Federal judges in New York and Texas ruled Friday that temporary restraining orders in place to stop the removal of Venezuelans from the U.S. would be expanded to protect more people in both states.

Pastors across the country say they and their congregations have responded with creativity and resiliency and invigorated community spirit even as the outbreak forced widespread cancellations of in-person services. (AP Photo/Emily Leshner)The coronavirus pandemic has posed daunting challenges for houses of worship across the U.S., often entailing large financial losses and suspension of in-person services. Financially, there’s no simple summary of how houses of worship have fared through six months of pandemic. Similarly, online services by Valley Beth Shalom, a synagogue in Encino, California, have attracted new members from Israel, England and Brazil. Scott Jones, UMC bishop for 58 counties in eastern Texas, said one short-term challenge is avoiding singing as in-person services resume.