Zelenskyy visits Washington as election year divide grows over Ukraine war

By CHRIS MEGERIAN WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy huddled with U.S. leaders on Thursday to shore up American support for his country’s fight against Russia as the war faces a partisan reckoning in this year’s presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, has pledged to continue sending military assistance to Ukraine if she’s elected. She’ll have her own meeting with Zelenskyy after the Ukrainian leader sits down... Read More

More Christians Are Watching Porn, But Fewer Think It’s a Problem

Pornography use has continued to climb over the past decade, especially among young people who are exposed to explicit images earlier than ever. Yet most Americans today don’t see porn as a bad thing for society, and many Christians say they aren’t worried about its effects. That’s according to a new report released this week from Barna and Pure Desire, a ministry for people with pornography addictions. Researchers found that 61 percent of Americans say they view porn at least... Read More

Global Methodists Find Joy in Costa Rica

There were lots of tears at the Global Methodist Church’s first General Conference, held this week in San José, Costa Rica, to officially found the new denomination. They were tears of joy, relief, and gratitude for the holy love of God. “I cried,” said Jeff Kelley, pastor of a Global Methodist church in McCook, Nebraska. “I haven’t cried in worship in a long time. And then we had worship the next day, and I cried again.” John Weston, pastor of a Silverdale, Washington, church... Read More

‘Business as usual’? Hurricane Helene brings windy but anticlimactic weather so far to South Florida

South Floridians woke up to windy but otherwise beautiful weather Thursday morning as Hurricane Helene churned towards the western side of the state, leaving some wondering if the region’s response was overblown. But dangerous winds, thunderstorms and tornadoes are all still possible throughout the region as the day progresses. Helene’s outer rainbands reached the region overnight Wednesday, bringing brief but gusty winds and localized heavy rain. The hurricane, which is forecast to make... Read More

Falling for pumpkin spice: Where to get ice cream, donuts and a whole ‘latte’ more seasonal treats

Welcome to pumpkin spice season! Here in South Florida, it’s one of the few signs that fall is upon us. The leaves may stay green and, let’s face it, the temps aren’t dropping anytime soon, but at least we can cozy up with pumpkin-flavored food and drink options that are popping up at grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants and convenience stores everywhere. Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte — or PSL, as fans call it — has become synonymous with autumn’s arrival ever since the... Read More

High cholesterol isn’t always a bad thing, new study finds

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. However, having high cholesterol levels doesn’t always lead to heart disease, a South Florida cardiac specialist has discovered. Dr. Jonathan Fialkow, deputy director of clinical cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute,  said a study of 80 people on the low-carbohydrate ketogenic (KETO) diet for nearly five years found that high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C (often referred to as bad... Read More

Who serves the best steak in South Florida? Our readers picked one clear winner!

The grand finale of September’s steak showdown is finally here! As part of our Best of South Florida Dining series, we asked you, our readers, to bring your taste buds to the table and spill all the juicy details on the best steak served in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties. Originally Published: September 26, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. ... Read More

Weekend things to do: The new Boatyard, Hootie, Shrek and cheap Florida Panthers tickets

Fall is spring in South Florida, a time of renewal and revitalization, when the fruit of labor is ready to be picked. So this weekend, we’ll see Smorgasburg Miami returning after renovations and Boatyard in Fort Lauderdale also reopening to show off a glam new look. Check out these and other weekend highlights. Originally Published: September 26, 2024 at 6:25 a.m. ... Read More

Pastors, We Have to Play the Long Game

This year has been rough for the church in Dallas–Fort Worth where I pastor. At least eight pastors, and recently another, have been publicly disqualified for inappropriate relationships or abusive behavior. Enough people emerged from the wreckage and made their way to our local body that I addressed the pain of this summer from the pulpit a couple of times. As so many have done in recent years, we could look at the mess, shake our fists, and declare, “I’m done with the church!” Many... Read More