Nearly a year has passed since a rare “hundred year flood” devastated the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky, an area known as “the mountains” that was already stricken by extreme poverty and unemployment.
National News
Despite New Epa Rule to Reduce Toxic Pollution, Catholic Activist Says Fight to Protect Communities Far From Over
By Kimberley Heatherington (OSV News) — Sharon Lavigne has been called a modern-day Moses. But the perhaps unlikely environmental prophet — a 71-year-old retired special education teacher — doesn’t want to lead her neighbors out of St. James Parish, Louisiana. She said she just wants area industries — which lie in the 85-mile corridor between […]
Possible Eucharistic Miracle In Connecticut Under Vatican Investigation
A possible Eucharistic miracle in Connecticut is now under investigation by the Vatican. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair told a Hartford television news station May 2 that the Dicastery (formerly Congregation) for the Doctrine of the Faith will examine whether an apparent multiplication of Communion hosts during a March 5 liturgy at St.
South Carolina Gov. Signs School Choice Bill into Law
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed a school choice bill into law on May 4 that will enable families in the state to receive annual vouchers for their children’s education-related expenses, including private school tuition.
Faith Leaders, Lawmakers Urge Oklahoma Gov. to Stop Execution
A group of faith leaders and Republican lawmakers at the Oklahoma Capitol May 4 called on Gov. Kevin Stitt to stop the upcoming execution of Richard Glossip scheduled for May 18.
Catholic Governors Inconsistent on Role of Death Penalty
Some Catholic governors are embracing the use of capital punishment as part of their political platforms despite the Catholic Church’s opposition to the practice. Another Catholic governor in a southern state recently called for an end to the practice.
N.C. Poised to Enact 12-Week Abortion Ban Over Governor’s Objections
North Carolina legislators appear poised to pass a ban on abortions after 12 weeks despite objections from the state’s governor.
Catholic Hospital Threatens To Sue U.S. Government Over Order to Extinguish Sanctuary Candle
A Catholic health system in Oklahoma has threatened to sue the federal government for violating its First Amendment rights over a decision to deny re-accreditation to one of its hospitals if it doesn’t follow an order to extinguish a long-lit sanctuary candle for safety purposes.
Vermont Passes Law Allowing Nonresidents to Die by Assisted Suicide
Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill May 2 that makes the state the first to change its assisted-suicide law to allow terminally ill nonresidents to make use of it.
Mailbox ‘Fishing’ Scheme Costing Local Residents Money, Headaches
The simple act of mailing a check to his nephew wound up costing Raymond Aalbue of Bay Ridge $9,000. He became the victim of what is known as mailbox “fishing,” where thieves steal checks, money, and credit cards from mailboxes.