July 2011 Headlines

Pastor's 'Soul Winning' Legacy Lives on in Family

It's been called a story of a life well lived -- how one man's decision to live for the Lord transformed his family and millions of people around the world.

Movie Reviews: 'Cowboys and Aliens,' 'Smurfs'

Three new movies are set to premiere this weekend, including the sci-fi western action film "Cowboys and Aliens," "The Smurfs," and Steve Carell's new romantic comedy titled "Crazy, Stupid, Love."

Bush to be in NYC to Mark 10th Anniversary of 9/11

No speeches will be given during the planned ceremony at the World Trade Center site to mark the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Self-Described 'Brain Dead Liberal' Wakes Up

He's one of the most famous playwrights, directors, and as he puts it, former "brain-dead liberals." David Mamet used to champion liberal values. But he's changed his mind.

Pastor Thanks God for 'Hot Wife,' Goodyear Tires

Pastor Joe Nelms' NASCAR prayer started with a fairly traditional, "Heavenly Father, we thank you tonight for all your blessings."  Then, he got creative.

Goodwin Liu Nominated for CA Supreme Court

The Senate rejected Goodwin Liu's nomination to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Now, California Gov. Jerry Brown wants him on the state's Supreme Court.

Black Catholics Get Sneak Peak at MLK Memorial

In less than month, Washington, D.C., officials will unveil the first memorial on the National Mall to honor Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Drought-Plagued Texas Welcomes Tropical Don

A storm warning is in effect for the coast of Texas - welcome news for a state that's been plagued by nine months of drought.

Cities Pulling the Plug on Red Light Cameras

Dozens of cities are now dumping the cameras because of collection issues and research data that shows the cameras don't actually make roads any safer.

NYC Denies 9/11 Documentary Showings

The Christian Action Network was hoping to show "Sacrificed Survivors: The Untold Story of the Ground Zero Mosque" in city parks.

Judge Allows Gov. Perry to Attend Prayer Event

A federal judge has tossed out a lawsuit challenging Texas Gov. Rick Perry's participation in a national prayer rally set for Aug. 6.

Service Members Ponder Fate as Debt Battle Rages

While lawmakers in Washington are fighting to balance the budget, wounded service members were on Capitol Hill fighting a battle of their own.

AWOL Soldier Condemned '09 Ft. Hood Shootings

Army officials say a Muslim soldier who went AWOL over Fourth of July weekend was planning an attack on Fort Hood.

Evangelical Leader Rev. John Stott Dies

Rev. John Stott, who led an evangelical resurgence in England and influenced Christians worldwide through his writing and preaching, has died in London.

Alex Trebek Hurt Chasing Off Burglar

Trivia game contestants were left puzzled this week when "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek showed up on set in crutches.

U.S. Special Ops Chief Warns of 'Al Qaeda 2.0'

The top commander of U.S special operations forces on Wednesday issued a warning about the next generation of terrorists at the opening of the Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colo.

Crystal Cathedral Restores Schuller's Vote

The Crystal Cathedral has restored the voting rights of church founder Rev. Robert H. Schuller on its governing board.

Walter Reed Closing Marked by Ceremony

After more than a century of treating wounded soldiers, Walter Reed Army Medical Center will officially close its doors on Sept. 15.

Concerns Raised over Al Qaeda Ties in Somalia

U.S. security officials are concerned that al Qaeda may be rebuilding in Somalia and that some of its members have American passports.

'Playboy Club' Drama Glamorizing Porn Industry?

Many fear a controversial new TV drama based on Chicago's famous Playboy club from the 1960s will glamorize the pornography industry.

Atheist Group Wants WTC Cross Removed

An atheist group is suing to remove the iconic World Trade Center Cross from New York's National September 11th Memorial and Museum.

Patient Posts Want Ad for Kidney on Craigslist

Selina Hodge needs a new kidney.  After waiting for three years for a transplant, she decided to give an online avenue a try.

Industries Defend Nat'l Gas Drilling Amid Doubts

Many analysts say natural gas is one of the brightest hopes for America's energy future. But some industry insiders have cast doubt on that claim.

'America' Band's Dan Peek Dies at 60

Peek, was a founding member of the popular 1970s band America and singer of high harmonies on hits that included "A Horse With No Name" and "Ventura Highway."

ATF on Hot Seat for Gun Probe Mistakes

An agency of the U.S. government is being accused of putting weapons in the hands of Mexican drug cartels that killed a U.S. border agent and hundreds of Mexicans.

Pastors Defend Warren After 'Chrislam' Claims

Despite accusations, Rick Warren has consistently said he doesn't embrace "Chrislam," or the blending of the Bible and Koran in holy teachings.

FAA Shutdown Means Huge Tax Break for Airlines

The legislative stalemate in Washington over the budget has forced a partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Lutheran Charities May Suffer Due to Split

Divisions among Lutheran churches about the Bible and its teachings on homosexuality could affect one of the largest social service networks in the U.S.

Killer of Ark. Soldier Gets 12 Life Sentences

The man who confessed to shooting two soldiers outside a Little Rock, Ark. military recruiting station in 2009 was sentenced to 12 life terms Monday.

Rep. West Exposes Muslim Brotherhood's Threat

In a Capitol Hill briefing on Monday, Rep. Allen West said it's important to learn just how much progress the Muslim Brotherhood has made in the U.S.

Postal Service May Close 1 in 10 Outlets

The Postal Service is considering closing more than one in 10 of its retail outlets.

Ready for Some Football? NFL Lockout Over

Pro football is back on the Fall calendar after a more than four month lockout that threatened the upcoming season.

Boy with Epilepsy, 7, Pens First Book

Many authors dream that one day their book signings will draw huge crowds. That dream recently came true for one 7-year-old writer.

ACLU Warns Florida City About Christmas Display

The American Civil Liberties Union has threatened to sue the city of Plantation if puts up its annual Christmas display.

Bacon Truck Sizzles with San Francisco Patrons

One San Francisco food truck is offering something unusual -- bacon and a lot of it. 

Lawsuit Filed to Stop NY Gay Marriage

Opponents of New York's gay marriage law filed a lawsuit Monday, claiming the state Senate violated meeting procedures when it approved the bill.

Crystal Cathedral Considers Real Estate Offers

A Roman Catholic diocese has submitted a cash offer to buy the financially struggling Crystal Cathedral church founded by Rev. Robert H. Schuller.

Military's Gay Ban Officially Ends in September

President Barack Obama has signed a notice to Congress that will officially end the military's ban on homosexuals serving openly.

Veterans' Religious Censorship Hearing Delayed

The Houston National Cemetery hearing originally scheduled for this week has been moved to August 5.

Stanton Lanier Releases 'Thousand Years' CD

Former chemist turned Christian recording artist Stanton Lanier has released his seventh album.

Big Cities to See Triple-Digit Heat Index

Temperatures are in the high 90s from the Midwest to the East Coast, and the peak of the heat wave for major cities in the Northeast will hit Friday.

Christian Voters Painting Liberal Maine Red

Maine's flag is a deep blue, reflecting the left-leaning ideologies that have dominated this state for decades. But faith voters are changing political landscape.

Beck Headlines Christians United for Israel Event

From U.N. declarations to Mideast revolutions and Iranian nukes, the threats against Israel appear to grow with each passing year.

Deadly Triple-Digit Temps Keeping Hospitals Busy

A brutal heat wave threatening much of the country is already being blamed for nearly two dozen deaths and emergency room visits are way up.

Exodus Int'l: Churches Shying from Controversy

Another church has decided to cut ties with Exodus International, a ministry well-known for its efforts to help homosexuals.

Campus Crusade Drops 'Christ' in New Name

Campus Crusade for Christ International is planning to change the name of its U.S. ministry, including nixing the use of "Christ" in its title.

Homeland Security Warns of Insider Al Qaeda Attacks

Government officials say al Qaeda may be trying to infiltrate critical facilities in the United States, including nuclear power plants, for future attacks.

Texas Board Evolution Debate Gets Heated

The conservative chairwoman of a Texas school board is under fire for saying she was one of six "true Christians" on the panel advocating for intelligent design. 

Pressure Cooker! Heat 'Dome' Traps Much of U.S.

A heat wave has Americans trapped in what feels like a pressure cooker, with more than 30 states under heat advisories.

Ohio Cracks Down on Late-Term Abortions

Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a bill Wednesday limiting a woman's access to abortion if the fetus could survive outside the womb.

DOMA Backers, Foes Face Off at Senate Hearing

Some are trying to overturn DOMA, the federal law defining marriage as between a man and woman. The Senate heard heated testimony on what that could mean.

Military Chaplains Facing New Kind of Fire

Chaplains have been a key part of the U.S. military for hundreds of years. Now, some fear the recent acceptance of homosexuality may silence their beliefs.

Breast-Feeding Doll to be Sold in the U.S.

Some parents are riled up over a new "Breast Milk Baby" doll that allows children to imitate breast feeding.

Fla. Judge: Remove Commandments from Courthouse

The decision comes after the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida sued in 2007 to have the scriptures taken down. 

Somali American Pleads Guilty to Terror

A Minnesota man has pleaded guilty to terror charges for helping Somalis join a jihadi group.

Second NY Clerk Quits over Gay Marriage Law

Ruth Sheldon of Granby, Oswego County says signing a marriage certificate for same-sex couples violates her faith.

Minn. Budget Passage Assures End to Shutdown

Following a special legislative session that began Tuesday and lasted through the night, lawmakers approved a plan that would end the longest shut down in the state's history.

Fourteen Arrested in PayPal Cyberattack

Fourteen people were arrested Tuesday for allegedly mounting a cyberattack on the website of PayPal.

Distracted Driving Crackdown Proves Effective

Despite the deadly statistics and countless tragic stories, people still text.  So police officials in New York and Connecticut tried simple, but efficient enforcement.

NY Episcopal Bishop Orders Gay Priests to Wed

The Episcopal bishop of Long Island, N.Y., is ordering gay priests to get married or stop living together.

Midwest Buckling under Brutal Heat Wave

The brutal heat is being blamed for as many as a dozen deaths across the country.

Judge: Ill. Must Refer Orphans to Catholic Agency

A judge has ruled the state of Illinois must refer foster care cases to the group, Catholic Charities.

Ten Pound Pooch Chases Off Robbers

California's newest hometown hero bravely took on two armed robbers with nothing more than his teeth.

McDonald's Owner Pays Employees to Give Back

When businesses close for renovations, it often results in employees being laid off.    

Mayor Declares 'Carmageddon,' 'Carmaheaven'

For weeks, Los Angeles residents have been bracing for I-405 to be shut down. The event, dubbed "Carmageddon," turned out to be the traffic jam that wasn't.

Oklahoma Governor Pleas: 'Pray for Rain'

Gov. Mary Fallin says the drought has contributed to more than 140 wildfires in Oklahoma this year.

Scorching Temps Threaten Health, Food Prices

A massive heat wave is tightening its grip on the central U.S. The sweltering temperatures are not only a safety concern, they could also affect food prices.

Court: Keep ''Don't Ask, Don't Tell' For Now

A federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that bans gays serving openly in the military.

Casey Anthony Freed from Jail, Slips from View

Casey Anthony walked out of jail a free woman under heavy guard early Sunday, days after being acquitted of murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.

'Harry Potter' Finale a Global Blockbuster

After 10 years of films, the Harry Potter franchise is coming to an end with the final installment of the series debuting in theaters this weekend.

Bachmann: Clinic's Purpose Isn't to Change Gays

The husband of GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann says his counseling clinic doesn't focus on ridding people of homosexual desires as people have claimed.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry Defends Prayer Event

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is defending his call for a day of prayer in the face of a lawsuit from the Freedom from Religion Foundation.

Law Forces California Students to Learn Gay History

California public schools are now legally required to include the contributions of the gay community in its social studies curriculum.

LA Residents Prep for Construction 'Carmageddon'

Residents of Los Angeles are expecting a massive traffic jam this weekend.  The nation's busiest highway will shut down for more than 50 hours beginning Friday night.

Atlanta Schools Cheating Scandal May Cost Millions

Residents are finding that not only are the futures of their children and local schools in jeopardy because of the scandal, but so are their tax dollars.

Justice Dept. Asks for Stay to Gay Military Ban

The Obama administration wants to halt the enforcement of the ban on gays serving openly in the military.

'Vigilante Grannies' Help Fight Crime in NC

A group of crime-fighting women from North Carolina are showing people they can help their communities no matter how young or old they are.

Surprise! California Fishermen Catch Shark

When people go fishing, many hope for a big catch. But a couple of California fishermen recently got a little more than they bargained for.

Aid Group Pitches in to Rebuild Joplin Ballpark

A little league baseball park in Joplin, Mo., is almost ready for teams to take the field again thanks to Operation Blessing International.

Gay Marriage on Colorado Ballot in 2012?

Gay marriage advocates in Colorado are trying to overturn a state constitutional amendment recognizing traditional marriage.

Minn. Leaders Strike Budget Deal, End Shutdown

Minnesota lawmakers have finally reached the outline of a deal to end the longest shutdown in the state's history.

Midwest Flooding Causes Rail Delays, Added Expense

Disruption caused by Midwest flooding has inundated Amtrak with delays and extra expense this summer.

Judge Declares Mistrial in Clemens Steroid Case

U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton said Clemens could not be assured a fair trial after prosecutors showed jurors evidence they were not supposed to see.

Betty Ford to be Buried Next to Husband in Mich.

Former first lady Betty Ford will be laid to rest Thursday in Grand Rapids, Mich., next to her husband, former President Gerald Ford.

Southeast Sizzles Under Heat Wave

The extreme heat wave continues to plague parts of the country Thursday, especially in the southeastern region of the U.S.

Judge Blocks NYC Law Targeting Pregnancy Centers

The American Center for Law and Justice has succeded in temporarily halting a New York City ordinance that would harm crisis pregnancy centers.

Texas Governor Sued over Prayer Meeting

The Freedom from Religion Foundation has filed a lawsuit to stop Texas Gov. Rick Perry from holding a day of prayer.

Living Soldier Awarded Medal of Honor

A living soldier was awarded the Medal of Honor Tuesday, only the second time since the Vietnam War that such an honor has been made.

Judge Blocks Ground Zero Mosque Lawsuit

A New York City Supreme Court justice has tossed out a lawsuit by a former firefighter hoping to stop the construction of a mosque near Ground Zero.

Veterans' Religious Censorship Suit Moves Forward

A court hearing is scheduled for next week in the suit of three veterans groups against the VA and Houston National Cemetery director Arleen Ocasio.

Pennsylvania Restaurant Bans Kids Under Six

Mike Vuick has decided to ban any child under the age of six from eating at his McDain's restaurant. He says kids under that age are just too noisy.

Alabama Leads in Number of Strongest Tornadoes

Alabama now holds the record for having the largest number of top-category tornadoes in more than 60 years, according to weather officials.

Baseball Star Roger Clemens Trial Begins in D.C.

Clemens was indicted last August on charges of obstruction of Congress, perjury and giving false statements.

NY Town Clerk Quits Over Gay Marriage Law

The clerk said her job requires her to sign marriage certificates, but her religious beliefs will not allow her to in good conscience to sign a marriage certificate for a homosexual couple.

Lawmaker: Airports Still Vulnerable to Terrorists

Although billions of dollars have been spent on increased security, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, noted there've been 25,000 security breaches since 2001.

Deadly Heat Sweeps East Coast, South, Midwest

Temperatures in 15 states are soaring above 100 degrees, with heat advisories and warnings in effect for at least 23 states.

NBC Gives Extended Apology for 'Under God' Edit

NBC Universal has apologized to members of Congress for taking the words "under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance during the recent U.S. Open.

Illinois Ends Catholic Charities Adoption Contracts

The state will no longer renew foster care and adoption contracts with Catholic Charities, since the civil unions law took effect June 1.

Court: Gov't Must State Position on Gay Troop Ban

A federal appeals court issued an order requiring the U.S. government to state whether it will defend the gay troop policy's constitutionality in court.

Amtrak Train Collides with Truck, Driver Killed

An Amtrak train smashed into a tractor-trailer Monday in a fiery collision that killed the truck driver, injured several others and sent flames more than three stories high.

Casey Anthony's Attorney Worried for Her Safety

One of Casey Anthony's defense attorneys said Monday he's worried about her safety once she's released from a Florida jail this Sunday after being acquitted of murdering her 2-year-old daughter.

Most Americans Believe Bible Inspired by God

Americans still hold a strong belief in the Bible, according to a recent Gallup poll.

Stun Gun Found on Jet Blue Plane after Arrival

Authorities are investigating how a stun gun made it past security and onto a plane.

Dangerous Hot Weather Predicted in 14 States

The hot humid weather is expected in the Southern and Central Plains through parts of the Southeast. Moist air and strong daytime highs near the century mark will create dangerous heat conditions during the afternoon.

Test Score Scandal Leaves Atlanta Schools in Shame

State investigators say nearly 200 educators in Atlanta fixed answers on standardized tests used to assess school performance and meet federal benchmarks.

Jeter is First Yankee to Get 3,000th Hit

Derek Jeter homers for his 3,000th hit, making him the first player to reach the mark with the New York Yankees.

Casey Anthony Verdict a Miscarriage of Justice?

Many have expressed shock over Casey Anthony's acquittal of murdering her daughter. However, others say the verdict was simply based on the evidence.

Critic Takes Aim at 'Zookeeper,' Horrible Bosses'

Actor Kevin James stars in a new movie about a zookeeper who talks to animals.  However, critics say don't be fooled by the film's PG rating.

Former First Lady Betty Ford Dies at 93

Betty Ford, the former first lady whose triumph over drug and alcohol addiction became a beacon of hope and the inspiration for her Betty Ford Center, died at age 93.

Facebook to Offer Skype Video Chat

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the site will soon offer the video chat feature. The joint venture could triple or even quadruple Skype's video traffic.

Rangers Saddened by Fan's Tragic Stadium Death

Baseball fans across the country have been touched by the tragic story of a father who recently died while trying to catch a foul ball at a Texas Rangers game.

Aid Group Shows How to Plan Community Garden

Operation Blessing International is boosting the health and nutrition of people needing help in a Norfolk, Va., neighborhood.

ACLU Challenges Public Prayer Amendment

The American Civil Liberties Union is challenging a proposed amendment to the Missouri constitution on public prayer.

PC U.S.A.'s Ban on Gay Clergy Ends Sunday

Active gays and lesbians in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. will soon be eligible to serve as clergy.

Abortion Group Sues N. Carolina over Funding Cut

One of the two Planned Parenthood affiliates in North Carolina has filed a lawsuit over the state's new budget because it cuts funding to the abortion provider.

N.J. Gov. Christie Blocks Abortion Clinic Funding

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has vetoed another attempt to restore funding for Planned Parenthood in his state.

TX Lawmakers Stand Against Censored Prayer Claims

State lawmakers in Houston are calling for an investigation into claims that Houston National Cemetery director Arleen Ocasio is censoring prayers at military funerals.

California Poised to Require Gay History Lessons

California could become the first state to require public schools to teach social studies classes on the contributions of the gay community.

Vet Gets Eviction Notice over Patriotic Displays

A Vietnam War veteran is fighting for his right to display his U.S. flag after property managers at his complex said he's violating apartment standards.

Casey Anthony to Go Free in Six Days

Considering how much time she's served since 2008 while awaiting trial, Anthony's jail sentence was amended, and she'll be released next week.

Court Orders 'Immediate' End to Gay Troop Ban

A federal appeals court has ordered the U.S. government to stop enforcing its ban on openly gay members serving in the military.

Fort Hood Suspect Will Face Death Penalty

The Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people in a shooting rampage at Fort Hood will be tried in military court and will face the death penalty if convicted.

TSA Warns of Explosives Implanted in People

The United States government is warning airlines that some terrorists are considering surgically implanting explosives into people.

'Forever Box' Shows Importance of Lasting Memories

A smell or sound can instantly call up a memory, but author Kristin Clark Taylor says sometimes we need a little more -- like the tangible items that mean the most.

Casey Anthony Found Not Guilty, Reaction Mixed

After 33 days of testimony and less than 24 hours of deliberation, a Florida jury has found Casey Anthony not guilty of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.

Sinise's 'Lt. Dan' Giving Back to U.S. Troops

Thousands of U.S. military personnel around the world are serving in harm's way to protect America's freedom. One famous actor is working to take their minds off the stress.

Fla. Principal Investigated After Students' Suicide

A high school principal in Florida is under investigation for using hypnosis on his students after two of the students he hypnotized committed suicide.

Cleanup Begins in Phoenix after Massive Dust Storm

A layer of dirt coated cars Wednesday after a massive dust storm covered the city of Phoenix overnight.

Circus Group Entertains Recovering Joplin Residents

A popular circus group recently teamed up with CBN's Operation Blessing to bring hope to the tornado-stricken town of Joplin, Mo.

New Air Traffic Control System at Crossroads

 The Federal Aviation Administration is creating a new air traffic system that officials say will be as revolutionary for civil aviation as was the advent of radar six decades ago.

Group Claims Military Needs Atheist Chaplains

Atheists and humanists have been pushing for the appointment of one of their own to the ranks of the chaplaincy.

Judge Blocks Kansas Abortion Regulations

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the state of Kansas from enforcing its new abortion regulations.

Rising Yellowstone River Complicating Oil Cleanup

The Yellowstone River continues to rise near Laurel, Mont., making it difficult for crews to clean up the oil spilled from Exxon Mobil's ruptured pipeline that burst Friday.

Secret Service to Probe Fox News Twitter Hack

The Secret Service will investigate the hacking of Fox's political Twitter account over updates claiming that President Obama had been assassinated.

Exxon Workers Cleaning up Yellowstone River

Teams of federal and Exxon Mobile workers are trying to contain damage from an oil spill in the Yellowstone River near Laurel, Montana.

Christians Not Singing the Nat'l Anthem: Join the Debate

Mennonite pastor Mark Schloneger has drawn national attention after CNN posted his blog discussing why he doesn't sing the 'Star-Spangled Banner.'

Hot Weather Cancels Fourth of July Celebrations

Record-breaking heat has settled across the nation this Fourth of July. It's so hot, some areas are canceling holiday fireworks as bone dry conditions raise more concerns about wildfires.

Los Alamos Evacuation Order Lifted

Authorities allowed 12,000 residents of Los Alamos to return home Sunday.

Fla.'s Space Coast Feels Pain at Shuttle's End

Workers at the Kennedy Space Center always knew the end of the shuttle program would bring hard times to Florida's Space Coast.

Some Worry About Nuclear Plant Evacuation Plans

Those interviewed voiced a mixture of anxiety, confidence and resignation about the safety of reactors. Many doubted they can safely and quickly evacuate in a major accident.

'Transformers Dark of the Moon' Hits Theaters

In this heart-pounding sequel, Sam Witwicky once teams up with the Autobots to foil another nefarious plan by the Decepticons.

Vulnerable Feel the Pinch of Minn. Gov't Shutdown

Minnesota lawmakers headed home for a long holiday weekend, bracing for likely public anger since a failure to reach a budget agreement forced a government shutdown.

Eddie Long Accusers Face Legal Trouble

One of the men who accused Bishop Eddie Long of sexual misconduct is now facing felony drug charges in Florida, while another faces burglary charges in Georgia.

'Boarders for Christ' Draws Kids to Gospel, God

Recently skaterboarders around the globe celebrated the 9th annual Go Skate Day. In Hampton, Va., some used it as an opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Kansas Grants License to P. Parenthood

The news comes as new Kansas regulations taking effect Friday make it harder for abortion clinics to get licenses. 

Man Flies Cross-Country Minus Valid Passport

New questions have arisen about airport security after a Nigerian American flew cross-country, using fake IDs and an expired boarding pass.

Crews Battle NM Fire, Nuke Lab Safe So Far

Firefighters battling the145 square-mile blaze near the nuclear lab in Los Alamos, N.M., believe flames won't reach the facility or the evacuated town nearby