Category: CNN Regional

By Jonathan Raymond (11Alive), Alvieann Chandler, Reeves Jackson

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    COBB COUNTY, Georgia (WXIA) — Officials in Cobb County came forward Monday to address a case about a man’s death that has generated concern on social media and in the community.

A young Black man, 21-year-old Kyle Bassinga, was discovered last week dead at Fair Oaks Park; Chairwoman Cupid said Monday he was found “in a horrific manner, hanging from a tree.” The death has been ruled a suicide, and both Cobb Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and Cobb Police Chief Dan Ferrell reiterated that finding in a press conference.

But they also promised transparency and more information from the case forthcoming, as soon as they are able to meet with Bassinga’s family to first give them a private case overview. They said there’s been a delay in that so far because a family member of Bassinga’s has had to travel in from out of the country.

Speaking of Bassinga’s death and the circumstances in which he was found, Chairwoman Cupid said “this is a violent manner that has caused many to think of the days of slavery and of Jim Crow, and this type of violence shown toward African Americans, particularly men, during that historical time has caused many to respond to what is occurring with great disbelief.”

She said she wanted to “say that I hear you, I understand, and we are sensitive to that here in this county.”

“We want to see the truth of the matter first for the family, who is deserving of understand that as they go through their own grief at this time, but it’s also important for our community to know the truth,” Cupid said. “But I don’t want us to lose the thought that it’s also important to our men and women in law enforcement for them to be able to identify and convey the truth.”

Chief Ferrell said that from the evidence collected to this point, there are “no indicators that another person was involved in this incident.” He said, however, the investigation remains active “and we will continue to evaluate all the evidence thoroughly.”

Ferrell said that evidence will include videos, phone data, witnesses and additional physical evidence from the scene “that has not been shared up to this point because we have not had time to sit down with the family and talk to them about that.”

He estimated a meeting with the family can happen now in the next day or so.

Last week, family members who spoke to 11Alive confirmed Bassinga was the individual found dead on February 18 at Fair Oaks Park. He had been reported missing on February 15.

The discovery of Bassinga, in the deeply unsettling manner he was found, led to a number of social media posts and community members expressing skepticism that there would not have been foul play involved. One resident told 11Alive’s Sefenech Henok “do I believe throughout the history of this country that that young Black man did that to himself? I’m going to say no.”

The family at that time said “online speculation is the least of our worries.”

“We are focused on burying our son and am happy to have found him,” the family said last week.

Chief Ferrell meanwhile stressed Monday there investigation has not uncovered “one piece of evidence so far that would indicate anyone else was there” when Bassinga died.

“I do understand when information is limited that speculation grows, the social media commentary can certainly amplify the uncertainty, but our responsibility is not really to respond to speculation, it’s to follow the evidence and communicate and verify facts,” the chief said.

But he added he understood that “this case has created an emotional response, I recognize the historical sensitivities surrounding circumstances like this and I do not dismiss the weight that carries — the concerns being expressed in our community are real and I know they deserve to be acknowledged.”

Chairwoman Cupid said she appreciates “the heart that our community has, not only as a chairwoman but being a mom of two young Black men.”

“We appreciate that heart and concern,” she said. “I’m asking for them to also appreciate the process that our men and women in law enforcement need to have to be able to bring clarity to everyone with respect to this, I know that they are doing this with a great deal of thoughtfulness and sensitivity.”

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 Chris Hoffman

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Unrest in Mexico between the government and the cartels has led to dozens of deaths. For travelers, many flights are now being canceled in and out of Mexico.

Travel agencies said that in the last year or so, there has been apprehension about traveling to Mexico. News like this isn’t going to help the situation.

According to the U.S. Department of State, people are advised to exercise caution in Mexico. It’s recommended for any international traveler to have an agent.

“(Someone) who stays abreast of all of these situations and can help you monitor to see whether it’s safe to go through with your trip or whether you might want to think about going somewhere else,” AAA East Central spokesperson Lynda Lambert said.

Shadyside Travel says they booked a trip for someone on Monday morning. The agency said Cancun is popular and there are ways to be safe and still have a good time. It’s advised to go to all-inclusive resorts and to not leave them at night.

“If they want to go out during the daytime and shop or sightsee, we recommend doing that on a group-organized tour,” Shadyside Travel’s Joe Weigler said.

If you have booked a trip and you are now changing your mind, it will cost you if you don’t have travel insurance.

“Which is why we always recommend taking trip cancellation insurance,” Weigler said.

AAA said the State Department has a state traveler enrollment program. It allows the country to know where you will be and when you will be there.

“And they will keep you informed of any pertinent information you need to know in that country or in that area of the world,” Lambert said over Zoom.

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 Shelley Bortz

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    EIGHTY FOUR, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — A man is set to face charges after two dogs were tied to the front door of the Washington Area Humane Society.

The shelter’s camera captured a vehicle pulling into its lot. Two men got out of the vehicle, but one man tied the dogs’ leashes to the front entrance before driving away.

Investigators said for nearly 60 minutes, the dogs stood outside the door, exposed to the cold, without food and water.

”Some people are under the impression that they’re doing the right thing by bringing them here to the shelter, but unfortunately, it’s still a violation of PA state law. That is still abandonment,” said Gretchen Grasser, an officer with the Washington Area Humane Society.

Both dogs eventually chewed themselves free. They were found along Lynwood Avenue in Eighty Four, about a half mile away from the shelter.

“Those dogs were found on a road in the area,” Grasser said. “I believe they were found within a half-hour, forty-five minutes of them breaking loose, so that was good and they are now here with us.”

Shelter officials say both dogs appear healthy and in good spirits. One of the men seen in the security footage turned himself in. Charges are pending.

“He did the right thing and called in and identified himself to us, but it was explained to him that you broke the law,” Grasser said. “That’s not something we’re going to tolerate happening here.”

Grasser added that if a pet owner can no longer care for their animal, there are legal and safe ways to surrender them.

“Obviously, contact a shelter,” Grasser said. “You want to speak to staff, make sure we have room to take that animal. And if we don’t have the ability to help you at the time, staff is going to direct you to different routes you can take.”

Both dogs are being evaluated and cared for at the shelter until they’re available for adoption.

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 Dave Carlin

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — New York City firefighters were out in force on Monday clearing downed trees in the streets, including one that fell near a convent on Manhattan’s West Side.

A group of nuns showed them the utmost gratitude.

Chainsaws and hatchets were used to remove two trees from one block of 51st Street in Hell’s Kitchen. The first snow-laden one, which was more than 30 feet tall, crashed onto the street Monday morning. Security video shows a nearby adult and child barely escaped unharmed.

At the convent of the Sisters of Life, the gratitude was so strong, the nuns took to the sidewalk with food and drinks for the firefighters of the FDNY’s Ladder 4.

One nun told CBS News New York that kind of kindness brings out the best in people.

“I think that was really sweet for the nuns to come out and offer them a hot beverage or to show their appreciation, of course,” one passerby said.

Firefighters did not want to be interviewed on camera, but said it was the first tree removal of the day and would probably not be the last.

Sure enough, just a few hours later on the same block, but closer to Ninth Avenue, a second tree came down, crushing the awning of Flex Bar.

On a ladder removing snow from the awning at the time was bar manager Giovanni Craybel, who escaped unharmed.

“I literally feel like I just cheated death,” Craybel said, later adding if he was sure he was OK, “No, I’m fine. I’m fine.”

“Always we need to be careful, especially in this weather,” Hell’s Kitchen resident Elvin Nieto said.

It was a block full of thankful residents, with many saying they feel blessed to have tireless firefighters around when they need them most.

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 Mahsa Saeidi

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — One year after a CBS News New York investigation looked into a local solar installer, New York City has filed what it calls a landmark lawsuit against Radiant Solar and its owner, William James Bushell.

Investigative reporter Mahsa Saeidi has more on what the case could mean for the hundreds of homeowners who claim they were misled.

The city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, or DCWP, alleges clients were steered into expensive solar deals that didn’t deliver promised savings.

“We know that CBS has done really groundbreaking work in identifying this fraud and bringing it to the department’s attention. When I came into this job, one of the commitments I made to the mayor and the people of the city is that we were going to take companies to court if they were ripping off New Yorkers. That’s exactly what we’re doing with Radiant Solar,” DCWP Commissioner Samuel Levine said. “We’ve identified several hundred victims of the scheme. We think there might be more out there.”

Levine said the case aims to get money back to victims. Those already locked in loans are wondering if they will be canceled, and, if so, when.

Saeidi went to the listed address for Bushell, but no one answered the door. In 2024, the owner of Radiant Solar’s then-attorney accused one homeowner of “peddling his lies to CBS.” However, his new attorney, Andrew Lustigman, has taken a different tone.

“While our clients take the allegations seriously, they dispute the allegations, many of which are from years ago,” Lustigman said. “While no longer in operation, Radiant Solar served its customers throughout New York City guided by a commitment to quality, transparency, and consumer protection. It utilized licensed and trained professionals and provided clear disclosures about performance, financing, and warranties. When issues arose, it worked to make things right for its customers. Unfortunately, the repeal of federal tax credits for solar installations made continuing the business unsustainable.

“While our clients remain committed to vigorously defending against the allegations, they are equally committed to continuing to cooperate with DCWP to address any concerns. Out of respect for the legal process, however, we will not comment further on the specifics of pending litigation at this time,” Lustigman added.

Most people don’t climb onto the roof as panels are being installed, but Arthur Klein did. A Queens homeowner with decades in construction, Klein watched the crew from Radiant Solar work on his house in 2021 and realized something was wrong.

“Southern exposure is where we get the most sunlight, and I point out that he’s setting up the panels in the wrong direction,” Klein said. “It really got me upset.”

Klein said he made the workers redo the work, which led to extra holes in his roof.

For other clients, problems surfaced after the crew left.

“It started by a drip, and the sheetrock start coming down,” Bronx homeowner Erold Williams said.

In 2024, Williams told CBS News New York the company drilled into his roof after he said he asked them not to. Williams said his ceiling collapsed, and he was on the hook for repairs.

“I live on a fixed income,” Williams said.

Williams’ case is now part of something much bigger. Saeidi recently went back to his home and spoke with his son, Ian, who discussed the toll the situation has taken on his family.

“Okay, for one thing, my father’s ill,” Ian Williams said. “This bill is like accruing interest against him. His credit rating has fallen from 800 to 600.”

The family is not paying the solar loan. Ian Williams said they were promised “We’d be paying a zero electrical bill.”

Instead, they say their electric bill is several hundred dollars per month.

Brooklyn resident Lorna Wynter, another Radiant Solar customer, said the same thing.

“That’s $900 worth of electric in two months and I have solar panels,” Wynter said.

She also claims she received a solar loan she wasn’t aware of.

“There was no discussion about me paying for any solar panels. I wasn’t aware that I was getting a loan until I got the welcome letter,” Wynter said. “I’m hoping for some relief. I’m hoping [for] some answers.”

Today, Klein’s electric bill is close to zero, but only because he says he has the expertise to catch and correct mistakes, himself.

“They now have this added burden of paying for something that doesn’t work and it’s heartbreaking,” Klein said. “People on a fixed income, this is … this is … it’s life-changing.”

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 Larry Seward

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — A South Florida couple said a fender bender crash almost ripped away their fully covered car. Consumer advocates said what happened is an auto insurance pitfall that could cost you if you’re not prepared.

Patricia Haddon and Barry Rebo are retired, in their 70s, and struggled to turn the page on a collision with their insurance company over a punctured tire, bumper damage, and pressure to give up Rebo’s 2007 Lexus SC 430, a hardtop convertible.

“We really felt like we were bullied into options that were not real options, ignoring our requests for estimates, excetera,” Haddon said.

One day after Thanksgiving, Rebo crashed his Lexus on Interstate 95. However, he could still drive it if not for a flat front tire. So, he and his wife called their auto insurance provider, State Farm. The couple has full coverage and pays premiums on time, Haddon and Rebo said.

They did not expect what happened after calling the insurance company to file a claim.

“No one was returning our calls, and then when we finally got a hold of somebody, they were from the total loss department,” Haddon said. “She told us (the Lexus) was a total loss.”

That declaration was a red flag signaling trouble to Haddon.

“A State Farm representative said that they sent (the Lexus) to the body shop and that the body mechanic himself was the one who determined it was a total loss. (Later) A State Farm supervisor confirmed that the agent who told us that was the party who determined it was a total loss.”

The agent informed the couple that the repairs would exceed the car’s value, estimating costs at over $12,000, according to Haddon.

“We asked for an explanation and to see the paperwork supporting the total loss determination, but the agent became confused and increasingly aggressive. When she realized we would not accept the decision, she threatened to end the call. Despite repeatedly requesting a second estimate, State Farm ignored our appeals and continued to email us that the car was totaled.”

Under Florida law, vehicle owners must surrender the title of any car, truck, or SUV deemed a total loss within 72 hours. However, owners or insurance companies can purchase a salvage title, keep the vehicle, and resell it—with restrictions on salvage title sales.

CBS News Miami asked State Farm for an explanation on Rebo’s case.

“Due to our customer privacy policy, we cannot discuss claim specifics,” a State Farm spokesperson said in an email to CBS News Miami.

The spokesperson added that the company would review the situation and provide appropriate assistance.

The Consumer Federation of America advocates for better protection for auto insurance consumers.

“If you’re dealing with an older car that’s been in a minor crash, try to get an independent adjuster or auto body shop to assess the damage,” said Michael Delong of the Consumer Federation of America. “Insurance companies often direct customers to their own preferred shops, which may be biased. Don’t just take the insurance company’s word for it.”

Haddon, a retired psychotherapist familiar with managing insurance claims, kept a binder full of receipts, emails, texts, and logs of phone conversations with State Farm agents.

Three months after the crash, State Farm finally agreed to an independent inspection, Haddon said. The new estimate came in at under $7,000.

“It feels like a win,” Haddon said, “but it was a battle we shouldn’t have had to fight.”

Delong agrees. He also warned that pushing back against your auto insurance company will not always work.

“If you push back against the insurance company, they may dig in their heels,” Delong warned. “They might drag out the process, hoping you’ll get discouraged and give up. Or they may propose going to court if no agreement is reached.”

The Consumer Federation of America offers tips to save money on auto insurance.

If you believe your insurance company is treating you unfairly, file a complaint with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

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 Leondra Head

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Six years after 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed while jogging in a Brunswick, Georgia, neighborhood, supporters gathered on the Atlanta BeltLine to honor his life with a run in his memory.

Arbery was killed on Feb. 23, 2020, after three white men told police they suspected him of burglary and pursued him in their trucks before fatally shooting him. Arbery was unarmed.

On Sunday, the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation partnered with the South Fulton Running Partners for a 2.2-mile run along the BeltLine — a symbolic distance representing the day of his death, Feb. 23. The Atlanta event coincided with runs held in Brunswick, where Arbery lived.

For many participants, the tragedy remains personal.

“When Ahmaud Arbery was killed, it hit close to home,” said Michael Coerber, who ran alongside his teenage son. “As a runner myself and a father of a son who’s African American, I realized the things he would be dealing with in life.”

This marked the third year Coerber’s son has taken part in the Atlanta tribute run.

“It is such a horrendous thing that happened,” said Caleb Coerber. “The fact that she had to go through the horrible thing of losing her son, I feel for Ms. Wanda. It’s a very tragic event.”

The run is now in its fifth year, organized in part by the South Fulton Running Partners, a social running club that has honored Arbery annually since 2020.

“We all run in different neighborhoods and different places,” said J.R. Hughes of the South Fulton Running Club. “The tragedy hit us because that could have been anyone of us.”

Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said her son loved running and often jogged through his neighborhood.

“It’s very important we remind people of the tragedy that happened,” she said.

She described her son as “a happy kid” who enjoyed lifting weights and taking pride in his appearance. “He ran almost every day,” Cooper-Jones said.

Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael were both sentenced to life in prison in connection to Arbery’s killing. William “Roddie” Bryan, who recorded the fatal encounter, was sentenced to 35 years on federal hate crime charges.

“I will be forever grateful for those convictions,” Cooper-Jones said. “But those convictions did not bring Ahmaud home” .

Arbery’s death drew national attention and became part of a broader reckoning over racial justice in 2020. Months after his murder, Georgia lawmakers repealed the state’s citizen’s arrest law.

Six years later, runners on the BeltLine say continuing to lace up in Arbery’s name ensures his life — and the lessons from his death — are not forgotten.

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 Michelle Jarboe

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    BROOKLYN, Ohio (WEWS) — Until last summer, Linda Pietrasz had no clue that Ohio was holding money with her name on it – a life-insurance check that’s been sitting for 35 years, since her husband died.

She found out about the cash after state lawmakers decided to tap unclaimed funds to help pay for pro-sports facilities, starting with a new suburban stadium for the Cleveland Browns. And she’s feeling more urgency as other sports franchises turn to the same well.

Ohio’s budget office solicited grant applications from teams in January, despite an ongoing legal fight over the state’s move to grab unclaimed funds – money the state’s been holding on behalf of individuals, businesses, nonprofits and even public entities.

This week, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Guardians confirmed that they both applied for state grants, with hopes of landing money for repairs at Rocket Arena and Progressive Field. The Cavs are seeking $40 million toward $161 million worth of work. The Guardians want $65 million toward $259 million in projects.

Pietrasz has strong feelings about all of that.

“I think it’s terrible,” she said Friday afternoon. “It’s not their money.”

Linda Pietrasz only found out last summer that she has unclaimed funds – money from a life-insurance policy from her husband, who died in 1991. Gary Abrahamsen/News 5 Linda Pietrasz only found out last summer that she has unclaimed funds – money from a life-insurance policy from her husband, who died in 1991. At 72, she doesn’t have a computer, Internet access or a car. She called News 5 for help submitting documents online to support her claim for that old insurance payout.

“The process, to me, is too complicated,” she said, running through a checklist of documents that the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds requires.

“I found out the stuff that I had to get, and it was basically everything,” she said.

Pietrasz didn’t know that her husband, who was only 40 when he died in 1991, had a life insurance policy. She found out in July, when her son searched the state’s unclaimed-funds database and discovered the misplaced money.

She managed to file an initial claim but couldn’t scan and upload any supporting documents. Pietrasz doesn’t have a way to make copies. And she didn’t want to send the original documents to the state by mail, and risk losing them.

“I’ve got my marriage certificate, his autopsy report, date of death,” she said.

Here’s the backstory Records show Ohio has been holding the money since 2011, when John Hancock Life Insurance Company turned it over to the state. It’s part of a roughly $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion bucket of unclaimed funds the state’s been sitting on for a decade or longer.

The General Assembly directed state officials to pull that long-held money out of the unclaimed funds trust and convert it to state property, starting Jan. 1. Lawmakers earmarked $1 billion for grants for sports and cultural facilities, with the first $600 million going to the new $2.4 billion Browns stadium in Brook Park.

And for the first time, lawmakers set a clock on how long people are allowed to file claims. Going forward, the money will become Ohio’s property 10 years after the state accepts the unclaimed funds from the original holders, including banks, insurers and utility companies.

The General Assembly created a grace period to give people whose funds get taken another chance to file claims. That reimbursement window runs through Jan. 1, 2036.

Ohioans with unclaimed funds sued last year. They argue the state’s new approach is an unconstitutional taking of private property. Lawyers for the state, meanwhile, say Ohio is on firm legal ground – and that owners have had ample time to claim their money.

In December, a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge temporarily blocked the state from taking that first tranche of misplaced money. That temporary restraining order is still in place. The court is considering whether to impose a longer-term hold while the legal battle plays out. A decision on a preliminary injunction is expected 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 Emily McLeod

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    SMYRNA, Georgia (WUPA) — What started with an application to volunteer with Fulton County Animal Services turned into thousands of lives saved.

In 2014, Jennifer Siegel stopped by Fulton County Animal Services to volunteer and ended up leaving as a foster parent.

Bosley, the 3-week-old puppy she fostered, became the inspiration for Bosley’s Place in Smyrna. The nonprofit is an animal rescue that provides bottle feeding and 24-hour care for orphaned or homeless neonatal puppies.

“Usually, their worst day is also their best day because they get to join the rescue when it’s all over, from their happiness forever,” Siegel said.

Three weeks after Bosley was born, he was found abandoned at Grant Park in a trash can.

He ended up at Fulton County Animal Services just before Siegel walked in.

“I just happened to be in the right place, wrong time, wrong place, right time?” Siegel said. “I’m not really sure, but it was also timing for me. Like, everything aligned, and I started this rescue because once I realized that I could save a life, I was like, I think I’m addicted.”

It was that moment, that right place at the right time, that led Siegel to create Bosley’s Place.

The rescue provides puppies with comprehensive medical care, around-the-clock care, and bottle feeding.

“It is very unusual for a rescue to do as much in-house vetting as we do,” Siegel said. “But the truth is, it’s necessary when you know, to vet a single puppy could, you know, from birth till adopted, and that includes surgery, it could be $1,000. I can cover the majority of those costs here in-house. Which helps a great deal.”

Siegel and her team of trained volunteers will also foster the puppies themselves — just like Mateo.

She said Mateo came in as just skin and bones. He had a parasite that made him appear to be blind and deaf.

His foster parent and Bosley’s Place volunteer, Tori Paquin, said that by the first week, he started to look like a different dog.

“His hip bones were starting to disappear, his tail looked like a skeleton, and it started to get some cushioning, his hair started to grow back, and he just started to be interested in all of the puppy things again,” Paquin said.

The puppies are ready for adoption at 8 weeks old, and prospective adopters undergo an in-depth screening process.

In fact, some families will adopt more than one puppy from Bosley’s place.

“We love their mission,” said Kyle Isaacs. “We track their dogs pretty much year-round at this point. And, yeah, we just decided that it was time to add to the family again.”

Tejal Shah and her family are also adopting their second puppy from Bosley’s Place. They stopped by to introduce Bruno to his new “partner-in-crime.”

“I was the most excited to see Bruno’s interaction with the little guy,” Shah said. “And he seems to love him. It’s so cool. Bruno needs a friend.”

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.