Texas AG is battling a Catholic charity that aids migrants

+ gut microbiomes of champions US Edition - Today's top story: Court battle to keep Annunciation House open underscores how faith groups strive to welcome strangers in the face of anti-immigrant sentiment [View in browser]( US Edition | 27 July 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( A Texas district court judge recently blocked attempts by state Attorney General Ken Paxton to shut down El Paso’s Annunciation House, a network of Catholic shelters that assist immigrants. Paxton’s office had accused the shelter of violating human smuggling laws, but the judge noted that immigration issues were covered only under federal law. U.S. religious organizations have often challenged laws that penalize aid to immigrants, writes University of Nebraska Omaha religious studies scholar Laura E. Alexander. Their [actions are rooted in texts and traditions]( of showing compassion to the outsider. Christian scriptures, for example, emphasize the actions of Jesus and the apostle Paul in welcoming outsiders. Other faith groups such as Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Jews also uphold the value of hospitality. As Alexander explains, Annunciation House is the latest in a long line of religious groups to cite their humanitarian mission and say that it “neither enforces nor breaks immigration laws but focuses on providing aid and legal advice.” This week we also liked articles about the 100th anniversary of the [Indian Citizenship Act](, the [barcode’s 50-year history](, and the Islamic State group’s [genocidal campaign against the Yezidis]( that began a decade ago. [ [The latest on philanthropy and nonprofits. Sign up for our weekly newsletter, Giving Today.](] Kalpana Jain Senior Religion + Ethics Editor/ Director of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative Immigrants from Honduras recount their separation from their children at the border during a news conference in 2018 at Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas. AP Photo/Matt York [Court battle to keep Annunciation House open underscores how faith groups strive to welcome strangers in the face of anti-immigrant sentiment]( Laura E. Alexander, University of Nebraska Omaha Religiously affiliated organizations can clash with politicians on humanitarian aid to migrants, raising issues around religious freedom and hospitality to newcomers. Beep. Virusowy/E+ via Getty Images [Happy 50th birthday to the UPC barcode – no one expected you would revolutionize global commerce]( Jordan Frith, Clemson University The scanning of a package of gum in an Ohio grocery store in 1974 marked the beginning of an era. Indian boarding schools intentionally separated Native children from their families and taught them to be ‘model American citizens.’ Humboldt County Collection Photos. Special Collections, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt Library [US citizenship was forced on Native Americans 100 years ago − its promise remains elusive]( Kerri Malloy, San José State University Why few Native Americans are celebrating the centennial of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. - [Athletes looking for a competitive edge may find it within their gut microbiome]( Christopher Damman, University of Washington Athletes have different gut microbiomes compared with the general population. Some of these microbes are thought to improve endurance and recovery by optimizing the cell’s powerhouses. - [JD Vance’s selection as Trump’s running mate marks the end of Republican conservatism]( Karyn Amira, College of Charleston Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and other avatars of American conservatism wouldn’t recognize it under Trump. - [Trump’s promotion of an image of strength after assassination attempt borrows from authoritarian playbook]( Ruth Ben-Ghiat, New York University History is dotted with instances of strongmen who burnish their image or crack down on opponents after attempts on their life. - [Good feedback is an art – here’s how I teach it]( - [New treatments offer much-needed hope for patients suffering from chronic pain]( - [The Yezidi genocide devastated Iraq’s community 10 years ago − but the roots of the prejudice that fueled it were much deeper]( - [Veepstakes have evolved from where you live to who you are − which way will Harris turn to balance the ticket?]( - [Buses weren’t the only civil rights battleground in Montgomery – the city’s parks still reflect a history of segregation]( - [What GoFundMe conceals: The campaigns that fail]( - [Seafloor sediment reveals previously unknown volcanic eruption 520,000 years ago in south Aegean Sea]( - [Unequal access to quantum information education may limit progress in this emerging field − now is the time to improve]( - [How do 9 states get by with no income tax? A tax expert explains the trade-offs they choose]( The Conversation News Quiz 🧠- [The Conversation U.S. weekly news quiz]( Fritz Holznagel, The Conversation Here’s the first question of [this week’s edition:]( President Joe Biden shocked the nation by dropping out of the presidential race on July 21. In the last line of his official statement, Biden said "We just have to remember we are" what? - A. Stardust, we are golden - B. 10 minutes to Wapner - C. The champions, my friends - D. The United States of America [Test your knowledge]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? 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