A 10-year-old boy who was on his way to a friend's house for a sleepover party was reportedly struck and killed by a police cruiser Sunday night in Franklin Township in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Matthew McCloskey was walking to the sleepover with two other boys, neither of whom was injured, when a police cruiser reportedly hit McCloskey as he was attempting to cross the intersection of a two-lane highway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police officer who was driving the vehicle and was the only one in the cruiser, identified as Ptl. Nicholas Locilento, was reportedly responding to a call when he struck the boy.

Although witnesses say he was "speeding" down the highway and that he wasn't using his lights or sirens, there hasn't yet been confirmation of this. After the boy was struck, police officers reportedly performed CPR on him, but they were unsuccessful in reviving him.

The father of one of the boys who was walking with the victim said he had been "tailing" them on the way to the sleepover, which makes you wonder if these poor kids got their first taste of freedom, only to have something so tragic and sad happen.

Locilento is reportedly "very shaken up" over the incident and has been taken to a local hospital to be evaluated.

Law enforcement officials from Franklinville released the following statement:

First and foremost our thoughts and prayers go out to the McCloskey family that tragically lost their son. Whenever a young life is lost like this it is tragic for everyone, his family and our community.While this is very difficult for the young boy’s family it is also very difficult for that police officer involved. It is our understanding that the officer was responding to an urgent call when this accident happened, and we support the officer who was involved in this.

The accident is still under investigation. Our hearts go out to McCloskey's family and his friends, who are dealing with the nightmare of having witnessed this horrific and sad event.

What are your thoughts on this incident?

Image via bfishadow/Flickr

A 17-year-old boy from Fort Worth, Texas, has been arrested for threatening to kill police over Twitter. Montrae Toliver, who is an athlete at Northwest High School and reportedly doesn't have a criminal record, is being treated like a potential threat. He posted a photo of a replica gun pointed at a police car with a caption that read, "Should I do it? They don't care for a black male anyways!" Joke or not, police are taking this social media post very seriously.

Toliver reportedly sent a separate tweet from his account that claimed the gun he used in the photo was actually an Airsoft replica -- so, basically, the weapon can't technically be used to kill anyone.

But that isn't the point.

Someone saw the teen's photo on Twitter and took a screenshot of it, which he or she then sent to the Fort Worth police department's Facebook page. Considering this happened just days after two New York City police officers were killed while sitting in a police car by a deranged person who announced on Instagram he was planning to kill police, does anyone actually believe the teen shouldn't have been arrested and questioned for this dumb, frightening, misguided post?

The teen has been booked into Fort Worth jail and has a bail set at $500. Tamara Pena, a spokeswoman for the police department, has confirmed that the "rifle" used in the photo wasn't real and that weapons weren't found in his house, but that authorities feel people need to understand this isn't a "joke and it can be taken seriously."

More from The Stir: Teen Who Posted Threat to Shoot Up School Was Just Joking, Say Cops

Freedom of speech is not a good justification for this teen's actions -- neither is his age. As we all know, a 17-year-old is as capable of murder as an adult, and everyone needs to be reminded that we can't just make vague or real threats toward others on social media and then hide behind the First Amendment.

Toliver is one of several people who are learning the hard way that they don't have the god-given right to make others feel their lives may be in danger just because they feel inclined to share how badass they are with the world. On Monday, a Brooklyn grand jury failed to indict a 16-year-old boy named Yasin Shearin for posting "Let's Kill the Cops" on his Facebook page. The child's mother claims he didn't know what he was doing and was being treated unfairly and that children will be children. Like Toliver, Shearin reportedly posted the message beside a photo of a gun pointed at a police officer's head.

In all likelihood, Toliver will not be indicted. And perhaps he shouldn't be -- I understand he isn't an adult and that teens often do and say stupid things. But I hope the simple fact that he was arrested makes others stop and think before they post threatening messages that they then claim are examples of free speech.

Do you think this teen deserves to be arrested?

Image via Andrew Ratto/Flickr

Holy Moses, I can only hope that Justin Bieber is in on the joke that is becoming Justin Bieber. I know how awful that sounds and I apologize -- he is only 20, after all, and who hasn't seen video of himself at that age and not blanched in horror? But I don't know what else to think when I see him rocking a women's tunic and baggy leather pants (the words "baggy" and "leather" should never be used in the same sentence, by the way, but I digress) as he attempts a skateboard stunt in a very public place in New York City and fails miserably. And by "fails miserably," I mean has his behind handed back to him as he plummets down a staircase in front of Madison Square Garden.

So here's what happened: on a recent trip to NYC, a bleached-blond Justin decided he needed to be taken seriously as a skateboard pro, even though he makes a gazillion dollars a year singing pop songs that melt the hearts of 10-year-old girls everywhere. The young squire decided to try out a stunt, not at some park downtown, but in one of the most crowded areas in Manhattan: Madison Square Garden.

Because there aren't little staircases like this one everywhere in the city, I guess? But, again, I digress.

Obviously, Justin knew he would be filmed, and, obviously, he either could care less or cares a whole lot and did this precisely so that he could be filmed. None of us will ever fully comprehend the inner workings of this mastermind's brain, but we can all sit back and enjoy the results.

More from The Stir: Justin Bieber Gives Craziest Gift Ever -- To Himself (PHOTOS)

Did I say "enjoy"? I meant, be amazed by the fact that he keeps falling down -- and at one point, really takes a bad tumble -- yet continues to get up and try again. The more I watch this vid, the more I want to eat my previous words and bitter sarcasm because this child is nothing if not persistent, which is really quite admirable.

Here's Justin, Mastermind, Skateboard Wiz, and possibly -- judging by his very public appearance -- a pop star on the verge of releasing a secret album any minute now ...

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

What are your thoughts on Justin's public skateboard stunt?

Image via justinbieber/Instagram

Somewhere, in an office at Play-Doh's headquarters, a hundred heads are shaking so vigorously, we can almost hear them -- let's hope one or more don't start rolling after this debacle. The makers of the most innocent modeling clay/putty/what-is-it-exactly-we-don't-know are dealing with the wrath of thousands of confused and angry parents who purchased Play-Doh's Sweet Shoppe Cake Mountain Playset for their aspiring bakers and received an icing tool that looks exactly like a penis. A penis with veins and a ridge around the base and -- oh, the whole thing is pretty bad, and you just have to see the photo to understand the fury.

The $20 play set includes this instrument, which is meant to resemble a baker's pipette, but instead looks just like a baker's pipe (sorry, I couldn't resist):

Play-Doh, which is owned by Hasbro, has been dealing with complaints -- which have since been deleted -- on both its Facebook page and all over Twitter. Judging by the comments, it seems most parents understand that it's very unlikely the company put out something that looks like a penis on purpose. Still, they're having a difficult time understanding how in the hell no one stopped production at some point and said to themselves, Well, hey, that looks a lot like a very different kind of toy.

Apparently, Play-Doh realized its mistake about a month ago, when the company promised they would update the play kit with a less phallic-looking tool. They even provided this phone number -- 800-327-8264 -- and said they would send concerned parents a replacement part.

More from The Stir: Disgusting Toy Trend Sends a Bad Message to Our Kids

So, here's the thing: this is more of a problem for parents than their children, most of whom I assume (um, I hope) will have no idea what a penis looks like. The fact that so many parents are making a fuss about this is really kind of funny. My 3-year-old is obsessed with doctor kits, every single one of which contains a needle that looks exactly like a male sex organ. Her Sofia the First microphone? Total penis.

All kidding aside, I have to admit I'd be a little freaked watching my little girl squeeze this thing or whatever you do with it. And my husband's reaction would, I have no doubt, be far worse. It's just kind of creepy and there's no reason why it has to look EXACTLY like a penis.

Would you complain if your child received this toy?

Image via Dennis Brekke/Flickr

Well, it's a good thing this news came out after Christmas, when Chinese food is apparently 150 percent more popular than it is at all other times of the year. The FDA has uncovered something absolutely horrific for those of us who love our Peking duck: a Brooklyn-based company that supplies myriad Chinese restaurants on the East Coast and in the Midwest has been cited for some pretty revolting health code violations. Prepare yourself for the worst, because it's that bad.

When inspectors visited New Yung Wah Trading Co., they probably emerged ready to gag. Because here's what they reportedly found: Dead rodents and birds. No, not dead birds ready to be transported and transformed into delicious kung pao chicken ... Allow me to quote directly from the FDA's letter: "Birds flying throughout the warehouse."

And there's more.

A pallet of pineapples was discovered infested by a rodent NEST and rodent urine and feces covered bags of MSG. Yum?!

Now, you'd think the workers would at least be on their best behavior that day -- with inspectors visiting and all -- but nah. The employees handling the very food we eventually put into our bodies were reportedly smoking cigarettes while working. And no one thought to clean up the "puddles of standing water" that resulted from a faulty drain or sprinkle rodent poison in a way that would actually keep it away from the food we eat.

The same company has been in hot water before with the FDA and vowed to address their concerns but apparently has not yet. Because why would you rush to rid your facility of rats when they have made themselves a perfectly comfy love nest in your vat of pineapples?

More from The Stir: The Perfect Chinese New Year Menu Will Bring You Good Luck

As someone who could live off of hot and sour chicken, this disconcerting news is enough to keep me away from Chinese food for a long time -- at least until I hear that this company has shaped up. I'm sure I'm overreacting, but visions of rodents and, OMG, rodent nests mean there will be more Turkish grill in my take-out future.

Does this news affect your desire to eat Chinese food?

Image via J B/Flickr

A Utah mom and her two children have experienced what police are calling "an absolute miracle." Heather Slack was reportedly driving west on the icy I-80 with her son and daughter on Tuesday afternoon when the unimaginable occurred: while attempting to cross over into another lane to get away from a large tanker truck -- and who hasn't been there and done that? -- her vehicle reportedly hit a patch of ice, and she and her children wound uppinned beneath the huge tanker.

Slack says she didn't realize at first what had happened and had no idea they were actually trapped under the truck. In fact, she and her children began screaming because they thought they were falling off a cliff. They said they could hear noises but didn't know what they were.

As it turns out, the fuel tanker dragged their car 200 yards before it was able to stop. The horrific sounds the family had heard were those of metal screeching across the pavement.

The car's roof didn't survive the impact of the truck's weight and was smashed, but here's where the first little miracle comes into play: "pods" formed around the mom and her two kids that protected them from injury.

And now for miracle #2: all three victims of this frightening crash emerged from their vehicle -- with the help of an emergency crew, of course -- totally unscathed. Not a scratch, not a bruise. Paramedics checked them out and they walked away from the scene without even having to step foot inside of a hospital.

More from The Stir: Horrific 100 Car Pileup Leaves 2 Dead, 80 Injured & Many Others Stranded (VIDEO)

Police say the accident may have happened because Slack was driving too fast for the icy conditions on the road. I don't even want to think about the fact that the truck was carrying 8,000 gallons of fuel. This really could have been an absolutely heartbreaking tragedy.

This amazing story should serve as a reminder to us of how important it is to drive at a snail's pace when the roads are icy. Black ice is pretty much transparent -- especially at night -- and can send your car flying at a speed that you simply can't control. So happy this family survived and can celebrate their New Year together.

Have you ever been involved in bad car accident?

Image via Cat Wendt/Flickr

Scary news from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which just declared a flu epidemic after 15 children have died from complications of the illness this season. This year's H3N2 strain is particularly severe and has reportedly resulted in the hospitalizations of both seniors and many children younger than age 4. Here's everything you need to know.

For reasons that experts can't explain, states in the South, Midwest, and Western parts of the country have been affected most. In Tennessee, an astounding six children have died from the flu this year and 442 children have been hospitalized at East Tennessee Children's Hospital this month alone.

The number of states that are reporting flu-like symptoms have increased from last week to this week -- from 13 to 22 -- and are being reported all over the country.

Health officials say that children are always at a greater risk when they contract the flu, but that low vaccination rates may have something to do with the widespread outbreak this year. It also doesn't help that the current vaccination offered doesn't seem to be very effective against this season's strain -- though doctors still say it's better to have some protection than none at all.

More from The Stir: 105 Heartbreaking Reasons to Give Your Kid the Flu Shot

Another aspect about the influenza virus that is baffling experts is the fact that it is infecting people earlier and earlier. Whereas it used to peak in February and March, it is now peaking toward the end of December, according to health officials.

The CDC reminds the public that the top three ways we can prevent the flu are by getting a flu vaccine, stopping the spread of germs by limiting our contact with sick people and washing our hands with soap and water, and taking flu antiviral drugs if a doctor prescribes them.

Are you worried about your children catching the flu this season?

Image via NHS Employers/Flickr

What's more heinous than committing a despicable crime against a child? There's only one thing I can think of: hiding and blaming someone else for it -- blaming your own granddaughter for it. A daycare operator in El Dorado, Kansas, reportedly finally confessed to burning a 2-year-old boy in her care with hot water from a detachable shower head because the child soiled his diaper instead of using the potty. This behavior is crazy enough, but what Mary Ann Garrett allegedly did next is simply unforgivable: police say she put the blame on her own 3-year-old granddaughter and then actually forced the child to spray hot water at the toddler so that she would think she was responsible for this.

Garrett reportedly ran an unlicensed operation out of her home and was in charge of taking care of little Caden Booth when she reportedly decided a punishment fitting for a young child who didn't get to the toilet on time was to be burned by scalding hot water from a shower head.

Caden spent more than one month in the intensive care burn unit recovering from second and third degree burns and police say he will suffer from scarring on his lower extremities his entire life. Doctors had to give him pain medication, according to his mother, and when he was released from the hospital, he was so badly injured that he had to learn how to walk again. The little boy is currently using a feeding tube to eat.

After Garrett was initially questioned and pointed fingers at her own flesh and blood, police say her story didn't sit well with them. Two months later, they brought her back in for questioning, which is when they say she ultimately confessed to the crime.

More from The Stir: Daycare Owner Charged With Killing 3-Year-Old Who Refused to Take Off Coat

The suspect has been charged with one count of child abuse and one count of interference with law enforcement. Her bond is set at $150,000 but authorities say that if she is able to post it, she isn't allowed to be anywhere near a child under the age of 18.

As a mom, I can't imagine the pain Caden's mother feels watching her son suffer needlessly. This is truly disgusting and we can only hope this innocent little poor angel grows up without any memory of what happened to him.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help this single mom cover Caden's medical expenses.

If Garrett is found guilty, what consequence do you feel she deserves?

Image via GoFundMe.com

Talk about bad timing. Just one day after we learned Gwyneth Paltrow might regret consciously uncoupling from Chris Martin because she believes her two children would have wanted them to stay together, a new photo is making the rounds that shows Jennifer Lawrence enjoying an intimate sushi dinner with Martin and it is believed that the image was captured on New Year's Eve, which could only mean one thing: the two have reconciled because, well, why else would you spend New Year's Eve together?

The 24-year-old actress and 37-year-old singer dated for four months and broke up in October. Now, for lots of couples, four months might be enough time to have a few good laughs and maybe start to fall in love, but it probably wouldn't make or break you. But it seemed like JLaw and Gwyn's ex were getting mighty serious there for a while -- meeting each other's family members and reportedly making holiday plans.

It's also been rumored that they've met up several times after their split and no one is entirely sure what the heck is actually going on between these two. Martin apparently spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day with Gwyneth and their kids because they are the most amicable exes on the planet who can peacefully break bread without wanting to hurl silverware across the room. Maybe Martin felt New Year's Eve was for lovers?

More from The Stir: Jennifer Lawrence & Chris Martin Might Not Be as Broken Up as They Say They Are

So, here's the photo that has been posted on Tumblr and Twitter and everywhere else. Take this rumor with a grain of salt. Some folks are swearing up and down that it was taken on NYE, while others say their dinner date took place on Dec. 30. And, of course, there's always the possibility that this was captured months ago, though that would mean the person who took this photo was disciplined enough to keep it to himself for all of that time -- not likely.

Do you think JLaw and Chris are back together?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

When in Rome ... do exactly the opposite of what you're supposed to -- that seems to be the attitude that has caused a few of Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner's followers to criticize them for posting photos on their Instagram accounts that they feel are totally disrespectful. The duo, along with a large crew of friends that includes Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson, rang in the New Year in Abu Dhabi, which is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates -- a country that frowns upon "immodest" attire. Selena and Kendall have posted photos on their social media accounts that some feel show way too much flesh and not enough respect for the country, its people, and customs.

While visiting a mosque on their trip, Selena reportedly posted this photo on her Instagram, which appears to have since been removed, showing her covered up from head to almost-toe. The singer flashed her ankle, which is a big no-no in the country:

As a Westerner who is used to seeing Kim Kardashian's oiled-up butt on any random Tuesday, I obviously do not have an issue with bare ankles, but I can understand why others might because it does seem like Selena lifted that skirt on purpose. Why not simply respect the customs of a country when you are spending time there? It isn't going to kill you to keep your skirt down.

Both Kendall and Selena also posted a photo that is causing some controversy. Here's a group shot of their gang outside of the mosque:

I do believe that's Selena's ankle -- again -- in that front row and some of their poses are a little silly, but I'm not sure they deserve the rage that ensued.

Here are just a few comments the photo received:

Quick -- get these folks out of Abu Dhabi before everyone realizes Kendall spent New Year's Eve inside of her hotel room dressed like this:

What do you think? Were Selena, Kendall, and their friends being disrespectful or just having fun on their overseas vacation?

Image via selenagomez/Instagram

While preparing to ring in the New Year, a family was overcome by tragedy in their Queens, New York, apartment after a fire broke out, killing three people and injuring five firefighters. Louise Jean-Charles, 59, her husband Napoleon Michel, 69, and 37-year-old relative Nadia Donnay were preparing a traditional Haitian New Year's soup called Joumou when a fire from their stove caused absolute devastation.

Jean-Charles' 36-year-old son Sergeory says he received a horrific phone call from a relative while celebrating at a party and was told a fire had broken out at his mother and stepfather's apartment, where they had lived for 30 years and were caring for Donnay, who reportedly suffered from a mental disability. He says he had visited his parents that evening and told them not to cook the soup and that they were happy and fine before he left.

The blaze started on the ninth-floor of their 18-story apartment building at around 11:45 p.m. Amazingly, it managed to stay contained within three or four rooms in their home and neighbors are saying if it hadn't been New Year's Eve there's no telling how many more people could have been injured since most residents would likely have been asleep and not able to call for help.

The fire department says 150 firefighters responded to the blaze and that it took two hours to put it out. Five firefighters reportedly suffered minor injuries. The bodies of the three victims were reportedly found dead inside of the apartment.

More from The Stir: 3 Grandsons Killed in House Fire While Visiting Their Grandmother for Christmas

Such a sad way for this family's relatives to start the new year. Our hearts go out to them today.

Image via Billie Ward/Flickr

Hilaria Baldwin -- Alec Baldwin's wife -- is mostly known for her impressive and sometimes incredibly annoying yoga poses, which she has performed everywhere from 35,000 feet in the air to on a train. We'll give her this much, though: she seems to be making Alec a very happy man, has even gotten him to show off a few poses he has learned, AND the couple share an incredibly cute 16-month-old daughter named Carmen, who will, no doubt, be doing downward dog by the time she is 2. Hilaria and Alec have some very exciting news to share on this New Year's Day -- they are expecting another baby! And they revealed the news with a truly gorgeous Instagram baby announcement.

Hilaria, 30, revealed she is pregnant with the couple's second child by posting this photo to her Instagram with the caption, "The sun has set on 2014 and on my year of daily #hilariaypd ....2015 is going to be very exciting as we are thrilled to announce we are expecting another little addition to our family! (tadasana) #yogapostureoftheday:"

Can you take all of the joy in this photo? From Hilaria's belly to Carmen touching her little brother or sister to Alex on one knee and their two pooches -- such happiness.

More from The Stir: Alec Baldwin & Hilaria Baldwin Welcome Baby Girl: All the Happy Details

I can't think of a better time to announce a pregnancy than the start of a new year. This adorable family has so much to look forward to in 2015 -- congrats to them!

What do you think of Hillaria's baby announcement?

Image via hilariabaldwin/Instagram

Health officials are warning the public that there is a possible measles outbreak in parts of Philadelphia -- including at a popular museum that attracts children -- after a person may have exposed others to the dangerous virus that causes the illness. The Pennsylvania Department of Health says others may have been exposed at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, as well as at a CVS Pharmacy.

The infected person reportedly visited the following locations:

CVS Pharmacy, located at 316 E. Lancaster Avenue, in Wayne, Pa. on Sunday, December 28, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Please Touch Museum, Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4321 Avenue of the Republic, in Philadelphia on Monday, December 29, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Health officials say that, although the measles vaccination is effective, those most at risk include:

Infants less than one year of age who are too young to have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Individuals who were vaccinated with an inactivated vaccine, which was used from 1963 through 1967, and have not been revaccinated

Individuals born after 1957 who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine

Individuals who refused vaccination

Individuals from parts of the world where there is low vaccination coverage or circulating measles.

One aspect of this that makes the whole thing a bit more frightening is that those who have been exposed to the measles virus often don't begin exhibiting symptoms until one to two weeks after exposure and can spread it to others for four days after and before they even see a rash on their bodies.

In addition to the appearance of a red rash that spreads across the face and down the body and can last four to seven days, other symptoms include a runny nose, cough, high fever, and watery eyes. The virus can be spread through sneezing, coughing, touching objects that contain the virus, and direct contact with infected mucus or saliva.

More from The Stir: Measles Outbreak Linked to Anti-Vax Church Pastor

Let's hope this possible outbreak stays contained and that anyone who believes he or she might have been exposed to the virus acts responsibly in order to keep it from spreading to others.

How do you feel about vaccinations? Do stories like this one affect your opinion of them?

Image via DFID - UK Department for International Development

A Florida man has been charged with decapitating his mother with an axe New Year's Eve because she asked him to perform some chores around the house. Christian Gomez, 23, allegedly killed 48-year-old Maria Suarez-Cassagne after she requested that he put a few boxes away -- and police say he admitted he had been planning her murder for days.

When police arrived at the victim's home at 7:24 p.m. on New Year's Eve, they reportedly discovered Suarez-Cassagne's decapitated body near some garbage cans outside of their home. The suspect had already fled the scene, and his 26-year-old brother, Mario Gomez, made the horrific discovery and called police.

Gomez says he was home at the time of the incident, but assumed the noises he heard were those of his brother putting boxes away. When Gomez entered their garage, he says he found the bloody axe lying on the floor and then noticed a trail of blood leading to the side of the house.

Not long after police arrived, they reportedly discovered Christian Gomez riding his bicycle a few blocks away. They questioned him and say he confessed to both killing his mother and planning to do so for two days prior to the crime.

Relatives reportedly say that Gomez was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was about 20 and was given prescription medications but that it isn't clear whether he was on them at the time of the murder.

In addition to being angry about the chores, police say the suspect was also upset because he believed his mother favored Mario over him.

Gomez has been charged with first-degree murder. He reportedly has a criminal history in Pinellas County that includes loitering and prowling, resisting officers without violence, and disorderly conduct.

Given Gomez's alleged mental illness, do you believe he deserves to serve time for this crime?

Image via Pinelllas County Sheriff's Office

A New Jersey mom and dad of four are enraged after they say United Airlines employees humiliated them by not letting their 3-year-old daughter with special needs sit on mom's lap during a recent flight from the Dominican Republic to Newark Airport. Elit Kirschenbaum says her daughter Ivy, who suffered a stroke in the womb and can't sit upright, was sitting peacefully on her lap and being greeted by flight attendants. Then one flight attendant approached them and demanded they place Ivy in the seat they had purchased for her -- as per FAA policy. Even after Kirschenbaum says she explained that her child couldn't physically sit up, she claims the airline workers were rude and delayed the flight one hour, ultimately humiliating their family.

Whether you're a mom or not, it's easy to empathize with Kirschenbaum because it must be extremely difficult to ensure her child is provided for everywhere she goes, given her special needs. Mom knew the most comfortable place for her child would be on her lap -- so she went about doing what she could to cater to her little girl's needs.

But I also empathize with the flight attendants. They were citing FAA regulations, which require that anyone over age 2 sit in his or her own seat. I'm betting 99 percent of people -- including the United Airlines staff in this case -- would have done anything in their power to help this woman and NOT create a scene. But we're talking about flight safety here, and it would have been risky and wrong to allow this mom to keep her daughter on her lap.

This story is a bit confusing, I'm afraid, for several reasons. One: United says that, by law, flight attendants MUST adhere to the safety regulations and that, in Ivy's case, FAA guidelines recommend an FAA-approved child safety seat.

But Kirschenbaum says this is the first time she has heard of this rule and that Ivy has sat on her lap on flights for the past "three-plus years."

Let's remember: it isn't clear whether this mom was allowed to have her daughter on her lap past age 2 on a United flight or a different airline, so it's difficult to comment on this point. Kirschenbaum says she isn't asking for a refund but believes United Airlines should apologize for the way they were treated.

More from The Stir: Airline Refuses to Let Boy in Wheelchair Fly

I don't feel anyone was acting out of malice here. From the information we have, it seems like this was a simple case of miscommunication -- one that, unfortunately, caused a great deal of embarrassment for this family.

Moms and dads can't rely on anyone else to prepare for them. We have to make sure we ask the right questions prior to flights and events, let people know we're traveling with children -- especially if our kids have special needs -- and gather all relevant information we need ahead of time.

With that said, I'm not sure how this family boarded the plane without someone -- an agent, flight attendant, someone -- asking whether the little girl had a child safety seat. This story reminds us that, as moms, we have to do our due diligence because we can't fly by the seat of our pants (pun intended) when we have children.

Do you think the airline owes this family an apology?

Image via Nan Palmero/Flickr

After a woman in Palm Bay, Florida, allegedly caught Johnathan Johnson going through her boyfriend's things at her home, 20-year-old Johnson reportedly confessed to her that he was indeed robbing her -- but only so he could buy his son gifts for Christmas. The woman obviously called police because what else does one do when a potentially dangerous person has broken into their home? But despite having every opportunity to run like the wind, the alleged thief reportedly stayed put and did something unbelievable.

The woman told police she asked the man to leave the premises, but that instead of doing so, he reportedly fixed a screen he had knocked in so that he could break into her apartment.

The victim also checked and realized she was missing $260. Yep, you can guess who had it. Johnson reportedly told her that he forgot to give it to her and returned her money -- as well as all of the belongings he had stolen from her.

Being a nice guy only gets you so far, I'm afraid. Police still arrested the young man and charged him with theft.

If I were in this woman's shoes, I could see being tempted to let the suspect off the hook. But doing so would have been socially irresponsible. Maybe the suspect is really just a nice kid who got mixed in with the wrong folks and who suffered from a momentary lapse of reason. Let's hope getting arrested is the best thing to happen to this suspect.

Would you have let this suspect off the hook?

Image via Trebz/Flickr

It isn't difficult to imagine how many people would react if they came home and found their loved one being attacked -- or allegedly raped: I'm guessing a great many would lash out now, ask questions later. This is exactly what reportedly happened when William Mattson's nephew returned to his home in Conway, South Carolina, on New Year's Eve and allegedly found his 52-year-old uncle on top of his girlfriend in their bedroom. Assuming he had raped his girlfriend, the man reportedly beat the suspect so badly that he left him with one eye swollen shut, bloody lips, and a face full of bruises and cuts.

Police say Mattson, who was charged with first degree sexual assault, sexually assaulted the young woman after she returned home from a party. When the boyfriend walked in, he reportedly had to peel his uncle off of his girlfriend, and then struck him repeatedly -- which he claims he did out of self-defense.

The nephew then called police and, while telling them his side of the story, Mattson actually cut in and interjected, saying the sex was consensual and that he was drinking with the woman and they began hugging and kissing before moving into the bedroom.

His statement reportedly triggered his nephew's desire to try and hit him again -- right in front of the police.

The victim has denied the suspect's claims, by the way.

More from The Stir: Father Who Beat 5-Year-Old Daughter's Rapist to Death Will Go Free, Because He Deserves To

This photo of the suspect has been making the rounds and really shows the fury his nephew must have felt when doling out this punishment. Warning: it's not easy to look at:

As far as we know so far, this man's nephew has not been charged for beating the suspect.

Do you think the nephew should face consequences for allegedly beating the suspect after he caught him on top of his girlfriend?

Image banspy/Flickr

Image via J. Reuben Long Detention Center

Out of absolute devastation came one ray of hope. A 7-year-old girl reportedly survived a plane crashin Kentucky Friday night with only nonlife-threatening injuries, while the Piper PA-34's pilot and three passengers -- including two children -- perished in the horrific accident. The details of the crash are horribly sad and the fact that this child, whose name has been withheld at the request of her family, managed to get out alive is nothing short of miraculous.

Investigators say the plane took off from Key West, Fla., and was headed for Mount Vernon, Ill., when the pilot reported engine trouble while flying over Kentucky. He reportedly lost contact with air traffic control and that was the last time anyone heard from him.

Until the brave 7-year-old survivor reportedly knocked on Larry Wilkins' door in Lyon County and told the homeowner she had been involved in a plane crash. Wilkins says the girl's lips were quivering, her arms and legs were scratched up, and she was barefoot except for one sock, but she had somehow managed to free herself from the wreckage and to seek help.

The police launched an investigation and found the plane crash site about two hours later.

The deceased have been identified as Marty Gutzler, 49, his wife, Kimberly Gutzler, 45, their 9-year-old daughter Piper, and 14-year-old Sierra Wilder, the survivor's cousin.

More from The Stir: Mother & 2 Very Young Sons Among 6 Dead After Plane Crashed Into Their House

It still isn't clear how the survivor is related to the other victims of the crash.

How unbelievably tragic. Our hearts are bursting for this little girl as she recovers from this experience.

Image via BobMacInnes/Flickr

Ever get the feeling some people are fervently looking for reasons to get angry? Here's one: Madonna recently posted photos on her Instagram of some of her heroes -- Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, John Lennon, and Bob Marley -- along with a photo of herself that is making lots of folks jump to all sorts of silly conclusions and say that the pop singer fancies herself a freedom fighter along the same lines as MLK. Well, perhaps she does believe she fights for freedom -- and I could argue she has always fought for freedom of expression -- but her photos and the message she is trying to deliver with them are so obvious that it's disappointing to think anyone would make this into a thing.

Madonna's upcoming album is called Rebel Hearts -- the cover of which can be seen here. In an effort to promote it -- and self-promo is something the singer has always excelled at -- she has photoshopped the image so that icons like Marilyn Monroe and Homer Simpson are featured with their famous faces wrapped in black rope. Here's an example of one that didn't piss everyone off:

Apparently, doctoring Homer doesn't get you in hot water, but doing the same to MLK does:

Lots of people got the idea that Madonna was comparing herself to the civil rights leader and trying to make a grandiose statement about how she is plagued by the same struggles as MLK and Nelson Mandela -- whose image she also photoshopped.

Oi. Calm down, Internet.

More from The Stir: Madonna's Latest Selfie Is Her Most Embarrassing Photo Yet

Because people love to be offended by everything, Madonna, I guess, realized she had to explain herself, which makes me a little sad because you're effing MADONNA. Don't explain yourself. But, anyway, she posted this photo of John Lennon with the following caption:

I would like to thank all my fans for recreating my album cover with the Rebel Heart ribbon on the faces of so many Great Hero's. It shows that you are also celebrating and in admiration of these great freedom fighters! When I repost these images i am saying YES! These people are all Rebel Hearts in one way or another from Martin Luther King to Jesus to Nelson Mandela to John Lennon. YES! Lets celebrate them! The world needs more people like them. I hope to one day accomplish. 1 100th of what these Rebel Hearts have accomplished. As I Said in a previous post "I walk in the footsteps of Giants" and i will continue to do so G*D willing. They are my guiding light. #rebelheart�#livingforloveFollow

Let's hope that puts an end to this so-called scandal. Sigh.

Do you think Madonna's photos make it seem as if she's comparing herself to MLK, Nelson Mandela, and other greats?

Images via madonna/Instagram

A few years ago, a 45-year-old woman from Tennessee spent thousands of dollars on IVF treatments -- that worked like magic. Angel Watts gave birth to two sets of twins that are about two years apart from one another. But she now has six unused embryos left over from her prodecures and is doing an amazing thing by donating them for adoption. There's just one catch: Watts has a list of rules a mile long for the parents-to-be.

Watts and her husband, Jeff Watts, who are parents to 3-year-old twins Alexander and Shelby and 16-month-old twins Angelina and Charles, posted about their embryo donation on Facebook in December, vowing to provide the same joy to other parents that they felt after struggling to conceive for seven years.

They placed their healthy embryos with the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville two years ago and waited. And waited. You'd think thousands of parents would flock to the center with great interest, but here's stipulation #1: potential parents must agree to take ALL SIX embryos because Watts doesn't want the siblings separated.

That's quite a commitment for most families and it's easy to see why that might stop couples dead in their tracks.

Here are some other conditions potential parents must meet:

They must agree to not wait too long in between implantations so that there isn't a large age gap between siblings.

They should be around 35 years of age or younger.

They should be married for several years and have strong Christian backgrounds.

They shouldn't already have children.

They should be from Tennessee.

They should be open to communicating with the Watts family so that their offspring can meet and have a relationship with the Watts' children -- and at least meet up every year or every few years.

They should be financially able to handle raising six children -- honestly, Amen to that.

These are Watts' embryos and she is within her right to request that parents meet conditions she deems important -- but, of course, an argument can obviously be made that there are a great many parents struggling to conceive who can't place a check beside each of these categories, yet would still provide a loving home for a child.

More from The Stir: 'I Adopted My Daughters As Embryos': 1 Mom's Story

At the end of the day, Watts is providing a wonderful gift to some lucky couple out there. Hoping it works out for them and that they find a suitable match sooner rather than later.

Do you think it's fair for this couple to include a list of rules for parents interested in adopting their frozen embryos?

Image via MIKI Yoshihito/Flickr