‘I am honored’: Olympic superstar Simone Biles unveils new Wheaties box

Houston

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and Wheaties have once again joined forces for a limited-edition box.

The world champion gymnast and Wheaties hosted a “Breakfast of Champions” event in Texas to debut the cereal box.

“I am honored to be featured on my second Wheaties box and grateful for the opportunity to highlight Friends of the Children, an extraordinary organization that is working to make sure other youth have access to mentors and the support to dream big in life,” Biles said.

According to a news release, the box celebrates Biles’ personal journey that has served as a catalyst for her continued support and advocacy for children in foster care, including her efforts with Friends of the Children that have helped the organization launch a new chapter - Friends of the Children–Houston.

“I hope my journey can be an example to all children that anything is possible, and I’m excited to help expand access to resources and mentorship in my hometown,” Biles said.

Biles was reportedly joined by family, friends, and others at the breakfast event where she shared her personal journey to help inspire those to not let life circumstances define who they are or deter them from pursuing their dreams.

The launch of Friends–Houston marks the national organization’s 29th location.

“Friends of the Children could not be more thrilled to announce the Houston chapter launch with Biles and the team at General Mills,” Terri Sorensen, CEO of Friends of the Children, said. “Their support was instrumental in bringing a chapter to Houston.”

Friends–Houston will reportedly begin identifying and welcoming children in the greater Houston area this year. The chapter said its initial focus will be on supporting children and families in the area who have been disproportionately impacted by foster care and other systemic issues.

“It is also such a meaningful moment for our organization and the youth we serve to be featured on the iconic Wheaties box alongside a true champion for youth,” Sorensen said.

Name a cockroach after your ex-partner for Valentine’s Day

Sometimes love is not in the air on Valentine’s Day, but some unique options are still available to celebrate the holiday.

According to the San Antonio Zoo, it is again offering its Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser back by popular demand.

Officials at the zoo said it is offering those interested a chance to name a cockroach, rodent, or veggie after their ex and watch it be fed to an animal.

For a donation of $5 to $25, those interested can name a cockroach after an ex-partner and receive a digital Valentine’s Day card along with sending the card to the ex letting them know that a roach has been named after them.

According to the zoo, the funds raised will support its vision of securing a future for wildlife in Texas and worldwide.

The Bronx Zoo said it is also offering a gift to the ex-partner with its Name a Roach for your Valentine event.

“You don’t always have the right words, but you can still give them goosebumps,” officials with the zoo shared.

The event offers options that range from $15 to $75 in which your ex can receive a tote bag or tumbler with a cockroach image to an original name-a-roach gift, complete with a digital certificate.

Additionally, the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy launched a Name-a-Roach Valentine’s Day special.

Zoo officials in Toronto said due to the overwhelming demand they have already reached capacity for requests while raising more than $15,000 in January.

These unique Valentine’s Day programs are scheduled to be open until Feb. 14.

Woman turns stop at grocery store into $1M lottery check

Port Charlotte, Fla.

A Florida woman could check a lot more off her grocery list thanks to purchasing a lucky lottery ticket.

According to the Florida Lottery, Karen Dowling, 62, won a $1 million jackpot while playing the 500X THE CASH scratch-off game earlier this month.

Lottery officials said she purchased her ticket from a Publix grocery store on Peachland Boulevard in the Port Charlotte area.

Officials said that Dowling claimed her million-dollar prize at lottery headquarters and chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $820,000.

According to the Florida lottery, the $50 scratch-off game features a top prize of $25 million with the overall odds of winning a prize at 1-in-4.5.

The retailer where Dowling purchased her winning ticket will also receive a $2,000 bonus commission, according to officials.

Girl requests police test DNA on Christmas cookie for evidence of Santa Claus

Cumberland, R.I.

Police in Rhode Island say they have received a unique request from one of their residents.

According to the Cumberland Police Department, a girl has requested officers to test DNA from a cookie and carrots that were left at her house over Christmas weekend.

The police department reports the young resident wants the items checked for evidence of Santa Claus visiting her home on Christmas.

Police said their young investigator provided them with some partially eaten carrots to determine if reindeer were present along with a half-eaten cookie reportedly left behind by Santa.

Police Chief Matthew Benson said he has forwarded the girl’s evidence to the Rhode Island Department of Health for analysis to examine possible DNA traces from Santa while comparing the bite marks to any of Santa’s reindeer on file.

“This young lady obviously has a keen sense for truth and the investigative process and did a tremendous job packaging her evidence for submission,” Benson shared in a news release. “We will do our very best to provide answers for her.”

Cumberland police said that while they wait for the DNA results, they shared evidence with the girl that supports Santa’s presence in her neighborhood on Christmas Eve.

Man credited with saving 24 people in blizzard awarded with Super Bowl tickets

Cheektowaga, N.Y.

A man in New York who police called a hero for saving others in blizzard conditions is going to the Super Bowl.

On Friday, the Buffalo Bills shared a video of Jay Withey receiving Super Bowl tickets from Bills legend Thurman Thomas and his wife Patricia Thomas.

The Thurmans delivered the tickets, along with a hug and a thank you, to Withey on behalf of the Bills and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York.

Last month, the Cheektowaga Police Department called Withey a hero for rescuing a group of people who got stuck in their cars during blizzard conditions over the Christmas holiday.

The group of 24 reportedly included seven older people and two dogs that needed shelter during the storm.

Cheektowaga police said Withey had left a note that evening at Pine Hill School after breaking into the school.

Authorities said Withey apologized in the note for the break-in but said he needed to borrow a snowblower to help clear a path to get people inside and out of the deadly blizzard conditions.

Police said Withey shared that he had to break into the school to save everyone and get them shelter, along with food and a bathroom.

Officers said they were initially alerted about an alarm at the school but couldn’t respond due to the dangerous weather conditions.

Police noted that once they entered the school, they found a freezer still fully stocked with food, and everything that the group used was returned to the same spot it was found.

Police said the group appeared to eat and use equipment just enough for them to survive. Additionally, two dogs were able to take shelter that evening.

Cheektowaga police said they first shared Withey’s rescue story to help identify him and thank him for his actions.