The nations of Southern Africa are no strangers to drought. Historically, one in five years is a drought year in the region. But in recent decades, that number has risen to once every three or four years (The Guardian, November 14, 2024). Experts say the current drought is a once-in-a-century situation.

In a controversial move, the Biden administration recently approved the use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine to attack targets within Russia (USA Today, November 19, 2024). Within days, Ukraine used these missiles to attack a Russian weapons storage facility 70 miles from the Ukraine border.

The field of neuroscience is a fascinating exploration of the human brain and nervous system. It examines how the brain is involved in everything we do—thinking, feeling, moving, learning, and remembering—as well as how it communicates with the body. Neuroscientists study brain development, adaptability, and what happens when things “go wrong,” such as through injury or disease. The brain, the human body’s “control center,” shapes our experiences and actions in physical terms. But is there more to existence than electric and chemical stimuli?

The Guardian reports, “Every US state except Alaska and Kentucky is facing drought, an unprecedented number, according to the US Drought Monitor” (November 5, 2024). “As of November 19, 2024, 38.03% of the U.S. and Puerto Rico and 45.48% of the lower 48 states are in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor,” and this drought is impacting more than 140 million people (Drought.gov, November 19, 2024).

Several years ago, the Satanic Temple made headlines in the United States, but now it is making headlines in Chile as it seeks official recognition there as a religious association (AP, November 7, 2024). In that traditionally Catholic nation, this is a bold step. But, as sexual abuse scandals have rocked the Roman Catholic Church, the Satanic Temple feels that now is a good time to put its request forward.