Headline: Justice Department Wins Three Cases to Allow for Sustainable Timber Management Including Harvesting
The President’s directive to expand timber production touches on a number, whole-of-government efforts needed to improve forest management. The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) plays an important role in defending those agencies’ actions, and recently the division successfully defended projects in Montana, Idaho, and California that underscore this work.
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Meat and poultry products inspected by state programs are limited to markets within their particular state, even when inspection at a state facility meets or exceeds federal inspection standards.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) in introducing the New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act to allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs to be sold across state lines.
This bill does not eliminate or phase out the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program and does not explicitly allow for products inspected by state MPI programs to be exported. The CIS program supports the “expansion of business opportunities for state-inspected meat and poultry establishments,” and helps North Dakota access additional markets in neighboring states. The New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act builds on this success by opening even more options without repealing the program.
Cramer and his colleagues previously led this legislation in earlier sessions of Congress. Following meatpacking plant shutdowns and supply chain shortages for meat products in 2020, the group wrote an op-ed advocating for the bill’s passage with COVID-19 relief packages.
“Despite meat and poultry products passing rigorous inspection standards across the nation, high-quality, state-inspected meats cannot be sold across state lines,” said Cramer.“This puts our producers and consumers at a disadvantage. Our bill removes this unnecessary barrier by expanding market opportunities for North Dakota ranchers and provides out-of-state consumers with more choices at the grocery store.”
“South Dakota is home to a robust and diverse agriculture industry. Despite not serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I continue to work on addressing issues that impact our farm and ranch operations in South Dakota,” said Rounds. “This includes updating safety net programs to make certain producers are receiving fair coverage for their products, allowing state-inspected meat and poultry products to be sold across state lines and reforming the Natural Resources Conservation Service to protect landowners from unnecessary government overreach. I’m looking forward to working with Chairman Boozman and the Senate Agriculture Committee to get these priorities included in the Farm Bill and across the finish line. I will continue to work to support farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and across the country.”
This legislation is cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), John Barrasso (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Tina Smith (D-MN).
Click here for bill text. Click here for one-page summary.
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet and Congressman Joe Neguse wrote a letter to Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino urging him to ensure on-time and reliable mail delivery in rural and mountain communities along the Western Slope, upon reports the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) entered into an agreement with the Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”).
In their letter, the Colorado lawmakers highlighted how the implementation of DOGE’s “wrecking ball”approach to cutting government could erode the USPS universal service mission to provide the nation and Colorado communities with reliable, affordable, universal mail service. They also called to attention the continuous impacts of staffing shortages, pushing back on further cuts to the workforce.
“Coloradans need reliable mail service to vote in elections, conduct business, pay their bills, receive medications, and stay in touch with loved ones,” wrote the lawmakers. “While we appreciate the need for USPS to continue to improve efficiency and address the many challenges facing the agency, it cannot come at the expense of Colorado’s rural small businesses, seniors, and families.”
Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
Dear Acting Postmaster General Tulino:
We write to request that you maintain your agency’s commitment to reliable and consistent mail service for rural and mountain communities in Colorado, as directed by the agency’s universal service mandate. Following your agency’s announcement that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) entered into an agreement with the General Service Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), we urge you to consider how any proposed changes could exacerbate mail delivery issues in Colorado’s Western Slope communities prior to any agreement to undertake such actions.
As you are well aware, many rural and mountain communities on Colorado’s Western Slope have consistently faced challenges receiving on-time and reliable mail delivery despite the efforts of hardworking front-line USPS employees. We are concerned that these problems will only be exacerbated by the recently-announced partnership with DOGE, which so far has demonstrated a haphazard and irresponsible approach to change other federal agencies in the name of efficiency. DOGE’s efforts across numerous federal agencies across the nation have only led to increased chaos, uncertainty, and inefficiencies. While we understand your interest to proactively engage with DOGE to address inefficiencies within USPS, we have considerable concerns that there will, instead, be further mail delivery disruptions for our constituents.
We are also deeply concerned by President Trump and DOGE’s suggestion to privatize USPS or move it under the Department of Commerce. Privatizing the agency or reducing its independence is contrary to its universal service mission. Staffing shortages, space limitations, and lack of home delivery service have already made USPS mail delivery difficult and unreliable for communities across the Western Slope. Any further staffing cuts in particular would be untenable on Colorado’s Western Slope where staff levels are already so low that Post Offices face unexpected closures and delayed mail. Therefore, we urgently request that you do not take any actions under any agreement with DOGE that would further reduce the reliability of mail delivery for rural and mountain communities on Colorado’s Western Slope.
Coloradans need reliable mail service to vote in elections, conduct business, pay their bills, receive medications, and stay in touch with loved ones. While we appreciate the need for USPS to continue to improve efficiency and address the many challenges facing the agency, it cannot come at the expense of Colorado’s rural small businesses, seniors, and families.
We urge you to ensure that any changes within USPS would not result in slower mail delivery for our Western Slope communities and erode the agency’s universal service mission, and we request advance notification and briefing of any proposed changes.
NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston.
Today, Roman Catholics around the world are mourning at the news that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
He was the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Western Hemisphere. He chose the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi because he was especially concerned about the poor. His 13-year papacy was marked by servant leadership and caring for those most in need.
Pope Francis will be remembered for addressing climate change and championing environmental stewardship. He worked to promote unity between Catholics, non-Catholics, and non-Christians, saying that members of the world’s different religions were “children of the same heaven.”
These are difficult days for the more than 200,000 Catholic Nova Scotians.
But I hope they will find comfort in their faith and the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
As Matthew said in the Beatitudes: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
A ny.gov website belongs to an official New York State government organization.
Secure ny.gov websites use HTTPS
A lock icon or https:// means you’ve safely connected to a ny.gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
April 21, 2025
Albany, NY
Photos of Governor Hochul and His Holiness Pope Francis Are Available Here
“I join Catholics around the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis.
“Pope Francis embodied the values Christ taught us every day: helping the less fortunate, calling for peace and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God. He led with compassion, humility and inclusivity, emphasizing that God does not disown any of his children. He reminded us of our collective responsibility to protect this beautiful planet, our shared home. And he was a man of peace, and a fighter for social and economic justice.
“Last year I was honored to be invited to the Vatican to deliver remarks at a Pontifical Summit to discuss climate change. His Holiness delivered a remarkable address calling on the world to save our planet and take care of the most vulnerable in our society. He then spoke individually to each of the leaders assembled, and blessed Bill and I on the occasion of our 40th wedding anniversary. It is a moment I will never forget.
“We should all strive to carry on his legacy. May His Holiness rest in peace.”
You are leaving the official State of New York website.
The State of New York does not imply approval of the listed destinations, warrant the accuracy of any information set out in those destinations, or endorse any opinions expressed therein. External web sites operate at the direction of their respective owners who should be contacted directly with questions regarding the content of these sites.
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) –South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the arrest of Daniel Cole Prince, 28, of Catawba, S.C., on five charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the York County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Office, also a member of the state’s ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.
Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led them to Prince. Investigators state Prince possessed files of child sexual abuse material.
Prince was arrested on April 11, 2025. He is charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree (§16-15-410), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count.
This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.
Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.
* Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, is a more accurate reflection of the material involved in these heinous and abusive crimes. “Pornography” can imply the child was a consenting participant. Globally, the term child pornography is being replaced by CSAM for this reason.
Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)
PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) released the following statement:
“Senate President Dominick Ruggerio’s passing is a significant loss for Rhode Island — a place he loved deeply and fought for until the very end,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Donny was a champion for working people. From infrastructure to labor protections, he believed that our state’s progress is ultimately a result of the hard work of our people. I will keep his children, grandchildren, loved ones, colleagues through his decades of service, and his loyal staff in my prayers. Through so many, his legacy will live on.”
Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)
PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) released the following statement:
“As the first Holy Father from the Americas, Pope Francis was a guiding light on how to care for the most vulnerable with humility and grace,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “His advocacy for migrants and immigrants, his support for protecting the environment, and his condemnation of radical extremism embodied the teachings of Christ. As the world mourns his passing, I join those who take comfort that his moral clarity will stand the test of time.”
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, John Cornyn, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Marsha Blackburn, and Maggie Hassan introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“Elected representatives and leaders in the communities of the United States must be ever vigilant and proactive in support of evidence-based means to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to support families,” the resolution stated.
In introducing this resolution, the senators outlined that:
Child abuse and neglect and child sexual abuse are preventable, and that a healthy and prosperous society depends on strong families and communities
Greater awareness and education around child abuse prevention is essential
Efforts to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal and get justice warrant support
This resolution is endorsed by more than 20 national and state organizations, including Prevent Child Abuse America, Buckner International, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Now, Children At Risk, Children’s Trust Fund Alliance, Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Family Compass, First3Years, Healthy Families America, Illuminate Colorado, National Association of Counsel for Children, Tennessee Voices, TexProtects, The Kempe Foundation, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, United Ways of Texas, and Zero to Three.
Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
April 21, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement after the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:
“Today, Oklahoma joins over a billion Catholics mourning the loss of Pope Francis,” said Lankford. “For twelve years, he led the Catholic Church, embodying Jesus’ call to Matthew—’Follow me’—a command he often reflected on throughout his pontificate. I remember when he addressed Congress in 2015 and spoke about the need for empathy and the importance of working in the best interests of all people. May he rest in peace with the Lord.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)
Latta Statement on Passing of Pope Francis
Washington, April 21, 2025
Today, Congressman Bob Latta (OH-5) released the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:
“Today I join in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. The first pope from the American continent, he brought a unique perspective to the universal church as a Jesuit and a shepherd from Argentina. I pray for his eternal rest.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued this statement following the death of Pope Francis.
“Today, I join my fellow Catholics in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, he symbolized and championed peace and a better world for all. May we continue the Pope’s mission in our daily lives,” said Rep. Kelly.
WASHINGTON—Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson cosponsored the Public Lands in Public Hands Act. This bill would maintain public access to public land by banning the sale or transfer of most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the United States Forest Service except under specific conditions and where required under previous laws. This legislation is sponsored by Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT). “Idaho’s abundance of parks, forests, and public lands makes our state a wonderful place to live, work, and play,” said Rep. Simpson. “Public lands were set aside for public use, and we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same benefits we sometimes take for granted today. As a lifelong Idahoan and Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, I have worked long and hard to protect Idahoans’ way of life by preserving access to Idaho’s public lands while ensuring the federal land management agencies are good neighbors. I am pleased that this legislation upholds that commitment, and I thank my friend Rep. Zinke for his leadership on this issue.” “There’s no doubt our federal lands need to be better managed; however, transferring or selling them is not the answer, and Congressman Simpson gets that. When you grow up in the West, public lands aren’t just scenic views or recreation areas, they’re part of who you are,” said Rep. Zinke. “In Idaho and Montana, there are millions of acres of mountains, forest, and lakes that must be managed and protected so that our kids and grandkids can enjoy their birthright for generations to come. Thank you to Congressman Simpson for joining on this legislation and standing up to keep public lands in public hands.” The full text of the bill is available here.
The final health engagement of the 2025 Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission began March 31, leaving a lasting impact on both the people and providers of Guyana—as well as the nearly 60 U.S. Air Force medical professionals who supported the mission.
The Liberals want to cement policies implemented by Justin Trudeau’s government, particularly the ban on assault-style weapons.
The Conservative Party of Canada, on the other hand, seems intent on avoiding the gun control issue, although Leader Pierre Poilievre has suggested he might weaken Canada’s firearm laws.
Since 2015, the Liberal Party has substantially strengthened Canada’s gun control laws.
In 2019, the Liberals passed Bill C-71, which enhanced background checks for purchasers. It also required retailers to keep records of firearm transactions. Following the April 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting, the federal government prohibited several models of assault-style firearms.
Bill C-21, passed in 2024, codified a freeze on the sale and transfer of handguns. In addition, it increased penalties for firearms smuggling and trafficking, and added offences concerning what are known as “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms assembled with components purchased either as a kit or as separate pieces. Bill C-21 also included new measures aimed at reducing intimate partner violence.
The Liberal Party’s 2025 platform does not propose introducing significant new gun control measures. Rather, the party pledges to defend and cement existing firearm laws. Carney accuses Poilievre of wanting to “import irresponsible, American-style gun laws” into Canada.
The Liberal platform promises “to keep assault-style firearms out of our communities,” while “respecting the longstanding traditions of hunting, including among Indigenous Peoples, and sport shooting.”
The Liberals will implement “an efficient gun buyback program for assault-style firearms.” They also promise that new models of firearms entering the Canadian market are classified “by the RCMP and not the gun industry.”
In addition, the Liberals promise to automatically revoke gun licences “for individuals convicted of violent offences, particularly those convicted of intimate partner violence offences, and those subject to protection orders.”
Other Liberal commitments include toughening oversight of the firearms licensing system and strongly enforcing measures aimed at reducing intimate partner violence.
Opposition party positions
The NDP says nothing about firearms in its platform, while the Bloc Québécois vaguely commits to continuing to demand better control of illegal and prohibited firearms.
The Conservative Party also largely avoids mentioning gun control. For example, on April 9, the party announced part of its criminal justice policy. It urges the adoption of a “three-strikes-and-you’re out” law. There was, however, no mention of the Conservatives’ proposed gun control platform.
The lack of a clear position seems designed to avoid entangling Poilievre in the thorny gun control issue. The Conservatives learned the dangers of promising to repeal popular gun control measures in the 2021 election. Erin O’Toole had secured the Conservative Party leadership by appealing to gun owners, and the party’s 2021 election platform promised to repeal the Liberal ban on assault-style firearms.
The Liberals drew attention to O’Toole’s promise, badly knocking the Conservatives off message for several days. O’Toole was forced to retreat from his commitment to repeal the ban. He instead promised the Conservatives would retain the ban until an independent “classification review” of firearms was completed.
Opponents of gun control responded by expressing a sense of betrayal.
In his review of the 2021 election, Canadian political scientist Faron Ellis found that O’Toole “compounded the damage when he had no definitive answers, appearing evasive or even deceitful, as the Liberals would repeatedly charge through to the end of the campaign.”
Liberals believe that the controversy over O’Toole’s gun control position helped them turn the tide and win the 2021 election. For Conservatives, the lesson of the 2021 election seems to be that they should avoid making clear promises about firearm policy.
Poilievre’s agenda
Poilievre has not been completely silent on the gun control issue. Prior to the election, he told a prominent gun control critic that he will repeal Liberal gun laws.
However, he has been less explicit during the election campaign. He has mentioned gun control at his rallies, but does not detail what a Conservative government would do. For example, at an event in Woolwich, Ont., on April 10, he promised to “reverse the wasteful multi-billion dollar gun grab that targets our hunters and our sports shooters.”
It is unclear what exactly Poilievre means by his promise to “reverse the wasteful multi-billion dollar gun grab.” Would the Conservatives again allow the purchase and transfer handguns? Would they eliminate the ban on assault-style rifles, thereby making firearms like the AR-15 widely available?
Being frank about his position would help avoid suggestions that Poilievre has an agenda to substantially alter Canada’s gun control laws.
R. Blake Brown does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:
“Today, I join the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. His fervent commitment to the faith and vision for the Catholic church was a source of inspiration for millions around the world. May we honor his memory by striving for hope and unity in our communities.”
In our last Congress.gov release, we announced improved access to Congressional Research Service (CRS) products on Congress.gov. Building on those improvements, you can now filter your search results for CRS products by topic. You can also now set up a saved search email alert for CRS products and even download an audio file of a CRS product.
In addition, in this release, we are enhancing access to historical Senate Executive Journals in Congress.gov. These journals are now available in a convenient, page-turner environment that allows you to flip through the pages sequentially and jump to a particular page. You can find the complete list of enhancements below.
You can filter search results for CRS Products by topic on Congress.gov.
Enhancements
New – Historical Senate Executive Journals
Historical Senate Executive Journals from the 1st (1789 – 1791) through the 43rd Congress (1873 – 1875) are available to browse and search.
Find links to the Senate Executive Journal in the Congressional Activity section of the Browse page.
Using the search bar, select All Congresses and enter your word or phrase query. Check Senate Executive Journal under the Journals filter on your search results page.
Select a search result from the list to view a text version of the Senate Executive Journal page. Use the View Source Images link to display an image of the original print page.
Enhancement – CRS Products – Search
Filter search results from the CRS Products landing page search form by topic.
Search results sorted by relevancy display active reports before archived reports.
Enhancement – CRS Products – Saved Search Alerts
Include the CRS Products collection in your saved search and set up an alert to receive an email when a new CRS product matches your search query.
Enhancement – CRS Products – ReadSpeaker
Download an audio file to listen to the text of any CRS Product at your convenience.
Congress.gov Tip
There are several different ways to search Congress.gov. How do you know which one is best for your research? Check out “How to Pick a Search Page.”
Most-Viewed Bills
The most-viewed bills for the week of April 13, 2025 are below.
1.
H.R.22 [119th]
SAVE Act
2.
H.R.8281 [118th]
SAVE Act
3.
H.Con.Res.14 [119th]
Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.
4.
H.R.10127 [118th]
Restoring Trade Fairness Act
5.
H.R.1526 [119th]
NORRA of 2025
6.
H.R.1332 [118th]
Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act
7.
H.R.2315 [119th]
Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025
8.
H.R.561 [119th]
Overtime Pay Tax Relief Act of 2025
9.
H.Res.294 [119th]
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 18) disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions”; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 28) disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications”; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1526) to amend title 28, United States Code, to limit the authority of district courts to provide injunctive relief, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 22) to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for Federal office, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.
Headline: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Delivers Remarks Before Opening Arguments in Google Search Remedies Trial
Good morning. Today, the Department of Justice takes an important step forward to protect the American people from the perils of Big Tech. President Trump took the first big step in 2020 when his Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google to challenge its dominance over internet search. Today, as the remedies phase of that case begins, President Trump’s Justice Department will finish the job.
A mourner holds a portrait of Pope Francis at the Basílica de San José de Flores in Buenos Aires, a church where the pope worshipped in his youth.AP Photo/Gustavo Garello
Pope Francis, whose papacy blended tradition with pushes for inclusion and reform, died on April, 21, 2025 – Easter Monday – at the age of 88.
Here we spotlight five stories from The Conversation’s archive about his roots, faith, leadership and legacy.
1. A Jesuit pope
Jorge Mario Bergoglio became a pope of many firsts: the first modern pope from outside Europe, the first whose papal name honors St. Francis of Assisi, and the first Jesuit – a Catholic religious order founded in the 16th century.
Those Jesuit roots shed light on Pope Francis’ approach to some of the world’s most pressing problems, argues Timothy Gabrielli, a theologian at the University of Dayton.
Gabrielli highlights the Jesuits’ “Spiritual Exercises,” which prompt Catholics to deepen their relationship with God and carefully discern how to respond to problems. He argues that this spiritual pattern of looking beyond “presenting problems” to the deeper roots comes through in Francis’ writings, shaping the pope’s response to everything from climate change and inequality to clerical sex abuse.
Early on in his papacy, Francis famously told an interviewer, “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Over the years, he has repeatedly called on Catholics to love LGBTQ+ people and spoken against laws that target them.
An LGBTQ couple embrace after a pastoral worker blesses them at a Catholic church in Germany, in defiance of practices approved by Rome. Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
But “Francis’ inclusiveness is not actually radical,” explains Steven Millies, a scholar at the Catholic Theological Union. “His remarks generally correspond to what the church teaches and calls on Catholics to do,” without changing doctrine – such as that marriage is only between a man and a woman.
Rather, Francis’ comments “express what the Catholic Church says about human dignity,” Millies writes. “Francis is calling on Catholics to take note that they should be concerned about justice for all people.”
At times, Francis did something that was once unthinkable for a pope: He apologized.
He was not the first pontiff to do so, however. Pope John Paul II declared a sweeping “Day of Pardon” in 2000, asking forgiveness for the church’s sins, and Pope Benedict XVI apologized to victims of sexual abuse. During Francis’ papacy, he acknowledged the church’s historic role in Canada’s residential school system for Indigenous children and apologized for abuses in the system.
But what does it mean for a pope to say, “I’m sorry”?
Members of the Assembly of First Nations perform in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on March 31, 2022, ahead of an Indigenous delegation’s meeting with Pope Francis. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
Annie Selak, a theologian at Georgetown University, unpacks the history and significance of papal apologies, which can speak for the entire church, past and present. Often, she notes, statements skirt an actual admission of wrongdoing.
Still, apologies “do say something important,” Selak writes. A pope “apologizes both to the church and on behalf of the church to the world. These apologies are necessary starting points on the path to forgiveness and healing.”
Many popes convene meetings of the Synod of Bishops to advise the Vatican on church governance. But under Francis, these gatherings took on special meaning.
The Synod on Synodality was a multiyear, worldwide conversation where Catholics could share concerns and challenges with local church leaders, informing the topics synod participants would eventually discuss in Rome. What’s more, the synod’s voting members included not only bishops but lay Catholics – a first for the church.
The process “pictures the Catholic Church not as a top-down hierarchy but rather as an open conversation,” writes University of Dayton religious studies scholar Daniel Speed Thompson – one in which everyone in the church has a voice and listens to others’ voices.
In 2024, University of Notre Dame professor David Lantigua had a cup of maté tea with some “porteños,” as people from Buenos Aires are known. They shared a surprising take on the Argentine pope: “a theologian of the tango.”
Pope Francis drinks maté, the national beverage of Argentina, in St. Peter’s Square on his birthday on Dec. 17, 2014. Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images
Francis does love the dance – in 2014, thousands of Catholics tangoed in St. Peter’s Square to honor his birthday. But there’s more to it, Lantigua explains. Francis’ vision for the church was “based on relationships of trust and solidarity,” like a pair of dance partners. And part of his task as pope was to “tango” with all the world’s Catholics, carefully navigating culture wars and an increasingly diverse church.
Francis was “less interested in ivory tower theology than the faith of people on the streets,” where Argentina’s beloved dance was born.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Erin Corcoran, Professor of immigration, refguee and asylum law, University of Notre Dame
The detention of noncitizen university students after their Palestinian rights activism raises questions about the limits of free speech. Rob Dobi/Moment/Getty Images
In early March, the federal government arrested, detained and began deportation proceedings against Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident born in Syria to Palestinian parents. Khalil participated in Palestinian rights protests at Columbia University in 2024.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote in an April 9 memo that allowing Khalil to stay in the country would create a “hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States.”
“The foreign policy of the United States champions core American interests and American citizens and condoning anti-Semitic conduct and disruptive protests in the United States would severely undermine that significant foreign policy objective,” Rubio wrote.
Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish-born student at Tufts University, was detained by immigration authorities on March 25 near her Massachusetts home and is currently being held in Louisiana. She co-authored a 2024 op-ed in the campus newspaper calling for Tufts to recognize a genocide in the Gaza Strip.
And Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian man who is a lawful permanent resident and a Columbia University student active in the Palestinian rights protests, was detained and arrested on April 25. This happened when Mahdawi showed up at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office for a citizenship interview in Vermont.
“If you apply for a student visa to come to the United States and you say you’re coming not just to study, but to participate in movements that vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings, and cause chaos, we’re not giving you that visa,” Rubio said on March 23, when asked by a journalist about revoking student visas and arresting Öztürk.
These cases raise important questions: Do lawful permanent residents have the right to protected free speech? Or are there limitations – among them, a determination by the U.S. government that permanent residents’ speech or political activity makes them a threat to national security?
Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil speaks to reporters at Columbia University on June 1, 2024, during a media briefing organized by protesters who were objecting to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
Noncitizens’ First Amendment rights
Arresting and detaining nonviolent, foreign protesters and the authors of opinion pieces is usually not legally permissible. That’s because these actions are protected by the Constitution’s First Amendment, which guarantees everyone the right to freedom of expression.
Still, the First Amendment does not apply to noncitizens physically outside the U.S. The Supreme Court, for example, ruled in 1972 that the government may deny visas and bar entry to noncitizens who were seeking admission to the U.S. to engage in constitutionally protected speech.
The Trump administration rests its argument that it can legally detain and deport noncitizens who have participated in Palestinian rights protests – but have not been charged with any crimes – on broad language in the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act.
This law articulates important immigration rules, like who can enter the country and how someone can become a citizen. It also includes vague language that gives the secretary of state power to deport noncitizens in certain cases.
“An alien whose presence or activities in the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States is deportable,” the law reads.
As foreign-born students Mahdawi, Öztürk and Khalil fight in court for their right to legally stay in the U.S., Rubio and other Trump administration leaders claim that this law gives them the power to determine whether Khalil and other noncitizens are creating “serious adverse foreign policy consequences” for the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security also wrote on the social platform X on March 9 that “Khalil led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.”
But the Trump administration has not provided any further specific details about how the views and actions of Khalil and other detained foreign students create serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S. Nor has the government alleged that Khalil and other noncitizen students committed crimes or broke the law.
Khalil’s attorneys have challenged the government’s use of the Immigration and Nationality Act as a basis to deport him in federal court. The lawyers assert that the U.S. government is attempting to deport Khalil for protected speech.
Legal precedent and steps forward
The Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment does not protect lawful permanent residents from being deported if their political affiliation violates the laws.
But the court has not yet decided if lawful permanent residents participating in protests or expressing political views are protected against deportation, when the only evident ground for their deportation is political speech.
A federal judge in New Jersey, where Khalil was first briefly detained, has ordered the government not to deport him until all his different court cases are resolved.
On April 11, a different immigration judge in Louisiana – where Khalil is currently detained – ruled that he could be deported for being a national security risk. Khalil’s attorneys are appealing this decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals, which is part of the Department of Justice.
Regardless of the outcome at the district court level, Khalil’s case will be appealed and most likely end up before the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court will then have to determine the appropriate balance between the executive branch’s authority to deport noncitizens it classifies as posing a threat to the country, and the right to freedom of expression that all people residing in the U.S. have.
If the Supreme Court holds that the federal government can say that someone’s political speech can be a threat to U.S. national security interests, I believe the core of the First Amendment is at risk, for citizens as well as noncitizens.
Erin Corcoran does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
April 21, 2025
OMAHA, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement on the death of Pope Francis:
“Pope Francis will be remembered as a servant of Christ and the Church. His life of humility and devotion to mercy will continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.”
Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)
In The Week at State with Spokesperson Tammy Bruce: Secretary Rubio joined President Trump’s meeting with Salvadoran President Bukele and went to Paris for talks on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The Secretary met with Jordanian and Indonesian officials and also directed the cancellation of $214 million in misguided programs.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)
McGovern Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis
WORCESTER, Mass., April 21, 2025
WORCESTER, Mass.—Today, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released the following statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. His Holiness led with courage and compassion—and he understood that faith is about more than words, it’s about action. He didn’t just talk about feeding the hungry—he fed the hungry. He didn’t just denounce oppression—he fought for justice. He defended the dignity of immigrants and worked to end war and bring about peace. And in doing so, he taught people of all faiths how to live with integrity and purpose. For me, Pope Francis has been a source of hope and inspiration in difficult times. I hope his successor carries forward his vision of a Church that puts faith into action and leads with humility and service by caring for the most vulnerable among us.”
TORONTO, April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUSRepublic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that it has begun shipping their much-anticipated NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ Series equipped line-up of laptops after initial unveil at CES 2025 subsequent pre-order on February 25, 2025. ASUS ROG’s line up of GeForce RTX™ Series Laptop GPUs include: ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18, ROG Strix G16, and ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16, on retailers including Best Buy, Memory Express, Canada Computers and more. Featuring the latest cutting-edge silicon from Intel and NVIDIA, our portable line up is designed to deliver the power and performance that gamers can expect without compromise.
At the core of our 2025 lineup, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 & ROG Strix SCAR 18 pack serious power with an Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX processors and up to a NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 Laptop GPUs. Featuring a MUX Switch with NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, they deliver seamless performance for AAA gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
With up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB PCIe Gen4 SSD storage, the SCAR Series offers blazing speed and smooth multitasking. The upgrade-friendly design makes memory and storage swaps easy. A standout AniMe Vision array and full-surround Aura RGB lighting add a bold, customizable aesthetic.
The ROG Nebula HDR Display on both models features a stunning 2.5K mini-LED panel with 2,000+ dimming zones, 240Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio, and 100% DCI-P3 color—delivering ultra-vivid, responsive visuals with 1200 nits peak brightness and enhanced contrast.
ROG Strix G16: Empowering Every Gamer
Built to unite squads and elevate gameplay, the ROG Strix G16 delivers fast AAA gaming and smooth content creation with the Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 275HX and up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 Series Laptop GPUs. Up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensures seamless multitasking, while advanced cooling—featuring Tri-Fan Technology and full-surround vents—keeps performance at its peak. Dual PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD slots (with Gen 5 support on Intel models) enable easy upgrades, and customizable hotkeys give gamers the edge they need.
ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16: Ultra-Portable Gaming at its Best
The ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 are top picks for gamers and creators who need portability without compromising power. Built from CNC-milled aluminum, they offer a lightweight yet durable design. The G16 is equipped with an Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 285H, up to 64GB of blazing-fast LPDDR5X 7467 memory, and up to 2TB of PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD storage. The G14 features up to an AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370, 32GB of LPDDR5X 8000 memory, and a 1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD. With GPU options up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 on the G16 and up to an RTX™ 5080 on the G14, both models deliver top-tier performance for demanding gaming, creative workloads, and seamless multitasking.
To keep things cool, both models use advanced thermal solutions with 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans and either vapor chambers or heat pipes, depending on the spec. At just 3.46 lbs (G14) and 4.30 lbs (G16), and under 1.6 cm thin, they’re made for mobility. With bold Slash Lighting and a sleek Platinum White finish, the Zephyrus series makes a statement in both form and function.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
Pre-orders for our NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 series-equipped laptops placed earlier on February have begun shipping starting with ROG Zephyrus G16 laptops. Availability at retailers, including Best Buy, Memory Express, Canada Computers, and selected retailers will continue to roll out throughout April and May. For specific release dates and availability, please reach out to your ASUS representative.
SPECIFICATIONS
ROG Strix SCAR 18
Config Model Name
G835LX-XS99-CA
G835LX-XS97
G835LW-BS97-CB
G835LW-XS97
G835LR-XS96
Marketing Name
ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025)
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Color
Off Black
Weight
3.30 Kg (7.28 lbs)
Dimensions
39.9 x 29.8 x 2.35 ~ 3.20 cm (15.71″ x 11.73″ x 0.93″ ~ 1.26″)
AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 Processor 2.0GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.1GHz, 12 cores, 24 Threads); AMD XDNA™ NPU up to 50TOPS
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7
Memory
32 GB LPDDR5X 8000 (on board)
32 GB LPDDR5X 7500 (on board)
Storage
1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (1 x SSD PCIE 4.0)
Webcam
1080p FHD IR Webcam
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
IO Ports
1 x USB 4.0 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack 1x card reader (microSD) (UHS-II)
Battery
73 Whr
AC Adapter
Rectangle Conn, 200W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H 2.9 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 16 cores, 16 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU 24GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU 16GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7
Memory
64 GB LPDDR5X 7467 (on board)
Storage
2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (2 x SSD PCIE 4.0)
Webcam
1080p FHD IR Webcam
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
IO Ports
1 x Thunderbolt 4 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack 1x card reader (SD) (UHS-II, 312MB/s
Battery
90 Whr
AC Adapter
Rectangle Conn, 240W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.
“I’m saddened by the passing of Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.
Donny was a champion for working people, a skilled legislator, and a true gentleman.
It was an honor to work closely with him on the historic school construction initiative launched in 2018. He understood the importance of investing in the next generation, and the Senate delivered under his leadership.
My thoughts are with his family, including the children and grandchildren he leaves behind, as well as his colleagues and all in Rhode Island who knew him.”
BROCKTON, Mass. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement working with federal partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested an illegally present Honduran national who unlawfully reentered the United States after two previous deportations. Officers with ICE Boston and agents with FBI Boston and ATF Boston arrested Oscar Lopez-Perez, 40, April 16 in Brockton. Lopez-Perez has a prior conviction for assault and battery and has been charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of liquor.
“Oscar Lopez-Perez has displayed a complete disregard for U.S. immigration laws by illegally reentering the country after being previously deported,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “Additionally, he has presented a significant threat to the residents of Massachusetts. ICE Boston will not tolerate such threats to our New England communities. We will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from our neighborhoods.”
U.S. Border Patrol arrested Lopez-Perez May 11, 2008, after he illegally entered the United States. USBP served Lopez-Perez a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge and released him on an order of recognizance. A DOJ immigration judge ordered Lopez-Perez removed from the United States to Honduras Sept. 15, 2003. The Brockton District Court convicted Lopez-Perez July 13, 2011, for assault and battery.
ICE Boston arrested Lopez-Perez Oct. 16, 2012, pursuant to his removal order. ICE removed Lopez-Perez from the United States to Honduras Jan. 4, 2013. USBP arrested Lopez-Perez May 8, 2013, after he illegally reentered the United States. USBP served him a notice of intent/decision to reinstate prior removal order. USBP transferred custody of Lopez-Perez to ICE. ICE removed Lopez-Perez from the United States to Honduras May 31, 2013. Lopez illegally reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location and without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration officer. The Stoughton District Court arraigned Lopez-Perez Sept. 21, 2020, for operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor and operating negligently.
Officers with ICE Boston and agents with FBI Boston and ATF Boston arrested Oscar Lopez-Perez April 16 in Brockton. Lopez-Perez remains in ICE custody.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROBoston.
New research improves ocean weather forecasts, enhancing public safety and economic growth
U.S. National Science Foundation-supported researchers published a new paper that explains how atmospheric wind affects eddies, an ocean weather phenomena of spinning ocean currents. “Our theory and findings provide a roadmap for incorporating interactions between winds and ocean eddies into operational and long-term forecasting,” said Hussein Aluie, a co-author on the paper and professor at the University of Rochester.
“Accurate ocean forecasts are essential for navigation and shipping, fisheries management, disaster response, coastal management and climate prediction,” Aluie said. These economic sectors rely on accurate forecasts to plan for potentially dangerous conditions.
Aluie and a team of researchers used satellite imagery and climate models to discover that not only do atmospheric winds dampen eddies, like previously thought, but they can also energize them. Prevailing winds that move longitudinally across the globe, like westerlies and trade winds, slow eddies when they move in the opposite direction but energize them if they spin the same way.
Between the eddies are ocean weather phenomenon called strain, which account for about half of the ocean’s kinetic energy. The team found that strain is also dampened or energized by wind-like eddies.
“The new energy pathways between the atmosphere and the ocean that we discovered can help design better ocean observation systems and improve climate models,” said Shikhar Rai, the study’s first author and a doctoral student at the University of Rochester, in a university statement.
