Small plane traveling from Miami crashes in Atlanta metro neighborhood; 2 injured

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Christopher Harris

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    DORAVILLE, Georgia (WUPA) — A small twin-engine plane crashed into a Doraville homeowner’s backyard on Sunday morning after experiencing engine trouble just miles from its destination, authorities said.

The six-seater Beechcraft King Air B90 went down around 9:35 a.m., about three miles from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. DeKalb County police said the plane struck trees before crashing near 2692 Homeland Drive in Doraville. Officials said the aircraft did not directly strike any homes or other structures.

DeKalb County Fire Rescue officials said the plane was only a couple of miles from the runway when the crew reported engine trouble. The plane had departed from Miami earlier that morning.

“They decided they were gonna try to ground it,” said DeKalb County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Kevin Cavanaugh. “They hit the pine trees about 80 or 90 feet up and basically stopped at the trees and landed straight down in between two houses. No structures involved.”

Two people were on board at the time of the crash. DeKalb County police confirmed both were transported to the hospital in stable condition. Fire officials said the injuries were minor, including scratches, with no broken bones reported.

Cavanaugh said both occupants were able to walk away from the wreckage, and he spoke with them at the scene.

“Considering the conditions, they seemed like they were in good shape for what they’ve been through,” he said.

There was no fire following the crash.

Doraville police shut down several nearby streets as crews worked the scene and dealt with a large debris field.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it has opened an investigation̄ investigation into Sunday morning’s crash. Its investigation will focus on three main areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment. Investigators will review flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records and the pilot’s license, ratings and recent flight experience.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has surveillance video or other information is asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation.

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Car stolen in Milwaukee on Christmas Eve gets into fiery Christmas Day crash

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Emily Pofahl

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — A Milwaukee mother and business owner’s car was stolen from her driveway Christmas Eve, then involved in a fiery crash that sent three people to the hospital Christmas Day.

Milwaukee police say the crash happened at about 3 p.m. near 68th Street and Fiebrantz Avenue when a driver of an SUV failed to yield the right of way and collided with another car. The SUV then hit an unoccupied vehicle and then a tree. It then caught on fire.

Video of the fiery aftermath was posted online.

“I knew instantly when I saw the video, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, that is my car,'” said Baboonie Tatum, the car’s owner.

Tatum’s daughter discovered the car missing on Christmas Eve, along with discovering that two other family cars in their driveway near 27th and State streets had been ransacked. Tatum said the thieves stole multiple items and opened some Christmas gifts the family had stored in the vehicles.

Tatum believes the thieves used a key fob programmer to access the locked cars without breaking any windows. WISN 12 News has previously reported on the rise in the use of technology that makes it easier to break into vehicles.

“We need to talk to the car dealerships and the people that are making these gadgets that are able to start cars,” she said.

Two 18-year-olds and a 19-year-old inside Tatum’s car were taken to the hospital and subsequently arrested. Police told Tatum the three found with her car after the crash are the three who stole it in the first place.

“It’s just frustrating, though, you know? I work hard. I don’t bother anybody. I go to work, I go home, that’s it. For somebody to take something that I work hard for — it’s frustrating,” Tatum said.

The police confirmed that the three individuals taken to the hospital will survive and have been arrested, with charges being referred to the district attorney.

Despite the setback, Tatum, who owns Rise and Grind Cafe on MLK Drive, plans to start saving for a replacement car.

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Good Samaritan helps rescue family from near-death crash on California highway

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Denzen Cortez

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KCRA) — A car lost control along Historic Highway 50 on Christmas morning, leaving its occupants in a life-threatening situation until a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant stepped in to help.

SSgt. Ruben Tala, stationed at Travis Air Force Base, was traveling with his family through the Sierra corridor shortly after 8 a.m. when he saw an SUV spin out of control.

“During that time, I mean, I think it’s the adrenaline kicking in,” Tala said.

The SUV was teetering hundreds of feet above the ground. Video shared with KCRA shows Tala gripping the driver’s side door as the vehicle dangled over the edge.

“I thought about my wife and my daughter. What if there’s a family in that car? Somebody has to help,” Tala told KCRA.

As Tala worked to stabilize the situation, other good Samaritans stopped and joined the rescue effort. Together, they were able to help the driver and his wife reach safety. The woman was visibly shaken and clutching the couple’s two dogs.

Highway 50 is known for hazardous winter driving conditions, particularly during storms, when snow and ice can make the roadway treacherous even for experienced drivers.

Tala said the gratitude from the family left a lasting impression. One detail, he added, stood out to him afterward.

“It’s funny too, because one of their dog’s names is Luna, which is my daughter’s name,” he said. “I was like, how’s that a coincidence, right?”

Tala and his wife, Yvett, share a 22-month-old daughter and were on their way to the snow for the holiday when the crash unfolded.

“SSgt Tala and Yvett’s quick action and courage are a direct reflection of our Core Value of Service Before Self,” Lt. Col. Jason Christie, 60th Force Support Squadron commander, said in a statement.”We’re so proud to have them as our teammates and witness them ready to help anyone in need.”

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Teen dies trying to stop fight in Florida home; suspect arrested

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Allen Cone

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    BOYNTON BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — Boynton Beach police arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the death of a 17-year-old boy during a dispute at a residence on Sunday morning.

Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25

Trenton Robinson, of Boynton Beach, is facing a second-degree murder charge. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail at 4:22 p.m. Sunday.

During a first appearance Monday, a judge ordered him held on no bond, with his next court date set for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 27.

Around 9:15 a.m. Sunday, police received a report of a minor who had been shot near the 500 block of Northwest Ninth Avenue in Boynton Beach. During the 911 call, Robinson could be heard saying, “It was an accident.”

BBPD officers found 17-year-old Josiah Jones suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Boynton Beach Fire Rescue took Jones to Delray Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

According to a preliminary investigation, Robinson came to the residence to pick up his 2-year-old son from the mother of his child, 24-year-old Zariah Jones.

An argument occurred between Zariah and Robinson, police said.

As the situation escalated, Zariah’s brother, Josiah Jones, attempted to separate the two arguing individuals.

Robinson retrieved a gun from his pocket and discharged one round, striking Jones, police said.

Robinson told investigators that Jones had him pinned to a bed and that he was attempting to remove an unholstered gun from his sweatshirt pocket to avoid shooting himself. The gun accidentally discharged, police said.

Police found a .40-caliber handgun at the scene along with one shell casing.

Zariah told investigators that Josiah and Robinson were not in a physical fight and there was no reason to pull out a gun.

Robinson remained on scene for questioning before he was taken to the jail.

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.

Neighbors rescue dog from Maryland house fire on Christmas Eve, 2 dogs missing

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Tommie Clark

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    BEL AIR, Maryland (WBAL) — Neighbors rescued a dog from a Bel Air house fire on Christmas Eve, but two dogs remain missing.

Neighbors were able to save one dog from a fire off Flintlock Drive. The fire started on a porch before it spread, prompting a response from dozens of firefighters who brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes.

The Axelsson family was out celebrating the holiday when they got the call that their home of 20 years was on fire.

“We got here and it was just, like, the unimaginable,” LeeAnne Axelsson told WBAL-TV 11 News.

“Our investigators immediately made contact with the people who called it in. And that was crucial to our investigation,” Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Neighbors Corey and Cari Weigman said they were driving around to see Christmas lights when they saw the fire.

“This was a neighborhood that we hadn’t seen yet,” Corey Weigman told WBAL-TV 11 News. “She was like, ‘Oh, let’s go down this road.’ And, we we drove in, and she was kind of like giving me turn-by-turn directions and it led us to here.”

“We were all rallying together within minutes of this happening,” Cari Weigman told WBAL-TV 11 News.

While flames erupted, the Weigmans heard dogs barking, and so, the couple jumped into action.

“It was about six or seven blows with my foot, and I was able to break the frame and get the door open,” Corey Weigman told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Soon, one of the dogs, Winston, came running out and was reunited with his family on Friday after a visit to the animal hospital.

“I kind of got down on the ground and he ran right over, and I just held him,” Corey Weigman told WBAL-TV 11 News.

“Most importantly, (thanks to) Corey for saving Winston. There’s literally nothing we could ever do to thank him,” Axelsson told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Investigators said the fire stemmed from the family’s new artificial Christmas tree.

“Those investigators are actually able to determine that it was some type of electrical failure right there at the base of the Christmas tree,” Alkire told WBAL-TV 11 News.

The Axelssons lost one dog in the fire and two others are missing: Teddy, a brown cavapoo, and Mack, a white bichon-poodle mix. They said Winston is their hope as they keep faith that their pets will be found.

“The fact that we knew that at least one of our dogs was accounted for and safe meant a lot to us because those dogs are like our children,” Axelsson told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Anyone with information about the dogs is asked to call the Axelsson family at 443-695-3234.

Lauren and Marlo with Dogs Finding Dogs are helping the family. She says if you see the dogs, do not chase them. Call LeeAnne. So far, there is a confirmed scent of the dogs outside the house and a confirmed direction. They’re asking people to look for the dogs and check Ring doorbells in the Harford Community College area as well as in the 21014 and 21015 area codes.

The home and contents are a complete loss, and the family of six is being assisted by Harford County Disaster Assistance and the Red Cross. You can help the family by donating bins and boxes to American Legion Post 39 to help them move into a rental home. They have received clothes and do not need any more.

You can learn more about how to contribute to a meal train or donate money to their Go Fund Me here.

The state fire marshal’s office reminds Marylanders to never overload power strips, check for frayed wiring and remember to water live Christmas trees.

“Now that the holidays are over, it’s a good time to actually start removing those holiday decorations and start removing those lights,” Alkire told WBAL-TV 11 News.

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.

Mississippi county investigates after 207 geese were found slaughtered and dumped

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Tiara Leflore

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    YAZOO COUNTY, Mississippi (WAPT) — The Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department is investigating after 207 snow geese were shot to death and left in dumpsters.

Officials called the act both unlawful and unethical, saying an off-duty deputy recorded someone dumping the dead birds.

“We have your information and an off-duty deputy was able to record you dumping. We will be in contact very soon,” the statement read.

Sheriff Jeremy McCoy said state and federal agencies are investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department.

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This dog training camp in Maine can teach your dog how to skijor

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Jacob Murphy

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    FREEPORT, Maine (WMTW) — Whole Dog Camp is run by Jenny Yasi, a certified dog trainer. Located at Bliss Woods Farm in Freeport, Yasi hosts different group training events and private lessons.

In the winter, she holds skijoring lessons every Sunday from 10 to 11 a.m.

“If you want to get your dog some exercise but you don’t want to let your dog off -, it’s a great thing to do,” said Yasi.

To begin training a dog, Yasi recommends having paths already cut out in the snow for them to follow. Then it’s a matter of getting them used to the equipment so it’s not a distraction.

For equipment you will need basic cross-country skiing equipment: skis, poles and boots. Then, you’ll need a dog. A common misconception is that you need a big dog to skijor, but the dog isn’t actually pulling the skier, like they would in sled dog races, so having a lot of strength isn’t necessary.

“Pretty much any dog can do skijoring for at least part of their life, if not all of their life.”

Yasi has a “fear-free” training philosophy. “I don’t think it’s a good thing for dogs to hurt them or frighten them or to dominate them. I don’t think that that works well,” she said. “You’re not teaching a dog to be a robot or to be obedient and just do what I say. But the dog is actually able to communicate back to me and tell me what they think about things, which has been very helpful.”

During all parts of the year, she specializes in this fear-free training and helping people have better experiences walking their dogs on- and off- leash.

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12 swans found dead at Lake Eola in Orlando spark avian flu outbreak concerns

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Allison Petro & Spencer Tracy

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    ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — In the past week, 12 swans were found dead at Lake Eola Park, according to Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan.

The first two swans were found dead Dec. 23, and over the past five days, that number has risen to 12.

Sheehan explained that the deaths happened during the holidays, and specialized veterinary experts were not available at the time.

However, she said the deaths are suspected to have been caused by an avian flu outbreak.

“We can’t be certain until tests are completed,” Sheehan said.

The swans are currently stored in a secure location, awaiting necropsies to determine the cause of death.

In 2024, city staff discovered several dead birds at Lake Eola Park. Orlando officials later confirmed the cases were linked to avian influenza.

lake eola swansOfficials confirm positive cases of bird flu amid multiple swan deaths at Lake Eola The community can do certain things to protect itself, including:

Avoid direct contact with the birds at Lake Eola Park and only observe them from a distance. This goes for both people and pets at the park.

Avoid contact with any excrement from birds.

Removing shoes when entering homes and cleaning them off if contamination is suspected.

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Florida’s first black bear hunt in nearly a decade ends amid ongoing controversy

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Tony Atkins

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    FLORIDA (WESH) — Florida’s first black bear hunt since 2015 ended Saturday, closing a three-week season that drew sharp criticism from animal advocacy groups despite assurances from state wildlife officials that the population can sustain limited hunting.

The hunt began Dec. 6 and concluded Dec. 28. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials say the hunt was carefully regulated and based on years of conservation and population data.

A total of 172 permits were issued through a lottery system. Each permit allowed the harvest of one black bear, setting the maximum number of bears that could be taken during the season, according to FWC.

“The Florida black bear population can sustain a hunt,” said Paul Scharnine of the FWC.

But opponents argue the hunt could have long-term consequences for the state’s bear population.

“This could have long-term detrimental effects on Florida black bears,” said Katrina Shadix, executive director of Bear Warriors United.

Shadix said her organization worked throughout the season to stop or limit the hunt. She said dozens of bear advocates applied for permits through the lottery, with more than 40 receiving tags.

Bear Warriors United also offered hunters $2,000 in exchange for their permits, an effort aimed at preventing bears from being killed. Shadix said at least 37 people inquired about the proposal.

“I had to ask all of the hunters why they weren’t going to kill a bear,” Shadix said. “One simply wanted Christmas presents for his family.”

As the season ends, advocacy groups say the fight is not over. Shadix said her organization plans to push for more data on bear populations and prevent another hunt from taking place next year.

A lawsuit filed by Bear Warriors United against the FWC is scheduled to go to trial in August in Tallahassee. Shadix said the case will include depositions of FWC officials as the group seeks to block future hunts.

FWC officials say they are still compiling data on how many bears were harvested during the season. The agency has not yet released final numbers.

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Florida woman seeks road safety changes after dog killed on Christmas

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Nehilah Grand-Pierre

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    LEHIGH ACRES, Florida (WBBH) — In Lehigh Acres, a woman is advocating for road safety changes after she says her dog, Kahloni, was hit and killed by a speeding driver on Christmas afternoon outside her home on Roosevelt Avenue and 6th Street East.

“I just remember a man came knocking at my door with some other people, and he said, ‘Your dog was hit.’ I said, ‘What?’ Then I looked and I seen her laying,” Linda Herring said. “I was crying, I was trying to get her alive again. I had her for 10 years, she was my baby. I’m 76. She slept with me every night and I’m all alone in the house.”

Herring said a neighbor rushed to inform her that they witnessed the driver hitting Kahloni and then drive away. Herring believes Kahloni may have run out the back door.

“The traffic in Lehigh, it’s getting really bad. They just speed all the time. I don’t understand it. You’re going — you have to stop right here. Why are you speeding?” Herring said.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has been contacted regarding the incident, and a response is awaited.

Many residents in Lehigh Acres have expressed the need for changes not only to the roads but also to the way people drive.

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