Top news this morning: President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, and a former business associate, Rick Gates, face charges in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. Charges include money laundering, tax and foreign lobbying charges.
Today's must-read news story: Cardinal Wuerl: Francis' liturgical translation reform is 'what the council said'
Today's read-this-and-think-about-it article: US bishops missing opportunity for meaningful conversation. Their agenda for their November meeting "is thin," says Michael Sean Winters.
Have you read about the tiny (two employees) Montana company that won a $300 million non-competitive contract to rebuild infrastructure for the Puerto Rican Electric Power Authority? Check this out. The deal has now been canceled, but the crucial rebuilding work is delayed 10-12 weeks. Making huge profits from others' diaster and misery is, apparently, big business. Read Naomi Klein on how power profits from disaster.
Things could be very interesting in Washington this week as Republicans prepare to finally unveil their tax bill (video and text).
By all accounts, Republicans are desperate for a win, but already face setbacks as they prepare to unveil tax bill this week
- Dem governors push back against GOP tax reform plan
- Stunning New Poll Numbers Mean Trouble For Trump’s Tax Plan
- Concern rises over impact of expected tax cuts on programs for the poor
- The New York Times and Morning Consult are putting together a survey about the economy, business and public policy. Tell them what you think.
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This month, Global Sisters Report asked its international panel of women religious this question: How do you keep your spiritual energy strong under the demands of ministry and the ongoing drumbeat of negativity around the world? The answers may surprise you!
The Life is a monthly feature about the unique, challenging and very specific lives of women religious around the world. The format is simple: GSR poses a question and publishes responses from several sisters who are part of a panel of 20. Read more about the project.
Irish Archbishop Paul Tighe has been appointed secretary to the Council for Culture, one of the more senior posts at the Vatican. When he was secretary of the Vatican's Council for Social Communications, he told me he read NCRonline.org every day.
From a major news outlet: Evangelicals and Catholics made their peace. Catholics are paying the price. Gosh, Michael Sean Winters has been writing about that for weeks and weeks. A sampling:
- Fr. Antonio Spadaro spells out Francis' mercy-drenched vision
- Chaput's rebuke illustrates the dualism that Civilta Cattolica criticized
- How does the Civilta Cattolica article challenge the left?
- Values Voter Summit displays 'ecumenism of hate'
ICYMI: Mariam Williams writes: "In a culture where women are expected to accept unwanted advances, men are taught their masculinity is under attack, and religious liberty comes at the expense of others' rights, it is time to change." Sexual harassment, assault: Change the story
Start your day inspired with daily scripture reflections. Join NCR's sister publication, Celebration, for Daily Bread, a series of short reflections written by four authors who meet regularly to share the readings.
Or reflect on 
Pencil Preaching by Pat Marrin. Every morning Pat Marrin breaks open the Word with a pencil sketch and a short meditation.
