Kayla began using fentanyl as a teenager in North Carolina, but survived even as more than 110,000 US residents died of overdoses in 2023. Overdose deaths reduced by 25% across the US and 35% in North Carolina in 2024 due to harm reduction policies centered on health. LEAD, Fayetteville’s program, steers customers toward treatment, not jail, helping individuals like Kayla recover. Important shifts are higher medication-assisted treatment, naloxone distribution, drug test access, and fewer young fentanyl consumers. North Carolina’s lawsuits…

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a champion of democracy and justice, received an emotional state funeral in Nairobi attended by tens of thousands, including regional leaders. His week of mourning, following his death at 80 in India, featured tributes and symbols of grief but was marred by tragic stampedes and clashes that resulted in casualties. Odinga’s legacy, celebrated by leaders and citizens alike, emphasized sacrifice, resilience, and service, with calls to continue his fight for justice, unity, and peace…

The BBC story “I can’t afford to save both twins” by Nawal Al-Maghafi and Scarlett Barter sheds light on the human toll of Sudan’s civil war through survival tales from Khartoum. They include Touma, a mother deciding whether to save her starving twin daughter or son; Zaher, a youth who lost his legs due to the explosion from an American drone attack but has hopes of playing football; and young Ahmed, clearing debris to earn the income to feed his…

According to a Human Rights Watch report, M23 rebels killed at least 140 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo last month. This is one of the worst atrocities by the armed group since their resurgence in late 2021, and it occurred despite a peace process brokered by the US and Qatar. Let’s Pray: Blessed be the name of the Lord God of hosts forever and ever, for Your throne and kingdom reign from everlasting to everlasting. Father, according to…

A significant rift has emerged between Pope Leo XIV and the Trump administration over immigration policy. While the American-born Pope and U.S. bishops have condemned mass deportation as “inhuman” and contrary to the “pro-life” cause, conservative Catholic supporters of the president argue the Church should “stay in its lane” and focus on spiritual salvation. This tension has created a deep “faultline” within the American Church. While the administration includes high-profile Catholics like Marco Rubio and JD Vance, it has publicly…

Masked armed men raided the Evangelical Church Winning All at Aaaaz-Kiri, Kogi, during Sunday service, killing five members and taking at least 13 others hostage. This is the second attack in the region, where another pastor, his wife, and members of his congregation are currently held hostage at Ejiba two weeks ago. Dislodged gangs from neighboring states, where the government has launched operations against them, are finding refuge in Kogi. This is part of the rising tide of instability in…

The article reports on a new conflict emerging between Thailand and Cambodia at the disputed border, thus ending a US-mediated truce brokered under former President Trump. Casualties: At least 5 Thai soldiers and 7 Cambodian civilians have died since Monday. Mutual blame: Both sides have blamed each other for initiating the fighting. Thailand conducted airstrikes, but these began because Cambodian forces attacked Thai troops, according to Thailand. Historical background: A longstanding border dispute, dating back a century and traceable to…