Midwest
Iowa woman celebrates 102nd birthday by collecting canned goods for those in need: 'Very happy'
A woman in Iowa celebrated a big birthday in a big way.
Trudy Handleman turned 102 years old on March 5 – and her one wish was to run a canned food drive.
Handleman, a resident at Quartet Senior Living Village in Bettendorf, Iowa, told Fox News Digital that she successfully collected 402 cans.
GRANDPARENTS MAY HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON A MOM’S MENTAL HEALTH, STUDY FINDS
The cans were delivered to a local Friendly House food pantry on Thursday.
“They were very grateful,” Handleman said during a phone call with Fox News Digital. “[They] gave me a tour of the building and talked about the other sources of contributions. They do beautiful work over there.”
“I was very happy to have the cans, and they were so bright and pretty here in the lobby,” Handleman said. (Emma Anderson)
After deciding that she wanted to give back to the community for her birthday, Handleman settled on a canned food drive as the most feasible option.
100-YEAR-OLD OKLAHOMA WOMAN CELEBRATES 25TH ACTUAL BIRTHDAY ON LEAP DAY
“I’m kind of bound here in this building,” she said, laughing. “And so, it had to be something that we didn’t have to [hit] the streets to do … so it just sort of fit in.”
Handleman, who turned 102 on March 5, decided that she wanted to give back to the community for her birthday. (Emma Anderson)
“And then it took fire, it took wind, and so many people wanted to join – not only the residents, but the staff and neighbors, and it just took off,” she went on.
“We did beautifully, and it made me feel very happy.”
TO LIVE LONGER, DO THESE 5 THINGS EVERY DAY, SAYS A BRAIN HEALTH EXPERT
While Quartet visitors were anxious to chip in, Handleman said that a local grocery store donated cans from their shelves to boost her collection to 402 cans.
Handleman told Fox News Digital that her food drive turned out “beautifully.” (Emma Anderson)
Handleman encourages others to pay it forward on their birthdays — and choose the kind of contribution that works best for them.
“I wouldn’t want to have that same task with coats or boots or something,” she said.
“Let everybody choose [their] own – but do let your heart tell you that you could do something and then find out what that ‘could do’ is. And go for it.”
“Giving back helps us connect with others and engage with our purpose, which is essential for our well-being.”
With 102 years in the rearview mirror, Handleman shared some of her best life advice.
“Just take care of yourself and take care of your friends and your family and all be a unit,” she said.
“I really don’t know how to give advice to anybody for longevity. You either have it or you don’t.”
Health benefits of giving back
In addition to helping others, acts of goodwill or philanthropy could actually improve your health and extend your life, according to Dr. Chris Scuderi, a family practice physician in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Giving back helps us connect with others and engage with our purpose,” he told Fox News Digital. “Connection and purpose are essential for our well-being.”
Handleman dropped off the 402 cans of food at a local Friendly House food pantry on March 7, 2024. (Emma Anderson)
Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released an advisory detailing the health risks and dangers associated with loneliness and social isolation, Scuderi noted.
“Those include a higher risk of both physical and mental illness, like cardiovascular disease and depression,” he said.
“It’s very important to have something to live for, especially as we age.”
“Loneliness can be as dangerous for our health as smoking, so we need to stay connected and not become isolated from others. Giving back, whether through philanthropy or volunteering, helps us engage with our purpose by helping those in need.”
In his own practice, Scuderi said he often tells his older patients that they have wisdom and time, and encourages them to use both to find their purpose.
“I challenge them to spend at least one hour a month volunteering, which helps us stay active, connected and involved in something greater than ourselves,” he said.
In addition to helping others, acts of goodwill or philanthropy could actually improve your health and extend your life, a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Research has shown that purpose is “incredibly important” in terms of aging, Scuderi pointed out.
“A 2019 study found that those with the highest sense of purpose lived longer on average, and those with the lowest didn’t live as long,” he said.
“I talk with my patients about this often, reminding them that focusing on something that truly means something to them – whether it’s giving back to a food bank or spending time at an animal shelter – helps them stay healthy and promotes longevity.”
“It’s very important to have something to live for, especially as we age.”
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com.com/lifestyle.
Read the full article from Here
Illinois
Severed arm in Illinois lake: Court records say body parts found in freezer, half-brother claimed self-defense
ILLINOIS – Editor’s note: This story contains graphic details that may be disturbing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
New details have emerged in the case of a severed arm bearing a distinctive Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers tattoo that was recovered from an Illinois lake, leading investigators to identify the victim.
James Adams, 26, and Robin Turner, 62, have been charged in connection with the death of 38-year-old Dalewayne Turner. Both face charges of concealment of a homicidal death, a Class 3 felony, and dismembering a human body, a Class X felony.
The backstory:
Two charged after severed arm with Packers tattoo found in Illinois lake, police say
Will County court documents released Monday identify Adams as Dalewayne Turner’s half-brother and Robin Turner as his wife.
According to the documents, Adams admitted to fatally stabbing Dalewayne Turner, while Robin Turner did not contact law enforcement after the killing.
Investigators allege the two took extensive steps to conceal the crime, including using bleach to clean the home and mask odors, repainting portions of the house, removing and burning wood paneling in a fire pit, and disposing of rugs.
Court records describe a large amount of blood at the scene and state that Dalewayne Turner’s body was dismembered. Some of his remains were placed in a freezer that investigators say was purchased specifically for that purpose.
Authorities allege the remains were placed in trash bags, weighted down, sealed with duct tape and transported to Lake Mattoon, where they were dumped in an effort to prevent the victim from being found and identified.
Prosecutors said one weighted bag came apart, allowing Dalewayne Turner’s tattooed arm to surface. Boaters discovered the arm on the evening of June 28.
Pictured is an arm tattoo of a skeleton holding a Green Bay Packers helmet. (Illinois State Police)
A dive team later recovered additional weighted bags containing human remains from the lake.
What they’re saying:
After Adams was taken into custody June 30, court documents say he confessed to the killing but claimed he acted in self-defense.
“The one thing I will say is that I did it, but I did it out of self-defense. I will tell you guys that,” James said.
During an interview with investigators June 30, Robin Turner said Adams and Dalewayne Turner argued in the living room before Adams stabbed him multiple times.
According to court documents, Adams later told Robin Turner that Dalewayne Turner either fell or was pushed down a staircase after the stabbing and that he placed the body in a freezer.
Robin Turner told investigators she believed the body was still in the freezer, which she said she purchased from Best Buy on June 19 after her previous freezer broke.
She also told investigators that the repainting and remodeling inside the home were part of renovation work completed between June 21 and June 30.
On July 1, Illinois State Police agents searched the home and found a downstairs freezer with what appeared to be a bloodstain dripping from a drain hole, according to court records.
Investigators opened the freezer and found a partial body consisting of a torso, neck and head, but no limbs, court documents state.
What’s next:
Both Robin Turner and Adams are scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Thursday for a detention hearing.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by Will County court documents and previous FOX Chicago reporting.
Indiana
Indiana Black Expo to present award to Mathew Knowles for health advocacy
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Black Expo will present its Carolyn Brown Mosby Above and Beyond Award to Mathew Knowles on July 17 for his health advocacy work.
Knowles will receive the award during the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon. The Indiana Black Expo (IBE) website says the luncheon will be at 11 a.m. July 17 in the Sagamore Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Knowles will be recognized for his work in health awareness and early detection.
Knowles will lead a fireside chat titled Beyond Pink: The Untold Story of Breast Cancer in Men at 10 a.m. July 18 on the Education Stage at the Summer Celebration.
An IBE news release issued Monday said Knowles has achieved global leadership in sales and marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. He has generated over $5 billion across multiple industries and managed over $100 million in sales and acquisitions. Knowles also developed, recorded, and distributed the careers of notable artists, including Beyoncé; Destiny’s Child; Earth, Wind & Fire; and Solange. The release also said he is a passionate advocate for health awareness and the importance of early detection.
Health Fair
In 2026, the nonprofit is celebrating 40 years of providing access-free health care through its Summer Celebration Health Fair, which will be July 16-19. IBE said it’s expanding its programming for the event on July 18, said a news release issued Monday.
IBE touts the fair as one of the Midwest’s premier community health events, bringing together more than 65 health-focused exhibitors, health care providers, and community organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes across Indiana.
Community Health Network, a platinum partner, will offer over $4,000 in free health screenings, resources, and education for each person at the Summer Celebration.
The Health Fair’s Education Stage will host discussions and activations on pressing health issues. These include digital health care access for older people through “Telehealth, Portals & Online Pharmacies: What Seniors Need to Know,” “Unfiltered: Real Conversations About Women’s Health,” and “Beyond Aesthetics: The Science of Beauty & Wellness.”
Cooking demonstrations focused on heart and kidney health will also happen.
The release also said A Mental Health Symposium, part of IBE’s educational series “Cherish Your Mind,” was scheduled for noon Saturday in rooms 130–132 of the Indiana Convention Center. The symposium will feature Sheryl Swoopes, a former WNBA player; Leon, an American actor, producer and singer who’s real name is Leon Preston Robinson; Dr. Russell J. Ledet, a physician, U.S. Navy veteran and triple-board resident; Amp Harris, a promoter and athlete consultant; and Executive Director Barbara Thompson of NAMI Indiana.
Dr. Lauren Dungy-Poythress and Dr. Ruemu Birhiray are co-chairs of the Health Fair.
This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.
Iowa
Iowa Democrats and Republicans gain voters, independent voters decrease
DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa Capital Dispatch) – The Iowa Democratic and Republican parties both gained voters over the past month, while the number of voters with no party affiliation dropped significantly.
According to data from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, the Democratic Party gained more than 27,000 registered voters from June to July, bringing the total number of active Democratic voters in Iowa to 527,675. Despite Democratic gains, Republicans still hold a strong statewide advantage in voter registration with 711,587 active voters, gaining more than 17,000 registered voters over the past month.
The largest change in voter registration occurred among voters affiliated with no party, as the number of registered independent voters decreased by more than 32,000. As of July 1, there are 555,309 active independent voters in Iowa.
“I think part of what’s going on is that people changed their registration to reflect a party preference so they could vote in the party primary,” Karen Kedrowski, an Iowa State University political science professor and Carrie Chapman Catt Center director, said. “These are not really new voters. They’re probably independents who lean Democratic or Republican and changed their party registration to be able to vote in the primary.”
Kedrowski said that in recent years, the number of registered Republican voters have remained constant, the number of independent voters has gone up and the number of registered Democrats has gone down.
Kedrowski said the increase in Democratic registrations appears consistent with national trends, which she said reflect heightened motivation among Democratic and left-leaning voters opposed to President Donald Trump’s policies.
“There’s just a lot more excitement about participating in the election on the part of Democratic voters,” Kedrowski said. “They’re highly mobilized because they’re largely unhappy with what’s happening with the administration.”
Kedrowski said that it is extremely difficult to predict election results based on monthly data trends, but the excitement among Democrats could lead to the party making gains in Iowa, with the state returning to its “purple” roots, meaning a state that votes for both Republicans and Democrats closely.
“It’s definitely worrisome for Republicans because it shows there’s going to be momentum for the Democrats,” Kedrowski said. “Instead of seeing this as the Democrats becoming ascendant in Iowa, it might be more Iowa returning to being a swing state.”
Kedrowski cautioned that monthly voter registration alone does not predict election outcomes.
The voter registration figures reflect only “active” voters. According to Iowa Code 48a, voters who do not participate in one or two consecutive general elections will be labeled as “inactive,” but can still participate. If a voter misses three general elections, their voting status will be “canceled,” and the person would have to reregister.
Copyright 2026 Iowa Capital Dispatch. All rights reserved.
-
Connecticut44 seconds agoEversource crews work to restore power nearly 48 hours after Independence Day storm
-
Delaware6 minutes agoDelaware County commissioners criticize Marion County prosecutor
-
Florida13 minutes agoDeadly July 4th shooting arrest; South Florida man accused of Miami stabbing attack
-
Georgia16 minutes agoPoll shows Georgia Democrats ahead in senate, gubernatorial races
-
Hawaii21 minutes ago$5 deal for National Fried Chicken Day
-
Idaho28 minutes ago
An Idaho mother who said her toddler twins died after vaccinations has been charged with murder
-
Illinois31 minutes agoSevered arm in Illinois lake: Court records say body parts found in freezer, half-brother claimed self-defense
-
Indiana36 minutes agoIndiana Black Expo to present award to Mathew Knowles for health advocacy