November unemployment numbers released on Dec. 2 indicated a decrease in joblessness from 9 percent to 8.6 percent.

In every region of the country, death sentences have declined, which eventually will affect the number of executions.

"For millions of American workers and their families, economic hardship continues and grows," said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif.

The disputed report claims that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops spent $26.6 million in 2009 on advocacy and outreach.

The Rhode Island governor's decision “to avoid the word Christmas” in an invitation to a “holiday tree lighting” ceremony “is most disheartening and divisive,” said Bishop Thomas Tobin.

Kinshasa Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo challenges election results in Democratoc Republic of Congo.