Judge sets bond for Lincoln high school teacher accused of sexual abuse

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By McKenzy Parsons

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    LINCOLN, Neb. (KETV) — A judge set bond for the Lincoln teacher accused of sexual abuse.

Daniel Holmberg, 62, was arrested after multiple students reported the English learner teacher inappropriately touched them.

Investigators said they spent two weeks interviewing several teen girls, who they said all speak different primary languages other than English.

According to the affidavit, the victims said Holmberg would learn phrases in their language and tell them they were his favorite student and they were pretty. They also said he touched them inappropriately on multiple occasions.

Court documents said Holmberg was interviewed by other Lincoln Public Schools employees, and during the interview, he admitted to touching the victims. But, according to the affidavit, Holmberg said his intentions were not sexual.

LPS released a statement regarding the situation.

“We understand our community has questions. This is an ongoing investigation and we owe it to everyone that we ensure a fair and thorough process – and that can take time. Because this is still being investigated, we are unable to provide further details or comments at this time.”

“Our job as educators is to teach, nurture and protect students. When there is even the thought that a trusted individual inside our system has potentially harmed a student – it hurts and makes us angry.”

“We are focusing our efforts in supporting the students impacted, and providing resources for students and families. We ask that everyone please honor and respect the privacy of Northeast students and staff and let the Lincoln Police and courts do their important work.”

Holmberg’s bond was set at 10% of $200,000.

He will be back in court in January.

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Glendale neighbors rally against hate after local man named in neo-Nazi demonstration

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By WLWT Staff

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    GLENDALE, Ohio (WLWT) — The Glendale community came together for a peaceful rally against hate after a local man was accused of participating in a neo-Nazi rally in Little Rock, Arkansas, last week.

An incident report said 22 people marched with swastika flags outside a high school and the state capitol in Arkansas.

A Glendale man is one of four men from Ohio who participated, but they have not been charged with a crime, so WLWT is not naming them.

A group called “Glendale Cares” organized the event on Wednesday, gathering dozens of neighbors to convey the message that hate has no place in their community.

“Neo-Nazism is not welcome in our neighborhood, and we are here to love our neighbors and to celebrate the diversity and love of our neighborhood,” Cassie Saines, a Glendale resident, said.

During the event, the group lit candles and a menorah, prayed together and sang songs about love and peace.

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Prosecutor calls shooting ‘brazen and ruthless’ as Yemassee man gets 30 years for restaurant killing

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Graham Cawthon

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    WALTERBORO, S.C. (WJCL) — On Wednesday, a Yemassee man was convicted of murder in the shooting death of a woman outside a restaurant and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

A Colleton County jury found Marvis Jermaine Williams, 45, guilty in the Aug. 15, 2023, killing of Mia Tabb in the parking lot of the Barrell House Grille in Walterboro.

Williams was also convicted of possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, following the three-day trial at the Colleton County Courthouse.

“This defendant’s actions were brazen and ruthless,” Assistant Solicitor Julie Kate Keeney of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said in a statement. “His actions resulted in the death of one woman and put others at risk.”

Circuit Court Judge Marvin Dukes imposed the sentence.

Tamika Suewanna Carter, 49, also has been charged with murder in the case.

Williams’ criminal record includes convictions for unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of a stolen weapon in 2005; possession of cocaine in 2013; and obtaining goods under false pretenses over $10,000 and pointing and presenting in 2022.

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Iowa 5-year-old raises $5,000 to cover dog adoption fees before Christmas

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Pepper Purpura

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    KNOXVILLE, Iowa (KCCI) — A central Iowa 5-year-old has reached his goal to help every dog at the Marion County Humane Society find a home before Christmas.

Tucker Bell raised $5,000 to cover the adoption fee for every dog at the shelter — making it easier for families to welcome a new four-legged friend home for the holidays.

The idea is rooted in Tucker’s belief that every dog deserves companionship.

“I bet they want someone to be with them… like a grown-up or something, or a kid,” he said.

Tucker and his family regularly volunteer at the shelter, walking dogs and spending time with animals who sometimes wait months, or even years — for a home. One of those dogs is Peggy Bon Bons, a friendly 6-year-old who has been at the shelter for about two years after her owner passed away.

Seeing dogs wait so long inspired Tucker to take action. Since Thanksgiving, he’s raised money by selling hot chocolate and his mom’s homemade treats.

“All of it was Tucker’s idea,” said Leslie Vanderlinden, president of the Marion County Humane Society. “He’s raised enough money to cover all of our adoption expenses for our dogs.”

In total, Tucker raised $5,000 — enough to waive adoption fees for all dogs at the shelter in time for Christmas.

Now his mother is promoting another message through her social media:

“He now has an even bigger favor to ask of you,” she wrote. “Could you open up the possibility of adoption in your heart?”

Tucker hopes families will visit the shelter, consider adoption, and give these dogs the second chance they deserve. And if you do decide to adopt, he’d love to meet you at the shelter and shake your hand.

So, if you’re on the fence about bringing home a Christmas canine, Tucker has a simple message: “You need a puppy.”

The Marion County Humane Society will maintain its regular hours leading up to Christmas but will be closed on Christmas Day. Anyone interested in adopting can stop by before then.

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Ella Cook: What we know about the 19-year-old from Mountain Brook killed in Brown University shooting

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Taylor Lang

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    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WVTM) — Ella Cook, 19, was a sophomore at Brown University studying French and mathematics-economics, according to her obituary.

She was killed in the shooting at Brown University on Saturday. She was planning to graduate in 2028, according to her LinkedIn.

Her obituary states she was known for her quiet leadership, deep Christian faith and devotion to children and education.

What we know The shooting happened just after 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Barus and Holley building, which houses the school of engineering and the physics department, where students were gathering for their exams. Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook were killed. Nine others were injured. Ella Cook is from Mountain Brook, Alabama. Classes and exams were canceled. University officials also said students are free to leave. Officials shed new light on the investigation on Wednesday, sharing a photo of that potential witness, publishing a map of the person of interest’s movements and revealing that they do have physical DNA evidence, though it has not yet led to the identity of a suspect.

Who was Ella Cook Ella Cobbs Cook was born on July 18, 2006, in Birmingham, Alabama, where she was raised with her parents and two sisters, according to her obituary.

“Her bright young life was taken from her on December 13, 2025 at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island,” the obituary states.

Cook was an active member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, an Episcopal congregation in Birmingham. Her Christian faith shaped much of her daily life and relationships, family members said in her obituary.

She taught Bible studies and Sunday School and regularly worked with younger children. Her obituary says she believed her highest calling would one day be motherhood.

Friends and family described Cook as soft-spoken, but deeply influential. She was someone who led not through prominence but through consistency, empathy and service.

“She loved people as people,” family members said, noting that she was intentionally focused on the well-being of those around her.

Cook had a lifelong love of the arts. She played the piano, traveled, danced and loved the outdoors. She also spoke French.

She served as vice president of the Brown chapter of the College Republicans of America.

Martin Bertao, president of College Republicans of America, said Cook “was known for her bold, brave, and kind heart” and offered prayers for her family and the campus community.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reposted the College Republicans’ message, writing, “There are no words. Thinking of her family and friends, especially her parents. God please bless them.”

A service celebrating Cook’s life is scheduled for Dec. 22 at Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Children’s Ministry at Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Ave. North, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203.

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Indiana boy praised for heroic effort to save friend from drowning at birthday party

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By WLKY Staff

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    INDIANA (WLKY) — A young Indiana boy is being called a hero after saving his friend from drowning at an indoor pool.

“It was his birthday party, and like I was excited, so I just jumped in the pool,” Braxton said.

His friend Clark jumped into action when he noticed Braxton wasn’t swimming.

“I saw him like, drowning, like he was, like, not really swimming. So I had to… to get him, and then I got him,” Clark said.

Braxton said he thought the water was shallow enough when he jumped in.

After Clark jumped in and pulled Braxton to the surface, the boys were able to get out safely.

“I was thanking him how he just saved my life, and I was like, Thank God, like God sent him to save me,” Braxton said. “He’s like family to me. He’s my best friend, and I just love to be with him.”

The boys were honored at their school’s character award ceremony.

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Man killed by pack of dogs in North Carolina; owner charged with murder, deputies say

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Stephanie Moore

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    DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WYFF) — A North Carolina man died after being attacked by a “large pack of canines” and now the dogs’ owner has been charged with murder, according to authorities.

The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office said Michael Bodenheimer, 73, was found dead in his front yard on Nov. 18.

They said Bodenheimer had sustained severe injuries and was beyond the possibility of life-saving intervention.

Preliminary findings indicated that his injuries were consistent with an attack by a large pack of canines, according to deputies.

Deputies and detectives said during the investigation they found the pack of aggressive canines at a neighboring property.

The animal control division said they captured 17 dogs, identified as mixed-breed pit bulls.

The animals were euthanized and taken to a local veterinary facility, where necropsies were conducted.

The examinations of the canines revealed evidence confirming their involvement in the attack of Bodenheimer.

An autopsy conducted on Bodenheimer determined that he died as a result of injuries sustained in the mauling from the canines.

According to authorites, the owner of the dogs, 56-year-old Elaina Bryant, was determined through the investigation to have been grossly negligent in the care and control of the animals.

Bryant was charged with second-degree murder and ten counts of felony animal abuse.

Bodenheimer’s family released the following statement after his death:

“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our father. He was deeply loved, and his absence has left a pain that words cannot fully express.

We are aware that charges have been filed in connection with his death. At this time, we ask for privacy as we continue to grieve and support one another. We have full confidence in the legal process and will allow it to move forward without further comment.

Our focus remains on honoring our father’s life, his values, and the love he shared with those around him. We appreciate the support, prayers, and kindness that have been extended to our family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Bodenheimer was a member of the Fair Grove Fire Department. They released the following statement:

“Mike was a long time member of the Fair Grove Fire Department serving the Fair Grove community for many years. This particular incident involving one of our own has hit the department pretty hard since several of our current members served with him . Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as our own members. “

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Maine high school student accused of having a hit list, researching weapons

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Adam Bartow

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    WINDHAM, Maine (WMTW) — A 14-year-old boy at Windham High School is accused of putting together a hit list and researching ways to get weapons.

The Windham Police Department says officers were notified on Tuesday of a possible threat involving the student after other students in the school spoke up. Police say the boy was using technology to look at how to get weapons and had put together a focused list of people he possibly wanted to target.

The teen, whose name was not released because of his age, was quickly identified and charged with criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy, and terrorizing. As of Thursday, he was under house arrest and not allowed on any RSU 14 property.

Police said they had no reason to believe there were any other threats or that anyone was in danger.

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“Hug them a little tighter,” grandfather of Maine bus victim speaks out

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Bonnie Bishop

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    STANDISH, Maine (WMUR) — Jason Small is grieving the loss of his grandson, Simon Gonzalez, who was killed by a school bus in Standish, Maine, on Tuesday.

“Grab your children, hug them a little tighter, kiss them good night, and every morning you wake them up and let them know you love them because you just do not know when that time’s not going to come back,” said Jason Small.

Small says Simon absolutely enjoyed life, taking him snowmobiling, ice fishing and camping. The 5-year-old was also described as a happy child who loved going to school.

“I tried with all my heart to protect that little boy,” Small said.

The crash happened before 8 a.m. on Tuesday less than a half mile from Edna Libby Elementary School. Students were dismissed early that day, and regular classes were cancelled Wednesday.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies are investigating the crash.

The accident happened just over a week before Christmas, which Small says he’s no longer celebrating this year.

“I took down all the Christmas ornaments, took the Christmas tree down,” Small said.

In the face of tragedy, those who love Simon want change. They say they don’t want any other family to lose their child to a school bus.

“Let’s make his life mean something by saving another little kid and making sure that they get to go home to their family for Christmas,” Small said.

Simon’s loved ones are now pushing for a bill to be created that makes school buses safer. Some ideas they have include cameras or sensors on school buses.

“There needs to be a change in, not just Maine, but the whole United States,” said Alishia Sessions, a family friend. “I’m hoping we can get it passed in Maine to create stricter requirements for buses.”

Students at Edna Libby Elementary School are set to return back to class on Thursday.

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Video shows Coast Guard helicopter rescue after sailboat mast snaps in rough waters off Florida

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Hunter Geisel

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    Florida (WFOR) — Video captured the moments when two boaters were rescued early Wednesday morning after their sailboat’s mast broke on the rough waters off Florida’s Gulf Coast, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Just before 3:25 a.m., a USCG Southeast District watchstander received a distress notification regarding a 30-foot sailing vessel that became disabled approximately 40 miles west of Tarpon Springs, prompting the USCG to launch a helicopter rescue crew to the signal’s location. Tarpon Springs is approximately 30 miles northwest of Tampa.

Shortly before 4:50 a.m., the aircrew arrived at the scene and found the boaters and their de-masted sailboat in “4 to 6-foot seas and 20 knot [23 mph] winds,” the USCG said.

In a video from the rescue mission shared on X, the aircrew is seen deploying a rescue swimmer, who swiftly swims to the disabled vessel and helps each boater to the helicopter’s lift.

The USGC said both boaters were in stable condition and safely taken to Air Station Clearwater.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Ayber, a search and rescue controller at the USCG’s Southeast District command center, said the boaters’ distress alert was “vital” because it gave them critical information to rapidly deploy a rescue crew to the boaters.

“Having reliable communication equipment and necessary safety equipment can make all the difference when seconds matter on the water,” he said.

The USCG said the boat’s owner is coordinating with commercial salvage to recover the vessel and the cause of the de-masting is unknown.

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