Today in History: May 21, Clara Barton founds American Red Cross
Today in history:
On May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross was founded by nurse and educator Clara Barton in Washington D.C.
Also on this date:
In 1924, 14-year-old Bobby Franks was murdered in a 'thrill killing' carried out by University of Chicago students Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb (Bobby's distant cousin).
In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed his Spirit of St. Louis monoplane near Paris, completing the first solo airplane flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 33 1/2 hours.
In 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean as she landed in Northern Ireland, about 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland.
In 1941, a German U-boat sank the American merchant steamship SS Robin Moor in the South Atlantic after the ship's passengers and crew were allowed to board lifeboats.
In 1955, Chuck Berry recorded his first single, 'Maybellene,' for Chess Records in Chicago.
In 1972, Michelangelo's Pieta, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, was damaged by a hammer-wielding man. (The sculpture went back on display 10 months later after its damaged elements were reconstructed.)
In 1979, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the slayings of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk. Outrage over White's lenient sentence sparked the White Night riots that evening.
In 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated amid Indian national elections by a suicide bomber.
Today's Birthdays: Baseball Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox is 84. Singer Ronald Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 84. Singer Leo Sayer is 77. Actor Mr. T is 73. Actor Judge Reinhold is 68. Filmmaker Nick Cassavetes is 66. Actor Lisa Edelstein is 59. Comedian-TV presenter Noel Fielding is 52. Actor Fairuza Balk is 51. Actor Da'Vine Joy Randolph is 39. Country musician Cody Johnson is 38. Actor Hannah Einbinder is 30. NFL quarterback Josh Allen is 29.
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Los Angeles Times
16 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
'Washington Black' review: Hulu miniseries amplifies action from novel
Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan's 'Washington Black,' a prizewinning story of race, romance, friendship and identity set in the early 19th century, has been translated by Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Kimberly Ann Harrison into a Hulu miniseries. Unsurprisingly, it plays more like a miniseries than a novel, amplifying the action, the drama and the romance; beefing up lesser characters; drawing lines under, after all, valid points about prejudice, inequality and injustice; and dressing it up with Hollywood musical cues. Taking the show as a sometimes fantastic historical adventure, those aren't bad things, but, unlike the book, subtlety is not the series' strong suit. Written in the first person, the novel proceeds chronologically, while the series, which follows other, sometimes added characters into interpolated storylines, switches between 1830 — when our hero, George Washington Black, called Wash, is 11 years old and enslaved on a Barbados sugar plantation — and 1837, when he lives as a free young man in Halifax, Nova Scotia, drawing beautiful pictures and designing a before-its-time airship. (For the benefit of American viewers wondering why we're in Halifax, opening narration helpfully identifies it as the last stop on the Underground Railroad.) The split timeline does make Entertainment Sense. We don't have to wait around for young Wash (Eddie Karanja) to grow up into older Wash (Ernest Kingsley Jr.), and we are immediately introduced to Tanna Goff (Iola Evans), arriving from London with her father (Rupert Graves) for a 'fresh start.' (There was a scandal back in Britain.) Unbeknownst to Tanna, her father plans to marry her off to a young Canadian bigwig (Edward Bluemel), for what he believes is her own security. This is new, if very familiar, material. Advertisement Wash and Tanna meet-cute at the docks where he works, when based on her skin, he mistakes her for a servant — she's been passing for white, but he (and we) recognize her as a person of color. (Melanesian, to be exact.) In the coming days, he'll contrive to meet her here and there, until they get friendly, and friendlier. Like Wash, she'll be a voice for living free, 'to be myself, to live in my own skin.' ('We're both dreamers,' she muses. 'Can't we dream up a different world?') Coincidentally, and not unfortunately, her papa is a marine biologist, the author of a book Wash, who has a keen interest in the subject, knows well. Wash's gift for capturing the essence of living things on paper may prove useful to him. 1 2 1. Eddie Karanja plays young Wash in the series. (James Van Evers / Disney) 2. Sterling K. Brown, an executive producer, also stars. (Chris Reardon / Disney) Meanwhile, if that's the word, back in 1830, the future looks dim for young Wash under the harsh rule of plantation owner Erasmus Wilde (Julian Rhind-Tutt), a situation eased only by his beloved caring protector Big Kit (Shaunette Renée Wilson). (Ironically, the end of slavery throughout the British Empire was just around the corner.) One day, Erasmus' brother Christopher (Tom Ellis), called Titch, arrives driving a giant steam-powered tractor for no practical reason other than to announce him as a somewhat eccentric inventor, like Caractacus Pott; but it provides a point of connection between Titch and Wash, who becomes his assistant. Another character who had to leave London, Titch plans to use an island hilltop to launch his 'cloud cutter,' a flying machine that won't exist in the real world for many years but which looks cool. (Steampunk is the applicable term.) Advertisement When an incident on the island threatens to paint Wash, wrongly, as a murderer, Titch takes him up, up and away in his beautiful balloon. It's in the supercharged spirit of this adaptation that when they crash into a sailing ship, it should be full of pirates, and not merely pirates, but pirates who have stolen from the British a new sort of craft powered by a dynamo that looks heavy enough to sink it. This passage is crafted to show us a self-determined society, multiethnic and multigendered. When the pirates mutiny (bloodlessly), the new captain is a woman. They like Wash more than Titch, whom they throw in the brig, but they are nice, relatively speaking. Titch is an avowed abolitionist who won't use the sugar the plantation produces, and though we are called upon to note small hypocrisies or to question his motivations — is he trying to assuage his 19th century white liberal guilt even as he uses Wash to his own ends? — I will declare him sincere, if also a man of his time. The showrunners put him into a (very) brief debate with fierce figure from history Nat Turner (Jamie Hector), opposing Turner's militarism against Titch's less persuasive 'reason, logic and the appeal to man's better nature,' an argument suspended when Turner holds a knife to his throat. (Wash intercedes on his behalf; he is more than once his mentor's protector.) It also adds a shot of American history into this Canadian story. Sterling K. Brown, an executive producer, plays Medwin, a character much expanded from the novel, the unofficial mayor of the Black community who will swashbuckle in when a day needs to be saved. (There are bounty hunters from down south, looking for Wash; Billy Boyd, former Hobbit, is wonderfully creepy as Willard.) As to Wash, it's not enough that he's a gifted artist and scientist; the show introduces him as 'a boy brave enough to change the world.' Advertisement The novel trots the globe, from Barbados to Virginia to Nova Scotia to the Arctic to London to Morocco, and besides the hot-air balloon, includes the invention of the public aquarium. Though only four episodes of the series were available to review, photos indicate that lands of snow and sand are indeed on the itinerary (not sure about the aquarium), and as a fan of 19th century globe-trotting adventures, I do remain eager to see what the series makes of them. Kingsley and Evans, in their blossoming love story and otherwise, are good company throughout. Edugyan ends her book on a suspended chord, a note of mystery I don't imagine will be definitive enough for the filmmakers. But we shall see.
Miami Herald
16 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
The Children's Trust: Program allows parents to get a pass for summer
While our children often experience summer with wide-eyed excitement - picturing endless playdates, pool days, and screen time - parents often brace themselves for the real summer marathon. Gone are the structured school hours that gave parents precious windows to work, run errands or simply breathe. With school out, routines can easily fly out the window as well and, for many, stress can fly in. Summer may feel like a season of leisure for kids, but for parents, it's often a three-month juggling act with no intermission. Summer can be filled with long, unscheduled days without meaningful activities if parents and caregivers don't prepare. Plus, fewer than half of American families will take a summer vacation this year, according to recent studies. For many, the classic summer getaway is more a fantasy than a plan. It's enough to make parents yearn for a break - a pass, even. And now, they just might get one. The Children's Trust is offering a refreshing new initiative as part of its already popular Parent Club aimed at supporting parents exactly when they need it most. It's called the Parent Club Pass, and while it won't give you a literal time-out, it offers something even better: family rewards and recognition for parents who take an active role in growing their parenting skills and connecting with others. Here's how it works: By attending three different Parent Club workshops, parents qualify to receive a Parent Club Pass. This pass unlocks free access to local family-friendly outings like theater or sports events, movie nights, or admission to popular attractions like museums and parks. It's a small gesture with big impact — a way of saying, 'We see you, parents, and we appreciate what you do.' These aren't dry lectures either. Parent Club workshops are offered in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, and they're designed to be welcoming and practical. The sessions cover topics for parents and caregivers of children at every developmental stage, into the teen years. Parents who attend in-person workshops at some locations benefit from free child care for kids ages 3 to 12, snacks and a chance to win raffle prizes. For those who prefer the comfort of home, virtual workshops are available too. The program not only equips parents with real-life tools for handling everyday challenges — from tantrums to teen troubles — but also fosters a sense of community. That's crucial in a time when parenting can feel incredibly isolating. For many, the Parent Club is as much about connection as it is about education. Credits toward the Parent Club Pass are earned by attending different workshops and completing a short survey. Once you've racked up three credits, The Children's Trust will send you a notification to redeem your pass. It's that simple. For more information and to sign up for a workshop, visit And the support doesn't stop there. Parents can also take advantage of The Children's Trust's upcoming 2025 Family Expo, happening August 2 at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds. This free, family-centered event offers everything from school supplies to games, entertainment and connections to helpful local child and family programs. It's a great one-stop-shop to prepare for back-to-school season while also having some fun. Learn more at Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is also offering its Parent Summer Academy, a series of webinars and watch parties in July designed to build community and share valuable resources. It's another way to plug into learning, support, and shared experiences— without leaving your house. Visit Parenting in the summer may not always be easy, but with programs like the Parent Club Pass and other family-friendly initiatives, this season can be a time for connection, growth, and a bit of joy. So here's to making the most of the sunshine months — not just for our children but for ourselves, too. Let's turn this summer into a time where we all get a little something back. Director of Programs Bevone Ritchie, M.S., oversees a wide range of parenting and family development programs across the county for The Children's Trust. For more information, visit
Fox News
33 minutes ago
- Fox News
Rosie O'Donnell uses Irish comedy club set to harp on Trump feud
Rosie O'Donnell is still talking about her feud with President Donald Trump in Ireland. At the International Comedy Club in Dublin, O'Donnell began her stand-up comedy set by addressing Trump's recent post insinuating he may revoke the former talk show host's American citizenship. "A really smart guy who works for the Democratic National Campaign texted me and said, 'Are you OK?' And I'm like, 'Well, I'm kind of upset that Ireland is losing. But no?' He's like, 'No — about Trump,'" O'Donnell said. "I'm like, 'Oh god, I'm upset about Trump every day.'" She explained that the person she was talking to then sent her Trump's post on Truth Social. "So, all I saw was a post that said something absurd like, 'Rosie O'Donnell is a threat to humanity. Bye. I'm going to take away her American citizenship.' Which, I know, no one is allowed to do. "In America, if you're born in America and your parents are American citizens — which I was — you have to renounce your citizenship in order to get rid of it. You can't have it taken away from you by the government. But the Supreme Court has given him carte blanche to do whatever he wants. So, I read it, and I kind of laughed. I said, 'That's funny, but it's not real because it's a red check,'" O'Donnell continued. She explained to the audience that on other social media platforms, verified users have a blue check mark, but she learned that on Truth Social, those check marks are red. Once she realized that the post came from the president's verified account, she said her response to her friend was, "'Are you s----ing me?' He said, 'No,'" O'Donnell then drafted her response to Trump, which she uploaded to her Instagram account. "And it went viral. My response. And people went crazy. And as my brother Eddie said when he pulled me up, he said, 'That f---ing bastard.' He said, 'Does he know he made you more famous than you ever were? And when he finds out, he's gonna be upset.' "But, you know, this is kind of the worst guy that I've ever met in my life," she told the audience. O'Donnell then took a trip down memory lane for the Irish spectators and explained that her feud with Trump began while she was on "The View." "I'm 63 years old. He's like 107? Or 120 years old? I knew about him my whole life. So, I just told them the truth of what I knew. And he went crazy and threatened to sue me. And it's been 20 years that he's been calling me fat, disgusting, gay, a pervert — everything that he is. That's what happened," O'Donnell told the crowd. O'Donnell concluded her bit about Trump by explaining that she didn't want her entire show to be about the president, explaining that Trump's post on Truth Social wasn't a big deal in Ireland like it was in the United States. "But it's the reason why I knew I had to leave," she said. "And Ireland, as I'm going to say in the show, has been my salvation." Abigail Jackson, a spokeswoman for the White House, shared a statement with Fox News Digital regarding O'Donnell's remarks about the president. "It's sad to watch TDS-ridden Rosie crash out like this, but at least she's not in America while she's having her big meltdown. God bless the Irish!" the statement said. "It's sad to watch TDS-ridden Rosie crash out like this, but at least she's not in America while she's having her big meltdown. God bless the Irish!" A source who attended the show told Fox News Digital O'Donnell only addressed Trump at the very beginning for a few minutes. Her stand-up show was a little over an hour long, and she had another comedian take the stage after her. Tickets cost around 15 euros, which is just under $17.50, and there were about 40 to 50 people inside the comedy club. The source told Fox News Digital O'Donnell is respected and liked in Ireland, so her Trump jokes were taken well. " They like how she's adapting to the Irish way," the source noted. The president has a Trump International Golf Links course in Doonbeg, Ireland. The property is an 18-hole championship golf course situated on 400 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, according to the course's website. On Saturday, Trump, 79, floated the idea of revoking the 63-year-old comedian and actress's U.S. citizenship after her move to Ireland earlier this year. "Because of the fact that Rosie O'Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!" O'Donnell quickly responded to Trump's jab in several posts she shared on her social media pages. The "A League of Their Own" star posted a collage of photos related to a screenshot of Trump's post on Instagram and blasted the politician in the caption. "The president of the USA has always hated the fact that i see him for who he is - a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself," she wrote. "This is why i moved to Ireland - he is a dangerous old soulless man with dementia who lacks empathy compassion and basic humanity. "I stand in direct opposition [to] all he represents- so do millions of others - u gonna deport all who stand against ur evil tendencies - ur a bad joke who cant form a coherent sentence," O'Donnell added along with the hashtag #nevertrump. In March, O'Donnell confirmed she fled to Ireland after Trump's return to the Oval Office. Around the time of O'Donnell's exit from the United States in March, Irish Taoiseach [Prime Minister] Micheál Martin visited the White House as the U.S. prepared for St. Patrick's Day and was asked by a reporter, "Ireland is known for very happy, fun-loving people. Why in the world would you let Rosie O'Donnell move to Ireland? I think she is going to lower your happiness." Before Martin could answer, Trump chimed in and replied, "That's true. I like that question. Do you know you have Rosie O'Donnell? Do you know who she is? You're better off not knowing." The day before St. Patrick's Day, O'Donnell published a poem, "Him," on her Substack, commenting on her long feud with Trump. The Trump White House responded to O'Donnell's poem via an exclusive comment to Fox News Digital at the time with a simple "Good riddance!"
