Stamford, Conn. Pastor Killed by Police Car; Rev. Tommie Jackson Died While Crossing the Street

 Tommie Jackson, a pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church in Stamford, Conn., and an assistant director of the city's Urban Development Commission died after he was hit while crossing the street on July 26 by a vehicle driven by a local police officer, the Christian Post  website reports  today (July 31, 2023).

Jackson, 69, was struck shortly after 4 p.m. by Stamford Police Officer Zachary Lockwood,24, who was operating a Stamford patrol vehicle. 

Asst. Police Chief Silas Redd praised Jackson as a "beacon of light" in the community.

Man Who Vandalized Alas. Jewish Museum Gets 18 Yrs.; Carved Swastikas and Phrase "We Are Everywhere" in Bldg.

 A man in Anchorage, Alaska,who vandalized a local Jewish museum with swastikas. has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, the Forward website reports today (July 30, 2023). 

Luke Foster  went on a vandalism spree in 2021, twice tagging the Alaska Jewish Museum featuring swastikas and the phrase "We Are Everywhere."

Federal authorities initially tracked Foster down due to his unrelated efforts to sell hallucinogenic mushrooms online. When they searched his home in 2021, they found neo-Nazi material and evidence that he had committed the vandalism.

Republican Pres. Candidates Share Stage in Iowa; Trump Leads in Iowa Despite Criminal Indictment

 Nearly every major Republican presidential candidate shared the stage in the early voting state of Iowa on July 28, as Donald Trump continues to dominate in the polls despite his numerous legal liabilities, The Guardian website reports today (July 29, 2023).

Thirteen candidates appeared at the Iowa Republican party's 2023 Lincoln Dinner fundraiser, addressing donors and local party leaders with less than six months left before the state's caucuses.

Trump has cemented his lead in Iowa, even as the former president braces for a third criminal indictment.

Syracuse Has $100M Settement with Abuse Victims; Apologizes to Victims for Negledct in Handling Abuse

 About three years after the Diocese of Syracuse, New York filed for bankruptcy following a wave of clergy sex abuse lawsuits, it has reached a $100 million settlement with survivors, the  Crux website reports today (July 28, 2023).

Announcing the news to the Diocese of Syracuse faithful, Bishop Douglas Lucia offered an apology to the clergy sex abuse survivors for what they endured, and a commitment to further strengthen the diocese's safe environment protocols so that "the past does not repeat itself."

"As the present leader of the Roman Catholic Church of Syracuse, I cannot apologize enough for the abuse which happened or for any neglect in dealing with it," Lucia added.

Biden to Announce Measures to Ease Heat Wave; Record-Breaking Heat Wave Hits Much of U.S.

 President Joe Biden will announce today (July 27, 2023) new measures to protect workers and others amid a record-breaking heat wave that has gripped the country for most of the month, the UPI website reports.

Biden plans to meet today with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg at the White House to discuss the ongoing impact of one of the hottest summers on record, and how government can provide relief to communities that have been racked by daily temperatures of more than 100 degrees.

Biden also plans to order the Labor Department to issue a Hazard Alert declaring the heat wave a potential threat to employee health and safety, which would provide federal protections to workers who face the highest risk, such as farmers.

World Youth Day Opens in Lisbon,Portugal Aug.2; Most Successful "Politics of Identity" in Any Rel.

 When World Youth Day opens in Lisbon, Portugal on August 2, it will mark the latest edition of the most successful version of a "politics of identity" in an organized religion today, a clear sign that Catholicism remains alive and well, the Crux website reports today (July 26,2023).

It is the biggest public expression of Catholic symbols, vocabulary, and practice on the planet, often dubbed the "Olympic Games" or the "Woodstock" of the Catholic Church.

Today, World Youth Day is a short list of the largest regular gatherings of humanity in the world.

Evangelicals Don't Tend to Save for Retirement; Last Few Yrs. Were Financially Difficult to Retire

 A study by the Gerontological Society of America found that Evangelical  Protestants are less likely to save for retirement than people of other faiths, the Christian Post website reports today (July 25, 2023).

This is partially attributed to the Evangelical emphasis on  "the world to come, as opposed to the more temporal focus of other faiths."

The last few years have made it financially difficult for many with several challenges: 401Ks taking a dive of more than 45% in 19 months; highest inflation rates since 1981; and total U.S.household debt over $17 trillion. 

Biden Makes LGBTQ Foreign Policy Priority; Critics Call Policy a National Security Threat

 The White House has made the LGBTQ agenda a foreign policy priority, the CBN website reports today (July 24, 2023).

It is pressuring developing nations to drop their laws against homosexuality, and some believe it is a threat to our national security.

One of the first things Joe Biden did after he became president was to order government agencies to put the U.S. at the global fight against anti-LGBTQ laws in other nations, many of them Christian nations.

Nazi Camps on British Island to Be Investigated; Alderney Island Was under Nazi Control in WW II

 The full horrors of the only Nazi concentration camps to exist on British soil will finally be investigated in an official government inquiry, The Guardian website reports today (July 23, 2023).

The British government will investigate the number of prisoners murdered by the Nazis on Alderney, the  tiny British island and crown dependency.

It has been established that Nazi troops ran two of the camps on Alderney during World War II, and new evidence of the scale of Nazi barbarity on the island has emerged over recent years. 

Biden Admin.Makes Rule to Raise Oil, Gas Prices; American Petroleum Inst. Slams Rule as a Barrier

 The Biden administration unveiled a new oil and gas leasing rule proposal on July 21, 2023 that would raise prices at nearly every stage of the public land leasing process, the WND website reports today (July 22, 2023).

The Bureau of Land Management issued the rule proposal yesterday in an effort to adopt a "more transparent, inclusive and just approach" to federal oil and gas leasing on public lands and "provide a fair return to taxpayers," the Bureau said. 

The American Petroleum Institute slammed the rule proposal, calling it "yet another attempt to add even more barriers to future energy production."

New York City Mourns Death of Tony Bennett, 96; He Left His Heart in NY City, Not San Francisco

 New Yorkers, enamored musicians, and fans around the U.S. mourned the loss of Tony Bennett today (July 21, 2023), celebrating the master staccato singer from Astoria, Queens after his death at the age of 96 in Manhattan, the NY Daily News website reports.

NewYork City Mayor Adams referred to one of Bennett's most famous songs, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," and said, "Don't let the lyrics fool you -- he left his heart right here in New York City."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Brooklyn Democrat, tweeted that Bennett was a "true son of Queens whose music reminded us of so many good things in life."

 

Trump Investigated for Civil Rights Conspiracy; Prosecutors:Trump Tried to Overturn Election Results

 Federal prosecutors investigating Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results have evidence to charge the former president with three crimes, The Guardian website reports today (July 20, 2023).

The charges detailed in a target letter sent to Trump by prosecutors from the office of special counsel Jack Smith, who also charged Trump with retaining classified documents last month, was the clearest signal of an imminent indictment.

Prosecutors appear to have evidence to charge Trump with obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the U.S.

Biden Meets with Israeli Pres. Herzog at White House; Two Talk about Danger of a Nuclear Iran

 Israeli President Isaac Herzog met today (July 19, 2023) with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House and is expected to address a joint session of Congress on July 20, the CBN website reports. 

In the Oval Office, the two leaders talked about the danger of a nuclear Iran.

During the meeting with Herzog, Biden said, "As I affirmed (by phone) to Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday, America's commitment to Israel is firm."

Pope Names French Abp. as Ambassador to US; Christophe Pierre Enjoys Sharing Life of Cath.

 French Archbishop Christophe Pierre, 77, the pope's ambassasdor to the U.S.,  who was named cardinal by Pope Francis earlier this month, found himself doing what he said he holds most important; namely, sharing the life of the Catholic faithful where they are, the Crux website reports today (July 18, 2023).

"Well, you know, I am a diplomat of the pope. When I was asked to enter into this service of the pope, I was afraid to lose my pastoral dimension," Pierre told Crux.

"I became a priest in order to be with the people, in order to evangelize, so I've always done that," he added.

Millions of Americans at Risk from Extreme Weather; Heavy Rains Flood Northeast, Extreme Heat Hits South

 Extreme weatheri in 

various forms persists and puts millions of Americans at risk, from sweltering heat in the South and Southwest to torrential rains and flooding in the Northeast, the Scripps News website reports today (July 17, 2023).

Threats of a flood continue as people remain on edge in Vermont, in the town of Ripton, where authorities ordered over a dozen people to evacuate.

Meanwhile, in the Vermont town of Middlesex, Laurie Dodge said, "We got hit really hard with this whole thing, with trees coming down,  turning our whole place into a river.

Americans Still Upset at High Cost of Living; Despite Fact Inflation Has Eased for 12 Months

 Many Americans feel the cost of many items is too high, even though annual inflation in the U.S. slowed by 3% last month, the USA Today website reports today (July 16, 2023).

Inflation, which is measured by the consumer price index, has now eased for 12 straight months and is at its lowest rate since March 2021.

That's a significant decline from a year ago when inflation hit a 40-year high of 9.1%.

Ark.Court Hears Case Trying to Censor 10 Command.; High Court Ruled 10 Command. Display Is Const.

 Officials with First Liberty Institute said a fight in an Arkansas court over a representation of the Ten Commandments is unnecessary, the WND website reports today (July 15, 2023).

Several anti-Christian organizations have sued over a stone monument in the state.

"The Supreme Court already settled this debate. Displays that are part of the history and tradition of America, like the Ten Commandments, are presumed to be constitutional," said Lea Patterson, counsel at First Liberty.

Jesse Jackson Quits Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; Served as US's Preeminent Civil Rights Leader

 Rev.Jesse Jackson, the iconic aging civil rights activist and trailblazing presidential candidate, announced today (July 14, 2023) he is stepping down from Rainbow/PUSH Coalition after a half century at the helm of the Chicago-based civil rights organization, the Daily News website reports.

Jackson's departure from the political scene leaves Rev.Al Sharpton as the nation's preeminent civil rights leadership.

 l

Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2015 and stepped down from leadership of the group last year.

Salma Hayek in Bikini Almost Breaks the Internet; Attracted Nearly 2M "Likes," Surprised Bikini Only 77 Yrs. Old

 Salma Hayek almost broke the internet yesterday with a sizzling bikini photo in celebration of National Bikini Day that has garnered nearly two million "likes" on instagram, the Total News website reports today (July 13, 2023).

The 56-year-old actress posted a photo of herself wearing a colorful two-piece while standing in a swimming pool.

"Happy National Bikini Day! Can you believe the bikini has only been around for 77 years?!" she wrote.

Iowa Legislature Passes a Bill against Abortion; Pro-Life Gov. Kim Reynolds Expected to Sign Bill

 The Iowa legislature has given final approval to a heartbeat law that will protect babies from abortions, the Life News website reports today (July 12, 2023).

The bill now goes to pro-life Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign.

The new law wold make Iowa the next state to provide legal protection to babies before birth. 

Awards to Honor Nuns Fighting Human Trafficking; Ceremony Will Take Place October 31 in London

 This fall several organizations are banding together to recognize the "unsung heroes" in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking efforts, the Crux website reports today (July 11, 2023).

The Arise anti-trafficking organization is preparing to host an awards ceremony honoring Catholic nuns engaged in the prevention of trafficking and modern slavery throughout the world.

The ceremony, called the "Sisters Anti-Traficking Awards" (SATA) will take place Oct. 31 in London, during which three nuns will be given an award and a sum of $25,580 to allocate toward a development program of their choosing.

Coalition Is Recording Each Russian War Crime; Will Take Putin to International Court of Justice

 As Vladimir Putin continues to pound civilian targets in Ukraine, a human rights coalition is recording each war crime ready for the day when the perpetrators face justice, the METRO website reports today (July 10, 2023).

The Tribunal for Putin (T4P) represents 24 groups undertaking exhaustive work to hold the Russian president and his accomplices accountable for tens  of thousands of acts of brutality.

Ideally, this would be at The Hague in the Netherlands, and while it may not happen soon, the coalition has resolved to help build a solid legal framework, even if it takes decades. 

Zelensky: Russia May Destroy Ukraine Nuclear Plant; Due to Russia's War with Ukraine Going Poorly

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern today (July 9, 2023) that Russia is planning to destroy the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, because its war with Ukraine is going so poorly, the Yahoo News website reports.

Speaking via a translator in an interview that aired today on ABC's "This Week," Zelensky said: "Can we, while analyzing this, think that Russia is planning a local explosion in order to stop Ukrainian operations on the battlefield? Yes."

He added that Russians "will  make some additional steps in order to make  the entire world  be afraid of the global nuclear disaster and halt all military actions on the battlefield."

Biden to Send Ukraine Deadly Cluster Bombs; Seen as Inhumane for Killing, Maiming Kids

The Biden administration announced yesterday  that cluster bombs, despite their inherent threat to civilians and children,will be sent to Ukraine, the WND website reports today (July 8, 2023).

Cluster bombs kill and maim children and are banned by an international treaty signed by most U.S. allies.

They are a rocket, bomb, or missile that unleashes tens of hundreds of smaller, explosive munitions when fired.

Pope's Top Advisor: Pope Is a Traditional Cath.; Those Saying Pope Is Radical Have "Pure Fantasies"

 Pope Francis'new top theological advisor has attempted to reassure voices in the U.S. and elsewhere who have questioned his adherence to Catholic teaching and tradition, vowing that he is not a "Soros spy infiltrated in the Church," the Crux website reports today (July 7, 2023).

"I am not a Freemason, nor an ally

 of the New World Order, nor a Soros spy infiltrated in the Church." 

"Those are pure fantasies," said Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, an Argentine theologian tapped by the pontiff July 1 as the new prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, traditionally the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog agency.

Most Americans Fear Running out of Money Than Dying; Many Stopped Saving for Retirement Due to Fin. Crises

 When it comes to the fear that keeps Americans up at night, death may loom large but for most there is even a more terrifying threat: going broke in retirement, the Yahoo News website reports today  (July 6, 2023).

A remarkable 61% of respondents expressed that fear in a recent survey conducted by Allianz Life insurance compay.

Almost half of respondents to the survey said they have stopped saving  for retirement  due to recent financial crises, leaving them in danger of outliving their money.

New Drug Reduces Spread of Alzheimer's Disease; Donanemad Delays Worsening Symptoms by 35 %

An effective drug for Alzheimer's disease is on the horizon, The Telegraph website reports today (July 5, 2023). 

U.S. scientists announced that the drug donanemab delays worsening of symptoms by 35%.

Half of the patients on the trial found their mental decline was halted for more than a year. 

Gunman Kills 5 on Philly Streets before Being Arrested; Shooting Occurred in Several Southwestern City Blocks

 A heavily armed gunman in a bulletproof vest opened fire on the streets of Philadelphia late last night killing five people and wounding two boys before surrendering, the Yahoo News website reports today (July 4, 2023).

The random shootings took place over several city blocks in the southwestern neighborhood of Kingessing.

Officers chased the suspect as he continued to  fire, and he was arrested in an alley after giving himself up. 

Two Killed, 28 Wounded at Baltimore Block Party; Three of the Wounded Still in Critical Condition

 Gunfire erupted at a block party in Baltimore  yesterday, killing two people, wounding 28, and leaving an extensive crime scene that marred the holiday weekend, the Yahoo News website reports today (July 3, 2023).

Three of the wounded were in critical condition, and more than a dozen were under 18.

The shooting took place just after 12:30 a.m. when at least two people opened fire at a block party in the Brooklyn Homes area in the southern part of the city, said Richard Worley, Baltimore's acting police commissioner.

Smoke from Canada Wildfires Chokes Much of US; Canada Expects Firefighting to Last Until Sept.

Smoke from more than 500 wildfires raging throughout Canada is choking  large swaths of the U.S., and has spread as far as Europe, the Alter Net website reports today (July 2, 2023). 

When the fires will end is on the minds of millions of people whom they are affecting.

Canadian officials expect firefighting operations to last until September.