Intelligence sources from the U.S. and Israel estimate that only about 20 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, remain alive. This figure, shared during ongoing negotiations in Qatar, includes civilians and female Israeli soldiers but excludes male soldiers, whose inclusion might slightly increase the count.
In a historic move, Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to head a major Vatican office. Brambilla, an Italian nun, will serve as prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, responsible for overseeing the Catholic Church’s religious orders worldwide.
As New York City’s congestion toll system takes effect, reports have emerged of drivers altering license plates to evade the fee. The toll, which charges $9 during peak hours and $2.25 during off-peak hours for vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district, officially began on Sunday.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced that he has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to bolster the state's Anti-Terrorism Task Force resources. The announcement follows the terror attack in New Orleans.
The British government is refusing to release data on the number of grooming gang rapists deported from the country, intensifying public criticism over its handling of the issue. The Home Office, responsible for immigration enforcement, has declined to disclose deportation statistics for foreign grooming gang members, according to The Telegraph.
"Epiphany" is a Greek word meaning "appearance" or "manifestation," celebrating Christ's "manifestation" to the world, as foretold in Isaiah 49:6:
"I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end...
Costco has issued a recall for a Kirkland Signature cold and flu medicine due to potential contamination with foreign materials. The recall involves Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion, item number #1729556, with lot code P140082.
