We all know of the legendary Good King Wenceslas. We take pleasure in retelling his enchanting story each winter, in the singing of his very own Christmas carol. But who was the real Good King Wenceslas, and why has he gone down in history as a traditional symbol of Yuletide generosity and Christian kindness?   Good King Wenceslas: A Classic Christmas Carol Good King Wenceslas Words, from The Oxford Book of Christmas Carols, Music and Illustration by the Brothers Dalziel. Source: Wikimedia Commons   “Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even. Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.”    No evening of carol singing would be complete without a joyful, spirited round of Good King Wenceslas. Since its publication nearly 200 years ago, it has become one of the world’s favorite Christmas numbers.   Out of an estimated 10,000 Christmas carols, Good King Wenceslas has recently been ranked at number 21 on a list of the greatest of all time. This is according to a survey taken by the Classical music radio station “Classic FM” during the Advent season of 2023. In this particular list, Good King Wenceslas sits neatly between The Three Kings, at number 20, and The Holly and the Ivy, at number 22.   21st-century audiences cannot get enough of Good King Wenceslas — this is proved by the number of times it has appeared in modern and mainstream productions. Good King Wenceslas, whether in snippets or full form, can be heard in all manner of entertainment: from Love Actually to The Polar Express, from The Simpsons to The Big Bang Theory, and from Doctor Who to a timeless favorite — The Muppet Christmas Carol. Even The Beatles recorded a rendition of Good King Wenceslas in 1963.   Photograph of John Mason Neale, Jan 1st, 1910. Source: Wikimedia Commons   So, why is it that the popularity of Good King Wenceslas has endured throughout the decades? What could be responsible for the automatic smiles at any gathering upon hearing its introduction? Perhaps its bouncy and uplifting melody, its memorable lyrics, its heartwarming message, or a combination of all three?   The British conductor, Jeremy Summerly, claimed that the carol is “magical,” and that any chorister would “remember it because the verse just works.” Furthermore, in The Oxford Book of Christmas Carols, Brian Scott explained why singers still adore Good King Wenceslas: “It reminds us of the giving spirit of Christmas.”   The tune with which we are all so familiar was written nearly four and a half centuries ago. To begin with, it was named Tempus Aest Floridum, which translates as Eastertime Is Come. Yes, the tune of Good King Wenceslas was originally intended to accommodate words that hailed the return of spring and celebrated the annual remembrance of Christ’s resurrection. Its first appearance can be found in the 1582 collection of music entitled Piae Cantiones, which was compiled by Jacobus Finno, a Finnish clergyman and musician.   Sometime later, in 1853, the lyrics to Good King Wenceslas were written specifically to fit the music. The iconic poetry was composed by the English hymn writer John Mason Neale (1818-1866), together with his editor Thomas Helmore (1811-1890). The finished product was published in a book called Carols For Christmas-tide, which was published by a company called Novello&Co later that year.   The Story of Good King Wenceslas  Illustration, Good King Wenceslas, 1904. Source: Wikimedia Commons   As well as being a Christmas caroling classic, Good King Wenceslas is also a perfect song to sing on Boxing Day. This is because the story it tells is set on the 26th of December, otherwise known as Saint Stephen’s Day. Saint Stephen’s Day commemorates the death of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose story appears in the Book of Acts.   This annual festival is mentioned in the opening line: “Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen.”   We know that the weather was typical for the time of year and the location. We may bring to mind a tranquil scene when we hear the words: “When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even,” but our pleasant image is contrasted with the warning that follows, “though the frost was cruel.”   While looking out of what we can only presume was a warm and magnificent residence in the heart of Bohemia, Good King Wenceslas caught sight of something unexpected in the distance “when a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.”   Taking pity on those less fortunate, Good King Wenceslaus summoned his servant (“hither page come stand by me”) and requested to know more about the unknown man in the distance (“where and what his dwelling?”) Understanding that the man would very likely be cold and hungry, Good King Wenceslas decided to share the abundance of his Christmas feast with him (“bring me flesh and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither, thou and I will see him dine, when we bear him thither”). We may bear in mind that the 26th of December was only the second of the twelve days of Christmas and that the festivities at Wenceslas’s castle would only just have begun.   Saint Stephen in Assisi Italy. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The remaining verses tell the story of the duo’s journey through the “bitter weather.” In the midst of the venture, the page confessed that he did not have the strength to carry on (“Sire the night is darker now and the wind blows stronger, fails my heart I know not how, I can go no longer”). So that he might shield his page from the harsh weather, Good King Wenceslas generously advised his page to walk directly behind him (“Mark my footsteps my good page, tread thou in them boldly, thou shalt find the winter’s rage freeze thy blood less coldly”).   The carol ends with a charming piece of advice: “Therefore Christian men be sure, wealth or rank possessing, ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.”   So now we’ve revisited the story — who exactly was this fascinating tale inspired by? And is there any truth in the tale? There’s only one way to find out. Let us now step back to 10th-century Bohemia, where we will attempt to discover Good King Wenceslas as a genuine historic figure rather than as a mysterious myth.   From Good King Wenceslas to Wenceslaus of Bohemia Emma of Bohemia adoring Saint Wenceslaus, from Bolesław II Przemyślida, 1000s CE. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The first thing to know about the real Good King Wenceslas is that he was never a king at all, but merely a duke. We may be disappointed to hear that his supposed royal blood was practically non-existent, but the truth is that Good King Wenceslas was actually Wenceslaus Duke of Bohemia.   It was the Holy Roman Emperor, Otto I, who posthumously conferred on Wenceslaus the regal dignity and title, and this is why he is now called a king in legends, stories, and even much-loved Christmas carols.   The young Wenceslaus was born on an unspecified date in around 907. His birth took place in the town of Stochov in the Czech Republic, which at the time formed part of the Kingdom of Bohemia. His father was Vratislaus I of the house of Premyslid, and his mother was known simply as Drahomira. He had one brother called Boleslav who, in shocking contrast with his own epithet, would later become known as Boleslav the Cruel.   Despite common assumptions, although he was a dedicated Catholic himself, Wenceslaus did not come from a long line of Christians. His paternal grandfather had been converted to Christianity by Saint Cyril and Saint Methodius, so the religion had only been in his family for two generations at the time of his birth. Drahomira, on the other hand, was the daughter of a pagan tribal chief.   Coat of arms, Medieval Bohemia. Source: Wikimedia Commons   It was not until the year 921 that Vratislaus, Duke of Bohemia, died unexpectedly. This left his eldest son, Wenceslaus, to inherit not only the Dukedom but all the responsibility that came with it. At the time of his accession, Wenceslaus was just 13 years old.   Naturally, the mother of Vratislaus (and paternal grandmother of Wenceslaus), assumed her position as regent. She was a devoted Christian called Ludmila, and she ruled for a short time with Wenceslaus.   Jealous of the influence that she wielded over her son, and disapproving of their shared love of God, the pagan Drahomira arranged to have her ruling mother-in-law killed. Ludmila was accosted at Tetin Castle by assassins selected by Drahomira. Legend has it that Ludmila was strangled to death with her own veil. Drahomira assumed the role of regent immediately; her first action was to initiate harsh measures against Christians.   It was not until four years later, when Wenceslaus turned 18, that he and his Christian nobles rebelled against Drahomira and her government. His uprising was successful, and he sent his mother into exile. From then on, he ruled independently, answering only to the Pope and to God.   Statue Saint Wenceslas, Prague. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Wenceslaus may not have been a true king, but he certainly acted like one, and he was certainly Good. Known as the complete opposite of Boleslav, Wenceslaus was affectionately referred to as Wenceslaus the Good, even within his own lifetime. He ruled Bohemia as duke from February 13th 921 until his death in either 929 or 935.   Wenceslaus was both a peaceful and successful ruler. He was praised for his Christian charity and virtues. The Catholic Encyclopaedia tells us that “Wenceslaus placed his duchy under the protection of Germany, introduced German priests and favored the Latin rite.” It also informs us that he had “ …taken the vow of virginity.”   An Untimely End: The Assassination of Wenceslaus The Burial of Saint Wenceslas, by the Master of Eggenburg, ca. 1490–1500. Source: The MET, New York   Throughout history, there have been countless examples of rulers whose family members have succumbed to a jealous rage. There are also countless examples of power struggles that resulted in the death of either a ruler or friend. One such example can be found in the tale of Wenceslaus and his younger brother, Boleslav.   The story of these competing brothers began in September of 935 when a group of like-minded nobles allied themselves with the young and ambitious Boleslav. Together, these conspirators plotted to kill Wenceslas and make Boleslav their ruler instead. Boleslav was motivated not only by jealousy but also by a dislike of Wenceslaus’s Christian attitudes and behaviors. Unbelievably, Boleslav was even encouraged by his pagan mother, Drahomira, who had been exiled by Wenceslaus some years previously.   With all the innocence of a beloved younger brother, Boleslav invited Wenceslaus to a celebration. Supposedly, the event was being held in celebration of the Feast of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damien. During the festivities, at what we can only imagine was an opportune moment, Wenceslaus was unexpectedly murdered. Three of Boleslav’s companions—Tira, Cesta, and Hnevsa—stabbed Wenceslaus to death. As the Duke of Bohemia fell to the floor, Boleslav finished the job by running his elder brother through with a lance.   At the age of either 22 or 28, Wenceslaus had lost not only his dukedom but also his life. The Catholic Encyclopaedia explains that “For religious and national motives, and at the instigation of Drahomira, Wenceslaus was murdered by his brother Boleslav.”   The Murder of Wenceslaus, from Liber Vaticus, 14th century. Source: Wikimedia Commons   After hearing of his untimely demise, the Good King Wenceslas we all know and love becomes not only a figure of pity but also the subject of martyrdom. If anything, his tragic fate only adds to his appeal.   According to legend, one of Boleslav’s sons was born on the same day of Wenceslaus’s murder and Boleslav’s succession. Boleslav named his boy Strachkvas, which translates as “dreadful feast.” We can assume that Boleslav was delighted to finally have obtained his heart’s desire, but at the same time, we may perceive that his choice of name for his son indicates some remorse for his actions.   A further legend states that a loyal servant of Wenceslas, named Podevin, avenged his master’s death by killing one of Boleslav’s chief conspirators. Podevin was sentenced to death by Boleslav, and later executed. It is thought that Podevin was actually the page referenced in the carol, the same man who, while accompanying his master on his adventure, walked gladly in the footsteps of Wenceslaus after informing him that he “could go no longer.”   The remains of Wenceslaus now lie in St Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important Church in Prague. The Catholic Encyclopaedia also explains that “Wenceslaus’s body, hacked to pieces, was buried at the place of murder, but three years later Boleslav, having repented of his deed, ordered its translation to the Church of St Vitus in Prague.”   Wenceslaus: Duke, King, Martyr, Saint King Wenceslas Chapel, Prague. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Immediately after his death, Wenceslaus was considered both a martyr and a Saint. Within just a few decades, several biographies had been penned and had entered circulation. Consequently, devotion to Saint Wenceslaus became extremely popular, particularly in Bohemia and England.   One of the most notable admirers of Wenceslaus was the priest, chronicler, and historian known as Cosmas of Prague. He claimed that all the myths now surrounding the life of Wenceslaus should be considered as genuine facts. Of Wenceslaus, he wrote the following praise: “No one doubts that, rising every night from his noble bed, with bare feet and only one chamberlain, he went around to God’s churches and gave alms generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that he was considered not a prince, but a father of all the wretched.”   A few centuries later, Pope Pius II (1405-1464) decreed that all legends regarding Wenceslaus should be regarded as truth. In remembrance of the duke, and as an act of thanksgiving to God, Pius mimicked the actions of Wenceslaus by walking ten miles barefoot in the snow in order to give alms to the poor.   Wenceslaus is now described by the Encyclopaedia Britannica as “Prince of Bohemia, Martyr, Patron Saint of the Czech Republic.”   The Lasting Legacy of Good King Wenceslas  Wenceslas Cathedral, photo by Kevin Andre. Source: Unsplash   The life and works of Good King Wenceslas—or Wenceslaus of Bohemia—are still extremely relevant in the 21st century. That is not just because of his Christmas carol, but because of a host of other reasons too.   The Feast of Wenceslaus of Bohemia is now celebrated annually on the 28th of September. It is so important in the Czech Republic that it is now regarded as a national holiday. Famously, Wenceslaus is the only Czech Saint whose name appears worldwide on the calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.   The Feast of Saint Wenceslas is observed in a variety of interesting ways. Attending Mass for Saint Wenceslas and enjoying a dish of roast goose with potato dumplings are just a few of the traditions associated with the day.   This is to mention nothing of the fact that Wenceslas Square—one of the main city squares and the undoubted center of business in Prague—is named after him. It is customary to pay tribute to the life and works of Saint Wenceslas by laying a wreath on the statue on the 28th of September.   City of Prague, by Dmitry Goykolov. Source: Unsplash   Any historian would agree that Wenceslas is still famous for many reasons. However, when asked about why Wenceslaus is so well-known, the majority of people living today would immediately reference the Christmas carol as their answer. It is not his life, death, or sainthood for which he is best remembered, but for the festive song that he inspired.   If its past success is anything to go by, we may imagine that Good King Wenceslas will be enjoyed by carolers for many centuries to come.

Spider Lilly comes from Saint Lucifer‘s Hospital 1920, the first part of an upcoming horror trilogy

God still wants us to tell him how we feel and look to him to help us navigate family relationships this year. He knows your family member’s heart and intention, and he knows your heart and intention. Remember, he created both of you!

Turn your holiday celebrations into something extraordinary with an interactive and exciting hot cocoa bar. Guests can bond, sip, and customize their drinks as they indulge your practical and decorative setup. This guide helps you design a cocoa station with unique toppings, thoughtful extras, and charming personal touches. Where to Set Up Your Hot Cocoa Bar Choosing the right spot sets the tone for your cocoa bar. An organized layout will shine if you have ample counter space or just a small table. Lighting Enhancements: Use string lights to brighten up your setup. Battery-operated options are safe, portable, and add a cozy glow to your space. Decorative Accents: Incorporate items like patterned trays, bold-colored runners, or metallic placemats. Pinecones or faux greenery can add texture and depth to the arrangement. Signage Options: Chalkboards or printed signs with phrases such as “Hot Cocoa Station” guide guests to your setup. Free templates on Canva make it easy to create something visually appealing. Choosing the Best Hot Cocoa Base The heart of any cocoa bar is the drink itself. Offering a variety of options makes your station inclusive and exciting. Classic Cocoa: Blend cocoa powder, sugar, and milk for a creamy and rich drink. Store-bought mixes can work too—just place them in stylish jars. White Chocolate Cocoa: Melt white chocolate chips into warm milk. A sprinkle of nutmeg adds an aromatic twist that’s hard to resist. Dairy-Free Cocoa: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a velvety, non-dairy alternative. Silk Almond Milk is a great option for its creamy texture. Keep each variety warm in a slow cooker or insulated carafe. Label your options clearly so guests know what’s available. Toppings That Transform Hot Cocoa Toppings turn ordinary cocoa into a customized masterpiece. Providing an assortment encourages creativity. Whipped Cream Choices: Offer traditional whipped cream as well as specialty options like caramel or peppermint. A piping bag makes applying it simple and neat. Marshmallow Varieties: Include mini marshmallows, jumbo puffs, and gourmet options such as chocolate-dipped or peppermint-infused. Display them in jars for a polished presentation. Chocolate Shavings: Shave dark, milk, or white chocolate bars. These melt beautifully into the drink and add a sophisticated touch. Peppermint Candy: Use whole candy canes as stirrers or crush them into sprinkles. Their vibrant color adds visual appeal to your bar. Syrups and Flavor Boosters: Provide small bottles of caramel, hazelnut, and vanilla syrups. Labels keep everything tidy and easy to use. Sprinkles: Include holiday-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or even chocolate chips for playful finishing touches. Extras That Elevate the Experience Beyond toppings, thoughtful extras make your hot cocoa bar unforgettable. Cookies for Dipping: Offer shortbread, biscotti, or gingerbread cookies. Arrange them on a tiered tray for an organized yet elegant display. Browse cookie recipes on Taste of Home. Pretzels with a Twist: Dip pretzel rods in chocolate and decorate with sprinkles. Wrap them in clear cellophane for a grab-and-go snack. Mini Pastries: Small donuts, muffins, or Danish pastries complement cocoa. Use a festive platter to display these treats. Hot Cocoa Bombs: Include these trendy options for a fun and interactive twist. Learn to make them with Delish’s Hot Cocoa Bomb Guide. Customizing Your Hot Cocoa Bar Personalization makes your hot cocoa bar memorable. Tailor your setup to fit your audience and theme. Mug Decorating Station: Provide plain mugs and paint pens so guests can create their own designs they can take home. This activity doubles as entertainment and as a source of keepsakes. Labeled Toppings: Use decorative tags or labels to identify toppings and syrups. This not only looks polished but also keeps things organized. Recipe Cards: Offer simple recipe suggestions for drink combinations, like “Mocha Marvel” or “Candy Cane Bliss.” Guests will love recreating these at home. Making It Suitable for All Ages A great cocoa bar caters to both kids and adults. Tailor your offerings to provide something for everyone. For Kids: Include fun toppings like gummy bears, sprinkles, and colorful marshmallows. Adding chocolate syrup for drizzling makes their experience even more exciting. For Adults: Offer optional liqueurs like Baileys or Kahlúa. Label bottles as “Holiday Spirits” to keep things festive and clear. Host a Hot Cocoa Bar Guests Will Love A hot cocoa bar is more than just a drink station—it’s a chance to create lasting memories. With thoughtful planning and creative touches, your setup will leave guests impressed and satisfied. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a quiet family night, this experience is one everyone will cherish. What are your must-have cocoa toppings? Have you created a cocoa bar before? Leave a comment below—we’d love to hear your ideas! Frequently Asked Questions How do I keep hot cocoa warm for hours? Use a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting or insulated carafes. Both methods work well for maintaining the perfect temperature. Can I prepare cocoa ahead of time? Yes! Make the cocoa the night before, refrigerate it, and reheat it before serving. What are budget-friendly topping ideas? Mini marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes are inexpensive yet versatile options. Buying in bulk saves money. How many toppings should I offer? Provide at least six to eight toppings to give guests plenty of choices without overwhelming them. Can I serve cocoa bombs? Absolutely! They’re a fun and interactive addition. Display them in jars or on a tray for easy access. What extras go well with hot cocoa? Snacks like cookies, pretzels, and pastries pair wonderfully with cocoa. These are simple to prepare and universally loved. How do I make the bar festive on a budget? Repurpose holiday decorations like string lights, garland, and mason jars. Free printable labels are another affordable way to enhance the look. Can I serve additional beverages? Yes! Add coffee or tea to your bar for variety. Label all drinks clearly for convenience.

At this stage, the motive of the Madison school shooter seems pretty clear, but the network news seems hesitant to report what it is. Of course, this generally means that the motive is inconvenient to prevailing leftwing narratives or identity politics. This case is not the exception. Of the three networks, ABC comes closest to exposing the shooter’s motives: ALEX PEREZ: Investigators now poring over online accounts believed to be Rupnow's that appear to show the suspect gravitating toward neo Nazi ideology, as well as interest and engagement in online forums that idolized mass shooters. Much of the information regarding motive was readily available and confirmed to be attributable to the shooter within hours after the shooting. ABC is right to report that the shooter had clear neo-Nazi ideations, and her writings confirm her to be a racist. Likewise her admiration for other school shooters both in the United States and overseas. As our friends at Not the Bee report, radical feminism was the shooter’s main motivation. Not reported by ABC is the fact that the shooter posted several writings across multiple platforms indicating what can be reasonably described as an eliminationist hatred of men.  ABC’s 13-second reporting on motive was brief and incomplete, and was also the best the networks had to offer. Inexplicably, CBS and NBC didn’t even touch motive, despite the neo-Nazi angle being out there. This shooting is not an easy one to report for the media, inasmuch as there isn’t an easy narrative to run with. The shooting was conducted with a pistol so there isn’t really much of a gun control angle to work with, and the only mystery left is the provenance of the handgun. If the shooter obtained the gun as an illegal gift from a parent, then this will become the angle the media runs with- as was the case in the Michigan and Georgia shootings. Feminism paired with neo-Nazism and school shooter worship? That’s a no-win angle and furthermore explains why the media are uncomfortable when it comes to reporting on motive in the Madison school shooting. Click “expand” to view the full transcripts of the aforementioned reports as aired on their respective evening newscasts on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024: ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT 12/17/24 6:35 PM DAVID MUIR: In the meantime, we turn now to the other developing story at this hour, and what authorities are now saying about motive in the deadly school shooting 24 hours ago in Madison, Wisconsin. Tonight here, the image of the suspect. Police say the shooter was a 15-year-old student, Natalie Rupnow, they also call her Samantha, her friends, where authorities are now searching tonight, and ABC's Alex Perez reporting again from Madison. ALEX PEREZ: Tonight, police trying to find out what drove 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow, seen here in a recent Facebook photo, smiling and hugging a dog, to bring a gun to the Abundant Life School Monday morning and kill a teacher and a fellow student. SHON BARNES: At this time, it appears that the motive was a combination of factors. PEREZ: Police say Rupnow, who also went by Samantha, shot her victims in a study hall classroom with kids of all grades inside. NORA GOTTSCHALK: I was in the hallway and I was changing from my shoes to my boots to go to lunch. But then I heard the shooting. And screams. PEREZ: Second grader Nora Gottschalk reunited with her dad, still barefoot, trying to process what happened. GOTTSCHALK: We went to the church right next to my school and everyone was panicking still. Because the -- a lot of police were there. PEREZ: Investigators now poring over online accounts believed to be Rupnow's that appear to show the suspect gravitating toward neo Nazi ideology, as well as interest and engagement in online forums that idolized mass shooters. In the minutes before the shootings, multiple posts to X, formerly Twitter, from an account believed to be Rupnow's, one at 10:45, showing a hand making the "OK" symbol, a gesture flashed by past white supremacist mass shooters. And another, at 10:50, linking to a locked Google drive that may contain writings by the suspect. BARNES: We are working to authenticate the documents that you see online that some are referring to as a manifesto, and as soon as we do that, we'll let you know. PEREZ: And David, investigators have collected evidence from the shooter's home and say her family is cooperating. They're still trying to figure out how she got that handgun. A vigil for the victims will be held later tonight. David? MUIR: The country thinking about that community tonight. Alex, thank you. CBS EVENING NEWS 12/17/24 6:37 PM NORAH O’DONNELL: The police chief in Madison, Wisconsin, says identifying a motive is a top priority following yesterday's deadly shooting at a private Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin. Two students are in critical condition tonight. Another student and a teacher were killed before police say the 15-year-old female shooter took her own life. CBS's Charlie De Mar is on the ground speaking to parents about the terrifying moments. SHON BARNES: The past 24 hours have been a flurry of emotion, sadness, anger, disappointment, grief. CHARLIE DE MAR: Madison police provided few details but now say a combination of factors may have led 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow to kill a classmate, a teacher, and wound six others before taking her own life. BARNES: There are always signs of a school shooting before it occurred. We are looking into her online activity, anyone who may have known her or knew what she was feeling or going through at that time. DE MAR: Investigators are making a public appeal for information after searching the shooter's home. They're also analyzing social media posts. CBS News has learned that the ATF has traced the weapon, but it’s still not clear how Rupnow obtained the gun. Outside the Abundant Life Christian School, there's a growing memorial where we met a group of bus drivers. For Megan Mojica, Monday's shooting brought back memories of the attack five years ago at a high school in nearby Waukesha, where her son attended. MEGAN MOJICA: He was a victim of that shooting. He had the gun pointed at his face, so when I was seeing everything go on here it brought me right back to that day. DE MAR: Her son survived that shooting. Today, families in Madison are taking stock. Reverend Kellen Lewis. KELLEN LEWIS: Not knowing if my kids are alive or not. I just prayed. DE MAR: He has four children attending the school, and last night... LEWIS: Hugging them a little bit extra tight, giving them a kiss, letting them know I love them. And- you know, it's tough, it makes you appreciate your kids, but man, my heart goes out to those that- they don't have their kids to hug anymore. DE MAR: Police now say that initial call to 911 came from a second grade teacher, and not a student. While there are no school resource officers or metal detectors at the school, we are told that there are cameras throughout and parents, who we have had the opportunity to speak with, they say they feel both safe and confident sending their kids back to school, Norah. O’DONNELL: Praying for those victims. All right, Charlie De Mar, thank you. NBC NIGHTLY NEWS 12/17/24 6:35 PM LESTER HOLT: In Madison, Wisconsin, new details tonight on the deadly Christian school shooting and what might have motivated a 15-year-old to shoot people at the school. Shaquille Brewster is there. SHAQUILLE BREWSTER: Tonight, police are learning more about the 15-year-old female student who they say killed a teacher and classmate before turning a gun on herself in Madison, Wisconsin. SHON BARNES: At this time, it appears that the motive was a combination of factors. BREWSTER: Police identifying the shooter as Natalie Rupnow, saying she went by the name Samantha. BARNES: We're talking to students to understand whether bullying was one of those multiple factors that I mentioned earlier. BREWSTER: Police clarifying the initial 911 call was made by a second grade teacher. Two students are still battling life-threatening injuries. Law enforcement spending the night sifting through the home of the shooter’s parents. BARNES: Everyone was targeted in this incident. And everyone was put in equal danger. BREWSTER: Investigators looking into how the 15-year-old accessed the handgun used in Monday's shooting, spending hours interviewing her father and looking into her social media footprint, with detectives scrambling to verify a document circulating online reported to be from the shooter. BARNES: The process for doing that is looking at original documents that may have been taken from the suspect's home. Looking at information that may be on laptops. BREWSTER: The community left reeling. REBECCA SMITH: We know a lot of the people involved. BREWSTER: James and Rebecca Smith waited six hours to be reunited with their 11th grade daughter, whose classroom was down the hall from the shooting. JAMES SMITH: She didn't say much. But- she’s not a hugger, and she allowed me to hug her at the reunification.  BREWSTER: Parents now left to wonder how to make their children feel safe again. REBECCA SMITH: You talk about having metal detectors and being frisked coming into school. Do we want our kids to think they're at a security checkpoint at an airport coming to school every day? That's a hard one to answer. BREWSTER: And multiple vigils are scheduled across Madison tonight, but as the community tries to grieve, police say numerous schools across the area were targeted by false threats. Lester. HOLT: All right, Shaquille Brewster. Thank you.  

Suspect Luigi Mangione’s Charges Now Include Terrorism in Shooting Death of UnitedHealthcare CEO

A rescue archaeology excavation in the town of Endingen in southwest Germany on the border with France has uncovered an early Celtic burial ground that is unique for the region. It is a type of an Iron Age cemetery known as a grave garden, a planned burial site delimited by a perimeter trench 50 by 50 feet square. The grave goods date the burial ground to the Early La Tène period, ca. 450-250 B.C. The State Office for Monument Preservation (LAD) employed archaeologists to explore the site of an industrial estate that is slated for expansion. Between April and July of this year, a total of 18 individuals were found buried in 17 elliptical or rectangular grave pits. They were grouped around a central grave that contained the remains of two people. One of the burials was just outside the grave garden perimeter; one was dug into the perimeter trench. Osteological examination of the skeletal remains found that at least eight of the deceased were adults and about half of the rest were young adults and the other half children. The younger individuals were intentionally grouped by age in the grave garden, with sections dedicated to the young adults and to the children. Most of the graves had been looted in antiquity, so over 60% of the burials were disturbed with no grave goods left behind. Notable artifacts found in the unlooted graves include a bronze brooch with coral inlay, bronze bracelets, a bracelet made of caustobiolite (a combustible rock of organic origin), a silver finger ring and two hollow bronze anklets. Grave gardens with clear enclosure systems are not unusual in late Iron Age and early Roman contexts. “The early Celtic grave garden from Endingen is, however, unique for Baden-Württemberg; not least because of the good preservation of the body burials,” said [LAD archaeologist Marcel] El-Kassem. From neighboring Alsace, only one contemporary, much smaller grave garden with just two burials is currently known. The evaluation of the Endingen grave complex, in particular anthropological and additional bioarchaeological investigations, will enable statements to be made about the age at death, gender, origin, family relationships, health, illness and eating habits of the buried individuals. In addition, this will provide important information about the early Celtic population on the southern Upper Rhine.

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An explosion in Moscow Tuesday morning killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the radiation, chemical and biological protection troops of the Russian Armed Forces. President-elect Donald Trump…