Yearly Archives: 2026

celebrity, entertainment, television

‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’ premiere red carpet: Naomi Watts, Martha Stewart and more

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FX’s biographical romance anthology series, **“Love Story,”** premiered on February 3rd in New York City.

The first season explores the captivating relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, bringing their iconic love story to life on screen.

The premiere attracted a star-studded crowd, with notable attendees including Naomi Watts, Martha Stewart, Sarah Pidgeon, Grace Gummer, and many more gracing the red carpet.

Scroll through the gallery below to see all the best looks from the event!
https://pagesix.com/2026/02/03/photos/love-story-john-f-kennedy-jr-and-carolyn-bessette-premiere-red-carpet-naomi-watts-martha-stewart-and-more/

law enforcement, politics, technology

Secretary Noem says body cameras are being deployed to field officers in Minneapolis

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**Homeland Security to Deploy Body Cameras to Field Officers Nationwide**

WASHINGTON — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Monday, February 2, that her department is deploying body cameras to every field officer in Minneapolis, with plans to expand the program nationwide as funding becomes available.

“Effective immediately we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis. As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide,” Noem said in a post on X.

The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of the immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, following the recent killing of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota by agents of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. These incidents have sparked nationwide protests.

Human rights advocates have widely condemned Trump’s immigration policies, criticizing them for lacking due process and fostering a hostile environment for immigrant communities. In contrast, President Trump has defended his administration’s actions as necessary measures to improve domestic security.

Commenting on Noem’s announcement, President Trump told reporters that body cameras “generally tend to be good for law enforcement, because people can’t lie about what’s happening.”

“So it’s, generally speaking, I think 80% good for law enforcement. But if she wants to do that, I’m OK with it,” Trump said, noting that the decision was made by Noem and not by him.

Noem’s announcement followed a call with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan—who has been tasked with taking over operations in Minnesota—and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.

The Secretary affirmed that the Trump administration will “rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country,” signaling a swift move toward increased transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement operations nationwide.
https://www.wctrib.com/news/national/secretary-noem-says-body-cameras-are-being-deployed-to-field-officers-in-minneapolis

environment, politics, water management

Gov. Hobbs on Colorado River negotiations: Agreement is not likely by Feb. 14 deadline

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PHOENIX — Despite previously expressing confidence that an agreement on Colorado River usage would be reached, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs now says meeting the February 14 deadline is unlikely.

Hobbs and the other basin state governors met in Washington, D.C., on Friday to discuss the ongoing negotiations. Speaking Monday from the nation’s capital, Hobbs acknowledged the difficulties faced during talks.

“We were clearly at an impasse. I feel like we’re at a place where we can start to move past that now,” Hobbs said. “I think we’ll be on a path to get to a deal—not a deal by February 14, but on February 14, be on a path to get to a deal.”

The governor attributed the slow progress to the challenge of balancing “firm commitments” with what are considered both “voluntary cuts and mandatory cuts.” Regarding Arizona specifically, Hobbs made it clear that the state will not exceed a 27% reduction in river water cuts.

On Friday, Hobbs shared on X that she was “encouraged” by the willingness of upper basin leaders—from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—to transform water conservation programs into firm commitments for water savings. The meeting was also notable as the first time all basin state governors were gathered in the same room during the negotiation process.

“Without the federal government exerting some pressure and influence to get to a deal, we are going to continue to be at an impasse,” Hobbs noted. “I think leaders in the U.S. Department of the Interior heard more clearly from us all in this setting. They’ve spoken to us individually but now, with everyone in the same room, we’ve laid out what we all need to reach a deal.”

### Hobbs Reassures Arizona Will Get Its ‘Fair Share’ in Colorado River Agreement

Governor Hobbs emphasized that Arizonans need not fear dramatic impacts to river access. She stressed that her advocacy for the state’s “fair share” aligns with Arizona’s critical role in the semiconductor industry, which remains a priority under the Trump administration.

“We’ll continue to push to make sure that we get our fair share and that those making major investments in Arizona see those investments pay off,” Hobbs said.

She also underscored that litigation is not a desired outcome for any party involved in the negotiations.

“While we didn’t leave this meeting with a lot of specifics, the details are to be worked out in continued negotiation,” Hobbs explained. “Certainly for me, as the governor with the most skin in the game or the most water on the table, I felt more heard by the upper basin states than we’ve seen in the negotiations so far.”
https://ktar.com/arizona-water-news/hobbs-colorado-river-update/5816282/

awards, entertainment, music

Why Eric Church is Skipping the 2026 Grammys

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Eric Church is missing the 2026 Grammy Awards despite his album *Evangeline Vs. the Machine* being nominated for Best Contemporary Country Album. The singer took to social media ahead of the show, which is taking place on Sunday night (Feb. 1) in Los Angeles, California, to explain why he won’t be attending.

### Why Is Eric Church Skipping the 2026 Grammy Awards?

Church revealed that he is unable to attend Sunday night’s ceremony due to illness. He shared his disappointment with fans, saying, “I’m so disappointed to miss the Grammy Awards tonight due to illness. I’ve tried everything possible to be there in person and unfortunately I just can’t do it.”

Despite his absence, Church sent his best wishes to all of the nominees and expressed how honored he feels to be recognized, stating that he “respect[s] greatly what this honor means and stands for in the music community.”

### Will Eric Church’s Illness Affect Upcoming Shows?

As of now, Church plans to continue with his next scheduled performance in Omaha, Nebraska, on Thursday, February 5. In his social media post, he mentioned that he hopes to “rest up and see everybody in Omaha next week.”

### Has Eric Church Ever Won a Grammy Award?

Although Eric Church is one of the biggest names in country music and has earned numerous awards at other country-specific shows, he has never won a Grammy Award. To date, he has been nominated for a total of 11 Grammys, including this year’s nod for *Evangeline Vs. the Machine*.

His first Grammy nomination came in 2012 in the Best Country Album category for *Chief*. Since then, he has been a frequent nominee, consistently recognized within genre-specific categories.

—

**Read More:**
– [See All the 2026 Grammys Country Winners](#)
– [Country Stars Who’ve Never Won a Grammy Award](#)
https://tasteofcountry.com/eric-church-skipping-2026-grammy-awards/

awards, entertainment, music

Sabrina Carpenter Takes Flight at Grammys With ‘Manchild’ Performance, Gives Censors a Test With F-Words

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Sabrina Carpenter took flight at the Grammys on Sunday, transforming Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena into an airport to perform her hit single “Manchild.” The performance pushed boundaries with a series of F-bombs peppered throughout the song’s chorus, testing the limits of the night’s broadcast censors.

Descending from a carousel that emerged from an airplane set, Carpenter captivated the audience with the lead single off last year’s album *Man’s Best Friend*. She was joined by performers dressed as airport workers, enhancing the immersive airport theme. “It’s your captain Sabrina speaking,” she declared during a spoken-word moment. “If you came here tonight for a little validation, put your hands together!” The performance wrapped up with Carpenter wielding two traffic wands, directing imaginary planes on the runway.

This marks Carpenter’s second consecutive year performing at the Grammys. She made her debut on the prestigious stage in 2025 with a playful medley of her smash hits “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” complete with staged errors and comedic gags that delighted the crowd.

Last year, Carpenter was recognized as a first-time nominee, earning nods for Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, Song of the Year for “Please Please Please,” and Record of the Year for “Espresso.” She took home two trophies: Best Pop Solo Performance for “Espresso” and Best Pop Vocal Album for *Short n’ Sweet*.

This year, Carpenter received six Grammy nominations. Her single “Manchild” was nominated in four key categories: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video. Meanwhile, *Man’s Best Friend* was up for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.

Beyond the Grammys, Carpenter has been tirelessly touring worldwide since fall 2022, beginning with her first post-Disney album *Emails I Can’t Send*. Her *Short n’ Sweet* tour kicked off in September 2024 and recently concluded with a six-night residency at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena in November 2025.

Looking ahead, Sabrina Carpenter is set to headline both weekends of Coachella 2026, scheduled for April, promising more unforgettable performances to come.
https://variety.com/2026/music/news/sabrina-carpenter-manchild-grammys-performance-1236644987/

advisories, cold conditions, weather

Frigid conditions continue, localized lake flakes

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A cold weather advisory is currently in effect for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties until 11 a.m. on Saturday. In addition, McKean and Potter counties are under a cold weather advisory until 10 a.m. Saturday.

Meanwhile, Orleans County has a winter weather advisory in place until 10 a.m. Saturday due to localized snow totals that may reach 3 to 6 inches overnight through Saturday.

Aside from an intensely cold Friday, the weather is expected to mellow out as the weekend approaches. Stay prepared and dress accordingly for the cold conditions.
https://www.wivb.com/weather-news/todays-forecast/february-2026-valentines-day-presidents-day/

basketball, college athletics, sports

Grade Syracuse basketball vs. Notre Dame, vote on player of game

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Syracuse Basketball Team Grades After 86-72 Victory Over Notre Dame

Following Syracuse’s 86-72 win against Notre Dame on Saturday night in the JMA Wireless Dome, many are wondering: what grades would you give the team?

How would you evaluate the offense? And what marks would you assign to the defense? Finally, what’s your overall grade for the team’s performance?

If you’re having trouble viewing the stats on your mobile device, click here to access them.

https://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2026/02/grade-syracuse-basketball-vs-notre-dame-vote-on-player-of-game.html

catechesis, religion

Via Fidelis Year 2: Understand the Faith

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Now, our call is to deepen our understanding of that faith. If you are not familiar with the term—or if it sounds vaguely familiar but you cannot exactly place it—**catechesis** is the term we use for religious education or faith formation.

In future posts, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly we mean by the term “catechesis” and explore its origins. For now, it’s important to emphasize that catechesis (religious education, faith formation) is something that is for everyone.

Too often, we identify catechetical formation with children’s learning and thereby think of it as something our kids do on Sundays. Yet, as Christians, we are called to be disciples and, therefore, to be constantly forming ourselves—and allowing ourselves to be formed—in our shared faith. This deeper formation is the next logical step of our journey.

We have spent a year reflecting on the *kerygma*, the proclamation of the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. We have reflected on God’s love for us that is manifest in creation, persists despite our sinfulness, and offers us redemption through the Incarnation and Paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. This love is made tangible for us in the sacramental life of the Church.

Rather than leaving behind what we have learned, we take it all with us and build on it as a foundation. In this coming year together, we will see that every truth of the faith finds its root in the *kerygma*. When we look closely at the *Catechism of the Catholic Church*, we soon realize that the Incarnation and the Paschal mystery are present around every corner.

Every one of the Church’s teachings is aimed at salvation. The very logic of the entire Catholic faith is the logic of the *kerygma*—it is all Good News!

It is for this reason that catechesis is always *kerygmatic*: the salvific message of the Gospel lies at the heart of every catechetical endeavor. It is also the act of proclaiming the Gospel as an integral part of these endeavors. Every catechist is a Christian witness, and everyone who is catechized is being formed and called to also be a Christian witness.

The vision of the wider Church confirms this truth. Every catechetical document from the Vatican over the last half-century or more has consistently connected catechesis and evangelization.

While we can and do distinguish between an initial proclamation—our first encounter with the Gospel—and the subsequent catechesis that deepens our faith, we also recognize that this deepening is an ongoing conversion. Catechesis must evangelize: the *kerygma* is never left behind.

It is a fundamental truth of the faith, without which none of the other truths matter.

On April 27, 2021, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis adopted a vision of “evangelizing catechesis.” This vision can help us understand the particular ministry of catechesis and what it means to catechize and be catechized in everyday life.

According to this vision, evangelizing catechesis is:

– Rooted in the encounter with Christ in the Holy Spirit
– Proclaiming the *kerygma*
– Accompanying people along the path of conversion
– Giving a systematic exposition of the faith
– Sending out missionary disciples

Let us open our minds to understand and receive the wisdom of the Church so that we may continue to proclaim it to others.
https://themiscellany.org/fidelis-year-2-understand-faith

accidents, maritime, search and rescue

Coast Guard searching for survivors after commercial fishing boat sinks off Massachusetts; 1 body recovered

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The U.S. Coast Guard is urgently searching Massachusetts waters for survivors after a commercial fishing vessel carrying seven people, including a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) observer, sank on Friday approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann.

Coast Guard watchstanders received an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert at about 6:50 a.m. local time, registered to the 72-foot commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean. After attempts to contact the boat failed, the Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB).

Responding to the distress signal, the USCG Northeast District deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Cape Cod and a small boat crew from Station Gloucester to search the area. Additionally, the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay was diverted to assist in the search efforts.

Rescue crews discovered debris near the location where the EPIRB was activated, along with a body and an unoccupied life raft. The Coast Guard confirmed that search and rescue operations will continue.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her sorrow over the tragedy and affirmed the state’s full support. In a statement, she said, “I’m heartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester about the sinking of the Lily Jean and have offered our full support to Mayor Lundberg, Harbormaster Lucido, and the Coast Guard. I am praying for the crew, and my heart goes out to their loved ones and all Gloucester fishing families during this awful time.”

Governor Healey emphasized the importance of fishermen and fishing vessels to the history, economy, and culture of Gloucester and Cape Ann, noting that this tragedy is deeply felt across the state.

The boat’s captain, Gus Sanfilippo, and his crew were previously featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel show *Nor’Easter Men*, which highlighted a fishing expedition in hazardous weather conditions. Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation commercial fisherman, specialized in haddock, lobster, and flounder fishing.

Senator Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, who is a friend of the missing captain, also commented on the situation as search efforts continue.

The Coast Guard and local authorities remain committed to locating survivors and providing support to the families affected by this tragic incident.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/coast-guard-searching-survivors-after-commercial-fishing-boat-sinks-off-massachusetts-1-body-recovered

catholicism, education

YOU make the difference in the annual Catholic Appeal

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“This annual effort puts faith into action by supporting all the parishes, schools, and communities all across our state and beyond,” he wrote.

Jacqueline LaPan Edgerton is executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation of South Carolina and the acting head of the Office of Stewardship and Mission Advancement, which spearheads the appeal. She explained that CASC “provides financial support for ministry and outreach support programs throughout the state.”

“We cannot know who Jesus Christ is, or follow his way, or discern his will if we are not well-versed in the Scriptures that contain the prophecies and promises of his arrival,” Bishop Fabre said in his pastoral letter. “Our parishes should be vibrant places where the Word of God is regularly read and studied,” the bishop wrote.

Knowledge of God and his creations is at the root of Catholic beliefs: to know, love, and serve Jesus is paramount to fostering a holy and productive relationship with our brothers and sisters. In giving of ourselves, we come to know the God who came to save us.

We are further encouraged to invite others, including friends and family, to join in and share our faith through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and help them prepare for reception into the Catholic faith.

Retreats, speaking events, and other diocesan programs further encourage learning and living the Gospel, alongside CASC giving to programs and ministries that help further the faith through good works.

All of these initiatives are encapsulated in the three overarching projects of the appeal: Givers of His Love, Teachers of His Children, and Servants of His People (see sidebar).

### This Year’s Goal: $5.5 Million

The goal for CASC this year is raised to $5.5 million, a 10% increase over the past several years. A number of factors led to the need to increase the goal, including the growth of parish communities, an increase in the number of seminarians under formation, and continued expansion of diocesan ministries and programs.

The diocese consists of about 250,000 Catholics in nearly 100,000 households. It is served by 113 diocesan, 46 religious, and 22 missionary priests in 96 parishes and 20 missions. There are also 32 diocesan schools, 16 campus ministries, and 85 youth ministry programs across the state, plus eight offices for Catholic Charities of South Carolina.

The Diocese of Charleston is unique in that it encompasses an entire state.

“As we continue to welcome so many new seminarians, open the doors of Catholic education to more families, and expand our ministerial outreach across the state, the need for your support has never been greater,” the bishop wrote.

### Supporting Catholic Education

Shaileen Riginos, associate superintendent for the Office of Catholic Schools, expressed gratitude for the support received from CASC.

“The Catholic Appeal of S.C. has a profound impact on Catholic education throughout our diocese, strengthening our ability to form young disciples of Christ,” Riginos said.

“Through tuition assistance, the appeal enables Catholic families to provide their children with a faith-centered education rooted in Gospel values. Additionally, the appeal empowers our schools to address critical needs from science labs and facility upgrades to curriculum resources and technology, allowing each school to fulfill its strategic mission in service to its unique community.”

By answering Christ’s call to carry forth his mission and be good stewards, supporters of the Catholic Appeal of South Carolina are lighting the way for our Church to remain ever-present across the Palmetto State.

As we read in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”

“I am overjoyed with the success of last year’s Catholic Appeal of South Carolina, and I am encouraged to see that there are so many families that are on fire with zeal for the Catholic faith,” Bishop Fabre said.

“Our diocese is experiencing exponential growth in our vocations, in building Catholic schools, and in our visible presence in society. Please join together to continue what the great saints have dedicated their lives to building. God bless you and thank you for your participation in this year’s appeal.”

Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others and in our Church family.

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## GOALS OF OUR APPEAL

### GIVERS OF HIS LOVE

This facet includes Multi-Ethnic Ministries, catechetical and evangelization programs, communications, Youth and Child Protection Services, and Family Life ministries, along with parish outreach programs that focus on the homeless and those experiencing food insecurity.

### TEACHERS OF HIS CHILDREN

CASC supports increased access to affordable, Christ-centered education through grants to Catholic schools and tuition assistance. The appeal also dedicates funds to over 20 college campus ministries across South Carolina, as well as FOCUS missionaries, chaplains, and campus ministers.

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## GIVING OPTIONS

– A one-time gift
– A pledge payable over 10 months
– An automatically recurring gift that continues until you elect otherwise

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## DONATE

Visit [charlestondiocese.org/catholic-appeal](https://charlestondiocese.org/catholic-appeal) or fill out the envelope in your parish pew.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the Catholic Appeal of South Carolina!
https://themiscellany.org/you-make-difference-annual-catholic-appeal