Author: CNN

KCNC

By Michael Abeyta

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    DENVER (KCNC) — As the fallout continues from the sale of diesel-tainted unleaded gas at Denver metro gas stations, repair shops say repairs start at $1,500, but likely will be as much as $3,000 or more.

People who now must front the cost of repairs are worried that they may never get reimbursed.

Lance Strait is one of hundreds of people whose car was damaged after putting gas at a King Soopers gas station in Parker earlier this week.

“I trusted them to provide gas that wouldn’t be tainted with diesel, that’s kind of like a basic requirement for fuel suppliers to not have tainted fuel,” said Strait.

His car has been towed and is in the shop. So far, his repair bill is up to $3,200.

“But they’re probably going to find more damage as they get into the engine,” said Strait.

He thinks Kroger, the parent company of King Soopers, or Sinclair should pay for repairs to his car.

Friday, state officials said customers like Strait who purchased tainted fuel should reach out to the station they bought it from to begin the process of being reimbursed for expenses they may have.

Strait says he’s done just that, and the King Soopers station said an insurance company will reach out to him.

“But we’ve heard nothing from the insurance company on what their plan is,” said Strait.

He says he’s been told that he will likely have to pay out of pocket for the repair, then get reimbursed, which makes him feel uneasy about ever getting paid.

“It made me feel like they’re not helping us,” said Strait.

He says he also hopes someone will also cover the costs of his tow bill and temporary transportation because he has to commute to Denver for work.

“Maybe they’ll step up and rent cars for those of us who had this happen to them, but I’m not going to hold my breath on that one,” said Strait.

He says at this point it’s the only thing that can make up for the damage and trouble this has caused him.

“I hope that Kroger and the other suppliers, Costco, whoever else has sold this tainted gas, is going to do right to their customers and take care of us,” Strait said.

Kroger did release a statement saying in part, “We sincerely regret the inconvenience and disruption this has caused our customers. We understand how important reliable fuel service is, and we are committed to working directly with any impacted customers to resolve their concerns. Customers who believe they may have been impacted are encouraged to contact their local store and we will assist them promptly.”

The Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety is also encouraging impacted customers to contact them by submitting a complaint online or calling 303-866-4967.

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.

WWJ

By Veronica Ortega

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    DETROIT (WWJ) — An immigrant rights group spent its Saturday making sure people in Southwest Detroit know their rights when it comes to interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Members of the Detroit Community Action Committee gathered outside the Prince Valley Market to strategize before they began a walk through the neighborhood.

“We’re going to just walk around the community and talk to people and ask them what it is that they themselves feel like they need, how we can support them,” Mocha Brown, a member of the Detroit Community Action Committee, said.

After Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday, the group quickly organized a protest outside of the federal agency’s Detroit Field Office.

“People are sick of it all over the place, and if it happens in one place, it can happen in any city. So I think that’s why people are mobilizing everywhere,” Rue Rodriguez, a member of the Detroit Community Action Committee, said.

Their continued efforts took them to homes and businesses along Michigan Avenue where they handed out information to display on walls.

The flyers are a notice to ICE and law enforcement that says if they “don’t have an official warrant with a valid signature, no entry.”

“That’s one of the things people can, I guess, fall for the trap of, people not understanding what a valid warrant looks like, that they don’t have to open their doors to ICE without one. That includes businesses,” Brown said.

Business owners and community members were receptive to the group’s message and learning more about their campaign to make Detroit a sanctuary city, which would put limits on city and ICE collaboration.

“It would empower the community to kind of fight back against these ICE agents that are out here raiding and now, sometimes, murdering our community members,” Rodriguez said.

After several miles of walking and door-knocking, organizers said they were ready to keep fighting.

The group plans to talk to lawmakers and is taking their sanctuary city demands to the Detroit City Council in-person on Tuesday.

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.

WBBM

By Marissa Perlman, Edie Kasten

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    KANE COUNTY, Illinois (WBBM) — In Kane County, members of the Native American community gathered in December to welcome back a relative that’s been missing for generations.

A herd of bison has returned to Burlington Prairie, part of a long-awaited return led by the American Indian Center—honoring Native stewardship of the land and reconnecting culture, history, and community.

“Sometimes we have stories that begin with back in the times when all things spoke,” said Robert Wapahi, a tribal elder with the Santee Sioux. “If nothing else, it’s the history lessons about what should be done to protect them.”

This story starts just after sunrise on Burlington Prairie, where a community came together to honor a return of sorts; a return to land and to home

“For us to be able to be a part of this, it just adds that special moment for us to kind of share,” said.

“It’s different when you’re welcoming them back home. That’s their home, not mine,” Wapahi said.

Bundled up, with clear eyes, a caravan pushed through the cold and the snow to the steady thump of a drumbeat as a community walked through snow to meet what they call their relatives.

Six bison stepped back onto their homeland for the first time in more than a century.

“It’s really important and awesome to see another herd that is hitting the ground in a good way,” one man said.

More than 200 years ago, bison roamed freely across Illinois, but as the industrial revolution reshaped the landscape, the bison disappeared.

“In protecting them, we’re protecting ourselves, because again, they provided us with everything we ever needed,” Wapahi said.

Now, after decades of careful land management, there are finally enough bison in the U.S. to bring some back to Illinois, returning in small pockets across their historic North American range.

“It’s a great thing that they’re doing bringing them back,” Lisa Burnell said as she watched alongside her mother and son; three generations together passing on that story. “Their energy, I think is just, it’s got such a powerful movement.”

The family said this is something that feels both historic and deeply personal. Bison have carried their stories, teachings, and responsibilities for centuries.

“Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse; we were always been talking about stories and the relationships that we’ve had with these animals,” Burnell said. “We have stories about animals, and so just having them here and being able to be so close to them.”

As the bison settle in, the songs continue, an echo of something ancient finally returning.

“We’re just like the buffalo. I’m glad they came back home,” Wapahi said.

Wapahi is tasked with sharing the importance of that return home with the community, and praying over the land where these bison will live.

“I’m just honored to see a small return for them,” he said. “It’s kind of like speaking about your grandfather or your grandparents.”

They’re part of an extension of life, and in their footsteps, a story once broken begins again.

“I hope you guys all get the medicine and the healing that they bring with, and you’ll learn from them. They’re strong and they’re resilient like we are,” one man said.

The American Indian Center will steward the herd in partnership with Kane County Forest Preserves and an experienced herd manager, caring for the animals day-to-day as they acclimate and grow.

The plan is for the bison to be released into a larger fenced-in prairie in the spring, where they will help restore native grasslands and be part of educational programs that teach about land stewardship and prairie health.

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.

KYW

By Tom Ignudo, Eva Andersen

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A Philadelphia bar turned away a group of San Francisco 49ers fans looking to host a playoff takeover before the wild-card round game vs. the Eagles, but it’s welcoming fans in smaller numbers.

Ladder 15, which is located on Sansom Street in Center City, said in an Instagram post that Niners fans emailed the bar about hosting an event Friday night with 100 to 200 people.

But the Philly bar declined their business. While it was “hard” to turn down the event as a business, they said it was a “no brainer” as Philly sports fans in a post that has gone viral on social media.

“After very little consideration, we cannot in good conscience host anything that has to do with the 49ers,” Ladder 15 wrote in an email response to the 49ers fan. “We’re Birds fans til the end. We Bleed Green. We Back our team even when it comes at a cost. Only reason I wish you luck, is because the 49ers are going to need it. Enjoy your time in [the] City of Brotherly Love.”

Maybe the Niners fans can head to the Hard Rock Cafe, where Washington Commanders’ fans “took over” before last season’s NFC championship game. In that game, the Birds dominated the Commanders in a 55-23 win en route to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

San Francisco fans on Saturday night tried to stake out some territory at Ladder 15 despite the drama.

“I’ve been a 49ers fan since 1988,” said San Francisco fan Charles Gabel.

“49ers faithful,” said fan Rebecca Dincher.

The group said they only came to Ladder 15 because of the post.

“I was like, nah man, we can’t do this,” said manager Joe Chilutti. “Can’t do that to our city.”

Chilutti said allowing a full buy-out by visiting fans would have been bad for business, especially on a weekend when the city is rallying around the Eagles. He said 49ers fans are welcome, just not in takeover numbers.

Dincher said she and others showed up Saturday because they “were told we weren’t really welcome here,” but both sides described the atmosphere inside as friendly.

“They are being 49ers-friendly,” Gabel said. “It was just all talk.”

As Philadelphia fans looked ahead to Sunday, confidence remained high.

“No worries. Eagles are gonna win tomorrow,” said fan Sydney Tucker.

Gabel, who hails from South Philadelphia, offered one more piece of advice to his fellow 49ers fans visiting the city: Stay away from the Rocky statue — a reference to the long-running superstition that opposing teams who dress or decorate the statue tend to lose.

“Don’t touch the freaking Rocky statue,” he said. “Don’t breathe on it, don’t even go near it.”

The No. 3 seed Eagles and No. 6 seed 49ers will kick off at Lincoln Financial Field at 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

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.

KYW

By Stephanie Stahl

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    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A long-term care community for adults with physical disabilities who are in wheelchairs held a surprise celebration Friday for a group of residents heading to college Monday morning.

“I’ve been wanting to go for the last 25 years,” Aaron Deede said. “And so finally your dream comes true.”

Deede, 40, was paralyzed in a car crash when he was a teenager. Now, he’ll be going to the Community College of Philadelphia, hoping to become a teacher.

The residents headed to college have been in the Therapeutic Education Program at the Inglis House in Philadelphia’s Wynnefield Heights neighborhood.

Instructor Jeremy Ault says the students have spent a year preparing for the upcoming classes that will be in-person and remote.

“Very proud. I’m really excited for them to start,” Ault said. “They’ve been looking forward to this for a very long time, and I can’t wait to see their successes as they continue to grow and develop, not just in school as individuals.”

Ault says it’s a special accomplishment because the residents face a number of challenges, like simply getting around.

“The first year was kind of tough because I wasn’t doing a lot,” Nikos Rapach said.

Rapach has a spinal injury from an accident two years ago, when he had been thinking of going to a trade school.

“So, since I know I’m not gonna be able to hold a hammer, I know I gotta pick up a book or something,” Rapach said.

After college, he hopes to teach high school history.

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.

WCBS

By Nick Caloway

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — A New York school security guard jumped into action by performing the Heimlich maneuver on a little girl who was choking. Surveillance video captured the moment he saved her life in the cafeteria.

Tyreek Johnson is a school monitor at Vails Gait STEAM Academy in New Windsor. In November, he rushed over to first grader Liyah Ventura when he saw her choking on a pretzel.

“I was trying to pat her back, and I realized that that wasn’t working. So I immediately jumped in and gave her the Heimlich,” he said.

After just a few seconds, the food was cleared from her airway, and she was safe.

School principal Gillian Matos said all monitors are CPR-trained, but she hardly expects them to use those skills.

“You don’t think that’s what you’re going to do when you come to work every single day, that you’re going to have to save somebody. But that’s what he did for Liyah,” she said.

This isn’t the first time – or even the second – Johnson has used his training to save a child from choking. He’s done it three times over the last three years in the school cafeteria.

Liyah’s father, Raul, said he is grateful for Johnson’s actions, calling him a hero.

“I love that title,” Johnson said. “I’m super grateful for that title.”

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.

WBZ

By Logan Hall

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    ASHLAND, Massachusetts (WBZ) — An Ashland, Massachusetts family is warning others to take the flu seriously, after their 4-year-old daughter almost died.

Back in December, Caitlin Lyons’ 4-year-old daughter Althea woke her up in the middle of the night, complaining that she felt dizzy. She took her into her pediatrician, who sent her to the hospital.

“I just remember him saying ‘she’s very sick, I’m very concerned.’ And my only question was ‘is she going to live?’ and he said, ‘I hope so,'” Lyons said.

Doctors at Mass General Hospital were able to diagnose her with acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a rare illness linked to the flu that causes the brain to swell and for the body to kill brain cells.

“Thank god she’s the age that she is because she’s old enough to fight the flu, which she had to get over before the swelling could come down,” Lyons said, “but young enough to have the time to heal, for her brain to heal, because there was damage done.”

Flu cases across Massachusetts are skyrocketing. The state now says four children have died because of the flu, and hospitalizations of children under five are up 150% over the last two weeks.

At Althea’s daycare in Framingham, influenza quickly spread throughout kids and staff. Director Carol Ann Ritter says they had between 15 and 20 cases.

“We were sending children home with one symptom that could have been nothing but ended up being the flu,” Ritter said. “So just kind of going with the teacher’s instinct of being like, OK we’re being overly cautious and I’m so sorry, I know you need to send your child to care, but at this point, children are dying from this.”

Thankfully, Althea is recovering and returning to herself. Her case is rare, but her mom is speaking out to spread awareness, urging parents to be aware when it comes to illness. “I understand they are seeing more cases of this disease, but I think overall it’s still pretty unknown,” Lyons said.

The daycare in Framingham is back up and running at full capacity, but they are still taking precautions.

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.

WFOR

By Steven Yablonski

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    LARGO, Florida (WFOR) — A Florida woman is suing her former apartment complex after she said she suffered from severe medical issues due to repeated spider bites.

Patricia Shields said spiders were found in the bathroom of her old apartment in Largo and even had to have some of her toes amputated due to being bitten repeatedly.

In a lawsuit against Grand Oak Apartments in Largo, she said she reported the issue to management, and they did nothing to help her.

“They threw them away or blew me off,” Shields said. “And then the very last time when I went and asked them to release me from my lease, mutual agreement, and they told me ‘No.'”

According to court documents, the apartment complex is denying Shields’ allegations and said they aren’t responsible for causing her claimed injuries and damages.

Shields, who is on disability and lives in section 8 housing, said her options were limited.

“I just want everything settled,” Shields said. “I really just want to go back to my life.”

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.

WJZ

By Mike Hellgren

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    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore agreed on Wednesday to pay $14 million to a man who was wrongfully convicted of a 1986 murder.

Gary Washington spent more than 30 years in prison and always maintained his innocence. He alleged that police threatened a child witness whose testimony led to his conviction.

The witness statement signed by 12-year-old Otis Robinson in January 1987 named Gary Washington as a killer.

It was the key evidence in the case against Washington, who spent more than three decades behind bars after a jury convicted him.

The tragedy began in the 2300 block of Barclay Street in East Baltimore two days after Christmas in 1986.

The victim, Faheem “Bobo” Ali, was walking down the street, according to court records, when he encountered two men. They began arguing. One of them shot and killed Ali.

Police focused on Washington as the suspect. A new dad who was just 25 years old at the time, he lived on the block.

Washington never wavered in his claims that he did not commit the killing.

In court filings, Washington’s lawyers said police, desperate to make an arrest, threatened the 12-year-old that if he did not identify a shooter, he would be taken from his mother and could be arrested for the homicide himself.

Baltimore City’s spending board voted Wednesday to pay Washington $14 million to resolve his civil rights lawsuit and claims police manipulated witnesses and fabricated evidence.

“Based on the unreliability of the detectives’ testimony at this point due to their advanced age, due to the recanted witness, which was the reason the plaintiff was released from prison, we felt at this juncture prior to trial was the best time to settle the case,” Chief Baltimore City Solicitor Justin Conroy said. “And so, for that reason, we negotiated pretty aggressively and got a settlement value that we think is the best deal for the city and resolves the matter.”

Mayor Brandon Scott said the Baltimore Police Department has changed dramatically since the Washington case.

“We have come a long way. First of all, making sure that we do a much better job of hiring and keeping folks that should be employed as police officers versus those who may have questionable character,” Scott said.

This is the second settlement Washington has received since his release in 2019.

The state authorized a $3 million payment that came with an apology from the governor in 2024.

“11,459 days or 31 years were stolen from Mr. Washington,” Governor Wes Moore said at the time.

Washington told the governor he got through the ordeal by reading, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Strength to Love,” a collection of the late civil rights leader’s sermons.

“On behalf of the entire state, I’m sorry for the failure of the justice system,” Moore said.

Washington’s attorney Renee Spence told WJZ Investigates, “Almost exactly 39 years ago today, Baltimore homicide detectives went into Mr. Washington’s house and wrongfully arrested him for the murder of Faheem Ali. The arrest and Mr. Washington’s eventual wrongful conviction were based on evidence these detectives fabricated. While this settlement cannot make up for the more than three decades Mr. Washington spent wrongfully imprisoned and falsely branded a murderer, it is an important end to a nearly 40-year legal battle to clear his name and hold these officers accountable.”

Both of Washington’s parents died while he was in prison. He is now 64 years old.

“She knew that you were innocent,” Gov. Moore said of Washington’s mother. “…I know she’s looking down with pride in her son.”

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.