Author: CNN Newsource

By Victor Jacobo, Asal Rezaei

Click here for updates on this story

    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Cold temperatures and concerns about the ongoing federal immigration crackdown in the Chicago area did not stop thousands of Catholics, mostly Latinos, from making the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Thursday in Des Plaines.

Thursday was the start of the two-day celebration of the Virgin Mary, and the pilgrimage to Des Plaines is the largest celebration to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe in the United States.

Thousands of believers braved the cold to leave flowers, light candles, pray, and sing at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This year’s pilgrimage was a first for Carol Lopez and her daughter, Marina.

“I love her, I love the Virgen de Guadalupe,” Lopez said. “We’re really believers, because my grandma and grandpa used to teach us how to pray, and I just love her.”

Lopez said being at the shrine brings back a lot of those childhood memories.

“They had a big statue of her in their bedroom. He had, like, a shrine of her, and I just love her,” she said.

The pilgrimage has been a tradition in Des Plaines since 2014, but the history of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe dates back to 1531, when Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared before Saint Juan Diego in Mexico, leaving an image of herself on his cloak.

Lopez’s daughter, Marina, said everyone coming to the shrine deserves to feel safe.

“We were afraid that ICE was going to be here, actually. So that’s kind of scary to know that all these people are risking themselves right now to come visit her,” Marina said.

Arcelia Maya and Noelia Vargas have made the pilgrimage to Des Plaines for several years. They said the event, which is normally packed, felt less so this year.

Vargas said some who normally make the trip have said they’re staying home this year, that they’re scared about the federal immigration crackdown.

Many visitors said there’s been a growing fear that federal agents could show up in Des Plaines.

“It’s very sad, but I think that also affected a lot of people coming, and that’s why they’re mostly watching it through the TV and just celebrating at home in the way they can,” said Ashley Ramirez, of Chicago.

Despite challenges and hardships both personally and in her community, Ramirez said she came out to express gratitude.

“I’m just very thankful for the blessings that we’ve had over the year,” she said.

But after months of heavy immigration enforcement in the Chicago area, her thoughts and prayers also ask for change.

“With everything going on with ICE, I think I’m very thankful that my mom is still with me. But at the same time, I’m hoping for things to get better, and praying that things with ICE and everything calm down so we can live again like we once did, and we don’t have to live in fear,” she said.

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE does not target churches or places of worship.

Meantime, the two-day celebration continues on Friday for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Ross DiMattei, Tom Gardiner

Click here for updates on this story

    Philadelphia (KYW) — After debate over whether Philadelphia should swap the original Rocky statue with a replica, Sylvester Stallone himself is now changing course.

A surprise twist came out of a Philadelphia Art Commission meeting Wednesday morning in the ongoing Rocky statue saga. After plans surfaced to swap out the original sculpture at the base of the Art Museum steps, Rocky himself had a change of heart.

City officials revealed they met with Stallone and said, based on “strong and heartfelt feedback from the public, Mr. Stallone has graciously decided that we will no longer move forward with the proposed statue swap.”

“I’m sorry, Sly, man, you gave it to the city,” Lars Jacoby said. “You should leave it in the city.”

It was the type of public pressure that led Stallone to rescind his request that the original Rocky statue be returned to his possession and replaced by the replica at the top of the steps. Stallone lent a replica to the city last year for the first-ever Rocky Fest.

“I’m pretty sure Sly didn’t pay for the original out of his pocket,” Jacoby said. “He should just leave it here. I love you, Sly, but you should leave it here, man.”

The Rocky statue made its debut on the silver screen, commissioned by Stallone, for “Rocky III.” He later donated it to the city. The statue bounced around a bit before arriving at the bottom of the Art Museum steps, where it’s welcomed about 4 million visitors per year for the past two decades.

“On the way out of town, we’re hitting the statues,” Jacoby said. “If it wasn’t here, it would be tough, man. It would’ve been a tough blow for my bucket list.”

Under the new proposal, the replica would be returned to Stallone, and the original statue would be permanently moved to the top of the steps.

The only problem? You’d have to climb the 72 steps, like Rocky, or ride up a series of long ramps to the top to see it, raising questions about accessibility.

“There’s too many stairs. It looks fantastic. It’s amazing the view for picture taking of the park, it’s nice,” Elizabeth Rivera said. “But it’s better to have it more accessible to the people here where it is right now.”

The art commission shared concerns about accessibility. The commission is asking for updated plans to include a Rocky shuttle or some type of vehicle to bring people from the bottom to the top of the steps throughout the day, before the commission fully approves the plan.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Nick Sloan

Click here for updates on this story

    KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KMBC) — A baseball field in Kansas City, Kansas, now bears the name of a fallen Wyandotte County deputy.

City leaders, members of the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office, and family members of Deputy Elijah Ming gathered Thursday afternoon at Heathwood Park to officially rename the field Deputy Elijah Ming Memorial Field.

Deputy Ming was killed on July 26 while responding to a domestic violence call.

Community members said they hope the field serves as both a place of remembrance and a lasting symbol of Ming’s service.

“It’s a special moment for the whole family, but I think it will be even more special for my son,” said Ming’s widow, Tiara Ming. “When he gets old enough to realize that park has your name on it because of your dad.”

Organizers said the dedication ensures Ming’s legacy will remain a visible part of the community he served.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Charlie Keegan

Click here for updates on this story

    KANSAS, Missouri (KSHB) — The U.S. Senate failed to pass several proposals Thursday to address the cost of premiums for people getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

A federal subsidy is set to expire at the end of the year.

Dawn Wheeler, of Edwardsville, Kansas, has cancer and relies on an Affordable Care Act plan to cover the costs of her treatment.

In 2025, she paid $69 per month for her premium. If the subsidy expires, her cost will increase to $2,300 per month.

“It’s panic time for a lot of people,” Wheeler said. “I honestly don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Two bills failed to get 60 necessary votes Thursday to pass the Senate. A third proposal from Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) also failed Thursday.

He proposed extending the subsidy for one year, then giving Americans money in Health Savings Accounts to pay for their own health insurance plans.

“It would empower patients rather than insurance companies,” Marshall said.

He blamed Democrats for preventing his bill from passing.

“I’m horribly sorry that the Democrats rejected my year-long extension,” Marshall replied when asked to give a message to Kansans like Wheeler.

“That is a bunch of ‘I’m sorry’ BS. Absolute, horrible BS,” Wheeler said after seeing Marshall’s response. “They need to do better.”

In the House of Representatives, a group of bipartisan lawmakers, including Democrat Sharice Davids, are supporting a new proposal. It would extend the subsidies for two years.

“When I’m at Price Chopper grabbing my groceries, I mean, literally every single person mentions the increasing costs of healthcare, how scared they are, how worried they are,” Davids said.

Wheeler is hopeful something will happen by the end of the year. She can’t afford health insurance without the subsidy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Austin Reed

Click here for updates on this story

    BENTON CITY, Washington (KAPP) — With heavy rain and potential flooding forecast for the Tri-Cities area this weekend, local community members are taking action to prepare and protect both people and animals.

One of the community leaders stepping up is Faith Martin, a Benton City resident and local celebrity known from the first season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.” Martin is focusing on ensuring the safety of her neighbors and their animals.

“It got kind of wild here last night,” Martin said, describing recent weather conditions.

Concerned about animals at risk, Martin shared on Facebook that her truck and trailer are hooked up and ready to help evacuate horses if needed. She encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to reach out to horse owners who have trailers, noting, “There has never been a horse I couldn’t get in a trailer in a very calm manner. Important thing too, remain calm, even if it seems like the world is coming apart. Horses sense energy, and that’s scary for them.”

With heavy rain and potential flooding forecast for the Tri-Cities area this weekend, local community members are taking action to prepare and protect both people and animals.

One of the community leaders stepping up is Faith Martin, a Benton City resident and local celebrity known from the first season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.” Martin is focusing on ensuring the safety of her neighbors and their animals.

“It got kind of wild here last night,” Martin said, describing recent weather conditions.

Concerned about animals at risk, Martin shared on Facebook that her truck and trailer are hooked up and ready to help evacuate horses if needed. She encouraged residents in flood-prone areas to reach out to horse owners who have trailers, noting, “There has never been a horse I couldn’t get in a trailer in a very calm manner. Important thing too, remain calm, even if it seems like the world is coming apart. Horses sense energy, and that’s scary for them.”

A self-serve sandbag station is currently open at Station 210 on Dale Avenue. The sand and bags were provided by Benton County Emergency Services, with the fire department offering the space.

Chief Bates experienced the 1996 flood and the similar-level flood in 2009. “We rose to similar levels which could get with this flood.”

This weekend’s preparations emphasize community effort to keep everyone safe—including four-legged family members.

“It’s funny, I had just mentioned that I’m willing to help,” Martin added. “I have a trailer and will help evacuate, and people were acting like that was such a big thing, but I don’t know a horse person alive that wouldn’t.”

The sandbag site at Station 210 remains open as long as flooding remains a threat. Benton County officials also announced a dedicated hotline for residents needing assistance evacuating animals. The number is 509-574-1926.

Emergency teams are on standby to respond as conditions evolve, encouraging residents to prepare early and stay safe during the weekend’s potential flooding event.

Please note: 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 Erin Wencl and Austin Reed

Click here for updates on this story

    KENNEWICK, Washington (KAPP) — More than 1,000 customers are without power in the some neighborhoods along Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick.

Some businesses in the area of Clearwater and Edison Street had no power, while others had full power.

The Kennewick Fire Department and crews with Benton PUD are set up in the area, checking to find out what’s happened and how to get it fixed.

High wind gusts have caused several electrical emergencies for PUD workers and fire crews throughout the region.

Workers say they hope to have power restored soon and will update us with new information as soon as it is available.

Please note: 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 Abigail Velez

Click here for updates on this story

    ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) — Eight students on the Anaheim High School running team were injured after a suspected DUI driver plowed into them during a training run Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The high school students were waiting at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and W. North Street when they were hit by a car that went off the road just before 3 p.m., according to the Anaheim Police Department.

Police said eight students, between 16 and 17 years old, were struck. Three were immediately taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

Eyewitness News obtained surveillance video from a nearby business that shows a red Toyota veer right and head toward the corner where the students were standing.

“All I could see was people running around hysterically trying to save somebody right in front of that car,” witness Eddie Martinez recalled.

The driver, only identified as a 27-year-old Anaheim man, was also taken to a hospital in unknown condition. He was later arrested on suspicion of DUI and will be booked once he’s released from the hospital.

Police said a coach was running with the students and was coming up to the intersection when he witnessed the crash.

School resource officers were on scene following the incident.

For Martinez, a parent of two student athletes attending Anaheim High, the crash feels like a bad case of déjà vu.

“It’s becoming a common thing around here,” he said.

In 2022, a wrong-way driver slammed into a group of law enforcement recruits during a morning run in Whittier, injuring 25.

Last year, a speeding driver spun out, hit a pole and struck students on a sidewalk near the Anaheim Tennis Center.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Ricardo Tovar

Click here for updates on this story

    SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KSBW) — A Santa Cruz County teacher is going viral for “shooting his shot” with Khloe Kardashian—yes, that Khloe Kardashian—but to be fair, she started flirting first.

A recent video posted by Jacob Myers‑Norys, a Santa Cruz County biology teacher, has gone viral and even garnered the attention of the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star.

In an Instagram post, Myers‑Norys shared his dating profile with the caption, “somewhere out there is the woman who’s gonna ask how my school day was.” Khloe responded with, “How was your day??”

The internet took off with the post. His story is now being covered on TMZ, and many people are asking what’s next.

In a follow-up post, Myers‑Norys says his students, his hometown, and even his family group chat won’t let him forget about it.

He decided to fully “shoot his shot,” inviting Khloe to his staff holiday party on Saturday. He even asked if he could snag an invite to Kris Jenner’s holiday party, adding that he’ll be in Southern California over winter break and would “absolutely love to hear how the rest of your day went.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Maricela De La Cruz

Click here for updates on this story

    CALIFORNIA (KCRA) — Naturalization ceremonies in several U.S. cities have been canceled following a presidential proclamation that pauses immigration applications from 19 countries deemed “high risk,” raising concerns among immigrants about the future of their citizenship applications.

The cancellations follow the shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national suspect.

“As part of the process, you have to show that you have been living in the United States for a requisite period of time, that you have sufficient good moral character, and be able to pass a civics and history test or an English test,” explained Brian Lopez, an immigration attorney.

Hugo Vera, another immigration attorney, expressed skepticism about the need for additional vetting, noting that the current process is already stringent.

“The reason that the administration is giving these cancellations of citizenship ceremonies and reviewing permanent residents’ applications is that they need more vetting, but it’s weird, as immigration attorneys know that vetting is already very, very strict,” he said. “It’s very, very difficult, first of all, to become a permanent resident. It’s a 24-page application with a ton of supporting documents, and they take fingerprints and run all sorts of biometrics before someone becomes a permanent resident.”

Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new vetting center in Atlanta, claiming it has enhanced capabilities to protect national security and ensure public safety. However, this development has caused concern among immigrants awaiting their oath ceremonies, as it raises questions about the future of their cases.

“Technically, until the person has their oath ceremony, then they’re still not a citizen, so up until that point, it’s theoretically possible that immigration can continue to review that application before they allow them to attend an oath ceremony and complete the final step, which would grant them citizenship,” Lopez said.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated, “USCIS has paused all adjudications for aliens from high-risk countries while USCIS works to ensure that all aliens from these countries are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The pause will allow for a comprehensive examination of all pending benefit requests for aliens from the designated high-risk countries. The safety of the American people always come first.”

Vera noted that the changes are sparking a large amount of worry.

“I think there’s a tremendous amount of anxiety and worry about what’s next. If our permanent residence is being attacked now, what’s next? Am I going to be put into removal proceedings if I’m from a certain country?” Vera said.

As the situation unfolds, immigrants must wait to see what additional screening measures USCIS will implement under the presidential proclamation, with guidance expected within 90 days.

Amid these developments, Congresswoman Doris Matsui criticized the administration’s actions, stating, “This is the latest escalation of the Trump administration’s xenophobic agenda. Families who have followed every rule are now being thrown into chaos because this Administration has chosen to target entire immigrant communities. It’s cruel and fundamentally un-American.”

She added, “This is the playbook we’ve seen since day one—weaponizing fear, singling out vulnerable communities, and trampling on basic rights. The same discriminatory rhetoric and policies that are currently putting our Afghan neighbors at risk and have led to aggressive raids that terrorize families are now forcing people into confusion and anxiety at the very moment they should be celebrating their citizenship.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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 Ayron Lewallen

Click here for updates on this story

    HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WVTM) — An Islamic school in Homewood is on high alert after what it calls “misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric” from Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.

This week, Tuberville appeared on a radio show and spoke against the Islamic Academy of Alabama of Homewood moving to Hoover. Staff, students and parents said his comments left them feeling scared.

Assistant Principal Stacy Abdein said the school hasn’t received any threats at this time, but they’re not taking any chances. Homewood police increased patrols of the school and gave them a dedicated officer.

“Social media has just exploded with negative comments and hateful rhetoric. We’re at a heightened state right now,” Abdein said.

Abdein said people at the school are disappointed by Tuberville’s comments.

“They’re confused and they’re hurt. They don’t understand why anyone thinks negatively about them,” Abdein said.

The administration at the school is pushing back on what they call “misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric” from Tuberville.

The comments come after Tuberville celebrated the Hoover Zoning and Planning Commission denying the school’s proposal to move its campus from Homewood. That was last Monday.

“I’d be very, very interested to see what they teach in this school,” Tuberville said in an interview with Rightside Radio on Monday. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t need to be here. We’re a Judeo-Christian country that believes in God. We believe in the Bible, and our forefathers built it off of that precedent. At the end of the day, we do not want to change.”

During the interview, Tuberville can be heard saying, “If you believe in the Quran and go by Sharia law and want to chant ‘Death to America’ and teach that nonsense in these schools, I don’t want you here … If you want to do it at home, fine. If you want to live here, but as long as you go by our laws and believe in the things that made this country great, I’m all in.”

Abdein told WVTM 13 she wants to be unequivocally clear that she and her staff aren’t teaching any Sharia law or political ideology—and would never do so. She noted the comments are hurtful.

“One of (the comments) is that there are 50 other Islamic countries. Go find another country to have your school in. What country should we go to? You know, this is our home just like it’s anyone else’s home,” Abdein said.

She added, “I think that the response has been indicative of the divisiveness that’s been happening in our country for some time now. I think it’s sad. It’s very sad to see my country in this state. We, like everyone else, pray for our country to be brought together. We pray for unity. We pray for peace.”

Abdein said the school is a “safe space” for everyone. She welcomes anyone to contact the school to set up a tour to find out what it’s really about. She hopes people will come with the right intentions to learn and be open-minded.

You can also learn about the school’s missions and beliefs on the website here.

“The Islamic Academy of Alabama has been dedicated to its students’ success for over 25 years,” according to its website. It received full accreditation from Cognia, the world’s largest international accrediting organization, which means it “meets globally recognized standards.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: 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.