FAMILY
Live like Darian: What if teen’s simple acts of kindness could change the world?
Darian Locklear will be remembered as many things: bright, warm, kind, athletic and beautiful. But she was shy, too. Or as her mother phrased it with a laugh, “just a little socially awkward.” Even as a teenager, Darian was uncomfortable doing things like ordering at a restaurant.
Combating domestic violence in the military
A new, two-year long CBS News investigation reveals the defense department is dealing with another crisis on the homefront, domestic violence. Norah O'Donnell speaks with survivors who say the problem is pervasive and they feel the issue has been overlooked.
news.yahoo.comAnother round of Cuba protests planned in Miami and West Palm Beach
Rallies are planned for a second-straight day in South Florida in a continuing of show solidarity with demonstrations in Cuba calling for regime change, and U.S. intervention to assist in that endeavor and other humanitarian efforts.
sun-sentinel.comDomestic violence task force in honor of slain Joliet toddler approved by Illinois lawmakers
Illinois is expected to launch a new task force aimed at identifying gaps in domestic violence laws in memory of a Joliet boy whose mother’s pleas for protection against the toddler’s abusive father were ignored.
chicagotribune.comThe poor, the rich: In a sick India, all are on their own
When the pandemic exploded in India in early April, with the government left unprepared and medical system quickly on the verge of collapse, millions of families found themselves faced with a new reality: They would have to keep their relatives alive
washingtonpost.comFlorida family finds massive boa constrictor while walking near their home
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – A South Florida family received a snake surprise they will never forget. The family found a giant Colombian Red Tailed Boa Constrictor slithering near their home in Lehigh Acres on Sunday, not far from Fort Myers. Kind workers from Scott’s Animal Services responded and bagged the snake, which measured at more than eight feet long. It weighs 60 lbs. The big boa was given to Adam’s Animal Encounters located along the Southwest Florida coast.
Parkland parents create AI video of slain son to spur voters
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Wearing his signature hoodie and beanie, an earbud casually hanging from one ear, passionate Parkland teen Joaquin Oliver urges his peers to vote for lawmakers who will end gun violence in a new video released Friday. From the grave, the teen is now begging his peers to cast the vote that he will never cast. People are still getting killed by guns,” he implores in the video created by his parents' charity to end gun violence. The teen, affectionately known as Guac, was affected by racism at a young age and protective of his Hispanic immigrant parents. “We know our son so well and we knew exactly what he wanted from life.”The lifelike image is also painful to watch for the grieving parents.
Are your kids doing school virtually? We want to see what your home classroom looks like
Whether your children have already begun their school year or you’re still preparing, due to delays, there are many who are choosing to keep their kids home to learn as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. Parents are doing their best to adapt, and we applaud every parent for the decision they’re making -- regardless of what that is. But for those who are keeping kids home for virtual learning, we want to see exactly how you’re adapting. What does the “classroom” you’ve created look like? We’d love to see what kinds of ideas parents have come up with, and we have a feeling other parents might appreciate some good ideas, too.
What’s that delicious juice concoction Walt Disney World serves?
Stitch juice, jungle juice, POG juice -- the names go on and on. Rumor has it, there is a popcorn stand in Animal Kingdom called Mahindi that even serves up a Jungle Juice Slushy. Combine 21 ounces passion fruit juice, 21 ounces guava juice and 14 ounces orange juice (pulp-free). If following a recipe isn’t your forte, Welch’s Guava Pineapple juice is the closest thing to POG juice in a carton. Whether you make it, buy it, or order it, be sure to have yourself a glass of POG juice the next time you sit down for breakfast.
What could Disney crowds look like when the park reopens? We take a guess at the numbers
ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is set to once again open its gates to the Magic Kingdom following a lengthy closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. But with most families staying inside and not traveling, how crowded will the theme parks really be when they reopen? Park Capacity Capacity at 25% Magic Kingdom 57,000 people 14,250 people Epcot 34,093 people 8,523 people Hollywood Studios 30,843 people 7,710 people Animal Kingdom 37,671 people 9,417 peopleA park at 25% capacity would mean very minimal wait times. As we can all imagine, visiting a Disney theme park when it reopens will be a new experience for all -- no matter how many times you’ve visited. The Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom parks will open first July 11, with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening July 15.
Feeling like you should put together a disaster plan for the family? 3 unique methods you never considered -- until now
You don’t have to be a devoted prepper -- you know, those people who stockpile food and supplies for doomsday scenarios? -- to get your family ready to face potential emergency situations.
This virtual camp includes 1,200 videos and experiences -- and they’re all free
Summer camp might not be an option this year, but YouTube has created a free #CampYouTube, so as to re-create common camp experiences through YouTube videos. These include arts and crafts, sports, writing workshops, photography tutorials, mental health exercises, exploring the outdoors and SO much more — seriously, there are about 1,200 videos in total. Any interest in learning how to make a ping pong ball float? Plus, YouTube uses resources for its videos from partners like the BBC, Imagination Library, Code.org, Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Google Arts and Culture, National Geographic Society, Sesame Street and others. “These resources are not meant to replace homework assigned by teachers, but meant to complement that work,” YouTube states on its camp website.
Submit a photo to show us what your Father’s Day looked like
What better time to show the fathers we love how much they mean than on Father’s Day? It’s been an interesting year, and although some of the country is reopening, many people are still staying home to stay safe. Because of that, this year might be a little different than others -- as far as the celebrations go -- but that doesn’t make it any less important. We’d love to catch a glimpse into your special day. Share a photo by submitting below.
What phrase will you always associate with your dad?
Just like a smell can take us back to a place in time, there are words that will forever be associated with people we love. On Father’s Day, we want to know, what is that word or phrase for you? We’d love for you to share your feelings with us. This story is being written ... by you!
10 graduation gift ideas all for less than $50
It isn’t always easy to budget for graduation gifts, especially amid the pandemic and with other holidays that fall during the same season. Here are 10 all for $50 or less that we think the graduate in your life will enjoy. Put together a gift set that includes a laundry basket, detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets and a roll of quarters. Coffee makerA coffee maker is the perfect gift for a recent grad who regularly needs a caffeine boost as part of the morning routine. First aid kitRest easy by giving the gift of safety to your graduate.
Submit your favorite photo from Mother’s Day 2020
As we all know, this Mother’s Day was quite different than most years, but that didn’t have to make it any less special. Even though this year was unconventional due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’re confident you all had creative and beautiful ways to honor your mother -- or another woman in your life, and we want to see what you did. Share with us a photo of how you pulled off Mother’s Day, despite some strange world circumstances.
Eat Local: Where to get a great meal for at-home Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day dinners might not be the same this year, but you can still make Mom’s day. Many restaurants and caterers are offering special Mother’s Day packages to feed the whole family. With a range of small bites and pastries to match, XO Espresso Bar is including a free tulip flower with every Mother’s Day order. More info: https://www.cpk.com/Event/Index/CPKMarketCapital GrilleReserve a three-course, prix fixe dinner for your Mother’s Day celebration at home. More info: https://www.thecapitalgrille.com/events/mothers-day-brunchCooper’s Hawk Winery and RestaurantMothers’ Day Meal ($149.99 serves four to 5) ($199.99, serves eight to 10).
Life-changing lessons taught to us by Disney mothers
If you’re lucky, you’re familiar with a mother’s love: there isn’t anyone in your life who loves and cares about you quite like your mom. Our mothers have taught us a lot, and while we don’t always appreciate the guidance at the time, as we grow up, we realize just how important those life lessons really are. This year, on top of celebrating the mothers in our lives, we’re also honoring the mothers we grew up watching on the silver screen. We’re talking about Disney mothers and the life lessons they bestowed on us. But nothing shows a mother's love more than the love Dumbo receives from his mother.
SOS: This simple iPhone setting will alert your loved ones after 911 call is made
It's called SOS Emergency mode. Here’s how to add them as your emergency contact in your iPhone:Open the Health app and tap the Medical ID tab. Drag the Emergency SOS slider to call emergency services. On an iPhone 7 or earlier:Quickly press the side or top button five times to make the Emergency SOS slider appear. Drag the Emergency SOS slider to call emergency services.
Short on cash, not on love? Win mom over with these ideas -- all inexpensive or free
You don’t have to go gourmet -- plenty of supermarkets have inexpensive and delicious doughnuts. If you’re able to do this one in person instead, even better (but we’re admittedly a little envious). Pick something mom loves and engage in the game-playing with her (and your siblings, if they're around). Bottom line: Just spend some quality time with her doing something she’ll enjoy, whether it’s in person or virtually. We promise you don’t have to spend a lot of money to please moms.
Nervous someone in your house has COVID-19? Here’s how to safely separate that person
First of all, try to give the person who is sick a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. The person who is sick should stay separated from other people in the home as much as possible. If someone besides the person who is sick must clean up after them, only clean the area when needed, such as when the area is soiled. Shared bathroomIt’s important that the person who is sick cleans and disinfects after themselves after each use. Whoever removes the garbage bag should use gloves while handling and disposing of the trash, and wash hands immediately after.
Is quarantine bringing back old board game memories? Test your knowledge of timeless classics
In the midst of all the stay-at-home orders that have caused people to have too much free time, it’s a good bet that some families have blown the dust off old board games stashed away in a cabinet somewhere. For those already into board games, it’s just been more of an opportunity to play them -- and to see who can win a best-of-seven battle in Chutes and Ladders or be the best settler in Catan. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, families are turning to board games for entertainment and some fun, both rehashing old memories and perfecting skills. But how much do enthusiasts out there really know about board games? Check out the quiz below to learn some fun facts and see if you can be as good at answering these questions as you are at getting all the pieces of the pie in Trivial Pursuit, or amassing triple-word scores in Scrabble.
What to watch on Netflix with your kids: 7 fresh ideas
We asked around for some of the best parent-endorsed picks when it comes to Netflix offerings. So, not only are you providing good entertainment for your kids, but you’re instilling a love of classic rock, as well. Although this one isn’t new or new to Netflix, we were surprised just how many parents hadn’t seen this one yet. "Masha and the Bear""My kids think this is the funniest show ever," one father of three said. I’m not suggesting you plop your kids down in front of a screen all day -- or even every day.
Don’t let fancy cars deceive you, says activist about poverty during coronavirus pandemic
It all prepared her to help people in need during the coronavirus pandemic. The business development manager at Jack & Jill Children’s Center, an organization aiming to break the cycle of poverty by helping children and their families, has been working hard to distribute free food at drive-through events. Alana Wortsman (Local 10 News)On March 25th, Wortsman was working outside of the Jack & Jill Children’s Center in Fort Lauderdale. Epidemiologists have advised that isolation is best to avoid COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. For more information about how to join Wortsman’s effort, visit the Jack & Jill Center’s site.
These hilarious tweets about Target are making moms everywhere feel seen
We get that there are much bigger problems in the world, but we couldn’t help but laugh at some of these hilarious posts people are making about how much they’re missing Target. If you’re a Target lover, we feel confident you will enjoy these posts just as much as we do. — Rory (@rcdaly95) March 31, 2020I had a dream that I went to target & woke up thinking my dream was real. Now I'm upset #imisstarget — KCB (@kaseytheginge) October 31, 2014I miss the days of wandering aimlessly through the aisles of Target. #TARGET pic.twitter.com/KuPF3EAblD — jess (@jess_arabie) April 3, 2020Getting dressed up to go to #Target cause that’s one of the only places I’m allowed to go in this free world.
Understanding all the ‘expiration’ dates on food
While we certainly don’t want to waste any food right now, we also want to ensure we keep ourselves as healthy as we can. But wait -- none of these dates tell when food is actually expired. Here’s the rundown on common everyday foods:The expiration dates on foods are listed simply to help people verify how fresh the food is, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, not to indicate when the food is no longer safe to eat. Yet, 84 percent of people throw out food when it’s close to the “expiration” date, Time reports. In short, all those dates on your food ultimately refer to quality, not safety.
Feeling restless? This workout was made for anyone who’s got some energy (or stress) to burn
Finding the time to get a workout right now is either much easier or much harder. 20 burpees -- From a standing position, place your hands on the floor between your feet, jump your feet back to a full plank, do a pushup, hop back up on your feet and jump up. Jump rope or high knees -- Instead of counting reps here, you can set a timer. Try one complete minute of jumping rope or high knees for each set. Check these out for a quick demonstration: Hip thrusts | burpees | sumo squats | high knees | skater lunges | dips.