RNS Updated Budget — Thursday, July 29, 2021

The state of California has found that the Los Angeles public school district violated federal law with funding cuts for low-income and disadvantaged students who attend Catholic schools. The decision will force the district […]

NEWS STORY
RNS-California-Education: State finds LA public school district kept millions of federal funds from Catholic schools
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The state of California has found that the Los Angeles public school district violated federal law with funding cuts for low-income and disadvantaged students who attend Catholic schools. The decision will force the district to recalculate and likely reinstate millions of dollars to parochial schools run by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. By Alejandra Molina. 535 words. (category: a)

NEWS BRIEF
RNS-Jehovahs-Russia: Three Jehovah’s Witnesses sentenced to six or more years in Russia for their faith
(RNS) — Three Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia were convicted and sentenced for practicing their faith on Thursday, July 29. Vilen Avanesov, 68, was sentenced to six years and his son Arsen Avanesov, 37, and a third defendant, Aleksandr Parkov, 53, were both sentenced to six-and-a-half years. All three men have already spent more than two years in pretrial detention.
By Kathryn Post. 600 words. (category: i) 

NEWS STORY
RNS-AMEZion-Powell: AME Zion leader Staccato Powell removed as bishop after facing financial accusations
(RNS) — A prominent African Methodist Episcopal Zion leader has been removed from the ranks of bishop after being found guilty in a church trial and being accused of mishandling millions of dollars in transactions related to congregations. By Adelle M. Banks. 700 words.


NEWS STORY
RNS-Muslim-Advocates: As Muslim Advocates founder resigns, former staffers allege hostile workplace
(RNS) — The wide-ranging list of allegations include dismissing staff concerns about exceeding legal limits on lobbying by 501(c)(3) nonprofits; screaming at and berating staff “often until they cried and/or quit”; making racist comments about Arab culture; treating staff as personal assistants; policing dress, appearance and personalities of female staff; and more. By Aysha Khan. 1,659 words. (category: a)

NEWS STORY
RNS-Pope-Slovakia: Pope Francis’s visit to Slovakia is met with excitement despite Covid-19 concerns
RNS – While Slovakian citizens eagerly anticipate Pope Francis’ visit in September, the Covid-19 pandemic generates conflicts and challenges for the local church. By Claire Giangravè. 800 words. (category i)

NEWS STORY
RNS-Sikh-Soldiers: Sikh soldiers campaign for right to Wear turban, beards
(RNS) — As a Sikh war hero is laid to rest Thursday in Arlington National Cemetery a decade after he died fighting in Afghanistan, its worth noting Sikhs are still prohibited from wearing turbans and beards in much of the U.S. armed forces. Though the Army and Air Force have made accommodation for Sikh soldiers to wear turbans and beards, other U.S. armed services have yet to issue new regulations.  By Joseph Hammond. 830 words. (category: a)

COMMENTARY
RNS-Jensen-Oped: Can the LDS talk honestly about polygamy? A new book could help.
(RNS) — Today most of us own that polygamy was practiced by church members before it was outlawed in Utah in 1890. We should also be able to admit that its theological framework is still found in the church in many places. Talking about it shouldn’t be discouraged. By Emily W. Jensen. 898 words. (category: k)

COMMENTARY
RNS-Shafran-Oped: Alta Fixsler, 2-year-old on life support, has a visa to come to US for treatment. Will UK court let her go?
(RNS) — Judaism teaches that all human life is invaluable and that newborns, including severely compromised children like Alta and the incapacitated and unresponsive elderly, are no less worthy of life and care than any healthy and active person. The case, reduced to its essence, pits current medical opinion against Alta’s parents’ Hasidic Jewish faith. By Avi Shafran. 888 words. (category: k)