U.S. bishops inside a Baltimore hotel approved materials on how Catholics should vote in 2024 elections. Soon after, their recently ousted colleague and dozens of his supporters rallied outside the annual fall business meeting. Bishop Joseph Strickland is a conservative cleric who was recently removed by Pope Francis as head of the diocese of Tyler, Texas. His ouster followed his increasingly severe criticisms of the pontiff. Strickland prayed the rosary with dozens of supporters along the waterfront. Inside their conference room, the bishops approved a document about how Catholics should rely on the church’s teaching when making their ballot choices. The document restated many longstanding positions like opposition to abortion.

Catholic leaders called for peace in a war-torn world and unity amid strife within their own ranks as U.S. bishops gather in Baltimore. Their annual fall meeting came soon after two actions by Pope Francis that illustrated the divisive challenges facing the Catholic Church. That included removing one of his harshest conservative critics from his role as bishop of Tyler, Texas. The other was releasing a document conveying a more welcoming stance to transgender people than the official positions of the U.S. bishops. Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed empathy for those in conflict zones. The meeting comes on the heels of an unprecedented meeting in Rome on the future of the church.

Republicans are increasingly focused on President Joe Biden's brother, Jim Biden, as they dig for evidence that could be used for impeachment proceedings. They haven't turned up any proof of wrongdoing by the president. However, they recently subpoenaed Jim Biden and others as part of their investigations. Jim Biden's business ventures, some of which have ended with debts and acrimony, have shadowed his brother's political career for decades. Most recently, Jim Biden's work with a failed healthcare startup called Americore has faced fresh scrutiny from Republicans. His lawyer says, "Jim Biden has never involved his brother in his business dealings.”

A former top prosecutor for the city of Baltimore has been convicted on Thursday of charges that she lied about the finances of a side business to improperly access retirement funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the money to buy two Florida homes. Former Baltimore state’s attorney Marilyn Mosby was charged with two counts of perjury. A federal grand jury indicted her on perjury charges before a Democratic primary challenger defeated her last year. Mosby was the prosecutor against Baltimore police officers after Freddie Gray, a Black man, died in police custody in 2015. His death led to riots and protests in the city. None of the officers were convicted.

Democratic governors across the country are sending a joint letter to leaders in Congress calling for additional funds for security at places of worship. The call comes as concerns rise over potential threats against Jewish and Muslim communities motivated by the Israel-Hamas war. Other national leaders, including President Joe Biden, have also asked for funds to be increased to the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The program is set to give $305 million this year to nonprofits to help secure their facilities against potential attacks. The letter was led by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and signed by 10 other governors.

A former top prosecutor for the city of Baltimore has declined to testify at her federal trial on charges that she lied to improperly access retirement funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former state's attorney Marilyn Mosby's attorneys rested their case on Wednesday. Jurors are expected to hear closing arguments after a lunch break. Prosecutors say Mosby lied about the finances of a side business to improperly access retirement funds. Mosby’s attorneys say she legally obtained and spent the money on two Florida homes. Mosby gained a national profile for prosecuting Baltimore police officers after Freddie Gray, a Black man, died in police custody in 2015.

A leading Maryland budget expert says raising revenues would likely be the least disruptive way of addressing projected budget deficits in future years. David Romans is the coordinator of fiscal and policy analysis at the Maryland Department of Legislative Services. He said Tuesday that raising revenues would provide more stability than deep budget cuts or using rainy day funds. Romans says relying on the rainy day fund is the least helpful. That's because it leaves uncertainties about what would be done to handle deficits in the future that are largely driven by rising education costs.

Baltimore police officers shot and killed a man who pointed a gun at them following a foot pursuit Tuesday afternoon, officials said. Police Commissioner Richard Worley said officers were patrolling an area in southwest Baltimore known for frequent gun violence when they encountered a man who they believed to be armed. Officials haven’t determined how many officers pulled the trigger. They also haven’t determined whether the armed man fired his handgun. The man’s identity hasn’t been released. The officers involved are members of a so-called District Action Team. Such specialized units drew scrutiny earlier this year after a police shooting that unfolded under similar circumstances.