‘Miracle’ Stranger Saves Boy Choking On Candy In Grocery Store

Good morning! It’s Thursday, Sept. 16. Time to catch up on the most interesting items of the day.

• The top Republican candidate in the California governor recall election has conceded, and he slightly backed off claims that the election was rigged against him.
• A 9-year-old boy was saved by a mysterious hero while he was choking on a piece of candy in an Illinois Jewel-Osco store.
• Defenders of the Jan. 6 Capitol rioters are planning demonstrations in various cities across the country Saturday, although at least one rally planned in Florida has already been canceled.
• Gymnasts including Simone Biles and Aly Raisman have testified in the aftermath of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. Raisman, in particular, tore into the FBI’s investigation of the matter.

Mystery Woman Saves Child

Georgie Theodorou, 9, was eating some candy while in a Jewel-Osco store in Orland Park, Illinois, with his grandmother and older brother on Saturday when he started choking. Fear immediately washed over the boy and his family. But he would be alright, thanks to a mysterious hero.
Just moments after the Jewel-Osco staff made an announcement over the loudspeakers for someone to come help, the mystery woman appeared.

"The lady came and asked, 'Is he choking?'" Demetri Theodorou, Georgie’s 11-year-old brother, told Patch. "She did [the Heimlich maneuver] four times, and then, out of nowhere, it just popped out."

While Demetri and Georgie’s grandmother, Kiki Gatses, were comforting the 9-year-old after the ordeal, the mysterious woman slipped out.

The family has called it a “miracle.” Read the full story from Mokena, Illinois, Patch

Larry Elder Concedes In California Recall Election

Larry Elder, the top Republican candidate in the California recall election, has conceded.

Elder's message to voters, after the race was called in favor of Gov. Gavin Newsom, made one thing clear: California voters have not seen the last of him. Read more from Orange County, California, Patch

Abortion Activist Arrested

A pro-choice protester faces multiple charges after being arrested during a Board of County Commissioners meeting in Florida on Monday night.

Social justice activist Kimberly Cox told Patch she's been charged with peacefully resisting arrest, trespassing, and disrupting a school or religious event. She attended the commission meeting to support the Women's Voices of Southwest Florida, a group there to protest Manatee County's anti-abortion initiatives. Read more from Bradenton, Florida, Patch

Emergency Order Requested

The U.S. Department of Justice has asked a federal court in Texas to stop the enforcement of the state's new abortion law while it decides the case.

Senate Bill 8, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity — usually around six weeks, before some women know they're pregnant.
It’s considered the most restrictive abortion law since Roe v. Wade was upheld. Read more from Austin, Texas, Patch

Troublesome TikTok Trend

Another high school has fallen victim to a troublesome trend that started on the video application TikTok. Officials at North Stafford High School in Virginia told parents the school is experiencing an increase in theft, vandalism and destruction of property.

The officials said the crimes are a result of the “devious licks” trend, a TikTok challenge that sees students steal, vandalize or destroy school property. Read more from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Patch

‘Person Of Interest’ In Missing Woman Case

The boyfriend of missing New York woman Gabrielle Petito is now considered a “person of interest” in her disappearance. Police said Brian Laundrie has been accused of hindering the investigation. Read more from Patchogue, New York, Patch

Rallies Supporting Rioters

Some who support the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol rioters are planning rallies to support the group in various cities across the country on Saturday. One rally, however, has already been canceled. Read more from Miami Patch

House Porn: Stunning lake and forest views are plentiful in this Georgia home that offers luxury and privacy.

More On ‘The Patch’

• Police Officer Arrested After Not Responding To Calls, via Smithtown, New York, Patch
• Woman Accused Of Assaulting Military Man, via Berlin, Connecticut, Patch
• ‘Georgia Bodyguard’ Announces Congressional Run, via Loganville-Grayson, Georgia, Patch
• Standoff Suspect Sues State, Demands Written Apology, via Wakefield, Massachusetts, Patch
• ‘Jane Doe’ Identified With DNA Testing, via Owings Mills-Reisterstown, Maryland, Patch
• Aly Raisman Slams FBI Investigation Of Doctor’s Sex Abuse Case, via Needham, Massachusetts, Patch
• Police Officer, 36, Dies After Terminal Illness, via Joliet, Illinois, Patch

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