WEATHER ALERT
2 dead as Russia launches attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure
Read full article: 2 dead as Russia launches attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructureA Russian cruise missile strike on infrastructure in Ukraine’s western Lviv region has left one person dead while another died in an attack in the northeast.
Pope overcomes health concerns to preside over a blustery Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square
Read full article: Pope overcomes health concerns to preside over a blustery Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s SquarePope Francis has rallied from respiratory problems to lead some 60,000 people in Easter celebrations and make a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.
The Trump camp and the White House clash over Biden's recognition of 'Transgender Day of Visibility'
Read full article: The Trump camp and the White House clash over Biden's recognition of 'Transgender Day of Visibility'President Joe Biden is facing criticism from Donald Trump and religious conservatives for proclaiming March 31 — which corresponds with Easter Sunday this year — as “Transgender Day of Visibility.”.
Girl, 8, only survivor of bus crash that kills 45 Easter pilgrims on South Africa's deadly roads
Read full article: Girl, 8, only survivor of bus crash that kills 45 Easter pilgrims on South Africa's deadly roadsAn 8-year-old girl was the lone survivor after a bus full of Easter pilgrims from Botswana making their way to a popular church festival in rural South Africa crashed off a bridge on a mountain pass and plunged into a ravine before bursting into flames.
Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old is the only survivor
Read full article: Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old is the only survivorAuthorities say a bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter weekend church gathering plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa, killing at least 45 people.
Have colorful Easter photos? Make us ‘hoppier’ by sharing them!
Read full article: Have colorful Easter photos? Make us ‘hoppier’ by sharing them!The coming days will be filled with egg hunts, candy being handed out, pictures with the Easter bunny, and other family portraits to commemorate the most important day on the Christian calendar.
Organization uses technology to help visually impaired kids Easter egg hunt
Read full article: Organization uses technology to help visually impaired kids Easter egg huntLast week, The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired hosted its annual Beeping Easter Egg Hunt. The holiday tradition took place at the organization’s Academy Playground.
Ukrainians celebrate Palm Sunday in church marred by dispute
Read full article: Ukrainians celebrate Palm Sunday in church marred by disputeUkrainians have marked Palm Sunday in the country's most revered Orthodox site that has been at the heart of a religious dispute playing out in parallel with the war against Russia.
AP PHOTOS: Joyous Holy Week celebrations around the world
Read full article: AP PHOTOS: Joyous Holy Week celebrations around the worldFrom dressing as Roman soldiers in Antigua, Guatemala, to carrying palm fronds on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, Christians around the world are celebrating Holy Week.
5 spots to visit in Jerusalem around Easter
Read full article: 5 spots to visit in Jerusalem around EasterMany Christians around the world flock to Jerusalem each Easter to try and relive firsthand the events written about in the Bible on what is the most important week and day on the Christian calendar.
Russian Orthodox head escapes EU sanctions thanks to Orban
Read full article: Russian Orthodox head escapes EU sanctions thanks to OrbanThe head of the Russian Orthodox Church has been removed from the latest round of European Union measures to punish Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the insistence of Hungary.
Far from home, Ukrainian refugees pray at Easter for peace
Read full article: Far from home, Ukrainian refugees pray at Easter for peaceFar from home and unsure when or even if they will ever return, Ukrainians displaced by war gathered at churches across Eastern Europe on Sunday for the Orthodox Easter holiday.
For Ukrainian Orthodox in US, war news casts pall on Easter
Read full article: For Ukrainian Orthodox in US, war news casts pall on EasterMany Ukrainian Americans are observing Orthodox Easter this Sunday, but they’re finding it difficult to be joyful when their ancestral homeland has been torn by the Russian invasion.
Mass shooting wave rattles communities large and small in US
Read full article: Mass shooting wave rattles communities large and small in USThree mass shootings in the U.S. over the Easter holiday weekend capped a month of rampant gun violence that's touched both big cities and small, rural communities across the nation.
Ukrainian mayor and lawmakers attend Vatican Easter vigil
Read full article: Ukrainian mayor and lawmakers attend Vatican Easter vigilPope Francis invoked “gestures of peace in these days marked by the horror of war” in an Easter vigil homily in St. Peter’s Basilica attended by the mayor of the occupied Ukrainian city of Melitopol and three Ukrainian lawmakers.
An Easter primer: Facts, figures you might not have known about the celebration
Read full article: An Easter primer: Facts, figures you might not have known about the celebrationHere’s a synopsis of both the historical elements of Easter that people might not know about, and the modern financial windfall Easter is expected to be in 2022.
Pope Francis calls for an Easter truce in Ukraine
Read full article: Pope Francis calls for an Easter truce in UkrainePope Francis opened Holy Week Sunday with a call for an Easter truce in Ukraine to make room for a negotiated peace, highlighting the need for leaders to “make some sacrifices for the good of the people.”.
4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney World
Read full article: 4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney WorldThe resort is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary celebration, and now is the perfect time to celebrate the season and upcoming Easter holiday. If you plan on visiting, we have uncovered a number of fun activities for families to experience while out exploring the theme parks and nearby resort hotels.
$5,000 reward offered for information about shooting that injured 2 children during car show
Read full article: $5,000 reward offered for information about shooting that injured 2 children during car showThe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in an Easter night shooting.
WATCH LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks on the tradition of Easter at the White House
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks on the tradition of Easter at the White HousePresident Joe Biden will be delivering remarks on the tradition of Easter at the White House at 1 p.m. Monday.
Hymns through masks: Christians mark another pandemic Easter
Read full article: Hymns through masks: Christians mark another pandemic EasterChristianity’s most joyous feast day is being celebrated worldwide with worshippers spaced apart in pews and singing choruses of “Hallelujah” through face coverings for the second Easter Sunday in a row.
Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Eggs are the best-selling Easter candy in America
Read full article: Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Eggs are the best-selling Easter candy in AmericaAccording to a new survey by RetailMeNot, more than 75% of Americans spend up to $50 each year on Easter candy. On which ones, you may ask? Here is what their team discovered.
The Latest: SKorea's daily virus increase tops 500 again
Read full article: The Latest: SKorea's daily virus increase tops 500 againSouth Korea’s daily increase in coronavirus infections exceeded 500 for the fourth straight day, a pace unseen since January, as experts raise concern about another viral surge amid a slow rollout in vaccines.
Christians mark Good Friday, Holy Week under virus woes
Read full article: Christians mark Good Friday, Holy Week under virus woesFor a second year, Christians in the Holy Land are marking Good Friday without the mass pilgrimages usually seen in the Holy Week leading up to Easter because of the coronavirus.
A year after arson, Fort Lauderdale church prepares to reopen for ‘true resurrection’
Read full article: A year after arson, Fort Lauderdale church prepares to reopen for ‘true resurrection’The All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale completed a year-long restoration just in time for Easter, a festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ as described in the Bible’s New Testament.
Where to celebrate Easter brunch and dinner in Miami
Read full article: Where to celebrate Easter brunch and dinner in MiamiEaster is this Sunday, April 4, and if you’re looking to support a local restaurant (or are skipping the mess and cleanup of cooking for a large family), we’ve got a list of restaurants across Miami-Dade County that are offering Easter specials for brunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Merkel: 'A quiet Easter' needed to counter rising infections
Read full article: Merkel: 'A quiet Easter' needed to counter rising infections“There needs to be a quiet Easter festival,” Merkel said in a video address. AdIn contrast, Britain has given one vaccine shot to 46% of its people. Health Minister Jens Spahn said routine vaccinations will begin in doctors' practices on Tuesday, with 35,000 GPs scheduled to receive 940,000 vaccine doses next week. Germany expects to receive about 40 million vaccine doses during the second quarter. AdMerkel, who is 66, says she would be prepared to take the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Madrid slows down vaccine jabs over Easter despite govt plea
Read full article: Madrid slows down vaccine jabs over Easter despite govt pleaPeople wearing face masks to protect against the spread of coronavirus walk in downtown Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)MADRID – Spain’s Madrid region halted COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday at health centers for four days so medical staff can rest over the Easter holiday, despite pleas from the national government not to halt the fight against surging infections. Health Minister Carolina Darias last week urged regional authorities to keep vaccinating over the Easter break, saying it was “very important” to keep up the inoculation program. Spain, like other European Union nations, has had a surprisingly slow vaccine rollout that authorities blame on vaccine shortages. AdIt also noted that vaccine shots will still be administered at a city hospital and a city soccer stadium over the traditional Easter break.
Holy days arrive for the faithful as pandemic eases in US
Read full article: Holy days arrive for the faithful as pandemic eases in USFor Christians across the United States, Easter services on Sunday will reflect an extra measure of joy as the nation experiences rising optimism after a year of pandemic. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)For Christians across the United States, Easter services on Sunday will reflect an extra measure of joy as the nation experiences rising optimism after a year of pandemic. It’s a season of major holy days for other faiths as well, occurring in a brighter mood than a year ago. Jews are observing Passover this week, and Muslims will enter the holy month of Ramadan in about two weeks. AdDas said he loves the festival because it celebrates diversity: “It acknowledges that we complement each other — different ethnicities, different nationalities, different genders.
Cauliflower-flavored PEEPS now exist thanks to collaboration with Green Giant
Read full article: Cauliflower-flavored PEEPS now exist thanks to collaboration with Green GiantJust when you thought you had seen every variation of cauliflower in 2021, Easter comes around and gives us something... we aren’t sure we needed? On Monday, Green Giant and PEEPS Brand both teased a collaboration on their Instagram and Twitter feeds, sparking confusion and excitement online. PEEPS tweeted, “Get ready, #PEEPS because you’re not going to want to miss this GIANT announcement! Be sure to check back here for updates @GreenGiant”Get ready, #PEEPS because you’re not going to want to miss this GIANT announcement! Be sure to check back here for updates🐰💚 @GreenGiant pic.twitter.com/gk4Zs5v9Er — peepsbrand (@PEEPSBrand) March 29, 2021Soon after, food bloggers began posting their physical packages of the PEEPS Green Giant Cauliflower Flavored Bunnies with the hashtag, “#CauliflowerPeeps.” According to the packaging, the new flavor and collaboration are part of a new marketing initiative called “Express Your Peepsonality.”AdAccording to food blogger JunkFoodOnTheGo, the Cauliflower PEEPS will be available starting this Thursday.
Guide to family-friendly Easter events in Miami-Dade and Broward
Read full article: Guide to family-friendly Easter events in Miami-Dade and BrowardEaster is this Sunday, April 4, and as the holiday may look and feel different this year due to COVID-19, there are still many events in South Florida for those looking to safely celebrate.
Romania OKs holding Easter celebrations despite virus surge
Read full article: Romania OKs holding Easter celebrations despite virus surgeAs Romania battles against a surge of COVID-19 infections authorities announced on Thursday March 25, 2021, that Easter celebrations in the deeply Christian country will physically go ahead this year. AdThe Easter Service is one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. On the night of the Resurrection, Romanian Orthodox worshipers attend a service at midnight when they receive the Holy Light. “Preventing physical Easter in an Orthodox country in times when people need safety but also hope is not one of those." The prime minister also said he used Thursday's meeting to urge religious authorities to support Romania’s vaccination campaign, which has delivered more than 2.6 million vaccines shot so far.
Poland orders stricter pandemic measures for Easter period
Read full article: Poland orders stricter pandemic measures for Easter periodA cyclist passes in front of an ambulance by an infectious diseases hospital in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday, March 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)WARSAW – Poland's government ordered stricter pandemic measures for the two-week period surrounding Easter, describing the new rules Thursday as an attempt to limit human contacts amid a deadly surge in the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said he knew the more severe measures come during a period when families traditionally spend time together for Easter, and it would require a sacrifice from Poles. “The evolution of the virus and the British mutation is leading not only to more infections, but also causing more hospitalizations,” Health Minister Adam Niedzielski said. The higher numbers in Poland come amid more testing.
The Latest: Philippine leader orders mayors investigated
Read full article: The Latest: Philippine leader orders mayors investigatedNew coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Utah have been on a downward trend since January. Ad___SAO PAULO, Brazil — Brazil has reached 300,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and become the second nation to top that figure. ___BOISE, Idaho — The governor of Idaho has said COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will be open to all Idaho residents 16 and up starting April 5. ___WAILUKU, Hawaii — A hospital on Maui had to throw out nearly 1,400 vaccine doses after a refrigerator thawing the vials did not properly seal. Also, COVID-19 deaths have dipped below 1,000 a day on average for the first time since November.
Merkel drops Easter shutdown plan for Germany, apologizes
Read full article: Merkel drops Easter shutdown plan for Germany, apologizesGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting of the German government at the chancellery in Berlin, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. (Kay Nietfeld/Pool via AP)BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday dropped plans for a five-day shutdown over Easter, which had prompted confusion and criticism. The same group, faced with rising coronavirus infections, had come up early Tuesday with the unexpected plan for tighter restrictions over Easter. Ad“The idea of an Easter shutdown was drawn up with the best intentions, because we must urgently manage to slow and reverse the third wave of the pandemic,” Merkel said. Merkel said, even without the Easter shutdown, the decisions that she and the state governors came up with offer a “framework” to beat back the new wave of coronavirus infections.
Spanish islands warn tourists to abide by virus restrictions
Read full article: Spanish islands warn tourists to abide by virus restrictionsFaced with a possible flood of visitors from Germany later this month, authorities in Spains Balearic Islands are warning hotel owners that tourists must adhere to coronavirus restrictions the same way residents do. But the restrictions havent stopped eager German tourists who have rushed to book flights and accommodation this week following their governments removal of the islands from a list of high-risk contagion zones. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu, FIle)MADRID – Faced with a possible flood of visitors from Germany later this month, authorities in Spain's Balearic Islands are warning hotel owners that tourists must adhere to coronavirus restrictions the same way residents do. But the restrictions haven't stopped eager German tourists who have rushed to book flights and accommodation this week following their government's removal of the Balearic Islands and other holiday destinations from a list of high-risk areas. Tourism accounted for 12% of Spain's gross domestic product before the pandemic and nearly a third of the Balearic Islands' output.
Augusta National in November? 5 reasons why this year’s Masters will stand alone in history
Read full article: Augusta National in November? 5 reasons why this year’s Masters will stand alone in historyIf you’re clicking around on the remote control while watching TV this weekend, odds are, you’ll stumble on som sights of Augusta National Golf Club. Yes, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, that will be the case for the first time in the history of the illustrious tournament. Paul Casey of England plays a shot on the second hole during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on November 09, 2020 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith) (Getty Images)One of the reasons the Masters is often the most-rated golf tournament is the stunning sight of azaleas and other flowers throughout the course. No fansThis won’t be any different from any other golf tournament or major sporting event this year.
Harshmallow: Virus prompts pause for Peeps holiday treats
Read full article: Harshmallow: Virus prompts pause for Peeps holiday treatsFILE - This Feb. 13, 2013 file photo shows Peeps at the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, Pa. Peeps holiday treats are going on hiatus another consequence of the coronavirus. PennLive.com reports, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, that Just Born Quality Confections says it wont be producing the popular sweets for Halloween, Christmas or Valentines Day as the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based company prepares for next Easter. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Peeps treats are going on hiatus for several months — another consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. Just Born Quality Confections said it won’t be producing the popular marshmallow sweets for Halloween, Christmas or Valentine’s Day as the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based company prepares for next Easter, PennLive.com reports. Just Born, which has been in business since 1923, said its other seasonal confections are expected to return to store shelves by Halloween 2021.
Pope prays for “fragile” humanity needing help in pandemic
Read full article: Pope prays for “fragile” humanity needing help in pandemicPope Francis arrives to deliver an Urbi et orbi prayer from the empty St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Friday, March 27, 2020. Praying in a desolately empty St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis on Friday likened the coronavirus pandemic to a storm laying bare illusions that people can be self-sufficient and instead finds "all of us fragile and disoriented" and needing each other's help and comfort. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)VATICAN CITY – Praying in a desolately empty St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis on Friday likened the coronavirus pandemic to a storm laying bare illusions that people can be self-sufficient and instead leaves “all of us fragile and disoriented” and needing each other's help and comfort. Before the pandemic, Francis said, people were rushing through life, “greedy for profit,” undisturbed by “wars and injustices” and not hearing the “cry of the poor or of our ailing planet. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Francis will celebrate Mass for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Easter vigil and Easter Sunday — April 12 — all at the basilica's central altar.
9 inexpensive ideas for your spring break staycation
Read full article: 9 inexpensive ideas for your spring break staycationSpring break is right around the corner, and you may be dreaming of a fun family vacation -- but what if a full-fledged vacation is not in the cards or the budget? Spring break is typically right around Easter, which is seen by many as a time of renewal. An Easter morning hike would be a great way to kick off your day, so lace up your shoes and soak it all in. Spring break is a great time for a movie marathon, so queue up your favorite streaming service or break into that stack of DVDs. Hosting a staycation is a great way to spend the Easter break, especially if you can keep the kids entertained and happy.
Suspect in Atlanta student's death had spent holidays at victim's home
Read full article: Suspect in Atlanta student's death had spent holidays at victim's homeOne of the suspects in the death of Alexis Crawford spent at least one Thanksgiving and Easter holiday with Crawford's family. ATLANTA - A Clark Atlanta University student accused in the death of her roommate was a close friend who had spent holidays with the victim's family, a family spokesman said Sunday. Jordyn Jones, who is one of two suspects in the death of Alexis Crawford, spent at least one Thanksgiving and Easter holiday with Crawford's family over the past few years, the Rev. "It was a regular occurrence for Jordyn to spend time with Alexis' family and to engage with Alexis' siblings," Hutchins said. He added: "To know that someone that they welcomed into home played a role in Alexis' death is all the more hurtful."
Carrot cake bars
Read full article: Carrot cake barsI'm not sure why but Easter always meant carrot cake or coconut cake for me (in the shape of a lamb of course!) I'm sure the carrot cake thing somehow refers back to the Easter bunny and I'm sure there is some story to go along with it, but I'm too lazy to look! So I wanted to make a carrot cake for Easter but then I found these Carrot Cake Bars and they seemed easier than making the traditional carrot cake so I made a little trial run a few weeks ago. I don't think I'll ever make another traditional carrot cake again. Spread on top of the cooled cake bars.