5 killed after a train and a van collide in a train crossing in rural Mississippi

WIGGINS, Miss. (AP) — Five people were killed when a train and van collided in rural Mississippi, authorities said Friday.

All five killed were in the van, Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry said. The lone surviving van passenger, a 23-year-old woman, was flown to a hospital, Flurry said. No one aboard the train was reported injured.

The crash occurred when a Canadian Pacific Kansas City freight train collided with a vehicle in a crossing, the railroad said in a statement. The location was near the town of Wiggins about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of Biloxi.

Advertisement

The Stone County Sheriff's Office was investigating the crash, the company said.

"Our most sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims of this tragedy," the railroad company said.

The driver of the van, Ryan C. Peterson, 26, and the front seat passenger, Kristina Carver, 45, were among those killed, Flurry said. Two of Carver's daughters also died, 22-year-old Emley Chamblee and 20-year-old Sarabeth Chamblee, as did 23-year-old Demarcus Perkins.

byAlpha World

in

March 28, 2026

5 killed after a train and a van collide in a train crossing in rural Mississippi

WIGGINS, Miss. (AP) — Five people were killed when a train and van collided in rural Mississippi, authorities said Friday...

Read More

Report card on America at its 250th birthday: How have we changed?

As the nation approaches its250th anniversary, its population is larger and significantly older, more racially and ethnically diverse and likelier to be foreign-born than it was at the time of the nation'sbicentennial, according to a report compiled by the Pew Research Center.

The U.S. population has grown to 340 million over the past 50 years, an increase of more than 120 million people, the center said. Much of that growth, it said, has been driven by immigrants, longer life spans, and an increase in Asian andHispanic Americans.

As the 1970s got underway, theBaby Boom generationwas still between 6 and 24 years old, noted Ken Johnson, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire not connected to the report.

"It was the first generation where many women went to college," Johnson said. "Older generations were relatively small, having been born during the war and Great Depression. And immigration was picking up, but it had been modest for decades before."

The Baby Boom generation was the first to have many women with higher education, Johnson said. The resulting opportunities led many women to marry later and have fewer children, patterns that would endure in later generations.

That bears out in thePew analysisof U.S. Census data, which shows Americans today less likely to be married and women more likely to have college degrees.

However, economic gaps have widened, the center said, despite many people being better off financially than they were a half-century ago.

With the Baby Boom cohort now ranging from 62 to 80 years old, the share of Americans aged 65 or older has nearly doubled from 10% to 18%, the center said. While the nation's median age has risen across racial and ethnic groups, the increase is sharpest among White Americans (from 30 to 45 years old) and Black Americans (from 21 to 36 years old).

Immigrants carve out a niche

Since 1970, the center said, non-Hispanic White Americans have formed an increasingly smaller share of the U.S. population, falling from 83.5% to 56.3%. Meanwhile, Asian Americans have climbed from less than 1% to 6% today, while Hispanics, just 4.4% of the population in 1970, now comprise 20%.

The share of foreign-born people in the U.S. has more than tripled since 1970, rising from an all-time low of 4.7% to 14.8% in 2024, the center said. The numbers are highest among Asian and Hispanic Americans and most concentrated in the West and Northeast United States.

Johnson noted that White Americans are largely older and no longer having children, while many immigrants are of younger, childbearing age with above-average fertility rates.

"The diversity of the U.S. population is greatest for young children and least for the oldest part of the population," he said.

Census Bureau datareleased this week shows immigration has slowed throughout the country, with nine out of 10 U.S. counties experiencing lower immigration levels between July 2024 and July 2025 compared to the year before.

Meanwhile, the Pew Center analysis found America's population has shifted geographically as well, moving toward Southern and Western states.

Advertisement

In 1970, it said, less than half of the U.S. population lived in the American South (31%) and West (17%). Today, more than six in ten people live in the Sunbelt, with White Americans comprising about half or less of the population there.

Division over diversity's benefits

The center said Americans largely view the nation's racial and ethnic diversity, and efforts to promote it in the workplace, as positive. However, it found Americans divided along racial, ethnic and party lines about its impact on American culture and about DEI efforts on a fair society.

The Pew Center gauged those sentiments late last year and released thesurvey resultsin conjunction with its half-century analysis.

Three-quarters of U.S. adults – including 86% of Democrats and 66% of Republicans – view racial and ethnic diversity as good for the country, the center said.

While 62% of the nearly 14,000 respondents surveyed in late 2025 said diversity positively American culture, they were sharply divided among party lines: Just 45% of Republicans said diversity had a positive impact, compared to 82% of Democrats.

Nearly two-thirds said it was very or somewhat important for U.S. companies and organizations to promote diversity, down from 75% in a Pew survey conducted in 2019. With the share of Democrats edging up a point to 87%, the decline was mostly among Republicans: Just 40% of Republicans said such efforts were important, compared to 61% in 2019.

Likewise, Americans were divided on whether such efforts lead to a fairer society: While 65% of Democrats say diversity efforts have made society fairer, just 18% of Republicans felt the same.

Respondents broke along racial and ethnic lines as well. Only 38% of White adults said diversity efforts in workplaces and schools have made society fairer, compared to 53% of Black adults, 48% of Asian adults and 46% of Hispanic adults.

America's altered households

The American family has changed substantially in the last half-century, the center said. Americans now marry and have children later in life than they once did, and while U.S. women averaged about three children in 1970, the number has hovered closer to two over the last several decades.

About half of American adults are married today, down from 69% in 1970, with the decline steeper for adults without a four-year college degree. While the portion of adults aged 50 and older who have never been married has risen from 7% to 10%, the share has tripled for Black adults, from 7% to 21%.

Children in the U.S. are much less likely to live with two married parents than they were a half-century ago, the center said, with the share falling from 82% to 63%. The decline has taken place across racial and ethnic groups – except for households headed by Asian adults, which fell only slightly from 87% to 83%.

Meanwhile, 22% of Americans now live in multigenerational households, the center said, compared to 13% in 1970. The increase has been highest among Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans, climbing to 30% for those groups compared to 16% for White Americans.

"A lot of Asian Americans still live in high-cost housing markets," said Melany de la Cruz-Viesca, deputy director of the Asian American Studies Center at the University of California Los Angeles. "If they live in California or New York, it's more likely they feel comfortable living together. There's a lot of stigma around risky spending, and a belief that it's better to save and not be in debt than to be on your own."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Report card on America at its 250th birthday: How have we changed?

byAlpha World

in

March 28, 2026

Report card on America at its 250th birthday: How have we changed?

As the nation approaches its250th anniversary, its population is larger and significantly older, more racially and ethnic...

Read More

Tennis Stars' Sizzling Style Brought the Heat to the 2026 Miami Open (See the Fire 'Fits!)

The ATP stars made a splash with their stylish outfits upon their arrivals at the 2026 Miami Open

NEED TO KNOW

• The players stepped out in diverse designer looks for their pre-match tunnel walks at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida

• The prestigious tennis tournament runs from March 15 to March 29

The only thing that rivals the hot, Florida sun is the fire 'fits worn by the ATP players who arrived to Hard Rock Stadium to compete in the2026 Miami Openthroughout its two-week stretch, which kicked off on Sunday, March 15, and wraps with finals on Sunday, March 29.

Flavio Cobolli, Gabriel Diallo, Yunchaokete Bu and more men's tennis stars rocked diverse looks for their fashion-forward entrances to the sports scene as they made their way inside the arena before changing into their athletic apparel to play.

With the Sunshine State's high temps and often-humid climate, many of the players opted for outfits made of lighter materials and short-sleeve designs to combat the heat. Others, however, stuck to sophisticated suits — and even a leather jacket! — for their palm tree-lined tunnel walks.

Some of the players' outfits had special significance behind their looks. For example, Zizou Bergs of Belgium paid tribute to the tournament's venue by wearing a designer Miami Heat shirt in support of the NBA team that plays in the tennis event's host city.

Now, scroll on to see a roundup of the ATP star's spiffed-up, pre-court clothes at the 2026 Miami Open!

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Zizou Bergs

The high temps in Miami might have been hot, but Bergs' pre-match outfit was the epitome of cool. The Belgian tennis pro arrived to the sports scene in a black leather jacket by Golden Goose, leaving it unzipped to flash his shirt that was very fitting of the host city: a Miami Heat graphic tee from the NBA team's collab with Kith.

Gabriel Diallo

Diallo, 24, served effortless style with a light, airy ensemble appropriate for his tropical, palm-tree filled surroundings as he made his way to the locker rooms ahead of his match. The Canadian player wore entirely Golden Goose, including a button-down shirt with striped detailing on the collar and sleeves and khaki cargo pants. He completed his outfit with brown boat shoes and a gold cross necklace.

Advertisement

Frances Tiafoe

The Florida sun was no threat to Tiafoe, 28, who covered up in a lightweight Hermes set complete with a tan jacket layered over a Lululemon white T-shirt that he tucked into his coordinating tan pants. He tied his outfit together with Hermes shoes and Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses to top it off.

Related:Carlos Alcaraz Keeps His Promise by Debuting New Leg Tattoo After Australian Open Win

Taylor Fritz

Fritz, 28, rolled up to the Miami Open like a boss, wearing entirely BOSS for a sophisticated, yet casually-cool look. The ATP star arrived in a grey suit by the German designer, layering the jacket over a white dress shirt that he left unbuttoned to reveal a simple white top underneath. He paired it with black loafers and sported a Rolex watch.

Flavio Cobolli

Looking cool comes naturally to Cobolli, 23, who arrived to Hard Rock Stadium in a crisp white suit by Brunello Cucinelli. The double-breasted jacket was worn mostly fastened except for the top button, revealing a clean white shirt beneath, and finished with a Bianchet timepiece.

Related:Serving Looks! Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and More Tennis Stars Ace Style at Indian Wells

Yunchaokete Bu

As a top-tier player with a complex game, Bu, 24, kept his outfit simple with a white short-sleeve polo from Burberry. The top was complete with a collar and embellished with an emblem on the upper-left corner of the shirt. He accessorized with a black watch.

Read the original article onPeople

byAlpha World

in

March 28, 2026

Tennis Stars' Sizzling Style Brought the Heat to the 2026 Miami Open (See the Fire 'Fits!)

The ATP stars made a splash with their stylish outfits upon their arrivals at the 2026 Miami Open NEED TO KNOW ...

Read More

TCU's special practice jerseys serve as rallying cry during March Madness

SACRAMENTO, CA —TCU women's basketballhead coach Mark Campbell is always looking for something to give his team an extra edge.

"I try to always find something that's a rallying cry, but that's not a gimmick. Something that will resonate with who they are and their maturity level," he told USA TODAY Sports. "I was in the office late at night when it just clicked."

Campbell came up with the idea of matching practice jerseys that have the No. 40 on the front and back. The number symbolizes that "the only thing we're promised right now is 40 more minutes of basketball," he said.

Campbell sat on the idea for a while and thoughtTCU's Big 12 Tournament final loss to West Virginiaon March 8 marked the perfect time to bring them out.

His team instantly bought into the message. ForwardMarta Suarezconfirmed the No. 40 practice jerseys made the journey with the team from Fort Worth, Texas to Sacramento, California for TCU's Sweet 16 matchup against No. 10 Virginia.

"They're here to stay," Campbell added. "We'll wear those all the way to the finish line. Hopefully we get another couple of weeks with them. ... This group wants to win and this group has big goals in March."

The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness Second Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See women's March Madness 2026, from mascots and fans to celebrities

The Alabama bench celebrate after a big three-point shot by Alabama Crimson Tide guard Karly Weathers (22) in the fourth quarter against Louisville during the2026 NCAA Women's March MadnessSecond Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Ky. Weathers finished with 13 points. March 23, 2026.

Putting together a full 40 minutes of basketball has been a goal for the team long before the Horned Frogs earned the No. 3 seed in the Women's NCAA Tournament. It's a priority Campbell impressed on his team back in June when they first met 10 months ago.

"We have been preaching and talking about putting 40 minutes together, but that's part of our process to get all these new players to understand that," Campbell said, referring to the team's 10 transfer students, including guard Olivia Miles, an All-American candidate. But focus naturally tends to wane during a lengthy 10-month long season. It's only human nature, especially for a team as talented as TCU.

"They're so gifted as a group. … In some ways this season has come easy to them," said Campbell, whose team compiled its second-consecutive 30+ win season. "But March isn't easy. And so I just felt it was the right time, the right message for this team."

Advertisement

TCU instantly responded with one of their best performances of the year in theirfirst-round win over No. 14 UC San Diego. TCU shot 49% from the field and 13-of-26 from the 3-point line. Miles had a 13-point, 16-rebound and 14-assist triple-double and a total of five players finished in double digits.

"We have seven seniors, so that's like half of our team. We understand, like I said, the sense of urgency we have to play with," Miles said after the March 20 victory. "We haven't put together a full 40 minutes of TCU basketball this season. Even though Mark (Campbell) may say we did today, I do think there's a whole other level we can get to. I'm just proud of our effort. When we play with that sort of effort and that sort of camaraderie and chemistry, it's hard to stop us on both ends of the floor."

TCU's second-round overtime win over Washington, however, was far from the Horned Frogs' best effort. TCU was held to 19 points in the first half and overcame a 10-point deficit to advance to theSweet 16for the second consecutive season. The two wins were on the different ends of the spectrum for TCU, but Suarez said both games reflect their gritty character.

"The first round was a game where everybody got touches. We moved the ball. I think it was a great version of ourselves, so we know we got that," Suarez said. "And I think the second round just gave us that, 'Hey, we pulled it off.' There's going to be ugly games. This is March. There's nothing going to be easy. Adversity happens, teams are fighting. It's going to be ugly sometimes. And we pulled it off and we did it in front of a great crowd."

Heading intoSaturday's matchup against No. 10 Virginia– the lone double-digit seed remaining and the first team to advance from the First Four to the Sweet 16 – Suarez said the sky is the limit for TCU.

"We understand who we are, the potential that we have, the talent that we have, and we also understand that in March in these games, that's not just it," Marta Suarez said. "We need to be able to figure out how to put 40 minutes together, but if we do that, we have the potential to do whatever we want to do."

Campbell said he's "just excited we get another 40 minutes to compete together."

Reach USA TODAY National Women's Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at@CydHenderson.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:TCU using 40 practice jerseys during NCAA tournament run to Sweet 16

byAlpha World

in

March 28, 2026

TCU's special practice jerseys serve as rallying cry during March Madness

SACRAMENTO, CA —TCU women's basketballhead coach Mark Campbell is always looking for something to give his team an ex...

Read More

God and Bitcoin: Why some Christians are going all in on cryptocurrency

Todd and Janet Gatewood launched their Nashville-based radio show "God, Freedom and Bitcoin" in January, blending their passion for cryptocurrency with their strong faith.

Thenthe market crashed.At roughly $69,000 on Thursday, the price of the cryptocurrency is down by 45%, struggling to recover and nowhere nearthe $126,000 highit reached in October.

But the couple sees the slide as a blessing.

Janet, a realtor in the Nashville area, told her husband and a guest appearing on a Feb. 9 show that she hoped to close on more houses, so she could buy bitcoin at a lower price.

"This is what we call 'on sale,'" she said. "Buy the dip. If you've ever heard anything in the bitcoin space, this is when you want to buy."

The Gatewoods are among a diverse group of Christian financial influencers, entrepreneurs and even pastors working to pitch the faithful on digital currencies. Their positions vary — some are bitcoin hardliners. Others dabble in meme coins — crypto assets that are quickly spun up and traded around memes and cultural moments.

During this time of volatility, some of the Christian investors who are following them are doubling down.

"It's not phasing me at all," said Alicia Tappin, 55, who has purchased bitcoin during the dip. "I'm not emotionally tied to it right now — if I was I would be a wreck."

Tappin said she follows updates from a Christian businesswoman named Michelle Renee, whose firm charges $499 a year for a VIP membership which provides access to webinars, its "cryptocurrency watchlist" and a Telegram chat.

But some Christian finance influencers have faced backlash and scrutiny for their takes and predictions, as the market, once peaking under an industry-friendly White House, now flails.

Viewers have recently challenged the optimistic outlook of Jebb McAfee, a YouTuber whose Crypto Jebb channel has 248,000 subscribers. The 25-year-old describes himself as "a Christian who loves bitcoin and promotes financial sovereignty."

"Not everyone can make a $100 million, but everyone can make a couple of million dollars," McAfee said in amid-February videoencouraging viewers to subscribe. "My dream is for all of you to have peace."

"You were wrong about everything, why follow you now," a viewer posted.

"Only tell u to buy but never when to sell," another complained. "It should be illegal for all of these hacks to be in here running their mouths."

McAfee's team told NBC News he wasn't available for an interview.

From churches now allowing congregants to tithe with digital coins to blogs promoting bitcoin as biblically sound, there's an emerging Christian crypto subculture.

President Donald Trump, who carried the Evangelical vote in 2024, has promoted crypto. As did the nondenominational Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, who announced the launch of his own crypto coin after praying at Trump's inauguration. (Although he has promoted it, Sewell said he doesn't know who created the coin.)

"Whether we understand it, whether we like it or not," Sewell said, "it's an investment trend."

Christians are buying into cryptocurrency for different reasons. The Gatewoods have framed it as a path toward a better work and faith-life balance that moves away from phones that ring constantly. ("They don't even respect Sunday mornings," Janet lamented on a recent show). Some cite end-times beliefs and interpretations of biblical prophecies as part of their interest. Others see a need for a covert way to support missionaries. And others simply see crypto as a way to build wealth and devote more time to worship.

But some observers fear the enthusiasm is ripe for financial abuse. In Colorado, prosecutors said investors lost more than $3 million after a pastor sold them a cryptocurrency he created and improperly kept at least $1.3 million of their funds for himself.

"Religious communities are often vulnerable to fraud because they are bound together by these networks of trust," said Professor William Schultz, who teaches at the University of Chicago's Divinity School. "I think our defenses are often lowered when there is someone who speaks our language, who in some cases dresses the same way we do — professes the same beliefs."

While there's not a definitive survey on the reach of crypto in Christian circles, there are indicators of growing interest. There's at least one nonprofit, Thank God for Bitcoin, dedicated to educating Christians and churches about the digital asset. Its annual conference has almost doubled in size since its first gathering in 2022. More dispersed are individuals like the Gatewoods, who independently share information about cryptocurrency (they're quick not to label it financial advice) on social media or in person.

Jimmy Song, another prominent figure in the Christian bitcoiner space, has more than 354,000 followers on X.

LikeMcAfee, Song has also stuck by the asset even as it's fallen.

"If you can't hold at $75,000, you don't deserve it at $1,000,000," Song posted on X in January, referring to the decision to hang on to bitcoin during downturns.

Even with the volatility, crypto backers argue it has advantages over traditional currency. Song, a bitcoin developer and a co-author of "Thank God for Bitcoin," said that the increased cost of living has led some Christians to question what's behind rising prices. For believers who share his conclusion that expanding the money supply is part of the problem, he said, bitcoin is appealing.

"They're happy that bitcoin exists," he said. "That they have a way to opt out of all the inflation and all of the shenanigans of the Federal Reserve, and the weird government spending."

When crypto enters the pulpit

The embrace of cryptocurrencies by some church leaders has not been without its controversies.

When Sewell pitched his own meme coin,the backlash on social mediawas swift.

"I enjoyed your prayer at the inauguration more than I can express," one commenter wrote on X. "But somehow … I don't think Jesus would approve of this."

Sewell acknowledged there's disapproval and that some investors lost money. Like most meme coins, his quickly lost value. But he defended his promotion, saying that he'd used profits to support children aging out of foster care.

"There's a difference between creating wealth and scamming people," Sewell said. "I capitalized on someone using my name, that's what happened."

There's long been a sensitivity to intertwining the divine and money-making ventures.

For decades, prominent televangelists have been accused of exploiting their followers with a message known as the "Prosperity Gospel." Sermons implying that listeners may obtain blessings through giving have long drawn condemnation.

Adherents who believe God wants them to prosper are often drawn to entrepreneurial pursuits, according to Leah Payne, a professor of American religious history at Portland Seminary.

"There's been an idea that God can and does work through the marketplace," she said.

Payne said religious subcultures have long embraced entrepreneurial pitches framed as mission-driven or values-driven, from direct-sales companies like Mary Kay to newer online ventures.

One of the biggest draws of crypto for believers and nonbelievers alike — the lack of regulation — carries its own drawbacks.

In Colorado, Eli Regalado, the pastor of an online church, is expected to go to trial this year over an alleged crypto scheme. Prosecutors say he and his wife used Bible verses and prayers to market a coin with "zero value" as a divine venture promising "abundance" and "blessings." Representatives for Regalado did not respond to requests for comment, and an attorney for his wife denied wrongdoing.

Many Christian cryptocurrency enthusiasts have been quick to distinguish their own promotion of bitcoin, the world's first and most popular digital cryptocurrency, from scams and other more far-flung cryptocurrencies.

Jordan Bush, the founder of Thank God for Bitcoin, says the organization has turned down several offers to promote certain crypto projects and sponsorships.

No one should expect to hear him say God told him to launch a coin, he said.

"If you ever hear me say something like this, you know I'm being threatened with my life," Bush said.

A new Bitcoin politics

As President Trump has embraced crypto and bitcoin, launching his own meme coin, and rejected the Biden administration's previous crackdown, synergies have begun to form between culture warriors and crypto enthusiasts.

Advertisement

In addition to Trump's inauguration pastor, conservative stakeholders have encouraged companies to invest in bitcoin. The issue has also come up in state legislatures. Last year, Dusty Deevers, a right-wing firebrand known for trying to ban no-fault divorce, introduced legislation that would allow government employees to be paid in bitcoin.

And about 88 miles outside of Nashville, Tennessee, a Christian real estate developer has been promoting the creation of a new "bitcoin hub."

The developer, Josh Abbotoy of RidgeRunner, said the Highland Rim Project with land in four counties spanning Tennessee and Kentucky appeals to homebuyers at a time when families leaving New York and California are seeking a slower pace, and "a traditional Bible Belt feel."

Incoming businesses have been encouraged to accept bitcoin, he said.

Part of the draw for religious folk, he believes, stems from fears of being de-banked. In recent years, some conservativeshave allegedthey've been barred from banking services because of their political beliefs.

"They don't like the feeling that their ability to transact and operate is kind of subject to the whims of a financial institution that may or may not align with their viewpoints," Abbotoy said.

He said 10 years from now, he sees businesses in the enclave opening and accepting bitcoin for payment.

The Highland Rim development has stirred up controversy and concern by appealing to the far-right: Two of its most high-profile residents have beendescribed as Christian nationalistsin local media. Their remarks about immigrants, the Civil Rights Movement and gender roles haveled to backlash in the area.

For some Christians who got into crypto before Trump came around, the president's embrace has been welcomed.

Janet Gatewood and her husband, Todd, said they both started learning more about bitcoin after the latter heard about it on a podcast in 2021.

On the radio show, the couple doesn't shy away from their views that bitcoin can be a path for getting more involved in church and politics. On a recent show, Gatewood expressed support for the SAVE Act. Both voted for Trump.

"He is a business president," she said. "Is he perfect? No. Is anyone perfect?"

Christian voters, and in particular white Evangelical voters, are a critical part of Trump's tent. He has described himself as the crypto president and courted bipartisan criticism with the launch of $TRUMP meme coins at the beginning of his second term. Several Christian investors told NBC News they disapproved of the move.

Gatewood, the greater Nashville-based realtor, has given talks about bitcoin to a Christian private school and Catholic priests. One of her goals is to help churches establish a strategic reserve for bitcoin, she said.

At least one nonprofit, the Magnalia Foundation started by an ordained Presbyterian Minister Tim Fox, is also dedicated to this effort. Fox, based in Texas, has spent the past year and a half advising churches on bitcoin.

It may be that congregants beat them to the punch. Fox said that most inquiries he receives from churches start when someone makes a crypto donation.

As a precaution, Fox said his group tells churches not to put funds into bitcoin that they might need to withdraw within 4 to 5 years.

'Sensitive to the spirit'

As bitcoin continues to tumble from its highs, many investors are uncertain, but that hasn't deterred many of the faithful crypto fans.

For Dorothy Hill, who at 72 is just learning about cryptocurrency, the plunge has seemed like an opportunity. Hill said she prays over her financial decisions and takes "comfort" in what she sees as God's interest in even the smallest details of one's life.

Last year, she attended Michelle Renee's crypto workshop at a church in Chicago. In the days leading up to the event, bitcoin's value dropped from highs above $120,000 to below $100,000. During the class, Renee didn't explicitly dwell on the price drop, instead choosing to emphasize the highs. But she told the room they should get excited about dips, which she sees as a time to buy.

"We like when the markets are red," Renee, the founder and CEO of In40rmative Services, said. "We like when they say, 'the world is coming down on our heads."

At the start of the session, attendees were encouraged by an emcee to say, "This money is mine." Taking the stage in a dress monogrammed with her company's initials, Renee told the room that God had healed her from a stroke at 19, so that she could help other people financially.

"My destiny is to lead God's people to the wealth," she said. Sitting at the beginner's table, Hill took note. The retired bank worker and grandmother left with a plan to purchase bitcoin.

"I don't want it to start climbing back up and I miss that climb," she later told NBC News. For Hill, the possibility of crypto leading to wealth piqued her interest.

"I'm not going hungry, but there are more things I want to do," she said. She mentioned traveling with her husband to Singapore and substitute-teaching to give back as some of the ways she wanted to spend her days.

She prayed and some time later a church member told her about Renee, she said.

"I'm just kind of being sensitive to the spirit," Hill said. "I don't think it was just me going out on my own. I have to trust God and pray about it."

Months later, with bitcoin's price below $70,000, she said she hadn't yet made a purchase, having watched the market tumble and controversy swirl around the Trump family's crypto projects. In the meantime, she's kept learning and has set aside funds for when she's ready to begin.

"I'm only going to invest what I can lose," Hill said.

While American churches have been fast to adopt new technology, it's still the case that most Americans don't own any cryptocurrency. Dave Ramsey, one of the most prominent Christian financial experts in the country, remains skeptical.

Churchgoers in the 2000s may remember a time when small groups met up for Ramsey's Financial Peace University in hopes of achieving a debt-free life. Some houses of worship helped congregants cover fees for the class.

In his radio show, Ramsey has equated buying crypto to investing in Beanie Babies.

When a caller struggling with debt said God was the reason she'd invested in crypto, Ramsey seemed in disbelief.

"It might have been a spirit, but it wasn't the holy one," Ramsey scolded.

For decades, Ramsey, who'sknown for framing personal decisions as the root of most financial troubles,has promoted investments in mutual funds like 401(k)s, prioritizing building up an emergency fund and a strict debt pay off schedule.

Others have warned that cryptocurrency poses something spiritually worse than a financial risk. On TikTok and YouTube, videos are dedicated to the question of whether crypto could be a sign of the Anti-Christ.

Gatewood acknowledged that some Christians "are afraid of bitcoin. They think it's the mark of the beast," she said.

"That's OK," she said. "We were scared when we first heard about it. We thought it was a scam."

Faith amid the dip

While some churchgoers puzzle over what to make of crypto, Renee has found that at least one pulpit is welcoming.

"I think I was attracted because of her faith," Tappin said. "Because of my faith, I believe God has put me in this space with her. It's up to me to put in the work."

Tappin initially heard Renee speak at a conference in 2021. She started buying Ethereum, but said she lost hundreds after her digital wallet was hacked. Ready to give cryptocurrency another chance, she started attending Renee's workshops again last year.

During one of the day's breaks, Tappin won a gift bag, including a flat iron, after answering a question correctly. One attendee, who won a silver coin, remarked that she would have preferred the straightener.

In the months since, Tappin has been busy purchasing bitcoin during the dip, even as bitcoin's price slid into the 60s.

For Tappin, who wonders what her crypto portfolio might have looked like if she hadn't taken a break from investing, now's not the time to pause. "Talk to me in 2028," Tappin said. "I'll let you know how it went."

byAlpha World

in

March 28, 2026

God and Bitcoin: Why some Christians are going all in on cryptocurrency

Todd and Janet Gatewood launched their Nashville-based radio show "God, Freedom and Bitcoin" in January, blendi...

Read More