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.