Weapons detection system alerts staff to loaded handgun at Joppatowne High School

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2026

By Ashley Paul, Bryan Lynn, Adam Thompson

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    JOPPATOWNE, Maryland (WJZ) — A 15-year-old Harford County student was arrested after the sheriff’s office said the district’s weapons detection system alerted staff to a loaded handgun at Joppatowne High School, where a student shot and killed a classmate just over two years ago.

The freshman was taken into custody Thursday after a School Safety Liaison (SSL) alerted school officials that he may have had a weapon.

The school’s weapons detection system alerted staff to the possible presence of a weapon, and an SSL immediately searched the teenager’s belongings. A loaded handgun was found concealed inside, and a school resource officer who was on scene detained the student.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office said the combination of partnerships, training and technology led to a safe outcome.

The $1.1 million weapons detection system scans students as they enter the school each day.

A statement from Harford County Public Schools sent to parents read, in part, “The weapons detection system did what it is meant to do. Our students and staff followed established protocols, and we thank our HCPS safety and security team, Joppatowne High staff, as well as law enforcement partners for their quick response.”

Ronald Dominique, a junior at Joppatowne High School, said students across the district have their backpacks checked and walk through the security system each day.

“We have to take computers out, any headphones, umbrellas, stuff like that, and we have to put it on a tray and walk through them, get them back out of the tray and then that’s it,” Dominique said.

Deputies said the Department of Juvenile Services will determine the next steps in the case.

“Throughout the school year, our SROs and our partners at HCPS train and meet regularly to create a safe learning environment for all students in our Harford County communities,” the sheriff’s office said. “Bringing a weapon to school is never acceptable and will not be tolerated. If you or your child sees, hears, or becomes aware of anything unusual, please remember to immediately alert the SRO and school staff.”

The incident comes just over two years after a deadly shooting at Joppatowne High School.

On Sept. 6, 2024, student Jaylen Prince shot and killed 15-year-old Warren Grant inside a Joppatowne High School bathroom. Prince was found guilty of first-degree murder in May 2025 and sentenced to 80 years in prison in October 2025.

Prosecutors said Prince brought a loaded gun to school and followed Grant into the bathroom, threatening to shoot him at least four times before pulling the trigger.

Students who were freshmen during the 2024 shooting said Thursday’s incident brought back memories of that day.

“I was going to the bathroom today, I saw a lot of teachers in the hallway, a lot of staff,” said Avery Lockridte, a junior at Joppatowne High School. “And once I got back to my class, it was like there was a student who tried to come into the school today with a fully loaded handgun.”

“They said that a student had come in with a loaded handgun and he had been detained and stuff, so the situation was under control,” added Elijah Trim, a Joppatowne High School junior.

The sheriff’s office urged people not to jump to conclusions about the motive or any alleged larger threat of violence.

“We continue to investigate the source of the handgun,” a spokesperson said.

Students said they feel safe with the security system in place.

“As long as they got the weapons detector, I don’t think they’ll be able to get it in unless they go in another way, which I don’t know where that would be,” Lockridte 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.

Atlanta volunteer high school football coach arrested after on-field incident during game, officials say.

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2026

By Dan Raby

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    ATLANTA, Georgia (WUPA) — An Atlanta Public Schools volunteer football coach was arrested during a game against a Carroll County high school on Sept. 11, school officials say.

The Carroll County School District tells CBS News Atlanta that the Temple Police Department arrested a visiting coach from Therrell High School after an “onfield incident” during Friday’s game against Temple High School.

“Neither Temple High School nor the Carroll County School System is involved in the law enforcement action, but we are cooperating fully with their investigation,” the school district said.

A spokesperson for Atlanta Public Schools say that the district was aware of the arrest of a volunteer coach, saying that he would no longer serve as a coach for APS.

“The safety and security of our students, staff, coaches, and school communities will remain our top priority and violence or aggressive behavior of any kind by adults who interact with any students will not be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.

Neither school district has released the identity of the former coach or what charges he may be facing.

CBS News Atlanta has reached out to the Temple Police Department for more details.

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.

Long inaccessible 26-acre forest could become southwest Atlanta’s newest park

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2026

By Monique John

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    ATLANTA, Georgia (WUPA) — For years, Renette Scott warned her students at Therrell High School in southwest Atlanta not to venture into the woods outside the school. She didn’t know then that the land was owned by the city of Atlanta.

“This is a jewel that we don’t know exists,” Scott said.

The land is known as Falling Water Park. The city bought the 26-acre forest in 2004 and classified it as a park-in-holding, meaning the greenspace was protected and closed to the public.

Scott partnered with community members, the nonprofit Park Pride, and city officials to advocate for its development. The community members started working under the name Friends of Falling Water Park.

“We had meetings, we did surveys, we had all kinds of activities,” said Deborah Hall, a community organizer on the project who lives right outside the park.

After years of organizing, the city of Atlanta was awarded a $2 million state grant to help make the park accessible. The plans include trails, a boardwalk for fishing and birdwatching, educational signs about wildlife, and outdoor recreational areas. The city credits the community’s advocacy with helping secure the grant.

“This whole area is a desert. We’re in a desert economically, a desert with our green space, a desert with our housing. But I think the key to it is how we not only develop it but how we make it sustainable,” Scott said.

Dexter Clemons, another member of Friends of Falling Water Park, said the wooded property and Mount Gilead Lake could become a destination for birdwatching, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

“There are many species that we can put there,” Clemons said. “But to have a fishing area cove over the water where people can come and just relax, of course probably shaded overhead, the trails coming through, there’s just so much.”

Hall said the development will improve the surrounding neighborhood.

“If it’s more formalized, then some of the overgrowth that we see that’s not natural to the area will be removed so that we’ll have a beautification with what is naturally a part of Georgia,” she said.

After years of advocacy, the community says it’s looking forward to the day this long-inaccessible greenspace opens to the public. The city says it will match the state’s grant with $1 million, bringing the total to $3 million.

The city is waiting to finalize its agreement with the state this summer. Construction will start once the permits are issued.

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.

Homestead landscaper and aspiring boxer seriously injured after being hit by car while jogging

CNN on September 18, 2026

WFOR

By Peter D’Oench

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    HOMESTEAD, Florida (WFOR) — A 33-year-old landscaper and aspiring boxer was seriously injured Tuesday night after being struck by a vehicle while running in Homestead, according to family members and local police.

Ron Nickolas Pozos was jogging near Harris Field, close to Campbell Drive and U.S. 1, when the crash occurred.

Pozos, a married father of a 4-year-old boy, was airlifted to the hospital with broken ribs, severe head injuries requiring stitches, and body scratches. Police said Thursday that he is in stable condition and is expected to be moved from the intensive care unit to a private room.

Pozos’ mother, Nelda Pozos, said her son was actively preparing for an upcoming fight.

“He was running because he was training to have a fight as a boxer,” Nelda Pozos said. “That’s his dream, to be a boxer and everything. Now he is not going to be able to box, and he had wanted to help his family”.

His wife, Cedelia Rodriguez, shared a video showing her husband lying on the ground following the collision before being placed on a gurney.

“My husband means the world to me,” Rodriguez said. “He is the one who provides for my family”.

In a post on Homestead Social, family members initially stated the crash was a hit-and-run.

However, Homestead police released a statement Thursday afternoon clarifying that the driver remained at the scene and was not at fault. Family members acknowledged they had not spoken with police before making the post.

Police said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

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.

Homestead landscaper and aspiring boxer seriously injured after being hit by car while jogging

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2026

By Peter D’Oench

Click here for updates on this story

    HOMESTEAD, Florida (WFOR) — A 33-year-old landscaper and aspiring boxer was seriously injured Tuesday night after being struck by a vehicle while running in Homestead, according to family members and local police.

Ron Nickolas Pozos was jogging near Harris Field, close to Campbell Drive and U.S. 1, when the crash occurred.

Pozos, a married father of a 4-year-old boy, was airlifted to the hospital with broken ribs, severe head injuries requiring stitches, and body scratches. Police said Thursday that he is in stable condition and is expected to be moved from the intensive care unit to a private room.

Pozos’ mother, Nelda Pozos, said her son was actively preparing for an upcoming fight.

“He was running because he was training to have a fight as a boxer,” Nelda Pozos said. “That’s his dream, to be a boxer and everything. Now he is not going to be able to box, and he had wanted to help his family”.

His wife, Cedelia Rodriguez, shared a video showing her husband lying on the ground following the collision before being placed on a gurney.

“My husband means the world to me,” Rodriguez said. “He is the one who provides for my family”.

In a post on Homestead Social, family members initially stated the crash was a hit-and-run.

However, Homestead police released a statement Thursday afternoon clarifying that the driver remained at the scene and was not at fault. Family members acknowledged they had not spoken with police before making the post.

Police said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

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.

Former Miami-Dade elementary school teacher faces 10 new charges for showing explicit images, touching students

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2026

By Nikiya Carrero

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    MIAMI, Florida (WFOR) — A former Sunset Park Elementary School teacher is facing 10 additional charges after being accused of showing graphic material to students and inappropriately touching them, prosecutors revealed in court Thursday.

Cesar Cardoso, 53, who was arrested last week by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, now faces 13 total charges. State prosecutors indicated that further charges could be filed as more alleged victims come forward following forensic interviews.

During a court appearance, prosecutors outlined several of the felony counts brought against Cardoso.

“Count 4, offenses against students by an authority figure is a second-degree felony,” the prosecutor said. “Count 5, transmitting or showing obscene material is a third-degree felony. Count 6, lewd and lascivious conduct against a child under 16.”

According to police arrest records, students reported that Cardoso made physical advances and displayed explicit images. One victim told investigators that Cardoso called her to his desk and displayed a fully clothed photograph of himself in front of a mirror, asking if she liked his shirt. After she said yes, Cardoso swiped to another photograph showing himself facing the mirror naked. The same student alleged that Cardoso later approached her and another child while they were playing and slapped both on the buttocks.

Cardoso entered a plea of not guilty through his defense attorney, Michael Mirer.

“My client is adamant he is not guilty. The allegations are false. And he would look forward to his day in court,” Mirer said following the hearing.

The Miami-Dade school district issued a statement following Cardoso’s arrest, confirming that he separated from the district in May and is no longer an employee.

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.

Former Miami-Dade elementary school teacher faces 10 new charges for showing explicit images, touching students

CNN on September 18, 2026

WFOR

By Nikiya Carrero

Click here for updates on this story

    MIAMI, Florida (WFOR) — A former Sunset Park Elementary School teacher is facing 10 additional charges after being accused of showing graphic material to students and inappropriately touching them, prosecutors revealed in court Thursday.

Cesar Cardoso, 53, who was arrested last week by the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, now faces 13 total charges. State prosecutors indicated that further charges could be filed as more alleged victims come forward following forensic interviews.

During a court appearance, prosecutors outlined several of the felony counts brought against Cardoso.

“Count 4, offenses against students by an authority figure is a second-degree felony,” the prosecutor said. “Count 5, transmitting or showing obscene material is a third-degree felony. Count 6, lewd and lascivious conduct against a child under 16.”

According to police arrest records, students reported that Cardoso made physical advances and displayed explicit images. One victim told investigators that Cardoso called her to his desk and displayed a fully clothed photograph of himself in front of a mirror, asking if she liked his shirt. After she said yes, Cardoso swiped to another photograph showing himself facing the mirror naked. The same student alleged that Cardoso later approached her and another child while they were playing and slapped both on the buttocks.

Cardoso entered a plea of not guilty through his defense attorney, Michael Mirer.

“My client is adamant he is not guilty. The allegations are false. And he would look forward to his day in court,” Mirer said following the hearing.

The Miami-Dade school district issued a statement following Cardoso’s arrest, confirming that he separated from the district in May and is no longer an employee.

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.

Man caught on video beating puppy to death, admits he “went too far,” deputies say

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By Steven Yablonski

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    PUNTA GORDA, Florida (WFOR) — A Florida man is in jail after investigators say he was caught on video repeatedly punching a 6-week-old puppy until it died.

Neil R. Puterbaugh, 53, of Punta Gorda, was arrested Tuesday at his home by Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies. He now faces felony aggravated animal cruelty charges and a violation of probation.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies began to investigate the case on Tuesday when a local news outlet sent a crime tip to investigators that included video showing Puterbaugh forcefully striking the puppy multiple times.

The abuse continued until the animal died, and Puterbaugh then disposed of the puppy’s body, investigators said.

Detectives obtained the video and spent the next two days building their case before arresting Puterbaugh at his home.

“My heart hurts for what this sweet puppy endured,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said in a statement. “There is no excuse for abuse of this kind, and I believe the only word to describe it is ‘evil.'”

After his arrest, Puterbaugh was interviewed where deputies said he admitted to striking the puppy and said he went too far.

Detectives also recovered additional videos from his residence showing further acts of abuse against the puppy.

“Thank you to the person who reported this, and to our media partner who shared it with us to investigate,” Prummell continued. “I wish we could have known sooner so that maybe we could have prevented this terrible outcome. I pray this puppy is now playing free for eternity in a world without pain and fear.”

Puterbaugh is being held at the Charlotte County Jail without bond.

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.

‘Let’s be kind and generous’: WWII veteran reflects on going viral after singing ‘God Bless America’ at Brewers game

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By TJ Dysart

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Sverre Vinje, a 102-year-old World War II veteran, sang “God Bless America” at last week’s Brewers game on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, fulfilling a dream he has had for decades.

During an exclusive interview, Vinje shared his lifelong connection to music.

“I can remember I was always the lead tenor in choirs and things like that,” Vinje said. “That’s been the story of my life.”

His love for music began at age 7, when he competed in a singing competition.

“I won the contest at age 7, and I won first prize, which was a quarter,” Vinje said. However, he added with a laugh, “Somebody stole my quarter!”

Vinje’s passion for music continued during his service in the Navy in 1943, when he was just 19 years old.

“I was ready to go after Pearl Harbor,” he said.

Even in the midst of enemy planes and ships, music provided him with an escape.

“We had a little group. I used to sing along with the group,” Vinje said.

One of the songs Vinje sang during those days was “God Bless America,” which he performed again 83 years later at American Family Field in front of more than 41,000 Brewers fans. Reflecting on the experience, Vinje said, “It was wonderful. All the people I had talked to were so friendly. 150 people or more came up and shook my hand. I was there for them.”

Vinje explained why the song holds special meaning for him.

“It expresses our way of life that we should be living,” he said. “Let’s be kind and generous to each other. We don’t need gun butts; we need to shake hands. That’s what we need.”

After 102 years, a war, and a lifetime of music, Vinje remains steadfast in his belief in “friendship and care.”

Although Vinje lives in Rockford, Illinois, he has long dreamed of singing at a major ballpark. The Brewers were the first team to take him up on the offer, and his family shared that the team wants him back for the upcoming postseason.

When Vinje sings “God Bless America,” it’s clear that people hear more than just a song—they hear a lifetime of resilience, kindness, and hope.

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.

Drunken raccoon found cozied up in Des Moines brewery’s dumpster

CNN Newsource on September 17, 2026

By KCCI Staff

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    DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — A raccoon that climbed into a Des Moines brewery’s dumpster apparently overserved himself with discarded drinks and food.

Exile Brewing Co. social media manager Sam Golbuff shared a photo of the drunken raccoon sleeping it off, drawing hundreds of likes and comments on social media. They called him “Trashed panda,” a play on the affectionate nickname “trash panda” given to raccoons, called for Exile to adopt him as their mascot, and said he deserves everything from his own beer release to his own movie script.

Golbuff said Jake Solsma, a member of the brewery’s packaging team, discovered the critter early Monday morning and stuck a wood pallet in the dumpster to give him something to use to climb out.

“He didn’t,” Golbuff said, “(and) when we looked at the guy, he barely moved, only his eyes/paws a little.”

Concerned for the raccoon’s health, Golbuff, Solsma and marketing associate Rocky Mock contacted animal control.

“(They) came and removed him and informed us that they’re glad we called, as raccoons tend to stress themselves out in these situations,” Golbuff said. “He had over eaten/drank!”

Animal control also said the raccoon was healthy, other than being a little intoxicated, and would be released back into the wild.

Exile turned the moment into a business opportunity, offering $1 off the first drink Tuesday and Wednesday for customers who say, “I’ll have what the raccoon had.”

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.