Air1 Radio News

Most of us think overdose deaths occur out on dark city streets, but an increasing number happen in America’s quiet suburban homes. “Mainly children,” says Sgt. Daniel Webb, “but there is elderly too that are being affected, that are buying pills online that they think are something else.” Drug cartels have pill presses that mimic the look of Xanax, Adderall even Grandma’s blood pressure medicine. Deadly doses of fentanyl are even showing up in gummies and vape pens. What can we do to stop the flow? Air1's Monika Kelly reports.

A yellow bead for overnight stays in the hospital. A black bead for every needle poke. Colorful glass beads from Beads Of Courage are worn as a visual reminder for brave kids fighting pain or disease. The arts-in-medicine program serves 60,000 children in 400 hospitals in 9 countries. Beads are awarded free of charge, supported by the talents and generosity of local glass artisans. Air1's Jeanice Lee reports.

“We wanted to know more about GenZ,” says Kim Nollan, Dir. of Research and Study at Young Life. The ministry asked people ages 13-24yrs to describe themselves. “The majority of the respondents wrote kind,” Nollan confirms, adding “kindness translates into concern for their neighbor.” Young people put heavy emphasis on relationship. “We just wanna have dinner together and get to know older generations -- and have them get to know us.” Air1's Billie Wright reports.

Your loved one suddenly needs round-the-clock care. “Your whole world can be turned upside down,” says Marvell Adams Jr, CEO of Caregiver Action Network. “I would urge all caregivers to feel okay with reaching out for help,” says Edwin Walker of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Both agencies provide free advice, assistance and friendly ears to those caring for the elderly, sick or disabled among us. Rafael Sierra reports.[Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]

Sending your child off to school can be scary. Will they be safe? Will they be successful? What can a mom do? Moms in Prayer International has prayer groups in all U.S. states and 150 countries. “Our desire, our vision is that every school in the world would be covered in prayer,” says Jennifer Appleton, MIP South Texas State Coordinator. Appleton finds women often form lifelong friendships in the groups. “These women are praying God's promises over our children -- oh my goodness, what that does for a mama's heart!” Felipe Aguilar reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

The Soup Ladies are a faithful group of volunteers trained and certified on incident command. “I just started telling fire departments and police departments that if they were stuck on a scene they could call,” says founder ‘Mama’ Ginger Passarelli. When invited, the ladies feed and comfort weary heroes at crime scenes and natural disasters. “There have been many times where I've handed somebody a bowl of soup… they actually get tears in their eyes.” Lexy Smith reports. [Educational Media Foundation]

“God is still God,” declares Pastor Daryl Black of Grace Family Church in Tampa, Florida. Two weeks after 30-thousand people flooded their Easter service at Buc’s stadium, they counted at least 947 men, women and children who walked into the ocean at Fort De Soto Beach to be baptized. "I baptized so many people that my back was hurtin' when I was done," he laughs. Passersby also responded to the message of salvation in Jesus. “This is crazy,” he says, people in the water, “they were floating by, going ‘what’s happening here? Can we get baptized too?’” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

You’ve seen college students shout and make demands -- but that’s NOT the whole Gen Z story. “I would guess there were a 1,000 students who came forward for salvation,” says ministry founder Tonya Prewett speaking of just one of many recent UniteUS college rallies. Gen Zrs at Auburn University, UGA and Florida State made just one demand -- to be baptized. "A student messaged one of the pastors and said ‘please can I get baptized tonight, I don’t want to wait.’" Prewett led mass baptisms at Auburn University, UGA and Florida State, with plans to visit additional colleges and universities later this year. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Brian ‘Pastor B’ Sederwall is helping transform lives while bringing people closer to Christ. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Gary Bohling volunteers at the Hall of Flame Museum in Phoenix, teaching kindness as a firefighter. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

A stark loneliness can settle in after a cancer diagnosis. “Our vision is a world where cancer is not a solitary experience,” says Stephanie Lieber, Exec. Dir of Imerman Angels. “That is why we are here -- so that you don't have to face this disease alone.” The international network offers free peer-to-peer friendship for any stage. “We match cancer fighters, survivors, pre-vivers and caregivers with someone who's been through something that they have been through.” Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

After his own battle with cancer in his 20s, Phil Zielke launched Phil's Friends to support others through their treatment. His organization provides free, hand-decorated care boxes, and follows up by sending monthly greeting cards every month for a year. The ministry also offers Hope On Call, where a friendly person will listen on the phone and offer prayer to people going through treatment. Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Billie Wright talks with Lt. Enrico Dixon about the Inner-City RCP program which allows teens and police to race RC Monster trucks as a way to build ties within the community in Chicago.

Billie Wright talks with Kevin Tuerff about his 9/11 story and how it inspired him to create the Pay If Forward 9/11 non-profit.

A small meow tugs at a soldier’s lonely heart. A bony pup cowering nearby begs for a bite of ration. U.S. combat vets adopt battlefield pets they must leave when deployment is done. Paws of War runs missions to find the soldier’s beloved cat or dog in countries like Iraq and Syria, Jordan, Kosovo. “We do it, we do it at no cost to our active military members; we get those animals back here and we reunite them.” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2024]

Guide Dogs of the Desert is one of just 14 schools in the U.S. for certified canine companions. Labradors are the main breed, but it specializes in standard poodles, which are hypoallergenic. Dogs are paired with the blind in need at no-charge. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2024]

Billie Wright talks with Chicago's Josh Beaton about his non-profit, Tween Esteem Project.

We’ve heard the chances of staying married are like flipping a coin. Christian author and social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn believed it too. But when she wanted to cite an original source for the 50/50 divorce rate, she was surprised none could be found. After eight years of study, Feldhahn is confident the true divorce rate is currently no greater than 25%. Hear her conversation with Marya Morgan. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]

Pastor David Wheeler’s RevStoration is not only picking up viewers, but is restoring people’s faith in God. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Billie Wright talks with Shannon Joy about utilizing llamas and alpacas for therapy in Ridgefield, Washington. Joy and her mom, Lori, recently paid a visit to Portland International Airport to help passengers with stress.