On the eve of Constitution Day in Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló announced via video that on August 2 he will resign as the commonwealth’s governor.
national news
Former U.S. Envoy to Vatican Opposes New Commission Headed by Predecessor
One former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican has been tapped to lead the State Department’s new Commission on Unalienable Rights. Another has signed a letter calling for it to be dismantled.
Puerto Rican Bishops Call for Governor’s Resignation With Day-Long Prayer Encounter Amid Protests
Following a tenth straight day of protests calling for Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló to resign, Puerto Rican Catholic bishops have voiced their support for the demonstrations and are now joining the call for him to step down.
Appeals Court Says Title X Rule Can Take Effect While Suits Proceed
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced July 15 it would begin implementing the Trump administration’s “Protect Life Rule” to bar Title X funds from being used for promoting or providing abortion as family planning.
De Blasio Formally Jumps Into Presidential Campaign Pool
Mayor Bill de Blasio formally announced his campaign for president on May 16, becoming the 23rd candidate to join the Democratic field that includes such national figures as former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
Pennsylvania Principal Banned From Saying ‘God Bless America’
After a parent complained to a religion watchdog group and lawyers got involved, the Springfield School District decided to no longer allow saying “God Bless America” over the public address system.
Abuse Conference Seeks Honest Exchange Between Bishops and Victims
A conference at the Catholic University of America (CUA) last week brought together clerical sex abuse survivors and over a dozen Catholic bishops for a daylong discussion on “healing a wounded family,” rather than on institutional reform.
LA Archbishop Laments ‘Horrible Violence’ After Thousand Oaks Mass Shooting
After a gunman barged into a southern California bar late Wednesday evening killing 12 individuals, Archbishop José Gómez decried the “horrible violence” and issued a call for peace.