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Over 100 migrants are missing after smugglers forced them to swim in the Red Sea off Djibouti. The International Organization for Migration reports 48 confirmed deaths from the incident involving two boats carrying 310 people from Yemen. A search and rescue operation is ongoing, highlighting the dangers of this migration route.
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Recent controversies involving religious leaders highlight tensions in faith and education. Dr. Vince Bantu faces allegations of polygamy, while conservative officials push for Bible teachings in schools, encountering unexpected resistance from local educators and parents. These developments reflect broader societal shifts regarding the role of religion in modern life as Pope Francis prepares to visit Belgium amid declining church attendance.
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Emmanuel Littlejohn, 52, was executed by lethal injection in Oklahoma for the 1992 murder of convenience store owner Kenneth Meers during a robbery. Despite claims of innocence and a clemency recommendation from the state’s Pardon and Parole Board, Governor Kevin Stitt proceeded with the execution, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the death penalty in the U.S.
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The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a federal investigation into the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, marking the first such inquiry. This comes after a state court dismissed a lawsuit from survivors seeking justice. The review aims to analyze the massacre under civil rights laws and is expected to conclude by year-end.
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Oklahoma's education chief, Ryan Walters, is pushing to buy 55,000 Bibles for public schools, specifying that they include U.S. historical documents. This initiative has faced criticism for potentially favoring a Bible endorsed by Donald Trump, raising concerns about legality and educational appropriateness. Recent changes to the proposal have further fueled the debate.
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Donald Glover, known as Childish Gambino, has canceled the remainder of his North American and upcoming UK and European tour dates due to a recently discovered ailment requiring surgery. He announced the decision on social media, emphasizing the need for recovery and thanking fans for their support.
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Hadi Matar's trial for the attempted murder of Salman Rushdie has been postponed after a judge granted a defense motion for a change of venue. The trial was set to begin on October 15, 2024, but will now be delayed as the court considers the motion. Matar has pleaded not guilty.
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Recent reports reveal that nearly 120,000 Bibles endorsed by Donald Trump were printed in China, contradicting his anti-China rhetoric. The Bibles, sold for $59.99 each, could generate around $7 million in revenue for the Trump campaign. Meanwhile, Oklahoma's push for Bibles in schools faces scrutiny and changes in procurement requirements.
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BrucePac has recalled approximately 5,000 tons of ready-to-eat poultry and meat products after routine testing revealed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The recall affects 75 products with best-by dates extending to 2025, though no illnesses have been reported. Consumers are urged to discard or return the affected items.