Rachel Maddow and Jake Tapper found themselves puzzled by the “brat” trend initiated by Charli XCX’s latest album, Brat.
They were attempting to explain why Charli XCX labeled Kamala Harris a “brat,” leading to widespread discussion. That discussion was a great illustration of just how unbearable and cringe generational differences can be.
The Daily Mail reported that the phenomenon began when Charli XCX released her album Brat in June, causing a social media frenzy. The term “brat” gained further traction when Charli referred to Kamala Harris as such after Joe Biden endorsed Harris for the Democratic presidential nominee and announced he was dropping out of the race.
The viral post by Charli, which garnered over 46 million views, caught the attention of Harris. Embracing the label, Harris incorporated references to Charli's album into her campaign. This led to confusion among media personalities, including MSNBC's Rachel Maddow and CNN's Jake Tapper.
Harris is embracing Gen-Z trends that are popular among young voters who are already voting blue but these stories will do nothing to boost her profile among swing voters and working-class voters concerned about a serious leader who can pull the nation back from the brink.
Rachel Maddow, a long-time supporter of Joe Biden, admitted on air that she was uncertain about the meaning of "brat." Maddow praised Biden for his decision to withdraw from the race, calling it a selfless act for the nation's benefit.
Jake Tapper, equally perplexed, revealed he learned about the trend from his teenage daughter.
CNN reporter Jamie Gangel provided further insight, explaining that the term "brat" was intended to describe someone who is messy, enjoys partying, and is blunt and volatile.
Charli XCX's description of a "brat" included being honest and sometimes saying foolish things. She emphasized that the term was both a lifestyle and an attitude, capable of being luxurious or trashy.
In response to the viral trend, Kamala Harris overhauled her campaign, even altering her X account header to resemble Charli’s album cover. Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed admiration for Harris's approach, appreciating how the campaign embraced the term and turned it into a positive icon.
As the trend continued, people began sharing TikTok videos, promoting the album, and adopting the album’s lime green aesthetic.
Charli XCX fans created edits of Harris set to her music, further embedding the trend into popular culture.
In an amusing twist, celebrities like Stephen Colbert, Glen Powell, and Ashley Tisdale joined in, posting their own takes on having a “brat summer.” Tisdale, even while pregnant, expressed her enthusiasm for the trend.
Rachel Maddow and Jake Tapper’s confusion reflected a broader uncertainty among the public and other media figures. Tapper’s colleague Kaitlan Collins explained that aspiring to be a “brat” required effort and was not something easily achieved.
Throughout the coverage, both anchors grappled with the concept, with Tapper humorously stating his aspiration to embody the “brat” ethos.
This humorous exchange underscored the generational gap in understanding the trend.
Jake Tapper also discussed his concerns about Biden’s candidacy, noting that many Democratic officials believed Biden and his inner circle were in denial about his capacity to serve another term. This added another layer of complexity to the ongoing political narrative.
Rachel Maddow and Jake Tapper’s attempts to decipher Charli XCX’s “brat” trend have sparked significant conversation.
The trend originated from Charli XCX’s album and was amplified when she labeled Kamala Harris a “brat.”
Harris embraced the term, integrating it into her campaign, while media personalities and the public tried to make sense of it. The phenomenon highlighted generational differences and showcased the ever-evolving nature of social media trends.
As celebrities and the public continued to engage with the “brat” trend, it became a notable aspect of the current political and cultural landscape. The discussion around the term reflects broader themes of adaptation and change within both media and politics.
President Joe Biden's decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race has sparked a flurry of legal and political debate.
Concerns arose regarding the legality and feasibility of substituting Biden with another candidate on the Democratic ticket ahead of the November election.
ABC News reported that on Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced apprehensions about potential legal hurdles if Biden were replaced. He claimed that some states' laws might prohibit the substitution of Biden for another candidate without following proper procedures.
Johnson suggested that a move to substitute Biden could face significant legal challenges in certain jurisdictions. He asserted that states' regulations do not permit a small group to make such a change arbitrarily.
Election law expert Richard Hasen rebuffed Johnson's position, indicating that the Democratic Party could legally appoint a new candidate.
Hasen explained that Biden is not officially the party's nominee until the Democratic National Convention.
Hasen noted that states typically defer to the major party's nominee for ballot inclusion. This clarification highlights the distinction between a candidate stepping down and the official nominating process.
Despite Johnson's claims, legal scholars seem to agree that the Democratic Party has the discretion to nominate a new candidate without infringing state laws.
Johnson reiterated that the Republicans' strategy would not be affected if Vice President Kamala Harris were to replace Biden. He stressed that Harris shares accountability for the Biden administration's policies.
"If Kamala is the nominee, so be it," Johnson remarked, indicating a consistent Republican approach regardless of changes in the Democratic ticket.
Johnson emphasized that policies, rather than personal attacks, should be the focal point of the election.
An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll revealed public support for Harris over Trump if she were to become the Democratic nominee. The poll results showed Harris leading Trump by a narrow margin among all adults.
Former President Donald Trump has disparaged Harris, branding her as "crazy" and "nuts" during a Michigan rally. These comments signify the intensity of personal attacks in the current political climate.
Johnson responded that Democrats have similarly targeted Trump, projecting that the election should pivot on policy discussions rather than personal vendettas. He remarked that Democrats' harsh rhetoric towards Trump is a well-established pattern.
In conclusion, while Biden's decision to withdraw from the race has prompted debate on the legality of replacing him, experts like Hasen voice that the Democratic Party retains the jurisdiction to substitute candidates.
Johnson maintains that the Republicans' campaign approach remains unwavering, regardless of who tops the Democratic ticket. A close watch on the evolving legal interpretations and voter sentiments will shape the landscape leading up to the November election.
According to Newsmax, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump significantly outraised incumbent President Joe Biden by nearly $100 million during the second quarter of the year.
This financial lead is compounded by Biden's waning fundraising momentum, raising concerns about the viability of his re-election campaign.
Trump's campaign raised a staggering $431.2 million in Q2, outpacing Biden's $332.4 million. As a result, Trump now holds $336.2 million in cash on hand, compared to Biden's $281 million.
The second quarter ended at the close of June, shortly after the June 27 presidential debate. Media and Democrats have since questioned Biden's cognitive fitness following his own admission of having a "bad night" and making a "mistake" during the debate.
Following his conviction for calling a payment to Michael Cohen a "legal expense," Trump's fundraising efforts received a significant boost. Before this conviction, Trump had been trailing in fundraising efforts.
Trump-aligned groups saw their donations triple from the first to the second quarter, whereas Biden's campaign saw an increase of just $49 million in the same period. Trump's Q2 fundraising figures doubled compared to his past Q2 figures.
In an unusual twist, a failed assassination attempt on Trump reportedly contributed to a surge in his fundraising efforts. Elon Musk reportedly pledged $45 million per month to Trump-aligned super PACs.
At a recent rally, Trump commented on Musk's support, saying, "Elon endorsed me recently, the other day. He's great. I love Musk. He's a brilliant guy." Trump further mentioned, "I've always had a good relationship with him."
Trump highlighted the significance of Musk's donations, stating, "He gives me $45 million a month — not $45 million, $45 million a month. ... He didn't even mention it to me." Trump also remarked on the difference in donor contributions: "Other guys give you $2, and you have to take them to lunch. He's a great guy."
These financial developments have raised concerns about the viability of Biden's re-election campaign. With a substantial cash deficit and waning fundraising momentum, Biden faces significant challenges ahead.
The Financial Times noted that Trump had been significantly behind in fundraising before his conviction, emphasizing the impact of recent events on his campaign's financial standing.
Despite the challenges, Biden's campaign continues to push forward, striving to regain its footing in the competitive race. The coming months will be crucial for both campaigns as they seek to solidify their positions.
Trump's financial triumph in Q2 is highly unusual for a presidential challenger. His ability to amass significant funds, combined with high-profile endorsements and a boost from recent events, has positioned him favorably against the incumbent. The unfolding financial narrative highlights the ever-evolving nature of presidential campaigns and the critical importance of fundraising in determining electoral success.
In a dramatically patriotic display, former wrestling legend Hulk Hogan electrified the Republican National Convention with his fervent endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Hogan hailed Trump as a "real American hero," adding noteworthy theatrics by tearing his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance muscle tank, as the Los Angeles Times reports.
Real name Terry Bollea, Hogan is known for his six World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) championships, and he made a sensational appearance Thursday night at the RNC. He kicked off his speech by evoking the energy of his wrestling career, leading the crowd to a peak reminiscent of his days at Madison Square Garden. "When I came here tonight, there was so much energy in this room I felt maybe I was in Madison Square Garden getting ready to win another world title," Hogan exclaimed.
During his speech, Hogan expressed a longstanding friendship with Trump, spanning over 35 years. He applauded Trump, the Republican presidential nominee and a fellow WWE Hall of Famer, as a "hero" and "gladiator." In full wrestling spirit, Hogan belted out, "But what I found out was I was in a room of real Americans, brother."
Hogan's energetic presence was not without theatrical flair. He punctuated his endorsement by tearing off his shirt to unveil a bright red Trump-Vance muscle tank, an act that drove the 50,000 attendees into a frenzy. "Let Trumpamania run wild, brother. Let Trumpamania rule again. Let Trumpamania make America great again," he rallied.
Hogan's endorsement extended beyond mere theatrics; it echoed deep political sentiments. He emphasized his decision to support Trump owing to "everything that's happened to our country over the past four years." The recent assassination attempt on Trump intensified Hogan's resolve to publicly back the former president.
Despite facing dual impeachments and numerous legal battles, Trump’s resilience was a central theme of Hogan's speech. "I know tough guys, but let me tell you something, brother. Donald Trump is the toughest of them all," he asserted. This endorsement touched upon Trump's fighting spirit and unwavering commitment to his political cause.
Hogan also voiced his support for vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance, labeling the Republican ticket as “the greatest tag team.” Reflecting on his wrestling days, Hogan drew an analogy to emphasize the strength of the Trump-Vance partnership, invoking the image of unbeatable wrestling duos. In a nod to his catchphrase, Hogan concluded his endorsement with, "Whatcha gonna do when Donald Trump and all the Trumpamaniacs run wild on you, brother?"
Alongside Hogan, UFC President Dana White took to the stage to introduce Trump at the RNC. White echoed Hogan's sentiments, praising Trump as a "fighter" and "real American badass." This introduction set a robust tone for Trump’s address to the convention attendees.
Trump, appearing at the convention with a bandaged ear following the recent assassination attempt, addressed the crowd's enthusiasm. Many attendees symbolically wore ear bandages matching his. Trump’s speech was a call to restore and save the country, promising the American people "rich and wonderful tomorrows."
Hogan’s dramatic endorsement, coupled with his nostalgic nod to wrestling, left a memorable impact on the convention. His blend of personal conviction and theatricality illuminated his support for Trump in a way only Hulk Hogan could deliver.
This RNC appearance marked Hogan’s significant dive into political waters, reflecting his current stance on American politics. "As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics, but after everything that’s happened to our country over the past four years, and everything that happened last weekend, I can no longer stay silent," Hogan declared, underlining the gravity of recent national events on his decision to endorse Trump.
Summarizing a night of high energy and dramatic displays, Hogan said, "I’m here tonight because I want the world to know that Donald Trump is a real American hero, and I’m proud to support my hero as the next president of this United States."
Shannen Doherty, an actress cherished for her roles in Charmed and Beverly Hills, 90210, passed away on July 13 after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
Doherty finalized her divorce with Kurt Iswarienko, her husband of over a decade, almost immediately before her death, as Entertainment Weekly reports.
The actress, 52, succumbed to her illness after a courageous fight. According to documents obtained by People, she was in the process of finalizing her separation from her third husband, Iswarienko, shortly before she passed.
In a tragic twist, a judge granted her a posthumous divorce on July 15. The decision came just days after both parties signed the necessary paperwork, with Doherty signing on July 12 and Iswarienko on July 13, coinciding with the day she died.
Doherty initially filed for divorce in 2023 amid ongoing health challenges. Her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2015 had dominated much of her life, although she achieved remission briefly in 2017. However, the cancer returned in 2020, and she had been undergoing treatment.
The divorce documents called for a clear separation of assets and terminated her earlier requests for spousal support. Fearing her residual income from Charmed was about to dry up as the show was leaving streaming services at the end of June 2024, Doherty had been seeking spousal support from Iswarienko.
Amy Robach, a close friend and journalist, shared, "She had a significant impact on me as we were diagnosed two years apart initially. Every cancer is different, but she and I connected, and she knew she was in a fight for her life."
Doherty was surrounded by family and loved ones at the time of her passing. Tributes poured in from her co-stars and friends, who remembered her as a resilient and supportive figure even in the darkest of times.
Olivia Munn reached out to Doherty after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023, and they quickly became friends. Munn reflected, "True to form, Shannen was offering her support even though she was in the final stage of fighting this horrific disease."
Former co-stars Rose McGowan, Jason Priestley, and Brian Austin Green also paid tribute to Doherty, celebrating her strength and dedication throughout her career and personal struggles.
Shannen Doherty's impact extended well beyond her on-screen roles. Her bravery in facing her health battles and her openness about her journey with cancer resonated with many around the world.
Her divorce marked a significant chapter in her life's final weeks, highlighting her determination to take control of her personal affairs even as she faced her mortality. The posthumous granting of her divorce underscores the sense of closure she sought for herself and her family.
Doherty's passing brings to a close a chapter defined by profound personal and professional achievements, and her bravery remains a beacon for those battling similar adversities. The outpouring of love and tributes from her peers and friends is a testament to the impact Shannen Doherty made on and off the screen. Her life and fight will be long remembered and celebrated.
On Tuesday afternoon, aerospace officials intercepted an aircraft that violated the temporarily restricted flight zone during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, an aircraft entered restricted airspace near Milwaukee, prompting the dispatch of an F-35 fighter jet to escort it out of the area.
The incident occurred within the 30-mile restricted radius surrounding downtown Milwaukee, implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the duration of the RNC.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the interception in a statement released on Tuesday.
The intercepted aircraft was flying 24 miles southwest of Milwaukee and was not in communication with air traffic control. Flight tracking data indicated that the aircraft departed from Indiana at 3:22 p.m. and was en route to Oshkosh, with an expected arrival time of 4:59 p.m.
The FAA's temporary flight restrictions around Milwaukee include a ban on drones within a 30-mile radius of the city center. This measure is part of heightened security protocols to ensure the safety of attendees and participants during the RNC.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., an F-35 fighter jet was deployed to intercept the unidentified aircraft. The jet located the general aviation aircraft and safely escorted it out of the restricted zone. Officials stated the F-35 was flying at a low altitude of 4,000 feet, which may have been noticeable to residents in the area.
NORAD did not provide details about the type of aircraft intercepted or the identity of the pilot. However, the swift action taken by NORAD and the FAA underscores the importance of maintaining strict adherence to flight restrictions during significant events such as the RNC.
The presence of an F-35 in the skies over Milwaukee was a rare and notable sight. Such military jets are typically reserved for high-priority interceptions, highlighting the seriousness of the airspace violation.
The temporary flight restrictions were established to create a secure environment for the RNC, reflecting the importance of airspace control during major political events. Violations of these restrictions are taken seriously to prevent potential threats and ensure public safety.
Officials did not disclose whether any penalties or further actions would be taken against the pilot or owner of the intercepted aircraft. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that air traffic control and military defense play in safeguarding national events.
On Tuesday, aerospace officials intercepted an aircraft flying in restricted airspace during the RNC in Milwaukee. The aircraft, which departed from Indiana and was heading to Oshkosh, did not communicate with air traffic control when it violated the 30-mile restricted zone.
An F-35 fighter jet was dispatched to escort the aircraft out of the area, flying at a low altitude of 4,000 feet. The FAA's temporary flight restrictions are part of enhanced security measures for the RNC, emphasizing the importance of maintaining controlled airspace during significant events. NORAD's swift response ensured the safe removal of the aircraft, highlighting the seriousness of such violations.
The harrowing moment Ohio police shot and killed an armed suspect near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee was captured on body camera footage.
Ohio police, assisting with security at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, shot and killed Samuel Sharpe Jr., an armed suspect, outside the event.
According to Daily Mail, the Columbus police officers were in Milwaukee to bolster security following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The incident happened in a parking lot less than a mile from the convention venue on Tuesday, with officers initially discussing abortion protests.
The officers were alerted to a man with a knife. Samuel Sharpe Jr., shirtless and wielding two knives, was pursued by officers who commanded him to drop the weapons.
Sharpe momentarily halted but then lunged at another shirtless man, prompting the police to open fire. He was declared dead at the scene. Mayor Anthony J. Ginther of Columbus stated that the release of the bodycam footage was done in the interest of transparency.
Authorities believe the shooting was not connected to the convention but occurred amidst heightened security following the attempt on Trump's life. The Columbus officers adhered to the Milwaukee Police Department's standard operating procedures on the use of force.
The five officers involved have been returned to Ohio. If there is probable cause for a crime, the case will be referred to Milwaukee police or another agency.
Initial reports indicated that Sharpe was homeless, involved in a fight, and a user of crack cocaine. He was known as "Jehovah" and resided in a homeless encampment.
Shelly Sarasin of Street Angels, a local outreach group, shared that Sharpe used their mobile shower units and expressed love to the group before he died. "This is more trauma on top of trauma for those who knew him and still live here," Sarasin said.
The incident occurred in the early afternoon near a social services building outside the Secret Service perimeter. Over 100 police officers swarmed the area near North 14th and West Vliet Streets.
Trump will conclude the week as the official GOP presidential nominee. The U.S. Secret Service requires protesters to register for the Demonstration Speakers Platform and Parade Route.
RNC Chairman Michael Whatley expressed confidence in the security measures, stating that the cooperation with the Secret Service and various law enforcement agencies ensured a secure environment.
Ohio police shot and killed an armed suspect, Samuel Sharpe Jr., near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as captured on body camera footage. Sharpe, wielding two knives, was pursued and shot by officers after he lunged at another man. The incident, unrelated to the convention, occurred amidst heightened security following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, with the officers acting in accordance with standard procedures.
Christi Lukasiak, former star of the reality TV show "Dance Moms," was recently arrested for a DUI after crashing her car into a tree in Pennsylvania.
According to Daily Mail, the incident occurred on June 27, and Lukasiak's preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 13.
TMZ said the crash left a telephone pole dangerously hanging over her car. The Westmoreland County police report noted that Lukasiak, 47, exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol.
Lukasiak admitted to consuming two glasses of wine before driving. She submitted to a preliminary breath test, which returned a positive result. Field sobriety tests administered by police indicated that she was impaired. Lukasiak is now facing legal consequences and must appear for a preliminary hearing in August.
During her four seasons on "Dance Moms," Lukasiak was no stranger to controversy. In season three, dance instructor Abby Lee Miller suspended her from the team after an altercation in New Orleans.
In a 2012 Huffington Post reflection, Lukasiak addressed rumors about her drinking, stating she was not a "huge drinker" but did enjoy an occasional cocktail with friends.
"If there's one thing I would go back and change about last season, it would have to be my jokes about drinking," Lukasiak told the Huffington Post. She emphasized that she was often criticized, from her decision to join the show to her parenting skills.
After a fight with Miller, Lukasiak and her daughter Chloe left the show following season four. The altercation occurred after Miller criticized Chloe's technique at Nationals.
Despite their departure, Lukasiak and Chloe made a brief reappearance in season seven and returned for "Dance Moms: The Reunion." Lukasiak joined the reunion via FaceTime.
Lukasiak's recent arrest brings renewed attention to her and her family's past and present challenges. Her hearing in August will determine the next steps in her legal journey.
Christi Lukasiak's arrest for DUI on June 27 has sparked renewed interest in her life post-"Dance Moms." Following the incident, police reported that she showed signs of impairment, and a breath test confirmed the presence of alcohol. Lukasiak has admitted to drinking wine before the crash, and field sobriety tests also indicated her impairment.
Chloe Lukasiak, known for her time on "Dance Moms," often clashed with instructor Abby Lee Miller, leading to her departure after a heated altercation, though she later returned for brief appearances. Her past comments about alcohol and her portrayal on the show have come under scrutiny amid her current legal proceedings. The upcoming hearing is expected to clarify the legal repercussions Lukasiak will face.
An Austin father’s routine check-in on a daycare livestream turned into a horrifying experience.
A Texas father witnessed a daycare worker at The Children's Courtyard smothering and slapping his two-year-old son via a livestream, leading to a $1 million lawsuit against the facility.
According to Daily Mail, the distressing incident occurred on July 27, 2023, when the father logged into The Children's Courtyard’s livestream to check on his son’s well-being. He was shocked to see a daycare employee smothering his child during nap time. Worse still, the employee followed this by repetitively hitting the boy in the face and head when he did not sleep as expected.
The father immediately rushed to the daycare in Austin to confront the staff about the distressing scene he had just seen. However, upon his arrival, the facility did not report the abuse to state officials or law enforcement, raising further concerns about their handling of the situation.
The daycare informed the parents that the employee responsible would be suspended for just one day. This lackluster response prompted the boy's mother, Alexis Dominguez, to file a $1 million lawsuit against The Children's Courtyard for her son's injuries.
In the video, their son can be seen trying to shield himself from the abuse with his hands and rocking back and forth with each blow he received. Dominguez and her partner promptly removed their son from the daycare and alerted state authorities about the incident.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child-Care Licensing Division and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services launched investigations into the allegations against the daycare. The Children's Courtyard facility was cited for five violations, including child abuse and not reporting the abuse as required by law.
It’s important to note that The Children's Courtyard has a troubling history of safety violations. Since 2019, the daycare chain has been cited 70 times for various infractions. The history of negligence dates back to 2017 when an employee at another location in Plano, Texas, was caught on video violently handling an 18-month-old child.
Despite these alarming violations, The Children's Courtyard's current spokesperson emphasized that “health and safety” remained their “highest priority,” and they had terminated the involved employees from the recent incident.
Lawyer Russell Button, representing Dominguez, pointed out that the distressing event is not an isolated incident and criticized the daycare for consistently failing in its duty of care. Button remarked, “The serious safety issues at The Children's Courtyard are full of alarm bells and red flags.” He argued that the daycare’s history and the treatment of the Dominguez child demonstrated a clear lack of prioritizing child safety.
Regarding the incident, Alexis Dominguez expressed her outrage, stating, “Clearly, The Children's Courtyard did not value my son's safety or express concern for his well-being.” Her attorney further described the mistreatment as actions that “anyone with basic common sense” would find “completely unacceptable.”
The Austin Police Department has no record of a report regarding the incident, adding another layer of concern about the daycare’s handling of such severe misconduct. The legal battle is now set to unfold as Dominguez seeks justice and ensures heightened safety for other children still under the daycare’s care.
In summary, a Texas father’s discovery via a daycare livestream has led to a $1 million lawsuit against The Children’s Courtyard in Austin. The incident highlights recurring safety failures at the daycare chain, posing serious questions about their commitment to child protection.
According to Daily Caller, thieves allegedly stole a cherished bone fragment of Saint Mary Magdalene from the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City early Wednesday morning.
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake Police Department are actively seeking leads to recover the relic and have announced a $1,000 reward for information leading to its return or the thief's arrest.
A cathedral staff member discovered the theft around 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The shrine, which housed the bone fragment, was found shattered and discarded on the floor beneath the sanctuary’s crucifix.
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City announced the theft on Friday. The relic holds significant spiritual value for the local Catholic community and has been part of the cathedral for over a century.
The stolen bone fragment is a tangible connection to Saint Mary Magdalene, revered as the patron saint of Utah’s Catholics. Bishop Joseph S. Glass brought the relic to the cathedral in 1918, and it is traditionally displayed for veneration on Easter Sunday and July 22, the Solemnity of Saint Mary Magdalene.
The Diocese, along with local police, is actively investigating leads to recover the relic. As part of their efforts, they have offered a $1,000 reward for information that could lead to the relic’s safe return or the apprehension of the thief.
The Very Reverend Martin Diaz, rector of the cathedral, believes that the thief was likely looking for something valuable to sell. “This was a person looking for something of value to sell,” he stated.
Rev. Diaz suggested that the thief initially picked up the reliquary but found it too heavy to carry.
It is likely that he picked up the reliquary, but once he got it off the shelf could not hold it, as it is very heavy. Once it was broken open, he took the one thing that appeared sellable.
The relic’s significance extends far beyond its material value for the Catholic community. Rev. Diaz emphasized that relics serve as a physical reminder of saints who have led lives dedicated to God and charitable deeds.
“For us, it’s our connection with Saint Mary Magdalene who, of course, walked with Jesus and was the first one to announce the resurrection,” Rev. Diaz remarked. He noted that the relic represents a link to 2000 years of Christianity.
Local authorities and the Diocese remain hopeful that the relic can be recovered. They urge anyone with information to come forward.
Early on Wednesday, the revered relic of Saint Mary Magdalene was stolen from the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Cathedral staff discovered the broken reliquary under the sanctuary's crucifix at around 7 a.m. The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, in collaboration with local authorities, is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to the return of the relic. Rev. Diaz stressed its significant religious value and reassured the community of their unwavering commitment to faith and service.