Depending on who you ask, the Clean Slate Act is either a good way to give formerly incarcerated people a fresh start in life — or a bad idea that protects criminals at the expense of law-abiding citizens.
National News
In Fairbanks, Being Bishop Means Duffel Bags, Snowmobiles, and Sleeping on Floors
When The Tablet asked Bishop Chad Zielinski some months ago what it takes to lead the Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska, he explained that it takes a missionary zeal to embrace a different culture, along with the stamina to travel 65% of the time, live out of duffel bags, sleep on church floors, and travel between villages via snowmobiles, boats, and four-wheelers.
Biden Declares State of Emergency in Vermont; Floods Close Highways, Ruins Homes, Businesses
Torrential rains brought up to 9 inches of rain to the Green Mountain State July 10, leaving Vermont highways closed, roads eroded, homes and businesses flooded and emergencies declared.
Awards to Honor Nuns as ‘Unsung Heroes’ in Fight Against Human Trafficking
This fall, several organizations are banding together to recognize what they’re calling the “unsung heroes” in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking, by offering an award to three women religious engaged in anti-trafficking efforts.
Bishop Seitz Applauds Family Reunification Move, but Urges Full Immigration Reform
El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, the U.S. bishops’ conference migration committee chair, applauded the federal government for its new migrant family reunification program, but simultaneously cautioned that comprehensive immigration reform from Congress remains the only sustainable path forward.
Father James Martin Chosen by Pope to Participate in Synod at Vatican
Jesuit Father James Martin, editor at large of America magazine and founder of an outreach ministry to LGBTQ+ Catholics, has been chosen by Pope Francis to take part in the upcoming Synod of Bishops on Synodality at the Vatican this October.
‘Sound of Freedom’ Outpaces ‘Indiana Jones’ on July 4th Debut
In a surprising turn of events at the Independence Day box office “Sound of Freedom” defeated the latest installment of the Indiana Jones franchise, “The Dial of Destiny.”
Catholic Leaders Call for Prayer, Action After Wave of July 4 Holiday Shootings Across Us
Catholic leaders throughout the country are calling for prayer and action after gun violence scarred the July 4 holiday weekend in several states.
Baltimore Archbishop Asks For Prayers For Victims Of Mass Shooting At A Neighborhood Block Party
Following a July 2 mass shooting in which two people were killed and another 28 injured at a block party in the South Baltimore community of Brooklyn, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori asked for prayers for the victims and the city.
High Court Sides with Graphic Artist Opposed to Making Wedding Websites for Same-Sex Couples
In a 6-3 vote June 30, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado web designer who doesn’t want to design wedding websites for same-sex couples because it goes against her religious beliefs.