Category: News

SALT LAKE CITY — The father and brother of the 12-year-old West Haven boy who died of child abuse last year have pleaded guilty to charges in connection to his death.

Gavin Peterson’s father, Shane, and brother, Tyler, pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree child abuse homicide. Both men also pleaded guilty to additional charges related to child abuse.

Nichole Scott, Gavin’s girlfriend, was also charged in Gavin’s death but was not part of the plea deal.

Conditions of Shane Peterson’s plea deal include that his charges won’t be upgraded to murder.

Gavin Peterson was found unresponsive inside the family’s West Haven home on July 9, with an investigation into his death showing he had experienced malnutrition to the point where his organs had, “shut down completely.”

Findings revealed following investigation into handling of Gavin Peterson case:

Findings revealed following investigation into handling of Gavin Peterson case

The investigation showed that Gavin’s family discussed beating the 12-year-old boy and not feeding him on their phones, saying they only gave Gavin small servings of water and a piece of bread with water.

Throughout several years, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services received multiple reports of Gavin being abused. An investigation into the agency’s handling of the reports showed that the boy had been the victim of documented abuse as early as February 2020.

Celebration of life held to remember 12-year-old who died of alleged abuse:

Celebration of life held to remember 12-year-old who died of alleged abuse

As Mother’s Day approaches, countless celebrities are taking to social media to share heartfelt moments with their mothers and children, expressing gratitude, love, and nostalgia. The occasion becomes a reminder of both joy and loss, with many expressing appreciation for the presence of their mothers while others reflect on the profound emptiness left by those who have passed.

Lebanese actress Nadine Njeim celebrated with her children, posting a series of pictures filled with warmth and flowers. She captioned her Instagram photos, saying, “God keep my kids safe from harm, a proud mother,” encapsulating the joys of motherhood.

Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.

---

The Texas parents of an unvaccinated 6-year-old girl who died from measles Feb. 26 told the anti-vaccine organization Children’s Health Defense this week that the experience did not convince them that vaccination against measles was necessary.

“She says they would still say ‘Don’t do the shots,’ ” an unidentified translator for the parents said. “They think it’s not as bad as the media is making it out to be.”

The couple, members of a Mennonite community in Gaines County, spoke on camera in both English and Low German to CHD Executive Director Polly Tommey and CHD Chief Scientific Officer Brian Hooker.

“It was her time on Earth,” the translator said the parents told her. “They believe she’s better off where she is now.”

“We would absolutely not take the MMR,” the mother said in English, referring to the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination children typically receive before attending school. She said her stance on vaccination has not changed after her daughter’s death.

“The measles wasn’t that bad. They got over it pretty quickly,” the mother said of her other four surviving children who were treated with castor oil and inhaled steroids and recovered.

The couple told CHD that their daughter had measles for days when she became tired and the girl’s labored breathing prompted the couple to take her to Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock. There, the girl was intubated and died a few days later. The other children came down with measles after their sister died.

The parents’ interview was posted on the website of Children’s Health Defense, an organization founded in 2007 by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now secretary for the U.S. Health and Human Services Department. Kennedy stepped down from the organization to run for president in 2023.

The deceased girl’s father insisted that measles helps build up a person’s immune system. “Also the measles are good for the body for the people,” the father said, explaining “You get an infection out.”

The Mennonite community located in remote Gaines County, about 400 miles west of Dallas, has been the center of a West Texas measles outbreak. As of Tuesday, measles has spread to 279 patients in Gaines and nearby counties.

Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, which cared for the couple’s daughter, released a prepared statement on Thursday. They said the interview circulating online contains “misleading and inaccurate claims regarding care provided at Covenant Children’s” and that the hospital could not directly speak about the girl’s case because of patient confidentiality laws.

“What we can say is that our physicians and care teams follow evidence-based protocols and make clinical decisions based on a patient’s evolving condition, diagnostic findings and the best available medical knowledge,” the statement said.

Covenant Children’s reiterated that measles is a highly contagious, potentially life-threatening disease that often creates serious, well-known complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.

The hospital urged anyone with questions about measles to contact their health provider.

---

We can’t wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas’ breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 13–15 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more.

Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.

A sleep expert who specialises in paediatric sleep, has shared her tried and trusted ‘100-second rule’ that she swears will help babies drift back to sleep all on their own

A paediatric sleep consultant has urged parents of babies to try out her go-to “100-second rule” that she swears makes a “huge difference” when it comes to getting their little ones to drift off independently. As any parents of young children will no doubt know, just when you think you’ve got your baby to sleep, it’s sometimes not very long at all until their cries let you know they’ve woken up once more.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your child get back to sleep again, as explained by sleep consultant Lily, who encourages new parents to give her “respond versus react” method a go.

READ MORE: Families urged to use product in hotel bed for better night’s sleep on holiday

In a helpful clip shared via TikTok, Lily, who goes by the username @dreamcoach, advised: “Parents, when your baby wakes up and they haven’t slept for very long, I want you to do just one thing.

“I promise this one thing will make a huge difference in them settling back to sleep and learning to fall asleep independently.”

She then revealed: “All I want you to do is watch the monitor and I want you to count to a hundred. Don’t go in if they’re fussing, just watch and respond versus react.

“It’s normal for babies to wake up. They just need time to put themselves back to sleep. So giving them even just a hundred seconds can make a huge difference and it’s likely they will put themselves back to sleep.”

Lily, who also shares handy sleep content on Instagram under the username @lilbabysleep, added that parents can start trying this hack with babies of “any age”.

This video has been warmly received by many exhausted parents, who have thanked Lily for sharing her wisdom and vowed to give it a go for themselves.

One person approved: “We did this and boy what a huge difference. 9/10 [times] it works.”

Another commented: “This!!!! I don’t necessarily count but I always give her just a moment and 99 per cent of the time she’s back asleep by the time I get to her. It worked with all my kids.”

A third person wrote: “Yes!! My husband suggested we do this as he had a gut feeling I was disrupting the baby’s sleep. And he was right!! Now we have a dream sleeper.”

Others were a little more skeptical, however, arguing that the tip would only work for more “easygoing babies”, with one tired mother remarking that her son “screams” if she doesn’t immediately go to him.

Do you have a parenting tip to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com

READ MORE: New ‘greens’ shake with ‘172 health benefits’ and ’27 superfoods’ in one drink

Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz celebrated Father’s Day on March 19, 2025, with heartfelt tributes from his four children: Manuela, Alexander, Dylan, and Alma. In an emotional display of love, Sanz shared photos and a meaningful gift he received from his kids, which underscored his relationship with them. He posted on social media about receiving a personalized sculpture that resonated deeply with him. “This beauty is much more than a gift from my children. This is how they see me, this is how they support me,” he expressed, highlighting the significance of the thoughtful present.

Among the gifts was a touching letter from his son, Alexander, who reflected on the meaning of being a father. In the letter, he thanked his dad for the sacrifices made for their family and expressed his admiration. “Thank you, Dad, for everything you’ve sacrificed for us, for a life of jokes and smiles, for teaching me all the beautiful things in life,” the young musician wrote, acknowledging the deep bond they share. Alexander emphasized that while his father has received numerous accolades for his musical talent, to him, Alejandro is not just a superstar but their “super dad.”

On March 21, 2025, popular actress Miki Mizuno will make an appearance on NHK’s morning show ‘Asaichi’ at 8:15 AM, sharing her insights about balancing motherhood and her acting career. Known for her strong presence in various dramas and films, Mizuno is no stranger to capturing the audience’s attention. However, as she enters her seventh year of being a mother, her focus has shifted to the world of parenting.

With children hitting milestones, Mizuno reveals her child will be starting elementary school this April, an event met with mixed emotions. “My child seems excited but doesn’t fully grasp the meaning of graduation or starting school yet. It’s the parents who are dwelling on these transitions,” she explains, highlighting the sense of anxiety that accompanies new stages in parenting.

Progress is moving along swiftly on the fourth installment of the Meet the Parents movie series. A director for the project has been revealed, and it looks to be good news for fans of the films.

Per Deadline, John Hamburg is now set to direct Meet the Parents 4. Hamburg has experience with the franchise after previously working as a co-writer for the three previous Meet the Parents films, which include the 2000 original, 2004’s Meet the Fockers, and 2010’s Little Fockers. An official title has not yet been announced for the fourth movie, but it will likely follow a similar theme as the previous titles.

In addition to working on the Meet the Parents films, Hamburg has experience directing Stiller as the writer and director of the 2004 rom-com Along Came Polly; that movie co-starred Stiller and Jennifer Aniston. Hamburg also worked as a co-writer on 2001’s Zoolander and 2016’s Zoolander 2, both of which starred Stiller. Hamburg’s other directorial work includes the 2016 rom-com Why Him?, which was produced by Stiller, as well as the comedy movies I Love You, Man and Me Time.

Meet the Parents 4 Is Finally Happening

No plot details have yet been shared about Meet the Parents 4. What’s known is that the sequel will bring back original cast members Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner. Jane Rosenthal and De Niro are producing via Tribeca Productions, with other producers including Jay Roach via Delirious Media; Stiller and John Lesher via Red Hour Films; and Hamburg via Particular Pictures.

2000’s Meet the Parents was directed by Jay Roach. In the movie, Stiller plays Greg Focker, a man meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time with hilariously awkward results. The comedy was a huge success, earning over $330 million at the box office and earning the Best Comedy award at the People’s Choice Awards. De Niro was also nominated for a Golden Globe, while Stiller won Best Comedic Performance at the MTV Movie Awards.

Given this success, it was only natural for a sequel to be made. That came in 2004 with Meet the Fockers, with Greg and Pam (Polo) plotting their wedding. The hook this time was that Pam’s parents were going to meet Greg’s parents, played by Dennis Hoffman and Barbra Streisand. The movie was even more successful at the box office, banking over $522 million worldwide.

Rounding out the trilogy was 2010’s Little Fockers. After having two children, Greg is still trying to once and for all earn the approval of his father-in-law in the threequel. Though it saw a drop in terms of box office revenue, the film was till a big money-maker, earning over $310 million.

Meet the Parents 4 doesn’t yet have a release date.

Source: Deadline

The Labour Party’s Shadow Tax Minister has said those who had children in the 1980s and 1990s may be missing out on crucial state pension payments – here’s how to check if you’re affected

A warning from HMRC has been issued, affecting numerous women who had children in the 1980s and 1990s and might now be coming up short on their state pension.

The Labour Party’s spokesperson for taxes highlighted that these mothers may be missing out on vital state pension payments due to oversights in HMRC’s record-keeping. Particularly at risk are those who took time off work to raise their families and were eligible for “Home Responsibilities Protection” (HRP), which should have been automatically given to anyone who claimed child benefit and took a career break between April 6, 1978, and April 5, 2010.

Due to some HRP updates not being reflected correctly in National Insurance records, it is suspected that many individuals—particularly women—may not receive the full state pension they’re entitled to.

It’s important to note that HRP can still be claimed for each complete tax year from 1978 to 2010, under certain stipulations: claiming child benefit for a child under 16, caring for a child while a partner claimed the benefit, or receiving income support whilst looking after someone ill or disabled.

READ MORE: Mum takes kids out of school for three months after ‘dictatorship’ holiday fine of £480

Furthermore, eligibility includes individuals who looked after someone unwell or with a disability who was receiving specific benefits such as attendance allowance, disability living allowance, or constant attendance allowance.

The sum you get from the State Pension when reaching pension age depends on your National Insurance history and the number of qualifying years recorded, reports Birmingham Live.

If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2010, Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) could have reduced the number of qualifying years you needed to get the full basic State Pension by up to 22 years.

Women needed 39 qualifying years and men required 44 qualifying years to secure a full basic State Pension. For those who reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2010, HRP was converted into National Insurance credits, if you needed them, up to a maximum of 22 qualifying years.

Those who reached State Pension age between 6 April 2010 and 5 April 2016, needed 30 qualifying years on their National Insurance record to get the full basic state pension.

If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, you may have been entitled to Additional State Pension if you qualified for HRP because you received Child Benefit for a child under the age of 6 or were caring for a sick or disabled person (including a child over the age of 6) who was receiving certain benefits.

Those who reached State Pension age after 6 April 2016, may be eligible for the new State Pension.

GARRYOWEN — Nearly six months after 13-year-old Sa’Wade Birdinground disappeared from her home overnight in Garryowen, her father, Wade Birdinground, refuses to give up hope.

“I really miss her,” Birdinground said on Thursday. “She’s got a great heart. She’s like the most awesome person ever.”

Watch the story here:

Father of missing Garryowen 13-year-old Sa’Wade Birdinground remains hopeful

Sa’Wade, who has autism, went missing on Oct. 6, 2024.

In the days following her disappearance, search parties mobilized, scouring the area from the air and ground to water. Despite extensive efforts, including a search by the FBI, there have been no leads.

MTN News

“There’s still nothing. We had a lot of resources, and just like what the FBI told me, they ruled out that she’s here,” he said.

Sa’Wade left behind her phone, which her family provided to the FBI for analysis. According to Birdinground, that did not provide more information.

“They did take her phone. They didn’t get nothing off of it. And that was my only lead,” he said.

A spokesperson with the FBI confirmed to MTN News that the agency is actively working on Sa’Wade’s case and urged anyone with information to contact the Bighorn County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 665-9798 or the Salt Lake City FBI office at (801) 575-1400.

MTN News

Birdinground believes his daughter may have been abducted.

“I just don’t get how a 13-year-old would take off in this big world,” he said. “I miss your pretty smile. I miss you Sa’Wade. Come home.”

Before her disappearance, Birdinground said Sa’Wade was thriving in school and considering trying out basketball. He remains hopeful that one day she will return home.

“I pray every day. I wake up, I ask the Lord for help. I tell Him to share my strength with her. I will not give up,” Birdinground said. “She’s alive. I know it. I just gotta find her.”

This nepo baby looked just like his famous mother in rare snaps shared on social media.

The newly minted teenager turned 13 on Thursday, and his mother, a famous singer and former Disney actress, took to Instagram to share a sweet birthday tribute to him.

In never-before-seen photos, this youngster was seen in several impromptu snaps after being candidly captured by his mother.

His mother played a relatable junior high student in a hit Disney series before launching a singing career and landing lead roles in A Cinderella Story and Younger. 

His dad is a former hockey player who was married to his mother from 2010 to 2016. 

Can you guess who this teenager is?  

It’s Luca Cruz Comrie, the son of Hilary Duff!

The Lizzie McGuire star shared snaps of her son in honor of his 13th birthday to her Instagram on Thursday.  

‘Wow,’ Hilary, 37, began in a gushing caption dedicated to her eldest child out of four, her only son, on his birthday as he marks the beginning of his teenage years.

‘Is time ever a thief. I thought ten years of being a mom felt wild… yet here I am at my son’s 13th birthday.’ 

She welcomed Luca in March 2012 with her then-husband Mike Comrie. 

In addition to her son, she also shares three daughters with her husband Matthew Koma, welcoming their youngest last summer.

The couple — who tied the knot in December 2019 — are parents to Banks Violet Bair, six, Mae James Bair, nearly four, and 10-month-old Townes Meadow Bair. 

In her caption, she wrote: ‘I can’t go anywhere without people telling me what a nice kid Luca is. Sweet, heart facing forward with the coolest point of view.’

She praised her son’s intelligence, even admitting that he ‘knows more’ than her because she ‘didn’t have a “normal” schooling experience.’

She listed the many activities she enjoys sharing with him, adoringly highlighting ‘the best’ parts of him, before concluding that the very best part is being his mom.

‘He can talk anyone under the table about soccer, players dating back to the 70’s, specific games that defined history,’ she wrote in her caption. 

‘He’s an amazing creative drawer, a beautiful writer (hopefully more of that in the future) and I *think* taking a new interest in history,’ she continued.

‘It’s been so fun listening as he talks about the world’s history — since I didn’t have a “normal” schooling experience,’ she wrote. ‘There are definitely some gaps and it’s sure cool to have the tables turned and see how much more he knows more than me.

‘Just in this one instance of course,’ the Lizzie McGuire alum joked.

‘It’s so cool to see his interest shift, his confidence grow…his sure footedness and knowing being learned.’

She gushed: ‘My only son. I love you more than the moon and as far as all the stars in the sky. 

‘Hanging with you is the best. Getting a text from you .. the best. 

‘Talking late and snacking in the kitchen is the best. Driving you is the best (even though you forget all your s***),’ she added. 

‘Watching you play soccer is the best. Listening to hip hop with you is the best (let’s gooo Kendrick and lil tecca). 

‘The kind of big brother you are is the best. Your smile is the best. Your humor is the best. You being fully YOU is the best. Being your mom is the BEST.

‘HAPPY 13 Angel, forever standing by to cheer you on. -mom,’ she wrote, concluding her sweet birthday post.

Seemingly after she shared the post, her son sent her a text and told her that she ‘put a big smile’ on his face.

‘Sweet Luc, I’m so d*** lucky I got you. Proud doesn’t even [begin to] describe [it],’ she wrote to him. ‘Glad your [sic] having a good birthday I could hear it in your voice.’