Community, human stories, faith in action
A former American Idol contestant and church worship leader has been charged in the fatal shooting of his wife inside their Ohio home while their children slept. Police say the suspect allegedly staged a break-in to cover up the crime.
Bill Mazeroski, the Hall of Fame second baseman who won eight Gold Glove awards and the hearts of Pittsburgh Pirates fans for his historic walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, has died at 89. His bottom-of-the-ninth homer remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.
The Winter Olympics halfpipe has become a proxy war between two US-born Chinese-American stars: Alysa Liu competing for the USA and Eileen Gu competing for China. While British-born Zoe Atkin competes for Britain with little controversy, Gu continues to face scrutiny for choosing to represent China — a decision that has taken on heightened significance amid US-China tensions.
An explosion has destroyed a New York church, injuring the pastor and four firefighters who responded to the scene. The cause of the blast is under investigation as the congregation reels from the loss of their place of worship.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
— Psalm 34:18
When a church is destroyed, the building is lost but the body of Christ remains. God draws near to this congregation in their grief.
A quick-thinking bystander dove into a lake to rescue an 8-month-old baby after a gust of wind blew the child's stroller into the water. The dramatic rescue was caught on camera, showing the man sprinting to the lake and pulling the infant to safety.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
— Psalm 46:1
In a split second, a stranger became God's hands on earth — rushing without hesitation to save a child. These moments reveal the divine image in ordinary people.
Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi has revealed a cancer diagnosis and is asking fans for their prayers. The reality TV personality shared the news as she begins treatment, drawing an outpouring of support from fans and fellow cast members.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
— James 5:16
When a public figure asks for prayers in the face of illness, it's a powerful reminder that prayer remains our most direct connection to the God who heals.
The search for missing mother Nancy Guthrie has intensified with the reward topping $200,000 and a new ransom note emerging. Social media 'mom detectives' have mobilized, turning Facebook groups and Instagram into investigative hubs as the disappearance grips the nation.
Eric Dane, the actor beloved for his portrayal of 'McSteamy' on Grey's Anatomy and later on Euphoria, has died at 53 after a battle with ALS. Friends have launched a $250,000 GoFundMe for his daughters, honoring his advocacy for ALS awareness in the final years of his life.
Norway's Johannes Klaebo has achieved the unthinkable, winning all six cross-country skiing events at the 2026 Winter Olympics to become the new king of the Games. His six golds surpass the legendary Eric Heiden's five golds in speedskating at the 1980 Lake Placid Games — a record that stood for 46 years.
Mikaela Shiffrin delivered a stunning comeback at the Winter Olympics, storming to gold in the slalom after days of disappointing results. The victory lifted an invisible burden from her shoulders as she spoke about the words she needed to hear to push through. Her triumph added to an already historic Games for Team USA, which set a new Winter Olympics record with 11 gold medals.
Team USA men's hockey has punched its ticket to the gold medal game against Canada in what promises to be an epic Olympic showdown on closing day. American star Brady Tkachuk says there's 'hatred' in the rivalry, while women's gold medalist Taylor Heise expressed full confidence the men can replicate their championship success. The game caps a historic Olympics where the US has set a new record with 11 gold medals.
Two separate avalanches in Utah claimed the lives of an 11-year-old girl and a father who was snowmobiling with his son, marking the state's first snowslide fatalities of the winter season. The tragedies come amid a deadly stretch across the mountain West and Alps, with the Tahoe avalanche death toll reaching nine and five killed in Austria.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
— Psalm 46:1
In the face of nature's sudden and terrible power, this psalm offers the only comfort that holds — that God himself is a shelter in the storm, present even when the mountains give way.
Olympic freestyle skier Nick Goepper is candid about his battle with depression that followed two previous Winter Games appearances, revealing the hidden mental health toll of elite competition. Now competing in his fourth Olympics at Milan Cortina, Goepper describes how faith and vulnerability helped him rediscover joy in the sport that once brought him to his darkest moments.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
— Psalm 34:18
Goepper's story of depression and recovery is a powerful witness that brokenness is not the end. The psalm's promise that God draws especially near to the crushed in spirit offers hope to anyone who has struggled silently under the weight of expectation.
Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby will be a game-time decision for Sunday's gold medal game against Team USA after missing the semifinal win over Finland. The epic matchup has captivated hockey fans as the US men's team cruised past Slovakia to set up the showdown, with the potential absence of the sport's biggest star adding drama to an already historic final.
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper addressed athletes' mixed feelings about competing for Team USA, declaring that no matter the political climate, representing the United States is 'the greatest honor in sports.' His comments come amid a broader cultural debate about patriotism and athletic identity at the Winter Olympics.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.
— Psalm 33:12
Harper's conviction that representing one's country is an ultimate honor echoes the biblical theme that national identity is a gift — and the privilege of service transcends personal politics.
French speedskater Kamila Sellier suffered a cut near her eye after a collision with American Kristen Santos-Griswold during the 1,500 meters at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Sellier was stretchered off the ice in a frightening scene but was later treated with stitches. The incident highlights the inherent dangers of short-track speedskating at the highest level.
Chinese-American athletes Alysa Liu and Eileen Gu find themselves in an uncomfortable side-by-side contrast at the Milan-Cortina Olympics: Liu chose to represent Team USA and won figure skating gold, while Gu competes for China. Their diverging paths have turned personal choices about national loyalty into a geopolitical flashpoint.
Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant and church worship leader, has been charged with murdering his wife Ashley after allegedly staging a break-in. Flynn reportedly shot his wife and called 911 claiming an intruder attacked them. The case has stunned the church community that once celebrated him as a 'very talented' leader.
Former Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya recounts the overwhelming media frenzy that followed Gene Hackman's death, sharing how first responders handled the high-profile call and the chaotic 48 hours that followed the legendary actor's passing.
Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi has announced she has been diagnosed with cancer. The reality TV personality shared the news with fans as an outpouring of support and prayers followed the announcement.
The U.S. men's hockey team dominated Slovakia in the semifinal to set up a much-anticipated gold medal showdown against Canada at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. It's the first time since 2010 that the Americans have reached the gold medal game, and the rivalry matchup has captivated fans on both sides of the border.
American aerialists Kaila Kuhn, Connor Curran, and Christopher Lillis captured gold in the mixed team aerials event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, adding to Team USA's historic medal haul. The victory continues America's dominant showing at the Games.
A bystander leaped into action to save an 8-month-old baby after a sudden gust of wind blew the infant's stroller into a lake. 'I wasn't going to let that baby die,' the man said, describing the harrowing rescue that turned a routine day at the park into a life-or-death moment of heroism.
BBC presenter David Harper considered himself agnostic when he began investigating Christianity after his daughter overcame debilitating depression through faith. What started as a research project examining the evidence for God culminated in Harper falling to his knees and accepting Jesus — a journey from skepticism to conviction that he now shares publicly.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
— Jeremiah 29:13
David Harper set out to disprove faith and instead found the One who was waiting to be found — a pattern as old as the gospel itself.
Within the span of one week, dozens of people have been killed or injured in two separate attacks in the United States and Canada committed by males who publicly identified as transgender. Christian Post examines four key details about the Rhode Island shooting and its alleged perpetrator, Robert Dorgan, as authorities investigate the motive behind the violence.
Freeskier Alex Ferreira clinched a tenth gold medal for the United States at the Milan-Cortina Games, tying the country's all-time record for gold medals at a single Winter Olympics. The milestone caps a dominant performance by Team USA, which also saw the men's hockey team advance to face Canada in a gold medal game on Sunday — the anniversary of the legendary 1980 'Miracle on Ice.'
Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn is recovering from her fifth major surgery — a grueling six-hour procedure requiring extensive plates and screws — after crashing during the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. The 41-year-old, who came out of retirement to compete in what she called her 'farewell tour,' described herself as taking 'baby steps' in recovery, embodying the resilience that has defined her career through multiple serious injuries and comebacks.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
— Isaiah 40:31
Vonn's repeated willingness to endure pain and fight back from injury speaks to the kind of perseverance that Isaiah describes — a strength renewed not by human grit alone, but by hope beyond ourselves.
Jesse Jackson, the towering civil rights leader and Baptist minister who played a prominent role in Democratic politics for nearly 60 years, has died at age 84. Jackson's life spanned from marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to two historic presidential campaigns that laid the groundwork for a generation of Black political leaders. Christianity Today examines his complicated legacy — a man who shaped both American politics and the Black church while navigating personal controversies that tested his public witness.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
— 2 Timothy 4:7
Jesse Jackson's life — with all its triumphs and failings — was a long race of public service rooted in a Baptist faith that shaped everything from his oratory to his activism.
The death toll from the Lake Tahoe avalanche has risen to nine, making it the deadliest avalanche in the US in nearly half a century. Families have identified six victims, including two sisters and a group of six mothers described as a close-knit friend group who 'cherished time together.' One person remains missing.
The search for 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie's missing mother Nancy has intensified as an anonymous donation pushed the reward past $200,000. A disturbing new ransom note emerged demanding millions in cryptocurrency, while Arizona authorities turn to genetic genealogy in the ongoing investigation.
Eric Dane, the actor best known for playing Dr. Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and for his role in HBO's Euphoria, has died at 53 after battling ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease.
Olympic athletes Hilary Knight, a hockey star who just won gold with Team USA, and speedskater Brittany Bowe got engaged at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, adding a personal celebration to an already triumphant Olympics for the American contingent.
A surprise four-legged competitor stole the show at the Olympic cross-country ski race in Milan Cortina, delighting spectators and going viral as it crossed the finish line alongside the world's best athletes. The heartwarming moment became one of the most shared highlights of the Games.
American ski legend Mikaela Shiffrin has stormed to the lead in the Olympic slalom competition after days of disappointing results at the Milan Cortina Games. Her comeback run has electrified fans and demonstrated the resilience that has defined her record-breaking career.
An explosion destroyed a church in New York, injuring the pastor and four firefighters who responded to the scene. The cause of the blast is under investigation. The congregation is rallying support as they face the loss of their worship space.
Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders in Nigeria are banding together in a new interfaith coalition to demand government protection as thousands of civilians are killed each year by communal clashes, banditry, and terrorism. Millions have been displaced over the past decade, and the cross-faith alliance represents a rare moment of unity in a nation often defined by religious division.
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
— Psalm 82:3-4
When religious leaders from different faiths unite to demand justice for the innocent, it reflects the universal cry of conscience that Scripture articulates. The government's failure to protect its people demands a prophetic response.
A two-day youth evangelism gathering organized by the Kentucky Baptist Convention drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 1,300 mostly young people. Organizers described the event as evidence that 'the Lord is doing a work' among the younger generation, adding to signs of growing spiritual hunger among American youth in 2026.
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
— Joel 2:28
When young people gather by the hundreds to seek God, it echoes the prophetic promise of Joel. Revival rarely starts in the corridors of power — it starts with young hearts willing to respond.
Team USA staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Canada 2-1 in overtime and claim the women's hockey gold medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Hilary Knight, who recently got engaged to fellow Olympian Brittany Bowe, set the all-time US women's Olympic goal-scoring record with her 15th career goal during the thrilling final. The victory adds to a remarkable day for American women at the Winter Games.
Alysa Liu captured gold in women's figure skating at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, ending a 24-year medal drought for American women in the event. The last US gold came from Sarah Hughes in 2002. Liu's triumph is all the more remarkable given revelations this week that she was targeted by Chinese intelligence operatives before the Beijing Games, making her victory a story of resilience against both athletic and geopolitical adversity.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
— Isaiah 40:31
Liu's journey from being targeted by foreign agents to standing atop the Olympic podium embodies the kind of perseverance Scripture celebrates. Sometimes the greatest victories come after the deepest trials.
Two American pilots have been languishing in a West African prison for nearly two months after being ambushed by armed military forces during a routine fuel stop. The pilots say they were illegally arrested and are pleading directly with President Trump for immediate intervention to secure their release.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.
— Psalm 146:7
These Americans are crying out for deliverance from unjust captivity — a prayer echoed throughout the Psalms and a cause Scripture calls the faithful to champion.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has abruptly cancelled a keynote speech in India as questions intensify about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The withdrawal comes amid the broader Epstein files fallout that has also led to Prince Andrew's arrest and multiple high-profile resignations.
Both US Olympic hockey teams are surging toward gold medal contention in Milan-Cortina. The women's team faces Canada in the gold medal final after a dominant run with a 31-1 scoring differential, while the men's team defeated Sweden 2-1 in an overtime thriller to advance to the semifinals — their best showing since the Miracle on Ice era.
The desperate search for Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of NBC presenter Savannah Guthrie, has entered a third week and expanded into Mexico. The FBI and family are pursuing new leads while advances in investigative genetic genealogy offer hope of a breakthrough in the case.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles III, has been arrested at Sandringham estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows weeks of revelations from the Epstein files detailing the former prince's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The dramatic development marks the first time a member of the British royal family has been arrested in modern history and has sent shockwaves through the monarchy.
There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
— Luke 12:2
The Epstein files have brought hidden dealings into the light, and now legal consequences follow. Scripture reminds us that what is done in darkness will eventually be revealed.
Actor Kunal Nayyar, known for his role as Raj on The Big Bang Theory, has revealed that he quietly pays strangers' medical bills through GoFundMe campaigns. The actor's private generosity came to light after multiple recipients shared their stories.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
— Matthew 6:3-4
Jesus taught that the most meaningful generosity happens quietly, without fanfare. Nayyar's private giving reflects this principle — doing good simply because it's the right thing to do.
Denise Sides, 71, was selected from hundreds of applicants to appear in Taylor Swift's new Opalite music video, proving that passion and talent have no expiration date. The dancer's inspiring story has resonated across generations.
Mothers are making their mark at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, taking up space and competing at the highest level in what has traditionally been a younger athlete's domain. Their presence is changing perceptions about athletic careers and motherhood.
After Ilia Malinin's Olympic figure skating performance fell short of gold, Simone Biles reached out with private messages of support, drawing on her own experience with setbacks at the Tokyo Games. Biles called the young 'Quad God' an 'absolute legend.'
Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse was overcome with emotion during a recent interview as he described the hope and comfort that the righteousness of Jesus Christ has brought him while facing imminent death from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The Nebraska Republican expressed that the Gospel is 'not the end of the story,' offering a powerful witness to faith in the face of mortality.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
— 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Senator Sasse's tearful testimony embodies the paradox of Christian hope — that even as the body fails, the spirit can soar. His witness to faith in the face of death offers a powerful reminder that the Gospel's promise transcends this life.
Eight backcountry skiers have been found dead and one remains missing after a massive avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe's Castle Peak area during a severe storm, making it the deadliest avalanche in modern California history. Six members of the 15-person group survived, with rescue teams facing near white-out conditions to recover victims from the Sierra Nevada mountains.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
— Psalm 121:1-2
In the shadow of the mountains that brought both adventure and tragedy, this psalm reminds us that our ultimate security comes not from the creation but from the Creator who watches over us. We pray for the families of those lost and the survivors who endured.