Health Crisis Hits Ashdod

Ashdod City hospitals were overwhelmed with people seeking relief from an outbreak of unexplained tumors. As of this moment there have been no deaths reported from this outbreak.  Many of the afflicted persons report great discomfort with doing the basic things in life such as sitting and standing. Some men have even taking to wearing veils on their faces because of the disfigurement caused by these tumors.

The chief medical officer  said that this crisis seemed to have started when the soldiers brought back a war trophy from Israel.  The only thing all of these people have in common is that they went to see this trophy. Another well respected doctor countered that speculating that looking at a war trophy caused this medical emergency was just a superstitious piece of mumbo jumbo. Laboratories around the region are racing to find the source of this medical dilemma.  When they find it  the next step would be to develop an effective antidote to this get rid of this plague. In the meantime the numbers continue to grow of people in need of medical attention. The city fathers are deciding if they should close the exhibit of this war trophy down until they determine the source of this outbreak.

In a related story

Rats have invaded the city of Ekron.  The cities of Ashdod and Gath also report that an unusually high number of these vermin have taken up residence in their cities. Scientists and meteorologists tell us that there is an unusual cold air flow from the north. This may account for the rats moving into the cities seeking a warm refuge. Residents are warned to keep all traces of food in stone jars with tight fitting lids. This follows the devastation the rats had on the wheat harvest earlier in the season. One horrified mother stepped into the house to see a rat playing near her baby’s basket.  Parents should keep an eye on their youngsters and these rats do not seem to have a fear of people.

Based on I Samuel Chapters 5 and 6

Half-Beast Half-Man Allegedly Roaming the Palace Grounds

Rumors abound that the king has an exotic creature living on the palace grounds. A servant vacationing with his family let out that he caught a glimpse of a half-man half-beast roaming an outside enclosure near the vegetable garden. As he tried to get a better look a palace guard came by and told him to keep moving. He dared not let us use his name as all members of the palace staff sign confidentiality agreements as a part of their employment contracts. 

King Nebuchadnezzar's  Public Relations Department has denied that there is any such creature on palace grounds.  However rumors persist that a creature resembling a man lives outside in a heavily guarded area. We'll keep  investigating until we get to the truth.


Scriptural reference: Daniel 4:24-37   

All Points Bulletin Issued for Nation’s Former War Hero

In a shocking turn of events an arrest warrant has been issued for David Jesse's son. He is considered armed and dangerous.  The public is warned to not try and apprehend David. He was one of the nation’s war heroes and the former head of the king’s security detail. Palace insiders say that David Jesse’s son turned rogue and is now trying to kill the king. Soldiers have been sent to his home town and other places where he’s been sighted. 

 An anonymous source close to the king reports, that King Saul is perplexed as to why David, also his son-in-law, would try to harm him. Security has been tightened in and around the palace grounds.  Citizens are warned not to approach the subject, but to immediately notify security of any knowledge of David’s whereabouts. He may be traveling alone or with others. Citizens are reminded that withholding useful information from the King about this fugitive is punishable by death.



Text: I Samuel 18:6- 30 I Samuel 20:1 - 3 and 25-33

Prominent Family's Teenage Son's Body Found in the Desert

An air of profound sadness invaded the Jacobson’s family’s compound. News spread quickly of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of one of the members of this close knit family.  Joseph, Jacob’s beloved youngest son, was on an errand for his father. It was reported that his father  sent Joseph to take some provisions for his brothers who were shepherding the herd in Shechem. As he was on his way to see his brothers it appears that a wild, animal, most likely a lion,  struck him down. His devastated older brothers  found his body as they were coming back home from pasturing the sheep.  

They positively identified him by the torn remnants of his colorful designer jacket. As was their custom they buried him before sundown in the spot where they found him.  They are still in shock and grieving.  "They do not want to talk about the incident and are asking for their privacy," said a family friend.  A memorial fund has been set up in Joseph Jacob’s son’s honor.



Based on Text: Genesis 37:12- 34