Although the Supreme Court began its new term Oct. 5, it is hardly business as usual since the court only has eight members on the bench and it is continuing to hear oral arguments by teleconference due to heath concerns.
National News
President Plans to Debate Biden Oct. 15 as Campaign Pledges ‘Full-Speed’ Push
President Donald Trump went on social media to assure he’d soon be back on the campaign trail. However, Trump’s doctor and campaign officials described a “wait-and-see” posture regarding how and when he might return to in-person events.
Nun Honored by Time Magazine Says Politics Should Serve People, Not Party Interests
Sister Norma Pimentel, who recently made it on this years’ “Time” 100 Most Influential People list for her work on the U.S.-Mexico border, has lamented the politicization of the immigration issue, insisting that politics should serve people, not partisan interests.
Catholic Activists Applaud Encyclical’s Stance Against Death Penalty
Pope Francis tackled several issues in his new encyclical, but the section devoted to ending capital punishment was particularly cheered by U.S. Catholics who oppose the death penalty.
Colorado Observes Its first Cabrini Day, Named for Patron Saint of Immigrants
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s “Christ-like love for others is an inspiring example for all of us to this day,” said a statement from the Archdiocese of Denver issued in advance of Colorado’s new Cabrini Day honoring the patron of immigrants Oct. 5.
Bishops to Vote for Religious Liberty Chair, Seven Committee Chairmen-Elect
The U.S. Catholic bishops will vote for the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty and a chairman-elect for each of seven other standing committees before the USCCB convenes its annual fall general assembly, which is being held virtually Nov. 16-17.
Trump Departs Hospital With Face Mask and a ‘Thumbs Up’
One of the president’s doctors said he “may not entirely be out of the woods yet,” but there was consensus that he could return to the White House, “where he’ll be surrounded by world-class medical care.”
Pandemic Stimulus Bill Excludes Catholic School Students, Their Families
The chairman of the U.S. bishops’ education committee said Oct. 1 “it is unconscionable” the HEROES Act stimulus bill proposed in the House is excluding Catholic school students and their families.
Bishops Offer Good Wishes, Prayers for Trumps, All Suffering From COVID-19
Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said he was praying for President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, adding, “May God grant them full healing and may he keep their family safe and healthy.”
President Trump Transported to Hospital
Less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump revealed to the world that he had tested positive for COVID-19, he was transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland to undergo additional tests.