The Baptists’ decision to accept the grant comes as faith-based groups such as Church World Service, Lutheran Services in America, Catholic Charities and World Relief have been under fire for accepting federal funds for helping immigrants and refugees. President Donald Trump’s political allies have called the grants “money laundering” and “illegal,” while some of the president’s religious allies accuse charities of selling their faith out to liberals. (Smietana, Religion News Service)
Read MoreThe Church of England has endured for nearly 500 years, embedded in the very fabric of the nation, with the King at its helm. Yet now, after months — some say years — of turmoil, it faces an existential crisis of profound historical and constitutional significance. (Newman, The Times)
Read MoreAfter a half-century of comedy and music (and what at times felt like an equal amount of buildup and hype), how do you at last kick off a prime-time 50th anniversary special for “Saturday Night Live”? Calmly and serenely, it turns out. (Itzkoff, The New York Times)
Read MoreThe original Cupid was more of a heartthrob than a cherub. Traced back to 700 BC, this character of legend was called Eros, Martin explains: the Greek word for desire. (Greenspan, Time)
Read MoreWeird as it sounds now, Saturday Night Live's 50-year tenure as one of the longest running programs in TV history may have come down to two important decisions made before the show even debuted in 1975. (Deggans, NPR)
Read MoreWhile some U.S. adults consider Cupid's holiday outdated, more say they love the romance and fun of Valentine's Day, and many expect to spend quality time with partners, friends and family. A new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that about three-quarters of Americans plan to celebrate Friday's holiday in some way this year. (Italie et al., AP News)
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