Man wins $2 million thanks to ‘gut feeling’ to buy lottery ticket at convenience store

Donnie Leviner's intuition paid off with a $2 million winning lottery ticket. (NC Education Lottery)

Scotland County, N.C.

A North Carolina man says he had a gut feeling to purchase a lottery ticket and it certainly paid off.

According to the NC Educational Lottery, Donnie Leviner turned a $20 Big Cash Payout ticket into a $2 million payday.

“Something just told me to buy it,” he said.

Leviner, 18, said his intuition told him to buy a few lottery tickets while he stopped at Sneads Grove convenience store in Laurel Hill.

“I initially just went there to fill up the lawn mower,” Leviner said.

The 18-year-old collected his prize money on Monday.

“I was in disbelief,” he said. “I really didn’t think it was true.”

Lottery officials said Leviner’s win was official, and he chose to receive the prize money as a lump sum of $1.2 million.

After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $858,006.

Middle schooler helps stop school bus after driver passes out behind the wheel

Acie Holland III is being recognized for his quick thinking. (Glen Hills Middle School)

Glendale, Wis.

A middle school student in Wisconsin came to the rescue this week after his bus driver passed out while driving students home.

According to school officials, eighth-grade student Acie Holland III was riding the bus after school Wednesday night when the bus driver experienced a medical emergency, causing her to lose consciousness.

The bus started to veer into the oncoming lane and that’s when Holland jumped in to help.

The Glen Hills Middle School student rushed to get the bus driver’s foot off the gas and applied the brakes, safely bringing the bus to a stop.

The school’s principal Anna Young said he then called 911 and made sure the younger students were OK, telling them to contact their parents.

Holland also contacted his grandmother, who is a nurse, for help.

The school’s principal said the driver was able to regain consciousness and called dispatch, which sent a safety team and another bus driver to bring the students home.

“The Glen Hills school community could not be any prouder of Acie,” Young shared in a note to families. “The compassion and leadership that we see him exhibit daily was taken to the next level on his bus ride home.”

School leaders said what easily could have resulted in tragedy was avoided due to the student’s quick thinking.

“We are grateful that all of our Glen Hills students are safe and are wishing their driver a healthy recovery,” Young said.

Family sees outpouring of support for fatally shot officer who leaves behind wife, 4 children

Officer Kyle Hicks has died after being shot in the line of duty while responding to a call for service. (Corpus Christi Police Department)

Corpus Christi, Texas

Texas authorities say they are mourning the death of an officer who was shot in the line of duty over the weekend.

According to the Corpus Christi Police Department, Officer Kyle Hicks died of his injuries Wednesday evening.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce to our Police Family and the Corpus Christi Community the passing of Officer Kyle Hicks,” the police department shared.

Police said Hicks was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance at an area apartment complex during the overnight hours on Saturday.

According to reports, a struggle ensued between Hicks and a 26-year-old man, later identified as Colton Foster. Hicks ended up being shot and other officers returned fire, striking and killing Foster.

The wounded officer was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries before dying on Wednesday.

“We mourn the loss of a great husband, father, brother, son, friend and co-worker,” the department shared.

Hicks was married to his high school sweetheart and was a father to four children, according to a GoFundMe account.

His mother thanked the community for the outpouring of support the family has already received.

“We are beyond grateful for the overwhelming generosity and continuous prayer support,” she shared. “Kyle is the light of our life. We are so proud of him, the man he is. He is generous, kind, and compassionate.”

The fundraiser has surpassed the $50,000 goal, receiving more than $80,000 in donations as of Wednesday night.

Hicks worked for the Corpus Christi Police Department for the past two years.

The department said, “As his last act of service”, officer Hicks will be giving the gift of organ donation to save as many lives as possible.

Deputy dies after vehicle hits him on highway while assisting others at crash scene

A deputy in Texas was killed as he was assisting a crash scene in Harris County Tuesday morning. (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)

Harris County, Texas

A Texas deputy was killed after he was struck by a vehicle in Harris County Tuesday morning.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy John Coddou, 50, was assisting fellow first responders at a crash scene on Highway 99 when he was hit by a passing vehicle.

Coddou was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital but he later died.

“It is a sad day in Harris County as we mourn the loss of a deputy who died in the line of duty. We share our sorrow with his family & his extended family, the women & men who put their lives on the line every day to keep our county safe,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

Coddou was a 20-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Fellow members of law enforcement stood at attention as his body arrived at the medical examiner’s office.

The crash caused the highway to be shut down in both directions for several hours.

Authorities did not immediately report if the driver who struck the deputy would be facing any charges.

‘We are shocked’: College football player found dead in his apartment

Texas A&M University-Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller has died at age 23. (Texas A&M University-Commerce)

Commerce, Texas

A university in Texas is mourning the loss of one of its student-athletes.

According to Texas A&M University-Commerce, wide receiver Keith Miller died at age 23.

“It is with great sadness that Texas A&M University-Commerce announces the passing of football student-athlete Keith Miller,” the university shared.

Representatives with the college said that Miller died on April 11 in his apartment near campus.

“We are heartbroken by Keith’s unexpected passing,” said head coach Clint Dolezel. “Keith was a beloved father, son, teammate, and student-athlete. We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him at this very difficult time.”

Miller was a two-year member of the Lion football program and served as a team captain in the 2023 season.

School representatives said he was known for his infectious smile and personality.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Keith Miller. The A&M-Commerce community extends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and those who knew and loved him,” said Jim Curry, athletics director at Texas A&M University-Commerce.