As 2024 comes to a close, we have created a curated collection that showcases the most insightful, inspiring, and impactful articles on Parent Herald this year. Our articles covered a wide spectrum, from heartwarming stories to brutal crimes.
Here's a look back at our top articles of 2024.
1. Very Cold Baby Found By Dog Walker Discharged to Foster Parents, Named Her After 'Frozen's ' Elsa
A newborn baby was found abandoned in East London by a dog walker in very cold conditions. Court documents later revealed Elsa had been born an hour before being abandoned, adding that her umbilical cord was still attached when she was found.
Authorities have named the baby "Elsa," referencing a character in Disney's Frozen.
2. Social Security Benefits in 2025: 2 Key Increases for Retirees
Next year, Social Security will introduce two important changes to retirement benefits, specifically a 2.57% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to keep up with inflation and an increase in the full retirement age to 66 years and 10 months.
3. Kristina Joksimovic Tragic Death: Husband Dismembers Wife Before Turning Body Parts Into Puree Using Hand Blender
Kristina Joksimovic, a former Miss Switzerland finalist and mother of two, was brutally murdered and dismembered by her husband in Switzerland. Her remains were found in February near Basel, and her husband, Thomas, was arrested after claiming he acted in self-defense.
The court later ruled that Kristina was strangled to death, with evidence suggesting mental illness played a role in the crime.
4. Utah Mother Plans Own Funeral, Raises More Than $900K for Kids' Trust Fund After Being Given 3 Months To Live
Erika Diarte-Carr, a 30-year-old single mother from Utah, raised nearly $1 million through a GoFundMe campaign initially aimed at covering her funeral costs. Diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung cancer in 2022 and later with Cushing's Syndrome in 2024, she chose to stop treatment to spend her remaining time with her two young children.
The funds raised will be used for her funeral and to establish a trust fund for her children, Jeremiah, 7, and Aaliyah, 5.
5. Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment 2025 Predictions: COLA Rise to 36% for Seniors, Retirees Amid Inflation
Many U.S. retirees depend on Social Security for their income, with nearly half of households with someone aged 65 or older relying on it as their primary or significant source of funds. The Social Security Administration plans a 2.57% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 to help benefits keep up with inflation, although this is lower than the previous year's 3.20% increase. High inflation has reduced the purchasing power of Social Security benefits for many retirees, and increasing COLAs may lead to more beneficiaries facing higher taxes.
Read more: Texas Woman Gives Birth in Locked Whataburger Stall, Attempts To Flush Baby Down the Toilet
6. Newborn Photo Shoot Goes Viral After Photographer Shares Photos of Baby's Grumpy Expression Online
A newborn baby named Trent from Cincinnati had a photo session that went viral after his photographer shared pictures of his grouchy expressions online. At just seven days old, Trent's unique facial expressions during the session caught the attention of many, earning over 150,000 likes on Facebook alone.
7. 10-Pound Baby Boy With Rare Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome Wears 9-Month Clothes At 7 Weeks
Molly, a TikTok influencer known as "@the_heartful_homemaker," shared her journey of having a 10-pound baby named Samuel, who was diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). It is a rare genetic overgrowth disorder present at birth, often characterized by large body size, enlarged organs, and other symptoms that vary among affected individuals. BWS affects 1 in about 11,000 live births.
Despite an early delivery and a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, Samuel is thriving and continuing to grow rapidly. Molly uses her social media platform to raise awareness about BWS and support other families facing similar challenges.
8. Woman in Medically-Induced Coma Wakes Up After 5 Years, Proving That a Mother's Love Can Do Miracles
Jennifer Flewellen, 35, was left in a coma for five years after a car accident in 2017. Thanks to her mother's unwavering support and dedicated care, Jennifer woke up in August 2022 and has been making significant progress in her recovery.
Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with necessary home modifications and a handicap van as she continues to regain her speech and mobility.
9. Florida Becomes the First State to Permit Doctors to Conduct Cesarean Sections Outside of Hospitals
Florida has become the first state to allow doctors to perform cesarean sections outside of hospital settings in specialized clinics called "advanced birth centers." Proponents believe this move will reduce costs and create a more comfortable birthing environment. However, many obstetricians and the Florida Hospital Association warn that these clinics may not provide the same level of safety as hospitals, raising concerns about the risks for mothers and babies during complications.
It is important to note that about one-third of births in the US are C-sections.
10. SNAP Benefits Highest Payments: Food Stamp Differ Across the US With Benefits Soaring Up to $445 Per Person
SNAP benefits help millions of low-income families across the United States by providing money for groceries and basic needs. However, the amount each person receives can differ a lot from state to state because of factors like income levels and living costs.
For instance, Hawaii offers the highest average monthly benefits, with $445 per person. On the other hand, Iowa has the lowest at $162 per person. This shows how local economic conditions affect the support available to those in need.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look forward to 2025, we're excited to bring even more tips, stories, and support for parents and families. Stay connected. Follow us on our socials for more advice and heartwarming moments to help your family thrive.
Thank you to all our readers for making 2024 such a wonderful year!
