Latest news with #RockhurstUniversity
Miami Herald
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Pro-Trump Catholic leaders, spare me the outrage at his AI pope image
Along with most of the world, I saw the artificial intelligence picture that Donald Trump posted of himself depicted as the pope over the weekend. As a previously devout cradle Catholic who attended 12 years of Catholic private school, and who now continues to pay for my Catholic master's degree from Rockhurst University (probably until I die), I am long out of patience with how the Catholic Church has sold her soul for the cost of a singular platform — saving the unborn. Give me a break. It was her schools that educated me to know better. It was the Catholic Church that trained me not only to believe in what is seen, but to live by what is unseen. So, while it is hard to turn from the mesmerizing burning bush that is the current state of our country, thanks to my purchased Jesuit critical thinking skills, I know the crispy burnt bush is only the part of a greater strategy. It is clear why church and state should remain as separate as the Red Sea circa 1447 B.C.E. The Catholic Church has exemplified what happens when we ignore the civil ramifications of the tunnel vision of man-made religion. The AI picture nauseated me. What has the Catholic Church done by courting the king? And it hit me: The church is headed for the same embarrassing demise as everyone else who dares venture too close to the naked emperor. And the image I see in my head is a cartoon of the conclave, or Catholic priests, bishops and cardinals across the United States, sitting with hair color dripping down their jawlines. The Catholic Church is the Rudy Giuliani of our current presidential term. Every one of the clergy and laypeople who turned their eyes from the inhumane and shook hands with the devil — all in the name of children they do not want to provide for once they are outside the womb — helped to pack the baggage that I now get to carry. And not even Spirit Airlines is going to let me bring that baggage for free. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York has stated that the president 'takes his Christian faith seriously' — and now says that his AI pope picture 'was not good.' That's all you got, Cardinal Dolan? Well, I suppose he's in good company. Both parties have been accused of siphoning money and relocating any problems to an area 'under the radar.' I suppose Trump and Dolan are two peas in a pod (if by 'peas,' you mean miscreants and by 'pod' you mean a state of delusion created by a sense of grandeur). To summarize before I derail further: The clergy that positioned the Catholic Church behind Donald Trump under the guise of Christian values protecting the unborn, we see you sweating now. And we see your coat of many colors melting into one gross color of waste as you deflect how you worshiped as one of Donald's disciples. Each one of you could have been America's mayor. Instead, you're just another line of stooges who lied for Trump. Awkward. But seriously, the cartoon idea did make me chuckle.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial mass held in Kansas City to celebrate life, service of Pope Francis
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A time of mourning is underway, as Catholics across the globe celebrate the life and service of Pope Francis. The 88-year old Holy Pontiff died early Monday morning at his home in Vatican City. His funeral services are scheduled for Saturday in Italy. Kansas City tattoo artist helps self-harm survivors find beauty in brokenness Pope Francis' 12 years of service ranks as the ninth-longest in the long history of the Catholic church. Monday afternoon's celebration mass at Rockhurst University is a chance for Jesuit mourners, and others from the community, to talk about the Holy Father, and how his example can endure. Mourners from across the metro gathered at Rockhurst University's Mabee Chapel on Thursday afternoon, where prayers for comfort go out, in addition to praise and expressions of gratitude for the example set by Pope Francis. The first Jesuit pope is unique from other papal leaders, having reached out to people who might have been overlooked or excluded by previous church leaders. Pope Francis continues to be praised for connecting with non-Catholics and non-religious audiences, too. 'I'm amazed by how he affected the life of people. I know that he was well-liked by a lot of people, but what I'm understanding now is the depth of how he touched people. He made people feel loved the way God wants us to feel,' Fr. Stephen Hess, Rockhurst University Vice-President of Missions & Ministry, said. Hess led Thursday's mass service. Speakers at that assembly agree with his feelings, including Rockhurst student Adian Cutter. 'I think one of the biggest things is his compassion, his ministry to the marginalized and to the poor is one of the first things that got me interested in service as a young man,' Cutter said. Catholic mourners are joined by those from other metro religious groups at Thursday's mass, including Christian speakers, Jewish and Muslim representatives too — proof of the ecumenical influence this pope's legacy carries. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Pope Francis' funeral services will be seen live on FOX4 and WDAF+ this Saturday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas City beer businesses say there's ‘a big concern' over Trump's tariffs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The worldwide business market is in a wait-and-see mode. On Friday morning, China responded to new U.S. tariffs with economic demands of their own. European countries were already banding together, pushing back against new tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Business leaders in the Kansas City metro are also feeling nervous about potential cost hikes. The beer business and those who buy beer at retail could feel the strain of these tariffs placed on imported goods. Andy Lock, father of Drew Lock and KC-area restaurateur, dies Managers at KC Bier Co., which built its brewery at W. 79th and Wornall Road eleven years ago, makes its popular beers in house, but ingredients often come from overseas. Steve Holle, founder and operating manager at KC Bier Co., said 40% of the brewery's beers are sold in cans, which are packaged in paper and cardboard at retail. Those goods, as well as German hops and malt, come from overseas and fall under tariff restrictions put in place by the Trump White House. 'I would say there's a big concern,' Holle said on Friday afternoon. Holle said he's waiting to talk with his suppliers about the cost of raw goods, and he hopes he doesn't need to raise prices for his consumers. 'I think having those ingredients is important to the brand and the type of beer we're making, so yes, I think it's a very big deal for us, and I don't think it's something we can readily change and not lose the brand identity we have,' Holle continued. Metro business analysts are watching the Dow Jones Industrial Average react to the tariffs with sudden drops this week. Dr. Tony Tocco, who teaches at Rockhurst University's Helzberg School of Management, believes the overall impact in the Kansas City metro may be low since there aren't many Fortune 500 companies still based here. 'I think this is going to be short-term. It's going to be short-term pain for long-term gain,' Dr. Tocco said. Things to do in Kansas City this weekend April 4-6 Dr. Tocco believes that if this goes on for long, a worldwide recession isn't out of the question, but he doesn't believe this trade war will last more than three months. 'My bet is this gets solved pretty damn quickly. I truly believe that. I really do believe that. I think there will be a lot of people coming in and negotiating, and there will be a settlement on both sides,' Dr. Tocco said. Holle is cautiously optimistic, but he seems to agree with the professor's optimistic outlook. Holle said he'll crack the books and look for ways to cut costs, but he doesn't believe beer prices will change for a few months, if they do at all. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Mobile man sentenced to 51 months in prison for illegally possessing machine gun
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A Mobile man was sentenced to 51 months in prison for illegally possessing a machine gun. Spring Hill College, Rockhurst University team up for new majors, career paths According to court documents, Nijel Malik Smith, 22, was arrested by Mobile Police Department officers in April 2023 following a traffic stop. During that stop, police seized marijuana and a Glock .45 caliber pistol Smith had in his possession. The pistol was fully loaded and equipped with an illegal machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a 'Glock switch,' which rendered the pistol a fully automatic weapon. The slide of the pistol was marked with 'Gretna PD,' and had previously been reported stolen by a law enforcement officer in Louisiana. Woman's murder charge upgraded after boyfriend stabbed to death at Mobile apartment During an interview with police, Smith admitted that the marijuana and the illegally modified pistol were his. He further admitted that he knew what a 'switch' was and suspected that the pistol might be stolen due to the 'Gretna PD' markings on it. In January 2025, while under federal conditions of release and pending sentencing, Mobile police again arrested Smith following a traffic stop. During that stop, Smith again possessed marijuana and a pistol. The January 2025 incident led to the revocation of Smith's bond and the denial of credit for acceptance of responsibility at his sentencing. In addition to the 51-month prison term, United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer ordered Smith to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time he will be subject to drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Moorer ordered Smith to pay $100 in special assessments. Truck hits Brewton man, children: BPD U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
WWII veterans share memories at Rockhurst University panel discussion
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Five World War II veterans took the stage together Thursday for a historic night at Rockhurst University. The event was titled '80 Years – D-Day Through the Eyes of the Greatest Generation.' There are thought to be less than one percent of World War II Veterans still living. On Thursday, crowds lined up on the college campus to get autographs with celebrated heroes ranging in age from 99-101. 'I think it was amazing just getting to hear their story and what they did,' Declan Landry, 11, said. Bill to help fund pro sports stadiums introduced in Missouri Senate One of the first to join the war is actually the youngest in the group. Sally Keithley McCulley, 99, lied about her age so she could join the British Royal Army at age 16. 'I just felt like I wasn't doing anything for my country, we were all raised very patriotic,' she explained. They shared stories of their time in the war, from John Roberts ending up on different floors of the same hospital as his twin brother but never getting to speak, to how Charles Staubus, liberated Hitler's stationery from his office after he fled. They were asked where they were on D-Day more than 80 years ago. 'I was writing messages down and they would deliver it to the plotters who were plotting the planes that were coming over to bomb,' McCulley said of her time in the British Royal Army's Signal Corps. 'This is like seeing living history. In 50 years when people our age are grandparents, we'll be able to tell our grandchildren that we shook the hand of a World War II veteran,' Valor Partners Ambassador Emma Sammons said. Man charged in window smashing spree in downtown Kansas City Asked if indeed they were 'The Greatest Generation', Bob South, 101, replied, maybe not the greatest, but a necessary one and pretty good one for its time. Thursday's event was presented by the Valor Partners Foundation. They raise money for scholarships for dependents of deceased and 100 percent disabled veterans. Last year the organization awarded $1.5 million in scholarships to students at colleges in 13 states. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
