National News
No summer break on debating Common Core standards for schools
The love-them-or-hate-them standards for schools have raised fears among people that Common Core will require Catholic schools or homeschoolers to use materials that go against Catholic teaching. The U.S. bishops offered guidance on whether to accept or reject the standards.
Federal judge rules California’s death penalty system unconstitutional
SANTA ANA, Calif. (CNS) -- A federal judge ruled July 16 that California's "dysfunctional administration" of the state's death penalty system has resulted in "inordinate and unpredictable" delays, rendering the system cruel and unusual punishment, and as such it is unconstitutional.
Priest play-by-play announcer knows well the all-time leader in saves
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (CNS) -- It's Iowa, not heaven, but Father Craig Collison's hobby as a baseball announcer coincides with his priestly ministry in evangelization. Many times, "a coach, a player, a parent, a fan, has pulled me aside to talk about a problem, ask a question they've been wondering about, or even hear their confession," he said.
Bill that would overturn any restrictions on abortion termed ‘radical’
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A Senate bill that would make it unlawful to restrict abortion services or the facilities that provide them is "the most radical pro-abortion bill ever considered by Congress," said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life.
Votes fall short to move Senate bill forward in response to Hobby Lobby
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Senate July 16 voted to block consideration of a bill aimed at reversing the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby and forcing businesses to provide contraceptive coverage for employees even if they object to it on religious grounds.
Catholic groups offer ways to help unaccompanied minor migrants
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- After six weeks of reporting on the influx of more than 57,000 children and 39,000 families since October crossing the U.S. border from Central America and no quick solutions for what will happen to them, many people are asking their churches and dioceses what they can do to help.
Advocates urge actions to protect migrant children crossing the border
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Petitions and letters to members of Congress and the Obama administration are among the measures being pursued by advocates urging humane treatment of the Central American children who are trying to migrate to the United States.
Knights of Columbus pledges $1.4 million to Special Olympics
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- The Knights of Columbus has pledged $1.4 million to help cover costs for next year's Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
Full effects of Hobby Lobby ruling yet to be seen
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Supreme Court's ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby was barely out of the clerk's box June 30 before pundits were staking out claims about what the decision means. About 50 federal court cases hinge on how the ruling is applied, and another 50 or so raise questions about how nonprofit organizations must comply with the Affordable Care Act.
With friends’ help, singer with Parkinson’s still able to make music
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Grace Griffith, a vocalist who has had Parkinson's disease since 1996, announced in 2003 that she was making her swan song from the stage.