Pennsylvania woman sues Disney over alleged 'stampede' incident at Magic Kingdom

ORLANDO, Florida. – A Pennsylvania woman has filed a lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, seeking at least $50,000 in damages after she claims she was injured in a stampede on Main Street at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Debra O'Steen filed the lawsuit in Orlando state court on August 12, 2024, claiming she suffered permanent injuries due to an uncontrolled crowd during a busy day at the theme park. The incident reportedly occurred on June 25, 2024, as O'Steen was walking down Main Street as the park was “crowded and extremely busy” before an unspecified event.

According to the three-page complaint, O'Steen was knocked over in the crowd, causing what the indictment calls “permanent injuries” that caused her loss of earnings, mental anguish and a “loss of the ability to lead and enjoy a normal life.”

The lawsuit alleges that Disney acted negligently by failing to control crowds, ensure the safety of the property and failing to adequately warn guests of the potential dangers of the situation. O'Steen also stressed that at the time of the incident, she was a “commercial guest” – a legal term that refers to people invited to a property for business purposes. Under Florida law, commercial guests enjoy the highest legal protections, which require property owners to maintain a safe environment and warn guests of any known dangers that may not be obvious.

O'Steen is seeking compensation for her medical expenses, loss of wages, and the ongoing effects of her injuries. The lawsuit alleges that these losses are “permanent or ongoing” and that she will continue to suffer in the future as a result of the incident.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit.

If there is anyone who should preach humility and the fight for survival to the American people, then former First Lady Michelle Obama is probably not the best ambassador. Since leaving the Oval Office, the Obamas have amassed an incredible fortune and are far removed from the everyday problems of the average American.

Imagine being worth $70 million, living in mansions from Martha's Vineyard to Hawaii, and then casually reminding people to beware of greed. Yes, that's exactly the vibe Michelle Obama is spreading. The message that we should beware of the pitfalls of wealth is true, but it feels very different when it comes from someone who can shell out $750,000 for an hour-long speech.

The real irony? Her parents' wisdom about not taking more than you need is worth its weight in gold. But it's hard not to see the discrepancy when you're sitting on four luxury properties worth more than most people's wildest dreams

Michelle and Barack Obama own not one, not two, but four Homes, including an $11.75 million estate on Martha's Vineyard, an $8.7 million beach paradise in Hawaii, and an $8.1 million apartment in Washington DC. Oh, and let's not forget the Chicago home they managed to snag for a paltry $1.65 million. This is the kind of real estate portfolio that screams, “We're fine, thanks,” and yet they tell us to be suspicious of those who take more than they need.

The mental gymnastics required to reconcile these two realities should be an Olympic sport.

Let's face it: Most of us would faint at the thought of $65 million, but for the Obamas, it's just another Tuesday. While it's great that they've turned their story into a cash cow, their humble boasts of being down-to-earth seem a little, well, arrogant. If anything, they're proof that the American dream is alive and well – if you can land a few multimillion-dollar deals along the way.

It's especially annoying when super-rich people remind the rest of us to be careful with money. It's like they're trying to understand us, but from their million-dollar kitchens with sea views. Yes, we get it, money isn't everything. But when you think about which villa you're going to spend your vacation in every day, it's a bit hard to take that advice seriously. Perhaps the message would resonate better if it came from someone who doesn't live in a palatial estate.

Ultimately, it's not that the Obamas – or any other wealthy celebrities – are wrong when they point out the dangers of greed. It's just that the message gets a little muddled when it's delivered by a mountain of money. So while we nod in agreement, we can't help but roll our eyes a little too.

CHICAGO,— Planned Parenthood offered free reproductive health services at a mobile clinic near the United Center on Monday and Tuesday to coincide with the Democratic National Convention. The organization offered vasectomies, medication abortions and emergency contraception by appointment at the clinic, which was just blocks from the venue.

It has been confirmed that about 30 pregnancies have been terminated so far.

The initiative aimed to assist people who entered Illinois from states where access to these services was significantly restricted following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Many states have imposed strict restrictions or outright bans on abortion and other reproductive services since the ruling.

“We’re really excited to give the thousands of people who come to Illinois the opportunity to show them that it is possible to close some of the gaps in people’s health care,” said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Great Rivers.

Over the course of two days, Planned Parenthood reported that between 20 and 30 patients were treated at the mobile clinic. The unit was funded in partnership with Action 2024, Chicago Abortion Fund and The Wiener's Circle.

The mobile clinic's presence was independent of the conference and focused exclusively on providing better access to reproductive health care to those in need.