Sage Grouse at Risk, Catholicism in America

Sage Grouse at Risk (1:04) Guests:  Randy Larsen, BYU wildlife biology professor; Mark Farmer, habitat manager, Central Region, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Most people who grew up in the West, probably never gave much much thought to the stubby sagebrush that dot the landscape, sometimes as far as you can see.  But decades of wildfire, mining and development have caused sagebrush to disappear in large numbers, along with species that rely on the plant. As a result, the US Fish and Wildlife Service will soon decide whether or not to place a bird called the “Greater sage-grouse” on the endangered species list. Its natural habitat spans 11 states – which means an endangered listing could disrupt ranching, mining and development across the West. Our panelists explain the importance of the sage grouse and the threats it faces.  Catholicism in America (51:50) Guests: Jessica Hamar Martinez, senior research on religion at Pew Research Center; Grant Underwood, professor of history at BYU; Father John Evans, pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Sandy, Utah; William Dinges, professor of religion and culture in the School of Theology and Religious Studies. Pope Francis makes his first visit to the United States at a time when nearly half of all Americans have some connection to the church, according to a recent Pew Research survey. This hour we’re asking it what it means to be Catholic in America today – culturally and spiritually.