‘Project Game ON’ takes a step forward after Omaha city council approves zoning changes

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Victoria Holley

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    OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — The Omaha City Council approved zoning changes Tuesday for “Project Game ON.” The multimillion-dollar investment was announced in April 2025.

The project includes building a new stadium for North High School. It will be used for football, soccer and other sports activities. It also includes building a new Butler-Gast YMCA on 34th and Ames avenues.

Omaha city councilmember LaVonya Goodwin called Project Game ON an important investment. “I think it’s going to be a great boost not only for North High, the surrounding neighborhood and that partnership with the YMCA ensures that you also have that intergenerational mix of activities for the community,” said Goodwin.

The development is funded through local and private foundations, along with a grant from the state. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2027.

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From the archives to your kitchen: Iowa State students develop cookbook from ‘heritage’ recipes

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By KCCI Staff

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    AMES, Iowa (KCCI) — Three Iowa State University students have updated 100 recipes from the university’s archive and are putting them into a cookbook.

Hadley Shatek, a sophomore majoring in food science, Ben Starling, a senior majoring in food science, and Ellie Recker, a junior majoring in dietetics, have spent this semester testing and refining recipes that will appear in that cookbook. Many of the recipes came from the Iowa State University Library Special Collections and University Archives. They include what Alex Van Alstyne, food business extension specialist with the outreach and extension’s Farm Food and Enterprise Development unit and coordinator of the cookbook project, refers to as “heritage recipes” – cherry pie, chocolate cake, The Knoll hot chocolate, and more.

The cherry pie recipe was a staple when the university held its VEISHEA festivals. Students would bake and sell the pies to raise money for departmental scholarships. The Knoll hot chocolate is a recipe that dates back to Elle Parks, the wife of ISU’s 11th president William Robert Parks. The Knoll is the presidential residence. The hot chocolate is served to students by the first family as they host students during Winterfest.

The cookbook is expected to be published in late 2026 or early 2027.

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Forsyth Park acid attack victim undergoes first skin graft surgery as fundraising efforts continue

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Tia Maggio

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    SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) — Nearly two weeks after 46-year-old Ashley Wasieleski was attacked with acid at Forsyth Park, police have not announced an arrest and say there are no new updates in the investigation.

Wasieleski underwent her first skin-graft surgery Tuesday, according to friends and family. Skin grafting involves removing skin from another part of the body and transplanting it to cover burned areas, burn specialist Dr. Steven Kahn said. Recovery from severe burn injuries can require multiple procedures over weeks or even years, he said.

The surgeries can be extremely painful and costly. Kahn said treatment for extensive burns can range into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and, in some cases, reach six- or seven-figure totals.

Community fundraising to help cover Wasieleski’s medical bills has surpassed $275,000, according to organizers. More than $100,000 in reward money has also been pledged for information leading to the person responsible.

Car dealership owner O.C. Welch and attorney Mark Tate said they personally raised $81,000 for the reward. Welch, who has offered rewards in other high-profile cases, said the goal is to help bring closure to victims and their families.

The FBI is asking anyone with home security video from the west side of Forsyth Park from the night of the attack to contact investigators. Savannah police said Wednesday that there is no new information to release.

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Volunteer firefighters assist Santa during his annual visit to a Baltimore County community

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Tara Lynch

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    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — It isnt the holiday season until Santa comes in his sleigh. His visit starts in a Baltimore County firehouse, ringing in Christmas the Stoneleigh way.

December 23 is a holiday in itself in Towson’s Stoneleigh neighborhood.

In a fire hall off Providence Road, volunteer firefighters prepared for their favorite house call of the year: escorting Santa’s sleigh through neighborhoods in Baltimore County.

“It’s bringing the Christmas spirit to the neighborhoods that we serve,” said Matt Herweck, Vice President of Finance for Providence Volunteer Fire Company. “We’re not meeting people on the best day of their life. So, with this, we actually are able to meet people in a more relaxed setting and bring a little bit of joy, too.”

The fire company said it’s able to do eight or nine “Santa details” every holiday season. The group, comprised solely of volunteers, has to fully staff ladder trucks, engines and other vehicles.

Over the years, the company adjusted its strategy, building Santa his own sleigh to ride on, in case the fire trucks get called into duty.

With lights and sirens ready, and the sleigh in the rear, they set out to the neighborhood two days before Christmas so Santa Claus could bring some cheer.

Santa Claus Visits a Baltimore County Community In a fire hall off Providence Road, volunteer firefighters prepared for their favorite house call of the year: escorting Santa’s sleigh through neighborhoods in Baltimore County. CBS News Baltimore “My elves are working extra hard, but I want to come by and say a special hello to all my friends and all the boys and girls in the Stoneleigh community,” Santa told WJZ.

25-year Christmas tradition For 25 years, Santa has made his way through the streets on his sleigh with the Providence Volunteer Fire Company there to assist.

“Well, it’s a wonderful neighborhood, very close-knit, very family-oriented, and everybody really looks forward to this,” Rosemary Schneider said. “Its a great way to start the holiday.”

Children rattled off a laundry list of requests for gifts they hope to see under the tree, including a Bitzee hamster ball, bean bag chair, a Labubu and a remote control motorcycle.

With lists in tow, children asked Santa one thing: were there gifts on the sleigh for them that he would bring?

“My mom, she showed me the nice list of the reindeer camera, and I was on it,” Ellie Schneider explained.

While Santa said he believes everyone is on the nice list, others weren’t so sure.

“I thought I was going to be on the naughty list,” Ruby said.

Two sleeps from Christmas morning, neighbors bid good tidings to all. From their homes, Merry Christmas, they would call.

On Christmas Eve, the Providence Volunteer Firefighters will bring Santa throughout their district in his sleigh.

They are sharing the holiday spirit – the firehouse way.

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Marylander among 64 sickened by multi-state outbreak of Salmonella from raw oysters

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By JT Moodee Lockman

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    MARYLAND (WJZ) — A Maryland resident was among 64 people across 22 U.S. states who got sick with Salmonella from raw oysters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of Dec. 23, 20 people have been hospitalized after they reported eating raw oysters. No deaths have been reported.

The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating to determine if the oysters can be linked back to a common source. A recall has not yet been issued.

Multi-state Salmonella outbreak

According to the CDC, raw oysters can be contaminated with germs at any time during the year, and it is recommended to cook oysters before eating them to reduce the risk of getting food poisoning.

Data from the CDC shows that six people also got sick in Virginia, and another two in Delaware. The Salmonella cases were reported between the end of June and late November.

Multi-state Salmonella Outbreak from Raw Oysters

A Marylander was among 64 people across 22 U.S. states who got sick with Salmonella from raw oysters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) According to the CDC, it takes about three to four weeks to determine if a person is part of an outbreak. The number of sick people involved in the outbreak could be higher, as many recover without getting tested for Salmonella.

Those infected with Salmonella typically experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the CDC.

Symptoms often start about six hours to six days after consuming the bacteria, and most people recover within four to seven days.

Young children and adults 65 and older may experience more severe symptoms, the CDC said.

The CDC offered safety tips for consuming raw oysters, including a reminder that hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill germs found in oysters.

To cook oysters in their shells, the CDC recommends boiling them until the shells are open or adding the oysters to a steamer for about four to nine minutes.

To cook oysters out of their shells, the CDC recommends boiling them for at least three minutes, frying them in oil for at least three minutes, broiling for three minutes or baking for 10 minutes.

Seafood should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees for at least 15 seconds.

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Investigators find human remains in the backyard of a missing 81-year-old Jackson woman

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Richard Bourne, Chris Oswalt

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    JACKSON, Miss. (WAPT) — Investigators searching for a missing 81-year-old Jackson woman have found unidentified human remains in the backyard of her home, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

Investigators searching for a missing 81-year-old Jackson woman have found unidentified human remains in the backyard of her home, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The discovery was made during an expanded search at the home in the 200 block of Baybury Lane, where Jackson police and other agencies brought in excavators and heavy equipment as part of the missing person investigation of Carol Ryan.

Investigators said a cadaver dog alerted to the backyard, prompting crews to begin digging. During that search, human remains were discovered. Police said the remains have not been identified, and Carol Ryan will officially remain listed as a missing person until identification is confirmed.

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones confirmed the heavy equipment was being used to support the active search and said the investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities also confirmed that two people — Ryan’s son and daughter-in-law — have been detained by investigators for questioning. Officials said no charges have been announced, but charges are possible depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Police said they obtained a judge’s warrant to search the home and surrounding areas, including vehicles. Portions of Baybury Lane were blocked off during the operation.

Ryan was reported missing Saturday. Authorities have described her disappearance as suspicious but said there has not yet been confirmation that a crime has been committed.

“We don’t have any persons of interest at this time, because we don’t have a crime at this point,” Jones said earlier in the investigation. “But due to the circumstances, it does seem somewhat suspicious.”

Investigators said they have interviewed family members and neighbors as part of the search.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jackson Police Department.

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Exclusive interview: Maine woman who pleaded guilty to abuse of friend’s corpse tells new version of story

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Jim Keithley

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    PARIS, Maine (WMTW) — A Maine woman who claimed she had buried the body of her deceased friend in her backyard years ago is now sharing a different version of events in an exclusive interview with Maine’s Total Coverage.

In September 2019, Vernelle Jackson told Maine’s Total Coverage that her friend, Mae Shelton, died of natural causes months earlier at the Norway home where they lived together. According to Jackson, Shelton’s dying wish was to be buried in the backyard.

“‘I want you to promise me, and don’t let me down, I want to be buried in your yard so I’ll be close to you,'” Jackson said Shelton told her.

Jackson told Maine’s Total Coverage that she put Shelton’s body in a tarp and dragged it to the backyard. She then spent about two days digging the hole.

“I have COPD. I couldn’t breathe that good,” Jackson said in September 2019.

On Monday, Jackson pleaded guilty to abuse of a corpse, theft and forgery in Oxford County Court.

She spoke exclusively with Maine’s Total Coverage on Tuesday and admitted that she never moved Shelton’s body and did not even touch it. Jackson, however, would not name the person who did move the body.

“The saddest part about it is I love Mae Shelton with all my heart, and I hate what happened,” Jackson said Tuesday. “I thought I was doing the right thing, but it turns out it was the wrong thing.”

For years after Shelton’s death, government checks were being deposited into her bank accounts. Jackson, who had power of attorney, admitted she wrote checks out of Shelton’s checkbook and gave money to her granddaughter.

“The truth is I did write a couple, yes. I’ll admit it. But I didn’t write all those other checks, no. My granddaughter did,” Jackson said.

Court records show that Jackson’s granddaughter, Lacey Rudd, is a co-defendant in the case.

Rudd, 40, of Mexico, Maine, pleaded guilty to theft by deception in June, and she was placed on a two-year deferred disposition. If Rudd pays $3,500 in restitution within two years, the charges against her will be reduced to a misdemeanor.

“I didn’t know it would turn out this way. There was some deception going on under my nose,” Jackson said.

Jackson said she is glad the case is over. She has Shelton’s cremated remains and while it is not what she wished for, Jackson said her friend is still close by.

Maine’s Total Coverage contacted Rudd in an effort to get her reaction to the case. Rudd simply replied: “No comment.”

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Two-year-old cancer patient in Stokes County who got a donation from Taylor Swift is cancer-free, family says

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Cren Rosenbaum

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    STOKES COUNTY (WXII) — A happy update in the story of a local girl who got support from the world’s biggest pop star.

Two-year-old Lilah Smoot of Stokes County is now cancer-free, according to her mother.

The toddler’s cancer fight made headlines after singer Taylor Swift donated $100,000 to her family.

Lilah’s mom says Swift’s music has helped their family push through tough times. Her mom shared that the family is so happy to be celebrating the holidays knowing that Lilah’s okay.

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Western Pa. inmate accused of soliciting prisoner to stage home invasion at mother’s home

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Raquel Ciampi

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    MARIENVILLE, Pa. (WTAE) — An inmate at a Western Pennsylvania prison is accused of soliciting another inmate to stage a home-invasion robbery at his mother’s home.

Officials say Keegan Baker, 28 of Erie, asked another inmate at Forest County State Correctional Institution to commit the armed robbery using the inmate’s contacts outside of the prison.

According to officials, Baker wanted to steal $68,000 from his mother. He allegedly ordered his mother and stepfather to be tied up and tased and agreed to give the inmate and any other co-conspirators a share of the money.

“This defendant showed a callous disregard for the wellness of his own family by propositioning another inmate to do his relatives harm,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said.

The inmate who Baker tried to solicit informed prison staff of his plan, and troopers opened an investigation.

Baker has been charged with solicitation for kidnapping, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and theft by unlawful taking.

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Formerly unhoused man spreads hope at Atlanta shelter

CNN Newsource on December 24, 2025

By Madeline Montgomery

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — A man who once had no job and nowhere to sleep is now giving back to the shelter that helped change his life, spreading hope during the holidays for others facing homelessness.

Gregory Ellis knows firsthand how hard life on the streets can be. From 2001 to 2013, he did not have a place to call home. That changed when he found help at Clifton Sanctuary Ministries, a shelter in Atlanta that serves men over the age of 35.

“In 2008 I ended up at Clifton Sanctuary Ministries here, and this is one of the best ministries, best shelters in Atlanta,” Ellis said.

Clifton Sanctuary Ministries provides emergency and transitional housing, along with help finding jobs, benefits, and permanent housing. The shelter also offers a clothing closet and other resources aimed at helping men get back on their feet.

“Support for getting benefits, getting employment, getting housing — we have a fully stocked clothing closet,” said Kristi Panter, the shelter’s executive director.

screenshot-2025-12-24-at-9-05-18-am.png Gregory Ellis returns to Clifton Sanctuary Ministries to help others facing homelessness during the holidays. Ellis credits the ministry with helping him turn his life around. After leaving the streets, he reached a milestone he once thought was out of reach.

“I got out of homelessness and then in 2015 I bought me a house,” Ellis said.

Now a homeowner living in Riverdale, Ellis drives several times a week to the East Lake shelter to volunteer. Since 2016, he has been serving meals and offering encouragement to men who are where he once was.

“I try to let them know that I went through what they went through and God can do what he did for me for them,” Ellis said.

Panter says Ellis’ presence makes a powerful difference.

“Being an example in their presence of somebody who’s been in their shoes, has slept in the same room, come through the same program, and now has this level of stability we all strive to achieve,” she said.

For the men still searching for a way forward, Ellis is more than a volunteer, he is living proof that change is possible and that hope can grow even after the hardest seasons.

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