COMMUNITY

Earlier this month, we asked you, readers and viewers, if you could relate to what’s happening in Ukraine.

As the school year winds down and excitement starts to build as we inch closer and closer to summer vacation, parents and caregivers might be wondering: What will we do with our children to fill all the extra hours in the day?

A question for you, readers and viewers: Can you relate to what’s happening in Ukraine right now?

Tuesday marks National Teacher Appreciation Day, so leading up to the big occasion, we had to ask: Who was your favorite teacher, growing up? What made that person so special and memorable?

Earth -- isn’t it a great place to live?

The Simply IOA Corporate 5K, presented by Track Shack, brought out hundreds of people from around Central Florida Thursday.

Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?

Considering this month is an important time to learn more about autism, we thought we’d ask you, our readers and viewers: If any of you have a close connection to autism spectrum disorder (perhaps you’ve been diagnosed, or you have a friend or child with autism), is there anything you wish more people understood?

Magic Kingdom will be conducting a routine fireworks test Thursday night, according to the Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page.

The bill does not specifically target the LGBTQ+ community, but it’s designed to exclude them in this new common-law marriage.

Can you think back on a teacher who impacted your life?

You’ve probably thought of growing your own little garden in your backyard (or maybe you already have), but what happens when that garden becomes more than just a fun side project -- and ends up helping the community around you?

We’re always hearing about people doing random acts of kindness: Paying for the person’s meal behind them at a fast-food restaurant or baking cookies for their neighbors.

Teaching new skills to those who could benefit from them is one of the core ways a time bank operates.

The last part of our trip, meeting the wonderful people who work at the St. Pete Timebank, turned out to be the most awe-inspiring moment yet.

Considering we JUST sprang forward, time wise, we had to ask: Has the time change ever ruined your day? Or even your week?

Even though winter doesn’t slip away until next weekend, time has its marching orders. And in the United States, it’s just about time to “spring” forward.

The community we live in is our home. That’s why it’s so important to pour into it so that it can thrive.

Do you do more for the planet, less for the planet, or about average, compared to your peers? We posed a series of poll questions just last month, trying to help you determine how environmentally friendly you are.

Michael Rosato knew he had an incredibly important assignment on his hands when he was commissioned to paint a Harriet Tubman mural in Cambridge, Maryland.

Police on the Canadian side of a key US border crossing begin clearing protesters.

Valentine’s Day is here, and we want you to share your special Valentine.

Orlando City Commissioner Bakari Burns called the proliferating gun violence a “public health issue.”

While Monday was a day off for students and some parents, it was a day on for dozens who volunteered at Lake Fran to pick up trash and give back to the community.

There are fears items like the clock recovered from the disaster will be lost once their keepers die.

Just last week, we asked: If you’re a health care worker, what are you seeing lately on the job?

Alexi Giannoulias picks up endorsements in his bid for secretary of state from retiring U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and supporters of alderman and former secretary of state candidate Pat Dowell.

Does it still seem like the COVID-19 pandemic just started, or do you feel like we’ve been dealing with this reality for ages?

When it comes to our climate, and slowing the catastrophic effects of global warming, there’s so much information, and scientists are still working to learn more as the world continues to change and evolve over time.

The U.N. chief has warned the continued paralysis of Lebanon’s government may dampen international support for this small Mideast country going through a “very dramatic” crisis

If caroling is on your mind, here are five tips to know before warming up those vocal cords.

Jennifer Taylor says her step-father, 68-year-old Jeremy Laakso fell 12 feet while putting up lights for his annual Christmas display.

Winter Park cuts the ribbon on the new library and events center on Saturday.

Radio 1 Newsbeat hears from superfans of the war game, after the actor spoke about his love for it.

Sanford officials say rezoning Seminole Towne Center allows the owners to consider new possibilities.

Teens using Instagram and Tik Tok are trying to get the community to help the Salvation Army.

Disney returned to in-person volunteering this week with a Thanksgiving meal for the residents at Coalition for the Homeless.

A woman who almost lost her Orlando home now has a new roof.

You’ve probably seen a community library pop up, as they’re often spotted in different neighborhoods. They’re typically filled with used books that people in the neighborhood can take, as well as drop off books they are finished with.

Residents choke back tears on the streets of Leigh-on Sea as they remember their compassionate MP.

Maybe it was when the pandemic first arrived in the United States, or perhaps it only happened in recent weeks or months. But if you lost a friend or family member to COVID-19, and you’d like to memorialize that person’s legacy, we invite you to share more.

A murder investigation is under way after the bodies were discovered in Killamarsh, Derbyshire.

The community has raised thousands of dollars to pay for Zalmay Niazy's legal fees.

You might have seen it already -- but we asked you, our readers and viewers, where you were on Sept. 11, 2001.

Were you in school? At work? Traveling? Out at the store? We wanted to know: Specifically, we asked about where you were when you learned of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

It’s hard to believe it’s nearly been 20 years since Sept. 11, 2001.

We’ve all heard about it by now: Houses are selling like crazy (and they have been for quite some time now), interest rates have been at all-time lows, and it seems like everywhere you turn, you learn of another wild real estate story.

Founder of an animal sanctuary Pen Farthing urges ministers to get 71 people to safety in the UK.

We’ve all heard about it by now: Houses are selling like crazy (and they have been for quite some time), interest rates have been at all-time lows, and it seems like everywhere you turn, you learn of another wild real estate story.

M&S says it may have to reduce opening hours if more workers are forced to self-isolate.

At the moment, there might not be a busier seamstress than Yara Atala, and it’s all thanks to her sons, George and Andrew.

Parents of the most recent group of students abducted in northern Nigeria are calling for international pressure on the government to help stop a series of kidnappings since December that have seized nearly 1,000 students

We know, you know: The pandemic messed with a LOT of people’s jobs.

Whether you’ve experienced a bad storm yourself, or maybe it was your friends or relatives who had to survive the ordeal, it’s better to ask these questions before we’re in the midst of a disaster: Have you ever received advice about how to prepare for a hurricane that really stuck with you?

Juneteenth is coming up, this weekend in fact -- and for those who might be unfamiliar, the holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

Mark your calendars: Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is coming.

Calling all fathers, dads-to-be and paternal figures: We have an important question for you.

Dads -- aren’t they just the best?

At the behest of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, state lawmakers are allowing Chicago to continue leaving the dangerous pipes in the ground as crews wrap up a decadelong overhaul of the city’s aging distribution system.

Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the day in 1865 that all enslaved Black people learned they had been freed, is often celebrated by families across the nation -- with events including cookouts, parades or community festivals.

The boy was taking part in a football coaching session when a thunderstorm hit Blackpool.

Family and community members held a free football training camp at Barnett Park to honor the life of Dexter Rentz Jr.

Calling all mamas, moms-to-be and maternal figures: We have an important question for you.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos announced she would not seek reelection after serving since 2013 in a northwest and west central Illinois district that has trended increasingly Republican.

These past few years especially, there has been more and more national conversation when it comes to topics like police, criminal justice and safety.

Anthony L. Brown, 38, was charged with the manufacture and delivery of more than 900 grams of cocaine, unlawful possession of more than 900 grams of cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a handgun, according to a news release.

City officials estimated it will cost $27,000 to replace each of the 650 lead service lines they plan to dig out of the ground this year, far more than other cities have paid.

“We grow up in the Black community not knowing our history, not knowing who we are,” she said. “It’s so important to teach young kids because we’re not taught to self-love. There’s no self-confidence or self-image because you open up books and you never see positive images of Black people.”

“I know the CPD community is mourning, and that grief is deep and long-lasting. I know that it’s hard to take care of yourself and to reach out,” Brown said. “I also know that we need to do more to support each other — and we will.’'

“It’s heartwarming to be able to help and I’m glad that my community is finally getting what they need, but there’s gotta be a different way to reach them and make it easier for them to access these vaccines,” he said. “Not only to facilitate access but to also help them feel more comfortable getting it. There is so much misinformation out there.”

Global community outpaces U.S. in administering new COVID vaccine CBS News senior foreign correspondent Liz Palmer reports from London on the ongoing worldwide impacts of the coronavirus.

The last known slave ship and the community founded by its survivors

The United States has filed a complaint against Community Health Network Inc. (Community) in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the Department of Justice announced today. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it has done here in part. The case is captioned United States and the State of Indiana ex rel. Thomas Fischer v. Community Health Network, Inc., et al. The claims in which the United States has intervened are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Rise and shine with Disney fireworks this week. What goes better with your morning cup of coffee than a fireworks display? A post on the Walt Disney World Cast and Community Facebook page warned neighbors and resort guests that they will be getting an early morning wake-up call when Magic Kingdom tests fireworks Thursday at 6:15 a.m. Those living or staying around the park might not appreciate the early morning booms, but the test should only last 30 minutes, according to the post. If you live in the area, why not wake your children early that day and take them outside for the unusual treat in the sky?

ORLANDO, Fla. - Community members and law enforcement officials came together Wednesday to honor victims of homicide in Orange County. "I think it's important that the victims' families know that we're here for them, and we're here to support them," Undersheriff Mark Canty said. "To see these victims go through it and lose a loved one and their families lose a loved one, it's just hard for us, as well." According to the Sheriff's Office, there have been 47 homicides in 2019. "All the resources we have at the Sheriff's Office are put out there to make sure that we find the people responsible and bring them to justice."

Send Applause items to calendar@starbanner.comThere are plenty of good deeds, and there is much good news in Marion County. Ire Bethea receives Service Above Self Award from Ocala Rotary ClubIre Bethea received the Service Above Self award recently from the Ocala Rotary Club. ACT 4 Ocala Civic Theatre awards college scholarshipsACT 4 Ocala Civic Theatre Inc., recently announced its 2019 Fran Clemons College Scholarship winners. Auditions are held in conjunction with the theatre's scholarship program. For additional information about ACT 4 or its scholarship program, call ACT 4 President Joan Gustafson at 622-5315.

A new report found that the TSA doesn't have access to terrorist watch list data that would have flagged 73 airport workers; McKinney police officer Eric Casebolt was suspended after video was released showing his rough response to a disturbance at a Texas pool party.

Two Mississippi police officers were shot dead over the weekend during a traffic stop. The suspects in the shooting have all been arrested. Anna Werner reports.

Australian man shot by ISIS supporters Community members in Sydney, Australia fear tensions between Muslims may erupt after a Shi'ite community leader was shot in front of his wife and children. Network 10 Australia's Joe Hill reports.