correct, it was observing all, from what I could see, all appropriate signage when a vehicle on the inside lane of a two-lane main throughfare came on up on the right hand side and hit the back end of the bus.”

The BMW involved in the crash had significant front-end damage. Everett Police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

No other information has been released.

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.