Category: CNN Regional

By Frankie McLister

Click here for updates on this story

    WILLMAR, Minnesota (WCCO) — While many of the headlines have focused on the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota is feeling the impacts of the immigration crackdown, too.

In Willmar, community members say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests have closed restaurants and left a community on edge.

The city has a diverse population of a little over 21,000.

“You have families that are scared for their life. People refusing to come out of their house,” said Abdullahi Mohamed of Willmar.

Streets on Friday appeared to operate as normal, but businesses were not.

Area establishments have posted signs saying they’re either closed or taking orders differently.

“They detained someone just across the street where I was working,” said Brentt Fees of Willmar.

Mohamed added, “I’ve seen with my two eyes ICE detaining people.”

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant closed after WCCO confirmed agents visited the spot for lunch and later returned, detaining its owners and a dishwasher nearby after they had closed early due to the federal law enforcement’s previous appearance.

A 20-year-old, who says his parents own the restaurant and are now detained, says the business will reopen on Saturday under his leadership.

A visitor who stopped by El Tapatio to show his support says the liquor store he works at has lost 75% of its business since agents have appeared in Operation Metro Surge.

“I just wanted to make sure everything is okay,” said Fees. “And apparently it’s not because they’re closed now.”

WCCO asked a man who retired from Jennie-O, one of the town’s biggest employers, what he wants for his community right now.

“To get together and vote these people out. We’re not scared, man,” said Willmar resident Abdulcadir Gaal.

Willmar Mayor Doug Reese says he’s urging residents to stay calm and to respect one another to keep the community safe.

WCCO reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on the matter. The Assistant Secretary responded to our inquiry in part:

“On January 14, ICE officers conducted surveillance of a target, an illegal alien from Mexico. Officers observed that the target’s vehicle was outside of a local business and positively identified him as the target while inside the business. Following the positive identification of the target, officers then conducted a vehicle stop later in the day and apprehended the target and two additional illegal aliens who were in the car, including one who had a final order of removal from an immigration judge.”

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.

KDKA

By Chris Hoffman

Click here for updates on this story

    SOUTH HILLS, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — We all have days where it’s a struggle, and life can be hard.

However, Chris Guy is going across the region to give a sign for everyone to keep their head up. He says, “Everyone deserves to have a good day at some point.”

On the day KDKA caught up with him, he was in Mt. Lebanon with a simple message, but one that is so powerful: “The world is a better place with you in it.”

“This is something that everyone should hear from their friends and family. If you don’t have that in your life, it’s an honor to be that person for someone,” Guy said.

For the last six years or so, Guy has been waving, smiling, and telling people they matter across the region, usually in the South Hills. He gives love to total strangers.

“That’s really what it’s all about,” Guy said.

To each person, he says, the message may have a different meaning.

“That’s the best part about it,” Guy said.

Guy has seen depression in his life, with loved ones and friends battling it. The idea is not to spread any ideology or political message. He doesn’t take any money either. He appreciates the smiles, waves, and honks, but he hopes people go home and think about the nine words on his sign.

“Even if one person sees my sign, goes home and thinks about it and decides they were having a better day than they had previously, all the more worth it,” Guy said.

While living in Meadville, he had someone thank him for his work as he battled some struggles.

“You’ve got to be the change you want to see in the world, and I think it’s a good first step for anybody, myself included,” Guy said.

On this day, another stranger thanked him as they battled some personal problems. He hugged Guy and thanked him for his positive message. While it’s some black lettering on a white poster board, it can change a life.

“It truly is a blessing that I get to do this,” Guy said.

According to him, anyone can help someone. He encourages others be a bright spot in a world that too often can feel dark.

“The world is a better place with you in it,” Guy said.

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

Click here for updates on this story

    SOUTH HILLS, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — We all have days where it’s a struggle, and life can be hard.

However, Chris Guy is going across the region to give a sign for everyone to keep their head up. He says, “Everyone deserves to have a good day at some point.”

On the day KDKA caught up with him, he was in Mt. Lebanon with a simple message, but one that is so powerful: “The world is a better place with you in it.”

“This is something that everyone should hear from their friends and family. If you don’t have that in your life, it’s an honor to be that person for someone,” Guy said.

For the last six years or so, Guy has been waving, smiling, and telling people they matter across the region, usually in the South Hills. He gives love to total strangers.

“That’s really what it’s all about,” Guy said.

To each person, he says, the message may have a different meaning.

“That’s the best part about it,” Guy said.

Guy has seen depression in his life, with loved ones and friends battling it. The idea is not to spread any ideology or political message. He doesn’t take any money either. He appreciates the smiles, waves, and honks, but he hopes people go home and think about the nine words on his sign.

“Even if one person sees my sign, goes home and thinks about it and decides they were having a better day than they had previously, all the more worth it,” Guy said.

While living in Meadville, he had someone thank him for his work as he battled some struggles.

“You’ve got to be the change you want to see in the world, and I think it’s a good first step for anybody, myself included,” Guy said.

On this day, another stranger thanked him as they battled some personal problems. He hugged Guy and thanked him for his positive message. While it’s some black lettering on a white poster board, it can change a life.

“It truly is a blessing that I get to do this,” Guy said.

According to him, anyone can help someone. He encourages others be a bright spot in a world that too often can feel dark.

“The world is a better place with you in it,” Guy said.

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 Eva Andersen

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — Philadelphia marked the third week of its “52 Weeks of Firsts” series Saturday with an event highlighting the origins of America’s first volunteer fire company — coinciding with Benjamin Franklin’s 320th birthday.

Franklin founded the nation’s first volunteer fire company, the Union Fire Company, in 1736.

Families and visitors toured Fireman’s Hall Museum in Old City, which is housed in a renovated firehouse from 1898, according to its website.

Guests learned how early firefighting in Philly relied on hand pumps, bucket brigades and later, leather hoses — some of the technology predating American independence.

“We’re celebrating how we started as a volunteer organization and we gravitated from that to a paid department,” Brian Anderson, a Philadelphia firefighter and the museum’s historian and curator, said.

Exhibits traced the evolution of tools and equipment used from the volunteer era to the paid era. One of the oldest hand engines on display dates to 1752.

“You’re actually pumping by hand to build the pressure to squirt water to extinguish fire,” Anderson said.

For many families, the event doubled as a hands-on history lesson.

“I think it’s crazy,” Dina Gigliotti, who attended with her 12-year-old son, said . “I was just looking at the wooden water main, how it was like wooden. I’m just trying to figure that out. Like, the water went through wood!”

Others reacted to early fire hoses.

“I didn’t know the old hoses were made out of leather,” Michele Jordan said.

A Boy Scout troop from Hatboro tried racing to put on fire uniforms the fastest.

“They seem to be enjoying it,” Troop leader Keith Grimes said.

Inside the museum, the event also underscored the risks modern firefighters continue to face. A memorial wall features the names of more than 300 Philadelphia fire fighters killed in the line of duty.

“I’m the person who puts those names on when members die in the line of duty,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s volunteer or paid: the mission is still the same. First responders have an obligation to keep the citizens safe and protect their property, and that mission is still carried on today.”

The “52 Weeks of Firsts” series is part of Philadelphia’s lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a new historic “first” each week through the end of the year.

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 Eva Andersen

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — Philadelphia marked the third week of its “52 Weeks of Firsts” series Saturday with an event highlighting the origins of America’s first volunteer fire company — coinciding with Benjamin Franklin’s 320th birthday.

Franklin founded the nation’s first volunteer fire company, the Union Fire Company, in 1736.

Families and visitors toured Fireman’s Hall Museum in Old City, which is housed in a renovated firehouse from 1898, according to its website.

Guests learned how early firefighting in Philly relied on hand pumps, bucket brigades and later, leather hoses — some of the technology predating American independence.

“We’re celebrating how we started as a volunteer organization and we gravitated from that to a paid department,” Brian Anderson, a Philadelphia firefighter and the museum’s historian and curator, said.

Exhibits traced the evolution of tools and equipment used from the volunteer era to the paid era. One of the oldest hand engines on display dates to 1752.

“You’re actually pumping by hand to build the pressure to squirt water to extinguish fire,” Anderson said.

For many families, the event doubled as a hands-on history lesson.

“I think it’s crazy,” Dina Gigliotti, who attended with her 12-year-old son, said . “I was just looking at the wooden water main, how it was like wooden. I’m just trying to figure that out. Like, the water went through wood!”

Others reacted to early fire hoses.

“I didn’t know the old hoses were made out of leather,” Michele Jordan said.

A Boy Scout troop from Hatboro tried racing to put on fire uniforms the fastest.

“They seem to be enjoying it,” Troop leader Keith Grimes said.

Inside the museum, the event also underscored the risks modern firefighters continue to face. A memorial wall features the names of more than 300 Philadelphia fire fighters killed in the line of duty.

“I’m the person who puts those names on when members die in the line of duty,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s volunteer or paid: the mission is still the same. First responders have an obligation to keep the citizens safe and protect their property, and that mission is still carried on today.”

The “52 Weeks of Firsts” series is part of Philadelphia’s lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a new historic “first” each week through the end of the year.

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 Liz Crawford

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A South Jersey mom surprised her son with Eagles tickets Sunday, and it turned into a nightmare. When they left the game, her car was gone. She thought it was stolen, but police told her it was courtesy towed. As of Thursday evening, her car is still missing, and Jacquie Martin doesn’t know if it was courtesy towed, stolen, or both.

Martin was thrilled to snag tickets to the Eagles’ playoff game Sunday against the 49ers and couldn’t wait to surprise her 16-year-old son.

“He was like, what!?! He was very excited,” she said.

Martin said parking was impossible when she got to the sports complex, so she decided to park her car on 7th Street, not far from Pattison Avenue. She admitted she parked it illegally, along with a long row of other illegally parked cars on 7th Street.

After the game, she returned to the spot and said it was gone. Martin said at first, she thought it might have been stolen or towed to the impound lot because she parked in a No Stopping zone, but the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has no record of it being ticketed or towed. On Monday, she says a police officer told her he had good news.

“Your car was courtesy towed. And I said what do you mean courtesy towed?” Martin said.

A courtesy tow is when a parked car gets legally moved to make way for utility work or a special event, among other things. Police, the PPA or a private tower could be behind the tow.

Martin said police told her, “An officer used an outside vendor to tow my car, somewhere, not in an impound lot, but on a street somewhere and I have to go find it,” she said.

On Monday, Martin said she and her 80-year-old mom drove all around the area and never found it. The next day, she went to the police department’s 3rd District.

According to the city, if a car is courtesy towed, the district should have a record of it, but they didn’t. Instead, Martin said an officer offered to drive her around and look for the car. They never found it, and she ultimately filed a stolen vehicle report. By Thursday, she said her insurance agent found a clue and sent her an email.

It showed her car had been spotted by a police license plate reader at 2 a.m. on Monday, less than a mile from where she says she parked it before the game. CBS News Philadelphia checked that location Thursday afternoon, and it wasn’t there.

“It’s a nightmare. It’s crazy. Because nothing makes sense, right?” Martin said.

She’s still hoping her car turns up, especially because she only has two payments left on the loan.

CBS Philadelphia also reached out to the Streets Department to see if they know anything. We haven’t heard back yet.

Meantime, she’s not the only one exasperated by the city’s towing policies. A CBS News Philadelphia investigation last spring found courtesy tows in Philadelphia can leave people searching for their cars and paying fines. In October 2023, Philadelphia City Council adopted a resolution to hold hearings to investigate courtesy towing. They have yet to hold a single hearing.

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 Liz Crawford

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A South Jersey mom surprised her son with Eagles tickets Sunday, and it turned into a nightmare. When they left the game, her car was gone. She thought it was stolen, but police told her it was courtesy towed. As of Thursday evening, her car is still missing, and Jacquie Martin doesn’t know if it was courtesy towed, stolen, or both.

Martin was thrilled to snag tickets to the Eagles’ playoff game Sunday against the 49ers and couldn’t wait to surprise her 16-year-old son.

“He was like, what!?! He was very excited,” she said.

Martin said parking was impossible when she got to the sports complex, so she decided to park her car on 7th Street, not far from Pattison Avenue. She admitted she parked it illegally, along with a long row of other illegally parked cars on 7th Street.

After the game, she returned to the spot and said it was gone. Martin said at first, she thought it might have been stolen or towed to the impound lot because she parked in a No Stopping zone, but the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has no record of it being ticketed or towed. On Monday, she says a police officer told her he had good news.

“Your car was courtesy towed. And I said what do you mean courtesy towed?” Martin said.

A courtesy tow is when a parked car gets legally moved to make way for utility work or a special event, among other things. Police, the PPA or a private tower could be behind the tow.

Martin said police told her, “An officer used an outside vendor to tow my car, somewhere, not in an impound lot, but on a street somewhere and I have to go find it,” she said.

On Monday, Martin said she and her 80-year-old mom drove all around the area and never found it. The next day, she went to the police department’s 3rd District.

According to the city, if a car is courtesy towed, the district should have a record of it, but they didn’t. Instead, Martin said an officer offered to drive her around and look for the car. They never found it, and she ultimately filed a stolen vehicle report. By Thursday, she said her insurance agent found a clue and sent her an email.

It showed her car had been spotted by a police license plate reader at 2 a.m. on Monday, less than a mile from where she says she parked it before the game. CBS News Philadelphia checked that location Thursday afternoon, and it wasn’t there.

“It’s a nightmare. It’s crazy. Because nothing makes sense, right?” Martin said.

She’s still hoping her car turns up, especially because she only has two payments left on the loan.

CBS Philadelphia also reached out to the Streets Department to see if they know anything. We haven’t heard back yet.

Meantime, she’s not the only one exasperated by the city’s towing policies. A CBS News Philadelphia investigation last spring found courtesy tows in Philadelphia can leave people searching for their cars and paying fines. In October 2023, Philadelphia City Council adopted a resolution to hold hearings to investigate courtesy towing. They have yet to hold a single hearing.

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 Mark Prussin, Naomi Ruchim

Click here for updates on this story

    NEW YORK (WCBS) — Kianna Underwood, a former Nickelodeon child actress, has been identified as the woman killed in a hit-and-run early Friday morning in New York City.

The NYPD confirmed Underwood’s death Saturday, adding the 33-year-old was struck by two drivers in Brownsville, Brooklyn, after attempting to cross the street without the right of way.

Police said they were still looking for the drivers involved in the fatality and had not yet made any arrests.

As a young actress, Underwood landed a role on the 10th season of Nickelodeon’s “All That.”

Actress Angelique Bates, who was part of the show’s original cast, remembers meeting Underwood at a cast party in 2005.

“After giving her a hug, I said, You know what? I’m passing the torch to you.’ And she was just so happy,” Bates said.

In recent years, Underwood struggled with homelessness, police say. Bates raised concerns about Underwood in 2023, pleading for help on Instagram, and believes this tragedy could have been prevented.

“Everything that’s happening right now, I pretty much predicted,” Bates told CBS News New York. “I said, are people going to wait ’til it’s too late? That she’s gone or she’s in jail?”

Bates hopes Underwood is remembered for her humor and her talent.

“As much as she loved her supporters, as much as she loved the franchise, I think she would have loved to know that that love was reciprocated,” she said.

Among other roles, Underwood was also the voice of “Fuchsia Glover” in nearly two dozen episodes of Nickelodeon’s “Little Bill” from 1999-2004, according to IMDb.

According to police, the driver of a black 2021 Ford Explorer had a green light to cross Mother Gaston Boulevard from Pitkin Avenue and crossed the double yellow line to pass a car in front of them at around 6:45 a.m. Friday.

The driver of the Ford then struck Underwood, who police said did not have the signal to cross the intersection at the time, and did not stay at the scene.

Surveillance video shows Underwood waiting for a few seconds before crossing and a dark car in the wrong lane hitting her. It showed Underwood’s body rolling out from underneath the Ford near the corner of Pitkin and Osborn Street after she appeared to be dragged for nearly two blocks.

Police said Underwood was struck again by the driver of a black-gray sedan, who also fled.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“It’s a tragedy,” said Andy Sierra, who supervises a store nearby. “She would come around and ask for a couple of dollars here and there. I used to give a couple of dollars and buy her food … I gave her some clothes and some sneakers last Saturday.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on X, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.

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 Kristie Keleshian

Click here for updates on this story

    NEW YORK (WCBS) — A new art installation is adding color and whimsy to New York City’s Flatiron District.

You may have spotted “Mr. Pink” on buildings or hiding between them. He has eight fingers, 10 toes and a bellybutton.

There are 10 sculptures across the Flatiron and NoMad neighborhoods. At each location, visitors can find a QR code to scan.

“And while you do that, you’ll be entered in to win some prizes from local businesses and that includes stays at some of our great hotels that are in the neighborhood,” Flatiron NoMad Partnership President James Mettham said.

The art installation is part of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership’s annual Winter Glow program – this year called “Flatiron NoMad Glows Pink” – which adds a splash of color during the winter months.

“It’s been so cold, it’s been so gray, and then to walk down the street and see this bright, vibrant pink man hidden in these little nooks and crannies all over Flatiron NoMad just brings joy,” Harlem resident Megan Marod said.

“I mean look at him. He’s beautiful. He’s pink,” Harlem resident Dave Madore said.

And there’s more to Mr. Pink, created by French artist Philippe Katerine. His weight and expression carry melancholy. He sometimes even points, giving passersby a sense of direction.

Katerine says the scar over Mr. Pink’s heart is a reminder that we’ve all been wounded.

“To get your heart broken, over and over again and try again and make something beautiful out of it? He needs a hug,” Madore said.

Washington Heights resident Lui Cabrera described Mr. Pink as a “sharing character.” Sharing what, exactly?

“Company, I would say,” Cabrera said. “Because this city, I have noticed this city is pretty, like, lonely.”

You can spot Mr. Pink, take selfies with him and even hug him, at some locations, while the art installation lasts. Mr. Pink will be in the city through Feb. 28, with a special Valentine’s Day activation on Feb. 11.

For more information, visit flatironnomad.nyc.

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.