Author: Marian Neal

In the foothills of the Pyrenees, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes draws millions of pilgrims seeking relief from illness and despair. Behind the famous grotto and candlelit processions sits a little-known medical office where world-class physicians spend years testing extraordinary claims. Of the thousands of reported cures since the 19th century, the Catholic Church has formally recognized just 72 as “medical miracles”—cases specialists conclude are medically unexplained after exhaustive review. Nut graf: Lourdes is both a place of devotion and a laboratory of last resort. At the Lourdes Office of Medical Observations, doctors and researchers evaluate testimonies of…

The Powerball jackpot has surged to an estimated $750 million after no ticket matched all six numbers in Saturday night’s drawing, setting up a high-stakes roll toward Monday evening. Saturday’s winning numbers were 11, 14, 34, 47, 51 with a Powerball of 18. While the top prize went unclaimed, the drawing still produced thousands of winners across the country, including three tickets that matched all five white balls—sold in New York, Maine, and South Dakota—good for substantial secondary prizes. Powerball officials also reported dozens of $50,000 winners and several $100,000 winners from tickets that matched four of the five white…

Ukraine celebrated its 34th Independence Day under the shadow of intensified cross-border attacks and tentative diplomatic signals, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of overnight drone strikes that sparked a fire at a nuclear power plant in Russia’s Kursk region and Washington saying Russia has shown “significant concessions” in preliminary talks. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that for “the first time in three and a half years of this conflict” Russian negotiators had “been willing to be flexible on some of their core demands,” describing a fledgling process aimed at “find[ing] a middle ground to stop…

Mississippi has declared a public health emergency after new data showed the state’s infant mortality rate climbed to its highest level in more than a decade, intensifying scrutiny of widening racial disparities and the fragility of maternal-and-child health services. The Mississippi Department of Health reports 9.7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024—nearly double the most recent U.S. average of 5.6 per 1,000. Since 2014, more than 3,500 Mississippi infants have died before turning one. “Every single infant loss represents a family devastated, a community impacted, and a future cut short,” State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said. “We…

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled the Fed could begin cutting interest rates in September, citing a “cooling” labor market after sharp slowdowns in hiring and rising signs of worker distress. Markets swiftly priced in a high likelihood of a quarter-point cut at the Sept. 16–17 FOMC meeting, a notable shift after nearly a year on hold.  Powell’s remarks at the Jackson Hole symposium leaned dovish and emphasized growing employment risks, especially after downward revisions to spring payrolls. He noted job growth averaged just ~35,000 per month over the past three months, down from ~168,000 per month in 2024—a marked…

UK economy statistics play a crucial role in shaping decisions for investors, policymakers, and everyday citizens. They serve as vital indicators of the nation’s financial health, offering insights that guide everything from monetary policy to personal budgeting. As of 2025, the UK economy is navigating a period of cautious recovery and transformation. The lingering effects of Brexit, along with post-pandemic restructuring, continue to influence key indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and employment trends. These numbers reveal more than trends—they highlight the challenges and opportunities facing households and industries alike. This article provides a clear and detailed overview of the…

In a daring and unusual escape, a 20-year-old inmate managed to flee from the Lyon-Corbas prison in southeastern France by concealing himself in his cellmate’s luggage. The escape unfolded on Friday, following the release of his fellow prisoner, who had served their sentence. Authorities have since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape, with a focus on identifying the “series of serious malfunctions” that allowed it to happen. The prisoner, who was serving multiple sentences, took advantage of his cellmate’s release to sneak inside his laundry bag as the latter departed the facility. This seemingly simple act…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and excitement is building as North America prepares to host this monumental event. For the first time in history, the World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries—Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This landmark event promises to be a unique celebration of football, bringing together diverse cultures and passionate fans from across the globe. As anticipation grows, many are eager to learn about the sede del mundial 2026—the selected host cities and venues. With 16 cities across three countries, each stadium brings its history, culture, and excitement to the tournament.…

Sixteen years ago, Jennifer Thompson’s world was shattered when she learned that the man she had identified as her rapist—leading to his wrongful conviction—was innocent. The real perpetrator, a man who had gone on to assault other women, remained free. It was a crushing revelation, one that mirrored the growing trend of DNA exonerations across the United States. Thompson, however, turned her guilt into action, creating an initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between crime victims and the innocent men who have been wrongfully imprisoned. Her project, called Healing Justice, is a groundbreaking effort to bring these two often…

Rachel Maddow is one of the most recognized names in political journalism. Known for her sharp wit, articulate commentary, and prime-time MSNBC show, “The Rachel Maddow Show,” she has built an impressive career. But beyond the cameras, a common question echoes across fan forums and financial sites: how much is Rachel Maddow worth? In this comprehensive breakdown, we’ll not only explore her financial standing but also understand how she built such a substantial net worth. Rachel Maddow’s influence stretches beyond television. She’s also a best-selling author, podcast host, and political analyst. With multiple revenue streams and a high-profile career, her…