Seminary Struggles + Chinese Chaos

July 24th, 2026 - Happy feast of St. Charbel! Republican Rep. Andy Ogles announced yesterday he is introducing legislation barring federal courts from enforcing surrogacy contract provisions that force a woman to abort the child she is carrying. A suspect is in custody after allegedly yelling "Allahu Akbar" while stabbing two men in Manhattan's Upper West Side yesterday afternoon. A new Catholic bishop was ordained this week in China under the Vatican’s controversial agreement with Beijing. Pope Leo appointed Bishop Joseph Chang Yanfeng to lead the Diocese of Chifeng, making him the fourth Chinese bishop ordained or officially recognized during the current papacy. Pennsylvania Medicaid program began covering abortions this month after a divided state court struck down a decades-old funding restriction. The Trump administration says a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative will use artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate research into chronic disease and pediatric cancer, with the goal of cutting in half the time it takes for medical breakthroughs to reach patients. The Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, will end Sunday Masses at three rural parishes in October as it responds to a continuing priest shortage and declining population, with decisions on parish mergers and church buildings still to come. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in nearly 12 months, pushing up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers at a time when rising oil prices are already squeezing household budgets. Rise Right is a live morning program hosted by Sarah Cain & Jakob Martin Kraft, designed to help Catholics begin their day grounded in faith, clarity, and peace. The goal is simple: help listeners start their day well. Stay rooted in prayer, informed about the world, and able to face each day with joy and reason. RiseRight.org