CultNEWS101 Articles: 1/30/2026
Patrick Ryan
"In this episode, Rachel Bernstein sits down with Matthew Facciani, a researcher at the University of Notre Dame whose work focuses on misinformation, media literacy, social networks, and political polarization." Matthew discusses why people fall for misinformation, how identities and networks influence our belief systems, and the importance of critical media literacy. He also shares insights from his new book, 'Misguided,' and provides strategies to improve our media consumption habits. The episode emphasizes the need to find common ground in dialogue and the importance of being aware of conflict entrepreneurs who profit from societal division."
"A joint investigation team (JIT) probing alleged collusion between the Unification Church and political circles recently questioned A, a close associate of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja, according to legal sources.According to the legal community on the 16th, the JIT summoned A for questioning as a reference person. A had previously worked in the late chairman’s secretariat and was known as the “vault keeper” who managed Han’s personal safe.
The JIT reportedly investigated whether political figures accused of lobbying visited Cheon Jeong Gung and whether a lump sum of 28 billion Korean won stored in Han’s personal safe was used as lobbying funds.
A JIT official stated, “The JIT has taken over the Unification Church case previously handled by the National Police Agency’s National Office of Investigation and continues to investigate Unification Church affiliates.” The JIT also conducted a search and seizure operation on the 13th around the Cheonwon Complex in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, and at Unification Church affiliates.
"She was given the pseudonym XC, by a court, to protect her identity. And she’s never spoken publicly about her experience. But the court documents from her case against Ken Dyers reveal a harrowing set of allegations.
At 14, she says Dyers, the leader of the performing arts and social organisation, Kenja, sexually abused her. She alleges that nine other members of his organisation – all but one of them, women – helped him do it. Dyers was in his early 80s at the time."
"...Investigations reporter Harriet Alexander discusses why Kenja – which police have called a cult – is still operating in cities across Australia."
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