News Briefs

The Nigerian government reported on Sept. 22 that President Muhammadu Buhari is seeking U.N. assistance in negotiations to exchange the kidnapped schoolgirls from Chibok for captured leaders of Boko Haram. • Catholic Extension officials announced on Sept. 19 that Melva Arbelo, director of the Santa Teresita of the Child Jesus Children's Home in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, will receive its Lumen Christi Award in recognition for her work on behalf of abused and neglected children. • After outbreaks of violence provoked by the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, Bishop Peter Jugis of the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., called on Sept. 22 for prayers for "peace and justice" for all victims of violence and for law enforcement personnel who have been victims of "unjust violence.” • Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, the special investigator appointed to look into sexual abuse allegations against Archbishop Anthony Apuron of Guam, said in a letter read to parishioners on Sept. 18 that he was urging the Vatican to remove the archbishop after he refused to step down voluntarily. • Dennis Linehan, S.J., a former professor at the University of Scranton and Loyola University Maryland and from 1995 until 2009 an associate editor at America, passed away on Sept. 23.