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reed

Keeping Faith Safe: Why We Need to Protect Our Sacred Spaces

December 20, 2025

In the United States, where freedom of religion is a cornerstone, places of worship used to be seen as safe and sacred. Sadly, that's not the case anymore. Recent events show a troubling trend. Protests have turned violent, targeting synagogues and other religious sites. These are not just random in

religion

Reviving the Heart of Military Chaplaincy: A Shift Back to Faith

December 19, 2025

The U. S. military chaplaincy is undergoing a significant transformation. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has taken steps to reverse what he sees as a decline in the spiritual support provided to service members. This shift is seen as a response to policies from previous administrations that allegedly

politics

Why Free Speech Matters More Than Ever

December 18, 2025

Free speech is a hot topic. It always has been. But why is it so hard for some people to grasp? This question came up during a recent discussion in Des Moines. The event marked 50 years since a bomb exploded at a Quaker meeting house. The bomb was likely set by someone who didn't like the Quakers' s

politics

Hong Kong's Bold Voice Silenced: The Fall of Jimmy Lai

December 16, 2025

Jimmy Lai, a well-known media figure in Hong Kong, has been found guilty of crimes that threaten national security. This outcome was not surprising, as it aligns with the expectations of China's ruling party. Lai, now 78, has been a vocal critic of Beijing for many years. The court's decision was ma

politics

Hong Kong's Media Freedom on Trial: The Jimmy Lai Case

December 14, 2025

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old former media tycoon, is awaiting a verdict in a high-profile national security case in Hong Kong. His trial, which lasted 156 days, has drawn international attention and is seen as a test of the city's judicial independence and media freedom. Lai, who founded the pro-democr

politics

A Photojournalist's Fight: Faith, Freedom, and Fear

December 12, 2025

In a detention center in Georgia, a man named Ya'akub Vijandre is grappling with a harsh reality. He's been locked up since October, all because of some posts he made on social media. The government says these posts are linked to terrorism, but Vijandre and his lawyers argue that he's being targeted

opinion

Letters to the Editor: A Mixed Bag of Thoughts

December 10, 2025

In the bustling city of Philadelphia, a reader expressed relief after learning about a federal law designed to protect religious institutions. The law, known as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, was amended to include religious sites. The reader questioned why the Department of Justice

opinion

Why Can't We Just Say Christmas?

December 10, 2025

David Spade, a well-known comedian and actor, recently called out a mall for avoiding the word \"Christmas\" during a tree-lighting event. He pointed out a clear double standard, questioning why it's okay to celebrate other religions but not Christianity. During a podcast episode, Spade shared his

politics

Locker Room Debate: Schools, Students, and the Law

December 9, 2025

The U. S. Department of Justice has taken a stand against a Virginia school board. They say the board is violating students' rights. The issue? A policy allowing a transgender student to use the boys' locker room. Some boys complained. The school board punished them. Now, the Justice Department says

politics

Hong Kong Tightens Grip on Foreign Media Ahead of Elections

December 6, 2025

Foreign journalists in Hong Kong got a stern warning from the local security office. They were called in to discuss recent news stories. The focus was on a big fire and upcoming elections. The officials said some reports were not accurate. They claimed these stories spread false information. They al