Coyote that attacked multiple people, dogs in Georgia neighborhoods tests positive for rabies

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Dan Raby

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    BUFORD, Georgia (WUPA) — A coyote that attacked multiple people and dogs around Buford has tested positive for rabies, Gwinnett County health officials say.

According to authorities with the Gwinnett Animal Shelter, the three incidents happened in multiple neighborhoods around the city on Dec. 26 and 27. The first attack near Holland Park Drive left a resident and a dog injured. The second and third attacks both happened within an hour on the morning of Dec. 27 near Wyncliff Court and Bennies Way. Those attacks involved two residents and another dog.

Officials say the animal tested positive for rabies on Monday.

The disease, which can be transmitted through bites and scratches from infected animals, is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms occur. Those symptoms include muscle aches, fever, vomiting, and general weakness and discomfort. The National Association of State Health Veterinarians says all unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal need to be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released.

“We advise residents to use caution and avoid animals behaving in unusual ways,” the Gwinnett Animal Shelter said.

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal you believe may have rabies, seek medical care immediately and let your health care provider know about the possible exposure. Afterwards, call GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260 and ask to speak with the epidemiologist on call.

To report a suspected rabid animal for pickup in Gwinnett County, call the animal shelter’s bite office at (770) 339-3200 ext. 5576 or the non-emergency number at (770) 513-5700 for any after-hour reports.

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.

Pittsburgh woman accused of zipping puppy inside a suitcase

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Mike Darnay

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A Pittsburgh woman has been arrested and is facing charges after police say she zipped a puppy inside a suitcase on Christmas Day.

Police said that officers were called to the city’s North Side after receiving a report of a woman who was beating a puppy.

Officers said when they arrived in the area, a man told them they saw a woman, later identified as Jayme White, yelling at her dog and zipping it inside a suitcase she was carrying.

Police said they confronted White, who admitting to having a puppy inside the suitcase.

Investigators said that a witness told them White hit the dog several times before putting it inside the suitcase.

White was arrested and is being held in the Allegheny County Jail. She is facing several charges including animal neglect and public drunkenness.

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South Florida man arrested after naked rampage with a hammer and machete, causing thousands in damages

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Nikiya Carrero

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — A man is in custody after Homestead police say he went on the attack on Monday, destroying property in the nude.

Carlos Guerrero, 38, was arrested Monday at a home on Northwest 8th Avenue and 5th Street after police say he was armed with a hammer, mallet, and machete, smashing items inside the home where he rented a room.

The victims told police in addition to damaging the room, he threw a bag of cement on top of a white Ford Mustang that belonged to one of the residents.

According to detectives, he caused an estimated $8,950 worth of damage to the car and both the inside and outside air conditioning units, as well as other property damage.

According to the arrest report, when police arrived at a home on Northwest 8th Avenue and 5th Street, they found 38-year-old Carlos Guerrero on the side of the house, naked, actively destroying things with a hammer.

Bond hearing reveals previous legal issues Appearing in bond court on Tuesday, he was familiar with the judge, because this isn’t his first time in trouble with the law.

“Carlos Guerrero,” called Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer.

“Yes, ma’am. Good morning, Ms. Glazer,” answered Guerrero.

Guerrero told the circuit judge he remembered her from juvenile court, to which she responded was a long time ago.

“You was the best in the world because you have structured rehabilitation,” Guerrero said to the judge.

Guerrero appeared in front of the judge after he was charged with two counts of criminal mischief.

“He was armed with a hammer, mallet and machete, destroying items inside the home,” said Glazer during the bond hearing.

One of the victims told police that Guerrero had threatened to harm him before calling 911.

“You must stay at least 500 feet away from the victims, their home and school and employment of all time and stay away from the residence,” the judge ordered Guerrero.

Guerrero is currently on probation for a burglary charge and will have to appear before another judge for that case.

When CBS News Miami tried to speak to the victims at their home, there were padlocks on the front gates, restricting access.

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How a running organization is helping metro Atlanta girls build confidence and lasting friendships

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Monique John

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Girls across metro Atlanta are lacing up their running shoes and building confidence, friendships and self-esteem through a program designed to empower young girls.

Kennedy Barnes and Lillian Peters, both from Buckhead, are participants in Girls on the Run, a national organization that uses physical activity to help girls develop healthy habits and positive self-worth. One of the program’s signature activities is a 5K run, which encourages participants to set goals and support one another along the way.

Kennedy Barnes and Lillian Peters get ready to run the annual Girls on the Run 5K race. Barnes says the program has helped her improve her fitness while boosting her confidence on and off the track.

“I feel like I grow my endurance and I feel like I’m very good, like a good runner right now, and it’s helping with soccer,” Barnes said.

For Peters, the biggest impact has been the sense of belonging she found through the program.

“I made a lot of friends quickly, and I felt everybody, like, in the community of Girls on the Run was very kind and welcoming,” Peters said.

Since its founding in 1996, Girls on the Run has worked with more than 2.5 million girls nationwide. The organization offers programs for girls in third through eighth grade in Georgia and across the United States, focusing on physical activity, teamwork and building confidence that lasts beyond the finish line.

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Hammonton’s blueberry drop brings tight-knit community together after fatal helicopter crash

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Eva Andersen, Bill Seiders

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    HAMMONTON, New Jersey (KYW) — In Hammonton, residents describe the town as a “tight-knit community.” It’s a sentiment repeated across shops, diners and other small businesses.

“It’s peaceful,” said Adriane Swenson, a vendor at The Shoppes on Bellevue.

“Everybody knows each other,” said Lisa Cunningham, another vendor.

Right now, those words carry extra weight. As Hammontonians get ready to ring in the new year, they’re reflecting on the tragedy that struck the community just days ago, when two helicopters collided midair near Hammonton on Sunday, killing both pilots. One man died at the scene, while the other was transported to a hospital and later died from his injuries. Authorities say the two men were friends. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

“When something like this happens, the whole town takes it to heart,” said Leeann Barnhart, a waitress at the Silver Coin Diner. “It doesn’t happen often around here.”

Now, more than ever, community members say they’re looking forward to an annual New Year’s Eve tradition: the blueberry ball drop.

The illuminated blueberry, a longtime symbol of the town’s identity, will be lowered at midnight outside Town Hall as part of a celebration that begins earlier in the evening with live music and fireworks. Organizers say the event is expected to draw residents together after a difficult week for the South Jersey community.

“It’ll be a nice, happy event for everybody — that’s the plan,” said Ty Wilson, executive director of Main Street Hammonton. “As bright as it becomes, it’s a way to show people there’s hope and things to look forward to. What we do as one, we do together.”

Tuesday night, crews tested the oversized illuminated blueberry. The structure is outfitted with more than 500 lights, about 50 feet of LED rope lighting and decorative leaves at the top, according to Main Street Hammonton.

For Barnhart, who brings her grandchildren to the blueberry drop each year, the tradition feels especially meaningful this time.

“I think it’s going to bring everybody closer together,” she said. “Just knowing the two lives that were lost — it brings the community together tighter than it already is.”

Hammonton’s New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 10:30 p.m., with the blueberry drop scheduled for midnight, followed by fireworks.

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Wandering wallaby wrangled near Walmart in Williamstown

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Katherine Scott, Trish Hartman, and Brandon Longo and Cheyenne Corin

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    WILLIAMSTOWN, New Jersey (WPVI) — It’s a happy ending for Rex, the wandering wallaby from Williamstown, New Jersey.

Owners of Lots of Love Farm said the 3-year-old wallaby was found Tuesday night near the Walmart where he was last spotted.

“If this just didn’t become the best night ever! With the help of some really cool kids and a really cool dad. We caught Rex at the Walmart!! He is home safe and sound! Thank you, everyone, you’re all amazing. He must really like Walmart,” said Lots of Love Farm in a Facebook post.

Caitlyn Evangelista and her mother, Michelle, were out looking for Rex when they spotted something moving near a retention pond.

“I screamed like, ‘Stop, I think I see it.’ And then, you know, I tried to get a closer look, and I saw that you know, it was a wallaby,” she recalled. “I was just like, I couldn’t believe it. Like, there’s no way we just found this thing. It’s been lost for hours.”

They immediately called the farm and, in the meantime, a group of young men pulled up to help.

“They were like, ‘Were you out looking for the wallaby?’ and we’re like, ‘Yeah, he’s right here.’ They had a net in their car, but the owner was afraid that the wallaby would get scared, so the owner got food out of his pocket,” said Michelle Evangelista. “They were able to catch it by its tail and hold onto it.”

Klarissa Harper of Franklinville was among the shoppers who saw Rex on Monday in the Walmart parking lot.

“I was just picking up milk for my little brother. My mom sent me here,” Harper said. “And I’m leaving the parking lot, and I look over, and something’s hopping in front of my car.”

Harper said she immediately grabbed her phone, thinking she must be seeing things. “I couldn’t contain my excitement,” she said

Ron Layden owns Lots of Love Farm, which is a petting zoo and animal sanctuary located about a half-mile away from the Walmart. He said Rex had been moved to a different enclosure because of the cold, but “the cage didn’t get all the way shut.”

The Evangelistas are relieved the wallaby is back home safe and sound.

“I mean, everyone in town has been out, you know, looking for it and has been concerned,” said Michelle. “I’m just so happy that we were able to spot it.”

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Teenage Good Samaritan hospitalized after Christmas Eve crash while helping stranded driver

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Randy Wimbley

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    DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Michigan (WXYZ) — A 16-year-old boy remains in intensive care at Corewell Health Hospital in Dearborn after being struck by a vehicle while helping a stranded motorist on Christmas Eve in Dearborn Heights.

Alexander Johnson was picking up eggs for his grandmother around 5:30 p.m. when he stopped to help jumpstart another driver’s car at the Van Born and John Daly intersection. Police say Johnson was connecting cables to the disabled vehicle when a suspect driver rear-ended them, pinning the teenager between his car and the vehicle he was helping.

“He’s saying I just wanted to stop and help. I’m never going to stop and help ever again. Look what happened, but we always remind him you can’t stop doing good things for people just because this happened,” said Whitney Johnson, Alexander’s mother.

The crash left Alexander with his leg broken in two places and no feeling from his knee down on his right leg. He has already undergone four surgeries and faces a fifth procedure soon. His recovery could take months or years.

“I honestly don’t know how this could not be a case of distracted driving. My other son, my oldest boy, was on the scene. There were no skid marks on the road or anything like that. It doesn’t even look like he attempted to stop,” William Johnson said.

The Dearborn Heights Police Department says there’s no suspicion that alcohol was a factor in the crash. Investigators have sent the case to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review and a charging decision.

The Johnson family expressed hope that the suspect driver will take responsibility for the incident.

“I hope he gets wind of this and that person truly feels bad and truly has remorse for what he’s done. Maybe he’ll step up and tell the truth,” William Johnson said.

Despite his injuries, Alexander has been apologizing to his family about the timing of the accident.

“He was even like, I ruined Christmas and he keeps apologizing to everybody. I’m like, what are you apologizing for? We’re having Christmas the second he comes home. Tree is still up, presents are still there,” Whitney Johnson said.

The family says they’re grateful for the care Alexander is receiving at Corewell Health Hospital and the support from friends, family, and strangers during this difficult time. A GoFundMe fundraising campaign is underway to help cover medical bills.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Scripps editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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Bald eagle rescued from pig pen in New Mexico

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Vincent Rodriguez

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    SILVER CITY, New Mexico (KOAT) — A bald eagle was rescued from a pig pen in the Gila, after it was likely attacked by adult pigs while trying to capture a piglet.

The park’s official wildlife rescue said the bird must have tried to capture a piglet, prompting the adult pigs to turn on it. New Mexico Game and Fish officials rescued the eagle, but noticed it was unable to fly away.

The Gila Wildlife Rescue examined the bird and found no broken bones, only bruises and a stunned condition. The eagle will remain with the service until it fully heals.

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‘Moment of pure magic’: Oklahoma paramedics take detour to McDonald’s for 6-year-old cancer patient

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Jonathan Greco

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — An Oklahoma mother is praising paramedics who helped put a smile on her 6-year-old son’s face while on their way to a hospital.

Natalie McGee told KOCO 5 that her son was diagnosed with acute leukemia on Dec. 12. Recently, she said he was rushed to a local emergency room after he experienced chest pain and a very irregular heartbeat.

According to McGee, doctors decided that the boy needed to be taken to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health in Oklahoma City, where he receives his treatment.

While the paramedics prepared the 6-year-old to be transported, he asked them if they could stop at McDonald’s. Although McGee told him that the trip probably wasn’t going to happen, she said a paramedic told him that “you’re going to have to ask the boss man.”

Another paramedic walked in, and McGee’s son asked him the same question. The paramedic then spoke with the doctor, and they said they could stop for McDonald’s before heading to the hospital.

The ambulance went to a nearby McDonald’s, and the paramedics wheeled in the 6-year-old boy on a stretcher so he could order a cheeseburger Happy Meal with extra fries and a Sprite.

“He was completely stunned. He kept asking if it was real, if this was actually happening. That one small act of kindness turned one of the scariest nights of our lives into a moment of pure magic,” McGee told KOCO 5. “Those paramedics didn’t just transport my child—they gave him joy, dignity, and a memory we will carry forever. In the middle of cancer, sirens, and fear, they made space for childhood. I would love the opportunity to share this story as a reminder of the compassion and humanity our first responders bring to families during their darkest moments.”

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Employee at Arrowhead Stadium says Taylor Swift surprised her with $600 Christmas tip

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Chloe Godding

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — One of Kansas City’s favorite pop stars crossed a little something extra off the wish list of one employee at Arrowhead Stadium.

Robyn Gentry posted in the Facebook fan group “Taylor Swift’s Vault” over the weekend that her experience working on Christmas Day took a merry turn when she suddenly saw Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce and Donna Kelce.

Related video above: Taylor Swift’s Children’s Mercy Hospital visit brings joy to young patient

Gentry said Swift wished everyone a merry Christmas and thanked them for working on the holiday, telling the employees to “please take this.”

“Travis and her were smiling so big and just kept saying merry Christmas, thank you for working Christmas,” Gentry wrote. “But when they were gone and I stopped to look at what was in my hand … $600. My whole paycheck for two weeks. I had just dropped that much for Christmas for 8 kids. I immediately started crying.”

It’s not Swift’s first or only donation this holiday season. She made major donations to various organizations, including $1 million to the American Heart Association and $1 million to Feeding America.

“Taylor and Travis are beautifully kind people,” Gentry said in her Facebook post. “It’s very true, incredible and very kind people.”

Gentry said she has not been able to spend the money yet and has even framed one of the $100 bills.

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