Bible sales surge, driven by first-time buyers and new versions
Bible sales are seeing a resurgence in the United States, a move publishers attribute to people questioning the future and reaching for the Book of God for answers. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association said it has seen a dramatic increase in first-time readers.
According to newly released data from Circana Bookscan, Bible sales were up 22% through the end of October in comparison to the same time last year.
More specifically, The Wall Street Journal said in 2023, more than 14 million were sold. In the first 10 months of this year, 13.7 million copies have already sold.
In contrast, overall print book sales remain almost motionless with an increase of less than 1% this past year.
The issue is also drawing more attention online with social media influencers posting their own spiritual journeys and finding religion, while using their platforms to document the comfort they’ve found when turning to scriptures or biblical passages.
Back in March, President-elect Donald Trump also endorsed the $59.99 “God Bless the USA Bible,” however, those sales were not included in Circana Bookscan’s data.
According to The Wall Street Journal, publishers are trying to appeal to every type of interest when it comes to studying the Bible. They’ve released both digital and print formats for first-time readers.
These new editions of the Bible rely on visual components like maps, charts and biographies of biblical characters to connect with readers and keep them engaged in the content.
Another focus publishers are honing in on is the diversity of interest through demographics. National publisher Tyndale Housing is targeting college students as they see a rise in engagement from Gen Z. They said younger generations are seeking a stronger sense of stability and guidance in the world around them.
The growing demand for Bibles is in stark contrast to the Pew Research Center’s data that shows America is growing more secular with 28% of adults stating they don’t affiliate with a religion. Many describe themselves as agnostic, atheist or “nothing in particular.”
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the multimillion dollar deal with NBC
For millions of Americans, it’s tradition. They gather in front of the TV on Thanksgiving morning and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For more than 70 years, NBC has broadcast the family event.
This year, about 30 million Americans are expected to tune in to see the marching bands, floats and balloons, including Snoopy, Minnie Mouse and Spiderman. Companies pay Macy’s for a place in the parade in exchange for advertising and publicity.
The parade also means big bucks when it comes to broadcasting. The Wall Street Journal reports that NBC and Macy’s are now negotiating a new contract that will take effect next year and keep the parade on NBC and its streaming service, Peacock, for the next decade. NBC is on track to pay $60 million a year for those rights. That’s a big jump from the $20 million it pays now.
Many people have heard about the high costs associated with airing a commercial during the Super Bowl each year. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is similar.
According to advertising and research data firm Guideline, a TV spot’s price is about $900,000 this year. Last year, NBC pulled in $52 million in advertising. NBC pays out roughly $7 million in costs to broadcast the parade.
Analysts say all that money is indicative of the value of live programming to media companies in an era when many viewers are flocking to streaming.
How media highlighted or omitted illegal status of Laken Riley murderer
A judge ruled Wednesday, Nov. 20, that Jose Ibarra is guilty of murdering Georgia college student Laken Riley. The case gained national attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and Ibarra’s status as an undocumented migrant from Venezuela. Ibarra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Key moments from the trial included DNA evidence, including traces found under Riley’s fingernails and a jacket with her hair linked to Ibarra. Prosecutors argued that Ibarra attacked Riley while she was jogging on the University of Georgia campus in February, dragging her into the woods, beating her with a rock and leaving her partially naked and covered in leaves.
Ibarra’s defense claimed the evidence was circumstantial and suggested his brothers were responsible for the crime. During the trial, a recorded prison phone call was played where Ibarra’s wife questioned why a person would not call 911 if they saw someone dying.
Despite the defense’s claims, the judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to convict Ibarra. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ibarra crossed into the United States through El Paso, Texas, in September 2022. His illegal status became a focal point in media coverage, adding to the national debate over immigration laws, especially during an election year.
Some media outlets chose to emphasize Ibarra’s legal status in their headlines, while others did not.
News outlets with a left-leaning bias, such as NBC and CBS, omitted this detail in the headline, while others like ABC and CNN referred to him by his name or as “suspect.”
Right-leaning outlets, including the New York Post and Fox News, led with Ibarra’s status as an undocumented immigrant. The Wall Street Journal, rated by media watchdog group AllSides as having no political bias, included his migrant status in its top line.
Across all outlets, regardless of political bias, Ibarra was described as an undocumented immigrant or as having entered the country illegally. The importance of highlighting this detail varied, with NBC mentioning it in the ninth paragraph and Fox News in the first sentence.
Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles
With North Korea entering the war, the Biden administration is now allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles inside Russia. And President-elect Donald Trump returned to New York for a UFC showdown this weekend while also making more presidential picks. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.
Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles
It’s been nearly three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while the U.S. has supported Ukraine since the start, President Joe Biden is now easing limitations on how U.S.-supplied weapons can be used.
The policy shift comes as President Biden’s time in office winds down and President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to limit U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has also promised to quickly put an end to the war with Russia but has yet to say how.
Biden’s decision comes as Russia unleashed a barrage of its own missiles in Ukraine Sunday, Nov. 17. Ukrainian authorities said 10 people, including two children, were killed and dozens injured in a Russian strike on a residential building in Sumy, near the Russian border.
Earlier in the day, Russia launched its largest attack against Ukraine since August, once again targeting power plants and energy infrastructure across the country. Ukrainian authorities said at least five people were killed in those strikes.
On the social site Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said about 120 missiles and 90 drones were fired into the country, with Ukrainian air defenses downing more than 140 targets.
Israeli strike in Beirut kills Hezbollah’s top spokesman
An Israeli strike on a neighborhood in Beirut killed Hezbollah’s top spokesman, according to the militant group.
Mohammed Afif was an adviser to the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, whom Israel killed in an attack on Beirut in September. Afif had been responsible for Hezbollah’s media relations since 2014.
Lebanon’s health ministry said no evacuation warning was issued before the strike, which happened in the middle of the day, and four people were killed.
🔴ELIMINATED: Chief Propagandist and Spokesperson of Hezbollah, Mohammed Afif
Afif was a senior Hezbollah military operative, in contact with senior officials and directly involved in advancing and executing Hezbollah’s terrorist activities against Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out a “precise, intelligence-based strike” that “eliminated the terrorist Mohammed Afif, the chief propagandist and spokesperson of the Hezbollah terrorist organization.”
Trump attends UFC event in New York City, makes more picks for 2nd term
Over the weekend, President-elect Trump returned to Madison Square Garden to see the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s pay-per-view event. It was the first time Trump was back at the New York City venue since his rally last month and he received roaring applause from the UFC crowd Saturday night, Nov. 16, including chants of “USA!”
Trump was joined by friend and UFC President Dana White, as well as some of the names he’s recently picked to join his administration, including Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s oldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were also in attendance.
The president-elect also shook hands with Joe Rogan, one of the commentators for the event. Trump was a guest on Rogan’s podcast in the days leading up to the election.
Trump’s weekend also involved filling more key positions in his administration, including nominating Chris Wright to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the chief executive of Liberty Energy, a Denver, Colorado based fracking company.
He also picked current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to be the agency’s chairman. Carr recently made headlines after claiming Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on Saturday Night Live violated FCC rules.
More nominations from the president-elect are expected to come this week.
Biden becomes first sitting president to visit Amazon rainforest
President Biden made history Sunday, Nov. 17, becoming the first sitting president to visit the Amazon rainforest.
While there, Biden met indigenous leaders and visited a museum at the gateway to the amazon. He also toured the drought-shrunken waters of the Amazon River’s greatest tributary and signed a U.S. proclamation designating Nov. 17 International Conservation Day, highlighting his commitment to the preservation of the region.
He also touched on concerns the incoming Trump administration might change U.S. climate policy.
“It’s no secret that I’m leaving office in January,” Biden said. “I will leave my successor and my country in a strong foundation to build on if they choose to do so.”
Today I issued an official proclamation to support the conservation of nature around the world.
That was the most that Biden publicly referenced President-elect Trump during his South American tour.
The transition was briefly mentioned during Chinese president Xi Jinping’s remarks on Saturday, Nov. 16 during his final meeting with Biden. While he also did not mention Trump by name, Xi appeared to signal his concern over what the new administration could mean for China’s relationship with the U.S. During his campaign, Trump promised to levy 60% tariffs on Chinese imports.
Reports: WBD, NBA settle with 11-year deal; ‘Inside the NBA’ to air on ABC
Warner Brothers Discovery is back in the game when it comes to the NBA. Though the company will no longer be airing games on its TNT network after this season, the Wall Street Journal and other outlets report the two sides have come to an agreement to keep NBA programming in the Warner Bros. family.
The reports said the new deal will settle Warner Brothers Discovery’s breach of contract lawsuit, which it filed against the league after the NBA signed rights deals with Disney’s ESPN, Comcast’s NBC, and Amazon.
This 11-year agreement will see NBA content remain on Warner Bros. Discovery’s digital platforms Bleacher Report and House of Highlights. It also gives Warner Brothers Discovery the right to distribute games overseas in places such as northern Europe and parts of Latin America, excluding Mexico and Brazil.
Reports said Warner Brothers Discovery also struck a deal with Disney to license its popular TNT show “Inside the NBA,” featuring former-players-turned-commentators Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley starting next season. The show will air throughout the season on ABC and ESPN.
The deals are expected to be officially announced this week.
Netflix says 60 million households tuned in live for Tyson vs. Paul
Netflix also said 50 million households watched the co-main event that saw Katie Taylor retain her championship against Amanda Serrano. The streaming giant said that would make it the most-watched professional women’s sporting event in United States history.
Netflix said more information, like total viewers, will be released later this week.
Netflix’s future live sporting events will include NFL games on Christmas Day and WWE weekly programming starting next year.
Spirit already furloughed pilots and unveiled plans to begin selling close to two dozen planes. In addition, Spirit is expected to cut jobs as part of an effort to save tens of millions of dollars. The Florida-based discount airline is supposedly in talks with bondholders to come up with a bankruptcy plan that would be satisfactory for creditors.
Spirit’s bankruptcy filing could happen in the next few weeks, according to the WSJ report. That report also said Spirit representatives had been in talks with management of Frontier Airlines about a possible merger. However, Frontier backed out of negotiations.
Plans to merge with JetBlue in a deal worth almost $4 billion failed earlier this year after the Justice Department went to court to block it. The DOJ claimed such a merger would cause travelers to have fewer choices and pay higher prices. A federal judge agreed and the merger was stopped.
Spirit was once a fast growing, no-frills airline in which customers bought a spot on a flight then paid piecemeal for everything else, such as a seat assignment and checked baggage. However, those surcharges became typical in the airline industry and Spirit is now struggling amidst lots of competition.
Harris, Trump look to win the West with 4 days until Election Day
As the presidential campaign heads into the final weekend, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris swing through the western U.S. to sway undecided voters. And crews in Spain search for survivors after a year’s worth of rain fell in just hours. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.
Harris, Trump look to win the West with days until Election Day
With just four days to go until Election Day and more than 65 million ballots already cast, the candidates are making their final stops on the campaign trail. On Thursday, Oct. 31, both nominees visited the western United States to make their case.
Republican nominee former President Donald Trump spoke at campaign events in New Mexico, Nevada and Arizona, while Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris held rallies in Arizona and Nevada.
At an event in Glendale, Arizona with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump repeated his stance of there being “an enemy within” the United States — a comment Harris has criticized in her speeches.
“If you have a smart president, somebody that knows what’s happening, you’re going to be fine,” Trump said, “But we do have an enemy from within. We have some very bad people, and those people are also very dangerous. They would like to take down our country. They’d like to have our country be a nice communist country or a fascist in any way they can, and we have to be careful of that.”
In Henderson, Nevada, Trump said Harris would not be able to handle the presidency, calling her “a child” when it comes to understanding the economy. He also announced former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would be working on “health and women’s health” if he’s reelected.
While in Reno, Nevada, Harris continued her warnings to supporters about another Trump presidency, calling trump “increasingly unstable” and “obsessed with revenge.”
“In less than 90 days, either he or I will be sitting in the Oval Office, and listen, here’s what we can imagine, right, we’ve all seen on TV — you’ve seen the Oval Office — just visually imagine what that day will be,” Harris said. “Because, if elected, Donald Trump on day one would walk into that office with an enemies list. When I am elected, I will walk in with a to-do list on behalf of you.”
The vice president told the crowd that people are “exhausted with Trump’s rhetoric.” She also appealed to female voters, criticizing Trump’s comments that he would “protect women” saying, “Trump does not respect the freedom of women.”
Harris’ Nevada rally was interrupted by protesters at times, but the vice president said it was “OK” and “we’re fighting for the right to be heard.”
Friday, Nov. 1, both candidates will hold rallies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the final weekend of the 2024 election cycle begins.
‘Avengers,’ LeBron endorse Harris; Jake Paul backs Trump
Some famous faces put their names behind their pick for president on Thursday. Members of the cast of Marvel’s “Avengers” film franchise assembled to show their support for Vice President Harris while YouTube star Jake Paul backed former president Trump.
Actors Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo and others gathered together in a social media video supporting Harris. NBA superstar LeBron James also backed Harris in a post on X saying, “When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. Vote Kamala Harris.”
Social media influencer turned boxer Jake Paul put his endorsement behind the Republican nominee. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Paul laid out his reasons and asked his followers to do their own research.
“Regardless of your emotion, I’m just presenting you with facts,” he said. “Do I think Donald Trump is a perfect human being? No. I don’t think anybody on this planet is a perfect human being, myself included. To be frank, I’m not concerned with Donald Trump’s ‘character flaws’ or what he’s done in the past. What I’m concerned with is how good a president is he, because that is his job and that’s what’s going to affect the people of this nation.”
Why I Am Not Suspending My Campaign Let me be clear: Despite the immense pressures and intense assaults on my campaign and character, I intend to hold the torch and finish this race – to and after November 5th! The escalating corruption of the US political system and the… pic.twitter.com/CQrcOTX9vi
West accused the Pennsylvania secretary of state of improperly keeping him off the ballot for not filing all the required paperwork. The state’s top court agreed with the secretary of state, but a federal judge said while it does seem like Pennsylvania’s rules make it harder for third-party candidates to get on the ballot, it’s too close to Election Day to re-print ballots and re-test election machines without increasing the risk of error.
Flash floods claimed the lives of at least 158 people, with 155 deaths confirmed in the eastern Valencia region alone. Spain’s minister for territorial policy said Thursday dozens of people are still missing but they don’t have an exact number of how many.
Army specialist charged in female soldier’s murder at Missouri base
Her body was found in a dumpster at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri last week. Rancy, who’s with the 5th Engineer Battalion, is also charged with obstruction.
The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division, which is the primary federal law enforcement agency of the United States Army, is overseeing the probe.
The department has not specified a motive for the killing. It is also unclear if Rancy and Roque knew each other.
OpenAI adds search and summary function to ChatGPT
Google has some new competition. OpenAI has added a search function to its artificial intelligence bot ChatGPT.
Paying subscribers are now able to activate a mode on ChatGPT that makes it respond to queries by searching the internet for the latest information and summarizing what it finds. The search capabilities are powered by Microsoft’s Bing search engine and will draw information from articles by publishers OpenAI has deals with, including The Wall Street Journal owner News Corp. and the Associated Press.
While this function is only for paying subscribers for now, OpenAI said it plans to bring search to all users eventually.
Elon Musk’s secret conversations with Putin raise security concerns: Report
New details indicate Elon Musk has been in regular communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Journal reports that Musk’s conversations with Putin have included personal, business and geopolitical topics. Those conversations raised questions about national security due to Musk’s role in U.S. space operations and his increasing political influence.
These interactions have reportedly been confirmed by U.S., European and Russian officials.
One discussion last year reportedly involved a request from Putin. The request asked Musk not to activate his Starlink satellite internet service over Taiwan. This was allegedly as a favor to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Musk’s response remains undisclosed, though his international dealings are considered particularly sensitive given his influence in defense technology.
Initially, Musk’s Starlink service supported Ukraine with thousands of internet terminals to aid communication in conflict zones. However, by late 2022, Musk restricted Starlink’s use for offensive operations. This came after Ukraine sought to employ it in a Crimea-bound drone mission. Musk cited concerns over escalation, reportedly following communications from Russian officials suggesting potential nuclear retaliation.
Musk has also become a notable supporter of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. He has pledged millions monthly to a pro-Trump super PAC. Trump has indicated Musk would lead a “government efficiency commission” if Trump were to win, further positioning Musk as a key ally and backer.
Musk’s growing role in U.S. politics has prompted questions about his alignment with American interests, given his access to sensitive government contracts and his influence over critical U.S. space and satellite technologies. Musk has not publicly responded to recent reports.
States approve legal marijuana despite containing dangerous mold: WSJ
To grow, marijuana needs certain conditions: humidity and a lot of light. As pot becomes legal in more places and more ways, be it medical or recreational, more companies are growing the once secretly-harvested plant, usually indoors in a controlled area.
The problem with that is humidity and lots of artificial light are not just optimal conditions growing marijuana, they are also prime conditions for mold.
A new Wall Street Journal analysis found that while states where marijuana is legal make growers hire laboratories to check for mold and other contaminants, many of those labs are underreporting what they find.
The Journal’s analysis looked at more than 2 million mold testing results from nine states and found a disproportionate number of products containing dangerous mold, which can make you sick or even kill you, are being cleared for sale.
Certain molds and their toxins have been linked the cannabis plant. When ingested, the fungi can pose serious health risks, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
A 2020 review of national insurance claims found marijuana users are nearly four times more likely than non-users to be infected with fungi that have been known to cause infections, dangerous immune responses and even death.
The Journal found labs that passed more marijuana samples got more business. If labs test four samples and one is contaminated, that’s a 25% contamination rate, but if a lab test 10 samples and two are found to be contaminated, that’s only a 20% contamination rate, which doesn’t sound quite as bad, does it?
Since most states that have legalized weed in some form do not have a set standard for how testing should be done, there’s no easy way to find out if the product is safe. Consumers can do the legwork themselves, though, because every legal weed label identified where it was tested.
However, many cannabis enthusiasts said that can be a cumbersome process because a person has to research each lab and their methods to make their own informed decision.
US hospitals face IV shortage as new hurricane threats loom
As another hurricane barrels toward the United States’ Gulf Coast, hospitals across the country are dealing with a shortage of IV fluid caused by the last one. Hurricane Helene forced manufacturers to halt production.
The leading supplier of IV fluids in the U.S., Baxter International, said its facility in North Carolina will remain closed for the foreseeable future after it flooded during the storm. The company supplies about 60% of IV fluid bags in the U.S.
IV fluids treat dehydration and are a critical component of surgery – when patients are asleep for a long time and can’t eat or drink.
Because of Hurricane Helene, Baxter has placed limits on how many IV bags hospitals can buy at one time. There are other fluid manufacturers in the U.S. but they tend to give priority to meeting the demand from their existing customers, one Boston doctor told the Wall Street Journal.
The U.S. also can’t count on European manufacturers to fill the gap because there’s a global shortage of IV fluids right now, as well. Baxter said it’s working with health, emergency, and government officials to get back up and running as soon as possible.
Eric Adams case: Phone locked, next in line for mayor donations in question
Federal investigators said they still can’t get in New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ cellphone, nearly a year after they took it. According to charging documents, Adams claimed in November 2023 that he changed his password after he found out about the corruption investigation.
He said he wanted to stop his staff from deleting anything from the phone. Adams then told investigators he forgot the password he set two days prior.
At Adams’ federal court hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 2, Prosecutor Hagan Scotten said the fact that the government still can’t get into Adams phone is “a significant wild card” in the case.
Adams is facing five federal counts of bribery, corruption, wire fraud, and soliciting and accepting donations from foreign nationals.
He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and said he did nothing wrong.
Meanwhile, public advocate, Jumaane Williams, the person who is next in line to become mayor if Adams resigns or is forced out by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, reportedly accepted political contributions from Uzbek businessman, Tolib Mansurov.
Mansurov is the same man accused of orchestrating illegal donations to Adams.
City campaign records show Williams received $5,000 in January from Mansurov. The contributions appear to have similarities to the straw donations allegedly made to Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign.
Mansurov also donated $10,000 to Williams’ 2022 campaign for governor.
A spokesperson for Williams told the Wall Street Journal that Williams met Mansurov as part of his engagement with the Uzbek community and had no reason to believe there was anything wrong with the contributions.
The spokesperson went on to say they would closely review the donations.