February 2011 Headlines

Faith Groups Challenge Gays to 'Debate' not 'Hate'

One watchdog group's recent inclusion of Christian organizations as anti-gay 'hate groups' has some challenging homosexuals to "start debating."

Last U.S. Veteran of WWI Dies at 110

The last American veteran to serve in World War I has died in W. Virginia. Frank Buckles died at his home Sunday at the age of 110.

Faith-Based Films Hit Big Screen this Weekend

Focus on the Family film critic Bob Waliszewski reviews two faith-based movies, "Grace Card" and "Of Gods and Men," in theaters this weekend.

Iowa Lawmakers Push Late-Term Abortion Bill

Pro-life lawmakers in Iowa are working to keep late-term abortionist Leroy Carhart out of their state.

'The King's Speech' Treated Like Royalty at Oscars

"The King's Speech" won the Academy Award for Best Picture Sunday night at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif.

Fla. Pastor Wants to Keep Teens Out of Trouble

A Florida pastor is using a brutal crime to reach at-risk teens in his community after a teenager allegedly shot and killed a police officer.

Pro-Life Leaders Mourn Black Genocide

The pro-life leaders said the abortion industry has been using abortion for "population control" and their target is African Americans.

Calif. County Clerk Files Motion to Defend Prop 8

Imperial County Clerk Chuck Storey filed a motion Friday to defend the 2008 voter-approved ballot measure defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.

Police Let Protesters Stay at Wisc. Capitol

Wis. police decided not to go through with their plans to forcibly remove the demonstrators from the state capitol building after many ignored a 4 p.m. deadline to leave.

Maryland House Weighs Gay Marriage Bill

Lawmakers recently allowed Maryland citizens to make their opinions known about gay marriage possibly coming to their state.

Child Offers Parents a 'Window to Heaven'

When Little Colton Burpo was four-years-old, his spirit left his body during an emergency surgery. What he later told them about heaven only strengthened their beliefs.

Thousands of R.I. Teachers Get Pink Slips

All the public school teachers in Providence, R.I, will soon get pink slips, as the financially troubled state seeks to cut down on expenses.

Conservatives Vow to Make Gay Marriage 2012 Issue

Angry conservatives intend to make same-sex marriage a top 2012 election issue after the Obama administration's announcement that it will no longer defend DOMA.

Jefferson Descendants Reconcile Family History

One historic family has worked together to advance the work of racial harmony.

Fire & Brimstone: Is Hell Really All that Bad?

A recent poll says 69 percent of Americans believe in hell, but only one percent think they will go there.  But do they believe in a literal hell of fire and brimstone?

Deadly Winter Storms Plague the Country

Much of the United States has experienced dangerous weather conditions, sometimes even deadly.

Church Group Slams Obama for Abandoning DOMA

A coalition of black churches is angry with President Barack Obama over his decision to stop defending a law that bans gay marriage.

Wisconsin Assembly Passes Anti-Union Bill

Republicans in the Wisconsin State Assembly approved a bill Friday morning that would strip most public workers of union bargaining rights.

Maryland Senate Votes to Legalize Gay Marriage

Maryland state senators have voted to allow same-sex marriage, sending the bill on to the House of Delegates for approval.

Va. Bill Could Force Abortion Clinics to Close

Virginia lawmakers voted to become the first state in the nation to put abortion clinics under the same standards and rules as hospitals.

U.S. Authorities Arrest Saudi Student in Bomb Plot

A college student from Saudi Arabia has been arrested and charged with planning a terror attack on America.

Nun 'the Life of the Party' at Conn. Adult Day Care

A nun in Connecticut is proving you're only as old as you feel, and she's using her spunk and a smile to brighten up the day for many others like her.

Ky. Court Weighs God in Homeland Security

Can the state of Kentucky use the words "almighty God" in its legislation?

Call to End Nev. Prostitution Gets Cold Reception

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told the state's lawmakers this week the time has come to outlaw prostitution in Nevada.

Wisc. Doctors Probed for Writing Fake Sick Notes

Doctors who wrote sick notes to Wisconsin union workers so they could boycott the state's pending budget cuts are now being investigated.

Air Force Awards $35B Contract to Boeing

The Air Force awarded a $35 billion deal to build nearly 200 giant airborne refueling tankers to Boeing Co.

Obama Admin. Drops Support of Fed Marriage Law

The Justice Department won't continue to defend the Defense of Marriage Act that defined marriage federally as the union between one man and one woman.

Biker Treks Cross Country for Hospice Care

Giving back to their communities is often important to people. Many donate their time to their favorite charities. One Florida man has decided to give back by spending six months on his bike.

Citizens Want Wisc. State Senators Recalled

Angry citizens across Wisconsin have taken steps to recall some of their state senators in response to the battle over the state's budget deficit.

Hawaii Governor Signs Gay Civil Unions into Law

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed a bill allowing same-sex civil unions into law, granting homosexuals the same rights as married couples.   

Ford Recalls F-150 Pickups over Air Bags

Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will recall nearly 150,000 F-150 pickup trucks to fix air bags that could deploy without warning.

New York Woman, 95, Sets Sprint Record

You may have heard the old saying that life is not a sprint, but a marathon.  For one New York woman, it's both.

Wisc. Labor Protests Ripple Across Midwest

The protest trend seeming to be spreading, setting up a major battle between unions and state governments across the Midwest.

AZ Jury Convicts Iraqi Immigrant of 'Honor Killing'

A Muslim Iraqi immigrant has been convicted by a Maricopa County, Ariz. jury of second-degree murder for running over and killing his 20-year-old daughter.

High Court Rejects Ky. Commandments Case

The Supreme Court announced it would not review a 6-year-old ruling that struck down the display of the Ten Commandments in two Kentucky courthouses.   

Dog Reunites with Owner After 728-Mile Journey

Bear, a 20-pound terrier vanished outside of Sacramento. Three days later, the dog was dropped off at the Humane Society's shelter in Tacoma, Wash.

Maryland Close to Legalizing Gay Marriage

Some crusaders say they will continue to fight to keep Maryland from becoming the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Abortion Doctor Turned Pro-Life Activist Dies at 84

An abortion doctor who became a leading pro-life activist has died at age 84.

Teen Wins Title of Fastest Texter in America

Seventeen-year-old Michael Zhang recently used his love for texting to win U.S. Cellular's Speed Text Tournament.

Winter Storm Blasts Upper Midwest

Blizzard conditions in the upper Midwest stranded commuters, closed schools and grounded hundreds of flights on Monday.

CBN News Anchor 'Searching For' His Father

A missing piece of his family's puzzle sent Efrem Graham, one of CBN News anchor/reporters, on a personal journey to find his father.

President's Day: Media in Presidential History

In her new children's book, Jane Hampton Cook ties the evolution of image-capturing to how Americans have come to view their presidents.

Wisc. Republicans May Force Compromise

The impasse in Wisconsin has captured national attention as it pits union rights against balancing the state budget.

Trevor Bayne, 20, Wins the Daytona 500

Trevor Bayne captured stock car racing's greatest prize Sunday by winning the Daytona 500. He finished 0.118 seconds ahead of Carl Edwards.

Thrillers Premiere at the Weekend Box Office

A couple of new movies will premiere at your local neighborhood theatre this weekend, "I Am Number Four," and "Unknown," which stars Liam Neeson.

Abortion Scandal: Changing a Culture of Death

Shock over appalling conditions at a Philadelphia abortion clinic have led to sweeping changes. Pro-life leaders say the changes are long overdue.

'Pound Cake' Speech Today: Was Bill Cosby Right?

Bill Cosby spent his life making America laugh, but the comedian has had his serious moments -- especially when it comes to family values and education.

Thousands of Protesters Surround Wisconsin Capitol

A state Capitol thrown into political chaos swelled for a fifth day with nearly 70,000 protesters.

House Votes to Defund Planned Parenthood

The House approved a Republican proposal on Friday to strip federal aid from abortion provider Planned Parenthood.

Univ. Changes Policy Calling Christians 'Oppressors'

A school-wide policy at the University of California Davis that accused Christians of discriminating against other faiths has been changed.

Wisc. Union Bill Could Strip Bargaining Rights

Legislation introduced by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker could strip public workers in the state of nearly all their collective bargaining rights.

Most Americans Support Hearings on U.S. Muslims

Congress is expected to hold hearings on the growing number of Muslims in the U.S. becoming radicalized -- and many Americans support the investigation.

Iowa Teen Refuses to Wrestle Girl, Citing Faith

An Iowa high school wrestler forfeited his chance to become a state champion when he refused to compete against a female contender in the state tournament.

Faith and Value Awards Recognize Inspiring Films

The 19th Annual Faith and Values Awards Gala will be held Friday in Universal City, California.

Slain Christian Aid Worker Receives Medal of Freedom

The family of a murdered American Christian aid worker was received the Medal of Freedom in a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday.

Wisc. Dems Stall Budget Cut Vote

A major budget battle in Wisconsin has received the attention of the entire nation.

Dove Awards Move to Atlanta for First Time

The Gospel Music Association announced the nominees for its 42nd Annual Dove Awards, and for the first time, the awards ceremony will take place in Atlanta.

Couple Claims $1M Lotto Ticket at Last Minute

Imagine finding out that you have a winning lottery ticket.  Most people would quickly redeem their winnings, but that wasn't the case for one North Carolina couple.

More People Turn to Gardening in Tough Economy

The higher cost of groceries has many people thinking about new ways to save money -- including growing their own produce.

Teens Have Ambiguous Views on Sex, Spirituality

A new study from OneHope provides fresh insight on what teens think about sexuality and spirituality - directly from the youth themselves.

McDonald's New 'Closer' Offers Hope, Redemption

Sometimes life brings trials, but there's comfort in knowing that with God all things work together for good. That's the message of Christian recording artist Shawn McDonald's new single titled 'Closer.'

Military Trains Chaplains on Gay Policy

The U.S. military has been actively training military chaplains on how to deal with openly gay servicemen and women.

Calif. Supreme Court to Hear Prop 8 Appeal

The California Supreme Court will consider if traditional marriage supporters can appeal the ruling that invalidated Proposition 8.

Hawaii Approves Gay Civil Unions

Hawaii became the seventh state in the country to approve homosexual civil unions on Wednesday.

Somali Pirate Sentenced to 33+ Years

A Somali pirate who kidnapped and brutalized the captain of a U.S.-flagged merchant ship in 2009 was sentenced to more than 33 years in prison.

Pa. Gov. Fires Workers after Abortion Scandal

State employees have been fired and two agencies have overhauled their regulations in the wake of allegations that a doctor performed illegal abortions.

Bush Sr. Among Medal of Freedom Recipients

President Barack Obama presented the nation's highest civilian honor to former President George H.W. Bush in an East Room ceremony, Tuesday.

Borders Books Files for Bankruptcy

The popular book store chain Borders filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and said nearly one-third of its stores will close over the next few weeks due to serious debt problems.

Man's Giant Cross Causes Stir in Penn. Town

A Pennsylvania man's refusal to remove a 24-foot illuminated cross from his yard has landed him in hot water with a local city council.

Officer Lists His Job as 'Human Waste Disposal'

A gang unit officer in Albuquerque, N.M, has drawn harsh criticism from the city's police chief for listing his occupation on his Facebook page as "human waste disposal."

Membership Drops for Largest U.S. Denominations

Some of the largest denominations in the U.S. are losing members, according to an annual yearbook compiled by the National Council of Churches.

Teacher Strikes Nerve with 'Lazy Whiners' Blog

A high school English teacher in suburban Philadelphia was suspended for a profanity-laced blog in which she called her young charges "disengaged, lazy whiners."

Indiana House Passes Gay Marriage Ban

The Indiana House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on gay marriage Tuesday, by a 70-26 vote.

Billy Ray Cyrus: 'Hannah Montana' Destroyed Family

Billy Ray Cyrus says the Disney TV show "Hannah Montana" destroyed his family, causing his divorce and sending daughter Miley Cyrus spinning out of control.

Orlando Magic's Pat Williams Diagnosed with Cancer

The 70-year-old said he has multiple myeloma, an aggressive cancer that attacks the blood plasma in the bone marrow.

GA Woman's Leap of Faith Saves Her Life

An Atlanta, Ga., woman is alive after jumping from a bridge to avoid a multi-car pile up -- and she's thanking God for surviving.

Goose Befriends California Retiree

Dog is man's best friend -- or at least that has been assumed for many years.  However, one Los Angeles man and his feathered companion may change that belief.

Texas Church Arsonist Asks God's Forgiveness

One of two men convicted for last year's string of east Texas church fires is asking forgiveness from his victims -- and God.

 

Pro-Lifers Hold Vigils for Sex Trafficking Victims

A coalition of pro-life organizations are holding vigils outside abortion clinics across the nation on Monday for victims of sex trafficking.

Campus Ministries Sign 'No Compete' Agreement

Seventeen U.S. college campus ministries have signed an agreement  designed to usher in a new era of mutual cooperation and respect.

Trouble this Valentine's? Tell Romeo's Juliet

If you're having love trouble on this Valentine's Day, who better to turn to than Romeo's Juliet herself?

New Mexico Couple Honored as 'Longest Married'

Monday marks not only Valentine's Day for one New Mexico couple -  it is also their 82nd wedding anniversary.

George Beverly Shea Receives Lifetime Grammy

Canadian gospel singer George Beverly Shea was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy from the Recording Academy on Saturday night.

Calif. Protesters Demonstrate at Islamic Fundraiser

Hundreds of people gathered in Orange County, Calif. on Sunday to protest a fundraiser held by what they called radical Islamists who support terrorism.

Donald Trump for President?

Some of the nation's leading conservatives are gathering in Washington for what could be an audition for their next presidential candidate.

FAA: Air Traffic Control Errors Double

In an era of unrivaled air travel safety concerns, mistakes made by air traffic controllers has doubled. The news has sparked concern among lawmakers in Washington, D.C. 

'Never Say Never,' 'The Eagle' Hits Theaters

Several new movies due to hit theaters this weekend include Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, and the ancient war drama The Eagle starring Channing Tatum.

Did John Wilkes Booth Escape Justice?

John Wilkes Booth's family recently came forward with a sensational story  that has been kept secret from outsiders for years.

Lawmakers Push to De-Fund Planned Parenthood

Lawmakers in Congress are now moving to strip Planned Parenthood of the millions of dollars it receives in government funding each year.

Plea Highlights Threat of Homegrown Terrorism

A North Carolina man admitted in court that he recruited young men to help to plan a "terror attack" overseas.

Missionary to Return to Mexico after Wife Murdered

Sam Davis, the husband of an American missionary killed in Mexico, has said he will continue their work in that country.

Hawaii House Votes to Keep Prayer in Capitol

Hawaii's House of Representatives will continue to open its daily sessions with prayer.

Building a Stronger Marriage Culture in America

With a poor economy adding more stress on marriages, Chuck Stetson, with National Marriage Week USA, talks about how churches can help build a stronger marriage culture in America.

Ohio Lawmakers Consider 'Heartbeat' Abortion Bill

New legislation introduced Wednesday in Ohio's House of Representatives would ban abortion at first detection of a baby's heartbeat.

Air Force Academy Prayer Lawsuit Dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit trying to block a prayer luncheon scheduled for Thursday at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Ohio Abortion Proposal Challenges Roe v. Wade

Republicans won major victories in state elections last November and they are using their newfound majorities to restrict abortion.

Sub-Zero Temps Follow Snow in Okla., Ark.

Another powerful blizzard howled through the nation's midsection Wednesday, piling up to 2 feet of new snow on parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Texas Parents Question Required Arabic Classes

A Texas school district plans to make Arabic studies a requirement for students, upsetting some parents who said they were unaware of the proposed changes.

Probe Finds No Electronic Flaws in Toyota Recalls

Electronic flaws are not to blame for reports of sudden acceleration in some Toyota vehicles, according to a 10-month government study released Tuesday.

Mardi Gras Cakes Give Troops a Taste of Home

With Mardi Gras less than a month away, one Louisiana bakery is making sure U.S. troops serving overseas will have a little taste of home to celebrate.

Ga. Church Gives Members $10K for Good Deeds

Instead of taking an offering, one Ga. church gave out envelopes containing between $5 - $1,000 each, challenging its members to do something good with the money.

Many Churches Blind to Risk of Criminal Attacks

Churches across the U.S. are increasingly becoming targets of violence, according to a new report by the Christian Security Network.

Abortion Pill Accidentally Given to Expectant Mom

After a Colorado pharmacist accidentally gave a pregnant woman a prescription for an abortion pill, her unborn baby's life may be at risk.

Philly Abortion Doctor Due in Court Wednesday

The Philadelphia abortion doctor charged with the murder of seven infants is due in court Wednesday after having his request for a public defender denied.

Does America Suffer from 'Underdogma'?

What happens when the idea of the underdog becomes an entrenched political philosophy that says the powerful are bad and the powerless are virtuous?

Snow, Snow, and More Snow! Winter Weather Continues

A major snow storm blanketed part of the nation's midsection for the third time in a week, Wednesday, dumping more than a foot of snow on areas still digging out from last week's major storm.

Packers Thank God for Super Bowl Win

The Vince Lombardi trophy has returned to Green Bay, Wis., for the first time in 14 years.

New York TV Exec Convicted of Beheading Wife

Muzzammil "Mo" Hassan, who never denied killing his spouse, was found guilty of second-degree murder after one hour of deliberation.

Planned Parenthood: Employees Will be Retrained

The abortion provider made the announcement after the pro-life group, Live Action, exposed their employees advising men how to get abortions for underage girls.

Super Bowl Sets Record with Viewers

For the second year in a row, the Super Bowl has set a record for American television viewing.

Super Bowl XLV Players Honor God First

The Steelers and Packers have had their share of Super Bowl wins.  But for some players on both teams, playing the game is not for their own glory -- but God's.

Super Bowl: Safety Issues Cost 400 Fans their Seats

Safety issues cost more 400 fans their seats at this years Super Bowl when roughly 1,250 temporary seats in Cowboy Stadium were declared unsafe, according to the National Football League.

Packers Fan Says Cheesehead Saved His Life

What some Green Bay Packers fans may not know is that the one fan staple - the cheesehead - is also a lifesaver. 

Ohio Frat House Shooting Kills 1, Hurts 11

Police say they're searching for two suspects in a shooting at an Ohio fraternity house that killed one student and injured 11 people, including six students.

Film Critic Reviews 'Sanctum,'The Rite'

New movies are hitting the box office this weekend, but are they family-friendly?

Moderate Muslim Group Seeks to Refocus Islam

Members of a small Islamic community known for its more moderate beliefs are taking to the streets, speaking out against terrorism and Islamic extremism.

Faith Group Launches Anti-Sex Traffick Campaign

Christian anti-trafficking ministries are working in Dallas on public awareness campaigns to stop sex trafficking of children to men in town for the Super Bowl.

Dr. Elko to Give Packers Game Day Pep Talk

Dr. Kevin Elko, a nationally renowned Christian motivational speaker and author, will be giving the locker room pep talk to the Packers before the big game.

Giffords' Astronaut Husband Decides to Fly Shuttle

The astronaut husband of wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will head to space in April.

Fort Hood Report: Shooting Could've Been Avoided

A Senate report on the 2009 massacre at Fort Hood criticizes the FBI for failing to see warning signs that the shooting suspect was a 'ticking time bomb.'

Second Planned Parenthood Video Reveals Violations

A pro-life group has revealed another video of a Planned Parenthood worker caught on tape offering to help underage prostitutes get abortions.

Winter Storm Causes Headaches Across the South

A large part of the South remained in winter's icy clutches on Friday as snow, sleet and freezing rain was expected from Texas into Louisiana and further east.

Aid Group & ABC Show Team Up to Help Family

Operation Blessing has partnered with ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to provide a new home for a Virginia Beach, Va. family.

Va. Asks Supreme Court to Rule on Health Law

Virginia plans to request an immediate review by the Supreme Court of its constitutional challenge to the Obama administration's health care law.

Obama Intimately Shares His Faith in God

Although he wasn't raised in the church, Obama says his Christian faith has been a sustaining force for him over the past two years in Washington.

Court to Ohio Judge: Remove Ten Commandments

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that it is unconstitutional for the Ten Commandments to be displayed in an Ohio courtroom.    

Religious Film Producer Charles Sellier Dies at 67

Charles Sellier, producer of Christian films and creator of the book and television series "The Life and Time of Grizzly Adams," has died. He was 67.

Winter Storm Brings Record Snow Fall

The worst winter storm in decades dumped record levels of snow and ice across thousands of miles of the nation.

Groundhog Day Results: Spring is Near

Residents across the nation may breathe a sigh of relief soon, thanks to to this year's Groundhog Day results.

Will Maryland Stay ‘Blue’ on Gay Marriage?

Maryland is sometimes called "the bluest of blue states."  Social conservatives think enough Marylanders will toss out gay marriage if their lawmakers legalize it.

TSA Reveals Modest Body Scanner

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has tested a new, more modest body scanning system.

Senators Support Mt. Soledad Memorial Cross

Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., has crossed party lines to support a memorial cross that was recently ruled unconstitutional.

Midwest Hampered with Snow, Freezing Temps

A monster blizzard covering one-third of the country on Tuesday has closed schools, airports, and roads from the Midwest to New England.

Chick-fil-A Responds to Marriage Backlash

Chick-fil-A, Inc. has established a media hotline to deal with the backlash after gay activists targeted the restaurant chain.

Planned Parenthood Undercover Video Released

A new video sting at a Planned Parenthood facility has caused an uproar among pro-life groups.

Bush's Daughter Supports Gay Marriage

One of President George W. Bush's twin daughters has announced her support of gay marriage.

'Jihad Jane' Terror Suspect Pleads Guilty

'Jihad Jane' pleased guilty on Tuesday to supporting Islamic terrorists on line and moving oversees to assassinate a Swedish artist who had offended Muslims.

At 102, George Beverly Shea Not Done Yet

Gospel singer George Beverly Shea is celebrating his 102nd birthday on Tuesday.

Iowa Holds Public Debate on Gay Marriage

The Iowa House Judiciary Committee gave the state's citizens an opportunity to air their views on issue of same-sex marriage Monday night.

Winter Déjà Vu: Nine States with Blizzard Warnings

The eighth winter storm of the season is forecast to blanket nearly one-third of the country, from the Colorado Rockies to New England.

Homosexual Civil Unions Now Legal in Ill.

With the stroke of a pen, the governor of Illinois legalized civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.