HUMANITARIAN FEATURES
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RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
America’s Vital Role in International Religious Freedom—An Interview with USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom finds and reports on violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide, and advises on sanctions for accountability. Today, its role is more crucial than ever.
HUMAN RIGHTS
More Than Ever, US Public Exercises Its Right to Government Information via FOIA
Over 1 million FOIA requests in 2023 have led to unprecedented delays and backlogs in receiving responses to statutory queries. Can AI help, or will it make it worse?
HUMAN RIGHTS
Nobel Peace Prize 2024 Goes to Japanese Survivors and Anti-Nuclear Advocates
Prize committee highlights Nihon Hidankyo’s role in making nuclear weapons taboo via grass-roots support for their elimination.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Bipartisan Congressional Vote Reauthorizes US Commission on International Religious Freedom for Two More Years
Responsible for monitoring the universal right to religious freedom worldwide, USCIRF’s reauthorization was signed into law by the President against a backdrop of a survey showing a new high of governmental restrictions on religion.
VOLUNTEERISM
After Helene Ripped Through Florida, Scientology Volunteer Ministers Arrived in Force
In Pinellas County, some 400 Scientology Volunteer Ministers are providing aid and comfort in a region where the heat alone can kill the vulnerable. Available on a moment’s notice, their mission is to carry out their motto: “Something can be done about it.”
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Roundtable Discussion About the Future of Faith Leadership Held in Memory of First AME Pastor Chip Murray
After shepherding his flock at First AME for decades, his “Passing the Mantle” program at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture trained the next generation.
ARTS & CULTURE
Fiona Oakes Overcame 17 Surgeries to Become an Ultramarathon Runner. She Runs for Animals, Not Trophies.
The documentary Running for Good, airing on Scientology Network, tells the story of a woman who overcame adversity to become a runner with four world records—a gift she uses for one purpose: to save animals.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Andrea Powell’s New Memoir Urges “a Total Revolution of Compassion” in the Fight for Survivors of Sex Trafficking
As Americans celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, human rights champion Andrea Powell’s new memoir shows us we still have a very long way to go.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Faith Is More Important Than Ever to Americans, New Study Finds
Six thousand Americans underline the importance of religious life; illustrate a clear separation between politics and faith. Americans overwhelmingly understand the difference—and want religious pluralism.
DRUG PREVENTION
From Addict to Advocate, He’s Fighting Drugs and Drug Crime in Italy as Part of Foundation for a Drug-Free World
Nearly dead from drugs at 19, Oreste Depaoli took a new path, and is saving lives and cleaning up communities from the endless misery of drugs.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
On September Asia-Pacific Tour, Pope Francis Spreads the Gospel of Interfaith Cooperation
Pope Francis’ trip illustrates how he embodies and lives the values of Catholicism.
VALUES
Warees Majeed Helps At-Risk Youth in DC Find the Real Shiny Jewels in Life Through The Way to Happiness
Step-by-step blueprint shows youth how to live their best life in one of the toughest parts of the nation’s capital.
