Fitness Friday | Why you are the lightest weight youโll be all year
The New England Journal of Medicine published that in August and September, about five-months after Easter, Americans are the lowest weight they will be all year on average. In their findings they revealed that after the weight gain of Thanksgiving and Christmas it takes about five months to get your body back on track. Specifically May to November is when our weight begins to stabilize with the whole cycle repeating itself at the end of November.
Live updates | Ukraine: Civilians in steelworks beg for aid
An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the U.S. secretaries of state and defense are meeting with the Ukrainian leader in the highest-level visit to Kyiv by an American delegation since the start of Russiaโs two-month invasion.
Easter fun with Cohenโs Events Deโcor
We are joined by our friend Michelle Cohen from Cohenโs Events Deโcor as she shows us some amazing ideas for Easter! Michelle recommends going to the dollar store for crafts and decorations that will fit with any Easter style. To find out more you can head to https://cohensevents.com/.
4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney World
The resort is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary celebration, and now is the perfect time to celebrate the season and upcoming Easter holiday. If you plan on visiting, we have uncovered a number of fun activities for families to experience while out exploring the theme parks and nearby resort hotels.
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Merkel: 'A quiet Easter' needed to counter rising infections
โThere needs to be a quiet Easter festival,โ Merkel said in a video address. AdIn contrast, Britain has given one vaccine shot to 46% of its people. Health Minister Jens Spahn said routine vaccinations will begin in doctors' practices on Tuesday, with 35,000 GPs scheduled to receive 940,000 vaccine doses next week. Germany expects to receive about 40 million vaccine doses during the second quarter. AdMerkel, who is 66, says she would be prepared to take the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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Madrid slows down vaccine jabs over Easter despite govt plea
People wearing face masks to protect against the spread of coronavirus walk in downtown Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)MADRID โ Spainโs Madrid region halted COVID-19 vaccinations Thursday at health centers for four days so medical staff can rest over the Easter holiday, despite pleas from the national government not to halt the fight against surging infections. Health Minister Carolina Darias last week urged regional authorities to keep vaccinating over the Easter break, saying it was โvery importantโ to keep up the inoculation program. Spain, like other European Union nations, has had a surprisingly slow vaccine rollout that authorities blame on vaccine shortages. AdIt also noted that vaccine shots will still be administered at a city hospital and a city soccer stadium over the traditional Easter break.
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Holy days arrive for the faithful as pandemic eases in US
For Christians across the United States, Easter services on Sunday will reflect an extra measure of joy as the nation experiences rising optimism after a year of pandemic. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)For Christians across the United States, Easter services on Sunday will reflect an extra measure of joy as the nation experiences rising optimism after a year of pandemic. Itโs a season of major holy days for other faiths as well, occurring in a brighter mood than a year ago. Jews are observing Passover this week, and Muslims will enter the holy month of Ramadan in about two weeks. AdDas said he loves the festival because it celebrates diversity: โIt acknowledges that we complement each other โ different ethnicities, different nationalities, different genders.
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Romania OKs holding Easter celebrations despite virus surge
As Romania battles against a surge of COVID-19 infections authorities announced on Thursday March 25, 2021, that Easter celebrations in the deeply Christian country will physically go ahead this year. AdThe Easter Service is one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. On the night of the Resurrection, Romanian Orthodox worshipers attend a service at midnight when they receive the Holy Light. โPreventing physical Easter in an Orthodox country in times when people need safety but also hope is not one of those." The prime minister also said he used Thursday's meeting to urge religious authorities to support Romaniaโs vaccination campaign, which has delivered more than 2.6 million vaccines shot so far.
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Poland orders stricter pandemic measures for Easter period
A cyclist passes in front of an ambulance by an infectious diseases hospital in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday, March 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)WARSAW โ Poland's government ordered stricter pandemic measures for the two-week period surrounding Easter, describing the new rules Thursday as an attempt to limit human contacts amid a deadly surge in the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said he knew the more severe measures come during a period when families traditionally spend time together for Easter, and it would require a sacrifice from Poles. โThe evolution of the virus and the British mutation is leading not only to more infections, but also causing more hospitalizations,โ Health Minister Adam Niedzielski said. The higher numbers in Poland come amid more testing.
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The Latest: Philippine leader orders mayors investigated
New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Utah have been on a downward trend since January. Ad___SAO PAULO, Brazil โ Brazil has reached 300,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and become the second nation to top that figure. ___BOISE, Idaho โ The governor of Idaho has said COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will be open to all Idaho residents 16 and up starting April 5. ___WAILUKU, Hawaii โ A hospital on Maui had to throw out nearly 1,400 vaccine doses after a refrigerator thawing the vials did not properly seal. Also, COVID-19 deaths have dipped below 1,000 a day on average for the first time since November.
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Merkel drops Easter shutdown plan for Germany, apologizes
German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting of the German government at the chancellery in Berlin, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. (Kay Nietfeld/Pool via AP)BERLIN โ German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday dropped plans for a five-day shutdown over Easter, which had prompted confusion and criticism. The same group, faced with rising coronavirus infections, had come up early Tuesday with the unexpected plan for tighter restrictions over Easter. AdโThe idea of an Easter shutdown was drawn up with the best intentions, because we must urgently manage to slow and reverse the third wave of the pandemic,โ Merkel said. Merkel said, even without the Easter shutdown, the decisions that she and the state governors came up with offer a โframeworkโ to beat back the new wave of coronavirus infections.
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Easter Fun with Anne Roy! | River City Live
Easter is about two and a half weeks away and for those who celebrate, you know itโs all about the baskets and the Easter egg hunt. Anne Roy joined us today to show you how to set the stage for an egg-cellent Easter! You can make an Easter egg hunt extra fun by getting eggs that have colorful designs or that are filled with unique toys. www.joyin.co/ has eggs with emojis, eggs filled with cars or trucks, and even eggs filled with adorable plush toys. Anne also has great ideas for Easter party games that you can check out by watching the video above!
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Spanish islands warn tourists to abide by virus restrictions
Faced with a possible flood of visitors from Germany later this month, authorities in Spains Balearic Islands are warning hotel owners that tourists must adhere to coronavirus restrictions the same way residents do. But the restrictions havent stopped eager German tourists who have rushed to book flights and accommodation this week following their governments removal of the islands from a list of high-risk contagion zones. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu, FIle)MADRID โ Faced with a possible flood of visitors from Germany later this month, authorities in Spain's Balearic Islands are warning hotel owners that tourists must adhere to coronavirus restrictions the same way residents do. But the restrictions haven't stopped eager German tourists who have rushed to book flights and accommodation this week following their government's removal of the Balearic Islands and other holiday destinations from a list of high-risk areas. Tourism accounted for 12% of Spain's gross domestic product before the pandemic and nearly a third of the Balearic Islands' output.
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Augusta National in November? 5 reasons why this yearโs Masters will stand alone in history
If youโre clicking around on the remote control while watching TV this weekend, odds are, youโll stumble on som sights of Augusta National Golf Club. Yes, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, that will be the case for the first time in the history of the illustrious tournament. Paul Casey of England plays a shot on the second hole during a practice round prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on November 09, 2020 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith) (Getty Images)One of the reasons the Masters is often the most-rated golf tournament is the stunning sight of azaleas and other flowers throughout the course. No fansThis wonโt be any different from any other golf tournament or major sporting event this year.
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Harshmallow: Virus prompts pause for Peeps holiday treats
FILE - This Feb. 13, 2013 file photo shows Peeps at the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, Pa. Peeps holiday treats are going on hiatus another consequence of the coronavirus. PennLive.com reports, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, that Just Born Quality Confections says it wont be producing the popular sweets for Halloween, Christmas or Valentines Day as the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based company prepares for next Easter. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)BETHLEHEM, Pa. โ Peeps treats are going on hiatus for several months โ another consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. Just Born Quality Confections said it wonโt be producing the popular marshmallow sweets for Halloween, Christmas or Valentineโs Day as the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based company prepares for next Easter, PennLive.com reports. Just Born, which has been in business since 1923, said its other seasonal confections are expected to return to store shelves by Halloween 2021.
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Tim Tebow delivers Easter message during churchโs livestreamed service
Tim Tebow delivered a message during the Passion City Churchโs livestreamed Easter service on Sunday. The former Florida Gators quarterback tweeted that he was honored to join the Atlanta-area church for Sundayโs message with Louie Giglio and Sadie Robertson Huff. Their perfect relationship from eternity past. That bond was broken, so Jesus, his bond with you never has to be broken,โ Tebow said during the service. It wasnโt just the sin of the world, which I canโt even imagine, but it was a perfect relationship that he was willing to sever because he wants a relationship with you that will never be severed.
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Easter Bunny spreads joy to beach neighborhoods
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ The Easter Bunny made a visit this weekend to several neighborhoods in the beaches area. Grant Tucker, 15, dressed up as the Easter Bunny to spread joy during this trying time. He said he came up with the idea to remind people that we are all going through the coronavirus pandemic together. RELATED | Easter Bunny pays an early visit, brings smiles to Baker County neighborhoodTucker said several people asked if they could pay him for visiting their neighborhood. He politely declined and, instead, asked people to donate to his motherโs foundation, the Tony Meduri TBI Fund.
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Hundreds turn out for drive-up Easter service in Nassau County
CALLAHAN, Fla. โ A church in Nassau County held a unique Easter service Sunday morning at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds. Callahan First Baptist Church held a drive-in service as hundreds of cars filled the parking lot with worshipers who continued to practice social distancing. Lynn Hyatt, lead pastor at Callahan First Baptist Church, leads a drive-up Easter service. With about 100 volunteers and the help of the Nassau County Sheriffโs Office, Callahan First Baptist Church members and nonmembers came together while staying safe. Pastor Hyatt said that church isnโt necessarily the building, itโs about the community and the community really did turn out Sunday.
JSO investigating shooting early Easter morning
JACKSONVILLE, Fla โ The Jacksonville Sheriffโs Office is investigating a shooting at the Harold House Apartments early Sunday morning. Police responded to the area on Ring Lane after reports of a person shot around 6 a.m. on Easter. A 32-year old male victim was found with at least one gunshot wound which was not life threatening. If anyone has information related to this crime, please call 630-0500, the tip line; 1866-845 TIPS; or submit a tip to jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org
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Yes itโs different, but itโs Easter, so please share
Just because we should skip in-person church services and large family gatherings this year under social distancing guidelines doesnโt mean we arenโt celebrating Easter. There are numerous creative ways Christians will worship Sunday and families will still share a meal, even if their extended family only joins by Zoom or Facetime. Whether you put the kids in outfits you already purchased or wear last yearโs clothes -- or just pulled up the photos you took of them dressed up last April -- letโs show our Easter finest in this gallery. Just to be safe, please share minimal identifying information -- just your smiles. Scroll down to begin.
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5,000 free Easter lilies gone in 1 hour during Channel 4 giveaway
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Loopโs Nursery partnered with News4Jax to give out Easter lilies to everyone who drove through WJXTโs parking lot early Saturday morning. โWe have extra Easter lilies that arenโt going out to grocery stores, arenโt going out to churches because of all the orders that have been canceled due to the virus," said Dee Loop with Loopโs Nursery. People drove up, popped the trunk or liftgate and the lilies were placed into the vehicle. Within one hour, all 5,000 beautiful Easter lilies were gone! โIt just goes to show how people are expressing their love and gratitude to those that celebrate Easter,โ said Kimberly, a News4Jax viewer.
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Northeast Florida churches get creative for Easter Sunday services
However, many churches in Northeast Florida told News4Jax they will not open their churches. Instead, they will stream Easter service online. At University Church, lead Pastor Frank Ciresi, said they will also stream Easter Service online. In addition to streaming Easter service, other churches are bringing people together at a safe social distance. Their drive-in Easter service will be held on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. in the Northeast Florida Fair parking lot to accommodate hundreds of worshipers.
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Enjoy Easter Egg Hunt Bingo while social distancing in Historic Springfield
In Historic Springfield, residents are putting a fun social distancing spin on the neighborhoodโs Easter Egg Hunt. Springfield Preservation and Revitalization announced Thursday that residents can join in for Easter Egg Hunt Bingo on Sunday and Monday. On Easter Sunday, a Bingo card will be released on the SPAR Facebook event with the pictures of the Easter eggs. Hereโs how the hunt works:Once you find a matching egg on your Bingo card, write the address next to the egg. The Egg Hunt is another opportunity to highlight the neighborhood theyโre so proud of.โ
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Coronavirus: Avoid traditional gatherings this Easter
Whether itโs an egg hunt or brunch with family and friends, Easter is traditionally a time for gathering. Frank Esper, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Childrenโs, said people, who typically attend church on Easter Sunday, should consider switching to a televised option. So, Dr. Esper recommends avoiding these events altogether. And donโt bother inviting extended family for Easter dinner โ sheltering at home means only coming into contact with people who live in your house. โThis very well may be a video phone Easter dinner for a lot of us,โ said Dr. Esper.
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Easter is here, and so are disposable, pre-filled Communion cups
In the United States, the Chicago-based business Blessed Communion, which makes pre-filled disposable communion cups, has seen a deluge of orders ahead of Easter Sunday. With pre-filled communion cups, Idonije said congregants can still fully participate in mass. Parking lot servicesDisposable pre-filled communion cups, or "Fellowship cups," for Methodist churches, have also exploded in popularity. Some churches, he said, are mailing the pre-filled communion cups to their congregants so they have them ready for a livestreamed service. He said congregants park at a safe distance from one another and participate via the radio channel and with their pre-filled communion cups.
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Channel 4 to air Resurrection Sunday service from Celebration Church
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ We know many of you haven't been able to attend church in person in a few weeks. Celebration Church will be sharing their Resurrection Sunday service with us, and it will air at 9 a.m. on Channel 4. Celebration is a local church with a main campus in Jacksonville, and several other campuses in surrounding areas. The church said if you'd like to join in communion, just grab crackers and juice -- or whatever you have on hand. We hope youโll join us this Sunday, and we can all feel a little closer as a community, despite having to stay apart.
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Loweโs announces stores will close on Easter Sunday
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Loweโs Companies, Inc. announced that all stores and distribution centers in the United States and Canada will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 12. A release said this is a โthank youโ to the associates who have worked tirelessly to support communities during COVID-19 pandemic. โOur ability to support communities with essential goods and services during this pandemic is thanks to our outstanding, dedicated associates,โ said Marvin Ellison, Loweโs president and CEO. โWe want to provide our teams with a much-deserved day off to spend Easter Sunday with their families and loved ones and recharge. I want to personally thank our 300,000 associates who have helped families stay safely at home.
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9 inexpensive ideas for your spring break staycation
Spring break is right around the corner, and you may be dreaming of a fun family vacation -- but what if a full-fledged vacation is not in the cards or the budget? Spring break is typically right around Easter, which is seen by many as a time of renewal. An Easter morning hike would be a great way to kick off your day, so lace up your shoes and soak it all in. Spring break is a great time for a movie marathon, so queue up your favorite streaming service or break into that stack of DVDs. Hosting a staycation is a great way to spend the Easter break, especially if you can keep the kids entertained and happy.

Suspect in Atlanta student's death had spent holidays at victim's home
One of the suspects in the death of Alexis Crawford spent at least one Thanksgiving and Easter holiday with Crawford's family. ATLANTA - A Clark Atlanta University student accused in the death of her roommate was a close friend who had spent holidays with the victim's family, a family spokesman said Sunday. Jordyn Jones, who is one of two suspects in the death of Alexis Crawford, spent at least one Thanksgiving and Easter holiday with Crawford's family over the past few years, the Rev. "It was a regular occurrence for Jordyn to spend time with Alexis' family and to engage with Alexis' siblings," Hutchins said. He added: "To know that someone that they welcomed into home played a role in Alexis' death is all the more hurtful."

Carrot cake bars
I'm not sure why but Easter always meant carrot cake or coconut cake for me (in the shape of a lamb of course!) I'm sure the carrot cake thing somehow refers back to the Easter bunny and I'm sure there is some story to go along with it, but I'm too lazy to look! So I wanted to make a carrot cake for Easter but then I found these Carrot Cake Bars and they seemed easier than making the traditional carrot cake so I made a little trial run a few weeks ago. I don't think I'll ever make another traditional carrot cake again. Spread on top of the cooled cake bars.
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Easter animal sales illegal in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO โ As Easter weekend gets closer, Animal Care Services has issued a reminder to San Antonio residents that the sale of baby animals as holiday novelties is illegal. According to the city's animal laws, it is illegal for any person to sell or offer for sale, barter, lease, rent or give away baby chicks or ducklings or rabbits less than eight weeks old as pets or novelties. The dyeing or staining or baby chicks, ducklings, or rabbits is also against city ordinance, as is even possessing animals that have been colored in this way. The release from ACS reports the ordinance further restricts the sale of animals on any roadside, public right of way, commercial parking lot or at any flea market or festival. The only exception to the "Easter animal" law applies to properly licensed hatcheries or other businesses raising the animals for commercial purposes.