Breaking News

Antisemitism in schools faces calls for scrutiny

In the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas two years ago, high school teacher Josh Hirsch posted comments on social media in support of Israel. It was unrealistic for Hamas to expect a ceasefire, he wrote, as long as they were holding hostages. Soon afterward, a former student called for his firing. A note taped outside the door of his Adams County, Colorado, classroom contained his wife’s name and their home address. And a sticker that appeared on his chair read: “Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.” The reaction startled Hirsch, the only Jewish teacher in his ...

St. Catherine spaghetti dinner set

Spaghetti dinner served A spaghetti dinner will be served, dine in or take out, from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. Catherine Parish Hall, 308 Old Route 220, Duncansville. Cost is $12 and includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and dessert. Those dining in get drinks and a ...

Time capsule evokes memories of Japantown

SALT LAKE CITY — A historian’s hunch about what might lie hidden within the walls of a Japanese church in Salt Lake City led congregants to uncover a century-old snapshot of a once vibrant Japantown now fighting for survival. Elders at the 101-year-old Japanese Church of Christ — one ...

Shock elected bishop of Allegheny Synod

The Rev. Kevin Shock was elected on Nov. 1 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Allegheny Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The election took place during the synod’s annual assembly, held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at the Blair County Convention Center. Shock was elected on ...

Spiritual Notes — October 31

Free lunch offered Free lunch will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Fourth Street Church of God, Fourth Street and 21st Avenue, Altoona. The menu includes chicken and dumplings, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, dessert, punch and bottled water. ‘The Hiding Place’ on stage The Iron Bridge Dinner Theater will stage “The Hiding Place” at Grace Baptist Church, 2308 Adams Ave., Tyrone. The full dinner theatre is $48 and will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 1 and Nov. 8. Tickets for the show only are $28 for the 2:30 p.m. matinee on Nov. 2 or the evening ...

Pope: Teachers must be role models

ROME — Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic teachers on Tuesday to focus less on pre-professional outcomes and more on educating students to have rich spiritual lives and use technology in ways that keep human dignity front and center. Leo issued a set of marching orders to Catholic educators during ...