Southwest Airlines Operations Back to Normal; Canceled over 15,000 Flights in Just over a Week

Southwest Airlines resumed normal operations on Dec. 30 after canceling more than 15,000 flights in just over a week, according to Flight Aware, which tracks flight status in real time, the USA Today website reports. 

"We appreciate the dedicated work of the Southwest team to restore our schedule, and we anticipate minimal disruptions for the weekend," the airlines said in a statement Dec. 30.  

Southwest's mass flight cancellations forced many passengers to improvise. The cancellations also left thousands of bags lost and left in piles at airports.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

UMC's Ga. Conference Blocks Church Departures; Says Info on Disaffiliation Exceeds Civil Discourse

 A  regional body of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Georgia will temporarily block member churches from leaving the denomination, citing the spread of "defamatory" misinformation about the United Methodist  Church and its disaffiliation procedure, the Religion News website reports today (Dec. 30, 2022). 

In an email sent Dec. 28, the North Georgia Conference of the UMC announced a "pause" on disaffiliations in the region until the UMC's global decision-making body, the General Conference, meets in 2024. 

The North Georgia Conference said in the email its leadership is committed to "the concept of the gracious exit" but claimed that "information presented to members of local churches about disaffiliation has been outside the bounds of normal and acceptable civil discourse." 

Ukraine Now Using Own Drones to Attack Russia; Finally Gives Russia a "Taste of Its Own Medicine"

 Ukrainian officials have made veiled references to using their own drones in attacks on Russian military bases recently, including a thwarted strike on Dec. 26 near the Engels air base, more than 370 miles from  the border with Ukraine, the USA Today website reports today (Dec. 29, 2022). 

The 1,400 UAVs Ukraine has purchased are meant mostly for surveillance and intelligence gathering, but the country is close to developing attacking drones that can fly suicide missions and hit targets, the country's chief technology minister said. 

"The next stage, now that we are more or less equipped with reconnaissance drones, is strike drones," Ukrainian digital transformation minister Mykhailo Fedorov said. "I can say already that the situation regarding drones will change drastically in February or March."

Health of Retired Pope Benedict XVI Worsens; Pope Francis Asks for Prayers, Visits Benedict

The health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has worsened due to his age, and doctors are constantly monitoring the 95-year-old's condition, the Newsy website reports today (Dec.28, 2022). 

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis went to visit his predecessor this morning in the monastery on Vatican grounds where the retired pontiff has lived since retiring in February 2013. 

"Regarding the health conditions of the emeritus pope, for whom Pope Francis asked for prayers at the end of his general audience this morning, I can confirm that in the last hours, a worsening due to advanced age has happened," Bruni said. 

Great News! Cure for Cancer Has Been Developed; New Technology Targets and Kills Cancer Cells

 For many years, one of the world's top scientists , synthetic organic chemist James Tour, has led a team developing next-generation technology to target and kill cancer cells with virtually no side effects, the WND website reports exclusively today (Dec. 27, 2022)

Tour, a professor of chemistry at Rice University in Houston, Tex., is using nanomachines -- the "motorized" organic molecules created in a lab that won three chemists a Nobel Prize in 2016 -- to target cancerous cells. 

After affixing themselves to the diseased cell, Tour's novel nanomachines  --  equipped with a rotor and a  stator -- are activated by ultraviolet light to drill through the cell membranes at a speed up to 3 million times per second. 

Russian Missiles Hit Ukraine Towns on Christmas; No Easing of Strikes Despite Putin's Peace Talk

The war in Ukraine did not pause for Christmas despite Russian President Vladimir Putin saying he was open to negotiations, with his forces launching more than  40 rocket attacks on Christmas day, the Euronews website reports today (Dec. 26, 2022).   

Ukraine's military said that Moscow forces had, in the previous 24 hours, shelled dozens of towns in Ukraine.  

In the Kherson region, Russia continues artillery shelling of populated areas, it added.                                                                                                                                                        

Poll:31% of Americans Go to Church Every Week; But 58% of Americans Seldom or Never Go

 A new survey shows that 31% of Americans go to church,  synagogue, or mosque every week or almost every week, the Worthy News website reports. 

However, the same poll shows that 58% seldom or never go to church. 

In the survey of 2,019 adults living in all 50 states and D.C. , Gallup asked , "How often do you usually attend church, synagogue, mosque or temple -- every week. almost every week, about once a month, seldom, or never?" In response, 22% said every week, 9% said almost every week, and 10% said about once a month.

Paris Gunman Kills 3,Wounds 3 at Muslim Ctr.; Clashes between Police, Protesters Break Out

 Clashes between protesters and police broke out in Paris yesterday, following a shooting that left three people dead and three others wounded, the Euronews website reports today (Dec. 24, 2022).

A gunman opened fire in the 10th arrondissement at a Kurdish cultural center.

The Paris prosecutor said the suspect had recently been released from prison for attacking migrants living in tents. 

Zelensky Visits Washington, D.C. for More Aid; Gets $2B in US Weapons, Patriot Missiles

 Volodymyr  Zelensky, president of Ukraine, yesterday got a ride in a U.S. government jet , a red-carpet welcome at the White House, and more than a dozen standing ovations from members of Congress  -- plus nearly $2 billion in new weapons -- including a Patriot air-defense system, which Ukraine's government hopes to use in defending its battered power grid from Russian missile barrages, the Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty website reports today (Dec. 23, 2022).

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine entering its 11th month, the question now is whether Zelensky got what he was seeking: a long-term U.S. commitment of aid and weaponry for a distant war in spite of persistent U.S. skepticism. 

"Zelensky is trying to solidify relations with his major supporter for what he now recognizes is going to be a long war," said Mark Cancian, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.                                                                                                                                                       

Switzerland Rejects Idea of 3rd Gender Option; Would Require Many Changes to Swiss Const.

 The Swiss government yesterday rejected the idea of introducing a third-gender or no-gender option of official records , the Euronews website reports today (Dec.22, 2022).

"The social preconditions for the introduction of a third gender or for a general waiver of the gender entry in

 the civil registry currently are not there," the Federal Council said. 

It added that such options would require "numerous" changes to the Swiss Constitution and to laws both at the national level and in the country's 26 cantons. 

European Bishops Seek Xmas Peace in Ukraine; Rip Russian Aggression Causing Ukraine Sadness

In their annual Christmas message, European bishops lamentd the fact that many Ukrainians will not experience a joyful holiday with family, but rather will celebrate far from home or under the

 threat of bombs, the Crux website reports today (December 21, 2022).

Given the special message of love, hope, and peace associated with the season, Christmastime is important for many whether they adhere to the Christian faith or not, they said, lamenting that for some, "these are particularly trying times" when the seasonal spark of joy is harder to find.  

"We  think especially of the immense suffering of the people in Ukraine, and those who have been forced to flee from their homes to seek refuge from the brutal military invasion initiated more than nine months ago," they said.

Pope Orders Parthenon Marbles Go to Greece; Sign of Pope's Desire to Enhance Ecumenism

 In an effort to enhance religious unity between the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, Pope Francis has decided to return to Greece three 2,500-year-old pieces of the Parthenon that have been in the papal collections of the Vatican Museums for two centuries, the Guardian website reports today (Dec.20, 2022).

The Vatican said that the pope was giving them to Archbishop Ieronymos II, head of the Greek Orthodox Church and Greece's spiritual leader, as a "donation"and "concrete sign of his sincere desire  to follow the ecumenical path of truth." 

The Parthenon, which is on the Acropolis in Athens, was completed in the fifth century BC as a temple to the goddess Athena.

Pope Signed Resigned Letter Pending Bad Health; Signed Letter in the Early Stages of His Papacy

Although he gave no indication he plans to retire soon, Pope Francis in a new interview said he has already signed a letter of resignation in case he is incapacitated and unable to perform his duties , the Crux website reports today (Dec. 19, 2022). 

Speaking to Spanish news site ABC, Pope Francis said "I have already signed my renunciation," indicating he penned the document in the early stages of his papacy, when  his Secretary of State was still Italian Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone who served in that capacity for the first seven months of Francis's papacy. 

In the interview, conducted yesterday, Francis said he gave Bertone his signed letter  of resignation, saying "If  I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my renunciation. Here you have it." 

Jesus Taught Peace in Holy Land the Right Way; With Love and God, Not Wealth and Mil. Might

 While the earth is a holy creation of God, Bethlehem and the surrounding lands that Jesus walked upon, miraculously acted upon, suffered and died upon, and gloriously resurrected upon is uniquely holy, and thus deserving the title Holy Land, the Independent Catholic News website reports today (Dec. 18, 2022). 

In the Holy Land, the Prince of Peace taught humanity the way to true peace.

In word and deed, Jesus showed the world that love, especially to love as He loved to the full, with justice, merciful forgiveness, solidarity, compassion, special care for the poor and vulnerable, nonviolence and complete trust in God -- not trusting in material wealth and military might -- are the necessary steps we must take if we truly desire to walk the path of peace. 

New Zealand Passes Law Banning Youth Smoking; Forbids Smoking by Anyone Born in 2009 or Later

 The parliament of New Zealand has passed a law banning smoking by anyone born in 2009 or later, My Modern Met website reports today (Dec. 17, 20222).

"We want to make sure young people never start smoking, so we make it an offense to sell or supply tobacco products to new cohorts of youth," said Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall.

He added, "People aged 14 when the new law comes into effect will never be able to legally purchase tobacco."

Judge Hits Biden Bid to End "Remain in Mexico" Policy; Pres. Trump Began It to Make Asylum Seekers Stay in Mexico

 A federal judge on Dec. 15 temporarily blocked the Biden administration from ending a Trump-era policy requiring asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court, the Newsy website reports today (Dec. 16, 2022).

"It's a common sense policy to prevent people from entering our country illegally," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted after the ruling.

Under President Donald Trump, about 70,000 asylum seekers were forced to wait in Mexico for U.S. hearings. President Joe Biden suspended the policy  in January 2019, saying it "goes against everything we stand for as a nation of immigrants."

US Can Expect Various Viral Diseases in 2023; Will Be Hit by Surge in COVID -19, Influenza

 The U.S. is starting to see a surge of COVID-19 as winter nears, and that is packing emergency departments and filling hospital beds as millions of people prepare for holiday travel and get-togethers, the UPI website reports today (Dec. 15, 2022).

There are worrisome signs that widespread diseases will continue well into the first few months of 2023.

These threats include an  "alphabet soup," rather than a single coronavirus variant to confront, an early severe start to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and a powerful influenza season that may produce more co-infection with COVID-19.

US Plans to Send Patriot Missiles to Ukraine; Could Block Russian Missile Hits, Strike Russia

 The CNN website announced on Dec. 13 that the administration of President Joe Biden is finalizing plans to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, the RT website reports today (Dec.14, 2022).

Kiev has been requesting the American air defense systems for months, as Russia continues its strikes on Ukraine military and infrastructure targets. 

The plan is in its final stages and needs approval from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin before it can be sent to Biden's desk for his signature. The plan could be implemented as soon as this week.

Pope Seeks World Leaders' Prisoner Xmas Clemency; Says Prisoners Deserve Grace Coming from the Lord

Pope Francis has written a letter to all heads of state asking for a "gesture of clemency" for inmates in the run-up to Christmas, the Catholic News website reports today (Dec. 13, 2022). 

In a letter addressed to all heads of state,  he invites them to make a symbolic gesture "towards our brothers and sisters who are deprived of  their liberty and who are held eligible to benefit from such a provision." 

A statement issued yesterday by the Director  of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, calling for clemency for inmates states: "So that this time marked by tensions , injustice, and conflicts may be opened to the grace that comes from the Lord."

Heart Deaths Tend to Occur on Cold or Hot Days; Based on Analysis of 32M Cardiovascular Deaths

 More people die of heart diseases on extreme temperatures , according to an analysis of millions of cardiovascular deaths, the Euronews website reports today (Dec. 12, 2022).

Research published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation found people with heart failure experienced the most additional deaths when temperatures were extreme. 

They analyzed health data for more than 32 million cardiovascular deaths that occurred across hundreds of cities in 27 countries around the world between 1979 and 2019.

Court Kills Biden's Mandate Forcing Doctors to Abort; Planned to Revoke Rule Protecting Med Workers from Aborting

 A federal appeals court has permanently blocked Joe Biden's controversial mandate attempting to force Christian doctors to kill babies in abortions, the Life News website reports today (Dec. 11, 2022).

Christian medical leaders raised the alarm about a new peo-abortion mandate from the Biden administration that could shut down Christian health care throughout the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services officials planned to revoke a Trump administration rule that protected pro-life medical workers from being forced to kill unborn babies in elective abortions. 

US Catholic Population Grows by 2M in 10 Yrs.; Most US Catholics Now Live in South of Nation

The Catholic population  in the U.S. has grown by about 2 million people in 10 years, the Catholic World Report website reports today (December 10, 2022). 

With  nearly 62 million people , Catholicism continues to constitute the largest religious body in 36 states, according to the latest religion-focused survey of  America's religious congregations. 

Although the northeast and midwest used to have the most Catholics, the South now has  more Catholics than any other U.S. region.

Biden Set to Sign Same-Sex Marriage Bill in Law; House, Senate Passed the Respect Marriage Act

President Biden now has on his desk a bill that would codify same-sex marriage in federal law and provide legal grounds to prosecute or remove privileges and rights from individuals and institutions that hold to marriage as a lifelong conjugal union between one man and one woman, the WND website reports today (Dec. 9, 2022). 

The U.S. House voted yesterday -- with 30 Republicans joining 219 Democrats -- to pass the Respect Marriage Act, and Biden has promised to sign it. 

The House passed a previous version of the bill in July, but had to vote again after the Senate added a religious liberty amendment. 

Scientists: Immune Systems Hit Viral Intruders; Finding May Help in Treating Common Colds

 Winter comes hand in hand with a spike in common colds and other respiratory infections, the Euro News website reports today (Dec. 8, 2022).

Scientists have now uncovered how  the immune system inside our noses attacks viral intruders and this finding could help develop future treatments against the common cold and other viral diseases such as COVID-19. 

Pope Unveils Vatican Christmas Tree for 2022; Urges Faithful to Stay Rooted in Jesus at Xmas

 As this year's Vatican Christmas tree and nativity scene were unveiled on Dec. 3, Pope Francis reminded the faithful to "stay rooted in Jesus Christ" during the holidays, the Religion News website reports today (Dec. 7, 2022).

"The tree teaches us about our roots; the nativity scene invites us to contemplation," he said. 

"The tree, with its lights, is a reminder that Jesus comes to lighten our darkness, our existence, which is often enclosed in the shadow of sin, of fear, of pain." Francis said during the afternoon audience. 

MI Priest Accused of Stealing $800K from Clergy; Lansing Diocese Calls Charges "Deeply Disturbing"

 A Catholic priest is accused of stealing more than $800,000 from three retired priests in the Lansing, Michigan diocese, the Crux website reports today (Dec. 6, 2022).

Father David Rosenberg was arraigned Dec. 1 on embezzlement charges and other crimes in Clinton County, north of Lansing. 

Diocese spokesman David Kerr said the allegations were "deeply disturbing." 

Cut in Pentagon Funds May End Ukraine Mil. Aid; Several Major Weapon Systems Would Be Ended

 A looming cut to Pentagon appropriations could throw a wrench in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, including artillery and ammunition, Politico magazine reported on Dec. 3, citing Department of Defense internal documents and officials familiar with the matter, the RT website reports today (Dec. 5, 2022). 

Michael McCord, the Pentagon's chief financial officer, was quoted as saying on Dec. 3 that the U.S. would have problems sending new munitions to Ukraine as the funds marked by Kiev would run out in spring. 

The slash in spending could also delay improvements in several major weapon systems , such as the M777 howitzer, which are being supplied by the U.S. to Ukrainian troops. 

 

US Hospitals Are Filling to the Brink this Fall; Surgeon General Warns of Surge in Viral Illnesses

Respirartory illnesses like COVID, RSV, and the flu are pushing U.S. hospitals to the brink this fall, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said yesterday, as he urged Americans to take precautions against all viruses, the Yahoo News website reports today (Dec. 4, 2022). 

This fall, pediatric hospitals are brimming with an unusually high number of patients who are sick from several different viruses -- predominantly RSV, flu, and COVID -- but also influenza-like viruses, such as rhinovirus and enterovirus.

As a result of this "tripledemic," many hosptals are at or near capacity. Some are far beyond it, having made room for patient overflow in offices, gift shops, play areas, and parking-lot tents. 

High Court to Hear Same-Sex Wedding Refusal; Col. Designer Declines Same-Sex Weddings

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Dec. 5 in a case involving a Colorado designer who wants to decline to create wedding websites for same-sex couples because those marriages  fly in the face of her religious beliefs, the  USA Today website reports Dec. 3, 2022.

The outcome could have profound implications for state anti-discrimination laws as well as the First Amendment. 

Colorado, like 24 other states,  prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation by businesses. 

High Court to Rule on Biden's College Debt Plan; Lower Courts Ruled Plan Was Unconstitutional

 The Supreme Court yesterday put President Biden's student loan relief program on ice for now, agreeing to hear arguments about the program in February, the NPR website reports today (Dec. 2. 2022). 

The case will be argued in the February 2023 argument session, the court said. 

The Biden administration had petitioned the court to allow the program to move forward, while various legal challenges were considered in the lower courts , including up to $20,000 in college loan relief for low- and middle-income borrowers. 

Alzheimer's Drug Can Slow Cognitive Decline; First Drug of Its Kind to Produce Such Results

Promising data shows an Alzheimer's drug can slow cognitive decline, the Yahoo News website reports today (Dec. 1, 2022). 

In a phase III clinical trial, with results published Nov. 29 in the New England Journal of Medicine, the drug, Lecanemab -- developed by Eisai and Biogen Inc. -- slowed the rate of cognitive decline by 27% in patients in the early stages of the disease, making it the first drug of its kind to produce such positive trial results. 

It is also the first drug of its kind to be FDA approved.  

Railway Unions Plan National RR Strike on Dec.9; Despte Pres. Biden's Efforts to Reach Agreement

 The National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED) have no plans of relenting from their bargaining positions  -- in advance of a potential nationwide railway strike on Dec. 9 -- despite President Joe Biden's calls for Congress to pass legislation that would enforce the tentative rail-labor agreement, the Newsmax website reports today (Nov. 30, 2022).

In a joint statement, the NRLC and the BMWED did not share the Biden administration's optimism for reaching a labor agreement within the next10 days. 

Railroad industry economists estimate a loss of $2 billion per day, in the event of a railroad strike. 

Franklin Graham Slams Respect for Marriage Act; Protects Same-Sex Marriage, But Not Traditional

 Evangelist Franklin Graham says the so-called Respect for Marriage Act, which is set to be voted on by Congress soon, is a deceptive smoke-screen that would change the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman, while not protecting those who hold a traditional view of marriage, the Christian Post website reports today (Nov. 29, 2022).

Graham addressed the Respect for Marriage Act in a Facebook post, cautioning that it "could impact you, your family, your church, and our nation."

He warned that the act is "designed to provide strong protections for same-sex marriage --but it fails to protect those of us who believe marriage is between a man and a woman."

Pope in New Interview Rules Out Women Priests; Praises Individual Bishops over a Bishops' Conf.

 In a new interview, Pope Francis decried Church polarisation, ruled out women priests, and emphasized the importance of the ministry of individual bishops over the role of a bishops' conference, the Catholic News website reports today (Nov. 28 ,2022).

Australia's bishops are encouraging Catholics to respond to the call from Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia to provide financial support to people in the war-torn nation as winter arrives. 

Catholic Social Services Australia has welcomed Albanese Government plans to establish an independent panel to annually review support payments such as Job Seeker and parenting payments ahead of each federal budget.

Aid Workers in Syria Call for End to Sanctions; Victims of Sanctions Are Children, Not the Rich

 Frontline aid workers in Syria have called for an end to international sanctions, saying the situation in the country is dire and is being made worse by the Ukraine conflict and the cumulative toll of sanctions on national infrastructure, the Crux website reports today (Nov. 27, 2022).

Riad Sargi, executive director of Caritas Syria, told Crux that international sanctions and the United States' Caesar Act "really badly affect life in Syria."

"In the end, the victim of the sanctions is not the richest people, but the poorest people, the children. They survive under abnormal conditions, without education, and without food sometimes," he said.

 

Pope Sees Ukrainians as in Stalin's "Genocide;" Links Stalin's 1930s Ukraine Famine Killing 3M

 Pope Francis on Nov.23 linked the suffering of Ukrainians now to the 1930s "genocide" artificially caused by Stalin," when the Soviet leader was blamed for creating a man-made famine in Ukraine that killed more than three million people, the Religion News website reports today (Nov. 26, 2022). 

Francis' linking the plight of Ukrainian civilians today to those killed by starvation 90 years ago, and his willingness to call it a "genocide" caused by Josef Stalin, marked a sharp escalation in papal rhetoric against Russia. 

Francis has repeatedly called for peace and an end to the war, has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and has called for prayers for the "martyred" Ukrainian people. 

U.K. Supreme Court: Scotland Cannot Get Its Ind.; Needs Consent of British Govt. to Become Ind.

 The U.K. Supreme Court ruled on  Nov. 23 that Scotland does not have the power to hold a new referendum on independence without the consent of the British government, the Worthy News website reports today (November 25, 2022).

The ruling is a setback for the Scottish government's campaign to break away from the United Kingdom. 

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would respect the ruling but continue to fight for independence, saying Scotland's "democratic right to choose  our future" was at stake. 

Eur. Parl. Calls Russia "State Terrorism Sponsor;" Due to Russia's Inhumane Aggression on Ukraine

 The European Parliament has declared Russia a "state sponsor of terrorism" over the "brutal and inhumane" acts inflicted upon Ukraine and its citizens since the launch of the invasion, the Euro News website reports today (November 24, 2022).

"The deliberate attacks and atrocities carried out by the Russian Federation against the civilian population of Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law amount to terror against the Ukrainian population and constitute war crimes," MEPs said in a non-binding but highly symbolic resolution. 

The strongly-worded resolution was approved on November 23 with 494 votes in favor, 58 against, and 44 abstentions , during the monthly plenary session in Strasbourg, France. 

At Least 19Hurt,1 Dead in Jerusalem Bombings; Bombs Hit Weizmann Blvd. and Ramot Junction

 At least 19 people were injured and one was killed in a pair of terrorist bombings in Jerusalem this morning (Nov. 23, 2022), the World Israel News website reports. 

Bombs went off at bus stops near the city entrance off Weizmann Boulevard and at Ramot Junction, where three people were injured. 

Four of the victims of the Weizmann Boulevard bombing are listed in critical condition, with two more in serious condition. All three of the victims of the Ramot bombing are listed in light condition. 

Dr. Fauci Announces He'll Retire at End of 2022; Urges Americans to Get Updated COVID-19 Shot

 Dr. Anthony Fauci, the public face of the nation's COVID-19 respnse, delivered one final message today (Nov. 22) before he retires at the end of the year, the USA Today website reports. 

"Please for your own safety and for that of your family, get your updated COVID-19 shots as  soon as you're eligible," Fauci said. 

Fauci, set to step down as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, addressed reporters at the White House press briefing room-- probably for the last time. 

Biden Sends Federal Aid for New York Blizzard; Provides Disaster Relief for 11 New York Counties

 President Joe Biden is sending federal aid to western New York to help state and local authorities clean up from the massive storm that dumped as much as 6 feet of snow in western and northern New York, the AP website reports today (Nov. 21, 2022).

The emergency declaration authorizes the Departrment of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management  Agency to coordinate disaster relief in 11 counties hit by the lake-effect snowstorm Nov. 18 and 19.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul thanked Biden for granting her request for emergency aid.

Pope:Vatican to Do What's Needed for Cease-fire; Vatican's Efforts to End Ukraine War Are Ongoing

 Pope Francis said the Vatican is willing to  do whatever it takes to broker a cease-fire  and bring an end to the war in Ukraine , the Crux website reports today (Nov. 20, 2022).

"We are continually watching as the situation evolves" concerning ways the Vatican's diplomatic efforts could help, he said in an interview with the Italian newspaper "La Stampa."

The Vatican Secretariat of State is working diligently every day, looking at every possibility and "giving weight to every opening that could lead to a real cease-fire and real negotiations," the pope said. 

37 Nations Declare No National Right to Abortion; Commemorate 2nd Anniv. of Geneva Declaration

 More than  three dozen countries have expressed support for a document declaring that "there is no international right to abortion," the Christian Post website reports today (Nov. 19, 2022).

Lawmakers, pro-life activists, and representatives of 37 governments worldwide gathered on Capitol Hill on Nov. 17 to commemorate the second anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women's Health and Strengthening the Family, which declares that "there is no international right to abortion."

The document's name reflects that it was crafted at the 2020 World Health Asembly, which was slated to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, until the  coronavirus pandemic forced the event to be held virtually.

Politics Drives Americans' Climate Concerns; Climate Control Backers Tend to Be Democrats

 Religious people who lean Republican are less inclined to be concerned about global warming than people of the same religion who identify to lean to the Democratic Party, the Religion News website reports today (Nov. 18, 2022).

A new Pew Research survey finds that the main driver of the U.S. public opinion about the climate is political party, not religion, the survey of 10,156 Americans concludes.

Republicans are far less likely than Democrats to believe human activity is causing global warming or to consider climate change a serious problem.

World's Population Reaches 8 Billion People; Demography Affects Almost Everything We Do

 The world's population  reached a record 8 billion people on Nov. 15, according to estimates from the United Nations, the Washington Post website reports today (November 17, 2022).

"Demography  affects almost everything," said William Frey, an American demographer and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. 

More young people will require more schools;  a growing elderly population will need an expanded safety  net, and a young workforce to care for them; aging countries may need to reassess their immigration policies.

Syrian Refugee Tried to Bomb Pa. Church for ISIS; Sentenced to 17 Yrs. for Plan to Destroy Church

 Moustafa Alowemer, a 24-year-old Syrian refugee, has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for providing material support to the Islamic State terror group as part of a plan to bomb a church in Pittsburgh, the Christian Post website reports today (Nov. 16, 2022).

Alowemer, who has been living in Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in the Western District of Pennsylvania in September and will spend more than 17 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, per the DOJ. 

"Alowemer admitted to planning a deadly bombing of a Pittsburg church in the name of ISIS," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division.

Judge Ends Biden's Student Debt Relief Plan; Rules Debt Relief Plan Is Unconstitutional

 A federal judge in Texas has struck down President Joe Biden's student debt relief plan to forgive up to $20,000 in federal loans held by tens of millions of college borrowers, calling it unconstitutional, the Worthy News website reports today (November 15, 2022).

Judge Mark Pittman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued his 26-page ruling on Nov. 10 that said the program was "an unconstitutional exercise of Congress's legislative power and must be vacated."

A message on the government's student relief page now reads "courts have issued orders blocking our student debt relief program. As a result, at this time, we are not accepting applications. We are seeking to overturn those orders."

Three Univ. of Va. Football Players Shot Dead; Ex-Player Suspected of Carrying Out Attack,Arrested

 Three University of Virginia football players were shot dead last night, with officials arresting a former member of the team who is suspected of carrying out the attack, the NY Daily News website reports today (Nov. 14, 2022).

Davin Chandler, Lavel Davis, and D'Sean Perry died after a gunman opened fire on a bus filled with students returning from a field trip around 10:30 p.m.

The suspect, a current student identified as Christopher Darnell Jones, Jr., was taken into custody late this morning. 

Pope Celebrates Mass at World Day of the Poor; Tells Christians to See Gospel by Helping Needy

 On the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis encouraged Christians not to be brought down by the "doom and gloom" of the world, but to witness to the joy of the Gospel through service to those in need, the Catholic News website reports today (Nov. 13, 2022).

"Let us light candles of hope in the midst of darkness. Amid dramatic situations, let us seize opportunities to bear witness to the Gospel of joy and to build a more fraternal world, at least a little more fraternal. Let us commit ourselves courageously to justice, the rule of law and peace, and stand at the side of the weakest."

Pope Francis celebrated Mass at St. Peter's Basilica yesterday for the 6th annual World Day of the Poor, which was established at the conclusion of  the Year of Mercy.

Biden: Climate Efforts"More Urgent Than Ever;" Speaks at Climate International Summit in Egypt

President Joe Biden,speaking Nov. 11 at an annual international summit on climate change in Egypt, urged world leaders to "double down"on their resolve to fight  global warming, saying Russia's invasion of Ukraine reinforces the need to phase out fossil fuels, the AP website reports today (Nov. 12, 2022).

 

"We can no longer plead ignorance to the consequences of our actions, or continue to repeat our mistakes," Biden said.

"This gathering must be the moment to recommit  our future and our shared capacity to write a better story for the world," Biden added.

Tex. Megachurch Has High Vote to Leave UMC; Protestant Denomination Is Viewed as "Broken"

 A Texas megachurch has overwhelmingly voted to leave the United Methodist Church, believing that  the mainline Protestant denomination is a "broken Institution," the Christian Post website reports today (November 11, 2022).

.White's Chapel, a Southlake-based congregation, voted Nov. 7 to disaffiliate from the UMC, with 2,338 voting  in favor of leaving, 160 voting against, and seven members abstaining.

Pastors John McKellar and Todd Renner acknowledged that some members may be disappointed by the vote result. "Please know that you are welcome here and that you are loved here..." they stated.

Jennifer Lopez Backs New Name, Mrs. Affleck; She's Proud of Tradition to Take Husband's Name

 Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez recently addressed the controversy surrounding her name change to Jennifer Affleck following her marriage to Ben Affleck, the Bazaar website reports today (November 10, 2022).

"People are still going to call me Jennifer Lopez. But my legal name will be Mrs. Affleck because we're joined together. We're husband and wife. I'm proud of that," she said.

She added, "I'm very much in control of my  own life and destiny and feel empowered as a woman and as a person."

Pope Ends Bahrain Visit,Seeks Closer Islam Ties; Becomes First Pope to Visit Gulf State of Bahrain

 In a historic papal first, Pope Francis completed a four-day apostolic journey to the Persian Gulf state of Bahrain, during which he sought to deepen dialogue with Islam and Christians, especially the Greek Orthodox Church, the National Catholic Register website reports today (November 9, 2022).

Francis, already the first pope to set foot on the Arabian Peninsula, became the first head of the Catholic Church to visit Bahrain, a  small archipelago in the Persian Gulf that has a population of 1.5 million, 70% of whom are Muslim.

After the interfaith meeting of Nov. 4, Pope Francis met Christian leaders, including Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, during which he called for the restoration of Christian unity.

Pope Rips Reforms of German Cath.Movement; Seeks Women Priests, Allowing Priests to Marry

 Pope Francis has criticized reforms suggested by a progressive German Catholic movement, which would include allowing women to become priests and permitting same-sex relationships in an effort to address dwindling numbers, the RT website reports today (November 8, 2022).

In February 2022, the German Catholic Church endorsed a list of proposals directed at the Vatican. The list included granting women a right to become priests, allowing priests to marry, blessing same-sex relationships, and reviewing the Catholic Church's teachings on sexual ethics.

The head of the German Catholic Church, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, called the celibacy rule "precarious," arguing that a right to marry would be "better for Catholic priests' lives and they wouldn't be so lonely."

Pentagon Admits that US Troops Are in Ukraine; Facing a Barrage of Russian Missiles and Drones

 U.S. Defense officials have confirmed previous Worthy News reports that American military personnel are in Ukraine, which face a barrage of Russian missiles and drones, the Worthy News website reports today (November 7, 2022).

The Pentagon told reporters that U.S. forces are in Ukraine to provide training and help keep track of the billions of dollars worth of weapons and equipment Washington sent since the start of the Russian invasion in February.

Brig. Gen. Garrick Harmon, the U.S. defense attache to Ukraine, said the inspections began with the support of the Office of Defense Cooperation personnel who have returned to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. 

Having Daylight Saving Time All Year Is Rational; Senate Voted for Daylight Time,But House Hasn't

 At 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, clocks in the U.S. turned back one hour as daylight saving time ended, marking the beginning of winter's dark evenings , the NBC News website reports. 

In March, the Senate unanimously voted in favor of the Sunshine Protection Act, which would make  daylight saving time permanent year-round for all states but Hawaii and most of Arizona. But the bill has stalled in the House of Representatives. 

A 2004 study estimated that switching to year-round daylight saving would result in 171 fewer pedestrian deaths each year and 195 fewer deaths among car drivers or passengers. 

Pope Begins Bahrain Visit Ripping Death Penalty; Says "Right to Life" Always Must Be Guaranteed

 In his first formal visit to the Gulf nation of Bahrain, Pope Francis this week condemned the use of the death penalty, which is still in force in the country, the Crux website reports today (November 5, 2022).

Speaking to civil authorities and members of the diplomatic corps in Bahrain, Pope Francis in his Nov. 3 speech,cited the country's constitution, which bans  discrimination on the basis of "sex, origin, language, religion, or creed."

Yet before all of these guarantees, he said, is "the right to life" and the need "to guarantee that right always,including for those being punished, whose lives should not be taken."

SBC Responds to Question of Women Pastors; SBC Must Not Employ a Woman as a Pastor

 Any discussion concerning women serving as pastors in Southern Baptist churches must be informed by "past decisions" made by the Southern Baptist Convention, two key SBC figures said this week, the Christian Post website reports today (November 4, 2022).

In a joint statement, SBC Executive Committee Chairman Jared Wellman and SBC President Bart Barber said a "commitment to affirming Southern Baptist policy and the Baptist Faith and Message remain central" in the ongoing debate over female pastors. 

A document written by Pastor Mike Law of Arlington Church in Arlington, Virginia, called on the board to recommend an amendment to the SBC's constitution to include verbage requiring Southern Baptist churches not to "affirm, appoint ,or employ a woman as a pastor of any kind."

Germany Has 5 Antisemitic Cases Daily in 2022; Antisemitism Has Increased in Recent Years

 Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office registered an average of five antisemitic incidents every day in the first half of this year alone, the Jerusalem Post website reports. 

The Office had reported 1,555 antisemitic incidents by June this year, JPost said. Of these incidents, 55 were classified as "violent," while non-violent incidents included displays of neo-Nazi symbols and incitement to Jew-hatred. 

These figures represent a continued increase in reported antisemitism in recent years: there were 3,027 antisemitic incidents registered in Germany last year, up from 2,351 in 2020.

Pope: Peace Is Never Achieved by Wielding Power; Peace Is Never Violent, It Is Never Armed

 On All Saints Day, Pope Francis offered a reflection on peace, which he said is  never achieved by wielding power or weapons, but is built day by day by patience and closeness to God, the Crux website reports today (November 2, 2022). 

Speaking to faithful present in St. Peter's Square during November 1 Angelus address, the pope said people are often led to believe "that peace comes by force and power," but insisted that for Jesus. "it is the opposite." 

"Jesus'life and that of the saints tell us that the seed of peace, in order to grow and bear fruit, must first die," he said, adding, "Peace is not achieved by conquering or defeating someone; it is never violent, it is never armed."

Putin: World in Riskiest Decade Since WW II; Blames West,US for Seeking Global Dominance

 Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that  the world faces "probably the most dangerous decade" since the end of World War II, after U.S. President Joe Biden spoke of "a new world order," the Worthy News website reports today (November 1, 2022).

Putin accused the U.S. on October 27 of inciting the conflict in Ukraine and claimed Western elites scrambled to prevent the "inevitable crumbling" of the global dominance of the U.S. and its allies. 

"The historical period of the West's undivided dominance over world affairs is coming to an end," Putin said. 

High Court May Ban Race in College Admissions; Harvard, U. of N. Carolina Prefer Using Race

 The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments today (October 31, 2022) about whether colleges can consider the race of prospective students in the interest of diversity, the USA Today website reports. 

The justices will hear arguments in two cases brought forward by Students for Fair Admissions against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

If the Supreme Court bans race determination in university admissions, it could have a negative effect on affirmative action and diversity.

S.Korea Pres.Calls Week-Mourning for 153 Deaths; Died in Surge at Seoul Halloween Festivities

 South Korea's President, Yoon Suk-Yeol, declared a week-long period of national mourning today (October 30, 2022), hours after at least 153 people -- mostly in their teens and 20s -- were killed and more than 100 were injured in a crowd surge during Halloween festivities in a nightlife district in Seoul, the Christian Post website reports.

Among those who died in Seoul's Itaewon nightclub district last night are at least 20 foreign nationals, including people from the U.S., Norway, Australia, China, Russia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Iran.

While the cause of the crush is not known, reports say tens of thousands of people flooded into the narrow streets of the Itaewon neighborhood for Halloween festivities which created panic among the crowd.

 

Poll:45% of Americans See US a Christian Nation; Surge in Nationalism Attention May Have Impact

 Forty-five percent of Americans believe that the U.S.  should be a "Christian nation,"a new Pew Research Center survey shows, the Religion News Service website reports today (October 29, 2022).

But researchers say  respondents differed greatly when it came to defining what a Christian nation should look like. 

Pew's findings suggest the recent surge in attention paid to Christian nationalism has had an effect on Americans.

Husband of House Speaker Beaten with Hammer; Paul Pelosi Hit in San Francisco Home in Break-In

 Paul Pelosi, husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was attacked and severely beaten by an assailant with a hammer who broke into their San Francisco home early today (October 28, 2022), according to the Newsmax website. 

Paul Pelosi, 82, suffered blunt force trauma to his head and body, and was treated by doctors for bruising, severe swelling. and other injuries.

The assailant is in custody, and the motivation for the attack is under investigation.

Cancer Death Rates Fall in US from 2015 to 2019; Every US Racial and Ethnic Group Sees a Decline

 Pre-pandemic cancer death rates continued to decline among men,  women, children,  adolescents, and young adults in every major racial and ethnic group in the U.S. from 2015 to 2019, the UPI website reports today (October 27, 2022).

Overall, the latest "Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer" said new cases of cancer remained stable for men and children, but increased slightly for women, adolescents, and young adults from 2014 to 2018. 

The nation's top health officials said this continues a trend in declining cancer mortality that reflects improvements in prevention, detection, and treatment.

Record No. of Border Crossings, Deaths in 2022; 2,378,944 Immigrant--Law Official Encounters

 The U.S. saw a record number of border crossings and migrant deaths in 2022, the Christian Post website reports today (October 26, 2022).

There were 2,378,944 encounters between illegal immigrants and law enforcement officials at the U.S. border with Mexico in fiscal year 2022 which ended September 30. 

This marked a significant increase from fiscal year 2021, which recorded 1,734,686 border crossings. 

A record 856 migrants died at the U.S.--Mexico border in fiscal year 2022.

Rishi Sunak Is Britain's New Prime Minister; Replaces Liz Truss Who Quit after 2 Months as PM

Rishi Sunak became Britain's new prime minister -- its third in three  months -- after meeting with King Charles III today (Ocrober 25, 2022), the UPI website reports.

 It was the first time King Charles fulfilled his constitutional role of meeting  a new prime minister. 

Queen Elizabeth II met former Prime Minister Liz Truss in Britain's traditional handover of power just days before the Monarch's death. Truss resigned last week, after less than two months on the job. 

Judge Backs Baker Refusing Cake for Lesbians; Says Marriage Must Be between Man and Woman

A court has ruled that the Christian owner of Tastries Bakery in California acted lawfully when she refused to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple and 

instead referreed them to a different bakery , citing her religious belief that marriage is intended to be between one man and one woman, the Christian Post website reports today (October 24, 2022).

Carherine Miller's "only motivation, at all times, was to act consistent with her sincere Christian beliefs about what   the Bible teaches regarding marriage," Kern County Judge Eric Bradshaw wrote in the verdict. 

Exiled Russian Diplomat: "Putin's Luck Is Over;" If He Loses Ukraine War,It Will Be the End of Him

 Vladimir Putin would sacrifice 20 million Russian soldiers to win the war with Ukraine and ensure his political survival, the Sky News website reports today (October 23, 2022).

Boris Bondarev , an exiled Russian diplomat, told Sky News that Putin's "luck is over." 

Bondarev said, "You have to understand that,  if he loses the war, it will be the end of him." 

US Home Sales Drop for Eighth Straight Month; Due to High Mortgage Rates, Soaring Home Prices

 U.S. home sales dropped for an eighth straight month in September as surging mortgage rates and increased selling prices push affordability beyond the reach of many prospective buyers, the Worthy News website reports today (October 22, 2022).

Existing home sales fell 1.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.71 million units last month, the National Association of Realtors said on Oct. 20. 

Outside of the short-lived plunge during the spring of 2020, when the economy was reeling from the first wave of COVID-19, this was the lowest sales level since September 2012.

WCC Delegation Meets with Rus. Patriarch Kirill; Asks Him to Explain His Position on Ukraine War

 A delegation from the World Council of Churches (WCC) traveled to Moscow this week to meet with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and other leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church to clarify their position on the war in Ukraine, the Crux website reports today (October 21, 2022).

The meeting was held in Moscow between Kirill and Father Ioan Sauca, acting general secretary of the WCC, on October 17 at the patriarchal residence in Daniel's Monastery in Moscow. 

According to the WCC, during the meeting the "serious concerns" of some WCC members were discussed, and Kirill was asked to explain his "theological position on the issue of holy war, and the meaning of metaphysical war."

Poll:Huge % of Americans Don't Trust Media; Only 34% Trust Newspapers, TV,Radio Reporting

 A new Gallup survey shows that nearly 4 in 10 Americans (38%) have "no trust" in America's media, including newspapers, TV, and radio,  the WND website reports today (October 20, 2022).

Only 14% of Republicans and 27% of independents trust the media, but 70% of Democrats trust the media. 

Overall, 34% of respondents trust the mass media to report the news "fully, accurately, and fairly."

Russia Now Shuts Down Ukrainian Churches; Russia Tends to OK Only Orthodox Churches

 Russian soldiers have now been shutting down churches in occupied parts of Ukraine, forcing Ukrainian Christians to meet in secret, Christian Today website reports today (October 19, 2022).

The three largest Protestant churches in Ukraine have been closed by President Putin's troops.

Russia, a country primarily of the Greek Orthodox faith, is noted for having little tolerance for other religions. In fact, several Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia were recently sentenced to prison terms just for participating in their religion.

Biden Seeks Merging US with Canada and Mexico; US Sec. of State, Mexican Pres. Agree to Merger

 Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) recently announced that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken proposed opening all borders among the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the New American website reports today (October 18, 2022).

"I think that Mr. Blinken spoke about consolidating the region of North America," said AMLO -- "and we agree on that."

Sine Blinken  speaks for the Biden administration, it's fair to assume this is now unofficial federal policy.

Pope Extends the Synod of Synodality to 2024; Allows More Time to Understand Church Life

Pope Francis yesterday announced that his ongoing Synod of Bishops on Synodality will be extended for an additional year to allow, as he put it, more time for discernment and a greater understanding of the concept as a key dimension of church life, the Crux website reports today (October 17, 2022). 

Although difficult to define, "synodality" refers to a collaborative and consultative style of management in which all members, clerical and lay, participate in making decisions about the church's life and mission.

Bishops and other participants will gather for an initial meeting of the synod October 4--29, 2023. in Rome, to be followed by a year of reflection with another culminating meeting set for October 2024.

Biden Uses Trump-Era Rule to Expel Venezuelans; Biden Called Rule "Cruelty" in 2020 Pres. Race

 Now, with increasing numbers of Venezuelans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border as the November 8 election nears,  President Biden has turned to an unlikely source for a solution: Trump's playbook, according to Newsmax website.

Biden last week invoked a Trump-era rule known as Title 42, to deny Venezuelans fleeing their crisis-torn country the chance to request asylum at the border.

Originally, Biden referred to Trump's policy as being "brutal."

Pastors:Poor US Economy Is Hurting Churches; Due Mainly to Effects of the COVID -19 Pandemic

 While some churches across the country are shaking off the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new survey of pastors reveals the troubled  economy is  now having an adverse financial effect on the churches as well,according to the Worthy News website.

A Lifeway Research study of U.S. Protestant pastors found that 52% say the current economy is having a negative impact on their ability to operate. For 40%, the economic circumstances aren't having any effect. And 7% say the current economy is a positive factor for their churches.

The study noted the economic outlook among the pastors has grown more worrisome this year than in recent years.

Five People Are Killed in Raleigh, N. C. Shooting; A Juvenile Suspect Is Arrested After the Shooting

Five people  are dead and two others injured after a shooting in a neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina yesterday afternoon, the Fox News website reports today (October 14, 2022).

Officers said a juvenile suspect was taken into custody at a home around 8 p.m.eastern time.

The Raleigh Mayor, Mary-Ann Baldwin, said that five people are dead as a result of the shooting, adding an off-duty Raleigh police officer was among those killed.

Social Security for 2023 Has Peerless Increase; Due to High Inflation on Which Rate Is Based

 Tens of millions of older Americans are about to get what may be the biggest raise of their lifetimes, the Newsmax website reports. 

Today (October 13, 2022)is set to announce how large a percentage increase social security beneficiaries will see in monthly payments beginning in January 2023.

Because the social security rate is based on inflation, next year's rate is almost certain to be the largest rate increase in four decades.

Pope Calls for Unity on 60th Anniv. of Vatican II; Sad that Changes Have Led to Church Divisions

 Pope Francis on October 10 marked the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council by pleading for the Catholic Church to "overcome all polarization and preserve our communion," the Catholic News website reports today (October 12, 2022).

In a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope said the council, which was inaugurated by Pope St.  John XXIII, was "one great response" to the question "Do you love me?" posed by Christ to His disciples.

"To rekindle her love for the Lord, the Church, for the first time in history, devoted a council to examining herself and reflect on her nature and mission," the Pope said. 

Zelensky: Peace Force for Ukraine-Belarus Border; Belarus Has Now Joined Russia in War on Ukraine

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations to support an international mission on the Ukraine-Belarus border, the Sky News website reports today (October 11, 2022).

Speaking a day after several Russian missiles rained down on Ukraine, Zelensky made the calls after Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said Belarus and Russia would deploy a joint military group in response to what he called an "aggravation of tension on the country's western borders," referring to last week's  bombing of the Russian-built bridge on the Crimean Peninsula.

Lukashenko also said the two countries would deploy a regional military group, and already had started pulling forces together.

Sixty-Six Clinics in 14 States Stopped Abortions; These 14 States Had 125,780 Abortions in 2020

 Sixty-six clinics in 14 states have stopped providing abortions since the U.S.Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the Worthy News website reports today (October 10, 2022).

It is now almost impossible to get an abortion in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, these 14 states accounted for 125,780 abortions in 2020.

Euro Bishops Open Platform for Youth Feedback; A Place of True Fraternity United in Diversity

 As part of a broader European initiative designed to empower young people and encourage their social involvement, Europe's bishops have launched their own new Platform where youth can share perspectives on key policy areas, the Crux website reports today (October 9, 2022).

In an Oct. 6 press release for the new initiative, called Youth Net, Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg invited young delegates to "make the Youth Net a place of true fraternity, an example of how we can be brothers and sisters, aware of our unique cultural identities, truly united in diversity." 

Hollerich, who is also president of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), said: "This new consultative body will promote the concrete participation of young European Catholics in shaping EU policies."

Bridge Linking Russia to Crimea Hit by Car Bomb; Built by Russia after It Annexed Crimea in 2014

 A bridge linking Russia to Crimea -- a key symbol of Moscow's annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula on the Black Sea -- was hit by a massive explosion today (October 8, 2022), which Russian authorities said was caused by a car bomb, The Times of Israel website reports.

"Today at 6:07 a.m. on the road traffic side of the Crimean bridge ...a car bomb exploded, setting fire to seven oil tankers being carried by rail to Crimea," Russian news agencies cited the national anti-terrorism committee as saying.

The Kerch Bridge was built by Russia on the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin to form a link to Crimea after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, and was a symbol of Moscow's illegal occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula. 

Russia Gives 3 Jehovah's Witnesses Prison Terms; Get 6 Yrs. in Prison for Organizing Rel. Activities

A Moscow-imposed court in the Russian-annexed Ukrainian  Black Sea peninsula of Crimea has sentenced three Jehovah's Witnesses to prison terms amid an ongoing crackdown against the religious group, the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty website reports today (October 7, 2022).

The Crimean Solidarity human rights group said that the Nakhimov district court in the city of Sevastopol sentenced three men to six years in prison each after finding them guilty of organizing activities for the group.

The Jehovah's Witnesses group is considered extremist and banned in Russia, but is legal in Ukraine. 

Drinking Coffee Daily Could Prevent Early Death; 2 to 3 Cups a Day Can Also Prevent Heart Disease

 A recent study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, suggests that two to three cups of coffee a day may protect you from developing heart disease and even early death, the Health website reports today (October 6,  2022).

The study analyzed data from patients who participated in the UK Biobank that included coffee consumption habits for nearly 450,000 adults. 

Researchers analyzed medical and death records for patients after an average of 12.5 years for issues such arhythmia, heart disease, stroke, and death.

Survey: Most Americans Want Limits to Abortion; Only 8% Want to Legalize It, 19% Want to Ban It

 A new survey shows that most  Americans want some limits to abortion, no matter what their political affiliation, the Crux website reports today (October 5, 2022).

The 2022 American Family Survey released October 4 shows that only 8 percent of Americans want abortion to be legal throughout a pregnancy, while 19 percent want an outright ban.

The debate over abortion has heated up in the U.S. since the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across the country.

Judge:Cath.School Can Fire Lesbian Counselor; Marriage of 2 Women Violates Cath. Teachings

 A federal court has ruled that a Catholic school in Indiana can lawfully refuse to renew the contract of a guidance counselor in a same-sex marriage, the Christian Post website reports today (October 4, 2022).

Judge Richard Young of the U.S. Court of Southern Indiana ruled that Roncalli High School and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis have a "ministerial exception" to choose school leaders who uphold Catholic teachings. 

The fact that the woman school guidance counselor was married to another woman is a violation of  Catholic teachings forbidding same-sex marriage.

Pope Appeals to Putin for Immediate Ceasefire; Says Ukraine Nuclear War a Worldwide Tragedy

 Pope Francis on October 1 made a direct appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin for an immediate ceasefire, imploring him to end the "spiral of violence and death" in Ukraine , the Catholic News website reports today (October 3, 2022).

Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope dedicated nearly all of the Angelus address to the war in Ukraine. 

"I deeply deplore the grave situation that has arisen in recent days... It increases the risk of nuclear escalation, giving rise to fears of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences worldwide," Pope Francis said.

Museum of the Bible Leaders Travel to Greece; Return a Looted 10th Cent. Gospel Manuscript

 Leaders from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.traveled to Greece last week to formally return a 10th century, handwritten Gospel manuscript looted by Bulgarian troops in 1917 during World War I,  according to the Christian Post website. 

The manuscript, known as "Evangelistary Manuscript 220," is one of the world's oldest hand-lettered Gospels and was among hundreds of priceless objects looted from the Theotokos Elkosiphoinissa Monastery in Greece.

A formal return ceremony was held September 29 near the town of Drama in northern Greece and was officiated by Archbishop Epidophoros of America. 

Ukraine Seeking Immediate NATO De Jure Status; Due to Russia Annexing Four of Ukraine's Regions

 Ukraine hsd submitted an official application to join NATO, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after Moscow annexed four Ukrainian regions, the Euro News website reports today (October 1, 2022).

"We are de facto allies already," Zelensky said. 

"Ukraine is applying to confirm de jure by an expedited procedure," he added.

GOP States Sue Biden for Canceling Student Debt; Say He Overstepped Executive Powers of President

 Six Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration for overstepping executive powers related to President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, the Daily Caller website reports today (September 30, 2022).

The Biden administration unveiled its plan to partially forgive student loans for certain borrowers in August, using HEROES Act 2003 as a precedent for the decision and arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic created an emergency situation allowing the federal government to forgive student debt.

The Republican states argued that the Biden administration exceeded its statutory authority, as well as citing interviews in which Biden said the pandemic was "over" as evidence that the pandemic could not be used to justify the action.

Most Democrats Rejecting a Biden Run for 2024; His High Inflation and His Age Are Hurting Him

 A new poll released on Septemb toer 25 shows that a majority of Democrats do not want President Joe Biden to run for re-election in 2024, the WND website reports today (September 29, 2022).

The poll, conducted by ABC News and the Washington Post, showed that just 35% of Democratic respondents want Biden to run again, while 56% said the party should nominate somebody else in 2024.

Biden's current low approval rating -- under 40% per the same poll -- as well as his policies on failing to improve a high inflation, and his age,  have led several prominent Democrats to call for his retirement in 2024.

Rus. Patriarch:Russian War Dead Sins Forgiven; Compares Their Deaths to Death of Jesus

 Russian soldiers who die in the line of duty in Ukraine have all of their sins forgiven, the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church proclaimed in a sermon, comparing their sacrificial death to that of Jesus, the Religion News website reports today (September 28, 2022).

The assertion, made on September 25, ratchets up Moscow Patriarch Kirill's already staunch support for Russia's war on Ukraine since its beginning in February.

Kirill has characterized the war as part of a larger metaphysical struggle against an encroaching liberal West, which he depicts as demanding gay pride parades. 

Russians Pay $25K for Plane Tickets to Flee Draft; Many European Nations Won't Let Russians Enter

Russians are paying exorbitant prices for airplane tickets to escape the country as a result of President Vladimir Putin's partial mobilization of reservists, the Newsmax website reports today (September 27, 2022). 

Wealthy Russians are paying around $25,000 for a seat on a private plane, and as much as $135,000 to rent an eight-seater jet, to flee to places such as Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

Many European countries have said they will not allow Russians fleeing mobilization to enter, and many had already blocked Russian tourists.  

Americans to Pay More to Heat Homes in Winter; Due to Inflation and Rising Natural Gas Prices

 Higher energy bills are expected this winter due to soaring energy costs, the Newsy website reports today (September 26, 2022).

A recent report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) predicts families will pay 17.2% more to heat their homes this winter compared to last year. 

Americans will have to pay more because of inflation. Also, natural gas hit prices not seen in more than a decade.

Pope Signs Pact on Economy Respecting the Poor; Promotes Economy of the Gospel in City of Assisi

 Pope Francis made a day trip to Assisi yesterday to meet with young economists and change makers, the Crux website reports today (September 25, 2022). 

While there, he signed their pact outlining a joint vision for a peaceful and just economy that's more equitable and respectful of the poor and the environment. 

In the agreement, at the close of an "Economy of Francis" event in Assisi, the youth acknowledged that there is a "responsibility that rests on our generation," and voiced their commitment to "spending our lives so that the economy of today and tomorrow becomes an economy of the Gospel."

Rage in Russia as Putin Calls Up 300K Reservists; Protesters Shout "No to War, No to Mobilization"

Russia has begun mobilizing reservists to fight in Ukraine after suffering massive setbacks, despite protests across the country, the Worthy News website reports today (September 24, 2022). 

President Vladimir Putin's order to call up 300,000 Russians  with military experience prompted many to express outrage, leading to arrests across the country. 

Demonstrators dared to shout what many were thinking these days: "No to war!" and "No to Mobilization!"

Cal. Legalizes Composting Bill Opposed by Cath.; Converts Human Bodies into Soil Naturally

 The process of converting bodies into soil is now legal in California after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Sept.18 that will allow human composting in the Golden State, despite it being opposed by the Catholic Church, the Religion News website reports today (September 23, 2022).

Beginning in 2027, human composting, or natural organic reduction, will be an option for "individuals who want a different method to honor their remains after death."

Composting a body is seen as a more sustainable alternative to cremation, which requires fossil fuels and releases carbon dioxide. Washington state, Colorado, Oregon, and Vermont are states that have already legalized composting. 

Biden Ripped for Snubbing Jews at WH Summit; Orthodox Jews Were Not Admitted to Summit

 President Joe Biden was slammed by Orthodox Jewish leaders who claimed he excluded them from an event on antisemitism at the White House last week, prompting speculation that the snub was over their support of Donald Trump. his predecessor, the World Israel News website reports today (September 22, 2022).

Biden condemned hate crimes against Jews at the "United We Stand" summit; yet some Jewish leaders said they were not admitted on purpose.

Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce CEO Duvi Honig said it was like hosting a wedding and excluding the bride and groom.

New Atheist Podcast Network Now in Los Angeles; Atheists United Studios Uses Atheist Experiences atrheists United Studios

 A new podcast network in Los Angeles for secularist thinkers, "Atheists United Studios," attempts to show that there's more to atheism than a simple denial of God's existence, the Religion News website reports today (September 21, 2022).

Evan Clark, executive director for the nonprofit Atheists United, which is spearheading the new network of podcasts, said the idea behind it is to shed light on the "experiences that come after you've become an atheist," as opposed to focusing on theology or debating theism.

"We're trying to talk about the ethical questions that you deal with in your day-to-day life, not simply whether God exists or not," said Clark.

Turkish Pres.: Russia Wants to End War Quickly; Met with Putin Last Week, Says It's Putin's Wish

 Turkish President Recep Erdogan has claimed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to exchange 200 prisoners,the Euro News website reports today (September 20, 2022).

Erdogan told PBS that the deal was a "significant" step forward. 

Erdogan, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week in Uzbekistan, said the Kremlin "wants to end the war as soon as possible."

Funeral Procession for Queen to Windsor Castle; Hundreds of Thousands Line Up to See Casket

 Hundreds of world leaders attended the state funeral for Queen Elizabeth II in London today (September 19, 2022) and millions around the world watched an historic event not seen on such a grand scale since the last British monarch died 70 years ago, the UPI website reports.

Today's state funeral came after the queen had lay in state for four days inside Westminster Hall and hundreds of thousands of people waited in line -- in some case for many hours -- to pay tribute and walk past her casket.

The queen's casket began a long procession that traveled through London and was met by thousands of mourners along the route. It reached the final destination at Windsor Castle early this afternoon.

New Orleans Now "America's Murder Capital;" Surpasses St. Louis for Highest Homicide Rate

 New Orleans has overtaken St. Louis for the highest U.S. homicide rate, with murders more than double from pre-pandemic levels, the RT website reports today (September 18, 2022).

New Orleans, one of the most popular U.S. cities for tourism, has achieved an unwanted title: "America's Murder Capital."

The city's homicide rate of 52 per 100,000 residents as of last week surpassed the previous U.S. murder leader, St. Louis, where the rate was less than 45 per 100,000 so far this year. 

UN: 50M People Worldwide Subject to Slavery; Forced Labor,Sex Exploitation,Forced Marriages

 A new United Nations study shows that 50 million people worldwide, including children, are being subjected to modern forms of slavery, the Worthy News website reports today (September 17, 2022).

The report said almost every country in the world has modern-day slavery systems,  including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and forced marriages.

The study was conducted by UN agencies for labor and migration together with the Walk Free Foundation.

Pope Francis Says West Has Taken Wrong Paths; Condemns Euthanasia,Says Killing Is for Animals

 On his return flight from Kazakhstan yesterday, Pope Francis discussed the moral degradation  of the West, and condemned the advance of legal euthanasia, saying killing should be left "to the animals," the Catholic News website reports today (September 16, 2022). 

"It is true that the West degenerates," the pope said during his September 15 in-flight press conference in response to a question about the loss of values in the West, and in particular to the push for legal euthanasia in France, Italy, and Belgium.

"The West has taken the wrong paths," the pope said.

Pope in Kazakhstan:Conflict to Yield to Dialogue; Says World Peace Is New International Relations

 Pope Francis celebrated Mass yesterday for Kazakhstan's small Catholic population, where he lamented the war in Ukraine and said dialogue is the only way to achieve peace, the Crux website reports today (September 15, 20222).

After celebrating mass marking the Catholic feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on his second day in Kazakhstan, the pope pointed to the National Sanctuary of the Queen of Peace in the northern city of Oziornoje, near its lengthy border with Russia. 

"In our day, every military conflict or hot spot of tension and confrontation will necessarily have a baneful domino effect and seriously comprise the system of international relations," the pope said.

Americans Now Pay More in Taxes Than for Food; Pay More in Taxes Than Food,Clothes,Healthcare

 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report this week showing that Americans spent more on taxes in 2021 than food, clothing, and healthcare combined, the Chosen Generation Radio website reports today (September 14, 2022).

According to the Daily Mail, in 2021, Americans spent an average of $16,729.73 in federal and state social security, property and other taxes, while spending $8,289.28 on food ,$1,754.39 on clothing , and $5,451.61 on healthcare -- a total of about $15,500.

A Gallup survey found that the most common reaction of Americans is to reduce spending, including buying less in general or buying oly essential items. 

Unions Are Now Experiencing a Very Busy Time; Nurses, Teachers, and Perhaps RR Workers Strike

 Between strikes by nurses, teachers, and probably railroad workers soon, and new efforts gaining steam at Starbucks, Amazon, Apple, and elsewhere, big labor is having a big moment, the CNN website reports today (September 13, 2022).

On the nation's freight railroads, strapped workers who must be on call seven days a week are at an impasse with railroads. Unions are on course to strike on September 16 unless Congress steps in.

In Minnesota, about 15,000 nurses walked off the job last week, part of a three- day strike to draw attention to their standoff with management over short-staffing, among other things. 

Study: Most Pastors Are Opposed to 10% Tithe; Despite Bible Calling for 10% of One's Income

A new Barna study shows that while many Christian churches encourage tithing -- giving 10% of one's income to the church -- as a biblical commandment, only a minority of pastors subscribe to that traditional view, the Christian Post website reports today (September 12, 2022). 

The study found that only a minority of Americans who identify as Christians give 10% of their income to the church.

Researches showed no consensus among pastors on the practice that has been renounced by high-profile pastors, such as televangelist Creflo Dollar recently.

Pope Francis Beatifies Pope John Paul I; Sees Him as Detachment from Worldly Temptations

 Pope Francis beatified Pope John Paul I. calling his predecessor an example of joyful service and humble detachment from worldly temptations such as power and influence, the Crux website reports today (Septembere 11, 2022).

Speaking to the faithful gathered at St. Peter's Basilica for the beatification Mass, Francis said John Paul I lived "in the joy of the Gospel, without compromises, loving to the very end."

"He embodied the poverty of the disciple, which is not only detachment from material goods, but also victory over the temptations to put oneself at the center. to seek one's own glory." 

King Charles III Proclaimed Britain's Monarch; Praises Mother's Reign of Dedication, Devotion

 King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britain's monarch in a historical ceremony today (September 10, 2022), as he held up his mother's legacy and emphasized his commitment to continue it, according to the NY Daily News website.

Legally, Charles rose to the throne the exact moment Queen Elizabeth died on September 8 at the age of 96.

"My mother's reign was unequaled in duration, dedication, and devotion. I am deeply aware of this great 

Zelensky:Ukraine Gets Back Land from Russia; Has Won Back 385 Sq. Miles in the Past 7 Days

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that his forces have reclaimed almost 400 square miles of territory from Russia over the past week, the UPI website reports today (September 9, 2022).

Zelensky said Ukrainian forces have won back about 385  square miles over the past seven days.

Officials noted that Ukrainian forces advanced more than 30 miles into Russian-held territory in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, the country's second-largest city that Russian forces have been unable to capture since the war began in February.

Canada Police Capture Last Suspect of Stabbings; 10 Stabbed Dead, 18 Injured in Saskatchewan

 Police in Canada have captured the remaining suspect in a mass stabbing that left 10 people dead and 18 others injured, the Worthy News website reports today (September 8, 2022).

The fugitive's brother and fellow suspect, Damien Sanderson, 30, was found dead Sept. 5 near the stabbing sites in Canada's western province of Saskatchewan.

Myles Sanderson's capture ends a chase that spanned three provinces. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the stabbings in Saskatchewan "shocking and heartbreaking."

Liz Truss Accepts an Invitation to Visit Ukraine; New British PM Will Help Ukraine Battle Russia

 Britain's new prime minister, Liz Truss, has accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine and reiterated Britain's "steadfast" support for the country in its war with Russia, the Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty website reports today (September 7, 2022).

Truss spoke on September 6 with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in one of her first calls with a foreign leader after becoming prime minister.

Truss also vowed on September 6 to tackle the challenges Britain faces, including "severe global headwinds caused by Russia's appalling war in Ukraine and the  aftermath of COVID."

Study: 10.5M Kids Have Lost Parents to COVID; More Than Previous Estimates, Nos. Still Rising

 More than 10.5 million children worldwide have lost parents or caregivers, and 7.5 million plus have lost one or both parents from rhe COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study, the UPI website reports today (September 6, 2022). 

The sobering statistics are far above previous estimates and still climbing.

They could underscore devastating long-term consequences for children, including "institutionalization, abuse, traumatic grief, mental health, adolescent pregnancy, poor educational outcomes, and chronic and infectious diseases."

Some States to Tax Biden's Student Debt Relief; MI, MN, WI, AR, NC Subject to Income Taxes

 President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness plan could lift crushing debt burdens from millions of borrowers, but the tax man may demand a cut of the relief in some states, the Newsmax website reports today (September 5, 2022).

That's because some states tax forgiven debt as income,which means borrowers who are still paying down student loans could owe taxes on as much as $10,000 or even $20,000 that was taken off their bill.

In Mississippi, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and North Carolina, forgiven student loans will be subject to state income taxes.

Schoolgirls Found Alive 8 Yrs.after Kidnapping; Nigerian Army Locates Few of the 276 Schoolgirls

 A few of the schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram Muslim terrorists from their school in Nigeria Chibok district back in 2014 now have been found alive, the WND website reports today (September 4, 2022).

It made world headlines when the terrorist organization took -- at gunpoint -- 276 schoolgirls hostage.

A handful of those girls have been located in recent weeks by the Nigerian Army. They now are mothers of children they had with these terrorists to whom they were "married."

Russians Attend Funeral for Mikhail Gorbachev; Putin Snubs Funeral, Is No Friend of Gorbachev

 Many Russians came for a last look of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev today (September 3, 2022), who died August 30 at the age of 91,the AP website reports. 

Gorbachev launched drastic reforms that helped end the Cold War, but he also helped to ascertain the breakup of the Soviet Union, which current Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the 20th century's "greatest geopolitical catastrophe."

Putin did not attend Gorbachev's funeral, claiming he was "too busy" to attend.

US Muslims Have Negative Views of Themselves; Show More Prejudice Than Other Rel. Groups

 A new survey by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) finds that U.S. Muslims have an increased negative stereotype about themselves, the Religion News website reports today (September 2, 2022).

American Muslims scored 26 on the ISPU's Islamophobia index of 10 to 100, which measures a group's endorsement of anti-Muslim stereotypes. 

That's higher than other religious groups, such as Jews,who scored 17 on the index; Protestants, who scored 23; or the religiously unaffiliated, who had a score of 22.

Pope Francis Calls for End of the Death Penalty; It's Legally Unnecessary, Morally Inadmissible

 Pope Francis is  calling on Catholics worldwide to mobilize against the death penalty, a practice he says is both legally unnecessary and morally inadmissible, the Crux website reports today (September 1, 2022).

"The commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill,' refers to both the innocent and the guilty," Pope Francis said on August 31.

"I, therefore, call on all people of goodwill to mobilize of the death penalty throughout the world," the pope said.

Russia Is Lacking Soldiers to Fight in Ukraine; Uses Prisoners, Older Recruits to Ease Shortage

A senior U.S. Pentagon official said Russia is now struggling to fight in Ukraine, even tapping prisons, and many new recruits are older , in poor shape, and lack training, The Nations News website reports today (August 31, 2022).

In experiencing significant setbacks and heavy troop losses in the six months after invading Ukraine, the Pentagon  believes  that "this effort is unlikely to succeed, as Russia has historically not met personnel and strength targets," the official said. 

In early August, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl estimated that between 70,000 to 80,000 Russians had been killed or wounded since Russia's  invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.

Biden Admin. Pulling Back on COVID-19 Funding; Due to Lack of Funding, Concern from Congress

While public health got a boost in funding during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration is already pulling back on funding for tests and vaccines because of a lack of funding  from Congress, the Newsy website reports today (August 30, 2022).

Ig worries experts like Thoai Ngo, an epidemiologist working at the health justice research nonprofit, the Population Council.

"My main worry right now is tat because of how we operate, we will erode trust from people in public health  institutions," Ngo said.

MOTB Hands Ancient Manuscript to Greece; Gospel Manuscript Looted by Bulgaria in WWI

 The Museum of the Bible (MOTB) in Washington, D.C. has returned a handwritten Gospel manuscript, which is more than 1,000 years old and was looted from a monastery in Greece by Bulgarian troops in 1917, to the Greek Orthodox Church, the Christian Post website reports today (August 29, 2022).

MOTB curator Brian Hyland identified the manuscript -- one of the world's oldest hand-lettered Gospels -- as part of hundreds of priceless objects looted from the Kosinitza Monastery in Greece during World War I.

A formal return ceremony will be held at the monastery in northern Greece today (August 29, 2022), the MOTB said.

Floods in Pakistan Kill over 1,000 since Mid-June; Villages,Crops,Livestock Wiped Out, Homes Lost

 Widespread floods in Pakistan that have killed ore than 1,000 people since mid-June may not have reached their peak yet, the Sky News website reports today (August 28, 2022).

All four of the country's provinces have been hit by the extremely heavy rains, with over 30 million people affected.

Flash floods have swept away villages, crops, and 800,000 livestock, as soldiers and rescue workers evacuated stranded residents to relief camps and provided food to thousands of displaced Pakistanis.

Russian Patriarch Cancels Meeting with the Pope; Kirill Approves of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

 The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has canceled his planned attendance at an interfaith meeting in Kazakhstan next month where he was expected to meet with Pope Francis, the Crux website reports today (August 27, 2022).

Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of foreign relations for the Moscow Patriarchate, said that Patriarch Kirill would not be attending the September 13-15 meeting; therefore, any meting with Francis was off. 

Kirill has justified the Russian invasion of Ukraine on spiritual and ideological grounds, calling it a "metaphysical" battle with the West.

Starbucks Fires 85 Workers Trying to Unionize; NLRB: Starbucks Violates Various Labor Laws

 More than 85 workers at Starbucks, who were heavily involved in union organizing efforts at the giant coffee chain, have been fired over the past several months, The Guardian website reports today (August 26, 2022). 

Workers have filed numerous unfair labor practice charges over the firings and a federal judge recently ordered the reinstatement of seven workers in Memphis, Tennessee, who were fired in February.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued 21 official complaints against Starbucks, encompassing 81 charges and 548 allegations of labor law violations that are currently under review.

Biden Reveals Plan for Easing Student Loan Debt; Many to Be Granted $10,000 Debt Cancelation

 President Biden on August 24 made good on his campaign promise to ease the burden of federal student loan debt, the Newser website reports today (August 25, 2022).

Under Biden's plan, many Americans will be granted $10,000 in debt cancelation; those with the greatest financial need could see an additional $10,000 wiped away.

Borrowers who earn less than $125,000 a year, or families earning less than $250,000, will be eligible for the $10,000 loan forgiveness.

US Sends Ukraine $3B in Aid as War Hits 6 Mos.; Will Help Ukraine Fight Russia for Several Yrs.

 As Russia's war on Ukraine drags on, the U.S. plans to announce an additional $3 billion in aid to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come, the AP website reports today (August 24, 2022).

U.S. officials said the package is expected to be announced today, the day the war hits the six-month mark. and Ukraine celebrates its independence day.

The money will fund contracts for drones,weapons, and other equipment that may not see the battlefront for a year or  two, they said. 

Enrollment Is Down in Many US Public Schools; Chicago, NYC, Boston Have More Empty Desks

 Enrollment is down for U.S. public elementary schools, the Newsy website reports today (August 23, 2022).

Chicago, LA, NYC, and Boston are seeing similar trends in empty desks.

Shrinking enrollment may force some districts in places like Denver, Indianapolis, and Kansas City,  Missouri to close schools entirely.

Some 1.8M Doses of Monkeypox Vaccine in US; More Than 13,500 Cases in US Confirmed

 An additional 1.8 million doses of the Jynneos monkeypox vaccine are available for order, the USA Today website reports today (August 22, 2022).

The FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the Jynneos vaccine that allows five doses to be obtained from the original single-dose vial. 

More than 13,500 cases of the monkeypox have been confirmed in the U.S., according to the latest CDC data.

Americans to Hear Soon on Student Fed. Loans; Ed. Sec. Says Americans Will Know This Week

 Millions of borrowers are awaiting to hear whether President Joe Biden will extend the pause on federal student loan payments, which is set to expire August 31,or possibly forgive any of their debts, the CNN website reports today (August 21, 2022).

Borrower balances have been frozen since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no payment required on most federal student loans since March  2020.

"I can tell you the American people will hear within the next week or so from the President and the Department of Education of what we're going to be doing around that,"said U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.

Biden Building $500K Wall around Beach Home; Had Halted Trump's Border Wall as Being Racist

 President Biden halted the construction of the border wall launched under the Trump administration after criticizing it as a symbol of racism, the WND website reports today (August 20, 2022).

However, it turns out that taxpayers will be footing the bill for a security wall confined to Biden's vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

At a cost of some $500,000, a Delaware construction company operating on a Department of Homeland Security contract will construct the barrier around Biden's multi-million dollar beach house. 

Australian Anglicans Split on Same-sex Marriage; Diocese of Southern Cross a New Denomination

A conservative splinter group opposed to same-sex marriage announced the formation this week of a new Anglican diocese in Australia, triggering a split in the church in that country, the Religion News Service website reports today (August 19, 2022).

The launch of the Diocese of the Southern Cross prompted the head of the Anglican Church of Australia, Primate Geoffrey Smith, to issue a statement on August 18 characterizing it as a "new denomination."

"This company has no formal or informal relationship with the Anglican Church of Australia," Smith said in a statement.

Biden Signs the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: Calls It One of Most Important Laws in US History

 President Joe Biden has signed the "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022," the New American website reports today (August 18, 2022).

During the signing ceremony, Biden described the new act as "one of the most significant laws in our history."

He stated that it spends"$369 billion to take the  most aggressive action ever in confronting the climate crisis."

Greek Cath.Church of Ukraine Prays for Its People; Ukrainians in Full-Scale War Launched by Russia

 Six  months into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Catholic prelates in the bombarded country hope to rally the spirits of Ukrainian citizens, while urging world leaders to remember their plight, the Religious News Service website reports today (August 17, 2022).

Ukraine is standing, Ukraine is fighting, Ukraine is praying," said Greek Catholic Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk in his message for Ukraine on August 15, which also marks the Catholic feast of the Virgin Mary's assumption into heaven. 

Shevchuk has written daily bulletins from Ukraine, where he writes the faithful face "a full-scale, heavy, bloody war" launched by an "unjust aggressor."

First Lady Jill Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19; Contacts Virus Just Weeks after Husband Got It

First Lady Jill Biden's office announced today (August 16, 2022) that she is isolating after testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Daily News website.

Biden, 71, is double-vaccinated and double-boosted and will isolate at a private residence in South Carolina, until she tests negative twice. 

Biden came down with the virus just weeks after her husband caught COVID-19. The Bidens were  on vacation in Kiawah Island, a luxury beach resort near Charleston, for the past week.

Taliban Celebrates One-Year Afghan Return; Afghanistan Faces Hunger,Econ., More Crises

 The Taliban today (August 15, 2022) celebrated the one-year anniversary of its return to power in Afghanistan after U.S. forces ended a 20-year campaign, but the country is dealing with multiple crises, including a spiraling economy and deterioration of women's rights, according to the UPI website. 

U.S. forces were caught off-guard by how rapidly the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan against U.S.-backed Afghan troops amid the withdrawal.

The departure started a slide of support for U.S.President Joe Biden.

Fire at Cairo Coptic Orth. Church Kills 41 People; At Least 15 Children Killed, 16 People Injured

 A fire ripped through a packed Coptic Orthodox church during morning services in Egypt's capital of Cairo yesterday, filling it with thick black smoke and  killing 41 worshippers, including at least 15 children, the Crux website reports today (August 15, 2022).

Several trapped congregants jumped from upper floors of the Martyr Abu Sefein church to try to escape the intense flames.

Sixteen people were injured, including four policemen involved in the rescue effort. 

Rumors Claim Pope May Visit Zelensky in Sept.; Ukraine Pres. Says He Spoke to Pope on Phone

As rumors continue to circulate about a visit by Pope Francis to Kyiv in September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed yesterday that he had spoken on the phone with the leader of the Catholic Church, the Crux website reports today(August 13, 2022).

"I thanked Pope Francis for praying for Ukraine during a talk with him,"  Zelensky wrote on instagram.

"I spoke about Russia's aggression and the terrible crimes against our state."            

Actress Anne Heche Dies in Auto Accident at 53; Her Son Homer Confirms Her Death to Fox News

 Actress Anne Heche has died from an  auto accident at the age of 53, the Fox News website reports today (August 12, 2022).

Heche's son Homer confirmed he had lost his mom to Fox News Digital.

He said," I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully, my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom."

Latvian Parliament Names Russia Terrrorist State; Cites Invasion of Ukraine, Mil. Activity in Syria

 Lawmakers in Latvia have designated Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. citing Moscow's ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, its military activities in Syria, and several high-profile cases of poisoning of Kremlin critics, the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty website reports today (August 11, 2022).

The Latvian parliament adopted the resolution on August 11 after 67 lawmakers voted for it. Sixteen lawmakers abstained. 

Ukraine encourages other states to follow suit.

Over 1,000 Firefighters Hit Blaze in Bordeaux; Thousands of Acres of Pine Forest Go up in Smoke

More than 1,000 firefighters battled through the night to try to get a huge wildfire under control near the city of Bordeaux in southwest France, the Euro News website reports today (August 11, 2022).

By this morning, nearly 6,800 hectares of pine forest went up in smoke after the fire broke out two days before in thee Gironde area. 

"We fought all night," said Lt. Col. Arnaud Mendhouse of the Gironde fire and rescue service.

Some 80.000 Russian Toops Killed in Ukraine; Russia Classsifies All Mil. Deaths as Secret

 The U.S. estimates that Russia has lost up to 80,000 troops in Ukraine since its invasion of that country began in February, the Washington Post website reports today (August 9, 2022).

On July 20, the CIA said Russia had suffered 60,000 casualties in Ukraine since widening its war  there February 24.  

Russia classifies military deaths as stste secrets, even in times of peace.

China Announcs Fresh Mil. Drills around Taiwan; Protests against Speaker Pelosi's Visit to Taiwan

 China's military announced fresh military drills today (August 8, 2022) on the seas and airspace around Taiwan to protest against last week's visit to Taipei by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, according to the Newsmax website. 

China said it would conduct joint drills focusing on anti-submarine and sea assault operations, confirming the fears of some security analysts and diplomats that Beijing would continue to maintain pressure on Taiwan's defenses.

Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned the move, saying China was creating crises.

Polio Warning Is Issued in New York State; Hundreds of Americans May Be Infected with It

The New York State Health Department is treating  one case of polio as the "tip of the icdeberg" after finding the virus in two counties, the RT website reports today (August 7, 2022).

Hundreds of Americans may be infected with the poliovirus, New York state health authorities claimed yesterday, after identifying the virus in wastewater samples in two different counties.

Stare Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said, "New Yorkers should know that for every one case of paralytic polio observed, there may be hundreds of other people infected."

Senate Opens Debate on Biden-Backed Objectives; Would Lower Health Costs, Fight Climate Change

 Senate Democrats voted today (August 6, 2022) to begin debate on a bill that  aims to lower health-care costs, combat climate change, and reduce the federal budget deficit, according to the Washington Post website.  

The vote came seven months after internal bickering scuttled Democratic efforts to reduce gfreenhouse gas emissions, and low prescription drug costs.

Sen. Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said today on the Senate floor ,"Where previous efforts have fallen short, this Senate majority is on the verge of succeeding."

Priest Ripped for Conducting Aquatic Mass.; Italian Priest Was Helping Anti-Mafia Group

 An Italian priest is being investigated for holding Sunday Mass in his trunks with an inflatable air mattress as an altar, the Insider website reports today (August 5, 2022).

Father  Mattia Bernasconi, from Luigi Gonzaga parish in Milan, was seen conducting the service. 

Father Bernasconi has been helping with a week-long camp for high school students  organized  by Libera, an anti-mafia organization.

US Drone Strike Kills Top Al-Qaeda Leader; Osama bin Laden's Top Asst. in 9/11 Attacks

 A U.S. drone airstrike killed Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahini in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Clarion Project website reports today (August 4, 2022).

Zawahini was the FBI's most wanted terrorist.

He was Osama bin Laden's top lieutenant and believed to have been the "operational brains" behind the 9/11 terror attacks. 

Kansas Votes to Protect Abortion in State Const.; Becomes 1st State to Do So Since Overturn of Roe

 Kansas is the first state to put abortion rights to a vote since the supreme court overturned Roe v. Wade in late June, The Guardian website reports today (August 3, 2022).

The state will remain a safe haven for abortion in the midwest, as one of the few states in the region where it remains legal to perform the procedure. 

Many other states have undertaken  moves to make abortion largely illegal since June. 

Pope Francis Travels to Kazakhstan in September; May Meet with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill

 Pope Francis will travel next month to Kazakhstan, where he could meet with Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who has justified Moscow's war in Ukraine, the Crux website reports today (August 2, 2022).

Francis, 85, will attend an interfaith conference in the Kazakh capital, Nur Sultan, from Sept. 13-15, the Vatican said.

Kirill has justified Russia's invasion of Ukraine on spiritual and ideological grounds. 

Study Shows Aid of Digital Rel. for Millennials; Digital Rel. Has Made Millennials' Faith Richer

 A study published in the Review of Religious Research has found that engaging with digital religion has made millennials' faith experience richer, the Christian Post website reports today (August 1, 2022).

The research, based on data from the 2019 Millennial Trends Survey, also suggested that some non-churchgoers have found religion in digital spaces.

Digital religion is defined as an umbrella concept that reflects "a new frame for stimulating the evolution of religious practices online."

Russia's Black Sea Blockade Hits Ukraine Exports; Many African Nations Are Now Facing Famine

 Russia's naval blockade on the Black Sea has resulted in logistical chaos in Ukraine, the world's fourth largest grain producer, the Euro News website reports today (July 31, 2022).

Consequently, many African nations now face the prospect of famine.

Reni in Ukraine is one of the only places of its kind still operating in the country and remains a key hub for exporting Ukrainian corn, wheat, and other crops.

NY Gov. Orders State Emergency on Monkeypox; Order Will Allow State to Respond More Quickly

 New York Gov. Kathy Hochul yesterday declared a state disaster emergency to strengthen New York state's efforts to confront the monkeypox ourbreak, the CBS New York website reports today (July 30, 2022).

The governor says the executive order will allow the state to respond more quickly and "allow health care professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated."

Thee monkeypox is being classified a threat to the state, but not to NewYork City.

Appalachian Flooding Kills 15 People in Kentucky; Massive Property Damage, Hundreds Lose Homes

 Heavy rains have caused flash flooding and mudslides, as storms pound parts of central Appalachia, the Newsy website reports today (July 29, 2022).

Kentucky Gov. Andy Bashear said today that at least 15 people have died from flooding in the state. 

He added that property damage has been massive, with hundreds losing their homes. 

Spain Launches Beach Body Backing of Women; Says Women Should Admire Their Beach Bodies

 Spain's government has sent a message to women who may be uncomfortable about showing their bodies in bathing suits on the beach, the Euro News website reports today (July 28, 2022). 

The government's Equality Ministry launched a summer campaign today encouraging women to reject "stereotypes" and "aesthetical violence" -- a reference to social pressure some women feel to conform to beauty ideals.

In a tweet, Equality Minister Irene Montero said, "All bodies are valid and we have the right to enjoy life as we are, without guilt or shame."

Indian Woman, 24, Is the First to Marry Herself; Marriage Conducted in Elaborate Wedding Setup

 A 24-year-old Indian woman, Kshama Bindu, tied the knot with herself last month == the first example of "sologamy" in India -- the Al Jazeera website reports today (July 27. 2022).

"People look weirdly at me, like I have committed a crime," she said.

Bindu's "sologamy" -- a marriage with herself -- was conducted last month in an elaborate Indian wedding setup, making her an overnight internet sensation and the first Indian ever to engage in such a practice.