Nation

By some estimates, the increased standard deduction in 2018 may mean that as many as 95 percent of Americans will claim the standard deduction rather than itemize when they file their federal income taxes.

DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — On top of all the state and federal disaster relief groups readying for Hurricane Florence as it barrels toward North and South Carolina are a group of expert helpers: the faith teams.

U.S. food insecurity declined again in 2017, yet millions of households remain food insecure, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report released Sept. 5.

CINCINNATI (BP) -- A shooting rampage in Cincinnati that left four dead and two others injured on Thursday (Sept. 6) led a city councilman to request aid from the community. Within minutes Cincinnati Baptists began responding.

WASHINGTON (RNS) — The White House hosted a dinner Monday night (Aug. 27) for about 100 evangelical Christian leaders and senior-level officials, honoring evangelicals, as one participant explained, “for all the good work they do.”

HILO, Hawaii (BP) -- Though Hurricane Lane dumped more than four feet of rain on some parts of Hawaii, the state's Baptists say the storm will be remembered for God's protection far more than destruction or injury.

(RNS) — Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war who embraced patriotism loudly and religion quietly, died Saturday (Aug. 25) at the age of 81.

Volunteering and other hands-on ways of helping others are more likely to be seen as generous actions by U.S. adults over financial contributions, according to a Barna Group report released Aug. 21.

WASHINGTON (RNS) — In an unsealed affidavit this week charging 29-year-old Mariia Butina with “conspiracy to act as an agent of the Russian Federation” was buried a peculiar detail: Butina, a Russian citizen living in the U.S., allegedly sought to influence U.S. officials not only through organizations such as the National Rifle Association, but also by exploiting the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event in Washington, D.C.

(RNS) — President Trump has nominated U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be his Supreme Court nominee to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, setting the stage for a heated confirmation battle that will likely focus on his views regarding both law and religion.