National News
Nebraska bishops urge support for ‘at-birth’ gender identity
The Nebraska Catholic Conference has urged people to support a state proposal that would formalize the current practice of basing high school sports participation on students' sex at birth.
Pharmacists ask Supreme Court for relief on selling contraceptives
Two pharmacists and a family-owned pharmacy want the high court to review a Washington state law that would force pharmacists to sell abortion-inducing contraceptive drugs.
Federal judge says state can cut contract with Planned Parenthood
The judge's ruling in Utah is giving hope for a similar initiative in Ohio. The same judge had earlier blocked a move by Utah's governor to defund the organization.
St. Louis area parishes respond to victims of record flooding
Sacred Heart Church in suburban St. Louis served as a shelter due to flooding on the Mississippi River and throughout the Midwest. It was a lifeline for at least one woman and her elderly disabled mother.
White House strives to clear up misconceptions about religion
At a Washington meeting, members of various religious faiths and churches discussed how to resolve confusion over religion that leads to divisions, religious discrimination and even violence. A rise in incidents targeting Muslim Americans was noted.
Regs force March for Life to change rally venue in D.C.
The Jan. 22 pro-life rally will be held not on the West Front of the Capitol but on the Washington Monument grounds. The head of the Pa. Pro-Life Federation spoke about the goals of the annual event in light of recent news.
Ministry provides free laundry services for the less fortunate
After a Virginia woman secured help from the owner of a laundromat chain and parish volunteers donated time and detergent for 7,000 loads of laundry, poor residents got the help they needed to have clean clothes and dignity.
Catholic Charities settles fears of resettling refugees in Michigan
While most Syrian refugees are women and children, most refugees entering Michigan are Iraqis, joining the 150,000 Chaldean Catholics --the largest community in the country -- in Detroit.
After shooting, Catholics in Minneapolis paving a path to peace
Tensions remain high in the city while the shooting of a black man by a white police officer is under investigation. But conversations about racial disparities are taking place, particularly at a Catholic parish.
Deacon, 92, mugged by assailants who stole Christmas donations
The deacon at an Albuquerque, N.M., parish was assaulted by three men outside the church, where last month thieves stole sacred art from inside. Parishioners bemoan the city's rising crime rate.