A Presidential Historian’s Story: Dr. Larry Cook Reflects on His Friendship with Jimmy Carter

Dr. Larry Cook, a Presidential historian, shared his deep admiration for Presidents, particularly Jimmy Carter, during a talk at Plains High School on Presidents Day. Cook’s passion for presidential memorabilia began as a hobby, but his life changed when he met Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church 15 years ago. Encouraged by Carter’s praise and support, Cook sold his business and dedicated himself to becoming a full-time historian, forging a close personal friendship with the former president.

Over the years, Cook and Carter have shared many moments, including spending time at Cook’s home, which Cook describes as surreal. During his recent talk at the school, Cook received the news that Carter had entered home hospice care. Despite the sadness of the situation, Cook expressed feeling blessed to be in Plains at such a significant time. He missed having Carter in the audience, where his famous smile always put him at ease while speaking. Cook reflected on the surreal nature of his friendship with Carter, expressing gratitude for the personal connection he had with the former president.

TONIGHT AT 7: Holy Name Swim Team Makes a Splash After Decades-Long Hiatus

For years, there was no Holy Name boys swim team after it folded in the 1990s. Last year, it was reborn after many students showed interest in the sport. Although some of the athletes are new to swimming, the team is already getting awards. Tonight at 7, Currents News’ Katie Vasquez has the story from Flatbush.

Nation Bids Farewell to 39th President Jimmy Carter in Washington DC

By Currents News

The U.S. is saying goodbye to its longing living president: the presidential service for Jimmy Carter was held in Washington D.C. Jan. 10. It was a grand memorial for the peanut farmer from Georgia who went on to lead America.

The funeral services were fit for a president as the nation reflected on the life and service of Carter. Thursday’s marked the sixth presidential state funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, bringing together five living presidents – Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump – to honor Carter as the longest-lived commander-in-chief.

Asked by Carter before his death, president Joe Biden delivered a eulogy.

“Jimmy Carter’s friendship taught me and through his life, taught me, the strength of character is more than title and the power we hold,” he said. “It’s the strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.”

Additionally, eulogies by former president Gerald Ford and Carter’s vice president Walter Mondale, written before their own deaths, were given at the cathedral by their respective sons.

The service capped off days of pomp and circumstance in Washington for Carter’s passing with ceremonies at Joint Base Andrew and the U.S. Navy Memorial.

After service Carter was taken back to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was buried next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter.

It was a remarkable homage including a procession that followed the same route Carter and his family walked the day of his inauguration in 197, before a service in the Capitol rotunda.

“The test of American presidents is not the number of years they serve but the duration of their accomplishments,” Stuart Eizenstat, former White House adviser to Carter, said of him during the services.

Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday 1/8/2025

The nation mourns Jimmy Carter as thousands gather to say their goodbyes as the president lies in state at the U.S Capitol.

In Southern California, four life-threatening wildfires fueled by 100-mile-per-hour winds have spread rapidly through L.A. County. At least two people are dead, tens of thousands have been forced to evacuate, and parishes and schools in the area have closed.

The general audience ended joyfully with a surprise performance by “Circ-Africa,” a circus troupe with members from several African Nations.

How Jimmy Carter Helped Eradicate Guinea Worm Disease Without a Vaccine

President Jimmy Carter’s decades-long humanitarian effort against Guinea worm disease has nearly eradicated the parasitic illness that once plagued millions worldwide. The disease, caused by drinking unfiltered water contaminated with microscopic parasites, leads to severe symptoms such as fever, nausea, and painful skin blisters as the worms emerge from the body. In the 1980s, Carter took the lead in combating the disease, which affected 3.5 million people at the time, by promoting education, water filtration, and public health initiatives through the Carter Center. By 2022, cases had dropped to just 13, and in 2024, only a single case was reported.

This monumental achievement is significant because it marks the near eradication of a disease without the use of a vaccine. Carter’s commitment to transparency and data-driven solutions played a vital role in the effort, ensuring that progress could continue beyond his leadership. Despite the challenges, his work not only alleviated suffering but also brought global attention to the importance of clean water and disease prevention. If Guinea worm disease is fully eradicated, it would stand as a testament to Carter’s legacy and a remarkable milestone in public health.

St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy Students Commended for their Bravery

By Jessica Easthope

Janet Miranda thanks God she’s alive, but second she’s thanking her heroes. Christian Fiorillo and Colin Winn, eighth graders at St. Gregory the Great in Bellerose.

Back on October 29, the boys were walking behind Janet when she tripped and fell face-first onto the sidewalk. She broke her nose in several places, tore her shoulder and hurt her knee.

“The sidewalk was raised maybe an inch, but I was bleeding profusely, and I didn’t see any people around on the street, which is kind of terrifying. And I don’t know where these two kids come up behind me. They just took over,” she said.

Christian and Colin swiftly called 9-1-1 and Janet’s daughter and raced around the street to Jason’s Deli to get napkins to help stop the bleeding.

“Instinct kicked in and we were going to help,” said Colin.

“And they stayed with me the whole time,” Janet said. “They really were amazing.”

On Tuesday, the two students were given a New York State Assembly citation for their bravery and kindness.

“It feels nice, but it feels more nice knowing that we did the right thing,” said Christian.

After her fall, Janet, who sent her daughter and granddaughters to St. Gregory the Great sent principal Joseph Paniccia an email.

“From what we hear in the area we were like okay two boys, what happened and it was this lovely email,” he said.

“In a Catholic school they are not only learning, the basics. They’re learning a moral code,” said Janet.

“I put the skills that I’ve gained from being here, and I just I took it into real life situation,” said Colin.

“Do the right thing. Even if you don’t know how,” Christian said.

Janet is hoping with some more physical therapy she’ll be as good as new. As for her heroes Christian and Colin, they say what matters most is she’s okay, but they might frame their new citations anyway.

Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday 1/7/2025

Two St. Gregory the Great Catholic Academy students are being honored in Queens, New York, after they jumped into action to help a woman who was severely hurt in a fall.

The Jubilee Year has just begun and more than half a million pilgrims have already visited the Vatican.

President Joe Biden attends an interfaith prayer service organized by the Archdiocese of New Orleans following the New Year’s Day attack.

Jan. 8 marks the final day to enter The Tablet’s “Keep Christ in Christmas” art contest – make sure to send in your submissions.

Catholic News Headlines for Monday 1/6/2025

January 6 marks the feast of the Epiphany, and in the Diocese of Brooklyn it’s a chance to receive a blessing at the beginning of a new year.

Days after the terror attack in New Orleans, Louisiana, Archbishop Gregory Aymond visits a hospital to bless the hands of the doctors and nurses who are caring for the injured.

There’s a new shepherd of the nation’s capital: Pope Francis has named Cardinal Robert McElroy as Washington D.C.’s new archbishop.

The Vatican is increasing its security presence for the Jubilee Year.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy Students Learn Epiphany Blessing For New Year

by Katie Vasquez

Blackboards and chalk are not uncommon in schools, but mini boards are staying outside the classroom at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy. The signs are a way to bring good tidings into the new year.

Students at the Forest Hills school are beginning their first days of classes in 2025 in prayer while their Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor John McGuirl blesses chalked plaques for Our Lady of Mercy’s classrooms.

The mini blackboards are the school’s take on a centuries-old Epiphany tradition, where Catholics mark their homes with sacred signs and symbols to ask God for his blessing on their home, those who live in it, and those who visit.

Many of the students say they follow this custom at home, but doing it at school feels extra special.

“It made me feel like Jesus is here and he’s with me,” Phoenix Berkin-Albers, a 2nd grader at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy, tells Currents News.

“The idea of it is that people that come into this building, this academy, are searching out Christ, trying to find out about Christ, trying to get close to him. And that’s what the Wise Men were essentially doing,” said Monsignor John McGuirl of Our Lady of Mercy Church.

“I definitely feel proud of doing it and definitely probably more blessed and just inspired to continue my religious faith,” says AnnMarie Dry, a 7th grader at the school.

The boards will stay up until next year, ensuring Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy stays a sacred space for all.

Our Lady of Sorrows Youth Celebrate Three Kings Day in Corona, Queens

By Currents News

Students at Our Lady of Sorrows church in Corona, Queens, dressed up to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany with a special musical performance that featured the famous biblical characters in Christ’s birth.

Some Christmas classics like Santa, Frosty, and elves also joined in on the festivities. The event also spread some holiday cheer as Christmas gifts were given out to the children in attendance there.