Monthly Archives: November 2025

Mary Lou’s murder on The Real Murders on Elm Street season 2 episode 6- A detailed case overview

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**The Real Murders on Elm Street Season 2: The 1997 Detroit Double Homicide Near Tiger Stadium**

The Real Murders on Elm Street season 2 revisits a chilling 1997 Detroit double homicide that shocked a quiet neighborhood near Tiger Stadium. On December 23, 1997, Mary Lou Drury, 57, and her mother, Dorothy Gilbert, 75, were discovered in the basement of their Elm Street home. Both women were bound with duct tape and suffocated, with no clear evidence of forced entry.

Police quickly turned their focus to the tenants who lived upstairs and occasionally helped around the property. As the episode title, *Nightmare Before Christmas*, suggests, the crime occurred just on the eve of the holiday season.

### Early Details of the Case

Initial reports indicated that Drury’s husband found a blood trail leading to the bodies shortly after 1:15 p.m. on December 23, 1997. Both victims had plastic bags placed over their heads, with extensive duct tape covering their faces, and restraints binding their wrists and ankles.

Investigators observed the front door was unlocked, and a jewelry box marked with blood was left open in a bedroom. Several valuables were missing, including cash, credit cards, and two firearms. According to coverage from the Detroit Free Press at the time, two tenants — a 43-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman — were taken into custody and faced arraignment. Both had been facing eviction due to alleged theft complaints. One tenant had previously acted as a caretaker for the family.

### Suspects, Arrests, and Motive

Attention centered on Pamela Vannoy and Charles Vaughn, who lived in the upstairs apartment and performed odd jobs for the family, including caregiving duties for Gilbert, who required oxygen.

Both suspects were arrested the day after the murders at a motel in Dearborn, where police recovered Drury’s stolen credit cards and the missing firearms. An acquaintance recounted a brief midday visit by the pair carrying plastic bags, during which Vaughn brandished a handgun and told her she hadn’t seen them since the previous day.

These accounts helped build a narrative of a robbery that escalated into violence after a dispute over eviction and accusations of theft.

### Evidence and Trial Outcomes

Court records detailed several key pieces of evidence, including cut oxygen tubing, a used roll of duct tape, drag marks, and blunt force injuries consistent with being pistol-whipped in Drury’s case.

Statements attributed to Vannoy placed both suspects inside the home shortly after Gerald Drury left for work around 10:00 a.m. The pair allegedly agreed on a theft plan, retrieving bags from the kitchen, restraining the women, and stealing valuables while the victims were still conscious. A blood trail led down the stairs to the hidden bodies in the basement.

The trials were held jointly but with separate juries. Both defendants were convicted of two counts of first-degree felony murder and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

The Michigan Court of Appeals, in unpublished opinions issued on January 26, 2001, upheld the convictions. The court found sufficient evidence of intent either as principals or as aiders and abettors, including acts that knowingly cut off the victims’ air supply.

A later federal habeas corpus ruling reviewed the case and upheld the convictions. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan summarized testimony regarding the timeline, stolen property, and forensic findings that both deaths were caused by asphyxia.

### Watch The Real Murders on Elm Street Season 2

New episodes of *The Real Murders on Elm Street* season 2 air on Investigation Discovery every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

—

**Also Read:**
[Tyler Barber Case on The Real Murders on Elm Street Season 2 Episode 5: A Detailed Case Overview]

[Jermaine Ross Murder Case – A Detailed Case Overview from The Real Murders on Elm Street Season 2 Episode 4]
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/mary-lou-s-murder-the-real-murders-elm-street-season-2-episode-6-a-detailed-case-overview

At least 40 people removed from Fremont homeless encampment at local park, citing maintenance

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FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — Fremont city officials have cleared out a homeless encampment at Isherwood Park to make way for maintenance, vegetation removal, and improvements focused on fire safety.

Veronica Sanchez was among those impacted, gathering the last of her belongings at Isherwood Park on Monday as crews began the cleanup. Sanchez has lived in the park for five years and, like others, is now forced to move out.

“Very emotional,” Sanchez said. “Just a lot going on, a lot having to deal with.”

ABC7 witnessed another resident pulling a shopping cart full of personal items from the park. More than three dozen people have called this encampment home.

The temporary closure of Isherwood Park, located at Isherwood Way and Quarry Lakes Drive, began Monday. A full park closure—including for current residents—will start on November 14 and is expected to last through early 2026.

The city states that the park is undergoing renovations to improve fire safety, protect waterways, and enhance accessibility. However, for residents like Sanchez, the closure represents the loss of their home.

“We all prefer to stay,” Sanchez said. “We’ve all been here for a long time, so we’re all close.”

According to a Fremont city spokesperson, the city has offered shelter to approximately 40 people. The process of moving residents into shelters will take place over the next two weeks, with staff providing assistance in phases. Ultimately, the goal is to move people into permanent, stable housing.

In February, the Fremont City Council approved a proposal that bans camping on public property, a move that has been described by some nonprofit leaders as the “most restrictive” in California.
https://abc7news.com/post/least-40-people-removed-fremont-homeless-encampment-isherwood-park-fire-safety-maintenance/18108751/

Playtika Holding Corp. (PLTK) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

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**Tae Lee**

Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining us today for the Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call for Playtika Holding Corp.

Joining me on the call today are Robert Antokol, Co-Founder and CEO of Playtika; and Craig Abrahams, Playtika’s President and Chief Financial Officer.

I would like to remind you that today’s discussion may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the company’s anticipated future revenue and operating performance. More specifically, this includes the future performance of our individual titles, such as Slotomania or our recently launched Disney Solitaire.

Please note that these statements and other comments are not a guarantee of future performance. They are subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control.

These forward-looking statements apply as of today, and you should not rely on them as representing our views in the future. We undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4839887-playtika-holding-corp-pltk-q3-2025-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles

Questions remain why ICE targeted day care teacher who was detained in North Center facility

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Following widespread backlash over the arrest of a Chicago day care teacher this week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement on Thursday alleging that the teacher had illegally crossed the southern border in 2023 and, last month, paid a smuggler to bring her teenage children into the U.S. as well.

In the statement, DHS said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents targeted Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano, of Colombia, during a traffic stop early Wednesday while she and an unidentified male passenger were driving. According to DHS, Santillana illegally entered the U.S. on June 26, 2023, where she was initially encountered by Border Patrol. The statement added that the Biden administration released her into the country.

Questions remain, however, about whether Santillana had been targeted prior to the traffic stop. School officials confirmed that Santillana had authorization to work at the day care and had undergone a background check. DHS did not respond to further questions beyond its statement, which also mentioned that Santillana and the male driver were in a vehicle registered to a “female illegal alien.”

The arrest, which was widely circulated on social media, showed agents pulling a screaming Santillana from the vestibule of Rayito de Sol, an early learning center and Spanish immersion school in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. In the video, Santillana is heard saying “I have papers” in Spanish as agents pinned her against their vehicle.

News outlets around the world covered the confrontation, marking an unprecedented step by agents under President Donald Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz — an immigration crackdown in Chicago that included entering a school to detain an individual.

DHS emphasized in its statement that “work authorization does NOT confer any type of legal status to be in the U.S.” The department criticized the Biden administration, claiming it “exploited this loophole to help facilitate the invasion of our country.”

Santillana’s attorney, Naiara Testai, filed a habeas corpus petition on Wednesday. She said Santillana is expected to have a court hearing next week but declined to provide further details.

The Colombian Consulate confirmed that it is aware of the situation and is working to provide assistance.

### Context and Community Response

The years around 2023, when DHS said Santillana crossed the border, saw record numbers of people traveling from South America to the United States. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent migrants by bus and train to Chicago and other interior U.S. cities perceived as immigration-friendly, a political move aimed at highlighting strained resources at border cities.

At a Thursday news conference, Maria Guzman, a parent of a child at Rayito de Sol, described the arrest as “something that is out of a terror movie.” She said, “I could not sleep last night thinking about the safety of my children. This is deeply, deeply personal.”

While parents did not have specifics about Santillana’s immigration status, they expressed strong support for her, affectionately calling her “Miss Diana.”

“Our experience with her has been absolutely amazing,” said Sara Nepomuceno, 29, whose 5-month-old daughter has been attending Santillana’s class for about two months. “I’m a first-time mom,” she added, “and going back to work can be a really hard experience, but Diana made it so easy.”

### Details of the Arrest

The arrest occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, shortly after the school opened, according to officials, witnesses, and school staff. Agents reportedly followed Santillana and the male passenger into the school parking lot at 2550 W. Addison St., near Lane Tech College Prep High School.

School staff told the Chicago Tribune that agents entered the school without presenting a warrant before pulling Santillana outside. Elected officials, including U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez (D), confirmed seeing agents inside the school.

“They went inside the day care center, questioned and took someone to her locker room to prove she had papers. We saw them run in and out,” Ramirez said Wednesday following the arrest.

DHS accused Santillana of “barricading” herself inside the daycare with the male passenger, allegedly “recklessly endangering the children inside.” The department also claimed she paid smugglers last month to bring her two children, ages 16 and 17, across the border through El Paso, Texas, to a Chicago-area shelter as unaccompanied minors.

According to DHS, “Facilitating human smuggling is a crime.”

### Questions About Family Reunification

While parents knew Santillana had children, it remains unclear whether she has been reunited with them, and if so, how.

Julie Contreras, a pastor and immigrant advocate at United Giving Hope, who has over 30 years of experience reuniting unaccompanied children with their families and helping them seek asylum, said unaccompanied minors are typically first apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Border Patrol.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement, also under DHS, then vets reunification with parents or guardians.

Contreras said it is unusual to accuse a biological mother of trafficking or smuggling her own children. “Trafficking involves forced exploitation, and smuggling requires physically transporting someone illegally, which the mother could not have done if already in the U.S.,” she explained.

“I don’t know her personally or the children, but how horrific this would be because she is only guilty of being a mother who loved her children and wanted to be reunited with them,” Contreras added.

### A Teacher Beloved by the Community

Parents at Rayito de Sol described Santillana as caring for about six infants, someone who “always willing to go above and beyond” for the school community.

“She would dress up in silly hats and unicorn costumes to entertain the children,” said Laura Tober, whose 14-month-old child has been in Santillana’s class since July.

A “Meet the Teacher” brochure shared by a parent revealed that Santillana has two children and has been working with children in schools and kindergartens for 10 years. She holds a degree in early childhood education from San Buenaventura University in Medellin, Colombia, where she is originally from.

“She is someone who likes to nurture and leave a mark on young ones,” the brochure stated.

—

The arrest of Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano has ignited a complex debate about immigration enforcement, community trust, and the rights of families amid ongoing border challenges. The coming court proceedings and community response will likely continue to shape the conversation around such cases in Chicago and beyond.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/06/ice-day-care-teacher-arrest-questions/

Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown were full participants Thursday

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Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown returned to practice on Thursday as a full participant. Brown has not practiced since injuring his hamstring late in Week 7 and missed the Week 8 win over the Giants.

Running back Saquon Barkley was also a full participant in practice after dealing with a groin injury sustained in Week 8.

The Eagles practiced without center Cam Jurgens, who has not been able to practice since injuring his knee in Week 7. In Jurgens’ absence, Brett Toth has taken over the center position.

Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson practiced for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 7; however, his participation was limited. Defensive lineman Moro Ojomo, also recovering from a concussion, was limited in practice on Thursday as well.

Edge rusher Nolan Smith (triceps) was among the full participants at practice. Smith is currently in his 21-day window after being placed on injured reserve following Week 3.

The Eagles are preparing to face the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/saquon-barkley-a-j-brown-were-full-participants-thursday

Tate & Lyle plc (TATYY) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

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**Nick Hampton, CEO & Executive Director**

Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us.

Almost to the day, 12 months ago, we announced the completion of the acquisition of CP Kelco. I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made integrating the two businesses over the last year.

Today, I have three key messages to share with you.

Firstly, **we are stronger together**. We have made good progress delivering the benefits of the combination. There’s real excitement within the new team about the future potential of our business. The power of this combination is driving high levels of customer engagement.

With our deeper product portfolio and leading reformulation capabilities, we now offer a compelling solutions portfolio that meets growing consumer demand for healthier, more nutritious, and sustainable food and drink.

I witnessed this firsthand in Mexico just two weeks ago—both in the innovative solutions our teams are creating for local customers and in the insightful discussions we had with one of the country’s leading dairy businesses.

Our second key message is that **a slowdown in market demand, notably in North America, is impacting our current performance**. This is both disappointing and frustrating, especially given the progress we’re making elsewhere in the business.

Thirdly, as a result of this, we are taking strategic actions to navigate the challenges ahead.

Thank you for your continued support.
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4839860-tate-and-lyle-plc-tatyy-q2-2026-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles

Senate Republicans vote down legislation to limit Trump’s ability to attack Venezuela

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans voted Thursday to reject legislation that would have placed limits on President Donald Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela. Democrats have been pressing Congress to take a stronger role in overseeing Trump’s high-stakes campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Lawmakers, including top Republicans, have demanded that the Trump administration provide more information on the U.S. military strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. However, Thursday’s vote—on legislation that would essentially prevent an attack on Venezuelan soil without congressional authorization—suggests Republicans are willing to give Trump leeway to continue his buildup of naval forces in the region.

“President Trump has taken decisive action to protect thousands of Americans from lethal narcotics,” said Sen. Jim Risch, the Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Still, the vote allowed Democrats to press their GOP colleagues on Trump’s threats against Venezuela. The legislation failed to advance by a 49-51 margin, with Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska the only Republicans voting in favor.

The U.S. is assembling an unusually large force in the Caribbean Sea, including its most advanced aircraft carrier, leading many to conclude that Trump intends to go beyond intercepting cocaine-running boats. The campaign so far has killed at least 66 people in 16 known strikes.

“It’s really an open secret that this is much more about potential regime change,” said Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who pushed the resolution. “If that’s where the administration is headed, if that’s what we’re risking involvement in a war, then Congress needs to be heard on this.”

### Some Republicans Uneasy With Caribbean Campaign

Republican leadership pressed Thursday to ensure the legislation’s failure, but several senators carefully considered their votes. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who voted against the resolution, expressed doubts about the campaign.

He pointed out the expense involved in redeploying an aircraft carrier and questioned whether those funds could be better used securing the U.S.-Mexico border to stop fentanyl trafficking. Tillis added, “If the campaign continues for several months more, then we have to have a real discussion about whether or not we’re engaging in some sort of hybrid war.”

Sen. Todd Young of Indiana stated he voted against the legislation because he did not believe it was “necessary or appropriate at this time.” However, he said he was “troubled by many aspects and assumptions of this operation” and believed it conflicted with the majority of Americans who want the U.S. military less entangled in international conflicts.

### The Push for Congressional Oversight

As the Trump administration reconfigures U.S. priorities overseas, frustration among lawmakers—including some Republicans—has been growing over recent Pentagon actions.

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing earlier Thursday, Sen. Roger Wicker, the Republican chair, acknowledged that many senators have “serious concerns about the Pentagon’s policy office,” and that Congress was not being adequately consulted on actions such as pausing Ukraine security assistance, reducing U.S. troop numbers in Romania, and formulating the National Defense Strategy.

Several GOP senators have directed criticism toward the Department of Defense’s policy office, led by Elbridge Colby, who has advocated for the U.S. to reduce its involvement in international alliances.

“It just seems like there’s this pigpen-like mess coming out of the policy shop,” Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said during another Armed Services hearing earlier this week.

### Administration Outreach and Continued Congressional Tensions

In response to mounting pushback on Capitol Hill, the Trump administration has stepped up outreach efforts to lawmakers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a classified briefing for congressional leaders Wednesday.

The officials provided details on the intelligence used to target the boats and allowed senators to review the legal rationale for the attacks but did not discuss whether they planned a direct attack against Venezuela, according to lawmakers present.

Despite this, Democrats have continued to test Republican unease by forcing votes on the potential for an attack on Venezuela under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which was intended to reassert congressional authority over declarations of war.

A previous War Powers vote related to strikes against boats in international waters also failed last month by a narrow margin of 48-51. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, who pushed the legislation, said he plans to force more votes.

“We should not be going to war without a vote of Congress. The lives of our troops are at stake,” Kaine said in a floor speech.

### Democratic Criticism of the Military Campaign

Democrats also argue that the Trump administration is using a weak legal justification for an expansive military campaign that endangers U.S. troops and the nation’s reputation.

Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services panel, accused President Trump of engaging in “violence without a strategic objective” while failing to take necessary actions to address fentanyl smuggling.

“You cannot bomb your way out of a drug crisis,” Reed said.

© Associated Press 2024
https://wsvn.com/news/politics/senate-republicans-vote-down-legislation-to-limit-trumps-ability-to-attack-venezuela/

Truluck’s Celebrates Stone Crab Season with an Unforgettable Seafood Experience in Dallas

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Stone Crab Season Returns at Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab in Dallas

Stone Crab season has officially returned at Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab, giving Dallas diners a delicious reason to celebrate. Starting October 20, seafood enthusiasts can indulge in one of the most coveted delicacies of the season: fresh Florida Stone Crab.

Known for their sweet, tender meat and delicate, buttery texture, these claws are a hallmark of Truluck’s menu. They reflect decades of commitment to freshness, sustainability, and culinary excellence.

### A Signature Stone Crab Experience

At Truluck’s, Florida Stone Crab is served fully cooked, chilled, and pre-cracked, accompanied by the restaurant’s iconic mustard sauce. This tangy, slightly spicy sauce perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the crab, enhancing each bite with a bold yet balanced flavor.

Part of the magic of enjoying Stone Crab at Truluck’s lies in the interactive ritual: cracking open the claw, dipping it into mustard sauce, and savoring every morsel. This indulgent and intimate experience is perfect for celebrating special occasions or elevating an everyday meal.

### Understanding Stone Crab Sizes and Sustainable Fishing

Truluck’s offers a variety of Stone Crab claw sizes to cater to different preferences. Small claws provide delicate, sweet meat with a lighter texture, while medium claws strike a satisfying balance of tenderness and richness. Large and extra-large claws are meatier with a robust, buttery flavor, making them favorites among seasoned seafood aficionados. Each size offers a unique eating experience, allowing diners to tailor their meal to their taste.

Equally important is Truluck’s dedication to sustainable fishing practices. Florida Stone Crabs are harvested with care to ensure the species thrives for generations. Skilled crabbers use humanely designed wooden traps, removing only one claw from each crab before carefully returning the crab to the ocean where it can regenerate over time. This method lets diners enjoy the flavorful claws without harming the crab, blending indulgence with ecological responsibility.

For more than 30 years, Truluck’s has partnered closely with dedicated crabbers to deliver the freshest Stone Crab possible—trap to table with every visit.

### More Culinary Delights on the Menu

While Stone Crab is the showstopper, Truluck’s menu offers a range of other exceptional dishes. The lobster bisque, a rich and creamy starter, perfectly balances deep lobster flavor with subtle notes of sherry and spices. Each spoonful features tender lobster chunks, creating a luxurious, velvety experience that sets the tone for the meal.

Another standout is the sea bass, boasting a flaky, buttery interior and a lightly crisped exterior. Its delicate flavor pairs harmoniously with seasonal accompaniments—a medley of fresh vegetables and a delicate sauce—offering a refined taste and texture experience.

Meanwhile, the Ora King Salmon from New Zealand delivers decadence with every bite.

Beyond seafood, Truluck’s serves hand-cut USDA prime steaks, aged a minimum of 30 days to develop rich flavor and exceptional tenderness. The menu also features TRU PEARLE oysters—hand-selected East Coast oysters raised with precision and care—and the ever-popular Prime King Crab, offering thick, succulent legs prepared with the same premium consistency that has made it a fan favorite for decades.

### An Unforgettable Dining Experience

Truluck’s is dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences. From the ritual of cracking Stone Crab claws and dipping them into mustard sauce to enjoying expertly prepared fish, lobster, and steaks, every detail is designed to delight the senses.

With seasonal offerings, meticulous preparation, and a commitment to sustainable sourcing, each visit to Truluck’s is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey.

Whether you’re indulging in the sweet, succulent Stone Crab, savoring the luxurious lobster bisque, enjoying the buttery Ora King Salmon, or delighting in the perfectly seared sea bass, Truluck’s delivers a dining experience that masterfully blends flavor, craftsmanship, and conscientious sourcing.

For Dallas diners, there’s no better way to celebrate Stone Crab season—or any special occasion—than at Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab.
https://cravedfw.com/2025/11/06/trulucks-celebrates-stone-crab-season-with-an-unforgettable-seafood-experience-in-dallas/

National Toy Hall of Fame inducts Battleship, slime, Trivial Pursuit

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The Strong also hosts the World Video Game Hall of Fame, celebrating iconic games that have shaped the industry. Among the toys inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame are well-known favorites such as Transformers, Nintendo’s Game Boy, Lego, and, surprisingly, the ball. That’s right—the humble ball has earned its place alongside these legends. You have to give it up for the ball!

When asked about being denied a spot in the National Toy Hall of Fame, Furby humorously responded, “Loo-loo-doo?”

Battleship has long been a household name in the board game world. Curator Mirek Stolee shared in an announcement from The Strong, “Its popularity crested in 2012 when Universal Pictures and Hasbro released a movie called Battleship. The film was only very loosely based on the game, but it helped cement Battleship’s place in popular culture history.”

Stolee further noted that the board game’s influence “has spread beyond the realm of board games to game show iterations and video game adaptations,” underscoring its lasting impact.

Additionally, slime was recognized by the museum for its DIY nature and strong pop-culture presence since its commercial introduction in 1976. Curator Michelle Parnett-Dwyer explained, “Countless kids enjoy creating slime on their own or adding it as an element to play with other toys. For others, it has therapeutic benefits—offering stress relief and enhancing fine motor skills.”

The Strong’s National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998 and “recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period,” according to the museum. Other notable inductees include Barbie, Mr. Potato Head, Rubik’s Cube, Magic: The Gathering, and the stick.

These enduring toys continue to inspire creativity and joy across generations, solidifying their place in playtime history.
https://www.polygon.com/toy-hall-of-fame-2025-inductees-battleship-trivial-pursuit/

St. Johns County Will Give $200,000 to Food Pantries for Food Stamps Emergency and Suspend Utility Disconnections

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The St. Johns County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously supported County Administrator Joy Andrews’s recommendation to appropriate $200,000 from the county’s emergency reserves to local food pantries through its Health and Human Services Department.

The commission also approved suspending water utility disconnections for non-payment through the end of November.

These actions come in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement, made at President Trump’s direction, that it would not issue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamp, benefits starting Nov. 1, despite a federal judge’s order to do so.

The $200,000 appropriation will enable food pantries to buy and distribute food to St. Johns residents experiencing food insecurity due to the federal shutdown. Funds will be administered through the Health and Human Services Department (HHS), in coordination with local nonprofits, to ensure broad community coverage.

Currently, no similar plans have been discussed by any local governments in neighboring Flagler County. Meanwhile, Flagler Broadcasting is holding its annual Food-A-Thon this Friday on its radio stations to raise $100,000 for the Grace Community Food Pantry. This initiative may allow local governments in Flagler County to avoid assuming broader financial responsibility for food assistance.

According to data from the Associated Press based on 2023 figures, about 7.4 percent of Flagler County households receive food stamps, compared to approximately 4.5 percent in St. Johns County.

“A lapse in these federal benefits may create a sudden and severe food insecurity for over 9,700 low-income residents in our community,” said Andrews. “The County has established a $20 million emergency reserve fund this fiscal year to respond to emergencies such as this. One of the priorities of our Strategic Plan is Community Well-Being, and this response to this emergency is an example of the County’s continued compassion towards those in need within our community.”

Andrews had sent a memo to commissioners earlier this week outlining the proposal. She introduced the recommendation at the very end of Tuesday’s five-and-a-half-hour commission meeting. The item was not on the official agenda. Since the appropriation exceeded $5,000, approval would have normally required prior agenda inclusion—unless the commission waived the rule.

The commission unanimously agreed to waive the rule and then unanimously approved the motion to appropriate the funds and suspend water disconnections until the end of November.

“We can always come back and revisit this. We have a meeting every two weeks,” Andrews added.

St. Johns County’s HHS continues to evaluate the capacity and needs of local food pantry organizations. According to a county release, plans to provide funds to local food pantries, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to purchase and distribute food will be publicly announced as they are finalized.

While HHS will not be directly distributing food, the department will support community partners who provide these vital services to residents in need.
https://flaglerlive.com/st-johns-food-pantries/