Nation

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.

(RNS) — The three judges have been on the legal world's radar since they appeared in November on a White House list of potential Supreme Court nominees. And they are all "really incredible people in so many different ways, academically and in every other way," according to President Trump.

NASHVILLE (BP) -- Most Americans likely know of Francis Scott Key's passion for the United States, expressed in his writing of the national anthem. Far fewer know he also was a passionate advocate of Sunday School whose leadership in the Sunday School movement helped evangelize the West.

(RNS) — As the summer heat waxes and state legislative sessions wane, the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation has scored a few small but significant victories.

Laws passed in six states during 2017 and 2018, mostly sponsored by legislative prayer caucuses in about 30 states, were inspired by the foundation’s 2017 manual known as Project Blitz, a 116-page guide for state legislators listing 20 model bills that sponsors claim will protect religious liberty.

WASHINGTON (USA Today) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday dealt a major blow to a California law requiring anti-abortion pregnancy centers to inform women about publicly funded abortion and contraception services.