Author: CNN Newsource

By Olivia Hickey

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — A fire at La Petite Academy near Yukon sparked by a two-car crash, resulted in the safe evacuation of 33 children and five staff members, with parents praising the staff’s quick actions.

Jordann Williams, a parent, described the terrifying moment she saw the building engulfed in flames.

“As soon as I turned at the light, I just see the car on the side of the building. I just see it engulfed in flames. And I didn’t see any children,” Williams said. “I called my mom and I was screaming. I’m like, ‘the building’s on fire. I know Kennedy is in there.’ You know, I’m screaming and I’m crying,” Williams said.

Blaine Shallenberger, another parent, recounted his experience.

“I think we were there very early because when I ran up, I ran from the bank across the intersection to the CVS. And when I got to CVS, all the children there and one of the teachers were holding Jackson and handed him to me,” said Shallenberger.

He expressed his gratitude for the staff’s preparedness in the moment of crisis.

“I’m so glad that they had that training available to them and that they were able to get everyone out on time. It’s a miracle,” Shallenberger said.

The daycare staff is credited with saving the children’s lives.

“They had nothing. They were outside, they were cold. I don’t know what to say to them because that could have been very bad,” Williams said.

La Petite Academy released a statement saying they will be looking into how they will provide care to their kids in the future, stating, “Over the next few days and weeks, we will be navigating next steps for moving forward as we work to ensure our families and staff members are cared for.”

La Petite Academy said it is providing care for families at its other locations across the area. Other local childcare centers, including Step Into Learning, are also offering support.

“We are here for you. We will stand in however we can to make sure that you are feeling that your child will be safe in a childcare center,” said Jana Westberry, owner of Step Into Learning.

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By Aaron Hegarty

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — The Omaha Jewish community gathered at Stinson Park on Sunday evening for the annual public menorah lighting to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.

This year, there were increased security measures following an antisemitic attack in Australia, law enforcement said.

Rabbi Mendel Katzman, co-director of the Chabad of Nebraska, said his cousin, 20-year-old Leibel Lazaroff from Texas, was seriously hurt in the attack. Shani Katzman, also a co-director, said Lazaroff is in critical but stable condition.

“Unfortunately, you know, we haven’t yet conquered all the darkness and all the evil,” Shani said. “So we do take security seriously. And of course, we have a lot of faith that God will protect us.”

Security was taken seriously even before the attack, Shani said. Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson said security was increased after the attack.

The tradition of lighting the menorah at sunset took on special significance after the attack, as members of the Jewish community braved the cold to attend the event.

“Sometimes the cold makes it more difficult (to attend),” he said. “This year, it’s particularly important to be here, given what happened in Australia. We need to stand up.”

Warm food and joyous dancing followed moments of mourning.

“It’s been a scary time to be Jewish in the sense that there’s a lot of hate in the world and the rise of antisemitism,” said Alex Epstein, who attended with his family, including his young sons, who enjoyed the menorah’s balloon theme.

Katzman emphasized the importance of unity and resilience, saying, “It’s our responsibility not to back down and help everyone, you know, just come together and do the right thing and without any doubt, goodness will prevail.”

Another Hanukkah event, Skate Night, is scheduled for Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Heartwood Preserve.

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By TJ Dysart

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Zysean Owten, a 10-year-old boy from Milwaukee, accidentally shot himself in the face with a friend’s gun Tuesday at Vel R Phillips and Clarke Street, leaving his family and community grieving his untimely death.

Shonta Jackson, a family spokesperson, described Zysean as a “social butterfly” who was “destined to be a star.”

She shared that Zysean’s mother expressed her son’s belief that he would be on TV, lamenting that it was this tragic event that brought him there.

Milwaukee police found Zysean shot and killed, and investigators suspect the gun belonged to one of his friends.

Zysean had dreams of becoming a rapper and had already recorded songs. His mother recalled how he started making rhymes one day, and they sounded really good.

Zysean’s family and friends plan to keep his voice alive by ensuring his music is shared.

The night of Zysean’s death, police arrested a 36-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, referring charges of child neglect resulting in death. However, the district attorney’s office has not yet filed criminal charges. Zysean’s family urges the public to keep all firearms locked away to prevent similar tragedies.

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By Peyton Headlee

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    STOCKTON, California (KCRA) — A national group focused on protecting children from gun violence said it has helped broker a 21-day gang ceasefire in Stockton, two weeks after a mass shooting at a child’s birthday party left four people dead and 13 others injured.

The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation (YPJF) said the truce followed a late-night meeting Friday that included representatives from at least four gangs. The group describes the agreement as a “conditional epiphany truce.”

KCRA 3 first learned about the planned meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, when YPJF said four rival gangs had agreed to attend and asked for a member of the local clergy and a community leader to be present.

Stockton police have said the city has about 86 gangs with an estimated 2,700 members.

KCRA 3 requested an interview ahead of the meeting, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 p.m. A spokesperson replied that media would not be allowed for security reasons and declined interviews.

“The Foundation will release a formal statement or press release immediately following the conclusion of the meeting tomorrow (December 12th), at which time all key figures will be available to answer questions about the outcome,” Jennifer West said in an email.

Saturday morning, YPJF sent a press release announcing the 21-day truce and its conditions, stating participating gangs would pause violence to save lives and restore order.

YPJF founder Daniel Chaplin said in part: “The ball is no longer in our court; it is squarely in the City’s. We secured the ceasefire, but we are now in a ‘wait and see’ period. If Stockton’s political leadership fails to match the moral courage of these (violence) drivers with institutional commitment by January 15th, they will bear the moral responsibility for any violence that resumes.”

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said she was not invited to the meeting and did not have enough information to comment.

Both Stockton Police and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were not told the meeting was happening. YPJF said excluding law enforcement was necessary for participant safety.

KCRA 3 again requested an interview with the foundation on Saturday afternoon. Just before 6 p.m., YPJF said it would hold interview requests until Monday and planned a Zoom press conference. By 9 p.m., the foundation canceled the press conference, citing the need to secure political commitment from Stockton city leadership.

KCRA 3 has not been able to ask questions directly with YPJF about the meeting or the ceasefire claim.

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By Beau Bowman

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    IOWA (KCCI) — The family of one of two Iowa Army National Guard members killed in a terrorist attack Saturday confirmed his identity in a Facebook post Sunday morning.

Meskwaki Nation Police Chief Jeffrey Bunn posted on the department’s page that his son, Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, is one of the victims.

“My wife Misty and I had that visit from Army Commanders you never want to have. Our son Nate was one of the Soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, to keep us all safer,” Bunn wrote. “He loved what he was doing and would be the first in and last out, no one left behind. Please pray for our Soldiers all around this cruel world. We will see you again son, until then we have if from here.”

In a news conference Saturday night, Gov. Kim Reynolds said she had been in contact with the families of the two slain soldiers.

“Earlier, I had the opportunity to reach out to the families of the two soldiers who were killed, and as you can imagine, they are devastated,” Reynolds said.

Iowa Army National Guard officials on Monday officially identified the slain soldiers as Howard, of Marshalltown, and 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Brian Torrestovar, of Grimes. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.

“Today, we honor the memory and sacrifice of Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torrestovar by sharing their names with a grateful state and nation,” Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard. “They were dedicated professionals and cherished members of our Guard family who represented the best of Iowa. Our focus now is providing unwavering support to their families through this unimaginable time and ensuring the legacy of these two heroes is never forgotten.”

Three Iowa soldiers who were injured in the attack will not be publicly identified, according to a news release Monday.

Flags in Iowa will be flown at half-staff now until sunset on the final day of interment, according to Gov. Kim Reynolds.

“Sgt. Howard and Sgt. Torrestovar served our state and nation with honor, and in doing so, gave the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful for their service and deeply mourn their loss,” Reynolds said. “Kevin and I offer our prayers and condolences to their families and ask that Iowans stand united in support of them during this difficult time.”

A group of IANG soldiers was in Syria early Saturday morning when a lone ISIS gunman attacked. The soldiers were part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, currently serving in the Middle East.

Two were killed, as was a civilian interpreter. Three others were injured.

One of the injuries was described as “superficial,” and that soldier was evacuated back to base for treatment. The other two injuries were “significant,” and the soldiers were evacuated to a military hospital at an air base in Jordan.

“They are stable in critical condition, but both stable and both have made progress throughout the day,” IANG Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn said.

Osborn said that following the ambush, U.S. and partner Syrian forces engaged and killed the attacker. He said at the time of the attack, U.S. personnel were conducting a key leader engagement.

“The mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS and counterterrorism efforts in the region, and this incident remains under investigation,” Osborn said.

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By Cornell Barnard

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The Bay Area’s Jewish community gathered for the first night of Hanukkah, but there is sadness, along with safety concerns, in the wake of the deadly shooting in Australia.

There was a Hanukkah gathering in Union Square near the city’s giant menorah on Sunday.

“Hanukkah is all about bringing people together in community, just spreading the light in a world that can be very dark,” said Nikki Childs from San Francisco.

That darkness surfaced Sunday when a gunman targeted the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah celebration on Australia’s Bondi Beach, killing more than a dozen people.

“Our hearts are heavy right now. My dear friend Rabbi Eli Schlanger was gunned down in cold blood in Sydney,” said Rabbi Moshe Langer from Chabad of San Francisco.

Langer was remembering his classmate from rabbinical seminary in Brooklyn, New York.

Schlanger sent a Rosh Hashanah wish last September on his Instagram page.

“Since I heard the news and started talking about him, it’s been difficult. I’m getting emotional, not because I knew him personally but that could have been me,” Langer said.

Langer said security for Sunday’s menorah lighting has been stepped up. We saw an increased presence of SFPD officers around Union Square on Sunday afternoon.

In a statement to ABC7 News, the department says it’s monitoring the horrific attack in Australia, saying that hatred and antisemitism can never be tolerated.: “The SFPD has increased patrols at places of worship and Jewish events throughout the city. Our officers remain vigilant and are prepared to respond to any emergency.”

A security guard was posted at a Hanukkah event at Temple Sherith Isreal in San Francisco, where rabbi Jessica Graf condemned the violence.

“We have to stop the antisemitism, which is rampant and anti-Jewish sentiment. We need to turn dialogue and find a peaceful solution for everybody,” Graf said.

Jewish leaders say the first night of the holiday is bringing light and hope.

“Our answer to darkness like this — when you have a terrorist committing acts of violence — is to bring more light and redouble our efforts,” Langer said.

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By Web Staff

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    RIVERSIDE COUNTY, California (KCAL/KCBS) — A school officer was arrested in Riverside County nearly a month after investigators began looking into allegations of sexual assault on a school campus, according to a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

“In November 2025, deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a school in the 23000 block of Cougar Canyon Road, Moreno Valley, regarding a report of inappropriate contact between a Campus Supervising Officer and a student,” the release said. Canyon Springs High School is located on the same street as noted in the news release.

Because of the nature of the investigation, RSO’s Special Victims Unit was contacted to assume the investigation. They were able to identify the suspect as 51-year-old Perris man Richard Feliciano Romero, according to the release.

On Dec. 11, investigators served a search warrant at Romeros’ home in the 20000 block of Marcheta Place, with the help of the Perris Sheriff’s Station, deputies said.

Romero was arrested at the residence and booked for sodomy by force, solicitation of child sexual abuse material and other child sexual abuse charges, according to RSO’s release.

“This is an active investigation, and we are cooperating fully with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department,” said a statement from the Moreno Valley Unified School District. “Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and to protect the integrity of the investigation, no further information will be shared.”

District officials did not note if Romero was placed on administrative leave or dismissed from his position.

Anyone with more information was urged to contact investigators at (951) 955-1718.

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By Logan Smith

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    DENVER (KCNC) — A Denver Sheriff’s Department deputy accused earlier this year by female inmates of sexual harassment has resigned. A second deputy is being disciplined for failing to report one of the inmate’s complaints to superiors.

Deputy Cristian Gondor resigned Sept. 19, four days before the department concluded its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The department issued a letter Sept. 23 sustaining the allegations.

Two female inmates filed reports accusing Gondor of telling inappropriate jokes, hugging them, describing his arousal, leaning over their bunks with arms extended “in a way that would have prevented them from exiting,” as stated in the letter, and to repeatedly following them into the showers area. One of the inmates reported Gondor approached her bunk, rubbed her foot with the crotch of his pants, and groaned.

The inmates cited specific encounters on Feb. 28, March 14 and March 15, according to the letter. Both complaints were filed by March 15. Video recordings from the Downtown Detention Center’s surveillance system confirmed the many of the allegations.

“There were no exigent circumstances presented that permitted you to intentionally enter the shower area while female inmates were showering,” the letter stated. “Facility videos also show that you permitted inmates to walk outside of their bunks areas and around the dayroom wearing only a bra.”

Jail policy, according to the letter, allows deputies to search the shower area during routine checks, but only after announcing their intent to enter and giving inmate sufficient time to cover themselves.

In an interview with jail supervisors earlier in the department’s investigation, Gondor defended his actions. According to the letter, he denied they were for sexual gratification, and were instead intended to “diffuse” inmates, “keep the peace,” and “keep the pod safe and mellow,” in his words.

Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins released a statement Friday:

“We found Mr. Gondor’s conduct abhorrent and a violation of the trust placed in us by the community, which is why he is no longer a member of our Department.”

Another jail staff member, Deputy Ahmed Al Obaidi, was recently disciplined for not reporting Gondor’s possible infractions in the days after they occurred. An inmate approached him with allegations and named Gondor specifically.

Dep. Obaidi listened to the inmate and handed her a pencil and complaint form, but failed to report the allegations himself, according to his disciplinary letter. Dep. Obaidi begins a six-day unpaid suspension on Monday.

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