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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Pittsburgh area motivational speaker and veteran pleads guilty to raping a minor

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Patrick Damp

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A Pittsburgh area veteran and motivational speaker has pleaded guilty to raping a 13-year-old girl.

According to police, 34-year-old Brandon Rumbaugh had sex with the teenager multiple times earlier this year.

Rumbaugh also had allegedly told the victim to “keep this a secret” until she turned 18.

Now, following his guilty plea, he is facing up to 16 years in prison as well as three years of probation.

Victim described Rumbaugh as “a family friend.” An investigation into Rumbaugh began earlier this year, in May, after county police had received a report about a 13-year-old girl who had been sexually assaulted by a man in his 30s.

When the victim was interviewed by police, she told them that she had known Rumbaugh as a family friend since she was 10 years old, and when she was 11 or 12, she started talking to him on the phone.

She also said that she spent the night in his Pleasant Hill home three times, and the first time nothing happened, but the other two nights, she said that Rumbaugh had raped her twice each night. She also recalled that one night, he bought her an alcoholic iced tea, which she drank, and then said they had sex, but she “didn’t feel like herself.”

Rumbaugh lost both legs after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan and now works as a motivational speaker. He was also recognized by the U.S. Marines with a Commendation Medal for valor.

Uniontown community shocked by allegations Many in Uniontown considered and hailed Rumbaugh as a hero for his time in the armed services, but upon learning of the allegations, they found themselves in shock.

“He’s supposed to be a positive person for this community, and now this is coming out. It teaches us we need to be a little more careful with our babies,” said Uniontown resident Jenn Smith.

Prior to his guilty plea, Rumbaugh was facing charges of rape, sexual assault, indecent asault, and aggravated indecent assault.

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Sheriff frustrated as 13-year-old keeps getting released after 11 felonies

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Allen Cone

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    Martin County (WPBF) — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents in the Port Salerno area about criminal activity involving a 13-year-old boy, who keeps getting released after short juvenile detentions.

And Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said there’s not much they can do about him constantly getting out of detention despite 11 felonies.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” Budensiek said at a news conference Wednesday. “Our job is to keep everybody safe, including him. He is unraveling. He would be safer right now at DYS (Florida Department of Juvenile Justice).”

During the past six months, he has been processed on three separate occasions and released shortly after each arrest from the St. Lucie Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Fort Pierce.

From Oct. 29 to Nov. 24, there have been six victims of his crime spree, the sheriff’s office said.

The minor was arrested on three counts of grand theft auto, four burglaries, one count of possession of burglary tools, and three criminal mischief charges.

Crimes involved breaking into vehicles, destroying steering columns and rolling the vehicles into nearby areas. Also, three golf carts were stolen and damaged, along with an additional burglary and property damage.

He was finally caught because he was found stealing the golf carts, the sheriff’s office said.

Why isn’t he being held more than a few hours?

“He’s got to commit more crimes,” Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said at a news conference Wednesday.

Budensiek said the youth hasn’t scored high for detention. And because they are not violent crimes, he unlikely will be charged as an adult with the sheriff, though “hopefully the courts will have a place to get him on track.”

Detectives with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant Monday at his residence, where stolen property connected to these crimes was recovered.

He was released and was back in the Salerno area with his mother.

And Tuesday night, he was placed on a Backer Act hold after threatening to shoot people. For minors, it is up to 12 hours.

“This 13-year-old individual, who had been arrested at least two times by our deputies before for fleeing and eluding once and stealing his mom’s car,” Budensiek said. “But unfortunately, each time mom came in dropped the charges, and this kid was right back on the streets.”

Budensiek said he “has rough living conditions. He has been unraveling since his dad was deported. Because he has not committed six burglaries, he was released immediately after intake.”

The agency posted on Facebook: The Sheriff’s Office is doing everything legally permitted to address this ongoing situation.”

Anyone who observes suspicious activity or believes they may have been victimized is encouraged to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

Under the law, authorities can only hold a minor for up to 21 days before being charged, including as an adult.

Florida statute allows for the sheriff’s office to release the identity of a minor who committed felony crimes. But WPBF is not naming him because he hasn’t been charged as an adult.

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Florida horse theft: 2 stolen horses recovered; suspect arrested

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By LeeAnn Huntoon

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    OSTEEN, Fla. (WESH) — Two of four horses stolen from an Osteen property last week have been recovered in South Florida, and a suspect is in custody, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office announced. Authorities are continuing their search for the two remaining horses.

Lazaro Benitez Guzman, 26, was arrested in Hialeah and charged with grand theft and dealing in stolen property. The active investigation led Volusia Sheriff’s Office detectives and Florida Department of Agriculture agents to him.

“Thanks to diligent police work, great use of technology, and a lot of help from our partner agencies, we’re reuniting these horses with their owners, and we have a suspect in custody,” the Volusia Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to recover the other two stolen horses.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office noted that Guzman was found to be an undocumented immigrant from Cuba, and an ICE/HSI detainer has been placed on him in addition to his criminal charges.

The theft involved four horses: Slater (8 years old), R Chism (13), Snoop (19), and Gratian Hanover (13).

In addition to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Department of Agriculture, the FDLE, Florida Highway Patrol, Town of Davie Police Department, and Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office have assisted in the investigation.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

“My message to the suspects is that it’s only a matter of time before you’re caught, so your best course of action is to make sure no harm comes to these horses,” the Volusia Sheriff’s Office said. “It doesn’t matter where you go or how you try to cover your tracks. You’re going to get caught, and the consequences will be a whole lot worse if the horses were harmed.”

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Small plane crashes into residential complex in Nashua, New Hampshire

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By Brandon Truitt

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    New Hampshire (WBZ) — A small plane crashed into a residential complex in Nashua, New Hampshire on Wednesday afternoon. The Velocity V-Twin crashed shortly after departing Nashua Airport around 2:10 p.m., according to the FAA.

Nashua police said the plane hit the side of 45 Cannongate Rd. which is a building in a residential complex near the airport.

Video from the scene shows damage to the building’s roof and siding. The plane was overturned and resting against a Jeep in the parking lot.

The pilot was the only person on the plane at the time of the crash. “The severity of injuries to the pilot is unknown, but he was able to answer questions at the scene,” Nashua police said. No other injuries have been reported.

Morgan Bonilla was out walking her dog just one street away when she heard the plane flying strangely low.

“You watched him teeter just a little bit and then there was a big dip and turn and then you just heard a loud bang and then a secondary bang almost immediately after,” Bonilla said.

Witnesses help pilot after crash People who live in the area say they are used to seeing planes, but this one sounded different and started doing circles in the air before plummeting.

James Fogarty was sitting in his car at a nearby urgent care and jumped into action when he saw the plane fall from the sky.

“I ran over, and I looked inside, and I see him moving slowly, but I’m asking if he was OK and I saw his eyes roll and I see that he had a gash on his head,” Fogarty said. “I turned around to look at someone and when I turned back around, he had pulled the buckle himself… he flipped over on his own slowly and I pulled him out.”

Fogarty said he was concerned because he could smell fuel after the crash. He says a nurse also ran over and rendered immediate aid.

The FAA will investigate the crash.

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Marine conservationist continues recovery after shark bites thigh on the Big Island

CNN Newsource on December 18, 2025

By KITV Staff

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    HAWAII COUNTY, Hawaii (KITV) — A marine conservationist is continuing his recovery journey after he was bitten by a shark in waters off the Big Island.

Kaimani Ventura tried to free a reef shark during a routine dive on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The shark was tangled in netting and fishing line, but right as they freed the sea animal, Ventura said the shark got spooked and latched onto his left thigh.

Ventura got loose, swam back to shore and put a tourniquet on himself, using his own gear. The bite left him with 90 stitches.

“I got insanely lucky,” Ventura shared. “You guys don’t understand how lucky I got. I honestly believe that I got bit in the most, luckiest spot to get bit by a shark on my body. Anywhere else could have been life altering, and that’s that was, that’s thanks to God.”

Ventura said despite his encounter in the water, he will still continue to do his part to take care of our ocean creatures. He also plans to return to the ocean after he heals up.

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