NCR Online is the online presence of the National Catholic Reporter, a news publication that was founded in 1964. The idea for the National Catholic Reporter came from a group of Catholic journalists and laypeople who were concerned about the lack of independent, critical reporting on the Catholic Church and its activities. They envisioned a publication that would provide a voice for progressive and reformist perspectives within the Church, in contrast to the more conservative views often presented in official Church publications. Today, the National Catholic Reporter is owned and operated by the National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company, a non-profit organization. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, NCR Online covers a wide range of news and issues related to the Catholic Church, both in the United States and globally. This includes reporting on the Vatican, the activities of the Pope and other Church leaders, as well as the social and political engagement of Catholic communities and organizations. While the publication's primary focus is on religious and spiritual matters, it also occasionally reports on topics such as politics, social justice, and the arts, particularly when they intersect with Catholic teachings and values. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of NCR Online is its commitment to investigative journalism. The publication has a track record of uncovering and reporting on scandals and controversies within the Catholic Church, including issues related to clergy sexual abuse and financial mismanagement. This willingness to hold the Church accountable has earned NCR Online a reputation for independent and critical reporting, even in the face of potential backlash from more conservative elements within the Catholic community.