• Religious Discrimination Now Can Be Reported, Measured in US Schools Via DOE

  U.S. Department of Education (DOE) leaders implemented new measures that will require schools to report the number and frequency of religion-based harassment of students. For the first time, every public school across the country will report to the department's Civil Rights Data Collection on the number of incidents of religious-based bullying or harassment in their schools in the 2015-2016 school year. This new data is intended to provide stakeholders, policymakers and educators critical detail

  

• Priests Being Ordered on Amazon in Japan To Conduct On-Location Services

  Buddhists in Japan just took technology-based religious services to a novel level by booking Buddhist priests online through a new company called "Obo San bin," which roughly translates to "Mr. Monk delivery." The Amazon-based new service reportedly has been well-received by Buddhists who were plagued by what they call exorbitant fees charged by traditional temples for priests to conduct rites, such as burials and memorials.

  

• Religion Presence Is 'More Visible' In French Work Places, Conflicts Rising

  Signs and items reflecting religion in work places throughout France are increasing. With that growing presence has come more religion-based conflicts, a new study found. Called "More Visible," the report was published on Thursday by the Observatory for Religion in the Workplace and the Randstad Institute.

  

• Teen Jerika Bolen Dies After Stopping Lifelong Spinal Treatment: 'Going to Better Place'

  Jerika Bolen, the 14-year-old Appleton, Wis., teen whose decision to cease treatment of her brutal spinal disease drew national support, generated a farewell prom, but also sparked a new debate on right-to-die issues, died on Thursday, her mother, Jen Bolen, said. Jerika entered hospice after a lifelong fight against Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2, an incurable and progressive disease that robbed her of ever walking in her life and caused continual pain.

  

• 'All Saints': Affirm Films' New Drama Inspired By True Story Explores Refugees' Quandaries, God's Will

  Production has begun for a new drama entitled "All Saints." The film was inspired by the true story of a salesman-turned-pastor Michael Spurlock (played by actor John Corbett), the tiny church he was ordered to shut down and a group of refugees from Southeast Asia. Together, they risked everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.