May 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end in Europe and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Among the stories that emerged is the tale of three young women, married and newly pregnant in 1944. They were sent to Auschwitz and later worked as slave laborers. Pregnancy was punishable by death in...
Zelle Tenorio vividly recalls when birdwatching became their passion. It was three years ago during a walk organized by Chicago BIPOC Birders and Out in Nature, an LGBTQ+ outdoor group. They watched a Caspian tern catch a fish, an experience they fondly described as the coolest thing ever. Since then, birdwatching and volunteering at events...
Recently, numerous beagles saved from Wisconsin’s Ridglan Farms are discovering what it means to be a dog for the first time. These dogs spent years in a breeding facility that provided animals for laboratory research. Now, hundreds of them are settling into new homes, experiencing grass, stairs, toys, and affection for the first time. They...
Franciscan Employee Celebrated for Children’s Safety Advocacy Marissa Adcock, the Injury Prevention Coordinator in Franciscan Health’s Trauma Services Department, has been honored with the Child Safety Advocacy Award at the Safe Kids Indiana Automotive Safety Program in Indianapolis. Her work focuses on ensuring children’s safety through child safety seat inspection events across Northern Indiana. Adcock...
Amid the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, Natasha Jacka, like many, found herself confined with limited places to go. However, what initially seemed restrictive soon turned into an opportunity. She started her vineyard at her family residence in South Africa, propelling her dream of winemaking within reach. Wine making is a slow process. It took four...
In Baltimore, a significant event took place aimed at challenging stereotypes and providing fathers with essential resources. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined City Council member Paris Gray in leading a stroller walk at Cylburn Arboretum. One participant, Sean Branch Jr., pushed his 3-week-old son in a stroller along a shaded path. As he walked,...
On Father’s Day, contributor Charles Blow reflects on the experience of growing up without a father. He acknowledges the void left when a father is absent in a boy’s life. Blow shares that his parents separated when he was five years old. His father’s struggle with alcoholism further distanced him from the family. Blow describes...
Pope Leo XIV Honors Mother Cabrini’s Service to Migrants Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Mother Cabrini, the first American saint, highlighting her as an example for Christians to aid migrants. During a visit to her birthplace in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, near Milan, Leo urged especially young people to learn about her dedicated life. His visit...
A remarkable event unfolded during a wedding ceremony that demonstrated the power of connection and the enduring legacy of love. The term “Godwink,” popularized by authors SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt, refers to a moment of profound, unexpected hope. One such moment took place at a church in Pittsburgh when bride Jeni Stepien walked down...
Seeking help for family members experiencing aggression can be challenging. A letter writer expresses concern about their younger brother, described as highly aggressive. The brother is married and has two school-age children. When visiting the family, the writer often finds themselves approached by their sister-in-law. She shares concerns about her husband’s behavior. He speaks aggressively,...