March 2011 Headlines

Muslim Student Group a Gateway to Jihad?

The Muslim Students Association is one of the largest Islamic organizations in America. Yet some terror experts are saying the group a recruiting tool for jihad.

'Sister Wives' Polygamist Sues Over Bigamy Laws

"Sister Wives" family wants to change the Utah bigamy law that makes their plural marriage illegal.

U.S. Charitable Giving on the Rise

A new report from the Giving USA Foundation reveals Americans are giving more to charity than in recent years.

Christians Propose MLB Ban on Smokeless Tobacco

Christians leaders are calling on Major League Baseball to ban players from using chewing tobacco.

Divorce on the Decline, Census Reveals

After years of increases in the divorce rate, more Americans who get married are staying married.

DOJ Criticized for 'Watered Down' Prison Rape Rules

The rules go into effect April 4, but several groups feel the standards are too weak to effectively prevent sexual assault among inmates.

5th Quarter: Ga. Family Tragedy Inspires Biopic

Losing a child is any parent's worst nightmare. Steve and Maryanne Abbate lived that nightmare when their 15-year-old son Luke was killed in a car accident.

'Friends' Star Exposes Child Predators in New Film

David Schwimmer, former star of the 1990s television sitcom "Friends," has just finished directing a film on the sobering topic of Internet predators.

No Joke! April Snow En Route to Northeast

Old Man Winter's icy grasp on the U.S. Northeast continues as a spring snowstorm is on its way to the region.

Ariz. Law Bans Race, Gender-Based Abortions

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed what may be the first legislation ever to ban abortions over ethnicity.

P. Parenthood Challenged on Mammogram Claim

A pro-life group has challenged Planned Parenthood's claim that cutting its federal funding will deny millions of women access to mammograms.

Snowy Winter Ends Calif. Drought

A drought that loomed over some of California's most fertile farmland officially ended Wednesday after a winter of relentless mountain storms.

Whale that Killed Trainer Returns to SeaWorld Show

The killer whale that drowned a female trainer at Orlando's SeaWorld flawlessly performed Wednesday.

Young Boy Saves Both Grandmas from Fire

Fire officials are hailing young Rickie Ventura as a "hero" after he rescued his two grandmothers from a fire in their home.

Wisconsin Anti-Union Law Faces New Hurdle

A Wisconsin judge issued a new court order blocking the new law that strips most public employees of their collective bargaining power.

Tween Push Up Bikinis: How Much is Too Much?

Products like the Abercrombie "push-up-triangle" bikini for tweens have many wondering if girls are being pushed to grow up too soon.

'Invite Your Neighbor to Dinner' Planned for Oct. 2

Some people believe it would go a long way toward lessening religious tensions in America if everyone would invite someone of a different faith over for dinner.

Calif. Residents Watch Homes Slide Down Hill

A week of heavy rain has caused mudslides in San Pablo, Calif., where several houses have slipped down storm-soaked hillsides and others may be at risk.

Wal-Mart: Gender Bias Suit Too Big

Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, is set to go before the U.S. Supreme Court, Tuesday, over allegations the company discriminated against its female employees.

Fight Over Wis. Union Law Heads to Court

A Wisconsin court will hear arguments Tuesday over the controversial law eliminating collective bargaining for state workers

Deadly Cobra Still Loose at Bronx Zoo

Authorities were on the the hunt Monday for a deadly snake that disappeared from the Bronx Zoo in New York City.

Supreme Court Hears Wal-Mart Gender Bias Case

An estimated 1.6 million former and current female employees are suing the retail giant over alleged gender bias in pay and promotions.

Former TV Anchor's 15-Year Battle with Alcohol

Laurie Dhue is the only person to ever anchor at the three big cable networks.  But behind the stardom was a painful secret she hid for more than a decade.

What is Biblical Beauty?

Throughout her acting career, the world seemed captivated by Elizabeth Taylor's beauty and celebrity.  But how should Christian women reflect on beauty?

Pew Official: Behind the Hispanic Population Boom

U.S. Census officials said the Hispanic population has swelled to 50.5 million over the last decade.

Newly Freed Missionary Ready to Return to Haiti

Before being jailed, Pye worked in Haiti for about eight years. He and his wife run an orphanage in the southern city of Jacmel.

'Sight & Sound Theatres' Bring Bible Stories to Life

It's been called one of the top theatre destinations on the East Coast, but you won't find it anywhere near Broadway.

Texas Group Gives Horse Chance for New Life

A miniature horse has a new lease on life thanks to a rescue group in Texas.

Gay Marriage Stays on Hold in California

Gay marriages in California won't resume until two courts decide the constitutionality of Proposition 8.

Gender Disparities Found in Newsrooms Worldwide

Media executives from around the world are in Washington, D.C. creating a global plan to help women news professionals overcome the challenges they face.

Fire, Bomb Scare Reported at Miami Airport

Firefighters worked overnight to bring a fire at the Miami International Airport under control. Shortly after the fire was brought under control, one of the airports concourses had to be evacuated because of a suspicious package.

Sleeping Air Traffic Controller Suspended

An air traffic control worker who fell asleep on the job at Ronald Reagan National Airport has been suspended.

Minn. Senator Wants Jesus' Name Out of Prayers

A Minnesota lawmaker is on a mission to remove the name of Jesus from the prayers that begin each State Senate session.

Underwear Bomber: Detroit Flight was 'Cheapest'

The man behind the foiled 2009 Christmas airline bombing reportedly targeted Detroit because it was the cheapest flight.

Christian School Remembers Elizabeth Taylor

A Christian school in California is remembering Elizabeth Taylor as a generous donor.

Gay Ministry Cries Foul after Apple Yanks App

Christian groups are upset with Apple after the company pulled an app created by Exodus International, a ministry which helps people struggling with homosexuality.

Parts of U.S. Witness Volatile Spring Weather

Even though Spring has officially begun, much of the U.S. has seen the icy grip of Old Man Winter return this week.

Agents Nab Immigrants, Others Posing as Military

At first glance, the white van seemed full of clean-cut Marines in uniform.

New Jersey Boy Saves Choking Mom

A 12-year-old New Jersey boy is being hailed as a hero after saving his mothers life.

Fla. Church Raises $5.6M for Homeless Kids

The CBS News program "60 Minutes" recently featured a segment highlighting the growing number of homeless children in central Florida.

Right to Die Billboard Brings Outrage in Boston

The sign is the latest billboard in a nationwide campaign by the group calling itself the Final Exit Network.

Film Legend Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79

Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed film goddess whose sultry screen life was often upstaged by her stormy personal life, died Wednesday at age 79.

Fmr President George H.W. Bush Honored at Gala

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. hosted four former presidents at a gala event Monday night to honor former President George Herbert Walker Bush.

S.D. Gov Signs 3-Day Abortion Wait into Law

Gov. Dennis Daugaard, R-S.D., has signed a law requiring women to wait three days before having an abortion, which is the longest waiting period in America.

Judge Orders Use of Sharia Law in Fla. Lawsuit

A judge in Florida has announced he will use Islamic law to decide a case.

Memphis Helping Teens Say 'No, Baby' to Sex

Memphis' teen pregnancy rate is nearly twice the national average.  And it's a crisis that has city leaders turning to the church for answers.

American Teacher Among Japan Disaster Victims

Authorities have identified the first known American victim of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Pro-Lifers Mobilize Against Planned Parenthood

A coalition of pro-life groups is pressuring members of Congress this week to end funding for Planned Parenthood.

Court Orders Mental Evaluation of Giffords' Assailant

A federal judge in Phoenix on Monday ordered a mental evaluation of Jared Lee Loughner, indicted for the Jan. 8 shooting rampage in Tucson.

Baby Joseph Gets Requested Surgery in the U.S.

The parents of a terminally ill baby boy who was refused treatment because of rules under Canada's health care system can now take him home.

New NCAA Wrestling Champ Born with One Leg

An Arizona State University wrestler is the new national champion for his weight class -- and he won it all with only one leg.

WWII Survivor Seeks to Thank U.S. Soldiers

A man who struggled to survive in Germany during World War II wants to thank three soldiers who helped him over 50 years ago.

Elementary Students Ingest Cocaine at School

Fourth-graders at a public elementary school in Washington, D.C., are recovering after ingesting cocaine during school hours.

Baby's Fight For Life Triggers Health Care Debate

A terminally ill 14-month-old boy who was refused medical treatment in Canada has reignited the debate surrounding government-run health care in the U.S.

NH Court: Homeschooled Girl to Public School

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has ordered an 11-year-old girl to stop homeschooling and attend public school.

Judge Blocks New Wisconsin Union Law

A Wisconsin Judge ordered that the state's new collective bargaining law be put on hold until the end of this month.

New Movies to Invade Weekend Box Office

A slew of new movies are hitting the box office this weekend, which includes genres that ranges from dramas, action-thrillers, and family comedies.

Survey: Public Cell Phone Use Annoying to Most

A recent survey finds that public displays of technology are on the rise leaving many people to question -- where do you draw the line?

House Votes to Cut NPR Funding amid Scandal

The House voted Thursday in favor of a bill that would eliminate taxpayer funding for National Public Radio.

U.S. Missionary Released from Haitian Jail

An American missionary who was abruptly jailed in southern Haiti and held without charges for five months was just as suddenly released.

Mass. Girl Sells Her Toys for Japanese People

In the wake of the tragic events in Japan, many people are looking for a way to help the disaster victims. For one 7-year-old, help meant giving up some of her favorite things.

Can U.S. Power Plants Withstand Nature's Fury?

Japan's nuclear crisis has people around the world once again questioning the safety of nuclear power.

ACLJ to Court: 'Ground Zero No Place for Mosque'

The ACLJ is trying to keep an Islamic mosque from being built near Ground Zero, the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on N.Y.'s World Trade Center.

Prayer Service at Baltimore School Called 'Improper'

A prayer service for standardized tests has drawn criticism for one Baltimore school principal.

Celebrities Petition Obama to Back Gay Marriage

Entertainment and sports celebrities have signed a letter asking the president to support gay marriage,  according to The New York-based group Freedom to Marry.

Gay Activists Target Exodus iPhone App

Gay activists are targeting another Christian ministry's iPhone application.

Miami Airport Holds Lost Luggage Auction

Miami International Airport has used abandoned items to make make a profit, auctioning them off to the highest bidder.

Twin Sisters Birth Baby Girls on Same Day

Most would agree that twins share a special bond and that couldn't be more true for twin sisters Charron and Chardee Hampton, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Japanese-Americans Pray for Quake Victims

Japanese Christians in the U.S. spent the weekend trying to connect with loved ones in the island nation, but that hasn't been an easy task.

Kings James Bible Still Most Popular Translation

With more than 20 English translations of the Bible currently available, the King James Bible is still the most influential and popular version of the holy book.

Gay Marriage Bill Defeated in Maryland

Liberal Maryland turned out to be socially conservative when it comes to recognizing what constitutes marriage in the eyes of the state.

Jewish Prayer Ritual Sparks Airline Security Alert

An Alaska Airlines flight attendant enacted a security lockdown onboard a flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles on Sunday when three Orthodox Jews began praying.

Remember to Set Clocks Forward Tonight

Get ready to "spring forward" and give up an extra hour of sleep-- daylight saving time will officially take place this weekend.

Iowa's Example: Voters May Fire More Judges

Recent voter backlash against three Iowa Supreme Court justices for not upholding the will of the people, could spread if conservative activists have their way.

Doctors: Giffords Talking, Walking More

Those helping Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in her rehabilitation process say she's now walking more with assistance and able to talk in complete sentences.

Tsunami Waves Batter Calif. Bays, 5 Swept to Sea

At least five people were swept out to sea as they stood on the shore to watch tsunami waves approaching the West Coast.

Christian Author Makes 'Secret Millionaire' Debut

ABC's "Secret Millionaire" television series opened its season with Christian motivational author and financial counselor, Dani Johnson, as their secret benefactor.

Army Punishes 9 Officers for Ft. Hood Shootings

The U.S. Army has reprimanded nine officers for failing to take early action against their fellow officer who's accused in the Ft. Hood, Texas shootings that killed 13.

Wis. Budget Bill Signed, Unions Vow to Fight

Despite protests from voters and politicians, Wisconsin's controversial budget bill was signed into law Friday by Gov. Scott Walker.

Obamas Use Facebook to Fight Bullying

President and First Lady Obama  are using the social networking site Facebook to spread  their anti-bullying message.

CBN President Elected to the ECFA Board

Michael Little, president of the Christian Broadcasting Network, has been elected to the 2012 board of directors for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

 

Obama: Bullying Not a 'Rite of Passage'

The White House hosted an anti-bullying conference Thursday as part of an effort to highlight a problem that affects millions of children every year.

Klepto Kitty Burglarizes California Neighborhood

"Klepto the Cat," as his neighbors now call him, was featured on the Animal Planet after stealing small items around the neighborhood.

Severe Storms Rip Across Southeast, Head North

A severe weather system ripped across the southeastern part of the U.S. on Wednesday, tearing roofs off of buildings and flipping cars.

Pro-Life Activists Embark on Anti-Abortion Tour

A group of women have started on a cross-country campaign to stop taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood, America's largest abortion provider.

Activists Launch 40-Day Campaign to end Abortion

The organization is sponsoring a community-based campaign with a vision to end abortion. It asks people to partake in prayer and fasting to help end legal abortions.

Muslim TV Exec Found Guilty in Wife's Beheading

A former New York television executive has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for beheading his wife in 2009.

Boy Collects Pillow Pets for Cancer Patients

Even as 7-year-old Jake McConahay battles life-threatening cancer, he's on a mission to help other children facing the same disease.

Washington Post Columnist David Broder Dies

For decades, Broder set the standard for political coverage by seeing trends ahead of his competitors.

Phares: How to Address Homegrown Terrorism

Author and terrorism export Walid Phares talks about homegrown terrorism talks in Washington and whether any good will come out of them.

NPR Chief Quits in Wake of Video Scandal

National Public Radio chief Vivian Schiller has resigned after comments by a fellow executive angered conservatives and renewed calls to end its federal funding.

R.I. School Board to ACLU: 'Prayer Banner Stays'

A Cranston, R.I. school committee says it will not remove a prayer banner from a public high school despite legal threats from the American Civil Liberties Union.

More Heavy Rain Forecast for Northeast

Communities from Delaware to Massachusetts were bracing for more rainfall on Wednesday.

Rob Bell's 'Love Wins' Bad for Christianity?

Pastor Rob Bell has been called a "rock star in the church world," but some say his controversial new book is rocking the foundation Christianity was built on.

Snowfall, Flooding Hit Parts of the Northeast

A storm system that spawned tornadoes in Louisiana is now creating a wintry mess in several Northeastern states.

Astronaut 'Nana' Gets Out of this World Call

Gladys Roscoe enjoys using technology to stay in touch with family, but the 93-year-old grandmother recently received a phone call like no other.

Stuck in Libya, Texas Man Describes His Escape

A basketball player from Houston who found himself trapped in Libya during the democratic uprisings has finally returned home.

Va. Students Protest Removal of Commandments

Several students at a Northern Virginia high school decided to protest a recent decision by the Giles County School Board to remove the Ten Commandments.

U.K's Tony Blair: Knowledge of Bible Important

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair says it's just as important to be "religiously literate" as it is to be knowledgeable about other issues.

High Court Refuses 'In God We Trust' Challenge

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear a case that challenges the use of God's name on U.S. currency.

Two Men Charged with Murder of Texas Pastor

Two Va. men have been arrested on charges of capital murder in the death of Texas pastor Clint Dobson, a distant relative of Focus on the Family's James Dobston.

Government Targets Distracted Teen Drivers

A federal government agency has partnered with a leading magazine to make sure teenagers keep their eyes and their minds on the road.

Portland Fights Crime with Classical Music

The city of Portland, Ore. has called upon some famous musical composers from history to help with its current crime problem.

Pro-Life Groups: Stop Planned Parenthood Funding

Pro-life groups have continued their quest to strip Planned Parenthood of $362 million in taxpayer funding.

Taiwan Pride on Display at Texas Kite Festival

People from around the world recently gathered in Texas just hoping for enough breeze to blow through to send their kites airborne.

Louisiana Twister Victims Focus on Cleanup

A deadly tornado ripped through southwestern Louisiana over the weekend leaving at least 1,500 residents homeless.

College Upholds Moral Code, Suspends Star Player

A Brigham Young University star player is off the basketball court after he admitted having pre-marital sex -- a violation of the school's honor code.

Students, Aid Group Make 'Impact' on Hunger

Regent University students are participating in an "impact trip" with a team from the charity aid organization Operation Blessing International.

Author: Founders Had Different View of God, Gov't

A Baylor University professor says the Founders wanted to protect weak denominations from colonial governments that were persecuting them.

Wis. State Workers Brace Themselves for Layoffs

The continued deadlock Friday between Wis. Gov. Scott Walker and 14 Senate Democrats has thousands of state employees bracing themselves for pink slips.

Protestors Express Disdain for Sharia Law

Demonstrators took the time to blast the idea of instituting Sharia law in the U.S.

Muslim 'Sharia for America' Rally in D.C. Postponed

Radical Muslims have postponed a scheduled a rally in front of the White House to demand Islamic sharia law be implemented across the United States.

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Woman, Bible Miraculously Escape Fiery Crash

A California woman who escaped a fiery car crash unharmed says she's alive today because of her faith in God and a miraculous rescue.

Texas House Considers New 'Sonogram' Bill

The bill requires women to view an ultrasound, hear the fetus' heartbeat, and then wait 24 hours before undergoing an abortion.

High Court Rules in Favor of Church's Funeral Protests

The Supreme Court ruled that a Kansas church known for its insensitive protests outside military funerals has the constitutional right to plan such demonstrations.

Okla. Puppy Found Alive After Being Euthanized

An Oklahoma dog is being called a survivor, and hundreds of people want to adopt him after they heard his amazing story.

Boston Schools Create Parents Education 'Boot Camp'

Doing homework after school has always been a tradition for most American children. But today, a lot of parents say helping with their child's homework is no longer an easy task.

Ultrasound Images Used in Ohio Abortion Hearing

Two expectant mothers on opposite sides of the abortion debate displayed ultrasounds of their babies in the Ohio legislature Wednesday.

Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Muzzle Public Unions

The Ohio Senate has approved a bill that weakens the bargaining powers of public unions. Gov. John Kasich said it's a key step toward tackling the state's budget problems.

Philly Abortion Doc May Face Death Sentence

Gosnell's attorney says his client would most likely die of old age before a death sentence would ever be carried out against him.

Robert Kennedy's Assassin Denied Parole Again

Parole board members refused to free Robert F. Kennedy's convicted assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, Wednesday.

Calif. AG Seeks Resumption of Gay Weddings

California's attorney general has asked a federal appeals court allow homosexual weddings in the Golden State to resume immediately. 

Cops: Pa. Pizzeria Owner Left Mice at Rival Shops

Pennsylvania pizzeria owner Nikolas Galiatsato is in jail after allegedly trying to sabotage two rival restaurants by infesting them with mice.

Crash Tests Show Failures in Truck Safety

Under-ride guards on tractor trailers meant to prevent severe injuries during rear-end collisions often fail to do their job, according to a highway safety group.

Jane Russell, Star of '40s and '50s Films, Dies

Surrounded by family members, the silver screen legend died Monday at her home in the central coast city of Santa Maria, Calif.

Ohio, Parts of Midwest Brace for More Flooding

Violent thunderstorms and tornados ripped across the Midwest on Monday, leaving behind massive damage and destruction. More storms could be on the way for the region Tuesday.

Will Md. Gay Marriage be Decided by Voters?

Maryland's Senate has already approved, and Gov. Martin O'Malley said he will sign the new gay marriage law. However, voters may repeal that law.

Wisconsin Gov. Calls for Deep Cuts to Schools

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker unveiled the rest of his two-year spending plan Tuesday, which includes deep cuts for schools and city governments.