SUMMARY: On August 21, 2017, University of Alabama researchers conducted a groundbreaking study using multiple Doppler radars, mobile weather stations, and balloon soundings to observe meteorological and insect responses during a total solar eclipse. As totality caused ground temperature to drop 7–9°F and surface winds to slow, insects abruptly descended from 650–1,000 feet, likely disoriented by the loss of sunlight used for navigation. Radar data showed a 90% decline in insect reflectivity during darkness, with insects reascending once the sun returned. This first high-resolution eclipse experiment reveals how solar eclipses disrupt atmospheric and insect behavior, potentially affecting broader ecosystem dynamics.

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SUMMARY: Pope Leo XIV pledged to intensify efforts for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine while promoting the spirituality and traditions of eastern rite Catholic churches, which have suffered greatly due to conflict and persecution. Addressing eastern rite pilgrims, he emphasized the importance of these communities, which include the Coptic, Chaldean, Maronite, and others, acknowledging their displacement from homelands like Iraq and Syria. Highlighting ongoing violence in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Tigray, he urged Christians to persevere and work for reconciliation. The pope called for concrete support to help Christians remain safely in their native lands.

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SUMMARY: Aaliyah Reed battled sickle cell disease for five years, enduring frequent hospital visits and severe pain. Her family held onto hope for a miracle, which arrived through her 10-year-old brother, Elijah. Doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant, but finding a match is rare. Elijah was a 100% match and bravely underwent surgery to save his sister. The transplant was successful, curing Aaliyah of sickle cell disease. Now, she enjoys a pain-free childhood, running and playing freely. The Reed family celebrated Mother’s Day for the first time without sickle cell struggles, grateful for Elijah’s heroic sacrifice that gave Aaliyah a new life.

There is an incredible story of love and sacrifice out of Plant City that helped to heal a little girl from sickle cell disease. Aliyah Reid spent the first five years of her life battling sickle cell disease, which can cause severe pain episodes and blood flow problems. Her family had to watch their little girl go through life in pain. The Reids said they were hoping for a miracle—little did they know that miracle could come from their oldest son.

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