Category: CNN Regional

By Marissa Perlman, Edie Kasten

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

WBBM

By Marissa Perlman, Edie Kasten

Click here for updates on this story

    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

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

By Tom Ignudo, Eva Andersen

Click here for updates on this story

    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

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

By Stephanie Stahl

Click here for updates on this story

    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

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

By Nick Caloway

Click here for updates on this story

    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.