Free Republic

Pope Benedict XVI defined solidarity as "a sense of responsibility on the part of everyone with regard to everyone," during a May 19 audience with members of Catholic charitable groups. Because everyone is obligated by the demands of solidarity, the Holy Father said, "it cannot therefore be merely delegated to the state." He stressed the need for individual involvement with those in need. "Your activity must be animated by charity," the Pope said. "This means learning to see with the eyes of Christ and giving others much more than what is externally necessary." That "much more," the Pope explained, is...

Two chickens have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District. The samples were taken from coops located in Thermal and southwest of Mecca, said a CMVCD spokesperson. The news comes one day after the agency announced a Cathedral City resident became the first human case of West Nile reported in the area since 2008. District staff will intensify mosquito surveillance, spraying larvicide, and making the public aware in these areas in an effort to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes.

A home invasion suspect is now in jail after deputies say he was shot by a 77-year-old man after breaking into a Pitt County home. Deputies say around 1:20 a.m. Wednesday Reginald Watson, Jr. and another man broke down the front door of a home on River Road Estates Road. The victims say one of the men was armed with a revolver. At some point, Albert Atkinston was able to get a handgun from another room. Deputies say once Watson saw Atkinston was armed he pointed his weapon at him. Several shots were then fired and deputies say the two...