Pope Praises Activists of Youth Climate Change; Says Their Work Is "for the Good of Humanity"

 Pope Francis praised a youth climate activist conference yesterday for the participants' "dreams and projects of goodness" and encouraged them to keep up their action to combat climate change, the Yahoo News website reports today (September 30, 2021).

Speaking via video to the Youth 4 Climate event in Milan, which drew 400 young activists from 197 countries, the pope said their work is "for the good of humanity," and it "is capable of challenging the adult world."

The pope has long advocated environmental protection and has been outspoken about climate change.

Source: Pres. Biden to Meet Pope in Late Oct.; Prefecture for the Pontifical Household Gave Info

 A source at the Apostolic Palace has revealed that Pope Francis is expected to receive Joe Biden on October 29, in the U.S. president's first official visit to the Vatican since his inauguration, the National Catholic Register website reports today (September 29, 2021).

The source said that its information came from the Prefecture for the Pontifical Household.

The Prefecture is responsible for the organization and protocol of meetings.

FBI Reports Worst Murder Spike in Half-Century; More Than 21,500 Americans Were Killed in 2020

 The FBI says 2020 was the most dangerously violent year in more than half a century, the CBN News website reports today (September 28, 2021).

While the world was dealing with COVID-19, civil unrest, and many other unknowns, homicides were hitting an all-time high. More than 21,500 people were murdered in America last year. 

The pandemic and higher gun sales are being cited as reasons for the surge in violence. Another factor may be the high number of police officers leaving the force in cities across the country.

NY Gov.:Unvaccinated People Don't Listen to God; God Helped Us Come Up with Vaccine for COVID

People who have not received the coronavirus vaccine "aren't listening to God," New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared in remarks yesterday to Brooklyn's Christian Cultural Center, the Breitbart website reports today (September 27, 2021).

"I prayed a lot to God during this time... and God did answer our prayers," Hochul stated before denigrating those who have not yet received a coronavirus shot. 

"God made the smartest men and women, the scientists, the doctors, the researchers -- He made them come up with a vaccine. That is from God to us and we must say, thank you, God. Thank you." 

Serb Pres. Rips Silence of Kosovo Occupation; Pristina's Armored Vehicles Occupy N.Kosovo

 Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says foreign partners are turning a blind eye in a security crackdown in Serb-majority areas of Kosovo, where breakaway region's forces have brought essential cross-border traffic to a halt, the RT website reports today (September 26, 2021).

"The complete occupation of northern Kosovo and Metohija with armored vehicles by Pristina has been going on for the past seven days, and everyone in the international community stays thunderously silent," Vucic said today.

The statement refers to the ongoing crisis in northern Kosovo, involving several crossings into inner Serbia, which have been blocked by authorities of Kosovo after the government in Pristina banned cars with Serbian license plates from entering the region.

Vaccine CEO:Pandemic to End by Mid-2022; There Will Be Vaccine for Everyone by Then

 The chief executive officer of the company that produced the Moderna vaccine, Stephane Bancel, said yesterday a boost in COVID jab production will mean there's enough for "everyone on this Earth" by next year, the Mirror website reports today (September 25, 2021),

Bancel said a boost in vaccine production should mean enough jabs for "everyone on the Earth" by the middle of next year.

He added: "Those who do not get vaccinated will immunize themselves naturally, because the Delta variant is so contagious."

Army Cuts Retention Time for Troops to Reenlist; Cuts Time from 15 Months before Separation to 12

 The Army is changing its retentions program for fiscal 2022 by shrinking the window of time during which soldiers can reenlist, the Army Times website reports today (September 24, 2021).

The modifications reduce the options available to soldiers who want to re-up.

The service is reducing its "Reenlistment Opportunity Window" from 15 months prior to a soldier's scheduled separation to 12 months, according to an Army news release today.

Anti-Semitism Rises at Colleges Despite COVID; Jews Fear Being Attacked, Hide Jewish Identity

 Anti-Semitism is on the rise at U.S. colleges despite COVID-19, The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law reports today (September 23, 2021).

Students are feeling unsafe, concerned about being verbally or physically attacked as Jews. 

Young adults are concluding that to avoid anti-Semitism they must view their religion and Jewish identity as something to hide, not celebrate. 

Pope Seeks Synods to Supplement Bishops' Duties; Women Can't Vote in Synods and Can't Be Priests

 In Pope Francis' vision for the future of the Catholic Church, bishops will no longer make decisions alone but  in dialogue and discernment with the faithful in their community, the Religion News website reports today (September 22, 2021).

When it comes to the voice of women in the church, though, it may not be enough.

The question of the role of women in church leadership remains one of the biggest ecclesial and social challenges in the Catholic Church. Despite Pope Francis' appointment of women in leadership positions at the Vatican, women are not allowed to vote in synods -- the summit of bishops at the Vatican -- and cannot be ordained.

Biden to UN:1st Time in 20 Yrs. US Is Not at War; Says US Is Now Opening a New Era of Diplomacy

In his first address to the United Nations General Assembly since taking office, President Biden today (September 21, 2021) noted that his speech also marked  "the first time in 20 years that the United States is not at war," the Yahoo News website reports. 

"We've ended 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan," he said. "As we close this period of relentless war, we're opening a new era of relentless diplomacy." 

Biden's appearance at the UN comes less than a month after the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, which triggered the quick collapse of the Western-backed government and military, allowing the Taliban to control the country.

Doctor Violates Texas Abortion Ban to Test Law; Feels Law Banning Abortion Is Unconstitutional

 A Texas abortion doctor said that he willingly violated the state's new heartbeat abortion ban and is ready to be sued in order to challenge the law in court, the Christian Headlines website reports today (September 20, 2021).

Alan Braid, an abortion doctor in San Antonio, said he believes the law -- which prohibits an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected -- is unconstitutional.

"I acted because I had a duty of care to this patient..." Braid wrote. "I fully understood that there could be legal consequences -- but I wanted to make sure that Texas didn't get away with its bid to prevent this blatantly unconstitutional law from being tested." 

Pope: Church Must Listen to Call of Survivors; Care of Abused Children Must Not Be Sidelined

 Pope Francis yesterday called on the Church to "listen to the call" of survivors of clerical sexual abuse and said care of children must not be sidelined in favor of managing the Church's reputation, the Catholic News website reports today (September 19, 2021).

"Only by facing the truth of these cruel behaviors and humbly seeking the forgiveness of the victims and survivors will the Church be able to find its way to be once again confidently considered a place of welcome and safety for those in need," the Pope said. 

He added... "If we recognize our mistakes, we will have nothing to fear, because it will be the Lord Himself who will have led us to that point.

Federal Judge Upholds Tex. Anti-Abortion Law; Despite Request by Biden to Block Pro-Life Law

 A federal judge has rejected the Bidwn administration's emergency request to block Texas abortion law, marking the latest setback for abortion advocates seeking to overturn the pro-life measure, the Christian Post website reports today (September 18, 2021).

In an opinion released September 16, U.S. District Judge Robert Pittman rejected the request of the U.S. Department of Justice to issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction against Texas' Senate Bill 8.

The law, which went into effect September 1, bans abortion after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually around six weeks gestation.

FDA Panel Rejects Biden's Vaccine Booster Plan; Vaccine May Increase Risk of Heart Inflammation

With the Biden administration set to roll out its COVID-19 vaccination booster plan next week, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel today (September 17, 2021) voted 16-2 to reject one of Pfizer's booster vaccine in people ages 16 and older, according to the WND website.

The panel said there is insufficient data to judge the risks to younger groups, including the possible increased risk for heart inflammation, particularly among males ages 16-17.

A new study from the University of California at Davis found that teenage boys are six times more likely to suffer from heart problems from vaccine than be hospitalized from COVID-19.

Pope Francis Refers to Abortion as "Murder;" Slams Cath. Bishops Who Use Biden Politically

 Pope Francis said yesterday that abortion is "murder," even soon after conception, but also appeared to criticize some U.S. Catholic bishops for dealing with U.S. President Joe Biden's pro-choice position in a political rather than pastoral way, the Reuters website reports today (September 16, 2021). 

On the flight returning from Slovakia to Rome, Francis was asked for his opinion about the debate within the U.S. Bishops Conference about whether Biden, who is Catholic, should be denied communion because of his support for  a woman's right to choose even  though he is personally against abortion.

"Abortion is murder. Those who carry out abortions kill," the pope said. 

Poll:Most Americans Angry at US Happenings; Only 26 Percent Said They Are Not Too Angry

According to a new CNN poll, most Americans are angry about how things are going in the United States, the Christian Headlines website reports today (September 15, 2021).

The poll, which was conducted online over a month between August and September 2021, found that 74 percent of Americans are somewhat (48 percent) or very (26 percent) angry about the way things are going in the U.S. today.

Only 26 percent said they were not too angry (17 percent) or not angry at all (8 percent) 

Few School Bus Drivers Keeps Some Kids Home; Mass.Uses National Guard to Drive School Buses

 America's schools have opened for the new school year, but some if the kids have not gone back to their classrooms,  the CNN website reports today (September 14, 2021).

The nationwide shortage of school bus drivers is one of the obstacles to get students into school classrooms.

Massachusetts has called up the National Guard to drive kids to and from schools.

Pope: Counter Fundamentalism with Schooling; Claims Sacred Are Exploited by Fundamentalists

 Unchecked poverty and ignorance help fundamentalist violence to take hold easily, Pope Francis said as he urged religious leaders and others in Bologna, Italy to counter the phenomenon by promoting schooling, the Yahoo News website reports today (September 13, 2001).

"We must help each other to free the horizon of the sacred from the dark clouds of violence and fundamentalism," Francis said.

The pope decried that about 5,000 people have been killed in places of worship throughout the world in the last 40 years. 

Pope in Hungary, Warns of Antisemitism Threat; Says We Must Work Together, Support Fraternity

Pope Francis warned today (September 12, 2021) of "the threat of antisemitism" in Europe and beyond in an address to Christian and Jewish leaders during a brief visit to Hungary, where he also met with anti-migration premier Viktor Orban, according to the Times of Israel website. 

"This is a fuse that must not be allowed to burn. And the best way to defuse it is to work together, positively, and to promote fraternity,"  the pontiff said. 

During the pope's one-day visit in Budapest, he was also set to meet with the country's bishops and various Christian congregants, as well as Hungary's Jewish community, the largest in Central Europe.  

Biden Won't Be Closing Guantanamo Bay Soon; Prisoners of 9/11 Attacks Won't Be Tried in 2021

President Joe Biden faces major obstacles to achieving his goal of closing the prison in Guantanomo Bay, Cuba, including opposition in Congress for the men accused of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Washington Post website reports today (September 11, 2021).

This week, the five men charged with helping plan those attacks, appeared in a pretrial hearing at the prison.

 

Their trial is not expected to begin until at least 2022.

US Justice Dept. Sues TX over Its Abortion Law; Says Law Banning Abortion Is Unconstitutional

The U.S. Justice Department yesterday sued Texas over a new state law that bans abortion, arguing it was enacted "in open defiance of the Constitution," the Newsy website reports today (September 10, 2021).

The Justice Department argues the law unlawfully infringes on the constitutional rights of women and violates the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which says federal law supersedes state law.

The Texas law prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect a heartbeat -- usually around six weeks -- before some women know they are pregnant.

Top 3 Christian Leaders Meet on Climate Control; Issue an Appeal to Stem Effects of Climate Change

 The world's three main Christian leaders met at Vatican City yesterday and issued a joint appeal to members of their Churches to "listen to the cry of the earth" and back action to stem the effects of climate change, the Reuters website reports today (September 9, 2021).

In "A Joint Message for the Protection of Creation," Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew asked Christians to pray that world leaders of all United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November make courageous choices.

"We call on everyone, whatever their belief or world view, to endeavor to listen to the cry of the earth and of people who are poor, examining their behavior and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth, which God has given us," the message said. 

Britney Spears' Dad Files to End Conservatorship; Says He No Longer Needs to Oversee Her Lifestyle

Britney Spears' father has filed an unexpected request to terminate the conservatorship that has controlled the singer's life for 13 years, The Guardian website reports today (September 8,  2021).

Jamie Spears, who is the conservator of his daughter's estate, said "recent events" called into question whether she still needed a court to oversee her personal affairs and finances. 

The filing at a court in Los Angeles states: "Ms. Spears (39) has told this court that she wants control of her life back without the safety rails of a conservatorship."

Hospital Firing Unvaccinated Is Sent Legal Letter; TX Methodist Health Can't Violate Fed.,State Law

Methodist Health System in Texas is firing dozens of workers for refusing to take the experimental COVID-19 vaccinations, the WND website reports today (September 7, 2021).

The Liberty Counsel has sent the corporation a letter saying the medical care company utilize only legal reasons for rejecting exemption requests based on religion, or the case could end up in court. 

"Methodist Health System cannot violate federal and state law and deny employees' religious exemptions to inject a drug into their body ..." said Liberty Counsel chief Mat Staver.

Pope Plans Key Reform in Church's Power Setup; Plans 2023 Synod to Decentralize Its Authority

 On October 9 and 10, 2021, Pope Francis will inaugurate a three-year preparation process and the 2023 Synod which will focus on reforming the synodal process , the Christian Headlines website reports today (September 6, 2021).

The preparation process and the 2023 Synod, with the theme "For a Synodal Church communion, participation and mission," have the potential to revolutionize the way decisions are made in the Catrholic Church and promote a more decentralized structure of authority.

The three-year synodal review process will take place in three phases: a local phase at the diocesan and parish level; a continental phase engaging bishops' conferences around the world; and a universal phase,  when bishops and lay people will convene in Rome to discuss the findings and topics developed in the first two phases. 

Taliban Holds 6 Planes Filled with US Hostages; Wants Recognition by US before Freeing Planes

 A hostage situation is brewing in Afghanistan as the Taliban refuses to allow six planes filled with Americans and Afghan allies to leave the country, the WND website reports today (September 5, 2021).

Texas Rep. Mike McCaul said today, "We have six airplanes at Mazar Sharif Airport -- six airplanes with American citizens on them as I speak, also with these interpreters -- and the Taliban is holding them hostage for demands right now." 

McCaul  added ..."They're not going to allow American citizens to leave until they get full recognition from the United States of America."

US Investigates Afghan "Child Bride" Evacuees; Human Trafficking Is Illegal in All 50 US States

U.S. authorities are now investigating  the cases of so-called "child brides" among the Afghans who fled Afghanistan in the past few weeks and are now in U.S. custody, the Yahoo News website reports today (September 4, 2021).

CBS News learned that "several" Afghan women and girls who were evacuated to facilities in the United Arab Emirates have told officials that their families forced them into marriage outside of the Kabul airport so that they would be eligible for evacuation.

Human trafficking is a federal crime and also illegal in every U.S. state.

Trump Will "Definitely" Run for Pres. in 2024; Due to Biden's Afghanistan Withdrawal Fiasco

 Former Donald Trump advisor Jason Miller and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) both revealed   after conversations with the former president that a 2024 run is happening, the RT website  reports today (September 3, 2021).

Miller and Jordan both indicated this week that a 2024 announcement was imminent and Trump was going to take advantage of President Joe Biden's poor handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal.

Reporter Lauren Windsor revealed this week that Jordan told her about Trump's plans to announce a plan for a run "any day now" during an event in Iowa, although Jordan denied ever saying  that.

Supreme Court OKs TX Law Banning Abortion; Abortion Is Illegal Once Heartbeat Is Detected

 A divided Supreme Court broke its silence yesterday and declined to block a Texas law that bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, the CBN News website reports today (September 2, 2021).

The court voted 5-4 to deny an emergency appeal from abortion advocates to stop the lsw that went into effect on September 1,

"What unimagined joy to see Roe crumbling in front of our very eyes," said Kyleen Wright, CEO of Texans for Life Coalition.

Texas Becomes First US State to Ban Abortions; Law Forbids Abortion Once Heartbeat Detected

 Texas has become the first state in the nation to enact a "Heartbeat" abortion law, which bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, the Biznewspost website reports today (September 1, 2021).

As of 12:00 a.m., September 1, "the Texas Heartbeat Act is in effect," said a statement from Texas Right to Life.

In a last-minute effort to block the law, abortion providers applied to the U.S. Supreme Court for an injunction, but the high court has not ruled on the matter.