As voters in 10 states consider abortion-related ballot questions, Catholic bishops have spent millions less on donations to anti-abortion campaigns than in previous years, according to public financial documents. (Westwood and Jenkins, NPR)
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Read MoreThe percentage of U.S. adults not affiliated with a religion has flatlined at 26 percent since 2022 after decades of growth, the American Bible Society (ABS) said in its latest release from the 2024 State of the Bible. (Chandler, Baptist Press)
Read MoreWhile much of southern Lebanon falls under the de facto control of Hezbollah, the ancient valleys here hold a scattering of towns and villages that are predominantly Christian, Druze or Sunni Muslim. None of them have rallied to support Hezbollah. (Cheeseman, The Washington Post)
Read MoreA hopeful and unexpected drop in U.S. drug overdose deaths appears to be gaining speed. Fatal overdoses are down 12.7%, according to data released this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It marks another significant improvement from last month, when surveys showed roughly a 10.6% drop in fatalities from street drugs. (Mann, NPR)
Read MoreWith the one-two punch of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton within two weeks of one another, faith-based disaster groups are getting ready for a long, slow recovery that may take years. “It’s going to take a long time,” said Frank, whose church is working closely with North Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief. Volunteers have already cooked more than 100,000 meals in the church parking lot. (Smietana, Religion News Service)
Read MoreA survey by Iam Roadsmart, a motoring charity, found that 63 percent of those aged 17 to 34 admitted using the horn in a fit of fury, compared to just 42 percent of those aged 70 and over. (Clatworthy, The Times UK)
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