Friday, January 31, 2025

Trump Pushes School Choice Expansion after Sad Report on Student Performance

 Following the publication of the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress results showing American students falling behind in reading and stagnarting in math, President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Dept. of Education and several other federal agencies to look for ways to expand school choice  for families to improve student performance. the Christian Post website reports today (Jan. 31, 2025). In an ambitious executive order, labeled "Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families," Trump cited the results , which the U.S. Dept. of Education has decried as "heartbreaking," as an impetus for the action.


More than half of fourth graders tested nationwide in the report were found deficient in reading at a proficient level for their grade,  and the share of students considered proficient was found to be 2 percentage points lower than two years earlier. 


"Parents want and deserve the best education for their children. But too many children do not thrive in their assigned government--run K--12 school. According to this year's National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) , 70 percent of 8th graders were below proficient in reading, and 72 percent were below proficient in math," the executive order noted. 

Thursday, January 30, 2025

All 67 aboard Plane, Army Copter Killed in Midair Collision in D.C.

Oficials said today (Jan30, 2025) that 67 people were killed in the collision of a passenger plane and an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport, triggering a massive recovery effort as authorities search for bodies in the Potomac River, the USA Today website reports. 


"Sadly, there are no survivors," President Donald Trump said at the White House today. "This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation's capital and in our nation's history." Trump also said the helicopter crew "should've seen where they were going." 


The crash occurred just before  9 p.m. last night when American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas, attempted to land and collided in midair with the Black Hawk helicopter. The passenger plane, with 64 people aboard, and the helicopter , carrying three soldiers, fell into the Potomac River. 


Early this morning, John Donnelly, the chief of Washington's fire department, said 28 bodies were pulled from the icy water. He added that authorities were transitioning from a rescue mission to a recovery operation. 


Offficials did not say what caused the collision, but described both crews as "experienced" and noted that the helicopter and the plane were following standard flight patterns."


"Everything was standard in the lead--up to the crash," Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said.   "Now, obviously something happened here, but you'll get more information and more details as this investigation moves forward. We'll learn what happened."


Reagan National Airport, located in Arlington, Virginia, resumed flights at 11 a.m. today, officials said. 


Wichita Mayor Lily Wu called yesterday's crash a "terrible tragedy" and said "it will unite those in Washington , D.C. and Wichita, Kansas, forever." 


Wu said officials will hold a public prayer vigil at city hall this afternoon and urged residents to join them.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Republicans Push to Finish Southern Border Wall

 Republican senators, riding high on President Trump's illegal immigration crackdown, are continuing to push forward on other border security measures, with a lawmaker introducing separate bills to fund and finish the southern border wall, the Worthy News website reports today  (Jan. 28, 2025). 


Sen. Katie Britt, R--Ala., reintroduced last year's Wall Act, which would allocate $25 billion to finish the stalled construction. 


"The United States needs a completed border wall -- it is just common sense to have a physical barrier in place to ensure only lawful entry into our country," Britt said on Jan. 23. "The Wall Act would ensure the completion of America's border wall without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt by a single penny." 


To accomplish this, Britt's bill eliminates illegal immigrants' eligibility for certain taxpayer--funded benefits, such as federal housing programs. 


It would also impose fines on migrants illegally entering the U.S.  --    up to $10,000 per offense -- or on immigrants who overstay their visas, which Britt says will not only provide money for construction, but will also help deter more crossings. 


Britt was also the sponsor of the Laken Riley Act, soon to become law, which empowers law enforcement to detain criminal migrants for deportation. 

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Pope Urges Journalists to Be "Communicators of Hope"

 Pope Francis has called on journalists to be "communicators of hope" in a world " characterized by disinformation and polarization," the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 26, 2025). 


In a special message, issued in eight languages this week, Pope Francis urged all those involved in communications "to focus on beauty and hope even in the midst of apparently desperate situations" and to work to generate "commitment, empathy, and concern for others." 


He said: "Too often today, communication generates not hope, but fear and despair, prejudice and resentment., fanaticism, and even hatred. All too often it simplifies reality to provoke instinctive reactions;It uses words like a razor; It even uses false or distorted information to send messages designed to agitate, provoke, or hurt." 


The pope said that communications needed to be "disarmed" and "purified of agressiveness." He added "All of us see how -- from television talk shows to verbal attacks on social media -- there is a risk that the paradigm of competition, opposition, the will to dominate and possess, and the manipulation of public opinion will prevail." 


Pope Francis said to journalists and commuicators, "In these times, characterized by disinformation and polarization, as a few cenrters of power control an unprecedented mass of data and information, I would like to speak to you as one who is well aware of the importance -- now more than ever -- of your work as journalists and communicators."


He added, "Be meek and never forget the faces of other people: speak to the hearts of women and men when you serve in carrying out your work. Do not allow instinctive reactions to guide your communication. Always spread hope, even when it is difficult, even when it costs, even when it seems to bear fruit, and try to promote a communication that can heal the wounds of our humanity."

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Sec. of State Marco Rubio Thanks Jesus in Swearing--in Ceremony

 Newly sworn--in Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his swearing --in ceremony by publicly thanking Jesus Christ for His guidance and support , the Christian Post website reports today (Jan. 24, 2025).


As the 53--year--old Florida Republican and former senator took the helm of U.S. diplomacy during a swearing--in ceremony at the State Dept. on Jan.21, Rubio concluded his statement with a public confession of faith. 


"I want to end by thanking Almighty God and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, " said Rubio. That is truly the singular purpose of our lives. It's the most important priority.  It's the only thing that will matter when we take our last breath on the Earth. But this is an extraordinary opportunity that would not  have been possible without God's blessings."


Baptized   Roman Catholic as an infant, Rubio's mother attended Mormon services for a while in Nevada where he was baptized again at 8 years old. His days as a Mormon were short lived: when he moved back to Miami at 13, he began attending Catholic services again. 


Rubio also attends Protestant Evangelical services at Christ Fellowship in Miami with his wife and former cheerleader Jeanette Christina Dousedebes Rubio.

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Evangelist Franklin Graham Prays for Trump

 American evangelist Franklin Graham, son of the late world famous evangelist Billy Graham, used his invocation prayer during Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan.20 to pray for God's blessing on the U.S. President and his next four years in office, the Christian Today website reports. 


In his prayer, Graham touched on the assassination attempt that nearly took Trump's life last July and said that God alone had saved him. 


"Father, when Donald Trump's enemies thought he was down and out, You and You alone saved his life and raised him up with strength and power by Your mighty hand," he said. 


We pray for President Trump that You'll watch over, protect. guide, direct him. Give him Your wisdom from Your throne on high. We ask that You would bless him and that our nation would be blessed through him. 


Before concluding, he prayed for Americans to be faithful to God. 


"We remember to keep our eyes fixed on You and may our hearts be inclined to Your voice," he said. 

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Pope Francis to Trump: Avoid Discrimination and Exclusion; Calls Trump's Plan for Migrants "a Disgrace"

 Pope Francis' prayer for the 47th U.S. president followed a Sunday interview with Italian media in which he called Trump's proposed immigration policy  "a disgrace," the RNS website reports today (Jan. 21, 2025). 


Responding to a question by Italian television journalist Fabio Fazio, Francis said of   the deportation program, "If this is true, it would be a disgrace, because it would take poor wretches, who have nothing, pay the price of the world's inequality. That's not right; this is not how you solve things." 


In the same interview, he stressed the importance of "welcoming, accompanying, promoting, and integrating migrants." 


Francis offered his prayers for the 47th president of the U.S. as he embarks on his second term. "Inspired by your nation's ideals of being a land of opportunity and welcome for all, it is my hope that under your leadership the American people prosper and always strive to build a more just society, where there is no room for hatred, discrimination, or exclusion," the statement said. 


At the same time, as our human family faces numerous challenges, I also ask God to guide your efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation among peoples," he said. 

Monday, January 20, 2025

Trump Sworn In as U.S. President; Plans Many Changes with Executive Orders

President Donald Trump was sworn in today (Jan. 20, 2025) as the 47th president of the United States, and is already enacting sweeping executive action on campaign priorities like immigration, and moving to undo many of his predecessor's major policies, the USA Today website reports.  


The frigid Washington, D.C. weather moved Trump's swearing-- in ceremony inside the Capitol's Rotunda today, limiting the amount of attendees. 


Trump's allies and his critics tell USA Today they expect ample upheaval over the coming months, with a new Republican administration arriving stocked with bomb--throwers  and advisers, like Elon Musk, the world's richest man, claiming massive change is needed to save the country.


Trump has promised to target immigrants with criminal records as he launches a "mass deportation" to remove millions of people from the U.S. Over the weekend, he said today, "It will be the most aggressive, sweeping effect to restore our borders the world has ever seen."


As Democrats and progressive activists reach the acceptance phase of their political grief, there is less uniformity in confronting or cooperating with the returning Trump administration. 

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Pope Francis Appoints First Woman to Lead a Vatican Dicastery

In an historic first for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life  and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 19, 2025). 


Her new role makes her the first woman to lead a Vatican dicastery, a decision hailed as a landmark moment for the Church's governance and its approach to women's roles within its structures. 


Sister Brambilla, an Italian nun with decades of experience in missionary work and leadership, has long been a prominent figure in the Church. She has served as secretary of the same dicastery since October 2023,  where her work highlighted her ability to navigate complex  pastoral and administrative responsibilities. 


In December 2024, she was also appointed to the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, a role connected to the global synodal process initiated by Pope Francis. 

Saturday, January 18, 2025

380 Million Christians Persecutred Worldwide in 2024

At least 380 million Christians faced high levels of persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before, the Worthy News website reports today (Jan. 18, 2025). 


Christian advocacy group Open Doors, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, revealed the figure in its annual World Watch List report of 50 nations where Christians "face most persecution" for their faith.  


North Korea, as in most previous years, ranks number one in the report focusing on Christians that were reportedly persecuted from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. 


Christians in North Korea could face execution or imprisonment in a labor camp if their faith is discovered, Open Doors warned. The 2021 "Law Against Reactionary Thought" reaffirmed the ban on the Bible. Belief in God is considered a betrayal of the state in a country founded on a personality cult, several sources said. 


Despite the targeted oppression, the latest World Watch List reported that around 400,000 believers in North Korea are continuing to "bear witness" to the love of Christ. 


Open Doors estimated that  4,744 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced, and imprisoned for their faith, including in India, where "1,629 Christians were detained without trial , and another 547 were sentenced  to prison."


Other countries where Christians have faced imprisonment for their faith include China, Eritrea, Bangladesh, and Iran.


Founded in 1955, Open Doors International, as it  is officially known, has offices in 27 countries to advocate and provide services for persecuted Christians worldwide.


The group aims "to encourage and raise up people in every nation to pray, support, and speak up for Christians around the world who suffer for their faith." 

Friday, January 17, 2025

Pope Criticizes Rigid Dress Sense of Prelates

 Pope Francis made his criticism of the sartorial preferences of traditional--leaning prelates in his autobiography titled  "Hope,"  which was published on January 14, the Catholic Herald website reports today (Jan. 17, 2025). 


The pope has taken conservative bishops and cardinals to task for the way they dress, suggesting their adherence to ostentatious styles reveals a "rigidity" of mind that in some cases may even reach a level of "mental instability."


The pope adds: "These ways of dressing up sometimes conceal mental imbalance, emotional deviation, behavioral difficulties, a personal problem that may be exploited." 


"Hope, The Autobiography" has been billed as the first ever biography to be published by a serving  pope. It was originally intended to be published after Pope Francis' death, but given the Holy Father's ongoing longevity and overall  robustness of his age of 88 years old, it was published recently and serves as an update of his views. 

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Israel and Hamas Finally Agree to Ceasefire in Gaza, Release of Hostages

 Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement to halt more than a year of fighting in the Gaza Strip, President Biden announced yesterday (June 15, 2025),  the CBS website reports. 


"Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire  and hostage deal," Biden said in a written statement..


"This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians , and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months  of captivity." 


Speaking from t he White House on Jan. 15, Biden said, "There was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal, and I'm deeply satisfied this day has finally come, for the sake of the people of Israel, and for the families waiting in agony, and for the sake of the innocent people in Gaza who suffered unimaginable devastation because of the war." 


He added that Americans will be among the hostages released in phase one of the deal, " and the vice president and I cannot wait to welcome them home."


The deal is expected to take effect on Jan. 19, the White House said. 

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Pres. Biden Awards Pope Francis Presidential Medal of Freedom

 President Joe Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, recognizing him as a recipient of the nation's highest civilian honor, the Christian Post website reports today (Jan. 14, 2025). 


The Biden administration announced the honor following a conversartion between the president and the  pontiff..


Biden spoke with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him as a recipient of the "Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction," the White House said in a statement on Jan. 11. 


The distinction is part of "the Nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal , public, or private endeavors."


Officials said this occasion marks Biden's first time awarding the medal with distinction.


The citation describes Pope Francis as "a lovin g pastor" who responds "joyfully" to children's questions about God and as a "challenging teacher who " comands us to fight for peace and protect the planet." 


Above all, he is the People's Pope  -- a light of faith, hope, and love that shines brightly across the world," the Biden administration statement concluded. 

Monday, January 13, 2025

Pope Speaks to Ambassadors on "a Diplomacy of Hope"

During the Holy Year 2025, the international community should strive  "to overcome the logic of confrontation and embrace instead the logic of encounter," Pope Francis told ambassadors and other diplomats, accredited to the Holy See, the Catholic News website reports today (  Jan. 13, 2025). 


In accordance with the biblical tradition of jubilees, the Holy Year is a time to rediscover how, in God, all people are brothers and sisters, "to pardon offences, to support the weak and the poor in our midst, to give rest and relief to the earth, to practice justice , and to recover hope." the pope said on Jan. 9. 


Meeting with representatives of 184 nations, the European Union, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, , Pope Francis read only the first paragraph of his prepared text.


Explaining that he was "still suffering from a bit of a cold,"he asked an aide, Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli, to read the rest of his text. 


While the meeting is billed as an opportunity for the pope to wish the diplomats a happy new year, Pope Francis used the occasion primarily as a "Jubilee for  Ambassadors" by reflecting in his text on the characteristics of  "a diplomacy of hope, of which all of us are called to be heralds, so that the dense clouds of war may be swept away by renewed winds of peace. " 


Pope Francis also expressed his concern about ongoing violence in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, Congo, Myanmar, Mozambique, Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, and Nicaragua.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Jimmy Carter Still Has Impact on Church

 As the United States mourns former President Jimmy Carter, who died last month at the age of 100, church leaders are  being challenged about the ministry they provide to seniors in their congregation and beyond, the Christian Today website reports  today (Jan. 12, 2025). 


Carter, who died in December, was still teaching Sunday School at his church in Plains, Georgia, into his nineties. He was a high--profile example of how older Christians can live fulfilled lives, serving God and helping others find faith. 


Carter's ministry and mission stand in contrast to many churches where their outreach and activities are focused on younger people and families. 


Now, Christian charity "Faith in Later Life" has produced a challenging 10--point qiestiommaire for church  leaders asking "Is your church faith in later life friendly?" It is designed for use by church committees, diaconates, and other leadershp groups across denominations. Although produced in the UK, it is relevant for churches across the world. 


Key questions include: How often does your church offer activities,  programs, or services specifically aimed at older people? Does your church proactively provide love and pastoral care tailored to the unique needs of older people in your community?  Does your church actively help older people in your community find and explore faith through evangelism?


Alexandra Drew, chief executive officer of Faith in Later Life, describes herself as "passionate and experienced in inspiring and equipping people for opportunities and challenges of later life, and in helping them know Jesus more deeply or for the first time." 

Friday, January 10, 2025

More than 9,000 Structures Destroyed or Damaged in Calif. Fires; at Least 10 People Killed

 Officials said today (Jan. 10, 2025) that more than 9,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisides and Eaton fires , the Los Angeles Times website reports. 


Around 5,300 of these structures were destroyed in the Palisades fire, while another 4,000 to 5,000 structures were estimated to be damaged or destroyed in the Eaton fire burning in the Altadena area. 


If accurate, the estimate would place the firestorm among the worst in Los Angeles history in terms of property damage. 


At least 10 people have died in the fires, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner . At least four deaths have been connected to the Eaton fire, and one death to the Palisades fire, in Malibu.


Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he had approved of some 8,000 troops of the Calif. National Guard to assist with traffic control, infrastructure protection, and looting deterrence for both the Eaton and Palisades fires. 



Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Massive Earthquake Hits Sacred Buddhist City in Tibet

 The earthquake occurred in Dingri County , Shigatse City, in China's Tibet region on Jan. 7 around 9:05 a.m., Beijing Time, the Christian Post website reports today (Jan. 8, 2025). 


Shigatse is regarded as the seat of the Panchen Lama, a spiritual leader and the second--highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama. 


In a statement, the Dalai Lama, who lives in self--imposed exile in India, said he was "saddened" to learn about the earthquake and expressed compassion to people impacted by the tragedy. 


"It has caused the tragic loss of many lives, numerous injuries, and extensive destruction to homes and property," he said.  "I offer my prayers for those who lost their lives and extend my wishes for a swift recovery to all who have been injured."


The earthquake is believed to have killed at least 126 people and injured 188 others.  

Monday, January 6, 2025

Higher Social Security Payments Coming for Millions of People

President Joe Biden on Jan. 5, 2025 signed into law a measure that boosts Social Security payments for current and former employees , affecting nearly 3 million people who receive pensions from their time as teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public service jobs, the AP website reports today (Jan. 6, 2025). 


Advocates say the Social Security Fairness Act rights a decades--old disparity, though it will also put a strain on Social Security Trust Funds, which face a looming insolvency crisis. 


The bill rescinds two provisions -- the Windfall Elimination Provision and t he Government Pension Offset -- that limit Social Security benefits for recipients if they get rertirement payments from other sources, including public retirement programs from a state or local government. 


"The bill I'm signing today is about a simple proposition : Americans who have worked hard all their life to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity -- that's the entire purpose of t he Social Security system," Biden said during a signing ceremony in the White House East Room.  


Biden was joined by labor leaders, retirement advocates, and Democratic and Republican lawmakers. 

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Pope Francis Offers Condolences to Victims of New Orleans Massacre

 Pope Francis has sent a telegram offering his condolences over the deaths of at least 15 people who were killed during a terrorist attack in New Orleans, the Catholic Herald website reports today (Jan. 4, 2025).


The  January 2 telegram states that the pope is " deeply saddened to learn of t he loss of life and injury caused by  the attack that took place ln New Orleans."


The pope also gave his blessing to all those imputed by the attack, offering "a pledge of peace and strength in the Lord." 


On January 1, in the early hours of New Year's Day, a suspect identified as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, drove a pick--up truck around barriers and into a crowd of people celebrating the New Year before jumping out of his vehicle and opening fire on bystanders, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens of others


Jabbar, who had recently declared loyalty to ISIS, was killed in a police shootout that followed the attack. Two police officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire with Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran. 


The FBI declared the incident to be an act of terrorism --  police found an ISIS flag in the attacker's vehicle -- and said Jabbar was likely not "solely responsible" for the attack.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Pope Starts New Year with Call for Peace and Justice

 In his message for World Day of Peace on January 1, the pope lamented the "devastation" seen in much of the earth and "the conflicts that presently plague our human family," the Christian Today website reports today (Jan. 3, 2025). 


Pope Francis said that certain challenges were causing "havoc" in the world , including "the inhuman treatment meted out to migrants, environmental decay, the confusion willfully created by disinformation, the refusal to engage in any form of dialogue, and the immense resources spent on the industry of war." 


"All these, taken together, represent a threat to the existence of humanity as a whole," he said. 


"At the beginning of this year, then, we desire to heed the plea of suffering humankind in order to feel called, together and as individuals, to break the bonds of injustice to proclaim God's justice. 

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Terrorist Truck Driver Kills 15, Wounds Dozens, Slamming into New Orleans New Year's Eve Crowd

A U.S.Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage on New Orleans' raucous New Year's celebration, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revelers before being shot dead by police, the AP website reports today (Jan. 1, 2025). 


The FBI said it is investigating the attack as a terrorist act and does not believe the driver acted alone. Investigators found guns and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device in the vehicle along with other devices elsewhere in the city's famed French Quarter.


President Joe Biden said this evening that the FBI found videos that the driver had posted to social media hours before the attack in which he said  he was inspired by the Islamic State group and expressed a desire to kill. 


The rampage turned festive Bourbon Srtreet into a macabre mayhem of maimed victims, bloodied bodies, and pedestrians fleeing for safety inside nightclubs and restaurants. In addition to the dead, dozens of people were wounded. 


Zion Parsons, 18, of Gulfport, Mississippi, said he saw the truck "barreling through, throwing people like in a movie scene, throwing people into the air." 


"Bodies, bodies all up and down the street, everybody screaming  and hollering," said Parsons, whose friend Nikyra Dedeaux was among the people killed. 


"This is not just an act of terrorism. This is evil," New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said. 


The FBI identified the driver as Shamsud--Din Jabbar, 42, a U.S. citizen from Texas, and said it is working to determine his potential associations with terrorist organizations. 


"We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible," FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan said at a news conference.