Zeus just got taken by the alligator!’: Family dog survives gator attack in Florida

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — A family dog is recovering after a terrifying encounter with an alligator that nearly cost him his life.

Zeus, the Al-Khatib family’s beloved German shepherd, suffered serious injuries during a surprise alligator attack Monday evening. The dramatic incident unfolded when Zeus was in the backyard of his Wesley Chapel home.

“Thinking that Zeus was gone for a second was heartbreaking. He’s our baby,” Susan Al-Khatib said, emotionally recalling the chaos of that night.

Before the attack, Zeus was healthy and full of life. The after images, however, tell a much different story. His jaw is now wired shut, he wears a muzzle, and he bears multiple puncture wounds to his neck.

The attack began when Susan’s father was sitting on their patio and Zeus heard an animal rustling nearby. Moments later, an alligator ripped through their fence and dragged Zeus headfirst into the water behind their home.

“I heard everything from my room. I came running downstairs. My dad came into the house yelling, ‘Zeus just got taken by the alligator! Zeus is gone!’” Susan said.

Covered in blood, Zeus somehow managed to swim back to land and was rushed to an emergency vet. The trauma he suffered is severe — a displaced jaw and deep wounds from the gator’s bite.

“I heard Zeus in my room, crying out in pain like I never heard him before — and then I didn’t hear him anymore,” she said.

Zeus now faces a lengthy recovery. He will need to wear a muzzle for four to eight weeks and undergo surgery to remove the wires in his jaw once the swelling subsides.

“I was crying so much that first day. I’m just happy he’s alive,” Susan added.

While the family focuses on Zeus’s healing, the alligator that attacked him remains at large. Al-Khatib says she called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate.

But with the gator still in the area, the family fears another attack could happen.

“He’s like our kid. We joke that he’s my dad’s son, our brother — one of the Al-Khatibs,” Susan said with a bittersweet smile.

The family hopes officials will act quickly to prevent any further incidents.

Navy’s search for missing 21-year-old seaman ends with tragic discovery, sailor detained in Virginia

Navy officials on Thursday discovered a body in a wooded area of Norfolk, Virginia, and the local medical examiner has confirmed it to be missing Navy Seaman Angelina Resendiz.

Resendiz, 21, was last seen on May 29 at her barracks in Miller Hall on Naval Station Norfolk around 10 p.m., according to Virginia State Police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

“A Navy Sailor has been placed in pretrial confinement in connection with the death of Seaman Resendiz. Charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice are pending,” NCIS said in a Thursday statement.

NCIS said it has “worked tirelessly in close coordination with Navy leadership, the Norfolk Police Department, Virginia State Police, Virginia Search and Rescue, and numerous other federal and local law enforcement partners to pursue all leads since learning of Seaman Resendiz’ disappearance.”

NAVY SAILOR VANISHES WITHOUT A TRACE AS MOTHER REVEALS CONCERNING BREAK IN DAILY HABIT

“NCIS remains committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the tragic death of Seaman Resendiz to ensure accountability and justice,” the agency said.

Police previously described Resendiz’s disappearance as critical, saying her health was at risk.

HANNAH KOBAYASHI NEVER MENTIONED MEXICO TRAVEL PLANS DESPITE VOLUNTARY BORDER CROSSING: FAMILY

Resendiz’s mother, Esmeralda Castle, who lives in Resendiz’s hometown in Texas, described her daughter as “loving” and “kind” in an interview with WVEC. She worked as a culinary specialist for the Navy, Castle said.

Castle added that Resendiz had not responded to calls or texts from her family, which was out of character.

FAMILY OF WOMAN WHO WENT MISSING ON CROSS-COUNTRY VACATION SAYS CRYPTIC TEXTS SENT FROM PHONE UNLIKE HER

“Her and my sister have a 400-day streak on Snapchat. Every single day she talks to somebody. She talks to family, or she will talk to a friend,” Castle told WVEC.

The 21-year-old did not drive or have a vehicle, and she was reported missing after she failed to show up for work, according to WVEC.

“She just stopped existing Thursday. She’s spent no money, made no calls.She disappeared,” Castle told the outlet. “It’s very hard to tell people that she’s missing.”

NCIS said that it will not be releasing further information at this time while the investigation remains ongoing “out of respect for the investigative process.”

Navy’s search for missing 21-year-old seaman ends with tragic discovery, sailor detained in Virginia

Navy officials on Thursday discovered a body in a wooded area of Norfolk, Virginia, and the local medical examiner has confirmed it to be missing Navy Seaman Angelina Resendiz.

Resendiz, 21, was last seen on May 29 at her barracks in Miller Hall on Naval Station Norfolk around 10 p.m., according to Virginia State Police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

“A Navy Sailor has been placed in pretrial confinement in connection with the death of Seaman Resendiz. Charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice are pending,” NCIS said in a Thursday statement.

NCIS said it has “worked tirelessly in close coordination with Navy leadership, the Norfolk Police Department, Virginia State Police, Virginia Search and Rescue, and numerous other federal and local law enforcement partners to pursue all leads since learning of Seaman Resendiz’ disappearance.”

NAVY SAILOR VANISHES WITHOUT A TRACE AS MOTHER REVEALS CONCERNING BREAK IN DAILY HABIT

“NCIS remains committed to uncovering the facts surrounding the tragic death of Seaman Resendiz to ensure accountability and justice,” the agency said.

Police previously described Resendiz’s disappearance as critical, saying her health was at risk.

HANNAH KOBAYASHI NEVER MENTIONED MEXICO TRAVEL PLANS DESPITE VOLUNTARY BORDER CROSSING: FAMILY

Resendiz’s mother, Esmeralda Castle, who lives in Resendiz’s hometown in Texas, described her daughter as “loving” and “kind” in an interview with WVEC. She worked as a culinary specialist for the Navy, Castle said.

Castle added that Resendiz had not responded to calls or texts from her family, which was out of character.

FAMILY OF WOMAN WHO WENT MISSING ON CROSS-COUNTRY VACATION SAYS CRYPTIC TEXTS SENT FROM PHONE UNLIKE HER

“Her and my sister have a 400-day streak on Snapchat. Every single day she talks to somebody. She talks to family, or she will talk to a friend,” Castle told WVEC.

The 21-year-old did not drive or have a vehicle, and she was reported missing after she failed to show up for work, according to WVEC.

“She just stopped existing Thursday. She’s spent no money, made no calls.She disappeared,” Castle told the outlet. “It’s very hard to tell people that she’s missing.”

NCIS said that it will not be releasing further information at this time while the investigation remains ongoing “out of respect for the investigative process.”

Fish Skin Helps Heal Severe Wound of Texas Preemie: ‘She’s My Little Mermaid,’

A Texas mother is detailing her daughter’s remarkable treatment journey after doctors used fish skin to heal her severe wound as a preterm baby.

In April 2022, Krystal DeVos gave birth to her daughter Eliana at just 23 weeks of gestation. She weighed only a single pound and spent 131 days in the NICU. During that time, the infant developed a deep wound on her neck following a life-threatening bacterial infection.

“It sounds scary but it was almost like a flesh-eating disease, where her body was targeting something there in her neck,” DeVos told CNN.

The infection ultimately worsened, and Eliana developed sepsis, causing some of her organs to shut down.

Sepsis is “a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include fast or shallow breathing, sweating for no clear reason, shivering and change in mental status. It can lead to septic shock and death.

At that point, doctors told DeVos about an unconventional treatment option for her newborn. After 86 days in the NICU, Eliana was transferred to Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she was treated with numerous medications. A special treatment involved using fish skin for wound care.

Dr. Vanessa Dimas, a pediatric plastic surgeon at Driscoll who treated Eliana, told the outlet that she needed to remove the buildup of dead skin tissue from her wound and cover it to help grow back healthy tissue. However, the typical approach of surgery or skin graft was too risky.

“She was a premature baby, the wound was very extensive, and she was pretty sick, so I did not feel like it was safe to do a surgical procedure on her,” Dimas explained.

The surgeon decided to use a medical-grade honey solution to clean out the wound and apply fish skin to cover the area. The fish skin — taken from wild North Atlantic cod — contained omega oils and other natural elements that would reportedly expedite the healing process.

“It’s microscopically so close to human skin that it helps the wound start to heal,” Dimas said, noting that “once it basically does its job, helping the wound heal, then it sort of just melts away.”

The fish skin treatment successfully helped Eliana heal, showing “dramatic results” after just three days. The wound was healed in 10 days after the fish skin was first applied and there was minimal scarring

Today, DeVos said that Eliana, now 3, is a happy and energetic toddler, and her scar is hardly noticeable. She admitted that she gets emotional seeing her daughter grow and play with her Ariel doll.

“I call her my little mermaid,” she told the outlet.

“Eliana actually has no idea,” DeVos said of her daughter’s fish skin treatment. “Of course, as she gets older, we do want to go back and show her pictures and explain to her what has happened, because it is a part of her story and it’s so unique.”

Vance stands by Trump amid feud with Musk but silent on Musk’s accusations

Vice President JD Vance on Friday continued to stand by President Donald Trump during his public feud with Elon Musk, but is notably not criticizing the Tesla billionaire directly.

Vance first weighed in hours after the explosive exchange began on Thursday, offering only a brief post on X.

“President Trump has done more than anyone in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads. I am proud to stand beside him,” Vance wrote.

On Friday morning, Vance turned his attention to the news media while still staying silent on Musk’s accusations against the president.

“There are many lies the corporate media tells about President Trump. One of the most glaring is that he’s impulsive or short-tempered. Anyone who has seen him operate under pressure knows that’s ridiculous,” Vance wrote on X. Musk on Thursday had not made any claims about Trump being “impulsive” or “short-tempered.”

Musk lobbied for Vance to be Trump’s 2024 running mate. Back in late February, Musk had posted to X that Vance was the “Best VP ever and our future President.”

Tensions between Trump and Musk, largely stemming from Musk’s relentless criticism in recent days of Trump’s signature legislation, reached a fever pitch on Thursday.

Trump in the Oval Office offered his harshest words yet for his former close adviser, saying he was “disappointed” in Musk. Musk hit back in real time, going on a X rampage that included suggesting Trump would have lost the 2024 election without him and even claiming Trump was “in” the Epstein files regarding the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, charged in 2019 with sex trafficking of minors.

At one point, he agreed with one user calling for Trump to be impeached and replaced with Vance. Vance has not responded to that, either.

Trump hit back on his own conservative social media platform, claiming Musk had gone “CRAZY” and floated the possibility of ending Musk’s government contracts.

The president told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jon Karl on Friday morning that Musk “has lost his mind” and that he was “not particularly” interested in talking to him right now.

Clear Skin from a Low-Inflammation Diet

Many people search for ways to achieve smoother, clearer skin without relying heavily on complex routines or expensive treatments. One of the most natural and supportive approaches involves something simple: the foods you choose every day. A low-inflammation diet—rich in whole, plant-forward ingredients—can gently support your body’s inner balance, which may reflect on your skin over time. While everyone’s journey is different, adopting a calming, nutrient-focused way of eating can be a helpful step toward more radiant, refreshed skin.

What Is a Low-Inflammation Diet?

A low-inflammation diet focuses on real, minimally processed foods that nourish the body while helping it manage everyday stress. These foods are typically rich in antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based compounds. At the same time, this approach gently reduces common triggers such as refined sugars, excessive oils, and ultra-processed snacks. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about building habits that create inner calm and outer clarity, starting with your plate.

Foods That Naturally Support Clearer Skin

1. Colorful Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce is packed with antioxidants and hydration that help the body stay refreshed and balanced. Berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers are especially helpful because they’re rich in vitamins C and A—two nutrients commonly linked to skin smoothness and tone.

Pro tip: Add a handful of blueberries or spinach to your smoothie for a burst of skin-loving goodness.

2. Healthy Fats from Plants
Avocados, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and olive oil contain beneficial fats that help your skin retain moisture and support a healthy glow. These fats are also calming to the body and can be a smart swap for processed oils or deep-fried foods.

3. Whole Grains and Fiber-Rich Foods
Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and lentils provide complex carbohydrates and fiber that support digestion. A steady digestive rhythm helps your body feel more balanced overall, which may be reflected in the skin’s appearance.

4. Spices with Gentle Properties
Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are known in many wellness circles for their calming qualities. While they’re not magic cures, adding them to meals may help your body stay relaxed and supported from the inside out.

5. Green Tea and Herbal Infusions
Unsweetened green tea is full of natural compounds that gently support cellular wellness. Sipping on herbal teas with chamomile, mint, or hibiscus can also promote relaxation and hydration, both of which may benefit the skin over time.

What to Enjoy in Moderation

A low-inflammation approach doesn’t mean you have to eliminate everything you love. Instead, it encourages being mindful of foods that might disrupt your inner calm. Some people choose to limit:

  • Refined sugar (like candy, soda, or baked goods with added sweeteners)
  • Highly processed snacks with artificial additives
  • Excess salt or fried foods
  • Excessive dairy or red meat, depending on individual sensitivities

By shifting the focus toward more home-cooked, plant-centered meals, many people find their skin feels clearer and more balanced—without strict rules.

Sample Day of Skin-Friendly Eating

  • Breakfast: Oats with chia seeds, cinnamon, and sliced strawberries
  • Lunch: Quinoa bowl with roasted sweet potato, spinach, chickpeas, and tahini
  • Snack: Green tea with a small handful of walnuts or sunflower seeds
  • Dinner: Stir-fried broccoli, zucchini, and brown rice with a ginger-lime sauce
  • Dessert: Fresh mango or a few squares of dark chocolate (70% or higher)

Supporting Skin Through Lifestyle Too

Food is a powerful part of skin wellness, but it’s not the only piece. A few supportive habits include:

  • Hydration: Aim to sip water regularly throughout the day
  • Gentle movement: Walking, stretching, or light yoga can help circulation
  • Sleep and rest: Your skin does a lot of its natural renewal at night
  • Sun-smart habits: Wear protective clothing and choose shade during peak sun hours

Final Thoughts

Clear skin doesn’t come from a quick fix—it’s a reflection of balance, care, and steady support. A low-inflammation diet offers a kind, long-term path toward that balance, using real, colorful foods to nourish your body and calm your system. Over time, many people find their complexion begins to mirror the care they’re putting in—with more softness, more glow, and more confidence in their natural beauty.

My grandma has been making this Casserole for as long as I can remember!

This Chicken Bubble Biscuit Bake Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It combines shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with fluffy biscuits. This simple casserole is a great way to use leftover chicken and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

IngredientQuantity
Cooked chicken, shredded2 cups
Frozen mixed vegetables1 cup
Cream of chicken soup1 can
Milk1 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese1 cup
Garlic powder1 teaspoon
Dried thyme1 teaspoon
Salt1 teaspoon
Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
Refrigerated biscuits1 tube

Export to Sheets

Step-by-Step Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  3. Pour and Spread: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  4. Arrange Biscuits: Open the tube of refrigerated biscuits. Arrange them on top of the chicken mixture. You can place them side by side or slightly overlap them.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to portion.

The Truth About Washing Towels and Clothes Together

Why You Should Never Wash Towels With Clothes – It might seem like an effective trick—tossing your towels in with your daily laundry. But combining towels with clothes in the washing machine is a habit worth breaking. Here’s why.

1. Towels Need a Different Wash Cycle

Towels are thick and highly absorbent, which means they need a longer, hotter wash to get fully clean. Most clothes, especially delicates, require a gentler cycle. Washing them together often causes under-washed towels or over-washed clothes—neither of which is ideal.

2. Lint Transfer Is a Real Problem

Towels shed a lot of lint, especially newer ones. When washed with clothes such as darker garments or synthetics—this lint can stick and create a chaotic, fuzzy nightmare. It’s a recipe for frustration, especially if you have to rewet everything.

3. Clothes Can Get Marred

Zippers, buttons, and embellishments on clothing can snag or wear down your towels over time. On the flip side, the heavy texture of towels leads to pilling or stretch out lighter fabrics. It’s a rough blender—literally.

4. Hygiene Matters

Towels are applied to dry your body, face, and sometimes even your pets. They harbor more bacteria, sweat, and d3ad skin cells than your everyday clothes. Combining them means you’re potentially spreading those germs to items you wear close to your skin.

5. Uneven Drying

Towels are bulky and require a lot of water, which makes them take longer to dry. If they’re washed in with thin clothing, you’ll either end up with soggy towels or overdried, shrunken clothes. Either way, your dryer works harder and your fabrics suffer. Washing towels and clothes separately isn’t just about freshness—it’s about protecting your laundry, expanding the life of your fabrics, and maintaining things truly fresh. For best results, wash towels on their own using hot water, a proper detergent, and a full soak cycle.

The Truth About Washing Towels and Clothes Together

Why You Should Never Wash Towels With Clothes – It might seem like an effective trick—tossing your towels in with your daily laundry. But combining towels with clothes in the washing machine is a habit worth breaking. Here’s why.

1. Towels Need a Different Wash Cycle

Towels are thick and highly absorbent, which means they need a longer, hotter wash to get fully clean. Most clothes, especially delicates, require a gentler cycle. Washing them together often causes under-washed towels or over-washed clothes—neither of which is ideal.

2. Lint Transfer Is a Real Problem

Towels shed a lot of lint, especially newer ones. When washed with clothes such as darker garments or synthetics—this lint can stick and create a chaotic, fuzzy nightmare. It’s a recipe for frustration, especially if you have to rewet everything.

3. Clothes Can Get Marred

Zippers, buttons, and embellishments on clothing can snag or wear down your towels over time. On the flip side, the heavy texture of towels leads to pilling or stretch out lighter fabrics. It’s a rough blender—literally.

4. Hygiene Matters

Towels are applied to dry your body, face, and sometimes even your pets. They harbor more bacteria, sweat, and d3ad skin cells than your everyday clothes. Combining them means you’re potentially spreading those germs to items you wear close to your skin.

5. Uneven Drying

Towels are bulky and require a lot of water, which makes them take longer to dry. If they’re washed in with thin clothing, you’ll either end up with soggy towels or overdried, shrunken clothes. Either way, your dryer works harder and your fabrics suffer. Washing towels and clothes separately isn’t just about freshness—it’s about protecting your laundry, expanding the life of your fabrics, and maintaining things truly fresh. For best results, wash towels on their own using hot water, a proper detergent, and a full soak cycle.

Someone gave my friend this strange wooden object at his wedding: but does anyone know what it is?

Many years ago, my acquaintance received this unusual wooden thing as a wedding present. It was handed by a distant relative, who smiled mysteriously and did not explain anything. The object was little, with wooden prongs; it resembled a cross between a comb and a holder for something unknown. At first glance, it appeared to be purely decorative.

To avoid appearing disrespectful, my friend thanked the sender and carefully stored the gift in the closet. Years passed, and the mystery object was relocated from shelf to shelf, apartment to apartment, causing bewilderment. He even tried to guess its purpose: an earring holder? A mini-brush dryer? Is this an art object?

But one evening, when searching through his belongings and coming across it again, we got down and resolved to finally figure out what it was. We accessed the internet, uploaded a photo, and visited forums… I finally found the answer.

It turned out to be a cheese holder. An strange but extremely useful kitchen accessory: it allows you to cut and serve cheese without touching it with your hands. Convenient, sanitary, and even with a twist. But there’s one question that even the internet can’t answer: why would someone present such a thing at a wedding without explaining what it is?