Former Pres. Jimmy Carter Dies at 100

 Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who dedicated his life after he left office to brokering international peace, has died at age 100, the NBC News website reports today (Dec. 30, 2024). 

Carter, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his human rights work around the world, has been in hospice care since February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he lived with his wife of 77 years, Rosalyn Carter. The former first lady, 96, died on Nov. 19, 2023.

Carter was the first U.S. president to reach his 100th birthday. 

In October, for Carter's 100th birthday, President Joe Biden recognized him in a direct --to--camera birthday message shared with CBS News, saying : "Mr. President you've always been a moral force for our nation and the world. I recognized that as a young senator. That's why I supported you so early. You're a voice of courage, conviction, compassion and most of all, a beloved friend of Jill and me and our family."

Biden said he would order an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C., and issued a proclamation declaring Jan. 9 to be a national day of mourning. Today (Dec. 30) the U.S. Army Military District of Washington said that the state funeral would be held on that same date, and Biden ordered federal offices closed "as a mark of respect." 

King Charles Christmas Day Speech Upsets Christians for Suggesting All Religions the Same

 King Charles has been criticized for his Christmas Day speech which suggested that all faiths are the same, the Christian Post website reports today (Dec. 29, 2024). The monarch's Christian Day address to the nation is an annual Christmas tradition that many households gather round to listen to on the big day. 

In his address this year, the king said, "The example that Jesus gave us is timeless and universal. It is to enter the world of those who suffer, to make a difference to their lives, and to bring hope where there is despair."

As the famous Christmas Carol, Once in Royal David's City reminds us, "Our Savior holy came down to Eartrh from Heaven ," lived among the poor and mean and lowly and transformed the lives of those He met through God's 'redeeming love.'"

"That is the heart of the Nartivity story and we can hear its beat in the belief of all great faiths of the love and mercy of God in times of joy and of suffering, calling us to bring light where there is darkness. 

Missiologist and Home for Good Founder, Krish Kandiah,said King Charles' comments demonstrate "a fundamental misunderstanding of either Christianity or world religions. "

"The idea that God becomes human and then willingly dies to redeem and rescue humanity is unique to Christianity," said Kandiah.

Pope Visits Prison on St. Stephen's Day; Honors Present--Day Martyrs

Pope Francis marked the feast day of the first martyr, St. Stephen, by visiting a prison and highlighting that Christians are srtill being persecuted for their faith,  the Catholic Herald website reports today (Dec. 27, 2024).  

"Unfortunately, today there are srtill, in various parts of the world, many men and women who are persecuted , at times up to death, because of the Gospel, the pontiff said during the Angelus address in St. Peter's Square on Dec. 26. The pope gave his Angelus address after returning from the Rebibbia New Complex Prison in Rome, where he opened a Holy Door for the Jubilee Year. 

In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Stephen  -- a deacon -- was stoned to death  after being accused of blasphemy by Jewish leaders shortly after Jesus' ascension into heaven. 

In his Angelus address, Francis said the story of  St. Stephen  applies to present--day  martyrs, too.

"They do not allow themselves to be killed out of weakness, nor to defend an ideology, but to make everyone participants in the gift of salvation  they have received from the Lord Jesus Christ," the pope said. 

Student and Teacher Killed in Shooting at Wisc. Christian School

A teacher and teenaged student were shot and  killed at a private Christian school on Dec. 16 in the state of Wisconsin, the Christian Today website reports today (Dec. 23, 2024).

At least six others were injured in the attack at Abundant Life Christian School in the city of Madison. Two of the injured sustained life--threatening injuries and are in a critical but stable condition in a hospital. The shooter was idenrtified by police as Natalie Rupnow, 15, who also goes by the name "Samantha." 

Police said she was in attendance at the school before opening fire in a study hall with mixed grade students at the school. She then turned the gun  on herself and died on the way to a hospital.

Police are still working to establish a motive. 

Speaking to reporters, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said, "Today is a sad day not only for Madison, but for our entire country. We have to do a better job in our community. 

Barnes said police had not had any prior interactions with Rupnow.

The school has asked for prayers. 

The school said, "We have been flooded with thoughts and prayers. This great nation is behind us. So grateful for the tsunami of prayers for our students, staff, and families. 

King Charles Attends Advent Service for Christians

 King Charles attended a special Advent service on Dec. 17 that was held to honor the courage and perseverance of Christian communities suffering for their faith around the world, the  Christian Today website reports today (Dec. 20, 2024). 

The service was held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, in Mayfair, London, and was co--hosted by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

It coincided with the 10th anniversary of the ISIS  invasion of Mosul and the Nineveh Plains in northern Iraq, which led to the untold suffering of Christians and other minorities. 

During the service, King Charles met with members of the Iraqi Christian diaspora, including individuals who experienced persecution and displacement when ISIS took control of the Nineveh Plains. 

Dr. Caroline Hull, national directror of ACN (UK) said: "Throughout their long  history dating back to the first century, the Christians of Iraq have been no strangers to suffering."

"But little could prepare them for the terrors that would be inflicted both on them and so  many other communities in recent years." 

Dr. Hull added: "The King's constant concern has been a huge source of encouragement for us at ACN."

She also said the journey towards restoration and renewal for Iraqi Christians "has been a long and sometimes painful one" and that "there is still a long way to go towards full recovery." 

Abp. Says Christians Have Role to Play in New Syria

In Syria, Archbishop Joseph Tobjie of Aleppo says Christians must play a role in building an inclusive and democratic society after a civil war of over 10 years and the fall of Bashar al--Assad, the Crux website reports today (Dec. 18, 2024).

The Syrian leader's forced departure followed a surprise offensive across the country by rebel groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al--Sham (HTS), which is associatred with Islamist groups.

"From a security perspective, things are relatively calm here in Aleppo," Tobjie told Vatican News. 

"However, isolated acts of violence persist, and in Damascus, the situation appears far worse. Weapons remain widespread , even among children. Seeing a child carry a rifle is something no one should ever witness," he said.  The rebel group has made promises to respect all communities, including minorities, and so far, their actions are aligned with their words," Tobjie tld Vatican News. 

"They treat us Christians with respect, and there is no form of persecution at present," the archbishop claimed. 

Assad and hs father Hafez, who preceded him as president and died in 2,000, are accused of turning Syria into a dictatorial and murderous country.

Christians made up about 10 percent of the pre--war Syrian population, but now make up less than 2 percent, falling from 1.5 million in 2011 to just 300,000 in 2022. 

"For over 50 years, we were silenced. But now is the time to rise to the challenge. We must lay the foundation for a state rooted in the common good , one that guarantees the dignity and rights of all citizens," Tobjie said. 

Why Was Jesus Born?

There is nothing in creation as glorious as the Gospel of Jesus Christ,which we remember at Christmas, the Christian Post website reports today (Dec. 17, 2024). 

Consider what was proclaimed as the Savior's birth. An angel declared that Jesus would save people from their sins. Mary exclaimed that God's mercy had come on those who fear Him. Zechariah praised God for redeeming His people. Angels sang to the shepherds immediately following the Messiah's birth.

As we mark the celebration Christmas brings, we should consider why the Gospel is full of joy, hope, peace, love, and grace as was so powerfully described at Jesus' first coming. 

The Gospel is good news because it reveals God's greatest gift given in His Son. It is the message of salvation freely given by God to His people from every tongue, tribe, people, and nation. 

When God sent Jesus into the world, He gave us a bountiful number of gifts because the Son is infinitely glorious. This Christmas, we are focusing on. four of those gifts that are ours in Christ. In the first gift, Christians receive the the gift of God's wisdom.

The second and third gifts Paul describes are righteousness and holiness. 

The righteousness Paul has in mind is the forgiveness of sins . When God bestows the gift of righteousness, He erases our sins.Our sins are removed from us as far as the east is from the west, and God remembers them no more. 

However, we could never achieve a perfect righteousness before the Lord on our own. God, then, gives us the gift of the imputation of Christ's righteousness. Not only does God pay off the debt of our sins, but He deposits Christ's righteousness into our account through faith.

Pope Visits Corsica; Tells Catholics to Maintain Strong Rel. Traditions

Pope Francis yesterday visited the Mediterranean  island of Corsica, located west of the Mainland of Italy and north of the Italian island of Sardinia, and encouraged the island's Catholic majority to foster its traditional piety , as secular culture grows in Europe, the Catholic News website reports today (Dec. 15, 2024). 

The papal visit to the capital Ajaccio touched the peripheries of France, where a strongly Catholic population is steeped in Corsican traditions, including songs, both sacred and secular, linked to confraternities. 

The religious associations, which have a long history of Corsican culture, continue to pass down the custom of singing. The hymns are usually sung a capella and in Latin.

Traditional Corsican hymns featured throughout Pope Francis's visit, especially at his Mass with an estimated 7,000 Catholics at Place d'Austerlitz, a park built as a memorial to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born in Ajaccio. Authorities estimate another 8,000 people were following the Mass on jumbo screens around the city. 

In his homily for the Third Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis said too much time thinking about ourselves and our own needs is why "we lose the spirit of joy."

"If we live only for ourselves, we will never find happiness, the pope said, pointing to the recitation of the Rosary and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy of the confraternities as an example of how to cultivate faith. 

How Has Jesus Been Depicted over 2,000 Years?

 Most people today have a visual image of Christ : long--haired and bearded, simply dressed in homespun cloth, portrayed with varying degrees of Middle Eastern appearance, often with an intense gaze, the Christian Today website reports today (Dec. 14, 2024).

The Christian portrayal of Jesus stands in contrast to Jewish and Islamic prohibitions of images. However, the Christian  position is not unique since similar, easily recognizable iconography can be found in Hinduism and Buddhism where there is similarly no reticence about portraying central characters and divine beings. 

For Christians, the faith in the incarnation (God becoming man) and the belief that in Christ humanity and divinity existed in one man means that historically rthere has been a theological impetus to portray Christ. After all, Chrisrtians believe that it is in His humanirty that "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell."

Therefore, to portray Him in recognizable human form reinforces this faith, challenges the viewer to accept the reality of the God--man, and reflects on the implications of this reality for His followers as they live out their human lives in the everyday world.

Mystery Drones Flying over U.S. East Coast May Be from Iran

 A U.S.congressman dropped a bombshell two days ago concerning the source of mystery drones flying over New Jersey, saying they're being launched from an Iranian "mother ship" off the eastern seabord of the U.S., the World Net Daily website reports today (Dec.13, 2024). 

"From very high sources, very qualified sources, very responsible sources, I'm going to tell you the real deal," said U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R--N.J.

"Iran launched a mother ship probably about a month ago that contains these drones. That mother ship is off ... the east coast of the United States of America. They've launched drones in everything that we can see or hear, and again these are from high sources. I don't say this lightly." 

Van Drew, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, told Harris Faulkner of Fox News "Iran made a deal with China to purchase drones, mother ships and technology in order to go forward. The sources I have are speaking to me in confidentiality."

Faulkner responded to Van Drew's statement: "Look. you've given some pretty dire information just here. Iran has the capability to pull up along our eastern seaboard and launch drones the size of an S.U.V. into the skies of several states, particularly New Jersey, where we know the incoming president has a large home. Also in the same county or nearby where some of the drones in New Jersey have been seen.

The U.S. military was asked about Van Drew's claim in a briefing on Dec. 11, and completely denied it. 

"There is no truth to that," said Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the Pentagon. 

"There is no Iranian ship off the coast of the United States and there's no so--called mother ship launching drones towards the United States."

Luigi Mangione's Manifesto on Internet Believed to Be a Fake

 Luigi Mangione's manifesto , a recitation of the injustices of the healthcare system against his chronically ill mother ,misdiagnoses the causes of the healthcare crisis -- and justifies Mangione's tragic crime of premeditated murder, the New American website reports today (Dec. 11, 2024). 

The post claiming to be Mangione's last words was taken down by Substack for violating the platform's impersonation rules. 

Mangione, 26, was charged with murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Following his arrest, various claims about him circulated online, including speculation about an online manifesto that allegedly explained his motive for the killing. 

The post, attributed to "LM" on the blog site Substack, is titled "The Allopathic Complex and Its Consequences" and has been shared in various social media posts crediting Mangione as the author. 

Mangione had a three-page document with him when he was arrested that police say speaks to his alleged motive at the time of the killing but claim the manifesto posted online was authored by Mangione is false. 

Police continue to piece together a possible motive for the cold blooded killing -- including whether Mangione was fueled by a vandetta against the medical industry after sufffering from chronic back pain.

Mangione is being held in a Pennsylvania lockup while fighting extradition to New York, where he is facing murder charges in Manhattan over Thompson's slaying. 

Christians in Syria Face Uncertain, Perilous Future

A human rights group has warned that Christians in Syria confront an uncertain and perilous future under the control of Islamist--led rebel forces, the Christian Today website reports today(Dec. 10, 2024).

The minority Christian  population of  Damascus, significantly diminished by over a decade of civil war, now grapples with fears of escalating threats and restrictions.  

Islamist rebel forces, led by Hay'at Tahir al--Sham (HTS), which is designated as a terrorist organization by the US and Uk, captured Aleppo about a week ago , followed by Homs and Damascus late last Saturday night in a sweeping offensive that toppled Syrian government forces. Bashar al-- Assad fled the country on a flight to Russia on Saturday night. 

Since  Hay'at al--Sham's takeover of Aleppo, many Christians have fled, leaving behind a small but resolute group trying to maintain their faith and traditions. 

A bus carrying young Christians was stranded on the Aleppo road , later finding refuge at the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese. 

Many Christian leaders have remained in thwe city , providing spiritual guidance and practical support to their communities. 

Syriac Orthodox Metropolitan Bishop Mor Boutros Kassis and other Christian leaders have been communicating through social media where they held prayers and liturgies . They are encouraging Christian residents to face the reality with awareness, courage, and faith, he was quoted as saying. 

Rebels Form Interim Govt. in Syria; al-Assad Flees to Moscow

 Rebel forces took control of Damascus, Syria yesterday, marking the end of Bashar al--Assad's decades--long autocratic rule, the Euro News website reports today (Dec. 9, 2024). 

Syrians across the world celebrated the astonishing end of Bashar al--Assad's rule when, after more than 13 years of civil war, anti--government  rebels declared control of the country's capital. 

The overthrown leader is reportedly in Moscow, according to Russian media reports where he is expected to be granted asylum.

As they swept into cities, armed rebels flung open prisons and released what human rights  groups have said at least 100,000 people considered missing at the hand of the state since 2011.

Despite celebrations , world leaders were cautious that a power vacuum in the region could open up the possibility of further instability, with U.S. President Joe Biden calling events  a "moment of risk and uncertainty" for the Middle East.

Expressions of Faith Making Comeback ln U.S.

For too long, we've watched public expressions of faith slowly disappear from our communities, but things have changed recently, and public expressions of faith are now being restored, the Christian Post website reports today (Dec. 6, 2024). 

Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel of First Liberty Institute, said, "Public expressions  of faith are making a comeback."  

With the law being more favorable toward religious freedom and expression, one can join the national movement to rebuild and restore historical public displays that have long been enjoyed all across our country. 

First Liberty conducts research and provides analysis on the effects of policy actions on religious liberty. It is intended to be used for informational, educational and reference purposes only. 

God has opened an incredible door to restore faith in America, and it's up to you and me to walk through it. 

Magnitude 7 Earthquake Hits California

 A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck near the town of Petrolia in California today (Dec. 5, 2024) at 10:44 a.m. local time , generating a now discontinued tsunami warning that stretched from southern Oregon to San Francisco, the USA Today website reports. 

The quake occurred on the sparsely populated northern coast of California in a seismically complex area known as the Mendocino Triple Junction. It is where three tectonic plates meet and the Northwest's Cascadia subduction zone and California's San Andreas Fault system meet. The quake itself occurred on the Mendocino fault zone. 

In Arcata, California , just under 60 miles from Petrolia, 25--year--old Jared Mitchell was having an early lunch in his apartment when he felt  a  "jolt," he told USA Today.

"It wasn't that big of a violent shake," said Mitchell, an assistant manager at Los Bagels, a bagel shop in town. "But my apartment was swaying back and forth for a bit. It was kind of scary, like I was on a raft in the middle of the sea." 

By 12:30 p.m., less than two hours after the initial quake, the area had experienced 13 different aftershocks, ranging from 5.1 to 3.1, according to the U,S, Geological Survey. By 2:30 p.m., the USGS had reported at least 39 aftershocks of at least 2.5 magnitude in the region, including Petrolia and Ferndale. 

Traci Grant, 53, a public relations specialist, said she was on the phone with a friend when she felt her San Francisco apartment of 20 years "swaying."

"I felt my whole apartment was moving in slow motion," said Grant. "For a moment I thought I should get my purse and my cat and get out." 

Pope: Pursuit of Peace not the Responsibility of a Few, But of All

 Reflecting on the upcoming Christmas season, Pope Francis yesterday warned that if  "desensetization  and indifference to the horrors of war prevail, all of humanity is defeated." the Catholic News website reports today (Dec.3, 2024). 

"I hope that the glimmer of peace that has emerged can lead to a ceasefire on all fronts," Pope Francis stated after praying the Angelus yesterday. 

He was referring to the ceasefire agreement reached between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel to end 13 months of fighting.

Building upon this, the pope also challenged  the Lebanese people to elect a president. "As soon as possible,"  he encouraged, "so that institutions can return  to normal functioning, proceed with the necessary reforms, and ensure the country remains an example of peaceful coexistence among different religions."

Pope Francis continued to express his concern for the areas of the world in conflict, including Gaza, Sria, and Ukraine. He shared his deep concern for the release of Israeli hostages and petitioned once again that "humanitarian aid to the exhausted Palestinian population" be available. 

Pope Francis renewed his challenge to the international community "and to every man and woman of good will, to do everything possible to stop war and to promote dialogue, frarternity, and reconciliation."

Remembering the Holy Land this Christmas

 As Christmas approaches, Friends of t he Holy Land is asking Christians to turn their minds to the city of Bethlehem, where the  Christmas story began , and conflict continues in the region., the Christian Today website reports today (Dec. 2, 2024). 

For children across the world, the celebration of Christ's birth will mean presents, nativity plays, and meals with family and friends, but children in the Holy Land will spend their Christmas worrying about  bombing in the region and where their next meal will come from, says Friends of the Holy Land.

Speaking at the launch of its Christmas Appeal, CEO Brendan Metcalfe said that the Holy Land's children are being robbed of their chance of a normal childhood, and the ongoing conflict has denied children many of their basic needs. 

It is proving impossible to keep children sheltered from the reality of the situation, with parents from across the West Bank reporting warning signs of the heavy toll the ever--present danger is taking on children. Many experience nightmares fed by the fears they live with day--to--day,  while others have lost their appetite and do not want to play with friends anymore. 

Also, a whole generation is at risk of missing out of some of their most formative years of school. According to Metcalf, "Since October 2023, many children are unable to attend school due to travel restrictions, school fees, or because they are too frightened to leave their homes." 

Moles Can Lead to Cancer

Moles are common skin growths that tend to pop up throughout our lives, the Health website reports today ( Nov. 27, 2024). 

For the most part, moles are common and harmless. But sometimes, they can become cancerous due to excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight or tanning beds. Melanoma can develop when a mole's appearance -- including the shape, color, and size -- changes drastically or a new mole appears. 

Melanoma occurs in the cells that typically produce your skin pigmentation, called melanocytes. It is uncommon compared to other skin cancers -- like basal and squamous cell -- only accounting for about 1% of all cases. However, melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, 

according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).  

Common moles are usually small, have a round and smooth surface, and are dome--shaped , according to the NCI. They are also typically pink or brown, the color generally coordinating with a person's complexion tone. 

" There are congenital moles  -- like birthmarks -- moles that are completely benign, and then there are dysplastic moles with some atypic , meaning under the microscope we see atypical or odd--looking cells," Mary Seevenson, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon in New York City, told Health. 

A cancerous mole can pop up on areas of the skin previously free of moles. They can also appear in the eye, digestive system, or  in other areas of the body. Melanoma isa the deadliest type of skin cancer because it can invade nearby and distant tissue inside the body -- like the lungs, liver , bone, or brain. This is also known as metastasizing. 

"UV light exposure is tha single biggest risk factor for the development of cancerous spots," Joshua Zeichner , M.D. at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City told Health. 

Pope Calls on Churches to Implement Synod Proposals

 Pope Francis yesterday published a note calling on local churches to accept and implement proposals from the final document of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, the Catholic News website reports today (Nov. 25, 2024). 

The document "participates in the ordinary magisterium of the successor of Peter, and as such, I ask that it be accepted," the pope wrote in the note. 

"Local churches and groupings of churches are now called upon to implement, in different contexts, the authoritative indications contained in the document, through the processes of discernment and decision--making provided by law and by the document itself," he wrote nearly a month after the Synod's close. 

The final document outlined key priorities for the Church, including increased participation of laity through new ministries and adjusted governing structures, greater transparency and accountability among Church leadership, and creating space for previously marginalized groups. 

In his note, Pope Francis clarified that while the document is "not strictly normative" and must be adapted to contexts where it is applied, it still obligates "local churches to make choices consistent with what was indicated" in the document. 

Meanwhile, he said, the General Secretariat of the Synod and various dicasteries of the Roman Curia will be tasked with overseeing the Synodal journey's "implementation phase."

Dementia and Alzheimer's May Be Overcome with Hearing Aids

 As you get older, the likelihood of facing challenges like dementia or Alzheimer's increases, the Senior Health Today website reports today (Nov. 24, 2024). 

Research has shown that by the age of 90, an astounding 1 in 3 individuals will be impacted by one of these conditions. 

The risk gets higher with each year, and for  those affected, the condition continues to get worse. 

The biggest reason for this age--related mental deterioration is hearing loss. 

Hearing loss is a major factor because as we experience age--related hearing loss, it reduces our ability to connect and have meaningful interactions with others. 

When you can't hear and understand conversations with others, it makes you less likely to want to have those interactions. 

Many sufferers of hearing loss end up isolating themselves from their friends, loved ones, and strangers. This can cause a domino effect, leading to many conditions asssociated  with aging: memory loss, losss of motor function, loss of language abilities, dementia, depression, and Alzheimer's.These conditions may be reduced by the use of hearing aids. 

These devices, when used correctly, are tools of transformation for the brain. Think of them as a shortcut, or a hack, to rejuvenate your brain's function. 

A study by Johns Hopkins recently showed that by wearing hearing aids, you can reduce your risk of cognitive decline by nearly half. 

Another study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine showed that after 18 months of using hearing aids, an incredible 97.3% of participants either maintained or notably enhanced their executive brain function. 

In essence, by tackling hearing loss head--on with hearing aids, you're employing  a direct "brain--hack" that fortifies your brain against the challenges that come with age. 

Pope to Visit Med. Island of Corsica in Dec.

 The French Diocese of Ajaccio announced this week that Pope Francis will make a daytrip to the island of Corsica next month, further prioritizing the Mediterranean region, the Crux website reports today (Nov. 23, 2024).

Pope Francis will visit Corsica on Dec. 15, according to an announcement on the website of the local Diocese of Ajaccio, which is led by Cardinal Francois--Xavier Bustillo.

The theme of the pope's trip will be, "Jesus went about doing good." The trip will come just two days before Francis's 88th birthday on Dec.17.

It will mark the first papal trip to the French Mediterranean island.

Francis's visit to the island will mark his 47th foreign trip since his election to the papacy in 2013, and it will be his third time in France. 

French President Emmanuel Macron invited Pope Francis to Paris for the Dec. 8 reopening of the city's famed Notre Dame cathedral, after a fire destroyed vast portions of it in 2019. However, that day, the pope will be celebrating Mass with a slew of new cardinals who will have received a red hat the day before, during a Dec. 7 consistory. 

The pope's message to Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon, will likely refer to Europe's deeply Christian roots, and could include calls for greater social responsibility toward migrants and the poor, and for attention to the climate issue. 

Over 160,000 Pounds of Ground Beef Recalled Due to E.Coli

 More than 160,000 pounds of ground beef  from Wolverine Packing Co. were recalled nationwide over potential E. coli contamination , the Health website reports today (Nov. 22, 2024).

The meat was connected to a 15--person E.coli outbreak in Minnesota, prompting the USDA to label the recall a class 1. for the highest risk of illness. 

The USDA said the ground beef was distributed to restaurants across the country , and is urging restaurants to check their fridges and freezers for the affected products. 

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. meat manufacturer , voluntarily recalled 167,277 pounds of ground beef products after a small E. coli outbreak was connected to the meat. 

Fifteen people in Minnesota reported E. coli infections between Nov. 2 and Nov. 10 after consuming the ground beef. 

The USDA  listed the recall as class 1. -- the highest classification -- meaning there is a "reasonable probability" that consuming the affected product will result in serious health consequences or death. 

Ellen DeGeneres Has Moved to England

Ellen DeGeneres has relocated to the countryside in England, the People website reports today (Nov. 21, 2024).

The former talk show host, whose long--running eponymous series ended in May 2022,  has moved abroad  after finding a house she fell in love with in the U.K.

Just last week, Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, were spotted at  The Farmer's Dog, a pub owned by the English TV presenter and journalist  Jeremy Clarkson in the Catswalds.

"They hung out with Clarkson's partner, actress Lisa Hogan and James Blunt, and  The Carts performed at the pub, "     a  source said. 

DeGeneres is a well--known collector of multimillion --dollar homes, and owns several properties in Southern California. People previously reported she sold a Montecito, Calif. home in May 2024 for $32 million  and another property in the same town she owned for less than a year in April 2022 for $15 million. 

DeGeneres stepped out of the spotlight after nearly 20 years on the air following toxic workplace accusations made against her by co--workers in 2020. The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which was on the air for 19 seasons, aired its final episode on May 20, 2022. 

The entertainer spoke out for the first time in a Netflix comedy special , "Ellen's Last Stand--Up" tour in July 2024 and addressed her controversies. 

"Let me catch you up on what's been going on  with me since you last saw me," she said. "I got chickens. Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean." 

When later questioned about whether she would return to fame in the future, DeGeneres gave a hard "no." 

Many Discounts Available for Seniors in 2024

 With all that's happened over the past few years, seniors are now entitled to more discounts and savings programs than ever, the Super Savings website reports today (Nov. 20, 2024). 

Senior benefits and discounts are one of the few great perks that come with getting older. Savvy American  seniors have been taking advantage of these benefits to recession--proof their finances . Yet each year, millions of Americans forget to apply for them, because they don't know they exist.

Consequently, they forgo thousands of dollars in extra savings each year. A list of t he top discounts seniors can take advantage of in 2024 include:

1. Don't pay for another costly home repair out of pocket again. It's always a disruption  when appliances like the the ACs or washing machines break down. Clever homeowners are using the new Choice Home Warranty, and are saving thousands in the long run by protecting themselves against unexpected home repairs. All applicants are covered entirely by this program, and in many cases, they will completely replace your appliance with a brand new one. 

2. Seniors relieve joint discomfort 

with this tip. It's called Instaflex Advanced. Studies show it delivers increasing benefits over 90 days of use. Instaflex also needs only one tiny capsule a day. 

3. Homeowners in eligible zip codes can save up to $1,632 a year on their home insurance. A brilliant online tool dubbed as "The Amazon of Home Insurance" can reduce Americans' payments by as much as $1,632 per year. Experts are urging homeowners to take advantage of this free online tool. 

4. Open a Sofi checking account and earn up to $300. Sofi offers a checking account with no account fees, early direct deposit, and cash back rewards. Seniors can benefit from an easy--to--use platform with additional perks, such as overdraft protection and a high--yield savings option. 

Ukraine Uses U.S. Missiles on Russia for First Time

 The Russian Defense  Ministry said today (Nov. 19, 2024) that Ukraine launched ATACMS missiles at Russia's Bryansk region shortly after Joe Biden gave approval for U. S. military supplies to be deployed on Russian territory, the EuroNews website reports. 

The ministry said Ukraine "struck a facility in the Bryansk region with six ballistic missiles." 

Moscow went on to say its air defenses shot down five of the missiles and damaged one more. 

"The fragments fell on the tactical territory in the Bryansk  region, causing fire that was quickly extinguished. There were no casualties or any damage. 

The strike marks the first case of  Ukraine using the U.S.--made and supplied ATACMS missiles on Russian territory since Washington lifted its restrictions a few days ago. 

Carrots Recalled after E. Coli Outbreak Leaves 1 Dead, Dozens Ill

Organic carrots from Grimmway Farms have been recalled, after the produce was linked to an E. coli outbreak, leaving 38 ill and one dead, the Health website reports today (Nov. 18, 2024). 

The affected bags of baby and whole carrots were sold at Trader Joe's, Wegman's, Whole Foods, and other stores from August to October. 

The CDC  (Center for Disease Control) says the recalled carrots are likely no longer in stores, bu it is urging everyone to check their fridge for the affected products and throw them away. 

Grimmway Farms voluntarily recalled multiple brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots connected to 39 E. coli infections , including 15 hospitalizations and one death in California. The cases were reported from Sept. 6 to Oct. 28in 18 states, with the most illnesses in Washington state, New York, and Minnesota. 

The true number of cases is likely much higher   than the current figure because it takes three to four weeks to determine if an illness is part of an outbreak, and many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli. The outbreak may also affect more states than the ones with known illnesses. 

Pope Honors Christian Martyrs in All Denominations

In a heartfelt address to participants of a Vatican conference on martyrdom, the pope highlighted the unity of Christians in the face of persecution, regardless of denominational differences, the Christian Today website reports today (Nov. 17, 2024).

"Even today, in many parts of the world, there are many martyrs who gave their lives to Christ," Pope Francis said, speaking to the "No Greater Love: Martyrdom and Offering of Life" conference. 

He lamented that, "In many cases,  Christians are persecuted because, pushed by their faith in God, they defend justice, truth, peace, and human dignity."

The conference, which took place from Nov. 11 to 14 in Rome, brought together theologians, scholars, and religious leaders to explore the theological, historical, and cultural significance of martyrdom. 

In a bid to further honor these sacrifices, Pope Francis announced the establishment of a special commission within the Dicastery  for the Causes of Saints. This initiative is dedicated to studying and documenting the lives and testimonies of contemporary martyrs from various Christian traditions, aiming to inspire faith and solidarity among Christians worldwide through 2025.

Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns over Handling of Abuse Cases

 Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby announced his resignation on Nov. 12, 2024, saying he takes "personal and institutional responsibility"  for the misleading of a number of high --profile abuse cases in the Anglican Church since taking the reigns in 2013, the Catholic World Report website reports today (Nov. 16, 2024). 

"I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church. As I step down, I do so in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse," Welby said in a statement.

Although not accused of abuse himself, Welby was criticized for his response to a number of abuse cases within the church he led. Calls for Welby's resignation reached a fever pitch in recent days, led by victims of a notorious Anglican serial sexual abuser, John Smyth.

A prominent attorney who volunteered at Christian summer camps in the 1970s and 1989s, the deceased Smyth was later found to have committed physical abuse and psychological coercion against over 100 boys and young men across multiple countries. 

In 2013, after taking office as archbishop, Welby was verbally informed of Smyth's abuse, but said he mistakenly believed that police and local authorities had been informed and chose to take no further action, the report says. 

Many Anglican Christians believe that Justin Welby had a personal and moral responsibility to pursue this further, regardless of the policies at play at the time required. 

New Study: Obesity Is Huge Risk Factor for Early Death

 A new study that looked into the U.S. obesity epidemic predicted that 260 million Americans could be obese or overweight by 2050, the Yahoo News website reports today (Nov. 15, 2024). 

The study noted that obesity among U.S. adults and older teens has doubled in the past three decades. Being overweight and obese are among the fastest--growing risk factors for early death. Study co--author Dr. Marie Ng said the U.S. is at a "crisis point." 

Ng said that while demand for weight loss drugs may increase, they're "not a silver bullet," and called for  more focus on prevention, starting with pregnancy and infant feeding practices, healthier school meals, and nutrition regulations. 

U.S. Bishops Vote to Prioritize Evangelizing the Unaffiliated and Youth

 Out of the U.S. Bishops' Conference 2024 fall general assembly comes a new mission directive to guide the conference's work from 2025--2028, which places an emphasis on reaching the religiously unaffiliated, disaffiliated,, and young people, the Crux website reports today (Nov. 14, 2024). 

The new mission directive, which was overwhelmingly approved on Nov. 13 in a 225 --7 vote, states : "Responding even more deeply to the call to proclaim the Gospel and form Missionary Disciples, the Committees and Staff of the USCCB will prioritize  the work of the Conference to help equip bishops, clergy, religious, and the laity in evangelizing those who are religiously unaffiliated from the Church, with special focus on young adults and the youth.

The new mission directive was presented by Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, the Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, during the Nov. 12 public session. There, Coakley told his fellow bishops that the directive does not replace the work that is mandated by each USCCB committee, but instead "asks that each committee find new and creative ways in which it can dedicate time and effort to address the mission directive." 

"This proposed mission directive directs the work and resources of the conference, requiring each committee to prioritize ways in which it can help aid bishops,  priests, and laity in evangelizing the disaffiliated ," Coakley explained. 

Church Leaders : Synod and Eucharistic Revival Require Work that Lies Ahead

In separate addresses to the American bishops, Cardinal Christophe Pierre and Archbishop Timothy Broglio spoke on two major Church events of   the past year --the Synod of Bishops on Synodality and the National Eucharistic Revival  -- and the need to keep each alive,the Crux website reports today (Nov. 13, 2024). 

Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, connected the synod and Eucharistic revival, as well as the upcoming jubilee of 2025, to Pope Francis's recent encyclical, Dilexit nos (heloredus) on the Sacred of Jesus, in which the Holy Father underlines the social dimension  of Christ's love and caring for other sas an extension of a personal , intimate relationship with God. 

"Eucharistic revival, a more synodal form of evsangelization,a jubilee year of hope --all of these experiences will produce fruit provided that we return to the heart of Christ, that sacred place where human longing and divine love are united," Pierre told the American bishops. 

Several Eastern U.S. Cities Hit with Record--Breaking Drought

 The historic drought that for weeks has showered a swath  of the U. S. from Virginia through New England with red flag wildfire warnings shows no signs of easing soon, the USA Today website reports today (Nov. 12, 2024). 

Adam Douty, a senior meteorologist  at AccuWeather, says some of the hardest hit areas would require 7 inches or more of rain to end the dry spell. No such weather pattern is in sight, he said. 

Cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Trenton, N.J. broke records for a number of days withou appreciable rain before showers reached the region on Nov. 10. 

Philadelphia went 42 days; the old record was 29 days, Douty said. "They not only broke the record, they smashed it." 

The weather service in Boston issued red flag warnings for all of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, citing the combination of new fires, dry weather, and gusty northwest winds 15 to 25 mph today.

Since early this year, climate scientists have been saying 2024 was likely to be the warmest year on record. Ten months in, it's now "virtually certain," the Copernicus Climate Change Service has announced. The previous hottest year on record was last year.

Episcopal Church Loses 40K Members; Still Worship Attendance Grows

The Episcopal Church saw a decline in membership of some 40,000 people last year, but also saw an increase in average Sunday worship attendance, the Christian Post website reports today (Nov. 11, 2024). 

According to numbers released on Nov. 8, the mainline Protestant denomination had a membership of approximately 1,547 million people and 6,754 congregations in 2023. 

This marks a decline from 2022, when the denomination reported having 1,584 million members and a slight decrease in the number of congregations, which was 6,789. 

It also represents a sharp drop compared to 2010, when the denomination reported that its membership was 1.96 million or a half million more people than last year. 

Howqever, for the second consecutive year, the denomination saw a rise in average Sunday worship attendance, with 2023 seeing nearly 411,000 average attendance, while 2022 had 373,000 and 2021 had 312,000. 

The rise reflects a gradual recovery from the COVID--19 pandemic, when worship attendance plummeted. 

Over the last couple of decades, the Episcopal Church has experienced considerable decline in its membership, driven by multiple factors, including its progressive theological direction. 

For example, in 2003, when the denomination ordained its first openly gay bishop, scores of theologically conservative congregartions and a couple of dioceses opted to leave in protest. 

Earlier this month, the Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, said, "We are one church, one church in Jesus Christ."  

Pope Calls for Rediscovery of Rosary's Ability to Evangelize Church

 Pope Francis has called for a rediscovery of the Rosary's ability to evangelize the Church, in his letter commemorating 150 years since the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary arrived at the Italian Shrine of Pompeii, the Cath. News website reports today (Nov.10, 2024).

"The Rosary, a simple tool accessible to everyone, can support the renewed evangelization to which the Church  is called today," Pope Francis wrote in his message to Pompeii Archbishop Tommaso Caputo,the papal delegate for the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The ecclesial community in Pompeii is preparing to celebrate a Jubilee Year with various pastoral initiatives to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the revered image of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

Pope Francis began his message noting he spiritually unites with all those who will celebrate this significant occasion and will pause in prayerful recollection  at the Marian temple of Pompeii,to find comfort and hope in the sweet face of the Heavenly Mother. 

"It is wonderful," the pope said, "to rediscover the Rosary in this perspective, to assimilate the mysteries of the life  of the Savior, contemplating them with the eyes of Mary."

How Trump's Presidency May Affect the US Economy

 President--elect  Donald Trump's plans for higher tariffs, lower taxes, and more curbs on immigration are expected to reignite inflation, but economic forecasters are divided over whether they'll weaken or boost the U.S. economy, the USA Today website reports today (Nov. 9, 2024). 

Eventually, Trump's signature economic policies may cancel out the benefits of his plans for lower taxes. That could weaken growth overall, but would stop short of triggering a recession, economists say. 

Americans are living in the moment, optimistic that Trump can ease the pain of high inflation over the past four years. Election polls consistently showed the economy and inflation were top of mind. 

"I voted for Donald Trump because four years ago, the economy was way better than it is right now and I trust that he will fix the economy again," said Charles Maleski of Chalfont, Penn. 

Trump, a Republican and the 45th president, won election over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris . Control of the U.S. Senate flipped to Republicans , while as of yesterday afternoon, the House remained up for grabs. 

"There is a great deal of speculation in the market, because the policies of a Trump Presidency with a Republican Congress will be starkly different than those of  the Biden Administration," Michael O'Rourke , chief market strategist at Jones Trading, said in an email. 

Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of 10% or 20% on all imports, and up to 60% on Chinese shipments. 

Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody's Analytics, said, "While President Trump's policies will diminish the economy, they will not undermine it, as the President will likely moderate his policies and even pivot if it looks like they are doing significant economic damage."

Justice Dept.: 3 Charged in Iranian Plot to KIll President--Elect Trump

 The Justice Deprt. announced today (Nov. 8, 2024) that three men were charged in a murder--for--hire plot to kill President--elect Donald Trump in revenge for the death of a top Iranian military commander, the USA Today website reports. 

Farhad Shakeri, 51, of Iran, and Carlisle Rivera,49, and Jonathon Loadholt, 36, of New York were named in the indictment. 

Rivera and Loadholt were each arrested yesterday in New York and were ordered held pending trial during an initial court appearance.Shakeri remains at large and is believed to be in Iran.

The charges allege Iran has been targeting U.S. citizens to take vengeance for the January 2020 death of Qasem Soleimani, commandewr of the Qods Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who was killed by a drone strike in Baghad on Trump.s orders. 

Iran has targeted Trump personally with assassination plots and his campaign through hacking attempts as it sought to disrupt the 2024 presidential race, officials say. 

"There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran's assassination plots against its targets, including President--elect Donald Trump." 

Shakeri is an Iranian Republican Guard asset who lives in Tehran, Iran, according to prosecutors. Shakeri had immigrated to the U.S. as a child and was deported in about 2008 after serving 14 years in prison  for a robbery conviction. 

In recent months, Shakeri has used a network of criminal associates he met in prison to supply the Iranian Republican Guard with operatives to conduct surveillance and assassinations . Two members of Shakeri's network are his co--defendants , Rivera and Loadholt. 

"We will not stand for the Iranian regime's attempts to endanger the American people and America's national security," Aty. Gen. Garland said. 

Key Papal Aide: Vatican Will Seek Dialogue with Trump

 Despite conflicts with Pope Francis on matters ranging from immigration and climate change to China and the Middle East during Donald Trump's last stint in the White House, a senior Vatican official has said that during his new term , Rome intends to "seek dialogue," the Crux website reports today (Nov. 7, 2024). 

Italian Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, under--secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for Culture and a close advisor to Pope Francis, spoke yesterday in interviews with Italian news agencies. 

Dialogue is needed, Spadaro said, first of all, "for a better American society, where it's obvious that many people don't feel at home, where they don't feel recognized and protected, and there's a cry to be heard." 

"Catholics don't have homogenous party affiliations or political convictions in the United States or anywhere else," he said. "It has held the compass of values steady, but without taking sides, precisely to avoid a spurious mixing of religion with politics."

"Dialogue and diplomacy are useful precisely for building bridges and knocking down walls,"  Spadaro said. 

Christians in Spain Call for Prayer Following Flooding Disaster; Flooding Caused Deaths of at Least 205 People

Evangelical Christians in Valencia on the eastern coast of Spain have called for prayer support in the aftermath of last week's catastrophic flooding that caused the deaths of at least 205 people, the Worthy News website reports today (Nov. 6, 2024). 

The disaster began on the evening of October 29 when a meteorological phenomenon known as isolated Depression at High Altitudes triggered torrential rains in around the city. 

Reporting from Valencia, Joel Forster of the Protestante Digital media outlet said:"We've been hit by water like the sea.We have a huge flood. The ravine has overflowed, carrying away bridges, and has reached our neighborhood, which is far away."

Acording to the Christian Daily International (CDI), the catastrophe has seen Evangelical churches rush to assist victims and to help with organizing humanitarian aid, and collaborating in assistance networks. 

"Amid the adversity, Christian leaders have highlighted the importance of providing spiritual support to those affected. We must unite and pray for our community and our brothers in Christ," they emphasized, "calling on the entire Evangelical community to come together in prayer and support," CDI stated in its report. 

NY to Phase out Regents Exams for High School Grads by 2027

NY state education officials announced today (Nov. 4, 2024) that the high school class of 2027 will be the last in New York who need to pass Regents exams to earn a high school diploma, the NY Daily News website reports. 

The projected timeline is part of a five--year plan presented to the board of Regents to rework graduation measures, including to drop high stakes tests as a requirement. Other changes would consolidate three types of diplomas into one , adjust credit requirements , and broaden the skills and knowledge students need to graduate. 

For a standard diploma, current students must pass at least four Regents exams and a state--approved assessment,and meet certain credit requirements. Research has found that requiring students to pass standardized tests to graduate provides little evidence of the tests' efficacy.

College Tuition Is Now Dropping

 The full cost of attending a public college is falling, rather than rising, after you adjust it for inflation, the USA Today website reports today (Nov. 1, 2024). 

The average net price in tuition and fees for an in--state student at a four--year public college has plummeted by 40% in a decade, after inflation, from $4,140 in 2014 --15 --to an estimated $2,480 in 2024--25,according to the College Board. 

The figures represent the average net price of college tuition and fees for a first--time student, after you deduct grants, scholarships, and other discounts and account for inflation. 

The full cost of attending public college is falling, too, although not so swiftly. The net cost of of in--state attendance , including room and board and other expenses, has declined from $23,050 in 2014 to $20,780 in 2024, after factoring in grants and inflation, the College Board found. 

"State governments have been reinvesting in higher education over the last decade,"ater a round of dramatic cuts in the Great Recession era, said Nicholas Hillman, a professor and expert on higher education finance at the University of Wisconsin --Madison. 

Tuition costs also vary widely from state to state. The least expensive state is Florida, the College Board reports, with average tuition and fees of $6,360 for in--state students. The most expensive is Vermont, with an average of $17,490.Nearly every state charges less in 2024 than it did in 2019, after inflation.

High Court Allows Virginia to Remove Non--Citizens from Voter Rolls

 The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with Virginia, reversing a lower court ruling preventing the state from removing non--citizens from its voter rolls pending the outcome of ongoing litigation, the Christian Post website reports today (Oct. 31, 2024). 

In an order released yesterday, the Supreme Court announced that it had granted a request from the state of Virginia to stay an Oct.25 decision from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruling that the state had violated federal law by removing voters believed to be non--citizens from the voter rolls within 90 days of the 2024 presidential election. 

The stay will remain in effect until a panel of judges in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Court issues a ruling on the appeal of the district court decision or if  the Supreme Court grants a writ of certiorari to hear the case.

First Global Day of Prayer for Media Is "a Remarkable Success"

 The first --ever Global Day of Prayer for Media is being hailed as "a remarkable success" and "a powerful 24--hour live prayer experience" after thousands of Christians around the world engaged in the event on Sunday (Oct. 27),  the Christian Today website reports today (Oct. 30, 2024). 

More than 2,000 people joined in the live--streamed prayer marathon, logging on from over 25 countries -- with the Philippines registering the highest viewership. 

More than 180 women and men involved in media took part in the event, explaining  their role and setting out their passion to share the Christian gospel  through media in all its forms. Each led prayers with many  contributing Bible verses of encouragement. 

Christians in media from countries including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina took turns to pray for the media landscape. 

There were more than 14,000 page hits on the event website, www.pray for media.com, during the event. 

A spokesperson for Christians in Media UK said the event was "a remarkable success, creating a powerful  24--hour live prayer experience that united viewers and believers from around the world." 

Five Teens Killed by Guns in NYC in Five Days

 Tea'Arion Mungo loved to dance and sing and write and tell stories , but a gunman's bullet ended all that, the New York Daily News website reports today (Oct.29, 2024). 

In fact, the shooting deaths of five teenagers in five days has shaken New York City, and families mourning their children's unfulfilled promise and shattered dreams. 

Mungo "wanted to work as an electrician," his grandmother Elizabeth Mungo said. 

"It's unbelievable. It's heartbreaking. " said Tenille House, 48, after her neighbor,Clarence Jones, 16, died following an early--morning shooting Oct. 24 on a Harlem street corner. 

"It's just too much as a parent. Nobody wants to get that phone call. No parent should have to bury their child . Anytime your phone rings at 1,2,3 in the morning it's never good news." That call came after young Clarence died that Thursday.

On Friday, a 15--year--old boy was shot and killed in Brooklyn. On Saturday, a 16--year--old Brooklyn boy suffered the same fate. 

On Sunday, a 15--year--old boy was killed with a gun in Brooklyn. And on Monday, an 18--year--old Bronx boy was shot to death. 

The violence that has gripped the city recently has left residents, community leaders, and police scrambling for answers and solutions. 

Food Recalls Have Americans Wondering: Is Our Food Safe?

 McDonald's burgers, eggs, green onions, frozen wafffles. The list of recalled food products in recent  weeks has American consumers worried about the safety of their food, the USA Today website reports today (Oct.28, 2024). 

The products have  been recalled because of concerns over harmful bacteria that may be present. In some cases, the recalls were precautionary, but illnesses and even deaths have been linked to the outbreaks. 

Since a massive recall of Boar's Head deli  meat revealed serious violations of health and safety regulations at one of its plants, new recalls seem to be in the headlines every day.  But experts have said people should not be overly concerned. 

"Although it's always a tragedy when an outbreak causes illness and death, the U.S. food supply is still very safe" , said Martin Bucknavage, a food safety specialist at the Pennsylvania State University Department of Food Science. 

"Certainly, when these issues come up, we all get worried about our food supply, but our food supply is generally safe across the board," Bucknavage told USA Today.

The most extreme case is a deadly listeria outbreak in Boar's Head deli meat linked to a Virginia plant that was first reported in July.  As of late September, 59 people have been hospitalized  and at least 10 have died in cases linked to Boar's Head. 

This month, the Tree House Foods company issued a voluntary recall of its frozen waffles and pancakes after discovering potential listeria contamination, although no reports of illness have been linked to the products. 

McDonald's Quarter Pounder sold in 10 states have been linked to an outbreak of another bacteria, E.coli. One person died and dozens were reported sick, sometimes requiring hospitalization. 

"Just because we have the ability to see disease, that doesn't mean that this disease doesn't happen in other countries.We are just further along in that technological ability to find and track and identify these types of issues compared to other places," Bucknavage said. 

Pope: Church Must Be a Missionary Church

 Pope Francs said yesterda,y, "The Church cannot risk becoming 'static' but  must continue as a missionary Church that walks with her Lord through the streets of the world," the Cath. News website reports today (Oct. 27, 2024). 

"We cannot remain inert before the questions raised by the women and men today, before the challenges of our time, the urgency of evangelization, and the many wounds that afflict humanity." the pope said in his homily during the closing  Mass for the Synod of Bishops in St. Peter's Basilica yesterday. 

"A sedentary Church , that inadvertently withdraws  from life and confines itself to the margins of reality , is a Church that risks remaining blind and becoming comfortable with its own unease," he said.On Oct. 25, the pope received the final document of the Synod on Synodality approved by more than 350 members of the Synod. The document called for the increased participation  of lay men and women in all levels of Church life, including parishes, dioceses, and in seminaries. 

In his homily, the pope called on the Church not to remain in a state of "blindness" on the issues in the Church and the world, a blindness that can take the form of embracing worldliness, placing a premium on comfort or having a closed heart. 

"We do not need a sedentary and defeatist Church," he said, "but a Church that hears the cry of the world and a Church that gets its hands dirty to serve the Lord."

First Global Day of Prayer for Media Set for Oct. 27

The first--ever Global Day of Prayer for the Media will take place this Sunday, Oct. 27, the Christian Today website reports today (Oct. 26, 2024). 

Christians who work in and with media in all forms will be joining in an international live--streamed event to be shown on www.prayfor media.com, and on You Tube. 

The event is the brainchild of Co--operation between Christians in Media UK, Christian Media and Art Australia, the Christian Broadcasting Association of New Zealand, and the Hollywood Prayer Network in the U.S. 

In a joint declaration, they say: "Individually, we are organizations passionate about supporting those called to serve in the religious  and secular media, arts and entertainment industries. As Christians of all denominations, we feel called to stand for truth, integrity, and justice in a world crying out for God's love, grace, and compassion." 

Having Friends Is Rare Now in U.S.

 A recent survey shows that friendship has declined significantly in the U.S. in recent years, The Christian Post website reports today (Oct. 25, 2024). 

The Survey Center on American Life  reports that in 1990, almost 70% of men had five or more close friends. By 2021, just 40% reprted having that many. And the number who said they had no close friends quintupled.  Women haven't fared well, either, although their friend groups haven't shrunk as rapidly. 

Part of the challenge is that time together is the oxygen of friendship. Deprive it of that, and friendship tends to die or at least become more distant. And today, perhaps due to a faster pace of life and more "stuff" piled into our schedules, spending time with friends requires more effort and intentionality than in decades past. Research shows that Americans now spend half as much time with their friends (three hours a  week) as they did just a decade ago. 

The typical American, it seems, tests a bunch of people. "We should get together" before watching Tik Tok alone on the couch and then passing out.  That is, Americans have friends. We  just never see them.

It would be easy to lecture people to get off  their phones and go reconnect with someone over cofee. But Khazan doesn't think loneliness is entirely the fault of lazy or screen--addicted individuals. Instead, she blamed our rapidly growing isolation on the fact that we have so few regular opportunities to meet or spend time with our friends. 

Khazan pointed to the collapse of "unions, civic clubs, and religious congregations" as a major reason why people see less of each  other. These so--called "third spaces" (distinct from home and work) tend to "regularize contact" as one researcher told her. Showing up at the same time and place weekly or monthly with a lot of like--minded people makes it much more likely to form and maintain friendships. 

Pope Invokes Sacred Heart as Remedy to "Fanaticism"

 Pope Francis in a new encyclical stressed the social dimension of God's love, saying the ancient devotion to the heart of Jesus must translate into care of others. and is a remedy to "outdated" church structures and various forms of "fanaticism," the Crux website reports today (Oct. 24, 2024). 

"In a world where everything is bought and sold, people's sense of their worth appears increasingly to depend on what they can accumulate with the power of money," the pope said in his newest encyclical, published today. 

As a society, "We are constantly being pushed to keep buying, consuming, and distracting ourselves held captive to a demeaning system that prevents us from looking beyond our immediate and petty needs," he said. 

Christ's love, he said, "has no place in this perverse mechanism. Christ's love can give a heart to our world and revive love wherever  we think that the ability to love has been definitively lost." 

Likewise, Francis said the church is also in need of this love, "lest the love of Christ be replaced with  outdated structures and concerns, excessive attachments to our own ideas and opinions . and fanaticism in any number of forms. "

Francis said, "The acknowledgement of the human and divine aspects of Christ's love is a summons to a personal relationship of encounter and dialogue," which he said become more meaningful when Christ is contemplated in both His divinity and humanity.

Report: Global Persecution of Christians Worsens

 A new report shows that the persecution of Christians worldwide has "significantly worsened" in the last year, the Christian Today website reports today (Oct. 23, 2024). 

In the report published this week, Aid to the Church in Need said that Christians are living under an increased threat of violence, discrimination, and other human rights abuses. 

The report analyzed data across 18 countries of particular concern between summer 2022 and summer 2024. Key findings include a shift in the epicenter of militant Islamist violence from the Middle East to Africa, with  Christians being "terrorized" by "extreme violence" for their faith in places like Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

Christian children, especially girls, are living at increased risk of abduction, sexual violence, forced marriage, and forced conversion.

Christians are being imprisoned in several countries for their faith, including Eritrea, where around 400 have been imprisoned without a trial. In Iran, Christians detained for their faith rose from 59 in 2021 to 166 in 2023. The number of Christians estimated to be imprisoned in China ranges from the low thousands to around 10,000. 

In India, there has been an increase in recorded attacks and other instances of persecution against Christians, rising from 599 in 2022 to 720 in 2023

In Myanmar, the military has been accused of destroying 85 churches. 

Synod Spritual Adviser Urges Members to Be at Peace with Results

 The spiritual adviser to the Snod on Synodalirty said that even if some members of the Synod end up feeling disappointed by its results, "God's providence is at work in this assembly," the Cath. News website reports today (Oct. 22, 2024).

"The triumph of good cannot be frustrated," and "we may be at peace whatever the result" of the Synod's month--long second session, Cardinal-- designate Timothy Radcliffe said on Oct. 20 in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall before members began reading , discussing, amending, and voting on the final document to be presented to Pope Francis on Oct. 26. 

The document will need to be read as something seeking rto bring deep renewal of the Church, not "through dramatic decisions, but by evoking  new ways of being a Church in which we relate to each other much more profoundly in Christ and to Christ much more profoundly with each other," he said at the afternoon briefing. 

Chicago Has More Rats Than Any US City

 For the 10th consecutive year, a popular pest control company has crowned Chicago the "rattiest city" in the  U..S., the USA Today website reports today(Oct. 22, 2024).  Orkin, an American pest control company  founded in 1901, announced the honor yesterday. 

"The streets of Chicago are a playground for rats. They chew constantly to explore new resources, contaminate  food, and damage property," John Kane, Orkin's national accounts entomologist  and quality manager, said  in a news release. "If we don't act, they'll keep growing in numbers. causing  bigger problems." 

Chicago beat out Los Angeles (second place) and New York (third place), according to Orkin.All three cities have faced "consistent rodent problems," and all have ranked in the top three since 2017, the company said. 

As colder weather approaches, Orkin warns that rats will search to find warm places to take shelter. 

How Long Does COVID--19 Last?

 A mild case of COVID--19 usually resolves in one to two weeks. It may take up to six wees or more to resolve for a severe case. Some people may experience lasting symptoms, called long--COVID , which may include damage to the brain, heart , kidneys, and lungs, the Health website reports today (Oct. 20, 2024).

Every case is different, but research has given experts a good idea of how long COVID--19 lasts. 

You can expect to recover within 10 days to two weeks if you have mild COVID--19 symptoms. It may take months to feel better for more severe cases.  Some people with severe symptoms may require hospitalization. 

Other people with severe underlying health conditions --  like diabetes or heart or lung disease -- may be at risk for severe COVID--19 complications.COVID --19 complications include: Acute respiratory distress syndrom (ARDS),Lung abscess, and Pneumonia. You may be contagious if you feel better but test positive within 10 days after your symptoms satart. In that case, the CDC advises that you wear a high--quality mask. 

People with severe COVID--19 symptoms or weak immune systems may need more time for the virus to clear. The CDC advises consulting a healthcare provider before ending your isolation.

Los Angeles Cath. Church Covered up Molesting Priests for Decades; Archdiocese Paid out $1.5 Billion

The Los Angeles Catholic Church covered up molesting priests for decades, which cost the L.A. Archdiocese $1.5 billion, the Los Angeles Times website reports today (Oct. 19, 2024).

The payout reflects its rank as the largest archdiocese in  the nation, with more than four million members, and a California law that gave accusers more time to file suit. 

It also underscores the failure of church leaders to identify molesting priests and prevent them from committing more crimes.  

Clergy sex abuse scandals have rocked Catholic churches across the world, but few places have seen the financial toll of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. 

With a record of $880--million settlement with victims announced this week, the Los Angeles Archdiocese has now paid out more than $6.5 billion. 

Some of those priests, after undergoing treatment at residential centers, were shuffled to new parishes, often in immigrant neighborhoods where the abuse would continue. 

The number of people alleging abuse now stands at nearly 2,500. 

The list of abusers within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles includes more tan 500 names, according to the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. 

Worst Foods for High Cholesterol

 Nearly 1 in 3 adult Americans suffers from high cholesterol, the Nutrition USA website reports today (Oct. 18, 2024).

Although common, high cholesterol levels over time can take a toll on your body, putting it at risk of some major outcomes , like stroke and heart  disease.  

The saying. "You are what you eat" is true when it comes to raising or lowering cholesterol levels. Although genetics play a huge role in your cholesterol levels, dietary and lifestyle choices can also have a significant impact. 

Irt's important to note that no food is off--limits 365 days a year, and that an occasional doughnut or cheeseburger won't make or break your health. However, in general, some foods should only make their appearance on your table in moderation.

Margarine, once considered a healthy alternative to butter, is one of the worst foods for cholesterol. Butter contains a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol.

Store--bought baked goods -- such as cakes, cookies, and muffins -- combine artery--clogging ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter, making them some of the worst foods for high cholesterol. 

Popcorn is a snack that can be either good or bad for your health, depending how you prepare it. Microwaveable options loaded with salt, oil, and butter are not a healthy choice and are one of the worst foods for high cholesterol.

Isreal Kills Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza

 Israeli forces  in  Gaza killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of  last year's attack on Israel on Oct. 7  that sparked the war, the AP website reports today (Oct.17,2024).

Israeli leaders celebrated his killing as a settling of scores just over a year after Hamas --led militants killed some 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others in an attack that stunned the country. They also presented it as a turning point in the campaign to destroy Hamas, urging the group to surrender and release some 100 hostages still in Gaza. 

"Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the start of the day after Hamas," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. 

U.S. officials expressed hopes for a cease--fire with Sinwar out of the picture. But eliminating him may not end the devastating war, during which Israel has destroyed much of the Gaza Strip and killed more than 42,000 Palestinians. More than half of those killed were women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. 

Over 6,000 Univ. of Mississippi Students Praise Jesus at Unite U.S. Event

 Thousands of students  from the University of Mississippi lifted their voices in worship and praise to Jesus and made public declarations of faith during a massive campus event, the CBN website reports today (Oct. 16, 2024). 

The Unite U.S. tour hit "Ole Miss" during its latest campus stop on its mission to share the Gospel with students across the country. 

The Pavilion was packed with 6,600 college students hungry for something more. God is on the move in this generation!

The ministry reports some 6,600 students packed out the Sandy and John Black Pavilion Oct. 10 to worship, pray, and to hear the Gospel. "Students from one of the top party schools showed up last night to represent Christ and get freed," wrote Christian music artist Forrest Frank, who shared footage of the baptisms. "Can't wait to see what God does next!"

The night ended with hundreds of students making a public declaration to Jesus Christ, and some took part in water baptisms in the back of a pickup truck.

Many Children Lost in Huricane Helene aftermath

 Despite floodwaters risaing 27 feet above the Asheville, North Carolina road, a plant preserved, its leaves now soaking up the bright sun, the USA Today website eports today (Oct. 15, 2024). 

A smattering of plants and at least one tree also remained standing when the waters receded after Tropical Storm Helene. But it was the trio of roses that Megan Drye took solace in on a Sunday afternoon in mid--October. 

She believes they are a sign  from her parents and young son who perished when the family's home collapsed into the Swannanoa River on Sept. 27. Megan, 39, was the sole survivor of the flood , which killed 7--year--old Micah Drye and Nora and Michael Drye, both 73. 

Micah was just one of the children lost in the storm. Nine--year--old Felix Wisely and his 7--year--old brother , Lucas, also died. At least one other student from Buncombe County Schools is confirmed dead, and about 20 remained unaccounted for today. In Buncombe County, home to Asheville, North Carolina, at least 72 have died, the largest share of western North Carolina's 124 confirmed deaths so far. 

Pope Calls for UN Forces in Lebanon to Be "Respected"

As Israel faces mounting international pressure over its assaults on a UN peacekeeping unit in Lebanon, Pope Francis has joined the chorus, using his noontime Sunday Angelus address to issue a direct appeal that "the forces of peace of the United Natiions  be respected," the Crux website reports today (Oct. 14, 2024). 

"I continue to follow with concern what's happening in the Middle East, and I ask once again for an immediate ceasefire on all fronts.," the pope said. "Let's follow the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to obtain peace."   

I'm close to all the populations involved, in Palestine, in Israel, and in Lebanon," the pope said, "where I ask that the forces of peace of the United Nations be respected. I pray for all the victims , the displaced persons, the hostages whom I hope will soon be released, and I hope that this great and useless suffering, generated by hate and vendetta, wiill soon end." 

Franklin Graham: Americans Must Help Each Other Amid Storm Devastation, Trust in God's Goodness

 Samaritan's Purse CEO Franklin Graham told the Christian Post that God is faithful amid suffering and that Americans must rely on each other after the recent hurricane devastation in the southeastern United States that afflicted his hometown, the Christian Post website reports today(Oct. 13, 2024). 

He also advised Americans against waiting for the government to save them in the wake of the damage from Hurricane Helene, which tore through a corridor extending from the Florida panhandle into Appalachia last week .

The storm left wide swaths of death and destruction, especially in Graham's native western North Carolina, where his nonprofit Samaritan's Purse is based in Boone. The relief organization has been using helicopters to carry food, water,and medical kits to some of the state's remote western counties, Graham said. 

Graham noted the fact that Samaritan's Purse, which ministers to devastated populations around the world, is now helping people in its own neighborhood. He said his own house in Boone continues to be without electricity. 

"A  lot of people, when there's a crisis like this, ask why,," he said. "Why did God allow it? He's a God of love: Why did God allow this? We know from the Bible that God loves us, and He cares for us. 

Graham added, "We are going to have storms in life, and the Bible tells us that if we put our faith and trust in Christ, that not only will He get us through this life, He will take us all the way to Heaven to be with Him one day. 

Ethel Kennedy, Wife of Sen. Robert Kennedy, Dies at 96

 Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and a mainstay in American politics for decades, died yesterday (Oct. 10) at the age of 96, the National Catholic Register website reports today (Oct. 11, 2024). Kennedy passed away in her sleep yesterday morning due to "complications related to a stroke she suffered last week," according to a statement on behalf of the Kennedy family posted on X by her grandson Joe Kennedy III

"She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant," the statement reads, adding : "We are comforted in  knowing she is reunited with her love of her life, our father, Robert  F. Kennedy;  her children,David and Michael; her daughter--in--law, Mary; her grandchildren, Maeve and Saoirse; and her great--grandchildren Gideon and Josie."

Kennedy's husband, Robert, campaigned for and won a seat in the U.S. Senate representing New York state in 1964. He was assassinated on June 6, 1968, less than 24 hours after announcing that he had won the presidential primaries in California and South Dakota. 

Ethel Kennedy, who was by Robert's side as he died, gave birth to their 11th and last child six months later. 

After her husband's death in 1968, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Center , dedicated to continuing his work  in the human rights and journalistic spheres. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Synod View: All Catholics Must Play Bigger Role in Spreading the Gospel

 The pope, bishops, and prests cannot fully awaken the missionary spirit of the Catholic Church alone, so all Catholics must play a more central role in spreading the Gospel, according to participants in the Synod on Synodality, the Catholic News website reports today (Oct. 10, 2024). 

In today's Church, where "theological competence is not only a privilege of priests and bishops" and where the lay faithful "demand participation and transparency," synodality must empower all Catholics to actively participate in the Church's mission, said Thomas Soding , a theology professor at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany and a theological expert at the Synod. 

Speaking at a theological and pastoral forum in Rome, organized by the General Secretariat of the Synod, Prof. Soding said that the model of the people of God as active participants in the Church's mission  is  rooted in the New Testament.

In the apostolic era, "we see the slow emergence of a canon of writings that interpret Jesus, that interpret the Gospel in diverse ways, but in ways that all the churches sense are in fidelity to the truth of Jesus Chrst," said Fr. Ormond Rush, a professor at Australian Cathoic University and another theological expert at the Synod. 

Fr. Rush noted that the faithful must be careful to avoid conceiving of the Church as an "ethereal subject floating through time," unaffected by worldly circumstance, but must also recognize it as something beyond a purely human institution. 

Synod participants look at how all Catholics can serve the Church's mission. 

Tornadoes Join Hurricane Milton in Slamming Florida

 Hurricane Milton continued its path toward one of Florida's most densely populated areas as a "catastrophic" behemoth that is expected to make landfill tonight (Oct. 9, 2024), the USA Today website reports. 

Milton has grown in size, making its potential damage more widespread. "Hisatoric, catastrophic, life--threatening-- all these words summarize the situation," said Austen Flannery, a forecaster with the National Weather Service. Tornadic supercells -- dangerous thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes --  were beginning to sweep across Florida, the weather service said. The weather service in Miami said it had" up to 4 visually confirmed tornadoes today," with unofficial reports of others. 

Milton slammed into a Florida region still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which caused heavy damage to beach communities with storm surge and killed a dozen people in seaside Pinellas County alone. 

At a news conference in Tallahassee, Gov. Ron  DeSantis described deployment of a wide range of resources, including 9,000 National Guard members from Florida and other states; over 50,000 utility workers from as far as California; and highway patrol cars with sirens to escort gasoline tankers to replenish supplies so people could fill up their tanks before evacuating. 

"Unfortunately, there will be fatalities, I don't think there's any way around that," De Santis saids. 

New Study: U.S Orthodox Churches Boomed during Pandemic

Most American churches navigated the patchwork of COVID--19 restrictions on public gatherings by periodically closing their doors and broadcasting services online instead, the Christian Today website reports today (Oct. 8, 2024). 

But for almost half of U.S. Orthodox Christians , liturgical services continuewd for anyone wanting to attend in person, according to a new study of how the denomination weathered the pandemic. 

The new study finds that Orthodox churches overall were reluctant to embrace virtual worship  compared to all religious congregations. By spring 2023, 75% of all U.S. congregations  provided remote options compared to only 53% of Orthodox churches. 

At the same time, Orthodox churches overall have seen a drop in volunteer participation, from 40% in 2020 to 25% in 2023, compared to 40% and 35% in all U.S. congregations. 

Using survey data from 2020 through 2023, the study found 44% of Orthodox churches remained open during  the pandemic , compared to just 12% of all U.S. congregations. 

There is no single Orthodox Church in the U.S. Instead, several jurisdictions -- the largest are the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Orthodox Church in America (Russian), and the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese -- are administered independently of one another and exist side by side, sharing the same teachings and in full communion with one another. 

Today Marks First Anniv. of Hamas Attack on Israel

 Israel today (Oct. 7, 2024) marked the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on the Jewish state that killed more than 1,200 people and took some 250 hostages as the Israeli military continued its massive air strikes on Beirut and its incursion in southern Lebanon that aims to destroy the Iran--allied Hezbollah military group, the Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty website reports. 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog led a national moment of silence at 6:29 a.m. , the time the attack started, at Kibbutz Reim, the site of the Nova music festival where hundreds of mostly young revelers were killed by gunmen from Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the European Union.

In Washington, President Joe Biden  and Vice President Kamala Harris condemned Hamas on the anniversary, while also stating again the U.S. administration's commitment to reaching cease--fire agreements to end fighting in both Gaza and Lebanon. 

"On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7 attacks, but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day," Biden said in a statement. 

In Jerusalem, relatives of some 100 hostages still n Hamas captivity gathered outside the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and stood in silence as a siren wailed in a gesture of protest against what relatives say is the failure of the government to secure their loved ones' release. 

Following the Oct. 7 attack, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza that has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians , according to Gaza's Health Ministry. 

The conflict in Gaza is still raging, while Israel is now fighting a second front in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. 

Israel has bombed Beirut's suburbs for days, and killed Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Sept. 27.

Milton Is New Hurricane to Hit Florida; Helene Is Still Having Its Impact

 Milton became a hurricane this afternoon (Oct. 6, 2024) with a "steady and rapid strengthening" forecast over the next few days, the USA Today website reports. 

It rolled through the Gulf of Mexico on a track that imperils areas of the Florida Peninsula, still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Milton's winds reached 80 mph with "steady and rapid strengthening" forecast over the next few days, the National Hurricane Center said. A major hurricane means a Category 3 storm, which drives winds of 111 to 129 mph. 

Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis today expanded a state of emergency to 16 more counties, meaning 51 of Florida's 67 counties are now part of the directive. 

The first inundation estimates for Milton show a likely storm surge in locations along Florida's west coast from south of Cedar Key to Everglades City. 

Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist for Weather Tiger, says Helene and Milton are likely to go down as among the most devastating one--two punches ever to hit  Florida. 

Post Helene Tragedies Continue in North Carolina

 A week after the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through the western part of North Carolina, Monsignor Patrick Winslow said everyone leading the Diocese of Charlotte's response and recovery efforts is still trying to understand the full extent of the damage, the Crux website reports today (Oct. 5, 2024). 

Winsalow, the diocese's chancellor and vicar general, said every day that communication capabilities are restored, more information and images trickle in about families whose homes were destroyed or people in a particular region who are in need. 

He said he has seen a western North Carolina that is unrecognizable. "It  is heartbreaking to see these scenes," Winslow told Crux. 

The Diocese of Charlotte constitutes 46 counties in western North Carolina. More than half of those have been declared federal disaster areas. That region includes 44 of the diocese's 92 churches, which for the most part sustained minor damage. 

More than 200 people in six states have died due to the storm. At least 100 of those deaths are in North Carolina, and search and rescue in the state continue. 

Pope, Holy Land Leaders Call for Oct. 7 to Be a Day of Prayer, Fasting for Peace

 With the war in Gaza morphing into a full--blown regional conflict as the first anniversary of hostilities approaches, the Church's leading voice  in the Holy Land has called on believers to observe an Oct. 7 day of prayer and fasting for peace, the Crux website reports today (Oct. 4, 2024). 

In a recent statement, Cardinal Pierbarttista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, noted that "for the past year the Holy Land , and not only, has been plunged into a vortex of violence and hatred never seen or  experienced before."

"The intensity and impact of the tragedies we have witnessed in the past 12 months have deeply lacerated our conscience and our sense of humanity, " he said. 

In light of this, as the first anniversary approaches of the Oct. 7,

 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which prompted a retaliatory offensive that has since spun into an escalating regional conflict, Pizzaballa invited faithful to observe Oct. 7 "a day of prayer, fasting, and penance." 

Last year on Oct. 7, Hamas militants attacked various locations throughout Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. 

Israel in response launched a retaliatory ground and air offensive in Gaza with the aim of eradicating Hamas that has left more than 41,000 people in Gaza dead. 

Pope Francis echoed Pizzaballa's call for a day of prayer and fasting on Oct.  7, asking everyone "to take part in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the world" on Oct. 7.

Synod of Bishops on Synodality Rejects Women Becoming Deacons; Women Becoming Deacons Violates Catholic Doctrine

 On the first day of the final session of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, a study group responsible for evaluating the female diaconate has said that, while still exploring other forms of women's involvement in the Church, they will not become deacons, the Crux website reports today (Oct. 3, 2024). 

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for the  Doctrine of the Faith, made the announcement during the synod's afternoon session Oct. 2, the first official working day of the Oct. 2--27 synod. 

On the women's diaconate, he said, "We would like to share from the outset that, based on the analysis conducted so far -- which also takes into account the work done by the two Commissions established by Pope Francis on the female diaconate -- the dicastory judges that there is no room for a positive decision by the Magisterium regarding the access of women to the diaconate, understood as a degree of the Sacrament of Holy Orders." 

"The Holy Father himself recently confirmed this consideration publicly. In any event, the Dicastery judges that the opportunity to continue the work of in--depth study remains open," he said. 

Feds Arrest Thousands of Violent Fugitives in Huge Operation

 The U.S.Marshals Service said yesterday a months--long nationwide mission to capture violent fugitives has resulted in the arrests of more than 3,400  suspects wanted on murder, rape, and robbery charges, The Washington Times website reports today (Oct. 2, 2024). 

The U.S. Marshals Service's Operation North Star saw 216 homicide suspects, as well as 803 suspects wanted for assault, and 482 people wanted on weapons offenses, taken into custody during the sprawling mission that covered the metropolitan areas in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southeast. 

Notable arrests include Michael Moldovan, who was nabbed in Sterling, Virginia in August after he fled North CXarolina on statutory rape charges. . 

"We first launched Operation North Star in 2022 to identify and apprehend the most dangerous fugitives and violent offenders ," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in  a statement. 

The Marshals said the operation, which lasted from May 10 to Sept. 13, ended with 534 firearms seized, more than $508,000 in currency reclaimed, and the confiscation of 456 kilograms of illegal narcotics, including 138 pounds and more that 550,000 pills of deadly fentanyl.

Synod of Bishops on Synodality Begins

 After three years of discussion, debate and, at times, division, the concluding act of Pope Francis' Synod of Bishops on synodality began yesterday, with the opening of a two--day spiritual retreat before the 368 participants in the second , and final, Roman assembly start their conversations, the Crux website reports today (Oct. 1, 2024). 

As during the first session of the synod last year, the retreat will be led by Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe and Benedictine Mother Ignazia Angelini, organized into four "meditations" over the two days. The retreat will also feature a Mass tonight in St. Peter's Basilica, and a penitential liturgy tomorrow evening in the presence of the pope, in which victims of abuse, of war, and indifferenc to migrants will offer testimony. 

Forgiveness will be asked for a litany of sins, including abuse, "using doctrine as stones to be hurled," and war and violence, as well as offenses against creation, indigenous populations, migrants, women, families, and youth. 

Of the 368 participants, 272 are bishops and the rest are priests. deacons, male and female religious, and laity. 

October 2 marks the official opening of the synod itself, with a Mass in St. Peter's Square at 9:30 a.m. Rome time, and the first working session that afternoon at 4 p.m., which will begin with a greeting from Pope Francis.