As we close out 2024, we look back at a very important reminder of how far we've come. Exactly five years ago today, the World Health Organization first learned about a cluster of viral pneumonia cases in China. In the years since, COVID-19 forever changed our lives.
On Dec 31, 2019, the World Health Organization received the first reports of a viral zoonotic disease. Investigators traced the epicenter to a seafood market in Wuhan, China.
"We had a virus. We knew what the virus was, but we really didn't have effective treatments," said Infectious Disease specialist Dr. David Bronstein with Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley. He said within weeks, the novel coronavirus now known as COVID-19 spread to several countries. The first U.S. case confirmed in Washington on January 20, 2020. Within a year, Los Angeles County became the first in the nation to record a million confirmed cases.
"We've lost 7 million people in the world, 1.2 million in the United States. It's been absolutely tragic," Bronstein said.
Among them, 42-year-old Tony Damian, brother of Baldwin Park Mayor Pro-Tempore Daniel Damian
"Ended up in the hospital for two weeks with COVID pneumonia and that's unfortunately what ended his life. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about my brother," Damian said.
In December 2020, a game changer. The FDA issued emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. In its first year, scientists estimate vaccines saved 15 to 20 million lives worldwide.
"It feels like the virus really has become endemic at this point. But I think it's still important to realize that the virus is still out there," said Bronstein.
In May 2023, the global Public Health Emergency ends. COVID cases and deaths have dropped dramatically since the pandemic, but Dr. Bronstein says we can't forget the lessons learned.
"Last year, for example, about 70-thousand plus people in the U.S. still passed away from COVID, and yet the number of us who are vaccinating ourselves has gotten quite a bit lower than it needs to be," he said.

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Some herbs like ashwagandha and ginseng may help boost energy when pared with a balanced diet, exercise, and quality sleep. However, more research is needed to support these possible benefits.
The most important factors for energy and mental focus are getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, and exercising for at least 150 minutes weekly.
Some research suggests that several herbal supplements may help boost your energy and cognitive health.
However, many herbs can interact with commonly prescribed medications and may cause other side effects. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before using any herbs for energy.
Keep reading to learn more about 10 herbs that may help boost alertness and energy levels.
Although some research suggests that taking herbal supplements may have health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t standardize supplement dosages, nor do they monitor any claims made by manufacturers.
It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before using herbal supplements and consider researching the quality of a brand’s products.
Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and energy-boosting properties.
A 2018 review found it may stimulate brain function, making it a sought-after herb for improving sports and mental performance. Panax ginsengis the most studied type in human trials.
Ginseng contains compounds like ginsenosides, eleutherosides, and ciwujianosides which are thought to give it its performance- and energy-enhancing effects.
Supplementing with ginseng may also help improve physical performance, reduce fatigue, and boost mental alertness.
Doses of 200 milligrams per day have been associated with beneficial effects in adults.
It’s important to note that ginseng may have potential side effects, such as:
Plus, ginseng may interfere with common medications, such as those for diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
Sage (Salvia) may have cognitive-enhancing effects that could help boost energy, focus, and memory.
A small 2021 study found that sage helped boost reaction time, perceived exertion, and memory in 26 cyclists.
The study authors also noted in their review of research that sage supplements may help improve mood, alertness, attention, memory, and word recall.
Sage may also act as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. This enzyme breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in brain function.
AChE inhibitors help increase the availability of acetylcholine in the brain, which may help boost cognitive function.
It’s important to note that studies examining the effects of sage have looked at high amounts of sage in supplements rather than small amounts of the herb when cooking.
Guarana is commonly used as an ingredient in energy drinks and supplements due to its stimulating effects.
Guana, which comes from the P. cupana seed, may have more caffeine than coffee. Research shows that the P. cupana seed has a concentration of 2% to 8% of caffeine, while coffee beans have 1 to 3%.
The seeds are also great sources of theophylline and theobromine, two energy-boosting compounds.
While human studies have found mixed results, other studies have shown that drinking guarana tea or supplementing with it may help boost attention, alertness, and memory performance.
However, the effects are usually short-term.
It’s also important to be aware of possible side effects of consuming too much guana, which may include:
Bacopa monnieriis a plant that grows in wet, marshy areas throughout South Asia. It’s used in Ayurvedic medicine to help improve:
According to a 2023 review, several studies have found that Bacopa monnieri may also help improve word recall and verbal learning.
The cognitive-enhancing effects of Bacopa monnieri are attributed to its concentration of triterpenoid saponins, which are known as bacosides and have neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing properties.
Bacopa monnieriis generally considered safe, but it may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and more frequent bowel movements.
The FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Peppermint oil is a popular aromatherapy.
Some animal and human studies suggest that inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil, a hybrid of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica), may help boost energy and mental alertness.
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) advises that more research is needed to support the use of peppermint oil for cognitive function.
You can try adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser or steam bowl.
Peppermint essential oil has a good safety profile. However, some gastrointestinal side effects like heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain may be possible when taking peppermint oil by mouth.
Like peppermint, the aroma of rosemary essential oil may help improve cognitive performance.
According to a 2020 review, some rodent studies found that rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that may help improve memory, learning, and cognition.
Some human studies also found that exposure to rosemary oil may improve performance on cognitive tasks that involve speed, recollection, and accuracy.
The review authors note this might benefit older adults and protect against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. However, they conclude that more research is needed to fully understand the role of rosemary in cognition.
Rhodiola rosea is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide to help improve memory, alertness, and endurance, among others.
It has been shown to help reduce mental fatigue and stress, as well as boost brain function, mood, and exercise performance in human and animal studies.
A 2017 study in 118 people with burnout found that supplementing with 400 mg of Rhodiola roseaextract daily for 12 weeks significantly improved feelings of exhaustion, impaired concentration, and lack of joy, compared with their baseline.
Some possible side effects may include dizziness, headache, and dry mouth.
Ashwagandha is a plant that’s been used as an Ayurvedic remedy since ancient times. According to the NCCIH, it contains compounds called withanolides, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.
A 2019 review found that supplementing with ashwagandha was well tolerated and led to improved performance on cognitive tasks, attention, and reaction time.
Similarly, a 12-week study in 50 older adults showed that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily improved sleep quality, mental alertness, and overall quality of life.
Despite these positive findings, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully support the cognitive benefits of ashwagandha.
Some possible side effects may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
Gotu kola has been used in traditional medicine systems to help improve brain function, alertness, and mood, but the research is mixed.
For instance, a 2007 study in 28 older adults who received doses of 250 to 750 mg of gotu kola extract daily found that those taking the highest dose experienced improvements in working memory, alertness, and self-rated mood.
That said, a 2022 study found no cognitive benefits of taking 500 mg of gotu kola extract twice daily for 2 months.
As such, more research is needed to support the benefits of gotu kola for boosting energy.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)is a plant native to Peru that’s prized for its energy-enhancing potential.
A 2024 review found that supplements and products containing Maca root may help boost energy levels, enhance athletic performance, and reduce anxiety.
It’s important to note that Maca root powder is found in Group D of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) supplements guidelines. Group D refers to supplements “banned or at high risk of contamination with substances that could lead to a positive doping test.”
The AIS notes that Maca root powder itself isn’t banned, but it’s found in many products that contain banned or contaminated ingredients.
Some herbal supplements and essential oils may contribute to increasing energy levels and focus.
However, the best way to stay energized and focused is by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, plenty of sleep, and stress-reducing activities like exercise.
If you constantly experience fatigue, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan for you.
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Local 4-H program gets youth involved with goats
By Cameron Vann cvann@clintonnc.com
Matilda Parker tries her hand at trimming one of the goat’s hooves with the guidance of 4-H agent Amanda Knight.
Local 4-H program gets youth involved with goats
4-H agent Amanda Knight demonstrates how to trim a goats’ hooves to program participants Matilda Parker And Ella Knight.
Cooperative Extension’s Amanda Knight speaks to Magdalene Parker , Matilda Parker, and Ella Knight as they work with a young goat.
Children show goats at the spring show.
Courtesy photo from Sampson County 4-H
(Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of stories on the United Way of Sampson County’s partner agencies. Money raised from the local campaign helps to fund these organizations and their various projects.)
Agriculture is booming in Sampson County, and with the help of Amanda Knight, Sampson County 4-H extension agent, the number of children involved with agriculture will continue to be on the rise.
That is what drives Knight, encouraging youngsters to stay involved in something she believes is rooted deep in Sampson’s soil.
Working toward that goal, Knight began a goat program to help children without the ability to show goats, learn about livestock breeding and livestock care, all because they don’t live in areas needed to house livestock properly.
“So many children are interested in showing livestock but cannot due to land or family constraints; this program gives those children the ability to join in and enjoy showing livestock,” said Knight.
The program started four years ago when Knight was approached by a small child who wanted to show cows.
“Well that was a problem. I couldn’t put a barely 5-year-old with a full-grown cow,” she explained. “That started the venture into goats, and then, of course, more kids wanted to show so we got more goats.”
Families who join the program have one of two options: rent a goat for the show season for $100 or buy the goat outright, still having the ability to keep the goat at the extension barn, but having the option to keep or sell their goat after the end of the show season.
“Having those two options in place gives the kids a wider range of outcomes. For some, it ends the responsibility as soon as show season is over, and for others, they take them to sales or keep them for breeding,” explained Knight.
Families from all backgrounds are able to participate in the program, giving children involved with the program the opportunity to meet people with diverse backgrounds.
“This program allows these kids to meet and make friends with people who may not live near them or go to the same schools or have the same outside life. They are on common ground when we walk into the barn; we all have the end goal to be successful,” attested Knight.
The extension agent, who cares for the goats on a regular basis, stated, “Though I care for them a lot, I do not do this alone. That is a part of being in the club — parents have to bring their children out to help feed and care for the goats; these kids have to have skin in the game.”
Children not only learn how to show the animals, they also learn to select breeding stock, how to train goats in the proper way to stand for presentation and the art of fitting a goat (clipping and using different products to enhance the goats in the show ring).
Ruth Ann Parker, who has had three girls participate in the program, said, “I live in town so I don’t have the land or the ability to house any livestock. To be able to give my girls the ability to participate in this program means a lot to me,” she stressed.
“I grew up around horses; that was my thing, so I am constantly learning right along with my girls. It is amazing that when you think that’s all there is to know, here goes something completely out of the woodwork,” she added.
Knight shared that the kids blossom as they gain confidence and learn new skills, another important aspect of the program. “Watching the kids come in here and, at first, they are timid, and some barely want to speak, and then out of nowhere they are just social butterflies.
“This program has several benefits, one of which is responsibility for your actions; these animals have a way of humbling you. They don’t care what you have going on, they just want to eat and sleep and you can’t come in thinking that you know everything because they will show you — just like they show me — that you don’t,” she added.
For anyone interested in joining the program, call the local 4-H office and ask for Knight or stop by her office for more information.
Call:
T: 910-592-8137
F: 910-592-8756
Address:
109 W. Main St.
Clinton, NC 28328

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Cryptocurrency News – REAL News ® – TCAT
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, continues to be a key player in the evolving digital currency space. With its transition to Ethereum 2.0, the expansion of Layer 2 solutions, and increasing institutional interest, Ethereum’s price trajectory looks promising in the coming years.

As we enter 2025, Ethereum’s price is expected to experience significant growth, driven by network upgrades and increased adoption. One of the key events shaping Ethereum’s future is the PECTRA upgrade, which will combine two major updates—Prague and Electra—into a comprehensive enhancement aimed at improving scalability and performance. These upgrades will enable Ethereum to handle more transactions per second, making the network faster and more efficient, which in turn could attract more developers and users.
Due to these advancements, Ethereum’s price is forecast to continue its upward trend, potentially hitting new all-time highs. Analysts predict that ETH could reach as high as $5,925 in 2025. However, the cryptocurrency market is known for its volatility, and external factors such as economic downturns or regulatory challenges could pull the price down to a low of $2,917. On average, Ethereum’s price in 2025 is expected to hover around $4,392.
Institutional interest in Ethereum is also on the rise. In late December 2024, U.S. spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw a significant inflow of $117.2 million. This surge in investment highlights Ethereum’s increasing appeal among institutional investors, who see it as a solid asset in the digital economy. With large firms like Fidelity and BlackRock offering Ethereum-based products, the network’s credibility is bolstered, making it more attractive to both institutional and retail investors alike.
The continued development of Ethereum’s ecosystem, including decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, is another key factor driving adoption. As more projects are built on Ethereum, the demand for ETH will likely increase, pushing its price higher. The shift to Ethereum 2.0, which has already begun, is expected to further solidify Ethereum’s dominance in the blockchain space, enabling it to handle an even larger share of the decentralized finance market.
Looking beyond 2025, Ethereum’s price is set to continue its growth trajectory. By 2026, ETH could reach a price of up to $6,610, driven by further adoption of the network and the expansion of Ethereum-based applications. This period is likely to witness the continued rollout of Ethereum 2.0 features, which will make the network more scalable and environmentally friendly, further positioning Ethereum as a leader in the blockchain space.
The price of Ethereum is expected to rise steadily through 2027, potentially reaching $8,705. This could be fueled by Ethereum’s increasing use in industries such as gaming, supply chain management, and digital identity verification. By 2028, Ethereum could surpass $10,000, with a potential high of $10,410. The demand for ETH as a store of value and its widespread use in DeFi could push its price even higher.
By 2029, Ethereum’s price might exceed $12,000, reaching a high of $12,994, as more enterprises adopt the network for blockchain-based solutions. Looking ahead to 2030, Ethereum could reach new all-time highs, with a price range between $12,647 and $15,575. As Ethereum solidifies its position as a backbone for decentralized applications and smart contracts, the long-term outlook for ETH remains bullish.
Ethereum’s future price predictions vary among analysts. Some forecasts are more conservative, with platforms like Binance and Coincodex predicting prices in the range of $3,499 to $6,540 for the next few years. However, other analysts are more optimistic, with some predicting a price of up to $24,196 by 2030, citing Ethereum’s growing ecosystem and network upgrades.
As Ethereum continues to innovate and expand, its price is expected to see sustained growth in the coming years. The successful implementation of Ethereum 2.0, the rise of decentralized applications, and the increasing adoption of Ethereum by institutional investors will likely propel ETH to new price milestones. While volatility remains a factor in the crypto market, Ethereum’s solid fundamentals and expanding ecosystem suggest that it will continue to play a crucial role in the future of blockchain technology.

A finance graduate, Maheen Hernandez has been drawn to cryptocurrencies ever since Bitcoin first emerged in 2009. Nearly a decade later, Maheen is actively working to spread awareness about cryptocurrencies as well as their impact on the traditional currencies. Appreciate the work? Send a tip to: 0x75395Ea9a42d2742E8d0C798068DeF3590C5Faa5
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The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano is trying to raise enough funds for 3 million meals by the stroke of midnight.
CONCORD, Calif. – There was a flurry of activity inside a Concord warehouse on New Year's Eve.
It wasn't an end-of-year celebration but the winding down of a more important clock.
"We're feeling hopeful. We're feeling nervous but hopeful," said Caitlin Sly, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
She said the nonprofit continues to serve the needs of tens of thousands of families in Contra Costa and Solano counties.
The current holiday challenge of raising enough funds for 3 million meals ends at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31 but will pay dividends well into 2025.
"During the holiday season, we raise about half the money that sustains us for the whole year," she said.
An army of volunteers worked two-hour shifts to sort dry and canned goods and produce to make its way to 70 pickup sites in the two counties.
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Ring in 2025 with a fantastic pyrotechnics display and other fun, family-friendly activities. We’ve compiled a list of events for you that are either low-cost or free.
"I'm paying it forward. At some point, I may need it. Somebody I know may need it. It's something to do that I feel good about doing and that I can do," said Charlene Clark, a food bank ambassador who volunteers 20 hours each week.
Self-professed do-gooder Stacey Sutter retired as an EMT, and on Tuesday, she worked the phone to call and thank donors personally.
"I get the 'feel goods' when I have been here. And I know that I have spent time that will bring value and nutrition to people in my community that I will never even see," said Sutter.
Officials with the food bank hoped the good feelings would be contagious and others would either volunteer or donate so that food continued to flow freely in the new year.
"We need the community to help us meet that challenge," said Sly.
As the deadline approached, officials said they were about $500,000 from their goal, which equated to a million and a half meals. Donation and volunteer sign-up information can be found on the food bank's website.
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MORGANTOWN, Ky. – The Butler County Animal Shelter is currently facing a Code Red in their shelter, and they’re looking for your help.
A Code Red means the shelter is at capacity, and is not able to bring in any more dogs.
That’s why the shelter wants you to come by and adopt any of their pets to make sure they all have forever homes.
We spoke to a kennel tech with the shelter, who told us which dogs they are hoping to see adopted.
“If there’s… any fights being broken out or even… barrier aggression and them not liking cats or anything like that, they’re going to be put on the list for euthanasia… because of their problems that they have… and they’re scared because they don’t understand… it’s… tough decisions are going to have to be made,” Gracie Sublett says.
You can visit the Butler County Animal Shelter’s Facebook page to see their hours and just some of the dogs that are available.
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Grass Network is a decentralized platform that connects users with AI labs and retailers, enabling participants to earn points by sharing their unused bandwidth.
Grass Network is a decentralized platform that connects users with AI labs and retailers, enabling participants to earn points by sharing their unused bandwidth. This approach not only allows users to monetize their internet connection but also contributes to the development of transparent AI models. Operating on the Solana blockchain, Grass leverages speed and security through advanced technologies like zero-knowledge proofs.
The Grass airdrop consists of two stages. Stage 1 has successfully concluded, distributing 100 million GRASS tokens to 2.8 million users globally. If you earned Grass points during this phase, you are eligible to claim the airdrop. Here's a step-by-step process on how to do that.
Following the success of Stage 1, Grass Network is preparing for Stage 2 of the airdrop, which offers enhanced features and points. In this phase, 17% of the total GRASS supply is allocated for new incentives, providing 50% more points compared to Stage 1.
To join Stage 2, follow these steps:
To maximize your participation in the Grass Network, consider these strategies:
Claiming the Grass airdrop is a valuable opportunity to engage in a project that merges decentralized technology with AI development. Whether you're claiming Stage 1 points or preparing for Stage 2, following the outlined steps will help ensure you don’t miss out.
Stay active in the community and leverage the points available to you. With Grass Network, you can earn while contributing to the advancement of AI and decentralized systems, positioning yourself at the forefront of this evolving landscape.
I'm just your average dog… Only decentralized; also… I'm not your average dog.
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The dawn of 1 January is more than just a new page on the calendar. It’s a moment infused with hope, joy and a rich tapestry of customs that span the globe. From breaking plates in Denmark to offering flowers to the sea goddess in Brazil, these traditions are as diverse as the cultures they spring from. Rooted in history, symbolism and communal spirit, each unique ritual serves as a way to embrace the new year, casting away the shadows of the past and welcoming prosperity, health and happiness.
These vibrant and meaningful traditions showcase the universal human desire for renewal, yet each offers a glimpse into the distinct cultural lens through which different societies welcome the promise of a new beginning. Here’s a list of unique traditions observed on 1 January around the world:
1. Scotland – First-Footing (Hogmanay Tradition)
The Scots celebrate “First-Footing,” where the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight is considered a harbinger of good luck. Traditionally, the first-footer brings gifts such as coal, bread or whisky to ensure prosperity for the household.
2. Japan – Shōgatsu and Osechi Ryori
In Japan, the New Year, or Shōgatsu, is celebrated with special bento-like meals called osechi ryori, packed with symbolic foods that promise health, wealth and longevity. Families also visit shrines and temples to pray for blessings and hang ema plaques with their wishes for the year.
3. Denmark – Breaking Plates
Danes save old dishes and plates throughout the year to break them against the doors of friends and family on New Year’s Day. This quirky tradition symbolises affection and is believed to bring good fortune to those who receive the broken crockery.
4. Brazil – Offerings to Iemanjá
In Brazil, people celebrate the New Year by honouring Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea. Devotees dress in white and send flowers, candles and other offerings into the ocean to seek her blessings.
5. Spain – The Twelve Grapes
Spaniards eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a month of the year and the tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
6. South Africa – Throwing Out Old Furniture
In some parts of South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, people throw old furniture out of their windows as a symbolic way of letting go of the past and making space for the new year.
7. Greece – Hanging an Onion and Cutting the Vasilopita
In Greece, onions are hung on doors as a symbol of rebirth. Additionally, families cut a special cake called vasilopita, which contains a hidden coin. The person who finds the coin is believed to have a lucky year ahead.
8. Estonia – Eating Seven, Nine, or Twelve Meals
Estonians believe in eating seven, nine, or twelve meals on New Year’s Day. These numbers are considered magical and eating multiple meals ensures strength and abundance in the coming year.
9. Philippines – Circles for Wealth
In the Philippines, people incorporate circles into their attire and surroundings as they symbolise coins and wealth. Polka-dotted clothes and round fruits are particularly popular.
10. Ecuador – Burning Effigies
Ecuadorians create and burn effigies, known as año viejo, to represent the misfortunes and hardships of the past year. The act of burning these effigies is a way to start the new year afresh.
Each of these traditions reflects the cultural essence and collective hopes of communities as they step into a new year.
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This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night.
In mid-December, I wrote about the top religion stories of 2024, drawing on a survey conducted by Religion News Association.
This week, I’m highlighting a similar list put together by Howard Friedman, who runs the Religion Clause blog and is widely recognized for his reporting on church-state conflict and the Supreme Court.
Rather than review religion stories in general, Friedman explored the biggest religious freedom news from the past 12 months. He highlighted key legal conflicts that will shape the future of religious liberty in the United States.
Here’s a look at Friedman’s top 10 religious freedom-related developments in 2024 — plus, how I covered some of the events.
10. Dozens of cases brought by employees who were denied religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates continued to work their way through the legal system.
9. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that a wrongful death statute covered frozen embryos, then the state Legislature worked to adjust the law.
8. Indiana appellate courts said that abortion bans violate religious freedom protections.
7. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that a religious charter school is unconstitutional.
6. Teachers filed religious freedom lawsuits to fight back against policies requiring them to refer to transgender students by their preferred pronouns.
5. The Supreme Court ruled on FDA approval of abortion-inducing pills and access to emergency abortion care.
4. The issue of religion in public schools roared back to relevance with battles over Bibles in the classroom, school chaplains, Ten Commandments displays and release time programs.
3. Voters in seven states approved abortion rights ballot measures.
2. Multiple states banned gender-related health care for transgender minors.
1. The Department of Education investigated Title VI complaints and Jewish students filed Title VI lawsuits over the protests that took place on college campuses in response to the Israel-Hamas war.
How Biden, Trump, Church of Jesus Christ leaders and others reacted to Jimmy Carter’s death
Jimmy Carter’s faith guided him for 100 years
Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100
The 12 days of Christmas, explained
The Biden administration withdrew a plan to prevent bans on transgender athletes. Here’s why
Jewish Telegraphic Agency highlights BYU QB Jake Retzlaff in list of top Jewish sports moments of 2024
Peyote is a small cactus that’s native to Mexico and southwestern Texas. It contains psychoactive alkaloids and is used in religious ceremonies and psychedelic “trips,” according to The Associated Press.
That latter purpose threatens the former one. As peyote has become more popular among proponents of psychedelic medicine, it’s becoming less available to the Native Americans who need it for sacred acts.
“For over two decades, Native American practitioners of peyotism, whose numbers in the U.S. are estimated at 400,000, have raised the alarm about lack of access to peyote,” the AP reported.
I’m familiar with peyote in large part because of its role in Employment Division v. Smith, the 1990 Supreme Court decision that shook the religious freedom landscape and ultimately led to the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The men who brought the case lost their jobs and then were refused unemployment benefits because they used peyote in a religious ritual. They argued that their religious freedom had been violated.
After the Supreme Court ruled against the men, Congress made it clear that Native Americans can use peyote as part of their religious activities.
“Even though it is a controlled substance under federal law, an exemption afforded by a 1994 amendment to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act made it legal for Native Americans to use, possess and transport peyote for traditional religious purposes,” the AP reported.
I was on call this weekend for the Deseret News, so I handled our breaking news coverage of former President Jimmy Carter’s death. I enjoyed learning more about his remarkable political career and revisiting my past research on his faith. Former President Barack Obama highlighted Carter’s relationship with God in his statement on Carter’s legacy.
President-elect Donald Trump filed an unusual Supreme Court brief Friday about the TikTok ban case that will be heard Jan. 10. He asked the justices to block the pending ban to give his incoming administration time to try to resolve the legal conflict, but he didn’t take a position on the app’s free speech arguments, according to The New York Times.
Speaking of Trump, Religion News Service recently raised questions about the incoming president’s faith-related plans for his inauguration. The article highlighted documents showing that an interfaith prayer service will only be open to major donors.
After staying up late for work several nights in a row over the past week, I’m not sure I’ll make it to midnight on New Year’s Eve. But I’m looking forward to 2025 and hoping everyone has a great start to the year!

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Internet Archive user info stolen in cyberattack, succumbs to DDoS  The Register
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