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A New Jersey church wanted to build a homeless shelter. Now the town might take its property

(RNS) — The mayor of Toms River, New Jersey, says he has a plan to revitalize the town’s riverfront and to create a new park for local families who live nearby.
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The Latest: No pope chosen as black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel

The Latest: No pope chosen as black smoke rises from Sistine Chapel

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke was pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney , indicating no pope was elected on the first ballot of the conclave to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church.
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Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating conclave hasn't elected pope in first vote

Black smoke pours from Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating conclave hasn't elected pope in first vote

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Black smoke is pouring out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating no pope was elected on the first ballot of the conclave to choose a new leader of the Catholic Church. The smoke billowed out at 9 p.m.
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Mother of Gaza hostage is furious over mixed signals on how many captives are dead

Mother of Gaza hostage is furious over mixed signals on how many captives are dead

JERUSALEM (AP) — Ruhama Bohbot was at home watching the news when she heard U.S. President Donald Trump say something new: Three of the 24 hostages Israel considered to be alive in Gaza had probably died.
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From 'conclave' to 'white smoke,' a glossary of terms used in a papal transition

From 'conclave' to 'white smoke,' a glossary of terms used in a papal transition

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A change in popes — through death or resignation — is a complicated process , with centuries-old rituals involving the transition in leadership for both the spiritual head of the global Catholic Church and the Vatican’s head of st
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Those devoted to bullfighting in Mexico feel recent bans harm a sacred tradition

Those devoted to bullfighting in Mexico feel recent bans harm a sacred tradition

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico (AP) — Mexican matador Diego Silveti performs a ritual ahead of each bullfight .
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Sotheby's postpones auction of jewels associated with Buddha after backlash from India's government

Sotheby's postpones auction of jewels associated with Buddha after backlash from India's government

HONG KONG (AP) — Sotheby’s on Wednesday postponed an auction of jewels associated with Buddha’s remains after the Indian government opposed the sale and demanded it be halted.
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Columbia University lays off nearly 180 after Trump pulled $400M over his antisemitism concerns

Columbia University lays off nearly 180 after Trump pulled $400M over his antisemitism concerns

NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University said Tuesday that it will be laying off nearly 180 staffers in response to President Donald Trump's decision to cancel $400 million in funding over the Manhattan college's handling of student protests against the w
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India's leader Modi touted all was well in Kashmir. A massacre of tourists shattered that claim

India's leader Modi touted all was well in Kashmir. A massacre of tourists shattered that claim

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Hundreds of Indian tourists, families and honeymooners, drawn by the breathtaking Himalayan beauty, were enjoying a picture-perfect meadow in Kashmir. They didn’t know gunmen in army fatigues were lurking in the woods.
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Who are the contenders to be pope? They include a street priest, a missionary and a Lutheran convert

Who are the contenders to be pope? They include a street priest, a missionary and a Lutheran convert

Wanted: A holy man. Job description: Leading the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church. Location: Vatican City.
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