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Urgent Health Alert: Surge in Deadly Flea-Borne Illness Cases Raises Alarm Among Experts

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Urgent Health Alert: Surge in Deadly Flea-Borne Illness Cases Raises Alarm Among Experts

The incidence of flea-borne typhus in Los Angeles County has surged to unprecedented levels, prompting local authorities to intensify efforts to manage outbreaks in several communities.

According to public health records, the year 2025 witnessed an alarming 220 confirmed cases of this bacterial infection, surpassing the previous record of 187 cases set just a year prior. This rise highlights a concerning increase in a disease that was once thought to be uncommon in the area.

Alarmingly, nearly 90% of those diagnosed last year required hospitalization, underscoring the severity of typhus as a significant health threat.

Typically, symptoms of flea-borne typhus manifest within one to two weeks following exposure and can include high fever, intense headache, chills, muscle pain, and a rash appearing on the chest, sides, or back.

Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly, as early detection is crucial to prevent the progression to severe illness.

Death from flea-borne typhus is uncommon but has occurred. In 2022, three adults with underlying health conditions died from the disease in Los Angeles County. 

The disease is highly treatable with antibiotics, particularly doxycycline. Early diagnosis is the single most important factor in preventing potentially deadly illness. If caught early, most patients recover without complications. 

Typhus is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi, which spreads through infected flea feces. Fleas pick it up by biting rats, stray cats or opossums, and humans get infected when the feces enter a cut, scrape or the eye. 

Flea-borne typhus symptoms ¿ high fever, severe headache, chills, body aches, and a rash on the chest, sides, or back ¿ typically appear one to two weeks after exposure (stock)

Flea-borne typhus symptoms — high fever, severe headache, chills, body aches, and a rash on the chest, sides, or back — typically appear one to two weeks after exposure (stock)

Health officials have identified three specific hot spots where outbreaks occurred in 2025, including central Los Angeles, coastal Santa Monica and the unincorporated neighborhood of Willowbrook near Compton. However, cases have been reported throughout the county.

Pet parents face urgent risk. Infected fleas hitch rides indoors on dogs and cats. While pets may not get sick, those fleas can bite humans or leave infected feces on furniture. 

Typhus can affect people of all ages. The age range for those infected in 2025 was from one year old to 85. 

Anyone, regardless of age or health status, can contract the disease if exposed to infected fleas.

However, certain populations face a significantly higher risk. 

People who live outdoors, whether unsheltered or in housing infested with rats or other rodents, are particularly vulnerable, according to the Los Angeles Public Health Department.

The same goes for people who work with stray animals or work in rodent-infested environments.

Warmer weather likely drove the spike. Typhus peaks in late summer and fall, when fleas reproduce more quickly, and 2025’s extended warm season pushed cases to record levels. 

The typhus rash typically appears as a flat or slightly raised red blotchy rash that starts on the chest, sides or back before potentially spreading to the rest of the body (stock)

The typhus rash typically appears as a flat or slightly raised red blotchy rash that starts on the chest, sides or back before potentially spreading to the rest of the body (stock)

The record case count is not entirely unexpected. Looking back at recent years, the trajectory has been moving upward. 

There were 141 recorded cases in 2021 in Los Angeles County rising to 171 in 2022. A slight dip occurred in 2023 with 124 cases, but the numbers surged again in 2024 before breaking the record in 2025.

While no deaths were confirmed in 2025, the high hospitalization rate indicates to public health experts that the infection is more than a minor concern.

Because symptoms overlap with many other illnesses, diagnosis can be delayed unless patients mention potential flea exposure to their doctors.

Dr Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said: ‘With cases at an all-time high and most requiring hospitalization, it’s critical that people take simple steps now, such as routinely using flea control on their pets, avoiding contact with stray animals, and preventing wildlife from living in or around their homes.’

Officials offered some straightforward advice for people to follow to prevent infection. Avoid brushing against or handling stray animals, especially those that appear sick or disheveled.

When hiking or spending time in brushy areas, wear long pants and socks and consider using insect repellent labeled as effective against fleas, and always wash hands thoroughly after any contact with animals or outdoor surfaces where rodents may roam.

For pet owners, vigilance is the first line of defense against the disease-causing bacteria. Veterinarians recommend using vet-approved flea control medicine in your animals all year round, not just during the warmer months.

The above graph shows the rise from 31 cases in 2010 to 171 in 2022, according to the latest data from the CDC. Public health data reveal 220 confirmed cases in 2025, surpassing the previous high of 187 cases in 2024, a troubling escalation of a once-rare disease in the region

The above graph shows the rise from 31 cases in 2010 to 171 in 2022, according to the latest data from the CDC. Public health data reveal 220 confirmed cases in 2025, surpassing the previous high of 187 cases in 2024, a troubling escalation of a once-rare disease in the region

The disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi, spread through infected flea feces. Fleas pick up the bacteria by biting infected wild animals like rats, stray cats and opossums. Humans typically contract typhus when flea feces are rubbed into a cut, scrape or the eye

The disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia typhi, spread through infected flea feces. Fleas pick up the bacteria by biting infected wild animals like rats, stray cats and opossums. Humans typically contract typhus when flea feces are rubbed into a cut, scrape or the eye

This includes topical treatments, oral medications and flea collars. Regular grooming and bathing of pets can also help spot a flea problem before it becomes a full infestation.

Inside the home, frequent vacuuming of carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture removes flea eggs and larvae before they mature into biting adults.

Vets also recommend paying special attention to areas where pets sleep. Washing pet bedding weekly in hot water is another simple but highly effective measure.

Outside the home, keep the yard free of tall grasses, brush piles and accumulated leaf litter where rodents like to hide. Seal any cracks or openings in the home’s foundation, walls or roof that could allow rodents to enter.

Open or overflowing trash bins attract rats, opossums and stray cats, all of which can carry infected fleas. Ensure all garbage bins have tight-fitting lids and never leave pet food or fallen fruit from trees accessible to wildlife overnight.

Public health officials emphasize that while the record numbers in Los Angeles County are concerning, typhus is preventable and treatable. Simple daily habits can dramatically reduce the risk to the public.

Reid Wiseman: Navigating Family Life from Marriage to Single Fatherhood

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On April 1, 2026, NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman embarked on a significant journey as the commander of Artemis II, marking the first manned mission to the moon in over half a century. Just days before the launch from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, the 50-year-old father had a heart-to-heart with his teenage daughters, a conversation no parent ever wishes to face.

In this candid discussion, Wiseman guided Ellie and Katherine through the location of his will and trust documents, preparing them for the possibility of his not returning from the 10-day lunar expedition. He reflected, “I actually wish more people in everyday life talked to their families in that way, because you never know what the next day is going to bring.”

Reid Wiseman’s Family Life: From Marriage to Single Fatherhood

Reid Wiseman’s Marriage to Carroll Taylor: A Love Story That Shaped His Dreams

Carroll Taylor Wiseman, a dedicated pediatric nurse practitioner in a newborn intensive care unit, devoted her career to caring for the most vulnerable. Originally from Virginia Beach, she met Reid early in his naval career, and together they forged a life grounded in shared goals and quiet sacrifices.

When Reid pondered relocating to be closer to family following Carroll’s diagnosis, she insisted otherwise. “No, this is where you work, and you love your job. And we should not give that up for this,” she told him. Carroll wanted her daughters to understand that one could pursue success amidst grief, illustrating that life continues despite profound loss.

Carroll Wiseman’s Five-Year Cancer Battle: The Family’s Private Strength

Carroll fought cancer for five years before dying on May 17, 2020, at age 46. Throughout her treatment, she remained determined to protect her family’s sense of normalcy. The Wisemans stayed in Houston, where Reid was based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, rather than retreating from his work.

Reid Wiseman’s Family Life: From Marriage to Single Fatherhood

Her death left Reid Wiseman a single father to Ellie and Katherine, then young teenagers. Friends and colleagues described the family’s grief as private but profound. Memorial donations in Carroll’s name went to the MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Brain and Spine Center and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia institutions that reflected her professional calling.

Life as a Single Father: How Reid Wiseman Raised Ellie and Katherine Alone

Wiseman has called single parenting “his greatest challenge and the most rewarding phase” of his life. After Carroll’s death, he remained in Houston, balancing the demands of NASA’s astronaut office with school drop-offs, homework, and teenage milestones.

He has been candid about the weight of that responsibility. “I want my kids to know that you can still achieve and go on and pick yourself up,” he said. His daughters eventually aligned with his decision to command Artemis II but only after he convinced them of its importance. The morning after that conversation, he woke to find homemade moon cupcakes waiting on the counter.

The Emotional Selfie That Went Viral: Reid Wiseman and His Daughters Before Launch

Days before liftoff, Wiseman posed with Ellie and Katherine in front of NASA’s towering Space Launch System rocket. He shared the image with a caption that captured his voice as a father: “Dad, we can’t leave the rocket without a .5 together!! I love these two ladies, and I’m boarding that rocket a very proud father.”

The photo taken using a smartphone’s wide-angle lens spread rapidly across social media. As Wiseman walked toward the launch pad on April 1, he raised his hands and formed a heart symbol directed at his daughters, a gesture captured by news cameras and viewed by millions.

The Heart-to-Heart Walk: Why Reid Wiseman Discussed His Will and Death Plans

Before leaving for Florida, Wiseman took his daughters on a walk a deliberate, unhurried setting for an uncomfortable conversation. “Here’s where the will is, here’s where the trust documents are, and if anything happens to me, here’s what’s going to happen to you,” he told them.

He did not sugarcoat the risks. Artemis II will push the Orion spacecraft farther than Apollo 13’s record distance from Earth, and reentry involves striking the atmosphere at roughly Mach 39. “That’s part of this life,” Wiseman said, urging other families to have similar conversations regardless of their profession.

Carroll’s Lasting Words and Legacy: The Motivation Behind Reid’s Continued Missions

Carroll’s influence remains central to Wiseman’s decisions. Before her death, she insisted the family stay in Houston that Reid continue pursuing his career rather than retreating into grief. Her words gave him permission to keep flying, even as a single parent.

“Also, I want my kids to know that you can still achieve and go on and pick yourself up,” Wiseman said, paraphrasing his late wife’s perspective. He carries letters from his daughters aboard Orion as personal mementos tangible reminders of who he returns to.

Balancing Space Exploration and Fatherhood: Reid Wiseman’s Daily Reality

Wiseman has called his space career “a selfish ask” of his children. The hardest part, he admits, is “the stress that I’m putting on them.” Yet he has structured his life to minimize disruption: remaining in Houston, involving his daughters in major decisions, and prioritizing time with them between training cycles.

His 2014 mission to the International Space Station lasted 165 days. Photos from that period show him saying goodbye to much younger versions of Ellie and Katherine. Now teenagers one in high school, one in college they have grown up understanding that their father’s work carries real risk.

Recent Family Moments Before Artemis II: A Single Dad’s Proudest Role

In the days leading up to the April 1 launch, Ellie and Katherine traveled to Florida to watch their father make history. They stood with him in front of the rocket, took photos, and watched as he suited up. Wiseman has described being a father as his proudest role not commander, not naval aviator, but dad.

His daughters initially had “zero interest” in his launching again after 2014. But after he explained that only four people on Earth had the opportunity to fly around the moon, they came around. “I cannot say no to that opportunity,” Wiseman told them. The next morning, the cupcakes appeared.

What the Future Holds: Reid Wiseman’s Family Priorities After the Moon Mission

Artemis II is scheduled to return to Earth after approximately 10 days. Wiseman has not announced specific post-mission plans, but those close to him expect he will continue balancing NASA duties with single fatherhood. He remains based in Houston, where his daughters attend school and college.

The mission itself is a test flight a rehearsal for Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the lunar surface. For Wiseman, returning safely to Ellie and Katherine is the mission’s true bottom line. “Subo a ese cohete como un padre muy orgulloso,” he said in a Spanish-language interview “I board that rocket as a very proud father.”

Why Reid Wiseman’s Story Resonates: Lessons in Love, Loss, and Resilience

Wiseman’s openness about death, grief, and single fatherhood has struck a chord far beyond space enthusiasts. He has reframed a story that could have been purely tragic into one about preparation, love, and moving forward without erasing the past.

His message is unexpectedly simple: talk to your family. Make a will. Share your plans. “You never know what the next day is going to bring,” he said. That clarity — born from losing his wife and raising two daughters alone has made Wiseman one of the most relatable astronauts in NASA’s history.

How Trump’s Full Pharmaceutical Tariff Could Impact Australia

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In brief

  • Donald Trump has followed through on a threat to tax foreign-made pharmaceuticals.
  • Health Minister Mark Butler said the decision would create uncertainty for exporters, but would not affect medicine prices for Australians.

The United States has introduced a significant 100 percent tariff on certain pharmaceuticals manufactured outside its borders, with Australian-made drugs bearing the brunt of the new levy despite exemptions granted to products from other nations. This move comes as President Donald Trump fulfills a longstanding pledge to impose taxes on foreign-produced pharmaceuticals, a strategy aimed at encouraging companies to relocate production to the U.S.

Australia’s Health Minister, Mark Butler, expressed strong disapproval of the decision on Friday, describing it as both “deeply disappointing and deeply concerning.” During a press conference, Butler remarked, “This is not the action of a friend. For over two decades, we’ve shared a commitment to free and fair trade, including the exchange of pharmaceuticals, which has benefited not only our economies but also patients in both Australia and America.”

In response to this development, Butler assured that the Australian government would collaborate with local companies and exporters who might be adversely affected by this sudden policy shift. The focus will be on mitigating the impact on the country’s pharmaceutical sector and maintaining the long-standing trade relationship between the two nations.

“It’s not the act of a friend,” he said at a press conference. “A friend that has shared for more than 20 years free and fair trade, including pharmaceutical exports going from both different directions to the benefit not just of our mutual economies but to the benefit of patients here in Australia and patients over in America.”

He said the government would work with companies and exporters in Australia that might be impacted.

“We’re obviously very concerned about their businesses and the jobs of people that they employ,” he said.

“I want to be clear though that this will have no impact on medicine prices in Australian pharmacy cabinets,” he added, noting they are protected by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Australia exported about $1.91 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US last year, according to UN Comtrade data.

Trump’s order states that companies that move production to the US will face a reduced tariff of 20 per cent.

A significant share of Australian exports is produced by Melbourne-based manufacturer CSL, which makes blood plasma derivatives and vaccines. The biotech company has been investing heavily in US manufacturing to sidestep the tariff.

CSL said it had invested more than $3 billion in US operations since 2018, creating more than 6,500 US jobs. Reacting to the tariff news on Friday morning, Butler told Channel Seven’s Sunrise he was “pretty confident” CSL would receive a carve-out due to its manufacturing presence in the US.

A CSL spokesperson told the Guardian the company was reviewing information from the US but did not anticipate material impact from tariffs.

Australia’s PBS — under which the federal government negotiates medicine prices directly with suppliers to make them cheaper for Australians — has long been criticised by the US pharmaceutical lobby.

Last year, a US pharmaceutical industry representative body wrote to US trade representative Jamieson Greer, arguing that Australia’s PBS represented “damaging pricing policies” that undervalued US innovation and risked billions of dollars in lost sales.

The group called for tariffs on Australian-made drugs, but Butler said on Friday the government would not negotiate with the US on changes to the scheme.

“We keep sending this clearest of possible messages to the US because we know they get the big drug companies in their ear, trying to unpick the PBS here in Australia and equivalent schemes in other countries around the world,” he told Sunrise.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition would work with the government to have the tariff removed or secure an exemption for Australian exports.

Under the executive order, the standard rate is 100 per cent. However, drugs produced in the European Union and countries including Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom will be subject to lower levies under existing trade deals.

A White House official told the Sydney Morning Herald: “While we are always working with our trading partners and close allies like Australia, Australia does not have a special pharma tariff rate.”

The tariff has been implemented under a section of trade law designed to protect US national security, meaning it is not affected by a Supreme Court decision in February that struck down levies implemented under emergency orders.

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Texas Man Accused of Murdering Wife Weeks After Marriage; ICE Contests Release

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Texas Man Accused of Murdering Wife Weeks After Marriage; ICE Contests Release

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently issued a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer, urging Texas officials to retain custody of an undocumented immigrant accused of a gruesome murder in Dallas. The individual in question is suspected of fatally attacking his wife with a pocketknife.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 24-year-old Francisco Mendez-Marin, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. He was apprehended by the Carrolton Police Department on March 18 and is currently facing charges of felony homicide. The charges stem from an alleged domestic altercation that resulted in the death of his 20-year-old wife, Karla Rangel.

According to reports from FOX 4 Dallas, the couple had been married for less than a month before this tragic incident unfolded. [Source]

Upon arriving at the crime scene, law enforcement officers discovered Mendez-Marin with bloodstained clothing and a pocketknife covered in blood, according to officials.

Francisco Mendez-Marin mugshot

Francisco Mendez-Marin is currently facing accusations of having committed a brutal act of violence against his wife in Dallas, Texas. (DHS)

Body camera footage shows Mendez-Marin telling officers, “I didn’t do anything bad” and “I was obligated to do it” in Spanish, according to the arrest affidavit.

“This depraved animal murdered his own wife just one month after they were married by brutally slitting her throat with a pocketknife,” DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis wrote in a statement. “This illegal alien should have never been allowed into our country to commit this heinous murder.”

ICE HQ

ICE lodged an immigration detainer following the arrest. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

“ICE requested authorities in Dallas to not release this cold-blooded killer onto the streets,” she continued. “Thankfully, Dallas politicians cooperate with ICE, so together we can ensure this murderer is NEVER loose in American communities.”

Dallas, Texas skyline

Officials said the killing took place in Dallas, Texas, after a domestic dispute. (iStock)

Mendez-Marin is currently in Dallas County Sheriff’s Office custody and being held in the Dallas County Jail, according to DHS.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

Gabby Logan Shares Eye-Catching Photo of Husband Kenny in a Bold Look

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Gabby Logan Shares Eye-Catching Photo of Husband Kenny in a Bold Look


What is the mortality rate?

In the United Kingdom, prostate cancer claims the lives of over 11,800 men annually, equating to a death every 45 minutes. This surpasses the approximate 11,400 annual deaths from breast cancer among women.

Prostate cancer is the third deadliest cancer in Britain, following lung and bowel cancers in terms of mortality rates.

Across the Atlantic in the United States, the disease is responsible for the deaths of 26,000 men each year.

Despite its significant impact, prostate cancer research receives less than half the funding allocated to breast cancer, leaving its treatments lagging by at least a decade.

How many men are diagnosed annually?

Every year, upwards of 52,300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK – more than 140 every day.   

How quickly does it develop? 

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs someone has it for many years, according to the NHS. 

If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, a policy of ‘watchful waiting’ or ‘active surveillance’ may be adopted. 

Some patients can be cured if the disease is treated in the early stages.

But if it is diagnosed at a later stage, when it has spread, then it becomes terminal and treatment revolves around relieving symptoms.

Thousands of men are put off seeking a diagnosis because of the known side effects from treatment, including erectile dysfunction.

Tests and treatment

Tests for prostate cancer are haphazard, with accurate tools only just beginning to emerge. 

There is no national prostate screening programme as for years the tests have been too inaccurate.

Doctors struggle to distinguish between aggressive and less serious tumours, making it hard to decide on treatment.

Men over 50 are eligible for a ‘PSA’ blood test which gives doctors a rough idea of whether a patient is at risk.

But it is unreliable. Patients who get a positive result are usually given a biopsy which is also not fool-proof. 

Scientists are unsure as to what causes prostate cancer, but age, obesity and a lack of exercise are known risks. 

Anyone with any concerns can speak to Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org

Tragic Oversight: How Ignored Warning Signs Led to a Preventable Infant Death

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Tragic Oversight: How Ignored Warning Signs Led to a Preventable Infant Death

Inset, left to right: Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker in court (WRGB). Background: The courtroom where the defendants were sentenced (WRGB).

A Massachusetts couple will face prison sentences following the tragic death of their 10-month-old foster child, as a jury concluded that they neglected to obtain necessary medical care for the infant.

On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Tracy Duncan sentenced Matthew Tucker and Cassandra Barlow-Tucker, residents of Adams, to three to five years in a state correctional facility. This decision comes in light of their involvement in the demise of Kristoff Zenopolous, as confirmed by prosecutors.

The couple was convicted last month on charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless child endangerment. In a move considerate of their family situation, Judge Duncan arranged for their sentences to be served consecutively—Barlow-Tucker will serve first, followed by Tucker—due to their responsibility for four other children. In addition, both individuals are prohibited from serving as foster parents or caregivers for any children in the future and will undergo probation.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington expressed the somber realities of the case, stating, “No sentence can undo the loss of this child. This was an avoidable and deeply tragic case. We hope today’s outcome brings some measure of justice and a sense of closure to the child’s loved ones.”

“No sentence can undo the loss of this child. This was an avoidable and deeply tragic case,” Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington said in a statement. “We hope today’s outcome brings some measure of justice and a sense of closure to the child’s loved ones.”

The convictions stem from the death of the couple’s foster son, a 10-month-old infant who died after suffering from untreated illness while in their care.

According to a report from Springfield, Massachusetts, NBC affiliate WWLP, the child died from complications related to a strep infection, bronchopneumonia, and empyema on Feb. 18, 2020. Medical experts testified at trial that those conditions are all typically treatable with timely care.

Prosecutors said Tucker and Barlow-Tucker failed to seek medical attention despite clear indications the infant was seriously ill. Trial evidence showed the child had been suffering symptoms for an extended period — as long as several weeks — prior to his death. Prosecutors argued that the defendants also left the infant unattended for about 14 hours before they found him unresponsive, Schenectady CBS affiliate WRGB reported.

“The child should be celebrating his seventh birthday next month. Instead, he died at just ten months old because the defendants, his foster parents, failed to seek medical treatment despite clear and obvious signs that he needed care,” Andrew Covington said after the couple’s convictions. “As special prosecutors assigned to this case, we felt a duty to see the matter through and ensure accountability.”

However, defense attorneys argued the child had preexisting respiratory issues and that the couple believed his symptoms were related to illness already affecting the household, reportedly following prior medical advice to monitor him at home.

Ultimately, the jury sided with prosecutors, finding that the couple’s inaction amounted to criminal negligence.

Prosecutors had recommended a five-year prison sentence followed by probation, while the defense sought no prison time.

In addition to their incarceration, Tucker will serve five years of probation and Barlow-Tucker will serve three years following her release.

Tom’s Unbelievable Journey: Why He Bought a Plane for Grocery Shopping

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Tom’s Unbelievable Journey: Why He Bought a Plane for Grocery Shopping
Tom Forrest lives in the very small town of Wyndham in Western Australia‘s Kimberly region.

A small, close-knit town with a population of around 940 people offers a simple yet charming way of life. It features a family-run supermarket, a post office, a local liquor store, and a community pool.

“It’s a dead-end town,” a local resident explained. “You can’t just pass through it; it’s the last stop on the road, which makes it a very close-knit community.”

He went on to describe the unique appeal of living in Australia’s outback, highlighting the stunning natural beauty and the supportive community spirit. However, he also noted the challenges posed by their remote location.

Forrest has to drive an hour to his nearest major supermarket and 10 hours to the closest major city, Darwin.

“Flights from the nearest town, Kununurra, tend to be quite expensive,” he remarked, underscoring the logistical hurdles faced by residents.

Inspired by the practical approach of outback pilots, many of whom use small aircraft for personal travel, he reflected on childhood memories. One vivid recollection is of his friend’s father, who would land his helicopter next to their home after a day of cattle mustering.

“The town, over the years, many times have asked for government support to get these regional airfares reduced, because it just makes it really, really challenging for most locals to fly out of Kununurra.”

Forrest became inspired by outback pilots who use a small aircraft for their personal use, including his childhood friend’s dad who would land his helicopter next to his home after a day of mustering.

To make his life easier, he decided to do the same. 

He travelled 1000km to Darwin every fortnight for 11 months to train for his pilot’s license before he was given the green light.

Tom Forrest lives in the small town of Wyndham in Western Australia's Kimberly region.
Tom Forrest bought a plane to make his life easier. (Instagram)

Now, it takes Forrest only 15 minutes to fly to the next major supermarket in Kununurra.

He said it has made everything more accessible for him.

“Having my own plane, having my plane license as well, just means that I can wake up in the morning, and if I have to, I can hop in my plane and fly to Darwin in an hour and a half, opposed to a 10-hour drive,” he said.

“It also means that getting to the remote locations across the Kimberley, like Broome or the Bungle Bungles or even remote communities, has opened up and made everything a whole lot more accessible.

“What would usually take an entire day to get across the Kimberley only takes two hours.”

Forrest has shared his pilot journey on social media, where he also famously posts videos with his grandad for storytelling and sharing their outback living.

Tom Forrest lives in the small town of Wyndham in Western Australia's Kimberly region.
The plane has made travel more accessible for Tom. (Instagram)

That’s when someone from the remote Indigenous town of Amanbidji reached out for help.

The small community, near the Northern Territory border, had been cut off due to cyclone-prompted flooding and was forced to go without any fresh produce for weeks.

Forrest did 100kg of shopping for them, loaded up the plane and flew to their town, where he was greeted by community members who received their first fresh food in weeks. 

“Where I can, I like to help out,” he said. 

“I’ve had a lot of people reach out through social media all over Western Australia, people who live in rural, Indigenous communities who were there for work, asking if I could potentially help fly their mum from Broome to the remote communities.”

Tom Forrest lives in the small town of Wyndham in Western Australia's Kimberly region.
Tom has had to limit his plane use due to increasing fuel prices. (Instagram)
But with increasing fuel prices, which have sent diesel soaring past $3 a litre, each hour of flying costs him about $200.

For now, he has been forced to limit his plane use to necessary travel only.

“It’s gone up significantly. So at the moment, I’m paying around $3.64 per litre, and the plane burns 54 litres an hour,” he said.

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Surge in Young Adult Church Attendance: A New Era for Faith Communities

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Surge in Young Adult Church Attendance: A New Era for Faith Communities


COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Across the United States, many individuals are currently in the midst of Holy Week, a significant period in Christianity commemorating the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life.

This year, a notable increase in young adult participation in Holy Week activities and year-round church services has been observed.

A CBS News report from fall 2025 highlighted a growing trend of young adults, particularly Gen Z men, embracing the Christian faith.

Garrett Smith, who serves as the Young Adults Pastor at Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia, observes that many young adults feel unfulfilled by the pursuits promoted by contemporary culture.

“They’re weary of deception and empty promises,” Smith explains. “What they truly desire is authenticity and truth. Young adults are trying different paths and find the world’s offerings lacking.”

Father Kevin Braski of St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, Georgia said this:

“They start chasing the world, and then what happens is they start chasing whatever it is — power, fame, money, pleasure — which aren’t inherently evil per se, but they chase them and then they get them and they realize this is not fulfilling.” 

This is why Nico Jay Moyer, the City Minister for First Baptist Church In Columbus says churches creating space to meet young adults where they are is a reason for the growth.

”A lot of them are curious and if we’re not willing to have conversations in those areas that they’re curious about, we’re not gonna be able to connect with them.” 

Moyer and Smith agree that young adults are simply trying to figure it out, especially with all the “noise” from social media heightening things like politics, disasters, and more. 

“I think people are really understanding that there’s like a real evil out there, and if there’s real evil, then there must be good,” said Pastor Garrett Smith, Cascade Hills Church, Young Adults 

Braski, Moyer and Smith believe the growth is nuanced. They say they’re seeing a mix of churchgoers and people who are looking to dive deeper into their faith.

Moyer says, “It’s not hard to get somebody to walk into a church. What’s often challenging is getting them to stay there and if we fail to build relationships, make connections, communicate with them the way they communicate, that gets really difficult.”

An article published by the New York Times found that the loneliest group of people entering the church is those aged 18 to 35.

“It boils down to do I feel love? Do I feel connected? Do I feel respected and do I feel heard?” Moyer said.

All ministers agree while no church is perfect, it’s important to be connected to a faith community.

“We’re a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints,” Smith says. “Just get plugged in. Find somewhere that preaches the Bible faithfully, that gives you the gospel every week and just get plugged in.”

Braski says, “We’re broken, but God’s gonna say, “Hey, come home.” 

Community Unites in Urbana for Ceremony Celebrating Organ Donation

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Community Unites in Urbana for Ceremony Celebrating Organ Donation


URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – As April unfolds, it marks National Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the generosity of organ donors and spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation.

On Thursday, a poignant gathering took place at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, where attendees came together to both mourn and celebrate. This heartfelt ceremony paid tribute to organ donors and the recipients who have been granted a new lease on life.

Currently, over 100,000 individuals across the United States are on the waiting list for organ transplants, hoping for a life-saving match.

“Tragically, while waiting for a suitable organ, approximately 17 people lose their lives each day without ever receiving a transplant,” remarked Harry Wilkins, CEO of the organ and tissue donor network, Gift of Hope.

Kim Zolciak Loses Custody: Court Mandates Therapy for Reality Star – Here’s What You Need to Know

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Kim Zolciak Loses Custody: Court Mandates Therapy for Reality Star – Here’s What You Need to Know

A judge has mandated that Kim Zolciak undergo therapy before she can reunite with her children, whom she shares with Kroy Biermann.

Until Zolciak completes four required parenting therapy sessions, the couple’s four younger children will remain in Biermann’s care, as stated in court documents acquired by TMZ on Friday. The arrangement is effective from April 3.

As per the court’s decision, the earliest Zolciak, 47, might see her children—Kroy Jr., 14, Kash, 13, and 12-year-old twins Kaia and Kane—would be April 13.

This development follows closely on the heels of Biermann’s request for sole custody, citing alleged lapses in Zolciak’s basic parenting duties.

According to court filings reviewed by TMZ earlier this week, Biermann, 40, has petitioned for changes to their current shared custody agreement.

The retired football player also claimed the “Don’t Be Tardy” star has been out of the country for weeks, per the outlet.

He reportedly insisted that “the facts surrounding [Zolciak’s] misguided parenting of the children, lack thereof, and blatant mismanagement of basic parenting responsibilities would be practically unbelievable to anyone not familiar with the circumstances.” 

Biermann then accused the reality star of committing “fraud and deceit” when they agreed upon their current joint custody arrangement and alleged that Zolciak only used her parenting time once between Feb. 26 and March 29.

According to the athlete’s complaint, one of their children was bitten by a dog when Zolciak was with the kids on March 9.

Despite the duo signing a temporary custody agreement early last month, Biermann argued that Zolciak wasn’t following the terms of their agreed-upon therapy, according to TMZ.

In a statement to Page Six, the Bravo vet slammed her ex’s request, telling us, “These accusations are completely false and nothing more than a deliberate attempt by Kroy to defame my character. I spent five weeks away working on two TV shows to support my family and make sure my children are cared for — something I will never apologize for.”

She continued, “I refuse to be bullied or have lies twisted into a narrative about who I am. I will not stay silent; the truth is on my side, and it will come to light—no matter how hard anyone tries to bury it.”

However, Zolciak and Biermann’s bitter battle has been playing out for over two years, with Biermann previously filing for sole custody of their kids in August 2025.

He reportedly accused Zolciak of subjecting their children to “emotional and psychological abuse” in that filing, and claimed that his ex repeatedly left them alone without “proper parental guidance.”

Zolciak and Biermann first filed for divorce in May 2023 following 11 years of marriage.

The former flames briefly reconciled before Biermann refiled in August 2023.

Along with their four children, Biermann also adopted Zolciak’s two daughters from a previous relationship: Brielle, 29, and Ariana, 24.

Although Zolciak and Biermann were still living together in their Georgia mansion after splitting in 2023, they were forced to move out of the foreclosed property by US Marshals in April 2025.

Zolciak, meanwhile, is reportedly dating Atlanta-based entrepreneur Kyle Mowitz.

After the pair was romantically linked in March 2025, Biermann allegedly reached out to the businessman’s estranged wife, Jillian Green, to warn her that Zolciak would “financially … drain money from” Mowitz.
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