National News
Biden administration grapples with ‘convoluted’ immigration messaging
Even after Vice President Kamala Harris said in a speech in Guatemala "Do not come," Central Americans aren't listening, as condition there worsen. The summer has seen a surge in migration to the U.S., as with previous administrations.
Justice Department drops case of conscience on abortion
The department decided not to enforce federal conscience-protection laws after a Vermont hospital forced a nurse to participate in an elective abortion, which leaders called a "dereliction of duty."
After Maronite patriarch pressured, U.S. advocates express support
Cardinal Bechara Rai has come under pressure after calling for the Lebanese army to take control of the southern part of Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah is skirmishing with Israel.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to Indiana University’s vaccine mandate
Justice Amy Coney Barrett denied the petition of a group of students without comment. A district judge earlier advised the students either to take the semester off, take classes online or go to another school.
Catholic hospitals requiring employees to get COVID-19 vaccine
The president of the Catholic Health Association said some Catholic health systems are mandating that their employees be vaccinated, as other major secular systems already have done.
Abortion funding eyed in just-passed infrastructure bill
The $1.2 trillion bill passed by the Senate makes "historic investments" in transportation, climate change mitigation, job creation, expanded internet access and other areas, but several issues still need attention, said a key U.S. bishop.
U.N. climate change report can spur prayerful action, leaders say
"Young people are asking of us older people to give them bread and we keep handing them stones. We don't do what we need to do, to pass the gift of God's creation to them as we've done before," said the head of the Catholic Climate Covenant.
Baltimore archbishop blesses first new Catholic school in city in 60 years
Mother Mary Lange Catholic School will welcome over 400 students when classes begin Aug. 30. Students from pre-K3 to eighth grade will have access to a turf field, gym, cafeteria, art and science rooms, a library and a chapel. Lower-income families will have tuition assistance.
N.Y. Catholics asked to pray for Cuomo’s successor, women who came forward
The New York State Catholic Conference urged Catholics to pray for Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul as she prepares to succeed Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced his resignation Aug. 10 due to allegations of sexual harassment of at least 11 women.
Ruling blocking HHS ‘transgender mandate’ called ‘victory for conscience’
A U.S. District Court judge's Aug. 9 ruling to block the Biden administration's mandate that doctors and hospitals perform gender-transition procedures despite their own objections is "a victory for common sense," said the counsel for a Catholic health system.