In brief: Suicide bombers kill 26 in Yemen

SANAA, Yemen – Two suicide car bombers rammed their vehicles into a house and a Shiite rebels’ checkpoint south of the Yemeni capital Tuesday as a school bus was passing nearby, killing at least 26 people including at least 16 primary school students, according to the Yemeni government, rebels and witnesses.

Witnesses said the first car was loaded with potatoes apparently disguising explosives underneath. When the car bomber arrived at the checkpoint guarded by rebels, he blew up the vehicle as the students’ bus was passing. After the first explosion, a second car targeted the home of a Shiite rebel leader, Abdullah Idris.

The Shiite rebels blamed al-Qaida for the attack in the Radaa area of Baydah province.

Vatican signals new tone on U.S. nuns

An unprecedented Vatican investigation of U.S. women’s religious orders that alarmed Roman Catholic sisters when the inquiry began years ago ended Tuesday with a report signaling a softer approach under Pope Francis.

The report praised sisters for their selfless work caring for the poor and promised to value their “feminine genius” more, while gently suggesting ways to serve the church faithfully and survive amid a steep drop in their numbers. There was no direct critique of the nuns, nor any demand for them to change – only requests that they ensure their ministries remain “in harmony with Catholic teaching.”

“There is an encouraging and realistic tone in this report,” said Sister Sharon Holland, head of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the umbrella organization for most U.S. religious orders. “One can read the text and feel appreciated and trusted to carry on.”