::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

(The Slice): The chu r ch w as r ende re d non-essential in 2020 by the U.S. goenment causing backlash rom r eligious leader s . While the DC mayor relaxed Coronavirus restrictions for churches to gather on Christmas, chu rches had been closed to public gatheings f o r most o f the yea r. The Archdiocese of Washington sued D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser over the city's COVID-19 restrictions on in-person church services, calling them "arbitrary," "illegal" and "unscientific" and arguing they favor businesses like restaurants over houses of worship. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with a Colorado church in its challenge of the state's COVID-19 restrictions, vacating a lower court's order and requiring a federal appeals court to reexamine the case. The Right to beleive organization responded to these challenges to religious freedom stating in a press relase, "It should also concern people of all faiths that the courts are often all to...

Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo — including the National Museum of African American History and Culture — will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, November 23. We cannot announce a reopening date at this time because of the changing nature of this situation. The Smithsonian’s top priority is to protect the health and safety of its visitors and staff. We will use this time to reassess, monitor, and explore additional risk-mitigation measures. We are closely monitoring guidance from local governments, public health officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can visit their websites or social media for updates on the Museum’s status.