Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a Religious Freedom Restoration Act April 2 that grants state-level protections similar to the federal legislation of the same name, known by its acronym, RFRA.
National News
Pop’s ‘Polish Prince’: Bobby Vinton and His Melodies of Faith
There must be something in the water in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, a small, scenic town 18 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Two of popular music’s most successful and beloved stars were born and raised there — legendary crooner Perry Como on May 15, 1912, and “the Polish Prince,” Bobby Vinton, on April 16, 1935.
Catholics Donate Nearly $50,000 for Emergency Bridge Relief Appeal
Within 24 hours after Archbishop William E. Lori asked Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore to support twin emergency relief funds for those affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, nearly $50,000 was raised in online donations.
Florida Supreme Court Approves Abortion Ballot Measure Sought by Pro-Choice Groups
The Florida Supreme Court on April 1 simultaneously upheld that the state’s Constitution does not protect abortion access and allowed a proposed amendment seeking to do so to qualify for the state’s November ballot.
Baltimore’s Apostleship of the Sea Is Part of Global Church Outreach to Seafarers
After a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore March 26 causing its collapse, news reports mentioned how members of Baltimore’s Apostleship of the Sea had reached out to and cared for the ship’s crew members.
Cardinal Gregory: Biden ‘Sincere’ In His Faith But ‘There Are Things That He Chooses To Ignore’
While President Joe Biden is “very sincere” about his Catholic faith, “there are things that he chooses to ignore,” Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory said in an interview March 31.
Home Run Champion Hank Aaron Conquered Racism to Become An MLB Legend
When Hank Aaron stepped into the batter’s box in the bottom of the 4th inning in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8, 1974, the capacity crowd in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium rose to their feet, anticipating he would break Babe Ruth’s career home run record. Sure enough, on the second pitch of the at-bat Aaron drove a fastball over the fence in left-center field. The stadium erupted. A couple of fans ran onto the field to congratulate Aaron while he rounded the bases. His Atlanta Braves teammates mobbed him at home plate. Soon after, he embraced his parents on the field, as adulation from the fans continued.
No Religious Symbols in White House Easter Egg Contest Follows Tradition
About 40,000 people took part in the April 1 White House Easter egg roll that involved an egg hunt, games, and entertainment as part of a longtime tradition dating back to 1878 when Rutherford Hayes was president.
Three States Enact New Laws Intended to Ensure Religious Freedom Protections
In the past few weeks, Republican governors in Idaho, Utah, and West Virginia signed into law measures designed to grant religious freedom protections in their states.
U.S. Bishops Write in Support of Senate Religious Freedom Resolution
In a letter to multiple U.S. senators, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace chairman expressed his support for a resolution that recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental right and supports it as a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.