Rosalynn Carter, 95, Is Suffering from Dementia; Top Mental Health Advocate Most of Her Life

The Carter Center shared on May 30, 2032 a statement that the wife of former President Jimmy Carter is suffering from dementia, the Newser website reports. 

"She continues to live happily at home with her husband, enjoying spring in Plains, Georgie , and visits with loved ones," the statement reads, and notes the 95-year -old has been a "leading mental health advocate for much of her life, " it continues.

First in the Georgia Governor's Mansion, then in the White House, and later at the Carter Center, she urged improved access to care and decreased stigma about issues surrounding mental health.

Putin Senior Aid Sees Nuclear War on Ukraine; Says Ukraine Could "Disappear" If West Aids It

 A senior aid of Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West is underestimating the chance of nuclear war over Ukraine, and said that country could "disappear," the Worthy News website reports today (May 30, 2023).

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stressed that Russia would launch a pre-emptive strike if Ukraine gets nuclear weapons. 

Russia, which has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, accused the West of waging a proxy war with Russia over Ukraine that could escalate into a much bigger conflict.

Chuech of Scotland Loses Half Its Members since 2000; Average Age of Worship Attendees Is 62 Years Old

 A recently released report shows that the Church of Scotland has lost more than half of its members since the year 2000, with the average age of worship attendees being 62, the Christian Post website reports today (May 29, 2023).

The Assembly Trustees report, created in advance of the Church's General Assembly, analyzed the statistical information about the denomination. 

According to the report, the membership of the Church in 2021 was 283,600, which represented a 4.6% decline  compared to 2020, and well below the 1.3 million reported in the 1950s. 

Orthodox Church of Ukraine Changes Xmas. to Dec.25; Seen as Slap at Russia for Its Invasion of Last Yr.

 In a significant decision touted as being a direct opposition to Russia and which brings it a step closer sharing a unified calendar with Roman Catholics, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has decided to move Christmas to Dec. 25, the Crux website reports today (May 28, 2023).

Traditionally, Ukrainian Christians, the bulk of whom are Greek Orthodox, have celebrated Christmas on Jan. 7, along with other  predominantly Eastern European Orthodox nations, including Russia which invaded Ukraine in February of last year. 

In Ukraine, there are two primary branches of Orthodox Christianity, the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine , and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate -- a branch of Orthodoxy in Ukraine that reports to Moscow. 

High Court Hits EPA's Right to Regulate under CWA; Couple Prevented from Bldg. Home on Own Wetlands

 The Supreme Court rolled back the  EPA's  (Environmental Protection Agency's) authority to regulate under the Clear Water Act (CWA) in a unanimous decision today (May 25,2023), the Daily Caller website reports. 

Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, brought by a couple prevented from building a home on their own land near Priest Lake, Idaho becausae it contained wetlands, considered the scope of the agency's "waters of the United States" (WATUS) rule, which defines what "navigable waters" can be regulated under the CWA. 

Investigation:Kissinger behind 3M Deaths in 1970s; 150,000 Cambodian Civilians Died during Vietnam War

 An outlet investigation has claimed that former U.S. diplomat Henry Kissinger's actions caused, among other things, 150,000 Cambodian civilians to die, the RT website reports today (May 24, 2023).

Kissinger, who has advised half a dozen U.S. Presidents on foreign policy, has caused the deaths of over 3 million people, according to an intercept investigation.

While critics of the Nixon-era secretary of state and national security adviser often  describe him as a war criminal for his pivotal role in numerous US-backed genocides and coups, the report argues Kissinger's body count has been widely underestimated, particularly regarding the secretive, highly illegal expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia in the 1970s. 

St. John's Prep in Danvers, MA Cancels Classes; Police Officer Accidentally Fired Gun at School

 A report of an active shooter yesterday at St. John's Prep School in Danvers, Mass. turned out to be a swatting hoax, but the police response was "ramped up" when an officer responding to the incident accidentally discharged his gun, the CBS News website reportrs today (May 23, 2023).

No threat was found at the school of 1,450 students,  and  no one was hurt. But the frightening incident and sound of gunshot sent students running from the building. Classes are canceled today.

"During the search process  there was an accidental discharge of a firearm... that resulted in an increased response from area departments," Danvers Police Chief James  Lovell said.

States Reach a Deal to Save the Colorado River; Cal., AZ, Nev.Will Reduce Water Used by 13%

 States along the Colorado River have finally struck a deal to keep the vital waterway from running dry in the West, the N.Y. Times website reports today (May 22, 2023).

The arrangement is that Calfornia, Arizona, and Nevada will reduce by 13% the amount of water they pull from the river in exchange for more than $1billion in federal funding. 

Without action, the river might run dry below the Hoover Dam, which could drastically impinge on water for cities such as Los Angeles and Phoenix. 

Four People Were Shot Today in Los Angeles; Three of the Victims Are Black, a Fourth Is Hispanic

 A Los Angeles mass shooting early today (May 20,2023) has left four victims in stable condition, the Fox News website reports

The shooting took place in the mail room of a downtown apartment complex. 

Shots were reported at the 1000 block of Ingraham Street around 2:00 a.m. Witnesses say the shooter, who has yet to be apprehended, was in a white BMW SUV. LA Police said three of the victims are black males and the fourth is a Hispanic female. 

Nearly 25% of Americans Change Rel. during Lifetime; Survey Finds Many No Longer Belong to Any Religion

A new survey shows that nearly 25% of Americans changed their religion or their religious traditions and denominations during the course of their lives, the Worthy News website reports  today (May 19,2023). 

Conducted by the Public   Religion Research Institute (PRRI) over trhe last 16 years, the "202 American Values Atlas" survey was published on May 16.

In particular, the survey found an increase in the number of people who no no longer define themselves as Christian and who say they are not affiliated with any official religion.

Report:Protestants See Drop in Foster Care, Adoption; Numbers Are Less Compared to a Few Years Ago

 A recent report by Lifeway Research shows that Protestant churchgoers are less likely to see people in the pews engaged in adoption and foster care compared to a few years ago, the Christian Post website reports today (May 18, 2023). 

In the report released on May 11, Lifeway found that , among Protestant churchgoers in the U.S., 16% saw a member provide foster care, 13% saw a member adopt a child from the U.S., and 11% saw a member adopt a child from another country. 

These numbers are below those reported in 2017, when 25% saw a member provide foster care, 17% saw a member adopt a child from the U.S., and 15% saw a member adopt a child from another country.

Many Cath. Attend King Charles III Coronation; First Time Cath. Leaders Attend UK Coronation

When King Charles III and his wife Camilia were formally crowned last Saturday, observers took special note of the religious dimension of the ceremony, which featured members of  Christian denominations beyond the Church of England as well as followers of non-Christian faiths, the Crux website reports today (May 17, 2023). 

Catholics present at the May 6 coronation ceremony included the Vatican's Secretary of  State, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as well as Cardinal Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, who gave a special blessing to the King during the ceremony.

It was the first time a Catholic leader had been physically present inside Westminster Abbey for a coronation, following a progressive thaw in relations between the Catholic and Anglican churches over the past century. 

No. of Americans Attending Church Rises;Many Return to in-Person Services,Defeat COVID

 Three years after government  restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced many churches to close and only offer services online, a new report reveals the state of in-person attendance, the Christian Post website reports today (May 16, 2023).

Fortunately, for pastors, the share of Americans who have returned to in-person worship services continues to increase, while a sizable proportion of churchgoers continues to embrace the virtual option. 

The American Bible Society released a second chapter of its "State of the Bible USA 2023"  report on May 11 which examined church attendance trends now that three years have passed since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic led the country deciding to extend worship restrictions that prevented many congregations from meeting in person.

Russian Air Force Has Worst Day in Ukraine War; Two Fighter Jets and 2 Helicopters Crash May 13

The Russian air force suffered its worst day of losses in 14 months on May 13 after two fighter jets and two helicopters crashed in mysterious circumstances, the Yahoo News website reports today (May 15, 2023). 

Russian Telegram channels kept updating the tally of aircraft that had crashed in Russia's Bryansk region near the border with Ukraine. 

The Russian ministry of defense did not immediately comment on the crashes, several of which were caught on camera.  

Pope Adds Coptic Orth. Martyrs to Cath. Calendar; ISIS Had Beheaded 21 Coptic Christians in Libya

During a meeting last week with the head of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Francis announced that he would be adding Coptic martyrs killed by Daesh (ISIS) in 2015 to the Roman Catholic Church's calendar, the ICN website reports today (May 14, 2023). 

Daesh beheaded the men in Sirte, Libya, video-recording their executions and posting the footage online. The 21 Coptic Christians -- of whom 20 were Egyptian and one hailed from Ghana.

The pronouncement that the 21 men would be added to the Martyrology -- a list of saints and blesseds arranged according to the anniversary of their deaths -- was made on May 11 during a meeting between Pope Francis and Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II at the Vatican.

US Prices Accelerate in April as Inflation Rises; Rising Costs Could Persist for Several Months

 Consumer prices in the U.S. accelerated in April after months of declines, with measures of underlying inflation suggesting that rising costs could persist for months to come, the Worthy News website reports today (May 13, 2023).

Prices rose 0.4% from March to April, the government said, up from 0.1% from February to March.

The nation's inflation rate has steadily cooled since peaking at 9.1% last June, but remains far above the Federal Reserve's 2% target rate. 

Survey: More Praying in US Than People Expect; Over 60 Percent of Americans Pray Twice a Day

According to the results of a survey of more than 1,700 Americans that was released on May 4, "there is more praying taking place than people expect," the New American website reports today (May 12, 2023). 

John Dye, executive director of Skylight, which commissioned the study conducted by City Square Associates, said the survey revealed that people "are frequently exploring their spiritual side and using prayer to work through adversity, finding meaning and creating a connection with a Higher Power."

The group learned that more than 60 percent of Americans pray regularly, and more than 80 percent of those believe rtheir prayers are being answered.They pray an average of twice a day for 18 minutes, mostly by themselves. 

Russia Might Use Chemical Weapons in Ukraine; Accused of Using Phosphorus in Bakhmut

 A war expert has warned Russia could use "horrific" chemical weapons in Ukraine, urging the international community to condemn their use, the Euro News website reports today (May 11, 2023). 

The Kremlin says it does not intend to use chemical weapons in Ukraine. 

On May 6, Russia was accused of using phosphorus on the besieged Ukraine city of Bakhmut, with Ukraine releasing  footage showing it raining down on its positions.

US Troops Arriving Along US-Mexico Border; US Ends Immigration Restrictions Linked to COVID

 U.S. defense officials said yesterday that about 550 U.S. active duty troops have begun arriving along the U.S.-Mexico border in the first group of military support  ahead of an expected increase of migrants, the Army Times website reports today (May 10, 2023). 

The movement of troops is part of efforts to beef up security along the southern border as the U.S. prepares for the end of immigration restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic. The restrictions are set to expire on May 11. 

The forces will be used mainly to help monitor and watch the border, or do data entry and support, and not to be interacting with migrants.

Robert DeNiro Welcomes Seventh Child at 79; Says He Sometimes Is a Stern Parent to Kids

Robert DeNiro, 79, the actor, is now a father of seven,  the Entertainment   website reports today (May 9, 2023)

The Academy Award winner revealed that he welcomed a new baby while in conversation with ET Canada   for his forthcoming film, "About My Father."

DeNiro shared the update while on the topic of fatherhood, lamenting the fact that he sometimes had to be a "stern" parent to his other six children.

Price of NATO Summit in Lithuania Shocking; Biden, Zelensky to Attend July NATO Summit

 Authorities in the Baltic country of Lithuania insist procurement for the upcoming summit was transparent, but costs have spiraled with Biden and Zelensky expected to attend, the Euro News website reports today (May 8, 2023). 

The cost of hosting an upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania is causing concern. 

Representatives from the 31-state military alliance will gather in the capital, Vilnius, in July, with U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky both expected to attend. 

Report: Drop in U.S. History, Civics Scores; Reading and Math Scores Also at Record Low

 The scores in  U.S. history and civics declined for eighth-grade students across the country , according to a new report released amid growing concerns about public education, as other data show that reading and  math scores are also at record lows, the Christian Post website reported yesterday (May 5, 2023).

The National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) -- also known as the Nation's  Report Card-- released the scores on May 3.

NAEP -- a congressionally-mandated program overseen by the U.S. Dept. of Education -- reported the  eighth grade scores in U.S. History went from 263 in 2018 to 258 in 2022, declining by five points. 

New King of UK Plans Less Expensive Coronaton; Yet Coronation May Cost up to 113 Million Euros

 This Saturday, May 6, 2023, the new King of England is planning a "less expensive" coronation as the UK suffers a cost of living crisis and an unprecedented wave of protests, the Euronews website reports today (May 4, 2023). 

The country is pulling out all the stops: a three-day celebration including street parties and a grand public procession

One question appears to be on many people's minds: How much will this cost and who is paying for it? Most experts believe the coronation will cost between 57 million and 113 million euros. Taxpayers  will pay most of the coronation cost.

Christians Infiltrate SatanCon Boston Meeting; Viewed as Largest Satanic Gathering in History

 Christians traveled from around the country to infiltrate The Satanic Temple's SatanCon in Boston, where they met with and witnessed to atheists and satanists at what was called the "largest satanic gathering in history," over the weekend, the Christian Post website reports today (May 3, 2023).

A Twitter video from evangelist Sean Feucht showed one attendee on stage ripping up pages from the Bible. 

Christians who were covertly ministering at the event reported that nearly 100 people made decisions to follow Jesus.

Pope: Only Way To Cut Decline in Cath. Is Faith; Fear, Anger, Rigidity Won't End Secular Growth

Fear, anger, and rigidity will do nothing to reverse the growth of secularism  and a decline in the number of  Catholics attending Mass, Pope Francis said; the only effective response is to give a living example of faith, the CNS website reports. 

"The church to which we must aspire," he said, is "a church capable of mutual listening, dialogue and care for the most vulnerable, a church welcoming to all and courageous in bringing the prophetic message of the Gospel to everyone."

Pope Francis met with 1,000 bishops, priests, seminarians, religious and catechists in the Basilica of St. Stephen in Budapest on April 28, 2023, the first day of his three-day trip to the Hungarian capital. Another 4,000 people were seated in the square in front of the basilica, watching on video screens.