Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown

Jonah McKeown is a staff writer and podcast producer for Catholic News Agency. He holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has worked as a writer, as a producer for public radio, and as a videographer. He is based in St. Louis.

Articles by Jonah McKeown

Missouri discrimination cases could have far-reaching implications

Mar 7, 2019 / 00:08 am

The Missouri state Supreme Court issued two discrimination rulings last week related to sexual orientation and gender identity, both of which could lead to changes in the way discrimination is defined in the state, a Catholic public policy advocate told CNA.  

It’s Lent- “God bless the muskrat, for she is a fish”

Mar 7, 2019 / 00:00 am

We talk with writer Matthew Schmitz about weird Lenten foods, and take a deep dive into the Michigan custom of eating muskrat for Lent. That’s right. They eat something that is both a rat and musky. Don’t miss why. 

Missouri lawmakers closer to passing expansive pro-life bill

Feb 28, 2019 / 15:09 pm

The Missouri House of Representatives voted 117-39 Wednesday to send the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act to the Senate.

CNA Newsroom: "A nun, a comic, and an Iranian walk into the Church"

Feb 28, 2019 / 00:00 am

This week on CNA Newsroom, we're talking converts!     We interview three converts to the Catholic faith: Sister Brittany Harrison, journalist Sohrab Ahmari, and comedian Jeremy McLellan. Listen here: <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/583022628&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe> And in our bonus episode, DC editor Ed Condon and I play "Pardon the Ecclesiastical Interruption." <iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/582435186&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe> Subscribe to CNA Newsroom wherever you get your podcasts.  

Aid agencies highlight Christian persecution on anniversary of 'Coptic Martyrs'

Feb 15, 2019 / 17:00 pm

Four years after the so-called Islamic State released a propaganda video showing the beheading of 21 abducted Coptic Christians in Libya, aid workers and politicians continue to highlight the dangers facing Christians in the Middle East and across the world.

Catholic Charities ordered to vacate migrant respite center by Texas city

Feb 13, 2019 / 15:01 pm

City commissioners in McAllen, Texas have ordered Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) to vacate their migrant respite center within 90 days, after complaints from neighbors.

Middle Eastern pilgrims clear hurdles to attend World Youth Day

Jan 28, 2019 / 11:04 am

For many pilgrims at the 2019 World Youth Day in Panama City, attending the international event was as simple as signing up and finding money to fund the trip.

Diminished crowds at World Youth Day

Jan 28, 2019 / 10:22 am

The 15th international World Youth Day ended Sunday with a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis attended by hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world.

Asian WYD pilgrims eager for strengthening of faith amid challenges at home

Jan 26, 2019 / 11:54 am

Amid large and very vocal delegations from Latin America at World Youth Day, pilgrims from all across Asia are also in attendance. The Church in Asia is growing, even as the faithful in several countries face challenges such as increasing secularization or outright hostility from their governments.

English-language World Youth Day event draws diverse crowd

Jan 25, 2019 / 15:19 pm

The 15th International World Youth Day is underway in Panama City, with large contingents of Spanish-speaking pilgrims from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and, of course, Panama, dominating most events with a joyful exuberance.

World Youth Day pilgrims express solidarity with Venezuelans

Jan 25, 2019 / 13:43 pm

Pilgrims from 150 countries are in Panama this week for World Youth Day, including 400 from Venezuela, who are urging their fellow pilgrims to pray for their country amid escalating unrest and political upheaval.

World Youth Day pilgrims receive warm welcome in Panama  

Jan 24, 2019 / 08:37 am

When you go to stay at someone’s house for a week, it’s not unusual for the host to tidy the place up a bit to get it ready for you.

5 things to know about World Youth Day 2019

Jan 21, 2019 / 16:31 pm

Five things you need to know about World Youth Day 2019

How cutting FEMA aid could impact California families

Jan 9, 2019 / 17:23 pm

President Donald Trump has threatened to stop sending federal money to the state of California for wildfire recovery, a move that Catholic aid workers say could dramatically impact thousands of California families trying to rebuild their lives.

Why some Camp Fire victims don't ask for help, and what parishes are doing

Dec 5, 2018 / 14:43 pm

Though a series of devastating wildfires in California is nearly contained, Catholics engaged in relief efforts are warning that the recovery process will be long, and will disproportionately affect undocumented immigrants and the poor, who may not be able to avail themselves of government-provided services.

Belgian prosecutors investigate euthanization of woman on autism spectrum

Dec 3, 2018 / 17:01 pm

In the first criminal investigation of euthanasia since Belgium legalized the practice, the country's authorities are looking into the 2010 death of a woman with Asperger syndrome whom prosecutors say may have been “poisoned.”

As California fires continue to burn, Catholic Charities aids victims

Nov 13, 2018 / 03:01 am

As wildfires continue to burn throughout the state of California, local Catholic Charities agencies are working with agencies in neighboring states to coordinate relief.

What do Catholics expect from USCCB meeting on abuse crisis?

Nov 9, 2018 / 17:10 pm

CNA spoke with theologians, priests, and other prominent Catholics about what they hope to see at the upcoming meeting of U.S. bishops.

Buffalo diocese expands list of credibly accused clerics

Nov 5, 2018 / 17:32 pm

The Diocese of Buffalo is adding to their public list of clergy with credible allegations of sexual abuse against a minor.

How the Archdiocese of Detroit plans to 'Unleash the Gospel'

Nov 2, 2018 / 03:00 am

A year after Detroit’s archbishop released a letter outlining a plan for his diocese’ revitalization, the diocese is working to put his words into action with a campaign called “Unleash the Gospel.”