From Keener Contact News. Pope Francis has died at the age of eighty eight, ending a historic and often transformative papacy.
The Vatican confirmed his passing early Monday, marking the close of a decade-long effort to reshape the Roman Catholic Church into a more inclusive, compassionate institution.
The 88-year-old pontiff, known globally for his humility and advocacy for the poor, leaves behind a legacy that challenged tradition and embraced reform. His death sets off a period of global mourning among the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics—and intense deliberation among the College of Cardinals.
Pope Francis had been out in public several times over the past week.
On Sunday, he blessed the faithful who had gathered in St. Peter’s Square. A week earlier, he briefly greeted the faithful who had gathered in the square on Palm Sunday.
At stake: whether to continue Francis’s progressive, globally-minded approach—or return to a more traditional path followed by his predecessors. The conclave to elect his successor is expected to convene in the coming weeks.
Domestic migration to Florida is slowing fast. A new Redfin report shows Tampa Bay had the biggest drop among major U.S. metros in 2024. With rising costs, hurricanes, and return-to-office policies, many are rethinking the Sunshine State.
Did You Know:
Ever been told to “put a sock in it”? This cheeky British phrase dates back to World War I, likely from soldiers telling loud roommates to hush. Some say it comes from stuffing a sock in a gramophone to muffle the sound—but either way, it’s a classic way to say “zip it”… with just a little charm.
Pistons:
The Pistons are back at it tonight, looking to bounce back and even the series against the Knicks after a brutal Game 1 collapse. They blew an eight-point lead late, but a Game 2 win could steal home court from New York. Tip-off’s at 7:30 on TNT, TRU TV, and FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.
New Covid Pill:
A new antiviral pill called Ensitrelvir is showing major promise in preventing COVID-19. In a recent study, the drug cut infection risk by 67% in people living with someone who tested positive. Already approved in Japan, it could soon be fast-tracked by the FDA as a COVID prevention option.
Robots can’t quite make the cut:
In a Beijing first, 21 humanoid robots joined 12,000 runners in a half marathon. Only six finished—and just one, Tiangong Ultra, barely made the human cutoff time. The robots fell, overheated, and needed battery swaps, but the race showed how far bipedal tech has come—duct tape and all.
Bike Sharing is Thriving:
Ten years ago, bike share was just starting here in the US. Now? It’s thriving! Today in our friend Mickey Maynard’s substack, she writes that New York City leads the pack with over 3 million rides this past year. Big jumps in DC, San Francisco, Boston, and Jersey City prove bike share is no fad. It’s a win for getting around without a car.
Today in History:
1961 – The Beatles debuted at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England.
1962 – Elvis Presley started a two-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles
chart with “Good Luck Charm,” his fifth U.S. No. 1 of the 1960s.
1967 – Working at Abbey Road studios in London, The Beatles completed the sessions for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
1975 – ABBA release their self-titled third studio album. It features the
hits “SOS,” “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” and “Mamma Mia.”
1979 – Amii Stewart’s “Knock On Wood” hits No. 1.
1990 – Paul McCartney appeared before 184,000 fans in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the time, it was the largest audience ever to attend a performance by a single rock act.
Today’s Birthdays:
Anthony Quinn was born today in 1915
It’s the Birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth, born on this date in 1926. (d. 2022)
Iggy Pop of The Stooges is 78.
Andie MacDowell (Maid, Groundhog Day) is 67
