Author
Abagail Shields
ashields@timesmediaservice.comWrite to Abagail →
Abagail Shields is a senior national religion reporter for Times Media Service, based in the Washington bureau. Shields covers religion and faith communities, including the diversity of faiths practiced across the United States and around the world. Shields holds a master's degree in journalism and grew up in Leeds, England.
Stories by Abagail Shields
9 stories
September 2026
1 story: 1 explainer
Thu
Explainer · Religion · World
Nine inscriptions reveal religious life in ancient Phrygia before Christianity took hold
A study of nine inscriptions from ancient Akmoneia documents pagan religious practices in Phrygia during the early spread of Christianity.
August 2026
2 stories: 2 explainers
Sun
Explainer · Religion · World
What Dinesh D’Souza’s Bible archaeology claims do — and do not — show
Sun
Explainer · Travel · Florida
Celebrity Cruises raises daily gratuities by $1.50: What Florida travelers should know
July 2026
1 story: 1 explainer
Sun
Explainer · Health · New York City, New York
What New Yorkers should know about Legionnaires’ disease as Harlem outbreak traces back to cooling towers
As a Harlem outbreak is traced to cooling towers, health officials share how Legionnaires' disease spreads, its symptoms, and treatment in NYC.
June 2026
1 story: 1 news story
Wed
News: Science · World
Egyptian archaeologists uncover burial cache at Heliopolis tomb site
May 2026
1 story: 1 news story
Sun
News: Science · World
Ramses II Statue Discoveries: Exploring Major Ancient Egypt Finds
January 2026
1 story: 1 news story
Sat
News: Politics · New York City, New York
Bishop Barron Slams NYC Mayor Mamdani on ‘Collectivism’ Stance
December 2025
1 story: 1 news story
Sun
News: Religion · United States
Dedham “ICE Was Here” Nativity Draws Archdiocese, ICE Criticism
September 2025
1 story: 1 news story
Sun
News: Crime and Justice · Michigan
Grand Blanc Church Attack: Multiple Deaths in Michigan LDS Shooting