A kayaker in Florida was out for a short fishing trip and he wound up getting stranded at sea. He started to sink, and he says he didn’t think he was going to make it, until he saw a passing boat.
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Migrants From More Than 100 Different Countries Are Surging the U.S.-Mexico Border
Migrants from multiple countries are overwhelming the U.S.-Mexico border, adding to the Biden administration’s challenges.
How Parents Can Avoid Breaking the Bank During Back-to-School Shopping
A new survey finds families are prioritizing back-to-school and college spending as inflation continues to rise and growing fears of a recession loom. Here’s a look at some cost-saving tips for families as students prepare to return to the classroom.
Can Space Reveal God at Work? Ask the Vatican Observatory Director Who Studies the Stars
Currents News Staff
Last week, the world was amazed as NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope revealed the sharpest and deepest infrared picture of the distant universe so far.
The Director of the Vatican Observatory, Brother Guy Consolmagno knows many of the scientists who built the telescope. Brother Guy Consolmagno joined Currents News from Rome to share his view of space, the galaxies, universe and just exactly how God plays an integral part in it all.
Catholic News Headlines for Wednesday, 07/20/22
Much of the country is coping with the heat, with ‘feel-like’ temperatures expected to climb into the triple digits in many places.
An audit from the MTA Inspector General shows transit officials aren’t prepared to prevent severe flooding.
The stars are shining bright at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy this summer.
Why the Red Cross Is Asking Americans to Donate Blood
Currents News Staff
It’s that time of year again: as summer heats up, the level of blood donations in the U.S. goes down.
“In June alone we saw a 12% decline in donations,” said Rodney Wilson from the American Red Cross, “which is very significant and more than we have seen in many, many months.”
Summer months are always a struggle for blood collection. That’s because as travelers head out for vacations, blood drives can’t be hosted at schools, and people tend to make less time to donate.
The pandemic also hasn’t helped, says Wilson.
“Lots of factors related to COVID continue to make it hard for us to collect enough blood,” said Wilson.
The American Red Cross says whole blood is the flexible type of donation because it can be transfused in its original form, or separated into red cells, plasma and platelets to help multiple people.
It is often given to trauma patients or those having surgery.
“The need for blood can come up unexpectedly and suddenly at any time,” said Wilson.
Wilson says more donors of all blood types are needed to prevent typical summer shortages.
“On average, the Red Cross needs to collect close to 13,000 blood donations every single day to support patients at 2,500 hospitals across the country,” Wilson said.
He says it only takes about an hour of your time to help others.
If you want to find out more about a blood donation center near you, or schedule an appointment, just log onto REDCROSS.ORG or call 1-800-Red-Cross.
High Temperatures Grip the Nation
Currents News Staff
With the rising temperatures, there is one place to be this week. New Yorkers flocked to the Rockaways Wednesday to try to beat the heat as temperatures soared into the 90’s with feel-like temps climbing into the triple digits.
“This is serious heat,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, “and we’re really concerned about those, particularly with pre-existing respiratory conditions.”
In Florida, high temperatures prompted the hiring of a Chief Heat Officer to protect residents from the sweltering heat conditions.
“We have almost double the number of days with a heat index over 90 degrees here in Miami than we did in the 1970s,” said Chief Heat Officer Jane Gilbert.
It’s even worse in Texas where Austin’s mayor says it’s the 40th day in a row with temperatures over 100 degrees!
“Summers can be hot in Texas,” said Mayor Steve Adler, “but this is, this is unlike anything that I’ve seen… we had temperatures up to 109 degrees.”
Imagine not having air conditioning during these summer heat waves. That was the case in Arizona where thousands of people were without electricity on Tuesday with the triple digit heat. In California, splash parks like the one in Sacramento are providing some relief. Out in Connecticut, residents are diving into pools in the city of Hartford to cool off.
But if you can’t be near the water, doctors say you should avoid the heat and drink plenty of fluids.
“Wear loose fitting clothing, light clothing,” said Dr. McDonna Hinds. “Things that are breathable, such as cotton and linen. And then also keep well hydrated. And wear wide brim hats and try to stay in the shade as much as possible.”
Forecasters say New York City is facing the longest stretch of 90 degree temperatures in nearly a decade. The sweltering heat is expected to linger through Monday.
Homilies in Your Home: Matthew 13:1-9
Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. Brennan’s Homily from Wednesday’s Mass on 7/20/22
A Decade-Long Milestone: What’s In Store For Bishop Brennan’s Next 10 Years as a Catholic Leader
Currents News Staff
The shepherd of the Diocese of Brooklyn is celebrating his 10 year anniversary as a bishop. Bishop Robert Brennan was ordained as an auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre in Long Island on July 25, 2012.
Fast forward 10 years, give or take a few days, and Bishop Brennan joined Currents News to go down memory lane, reflect on the past decade and share his biggest lessons.
Catholic News Headlines for Tuesday, 07/19/22
In a post-Roe America, the battle for life is just beginning; and there are new developments from West Virginia to Mississippi and beyond.
The Manhattan D.A. has moved to drop murder charges against a bodega worker in Harlem who fatally stabbed a man who attacked him.
Wild weather battered New York City Monday, as severe storms flooded highways, streets and even subway stations.