Ticket for Michael Jordan’s first home game with the Bulls fetches over $7,600

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Jessica Popowcer

Click here for updates on this story

    Illinois (WBBM) — A ticket from Michael Jordan’s first home game with the Chicago Bulls 41 years ago sold for more than $7,600 at auction.

According to the website for Lelands, the ticket went for $7,646.960

The ticket is from the first preseason game of the 1984-1985 season, on Oct. 9, 1984. The Bulls took on the Milwaukee Bucks at a high school gym in Northwest Indiana.

Jordan played his first two games as a Bull on the road in small venues in Peoria and St. Louis, but his first home game took place at that gym in East Chicago.

David Blixt, the collector and owner of the ticket, found it in a box of old baseball cards in his childhood bedroom.

He found the ticket, which originally cost $5, in a box underneath his dresser recently while looking for an old Nolan Ryan rookie baseball card to see what it was worth.

The old ticket jogged Blixt’s memory of Jordan highlights.

“A vacuum sucked everything out of the gym for an instant, and it got silent and then pfff! Eruption when he dunked, and it was like, ‘Oh my God!'” he said.

The auction for the ticket ended Saturday.

Noel Brennan contributed to this report.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

Pittsburgh-area mayors, U.S. Steel honor 15-year-old who helped neighbor from house fire

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Ricky Sayer

Click here for updates on this story

    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh-area mayors and U.S. Steel on Saturday night honored the 15-year-old boy who ran into a North Braddock burning home to rescue an elderly neighbor.

Xaiveyon McMillan Taylor showed off his trademark smile during the event, which was organized by North Braddock Mayor Cletus Lee as part of the Mayor’s Charitable Fund that he leads.

“Congratulations, you’re a hero,” Taylor heard as he entered the room, filled with mayors from across the Pittsburgh region, including Braddock, Turtle Creek, West Mifflin, and Braddock Hills, along with business leaders who sponsor the fund, including U.S. Steel President David Burritt.

When in October his neighbor’s home caught fire, Taylor, who is autistic, jumped into action.

“Miss Evelyn [West] screamed for help, and I came [to] help,” Taylor said.

His mother spoke with KDKA-TV the day of the fire, explaining that he pulled the woman out of the burning home.

“She is everybody’s family, she’s everybody’s grandmother,” said Tallula Thompson, the teen’s mother and the caretaker for Ms. Evelyn’s granddaughter. She describes her son as very intelligent, with a 4.0 GPA.

Lee caught wind of Taylor’s story.

“I didn’t believe there were still young men and women that did heroic deeds as he did. So I said, ‘We got to do something for this young man,’ because this is unheard of,” Mayor Lee said.

It was set in motion Saturday night, where both Taylor and West were honored at the second annual Mayor’s Charitable Fundraiser Dinner.

West, who is in her 80s, lost her home in the fire. She’s a longtime community crossing guard. Lee brought West to the front of the room and handed her a key.

“So, when we knew about your house, I took it upon myself to make sure that now you got an apartment,” Lee told her. “This is your apartment. This is your key to your new apartment. I paid your rent for a whole year, so you have nothing to worry about.”

The mayor also gave her a service award.

Unable to hold back tears, she gave thanks and acknowledged that it seems there are few people in the world willing to help someone like her out.

“This is really different for me,” West said.

U.S. Steel President David Burritt called her a remarkable woman and shared with her a token of appreciation on behalf of the company.

“Well, we like to be part of the community, and it really was a privilege to be part of this,” Burritt told KDKA-TV.

He also spoke during the event, looking right at Taylor as he shared why he found him to be so extraordinary.

“Thank you for what you have been able to role model for all of us,” Burritt said. “You know, there’s a lot of people who talk about courage, but few people are able to act on it. When you knew she was in harm’s way, it didn’t matter about the smoke, the flames, the danger; you stepped up, and you rescued her.”

He presented Taylor a “Champion of S.T.E.E.L.” award, saying it was only the second time it had been presented to a non-U.S. Steel employee.

Like their workers, Burritt said Taylor has grit.

Other “Gold Sponsors” of the night included Black Diamond Equipment Rental and Avalotis Corporation.

“Oh, it was so exciting that I got three awards in the diamond shape, a trophy in a box, and a gold coin,” Taylor told KDKA-TV. “I feel very amazed I was called a hero.”

In a selfish world, Mayor Lee said Xaiveyon shows there’s still compassion and love. He’s a 15-year-old with a story everyone can learn from.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

SEPTA riders brace for possible service shutdown as strike threat grows, negotiations stalled

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Eva Andersen, Bill Seiders

Click here for updates on this story

    Pennsylvania (KYW) — With no new contract talks scheduled between SEPTA and its largest union, TWU Local 234, riders who depend on public transit say they are increasingly anxious about how they will get around if workers walk off the job.

SEPTA has urged riders to prepare for alternate transportation options, warning that a strike would shut down all bus, train, and trolley service.

For Clinton Mumford, who relies exclusively on SEPTA buses and trains, even a short strike would be devastating.

“We got a lot to lose,” Mumford said. “I got programs I gotta get to…If I don’t take [SEPTA], I gotta take an Uber. And then I gotta dig down deep into my pockets.”

Other riders told CBS News Philadelphia they are already trying to make backup plans, unsure whether buses, trolleys or subways will be running by the end of the weekend.

“You don’t know who to feel the most sorry for,” said rider Bridget Peezik. “The people that are trying to get to work — or SEPTA itself because it’s just having such a hard time keeping going.”

Union demands — which include “modest” wage increases, pension adjustments and earlier access to a dental plan, according to TWU Local 234 President Will Vera — appeared reasonable to several riders interviewed Saturday.

“I believe that should be accounted for and that should be reevaluated without having a strike occur,” Lillian, a SEPTA rider, said.

Their concerns come one day after Transport Workers Union Local 234 declared a strike “imminent” unless SEPTA returns to the bargaining table with what union leaders describe as fair contract proposals. The union represents about 5,000 operators and mechanics across the city’s bus, trolley, Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines.

But despite the warning, SEPTA said Saturday that it did not resume negotiations with the union after both sides walked away from talks on Friday.

No negotiations are scheduled for Sunday either, SEPTA said. Union leaders have not provided a strike timeline but say a walkout could begin at any moment.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

Judge orders NYC DOT to get rid of controversial bike lanes in Astoria, Queens

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Adi Guajardo

Click here for updates on this story

    NEW YORK (WCBS, WLNY) — A judge has ordered the city to scrap a street redesign already in the works in Astoria, Queens.

The construction of a bike lane along 31st Street has had local businesses and cyclists at odds for months. Now, the New York City Department of Transportation has to cease its work and rip up what’s already done.

Judge sides with business owners in lawsuit over street redesign The DOT plan included a redesign of a six-block segment of 31st Street between 31st Avenue and Newtown Avenue. The DOT said internal data helped identify that section as a one of the most dangerous corridors in Queens, citing 14 deaths or serious injuries and approximately 190 injuries total between 2019 and 2024.

According to court documents, however, a judge has sided with business owners who brought forth a lawsuit and ordered the DOT to undo all the work they’ve already done and restore the street to its original design.

Bike lanes that the DOT already began to build out will now have to be scrapped.

According to court documents, DOT has 30 days to comply. CBS News New York reached out to the department for a comment on the ruling but did not immediately hear back.

Reaction split to judge’s ruling The 31st Street Business Association released a statement saying, in part, “The 31st Street Business Association is pleased with the court’s ruling, which helps protect the Astoria community from an ill-advised DOT plan that would have made our streets and our community less safe.”

Georgios Kalosis, the owner of Sanemi Modern Greek, is one of many local business owners who raised concerns about the new bike lanes. He said he’s very happy with the judge’s decision.

“We have a business. We wanna thrive. It gives a lot of problems, especially with the parking,” he said.

But many cyclists argue the that the court’s decision to scrap the project is putting lives at risk.

“I was actually clipped by a car yesterday. A lot of drivers just don’t care. They drive very aggressively around here,” cyclist Andrew Littlefield said. “So having a protected lane where there is cars and steel beams in between you and moving traffic makes it so that people of all cycling abilities can ride.”

“Unfortunately, with the ruling of this judge, we’ve just taken a big step back right here,” cyclist Kevin Guo said.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

Family raises more than $500k for research for 6-year-old daughter’s terminal disease

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Andie Bernhardt

Click here for updates on this story

    MUSKEGO, Wisconsin (WDJT) — For Muskego parents Tyler and Erin Stoop, life is all about cherishing every moment with their children, Olivia and Liam.

“We want to make as many good memories with them together before Liv starts slowing down and isn’t able to play with him anymore,” said Stoop.

At just two years old, their six-year-old daughter Liv was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome. It’s a rare and terminal disease described as childhood Alzheimer’s.

“Our hearts were ripped out of our chests,” said Stoop. “It was something you never envisioned happening. You’ve already built your family in your mind on what you think is going to happen and you’re all going to grow old together and all of the sudden you are told that your child has an expiration date and it was the hardest day of my life.”

The Stoops say as Liv continues to grow, her abilities continue to regress. So, what were major milestones, like learning to walk and hearing her daughter say I love you are being taken away.

“I sometimes get memories on my phone, flashbacks of a year or two ago and I see regression or how far she’s stepped back from where she used to be and that’s really hard,” said Stoop.

Embracing every minute with the young girl they say is full of endless energy and love.

“Her giggle is so infectious and so yeah she just brings a lot of joy to our life,” said Stoop.

Right now, there is no FDA treatment or cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome, but this family is not giving up.

“We are hopeful that Liv will be potentially able to get medication at some point that will help slow things down.”

The Muskego community and beyond helping them turn their pain into progress.

“The community of Muskego came together, the school systems, churches, family, friends, strangers on the internet, everybody has contributed considerably,” said Stoop.

Now, after more than three years of fundraising, the family has helped raise more than half a million dollars. All of those funds go towards finding treatments and a cure.

“There’s definitely promising research on the horizon and our money along with a lot of other families that have raised money have helped fund a lot of these studies and a lot of these researchers,” said Stoop.

Liv’s impact goes beyond the fundraising. Spreading awareness through social media, this mother daughter duo has helped diagnose eight kids with Sanfilippo Syndrome or similar genetic disorders.

“I always say it’s like two totally different stories where I’m very proud of it because she’s helping others, but also she’s apart of somebodies worst day of their lives.”

Stoops posts sharing Liv’s journey, while connecting with other families going through a similar experience so they know they are not alone.

“I think that’s been a real motivation for us, that we are making a positive impact,” said Stoop. “You know even though this is in light of a very devastating diagnosis for our daughter.”

With a long road ahead ,they are holding onto hope.

“A lot of things have progressed since Liv’s diagnosis, so there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, but there’s still a lot of work to be done and a lot of money to be raised.”

Continuing to do everything they can to help their daughter and other children with Sanfilippo Syndrome.

“We have to realize all of that isn’t going to happen overnight and if we take everything day by day and just love her as she is each day, we can make it to the next,” said Erin Stoop.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

Researchers at UW-Platteville find way to convert spoiled milk into 3D printing plastic

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By A.J. Bayatpour

Click here for updates on this story

    PLATTEVILLE, Wisconsin (WDJT) — Thanks to the research of two professors at UW-Platteville, there may truly be no reason to ever cry over spilled milk.

Chemistry Professor Joseph Wu and Mechanical Engineering Professor John Obielodan recently had a breakthrough in their efforts to use milk protein as a polymer 3D printers can use to create various molds.

Their research on the southwestern Wisconsin campus began before the COVID-19 pandemic when they were exploring whether different plant materials could be used to create plastics.

When the pandemic hit, they noticed farmers nearby had a problem: Milk demand had dried up, and much of the product was going to waste.

“Farmers’ dairy companies could not deliver the goods,” Obielodan said. “And they’re perishable.”

They found milk protein had the potential to give them the basics. As it curdled, the protein separated, and the solid part of the protein, casein, showed promised.

Still, it took lots of trial and error.

“We do it repeatedly, over and over, and I can’t really put a number on it,” Wu said. “Well, the first time is definitely not a success. It doesn’t extrude out very well.”

Wu suspected fats in the protein were mucking up the process. He used different solvents to separate the fats and settled on butanol; it worked well, and he found the smell to be more tolerable.

Sure enough, the fat-free protein worked much better. The protein can be converted into pellets or a powder that goes over to Obielodan’s engineering domain.

The protein extract is blended with other materials to make spools of filament.

“[We] feel such a relief because we are actually doing research into the unknown,” Wu said.

The development was enough to secure a U.S. patent for Wu and Obielodan earlier this year.

Still, they’re not satisfied. Wu said he’s still working to create a version of the protein that can be converted into plastic without being blended with other materials.

“There’s more chemistry that needs to be done,” he said. “If we can print directly from milk protein, that would be great. That’s actually one of our visions.”

While that research continues, Wu and Obielodan said their ultimate goal is to take their invention off campus.

“If we find an investor that is interested in buying the intellectual property rights, we will work with the person,” Obielodan said.

Wu said seeing their invention one day help shift an industry would mean a lot, but what matters most to him is having a great lesson he can now teach.

“Using this project to demonstrate knowledge is powerful,” he said. “We can actually use knowledge to help the community, and that is always close to my heart.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

Tiny Tim sign returns to Canton after 30 years, spreading holiday cheer

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Marisa Sardonia

Click here for updates on this story

    CANTON, North Carolina (WLOS) — A beloved Christmas tradition has returned to Canton after 30 years, carrying with it a timeless message for the season.

A sign featuring Tiny Tim from the iconic story “A Christmas Carol” now adorns the side of Wells Funeral Home, displaying the famous line, “God bless us everyone.” In “A Christmas Carol,” Tiny Tim’s character plays a crucial role in teaching Ebenezer Scrooge the true meaning of Christmas.

“I just thought, given the time of year that’s[…] happy, that this is a message we can share with everybody that comes by and sees our sign,” said Wells Greeley, funeral director at Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services. “I’m just really pleased that we’ve been able to resurrect this and offer it back to the community.”

The sign, which had been in storage for nearly three decades, invites residents to take photos and reflect on its message.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

Sheriff’s office: Man mistakenly reported as fugitive due to eCourts clerical error

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Kelly Doty

Click here for updates on this story

    BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — Citing an eCourts clerical error, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office says a man previously believed to have been mistakenly released from custody was, in fact, not a fugitive or improperly released from its detention center.

The sheriff’s office provided an update on Corey Howell in a Dec. 5 press release, stating that, after a thorough review by both the Transylvania and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Offices, Howell was not a fugitive on the run and had not been mistakenly released from the Buncombe County Detention Center.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, the Buncombe County office reported that Howell, who faces domestic violence and assault charges, was released on Nov. 30 despite a hold issued by the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office.

In Friday’s update, the sheriff’s office said Transylvania County authorities had informed Buncombe County that Howell had appeared in Transylvania County court on Dec. 4 to address his pending cases. Buncombe County authorities said an eCourt clerical error had occurred relating to the assault on a female charge, which should have been recalled before Howell’s initial arrest.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office says its previous social media post reporting Howell had been mistakenly released will be archived.

Read the sheriff’s office’s full statement below: BCSO Update: Corey Howell Not Mistakenly Released from BCDF

Buncombe County, NC (December 5, 2025) BCSO has spoken with Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) regarding Corey Howell and at this time there are no active holds or warrants related to these charges.

Upon a thorough review from both agencies, it has been determined that Mr. Howell is not a fugitive on the run and was not mistakenly released. His bond for all his valid pending Transylvania charges resulted in a written promise issued by a Buncombe County Magistrate.

TCSO has informed BCSO that Mr. Howell appeared in Transylvania Court Thursday, December 4th to address his pending cases and it was determined that an eCourts clerical error occurred relating to the Assault on a Female charge which should’ve been recalled prior to Mr. Howell being initially apprehended.

BCSO would like to thank TCSO for being in constant communication with us to handle what initially appeared as mistaken release. At this time, Transylvania Court will address Mr. Howell’s pending charges through the court system. Due to the situation being resolved, BCSO will now archive our social media post as it is incorrect.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

Kīlauea produces rapid fountains in episode 38 of eruptions

CNN Newsource on December 7, 2025

By Jeremiah Estrada

Click here for updates on this story

    KĪLAUEA, Hawaiʻi (KITV) — Kīlauea began its 38th eruptive episode in its series of eruptions on Saturday morning with a spectacle of lava fountains coming out rapidly from the volcano’s vents.

The volcanic activity at the Halemaʻumaʻu crater resumed at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The new eruption episode began with steeping tremor and decreasing tilt. The lava fountains are reaching 50 to 100 feet from both the left and right vents within the north cone, and these heights are increasing rapidly.

Signs of a new episode began at 12:50 p.m. on Dec. 5, where there were small, sporadic spatter fountains and six precursory overflows were observed from the north vent. Kīlauea Continuous overflows began coming out of Kīlauea which increased in intensity at 8:45 a.m. where the fountaining remained constant.

Winds are blowing from the north-northeast direction, which could cause volcanic gas emissions and volcanic material to head south, according to the National Weather Service.

The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency is advising residents and visitors to avoid the area due to the elevated gas levels and tephra (fine glass particles that may irritate the skin and eyes) if you have sensitivities or other respiratory conditions. Tephra may reduce visibility on the road thus creating traffic congestion.

Kīlauea’s eruptions started on Dec. 23, 2024, which have shown patterns of episodes lasting around a day or less. The interval in eruptive activity would generally last at least several days.

These latest eruptions come after its most recent activity, episode 37 on Nov. 25. Visit the USGS website for a timeline of eruptive episodes over the past year.

Visitors at the park are urged to stay updated on conditions and be cautious of potential air quality and falling debris.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate 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.

9 women honored after overcoming homelessness in Sacramento program

CNN Newsource on December 6, 2025

By James Taylor, CBS13 Photojournalist

Click here for updates on this story

    SACRAMENTO (KOVR) — The Saint John’s Program for Real Change has been helping women and children in Sacramento for the last four decades with housing and education.

On Friday night, some of their successful clients graduated to a new chapter in their lives. “We want to give everybody that second chance,” said Porcha Chambers, Saint John’s Program coordinator.

Nine women moved from homelessness to stable living environments.

“I’m very proud of myself,” Gocelyn Granderson said. Granderson is one of the graduates from Sacramento’s Saint John’s Program for Real Change. The Sacramento native and single mom had been homeless for about two years before getting help from the program.

“There has been days where I couldn’t have seen myself here right now, I couldn’t have seen myself in school,” Granderson said.

Last year, Saint John’s helped nearly 400 women and children with housing, meals, and daycare, along with substance abuse and mental health counseling.

They also provide job experience through the plates catering program, which gives the women an opportunity to train as a chef.

“They might not have cooked on a stove in a very long time, so learning how to prep food for themselves and others is a really important skill,” Chambers said.

“They really help you get on track of what you want,” said Saint John’s graduate Lovely Merritt.

Merritt is now training to become a truck driver.

“It was definitely worth it for me and it got me to where I’m at now,” Meritt said.

More than 70% of Saint John’s clients are victims of domestic violence and more than half had mental health challenges. It’s a program that helps women in their darkest days move on to a brighter future.

“To watch them overcome and to see that confidence build and that light back eyes is really rewarding,” Chambers said.

Saint John’s also offers rental and mortgage assistance to help local families from losing their homes.

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.