Latest news with #Alaina
Axios
3 days ago
- General
- Axios
Tennessee parks expand accessibility with all-terrain wheelchairs, changing tables
Welcome to Day 2 of Tennessee Trailheads: This week, each edition of Axios Nashville will explore a different aspect of the parks where we picnic and play. Subscribe to Axios Nashville here for the next installment. It's not unusual for Chrissy Hood to walk into a bathroom and cry when she sees an adult changing table mounted on the wall. Why it matters: Hood's 22-year-old daughter Alaina has autism, cerebral palsy and other conditions caused by a rare genetic syndrome. Adult changing tables are a necessity for her, and for the Hood family, they have become symbols of independence and dignity. "Everyone deserves dignity," Hood says. When Hood sees a changing table, she says, she knows "I'm not having to lay my daughter down on that dirty, filthy restroom floor and change her." The big picture: Parks officials are working on parallel tracks to boost accessibility under the Access 2030 initiative, which aims to make Tennessee's parks the most accessible in the country. Changes are rolling out quickly. Earlier this year, Tennessee State Parks hired Ryan Jolley as its first-ever accessibility coordinator to oversee the ongoing projects. What she's saying: Hood works for the advocacy group Family Voices of Tennessee and serves on the state's Council on Developmental Disabilities, giving her a bird's-eye view of efforts to improve access to state parks. "What we are doing with our state parks and accessibility has really put Tennessee on the map in a very positive way," she says. "Tennessee is leading the way." State of play: Tennessee state parks have added adult changing tables at a rapid clip. Each new location represents a new opportunity for Alaina and her family. "We're getting to get out and see parts of our state we've never seen, and we're getting to experience our parks and nature," Hood tells Axios. "She's out getting to experience life." Zoom out: Also new at multiple state parks are all-terrain wheelchairs that can navigate trails and give people access to vistas they might have otherwise missed. Some parks have also added wheelchair-accessible canoe and kayak launches. Others have installed special viewfinders that can help people who are colorblind experience the vibrance of fall leaves. By the numbers: The state's fleet now includes more than 60 all-terrain wheelchairs. Hood remembers seeing one of the wheelchairs charging during a recent visit to Red Clay State Historic Park. "I was so excited, because the tires were dirty, and that means it's being used," she says. Reality check: Thirty-five years after the Americans with Disabilities Act passed, barriers are common. Inclusive playgrounds that accommodate children of different abilities, for instance, can be hard to find. "There's no rose-colored glasses on, that's for sure," Jolley says of the work that still needs to be done. He notes that plenty of older buildings and infrastructure across the state's park system are not up to date. Teams conduct assessments to prioritize needs and create improvement schedules. The bottom line: Jolley, who is legally blind, tells Axios his job is to listen to Tennessee residents, identify persisting parks problems and push new measures to solve them.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Newsweek
Woman Renovating New Home Told To Call Cops Over Chilling Find in Basement
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When a Michigan-based woman started DIY on her new home, she wasn't expecting to stumble on something that seemed to be right out of a psychological thriller. Aliana decided to get rid of paneled ceiling board in her new basement after some flooding damage, but things took a sinister turn. "When we removed it, the letters fell to the ground as they were trapped on top of the panel," Aliana, who didn't give a surname, told Newsweek. A number of old letters had come out of the ceiling, leaving the new homeowner stunned. "We do not know where the letters came from, or how long they have been up there," she said. Addressed to a few different people, the letters all had a terrifyingly sinister tone. One read: "Dear Mary Gallagher, Don't come out too late in the day or after dark or you still may have a serious accident - X shadow." Pictures of the unusual letters found in the ceiling of the house. Pictures of the unusual letters found in the ceiling of the house. @ While another said: "You better watch yourself because if you don't you'll find yourself in one of many ditches. And if you do - it won't be my fault (get it?)." Shocked by the unnerving nature of the letters. Aliana did some research on the people they were addressed to: "I tried to research the names in the letters," she said. "Most of the people addressed seem to have passed away peacefully. That reassured me somewhat." "I didn't expect such a strong reaction," Alaina said. "Many urged me to contact police, which I hadn't considered at first." Aliana decided to share the strange discovery on TikTok in a video that has now been viewed over 350,000 times since being posted earlier this month, and it gained a lot of attention. In the caption, she shared another theory: "My boyfriend thinks the kids who used to live here back in the '80s or whenever hid these up there as a prank. regardless, it's still weird." Read more Woman renovates fixer-upper house—then realizes what was in the floor Woman renovates fixer-upper house—then realizes what was in the floor Commenting on the find, one viewer said: "Sending good vibes! This would creep me out too." While another wrote: "Take this to the police please." "To us, they read as a bizarre prank from back in the day due to some of the juvenile terminology included in the letters, such as 'Thank you for your cooperation' and that they are signed 'XXX Shadow,'" Aliana said. As viewers urged caution, Aliana spoke with her real estate agent—who also happens to be a police officer. His conclusion? Likely the musings of an unstable individual from years past. Now less alarmed and more reflective, Alaina sees the letters as relics of the house's strange past. "We plan to frame them and hang them in the basement," she said. "They're part of the home's story." In January 2025, a Talker Research survey of 2,000 American adults for College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving revealed some of the more unusual things people had in their homes. From nearly 100,000 sports cards to collections of fingernail clippings, brewery coasters, oil lamps, gnomes, porcelain pigs, Elvis Presley or Princess Diana memorabilia and even taxidermy displays of tigers, the list was long. Despite a large list of found objects, participants said that 34 percent of items people own were non-functional and are things they don't often use or need. With so many things being kept in homes, perhaps it is no surprise that discoveries like these are common. Alaina joins a long list of people who have shared their creepy house discoveries online. From a New Jersey homeowner who stumbled on a "creepy" hidden room to a woman in England who found a locked door in her cottage that sparked lots of theories.
Black America Web
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Flawed But Fearless: Meet The Women Of OWN's New Docuseries ‘Heart & Hustle: Houston' + Official Trailer
Source: Courtesy / OWN This week (July 10th), OWN shared exciting news regarding their new series Heart & Hustle: Houston. The show, which follows an incredible sisterhood of Black women thriving in the heart of Houston, Texas, will premiere on Saturday, August 2nd at 9pm ET/PT. Along with the premiere date announcement, the network released the trailer for the season. Continue reading to check it out! These women are redefining what it means to be a boss, a wife and a mother while navigating entrepreneurial life plus a labyrinth of unique daily challenges. Despite appearing to have it all, they face insecurities and pressures to stay on top in a competitive town while maintaining a perfect image. But through it all, their unbreakable bond of sisterhood and support inspires them to rise above the chaos, reminding them it's okay to be perfectly imperfect. ' Heart & Hustle: Houston brings a fresh, dynamic perspective—one that centers Black women not just in conflict, but in community, healing, and growth. It's a powerful look at ambition, resilience, and the bonds that hold friendships together, even through life's toughest moments,' said Tina Perry, President of OWN. Through vulnerability, a little competition, and a lot of laughter, this group proves that with the right people around you, your very best self will shine. Welcome to Heart & Hustle: Houston – where the hustle never stops, but the heart always leads. Check out the trailer for the Emmy award winning Jesse Collins Entertainment produced series. Navigating the complex city of Houston on their own terms and with hearts wide open, meet the dynamic women of Heart & Hustle: Houston below! Flawed But Fearless: Meet The Women Of OWN's New Docuseries 'Heart & Hustle: Houston' + Official Trailer was originally published on Source:OWN 'H-Town's Glam Girl' Alaina is the visionary founder and CEO of Color du Jour, a beauty empire known for elevating the artistry game and empowering the next generation of makeup artists. With years of influence in the industry, she's more than a businesswoman: she's a mentor, a trailblazer, and an inspiration to thousands. As a loving mom and devoted leader, she balances boss life and family with heart, hustle, and humility. After nearly 15 years of marriage, she's stepping into a new chapter with strength, clarity, and love. Alaina is simultaneously working on finding herself while trying to preserve her marriage. However, having it all is never easy and at times these two goals are causing conflict rather than peace, forcing Alaina to have to make hard decisions between her happiness and her marriage. Proud mother of two kids, Alaina is known for her warm spirit and fierce work ethic and aims to bring beauty, inside and out, to every space she enters. Source:OWN 'The Straight Shooter' Chloe Cook was THE premiere event planner of Houston; everyone knew if they wanted an event to pop off Chloe was going to make that happen. However, after the tragic loss of her husband, Chloe had to take a step back from her event business so that she could be more present for her young daughters. Chloe's natural ability to make any stranger feel like her best friend coupled with her brilliant personality makes her an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. Chloe is finally getting back to her fun, vibrant self which includes her recent relationship with a much younger man, Jordan. However, this relationship is causing a rift between Chloe and her eldest son, Neiko, who is only three years younger than Jordan. Although she cares deeply for her son, Chloe is determined to find the balance between being a good mom and having her own happiness. Source:OWN 'The Hopeless Romantic' Best known for her award-winning company, Lemon-Lime Light Media, and her admired philanthropy work, La'Torria Lemon is what some have described as a force in the entertainment, hospitality, and PR industry. Kicking off her PR career at 19, La'Torria has been dominating ever since. With her infectious personality and determination there is no challenge too big for La'Torria Lemon. However, don't be fooled by her loving personality and charm. If someone tries to come for her, she is quick to make sure they remember who she is. After the sudden loss of her father who was also her best friend, La'Torria is determined to find the love of her life and begin to settle down. Wanting 5 kids total, she is feeling the pressure getting older and realizing that no one man measures up to how great her dad was. La'Torria hopes to inspire those that she encounters and continue to help others live out their dreams, all while making hers come true. Source:OWN 'The Southern Belle' LeBrina Jackson is a woman who knows what she wants, goes for it and won't let anything stop her. Her passion, drive and compassion are what make her a loving force to be reckoned with. As an owner of an elite spa in Houston, LeBrina has begun to solidify herself as one of the few black women in the spa and wellness space while simultaneously creating an empire built to last. LeBrina has a unique ability as the caregiver of the group and can make anyone feel as if it is just her and them in a room full of hundreds of people. As a wife, a mother, a business owner, sister and friend, LeBrina can and will do it all. She can be the life of the party or the best friend holding your feet to the fire, and either way she'll ensure you always feel loved. As a mother of two children and a loving wife, she is determined to learn from her past and her family's history and use that wisdom to break generational curses and build a better future for her family. Source:OWN 'Mrs. Perfect' Muneera Page is a multi-faceted powerhouse: a devout wife, mother of four beautiful daughters (including a set of twins), and an influential career woman whose journey embodies the power of faith, resilience, and boundless ambition. With a remarkable career spanning two decades in the oil and gas industry as a highly regarded Electrical Engineer, Muneera's career trajectory took a transformative turn as she boldly pivoted into the world of content creation. Muneera's exceptional influence has been recognized on an international scale, having partnered with over 500 major brands across multiple industries. Through her work, Muneera continues to inspire countless individuals around the world, demonstrating that success is not just about professional achievements, but about living a life of meaning, purpose, and transformative impact. Personally, Muneera is embracing a powerful season of evolving, leaning into vulnerability and unlearning the emotional walls she was once taught to build. Each day brings her closer to the balance she's redefining on her own terms. Source:OWN 'Nightlife Queen' Roe Grady-Pichardo is a powerhouse entrepreneur, hospitality innovator, and cultural curator who's redefining the art of connection. Known for her sharp business instincts and magnetic presence, Roe has built a reputation as a leader in the restaurant and nightlife world, transforming concepts into iconic destinations. As a single mother, Roe embodies resilience, ambition, and heart. Her journey in the male-dominated hospitality industry has understandably created a tough exterior, which has allowed her to thrive and dominate in that space. However, those who truly know her see the depth beneath the tough exterior, a woman with a sweet soul who loves deeply. Her biggest personal goal is to be more vulnerable with those she loves and learn how to be softer with her friends and family. After leaving her last restaurant, Roe is currently building more businesses through her consulting company, Organized Chaos Group, and she's ready to take them to the next level.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Five quirky stories you missed this week as woman receives reply to message after 30 years
A woman who received a reply more than 30 years after she threw a message in a bottle into the sea is one of our five bizarre local news stories you may have missed this week. The Daily Record reported how Alaina Beresford, from Portknockie in Scotland, was shocked to receive a postcard from someone who had found the bottle washed up on a beach in Norway. Elsewhere, a seagull in Cornwall was caught on camera stealing a maintenance worker's mug, and a lollipop man in Yorkshire has been ordered not to give high fives to children he helps cross the road. You can read the full version of each of our selected articles through the links under each story – or read more top headlines from around the UK's regions on the Yahoo UK local news page. A woman who sent a message in a bottle as a girl has received a reply from 2,000 miles away - over 30 years after chucking it into the sea. Alaina Beresford was just 12 years old when she wrote a message and popped it into an empty bottle of iconic North East drink Moray Cup. And now, 31 years later, Alaina received the surprise of her life when that message got a response. Read the full story from the Daily Record A popular Stokesley pub has been named among finalist for the Best Pub for Dogs Award. The owner of The Mill, Alex Cook, says it was his own personal experience that led the way in creating a truly dog-friendly pub environment. The 43-year-old and his team are in the running for another award at The Great British Pub Awards, which takes place in September. In recent years, the pub has committed to catering for dog owners making it an experience for pups stopping by at the end of their walks. Read the full story from Teesside Live A beloved lollipop man has been told he can no longer give 'high fives' to children as they cross the road. Neil Cotton, 57, who assists primary and secondary pupils in Howden, near Hull, East Yorkshire, claims he's been instructed to stop the friendly gesture as it "upsets some drivers having to wait another ten seconds". Read the full story from Yorkshire Live A Herefordshire shop dealing in medals and military antiques is displaying another fascinating piece of history. War & Son Medal and Military Antiques based in Leominster have a piece of Adolf Hitler's marble map table from the Chancellery in Berlin at the end of the Second World War, thanks to the family of a British war veteran. Read the full story from the Hereford Times A maintenance man who had been bird-proofing a Cornish harbour town found himself the victim of a very unusual 'mugging', when a seagull got its own back - by flying off with his coffee mug. The caffeine-craving winged menace was pictured in full flight, with his victim's mug still hanging out of its beak. Read the full story from Cornwall Live
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I got the surprise of my life after throwing empty bottle into sea decades ago'
When Alaina Beresford was 12, she committed her message to the sea in an empty bottle of Moray Cup fizzy pop and now decades later she has received the surprise of her life When Alaina Beresford chucked a message in a bottle into the sea aged just 12, she though little of it. But she was staggered this week - 31 years on - to received a postcard explaining her old message had been found. It washed up nearly 725 miles away on a beach in Norway and was eventually discovered this week by Pia Brodtmann, who was volunteering with a charity on the sand. The 27-year-old woman replied, sending a postcard alongside a montage of fascinating photographs. These include pictures of the message in a bottle, the boat Pia is living on (called the Nemo), and the area she's working in. Amazed to see her note had been discovered and was still legible, Alaina, 43, said: "When I went and checked my mail and thought 'what's this, a postcard?' - not something you see a lot - and when I turned it over it had my name on it. "The message from Pia said she'd found my message in a bottle near on a tiny island called Lisshelløya near Vega in Norway. She's there working as a volunteer doing beach cleaning with a charity called In the Same Boat for four months. The postcard was a wonderful, a montage of photos showing my message in a bottle, the boat she's on, the Nemo, and the area she's working in." Alaina, from from Portknockie, Moray, now intends to keep in touch with Pia on Facebook. She continued: "I was just so shocked that somebody had found the message I sent all those years ago. It was amazing that my note was still perfectly legible - even the old Moray Cup bottle was in good shape! "As far as I can remember we were doing a project on water with our P7 teacher Ann Bruce and part of that was doing a message in a bottle. I think her husband was a fisherman and he threw the bottle into the sea when he was out with the boat." Alaina added that she would love to get in touch with her former teacher but does not have an address or contact details. READ MORE: Prestwick Beach horror find as leg still wearing shoe and sock washes ashore For Pia herself, finding the bottle on Lisshelløya was something of a prophecy. She explained: "The day I found the bottle we cleaned two small exposed islands, Lisshelløya and Storhelløya, although we didn't finish Storhelløya. "I found the message between some rocks on Lisshelløya. I had already noticed before I picking it up, that the bottle wasn't broken or full of water like so many other bottles I had found that day. "It looked a bit different, probably because of the paper inside. When I picked it up and saw the folded paper with the little text 'To the finder" inside, I knew this one would be special. "It's kind of funny, though, because I said at the start of the clean up something like 'If we don't find a message in a bottle on this island, then I don't know where else we would'. "I said that because in just the first few minutes we had been finding almost only bottles and some fishing gear. I read the message during our lunch break with my crewmembers. "I wasn't too surprised that it had come all the way from Scotland because I have already found some stuff from Scotland before, but I felt really happy about the little message, especially because the address was still readable. I was just curious when it had been written. Writing a reply was never in doubt for Pia. She continued: "I thought Alaina would be really happy to know that her bottle had been found. She wrote in her note that she wanted to know who found it and where exactly it was found. "I wanted to give her this information and make her day special, like she made my day special. Also I just like the idea of people randomly getting in touch this way. And maybe I was hoping for a pen pal across borders, because I enjoy the old ways of communicating like postcards and letters. "Everyone is happy if there is something unexpectedly nice in the mail, while getting something digital via WhatsApp is less special and it can stress you out. "When Alaina told me how old the message was, I almost freaked out. The idea that this bottle had been out there, either in the ocean or lying on the island, for over 30 years is just really crazy. "It looked like it had been thrown in the sea something between some months and five years ago. The first thing I said after reading Alaina's replay was something like 'Wow, what were the chances that she still lives in that house?!', but after she sent me some pictures from the coastline literally right in front of her home, I could totally understand why she is still living there. It's just beautiful." Pia has been with the Norwegian In the Same Boat project since April this year and will remain with them until the end of July. Having recently finished her bachelor's degree she wanted to travel around Europe and improve her English. A love of the rugged Scandinavian landscape and a drive to do something to help the planet drew her to the project, which aims to fight marine pollution - especially plastic - along the Norwegian coastline. Pia added: "The main method In the Same Boat uses to fight marine litter, besides raising awareness, is beach cleaning, but 'beach' in Norway isn't really the right word. "Norway's coastline is mostly rocky, wild and remote, not a sandy beach. So we hike, climb and sometimes even crawl over and under rocks to collect the plastic before it becomes microplastic. "Then we carry all the heavy bags of trash to the next spot, where the workboat can come and pick it up. The organisation is made up of employed skippers and volunteers. "We all live together on sailboats, which allows us to move directly into the polluted areas. That saves time, emissions and costs. Lisshelløya, the tiny island where I found the message in a bottle - is so tiny that you can probably walk around in just five minutes. we picked and removed 1020kg of marine litter. Even though the island probably hadn't been cleaned before, this amount of trash is just insane."
