Wandering wallaby wrangled near Walmart in Williamstown

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

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

Click here for updates on this story

    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.”

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.

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

CNN Newsource on December 31, 2025

By Randy Wimbley

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

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.

Bald eagle rescued from pig pen in New Mexico

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Vincent Rodriguez

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

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.

‘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

Click here for updates on this story

    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.”

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.

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

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Chloe Godding

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

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.

‘Yes, I ate your snack’: Louisville man accused of shooting woman after argument over snacks

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Matthew Keck

Click here for updates on this story

    LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — A Louisville man is facing charges in connection to a shooting, and it allegedly started over a food dispute,

LMPD arrested 56-year-old Kenneth Beals on Sunday.

He’s charged with assault and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

A woman was brought to the hospital Sunday around 7 p.m. with a gunshot wound to her arm. Police said the shooting happened in the Park Hill neighborhood.

According to an arrest slip, the woman told police her aunt had seen Beals eating a snack that was for her children.

When Beals was leaving the home, the woman confronted him about eating the snack. Beals replied by saying “Yes, I ate your snack, and it was good,” before pulling out a handgun and shooting the woman, according to the arrest slip.

Police said the victim and witnesses identified Beals as the shooter.

His next court date is set for Jan. 6.

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.

Louisville woman fights to keep miniature horse amid ordinance changes

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Edward Smith

Click here for updates on this story

    LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — A Louisville woman’s effort to keep her miniature horse, Bandit, at her home is gaining traction after a new ordinance required animals like him to be kept on at least one acre of land.

In the backyard of Susan Bruner’s home, 14-year-old Bandit doesn’t make much noise, aside from an occasional neigh, but he has become the center of community discussion in recent weeks.

Kaylah Morris, a local resident, said, “The kids they love they love to feed him apples. Like we have the fence. We just feed them apples. And stuff right over the fence and yeah, he’s he’s great.”

The miniature horse has been at the forefront of backlash against a recently passed Louisville Metro ordinance. While the ordinance primarily focused on micro-chipping pets, it also included requirements for horses and other animals, stating they must be kept on at least one acre of land.

For Bruner, this change was both major and unexpected.

“They came out the end of November. The first part of December. …And wellness check. Everything checked out. I said, yeah, because it always does and we’re up to code. Everything’s fine. And he said, actually, you’re not any more,” Bruner said.

Neighbors were equally disappointed to learn that Bandit might have to leave. One neighbor expressed, “I think it’s sad, honestly, because they’ve had them for a long time, and and I that’s the neighbor’s baby. And I would feel so bad if that happened to them.”

In response, neighbors started a petition, gathering more than 1,600 signatures, which caught the attention of the Metro Council.

Jennifer Chappell, one of the ordinance’s sponsors, released a statement Monday, expressing her support for Bandit and recommending that Bandit and other affected animals be grandfathered in.

“I want to be clear that I support Bandit and his owner, and I appreciate the compassion this community has shown in keeping Bandit at home,” Chappell said in a statement. “After speaking with Metro Animal Services and the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, I learned ponies and miniature horses were included in this ordinance because they were inadvertently omitted from earlier animal control language. This was simply meant to add clarification, not to target a specific animal or community member. Metro Animal Services will be recommending Bandit be grandfathered in, and I have initiated the process to add that grandfathering language to all animals affected in the legislation that was passed in October.”

Bruner said Bandit is an important piece of her life.

“He’s my baby. He calms me when I get nervous and stressed. I go out on the porch and he comes up and he just. He calms me,” Bruner 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.

New York police officer falls through ice rescuing resident’s dog

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Molly Ormsbee

Click here for updates on this story

    TICONDEROGA, New York (WPTZ) — A Ticonderoga police officer fell through the ice Sunday after assisting a resident whose dog had also fallen into the water off of Black Point Road.

The police officer responded to the call around 3:45 p.m. According to the Ticonderoga Police Department, the officer was able to reach the dog that had fallen through the ice, but as he tried to remove it from the water, the ice broke and the officer fell in.

The dog’s owner then attempted to help the officer and fell into the ice as well. Officials said the officer was able to get the dog out of the water and assist the owner out before self-rescuing.

Once out of the water, the dog was taken home and the owner was transported to the emergency room. EMS responded to evaluate the officer, who returned to duty.

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.

Naked man jumps into retention pond, kicks officer after incident at North Carolina hotel, police say

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Zach Rainey

Click here for updates on this story

    WILMINGTON, North Carolina (WYFF) — Officers in Wilmington, North Carolina, arrested a naked man following a disturbance at a hotel.

Shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday, officers with the Wilmington Police Department were called to a hotel in the 4700 block of Market Street about a naked man causing damage to hotel property and approaching people in the lobby.

When officers arrived, they found the 33-year-old man, identified as Eliot Watkins, in a wooded area nearby.

According to officers, Watkins fled and jumped into a retention pond. As he tried to get out of the pond, officers detained him. During his arrest, Watkins kicked an officer.

Watkins was charged with indecent exposure, assault on a government official, disorderly conduct, injury to personal property, and misdemeanor larceny.

This remains an ongoing investigation. No other details have been released.

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.

Boston man charged after assaulting neighbor over delivery package, DA says

CNN Newsource on December 30, 2025

By Imani Clement

Click here for updates on this story

    BOSTON (WCVB) — A Boston man is facing assault and robbery charges after he allegedly beat his neighbor over a wrongly delivered package, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

On Dec. 22, police responded to a 911 call from a witness saying that a man had assaulted an older neighbor and stolen his phone at an apartment building at 730 Cummins Highway in Dorchester.

When officers arrived, the suspect, Khalil Muhammad, 29, spoke to police.

“(Muhammad) stated that the victim, a 77-year-old man, had come to his apartment accusing him of stealing a package,” Hayden said. “Officers found the victim badly beaten with his eyes swollen shut, a bleeding cut under one eye, and unable to answer questions. The victim was transported to the hospital.”

According to the victim, he went to Muhammad’s apartment to retrieve his wrongly delivered Amazon package, which is when Muhammad punched him in the face and took his $700 cellphone.

The victim ran, but Muhammad followed him and continued to assault him as he went up a flight of stairs.

Muhammad has a lengthy criminal history, including an open case of assault and battery on a police officer, possession of drugs and resisting arrest in East Boston, as well as violent offenses in New York that go back to 2015.

He was also on probation at the time of the incident for two separate cases in Dorchester.

A judge revoked bail in the East Boston case, and Muhammad was ordered held on a detention detainer for both probation violations.

Muhammad will return to court on Jan. 22 for a pretrial hearing on the assault and battery on a person over 60 and unarmed robbery charges.

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.