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Detroit, Mich., Nov 7, 2024 / 15:00 pm (CNA).

This past Sunday, trucks carrying 100,000 meals headed south from Michigan to North Carolina and Florida to aid hurricane victims. 

The day before departure, more than 400 volunteers streamed into the social hall at St. Isidore Catholic Church in the Michigan township of Macomb to pack the meals.

Parishioners from St. Isidore and other churches were joined by members of local Kiwanis and Key Clubs, who supported the effort with funding as well as volunteers. There were high school honor societies and dance teams wearing matching jackets. There were individuals alongside entire families and groups of friends who wanted to help others in a tangible way. 

They arrived at 10 a.m. By noon, the boxes with more than 100,000 meal packets were packed and loaded onto trucks waiting outside.

St. Isidore partnered with the Kids Coalition Against Hunger and with volunteer Lori Stillwell, who worked with parish staff to manage the many details of the massive effort. Forty tables were set up in U-shaped formations in the parish social hall, with 26 people stationed at each. 

The stations became assembly lines with bins of rice, vitamin-fortified crushed soy, a vitamin blend, and dehydrated vegetables. Recipients of the meals add 6 cups of boiling water to feed six adults or 12 children. The packet contains the nine essential amino acids, making it a nutritionally sound food source for those in crisis. Each meal cost 35 cents to make. 

As boxes were packed with 36 meal packets each, volunteers at some tables let out a celebratory cheer every time they sealed a box. At other tables, applause rang out when the food scale reached precisely 390 grams, the amount each pouch holds. The festive setting served as a model not only of efficiency but also of joyful service to others. 

Including the people who had set up the night before, as well as those who packaged the meals during the event and another group that cleaned up after the action-packed two hours, the volunteer count reached nearly 600 parishioners and community members.

"We are doing what Archbishop [Allen H. Vigneron] challenges us to do, and that is to go out into the community and unleash the Gospel," said Deacon Jeff Loeb, who coordinated the effort with Stillwell and a host of other St. Isidore staff members. "In addition to helping hurricane victims, this whole effort creates a ripple effect locally as well. Even though we're packing these meals within our walls, we're reaching out beyond the walls to bring people in." 

Three moms — Amy Pagliaroli, Nicole Simonsen, and Audrey Kronzo — brought a group of teenagers from the Dakota High School's National Honor Society, the Seneca Middle School National Junior Honor Society, and Girl Scout Troop 76395 to the event. 

"I want to show my daughter that doing nice things for people in need is important," Simonsen said. 

Sixteen-year-old Ryan Comilla, a junior at Dakota High School, attended the food-packing event for the first time. His family attends St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Shelby Township, Michigan.

"I'm glad I came," Comilla said. "It feels like you have a purpose when you do something like this and you're helping someone who doesn't have access to food." 

Ten tables were filled by families who signed up to serve together. At several stations, three generations measured ingredients side by side. 

Monsignor John Kasza is the moderator for the Disciples Unleashed Family of Parishes, which includes St. Isidore, St. Therese of Lisieux, and St. Francis of Assisi-St. Maximilian Kolbe in Ray Township. 

"It's good to support one another as one family of parishes," Kasza said. "This was originally a St. Isidore event, so we partnered with the parishes to continue to do the work together while also extending it out to the community. It's reminiscent of what we hear at the end of Mass: 'May God who has begun the good work in you bring it to fulfillment.'" 

St. Isidore first packed meals for Kids Coalition Against Hunger in 2015, packaging more than half a million meals since then. Each year, the food is sent wherever there is a need domestically or internationally.

Chris Kozlowski, the mission support director for the family of parishes, worked behind the scenes to make the event a success and to secure funds. With financial support from parishioners, Kiwanis Clubs, and other donors, more than $50,000 was raised, far beyond the original goal of $35,000. Excess funds will be saved to pack additional meals next year. 

"There are days I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of our three parishes. They are truly amazing," Kozlowski said. "And, most importantly, it is a sign of God's grace that so many people are willing to do so much for their neighbors in need.?I can't think of a more fitting event considering our Gospel reading from this past weekend was about loving the Lord with our hearts and loving our neighbor as ourselves."?? 

Kozlowski encouraged other parishes not to "sell our God or the goodness in people around us short." When the team at St. Isidore initially discussed the idea of packing 100,000 meals, they didn't think it would be possible, he said. They wound up achieving the goal several years back-to-back, and the endeavor grows every year.

"This is a result of hard work and vision, but most importantly, it is the result of giving all of the caring, wonderful people an opportunity to express their love for others through generosity and action," Kozlowski said. "I also can't say enough about the people at [Kids Coalition Against Hunger] for casting the vision for their mission." 

The meal-packing event allows everyone to serve in some way, Kozlowski noted. Seniors might offer funding for the project, while young families?pitch in for the physical part of the effort.? 

Now that the rice has been vacuumed off the floor and tables have been put away, the parish is already looking ahead: They have set their sights on the milestone of 1 million meals and hope to reach it within a few years. 

Volunteers can donate toward next year's meal-packing effort at St. Isidore. Collecting funds throughout the year will help organizers plan for additional meals next year.

Learn more about Kids Coalition Against Hunger at https://kidscoalitionagainsthunger.org.

This article was first published by Detroit Catholic and is adapted and reprinted here with permission.

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ACI Africa, Nov 7, 2024 / 15:30 pm (CNA).

Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Nigeria's Diocese of Auchi who was abducted Oct. 27, has regained his freedom.

A statement issued Thursday by Father Peter Egielewa, director of communications for the diocese, provided details of Oyode's release, relaying the gratitude of Bishop Gabriel Ghiakhomo Dunia of Auchi.

"The Catholic Diocese of Auchi wishes to announce the release of Rev. Father Thomas Oyode from the hands of his abductors," Egielewa said, adding that the kidnapped priest was set free at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

Egielewa said the bishop wished to express "gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the 11 days Father Oyode was held captive, including Catholic faithful within and outside the diocese, well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the country, friends, and well-wishers around the world."

The statement also thanked Nigerian security agencies and vigilante groups as well as hunters who Egielewa said had "labored day and night" in search of the kidnapped priest.

In his statement, the bishop urged the Nigerian government at all levels to work to address the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North Senatorial District and Edo state and take proactive steps to put in place measures that he said will guarantee that people return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, in their farms, and while in transit.

Oyode was kidnapped Oct. 27 when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East LGA of Edo state. Attackers struck while the priests and seminarians were observing evening prayers and Benediction.

Gunshots at the seminary were said to have prompted all but two students to flee the school premises during the evening incident at the seminary.

An unnamed source said that when the two students were captured by suspected Fulani kidnappers, Oyode intervened, pleading with the Fulani herdsmen to release the students and take him instead.

"The kidnappers released the students and took Father Oyode away," the source wrote in a WhatsApp group for African Catholic theologians, adding: "Following the abduction, Father Oyode was led into the bush."

Nigeria has been battling a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs whose members carry out indiscriminate attacks, kidnapping for ransom, and, in some cases, killing.

Boko Haram, a group that allegedly aims to turn Africa's most populous nation into an Islamic nation, has been a major challenge in the country since 2009.

The abduction and release of Oyode follows a series of other recent kidnappings that have targeted members of the clergy in Nigeria.

On Nov. 5, Father Emmanuel Azubuike, pastor of St. Theresa Obollo Parish of the Diocese of Okigwe, was taken on his way back home from an assignment. He is yet to be released.

On June 9, Father Gabriel Ukeh was abducted from a parish rectory in the Diocese of Kafanchan and then released.

Father Oliver Buba, a priest of the Diocese of Yola, was abducted on May 21 in the diocese; he was later released.

Earlier, on May 15, the Archdiocese of Onitsha announced the abduction of Father Basil Gbuzuo, who was also later set free.

This article was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

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Vatican City, Nov 7, 2024 / 11:25 am (CNA).

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and other Holy See leaders have shared their well wishes for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump following his resounding election victory this week, conveying their hopes for wise leadership on both domestic and international affairs.

"We wish him great wisdom, because this is the main virtue of rulers according to the Bible," Parolin said at an event in Rome.

"I believe that, above all, he has to work to be the president of the whole country and so overcome the polarization that has occurred, which can be very, very clearly felt at the moment," he indicated.

Trump obtained a decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 6 presidential vote, surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to return for a second term to the White House.

Called to be a peacemaker

In addition to working toward unity among people within the U.S., Parolin also expressed his hope for Trump to "be an element of détente and pacification in the current conflicts that are bleeding the world."

"Let's hope, let's hope. I believe that not even he has a magic wand," Parolin said. 

"To end wars, a lot of humility is needed, a lot of willingness is needed. It really is necessary to seek the general interests of humanity rather than concentrate on particular interests."

While Pope Francis and Donald Trump have not seen eye to eye on issues including migrants or the environment, Vatican Undersecretary for the Dicastery for Culture and Education Father Antonio Spadaro, SJ, told Italian journalists Nov. 6 that the Vatican intends to "seek dialogue" with the U.S. leader. 

"Catholics don't have homogenous party affiliations or political convictions in the United States or anywhere else," he said. "It's held the compass of values steady, but without taking sides, precisely to avoid a spurious mixing of religion with politics."

"The perspective of the Holy See is always broad, international, recognizing that the United States has an important role in avoiding that the conflicts currently under way in the world, from martyred Ukraine to martyred Palestine, don't get worse," Spadaro said. "It's necessary to find solutions."

Following Trump's election, speculation around his foreign policy measures have been in the media spotlight again, with particular attention being given to his pledge to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. 

In the run-up to the election, the American leader repeatedly stated that he would end the conflict in "24 hours." 

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 6, 2024 / 10:45 am (CNA).

With 95% of the vote tabulated as of 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, the effort to add a constitutional amendment in West Virginia prohibiting "medically assisted suicide, euthanasia, [and] mercy killing" was headed toward passage with the support of 50.4% of the Mountain State's voters. 

The amendment to the state constitution's bill of rights, titled "Protection Against Medically Assisted Suicide," would bar persons, physicians, and health care providers from participating in the practice. 

The amendment clarifies that the ban does not prohibit "the administration or prescription of medication for the purpose of alleviating pain or discomfort while the patient's condition follows its natural course; nor does anything in this section prohibit the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment, as requested by the patient or the patient's decision-maker, in accordance with state law" nor does it prevent the state's use of capital punishment.

Bishop Mark Brennan of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston was vociferous in support of the measure, writing in a statement that "suicide, even if done for altruistic reasons, is a rejection of our place in the human community, because we choose to leave it before we have to."

In his statement, Brennan pointed out that medically assisted suicide "corrupts the medical profession" and that "many of the reasons that lead people to choose the help of medical personnel to end their lives can be met by nonlethal means."

Moral theologian and Creighton University School of Medicine professor Charles Camosy touted the results on Wednesday, noting in a post on X that the measure was in keeping with West Virginia's "history of defending human dignity."

West Virginia Congressman-elect Riley Moore, a Republican, also welcomed the vote, stating  "West Virginia stands for life, and we proved it tonight. The passage of Amendment 1 will protect WV's most vulnerable from medical killing — forever."

In a statement to CNA, Patients Rights Action Fund Executive Director Matt Vallière pointed out that while physician suicide is already illegal in West Virginia, "if the amendment ultimately receives majority support when all the votes are counted, adding it to the state constitution would make protections for people in the state stronger."

Vallière emphasized that "physician assisted suicide is a dangerous policy that creates great risk for people with disabilities, older adults, and other historically underrepresented groups because they are often not treated equally resulting in a two-tiered health care system." 

Vallière also pointed out that almost every state that has legalized assisted suicide has "loosened over time what protections they originaly claimed in supporting adoption." Some of those states now even allow elective medically assisted suicides "based on nonfatal mental health diagnosis," he added. 

Assisted suicide is currently legal in the U.S. states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia.

This story was updated on Nov. 6, 2024, at 5:02 p.m. ET with updated vote results as well as the statement from Patients Rights Action Fund.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 14:45 pm (CNA).

California and Colorado voted to repeal amendments that defined marriage as between a man and a woman, while Hawaii is on track to repeal its traditional definition of marriage, though it has not yet been called.

The state constitutions of California, Colorado, and Hawaii defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, but the results of these measures on the 2024 election ballots are set to remove this traditional definition.

The removal of the long-standing language on marriage is largely symbolic since the U.S. Supreme Court already legalized same-sex marriage in all U.S. jurisdictions in its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Nonetheless, in 2020, Nevada became the first state to repeal its constitutional provision defining marriage as between a man and a woman. California, Colorado, and Hawaii joined the ranks this year, removing the definition.

Colorado 

In a roughly 63% to 36% vote, Colorado removed language from its constitution that recognized marriage as "only a union of one man and one woman."

The Colorado bishops made a statement opposing the "Protecting the Freedom to Marry" or Amendment J earlier this year, saying that it was "imperative" for faithful Catholics to oppose the amendment as well as a pro-abortion amendment that would enshrine abortion as a right in the state's constitution.

The main proponent of Amendment J, Freedom to Marry Colorado, raised more than $760,000 and spent less than $600,000 of it. State Rep. Scott Bottoms and the Colorado bishops voiced opposition to the measure, but there was no organized campaign opposing the measure, according to Ballotpedia.

California 

Californians overwhelmingly supported removing the state's traditional definition of marriage from the constitution in a 61% to 38% vote. The amendment not only removed the definition of marriage, like Colorado's, but also added the "right to marry" as a "fundamental right" in the state's constitution.

The California Catholic bishops did not take a stance on the measure, though groups including the California Family Council voiced opposition to it, citing concerns that it could eliminate safeguards and lead to the legalization of other irregular forms of marriage. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California voiced support for the measure. 

Like Colorado, there were no reported campaigns against the measure. Campaigns supporting the measure totaled more than $3.4 million in funding.

Hawaii

While Hawaii has not yet called the results of its marriage amendment, the state is on track to repeal the Legislature's power to limit marriage to one man and one woman. Though it is the closest of the three states, Amendment 1 is still more than 10 points ahead, according to the New York Times. 

Of the 76% of votes counted in Hawaii, about 56% voted yes for Amendment 1, while about 43% voted no. In Hawaii, blank votes are considered no votes. The amendment needs 51% to pass. 

Like Colorado and California, there were no reported campaigns against it. Supporters had $79,000 in funding. 

American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii, among others, voiced support for the measure. The Hawaii Catholic bishops did not take a stance on the measure. 

Same-sex marriage in the U.S.

According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, 63% of Americans believe same-sex marriage should be legal, while 34% are against it. Support for same-sex marriage increased steadily in the U.S. from 2004 to 2017 while remaining steady since, according to Pew.

The ballot measures in California and Colorado reflect this survey, with similar numbers from their voters.

In point No. 46 of their 2023 document "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States," the U.S. bishops state that "the family — based on marriage between a man and a woman — is the first and fundamental unit of society and is a sanctuary for the creation and nurturing of children. It should be defended and strengthened, not redefined, undermined, or further distorted. Respect for the family should be reflected in every policy and program."

In addition, the Catholic Church teaches that "homosexual persons are called to chastity" and that homosexual acts are contrary to natural law and close the sexual act off from the gift of life, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Nos. 2359, 2357). The catechism also condemns any "unjust discrimination" toward people with homosexual inclinations.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 15:15 pm (CNA).

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is calling for respect and civility after the 2024 U.S. elections concluded with Donald Trump winning a second term as president. 

Trump won the race against Vice President Kamala Harris with a sizable Electoral College victory that stood at 306-226 on Wednesday afternoon. The Republican president-elect also held a roughly 5-million-vote lead in the popular vote. 

In a statement posted to the USCCB's website, conference president Archbishop Timothy Broglio congratulated Trump on his victory and praised the U.S.'s "ability to transition peacefully from one government to the next."

The archbishop noted that the Catholic Church is "not aligned with any political party, and neither is the bishops' conference." 

"No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church's teachings remain unchanged, and we bishops look forward to working with the people's elected representatives to advance the common good of all," the prelate wrote.

"As Christians, and as Americans, we have the duty to treat each other with charity, respect, and civility, even if we may disagree on how to carry out matters of public policy," he said. "As a nation blessed with many gifts we must also be concerned for those outside our borders and eager to offer assistance to all."

The archbishop urged Americans to pray for President-elect Trump and all elected officials so that they might "rise to meet the responsibilities entrusted to them as they serve our country and those whom they represent."

"Let us ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, the patroness of our nation, that she guide to uphold the common good of all and promote the dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, the stranger, the elderly and infirm, and migrants," he said. 

The 2024 election results capped what was effectively a four-year effort by Trump to retake the White House after he lost his first reelection bid to President Joe Biden in 2020. Trump became the first president in nearly 130 years to win a second presidential term nonconsecutively.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 11:45 am (CNA).

Kentucky, Nebraska, and Colorado voted on school choice ballot measures on Tuesday. While the measure in Colorado has not yet been called, voters are on pace to reject school choice in each state.

Kentucky

With more than 95% of votes counted, Kentucky voters rejected an amendment by an almost 2-1 margin that would have allowed funding for charter schools.

Charter schools in Kentucky are currently legal but not funded by the state. Kentucky Amendment 2, the "Education Opportunities Constitution Amendment," would have allowed the state to provide state funding to students outside of public schools. The amendment would have allowed consideration of a voucher program for students to attend private and parochial schools.

Kentucky's constitution only allows state funding to go toward "common schools," generally interpreted as public schools. If passed, the amendment would have explicitly allowed the government to give "financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools" for K–12 students, according to the amendment text.

Kentucky school choice advocates have tried to pass funding for charter schools in recent years, but the Kentucky Supreme Court has shut down both attempts.

The coalition opposing the Kentucky charter school amendment spent almost four times as much as supporters.

Nebraska

Nebraska voters repealed a recent school choice scholarship voucher program that established a $10 million fund for scholarships in about a 57-42 vote.

The school choice program, LB 1402, provided scholarships to students to attend qualifying private schools, including parochial schools, with a high priority for students in foster care, students experiencing bullying or harassment, and students in need of special education as well as low-income and lower-middle-class families. It was designed to enable students to apply for and receive scholarships to private schools through scholarship granting organizations.

Support Our Schools, which supported the repeal, had $7.42 million in funding, mostly from the National Education Association and the Nebraska State Education Association. The group working against the repeal, Keep Kids First, had only $1.45 million in funding.   

Colorado 

Colorado voters are on track to reject a school choice amendment with about 72% of votes counted, but the New York Times and The Colorado Sun have yet to call it. 

Colorado Amendment 80 would have established a right to school choice in the state constitution. It needed 55% support to pass. At the time of publication, it only had about 47.9% in favor and about 52% against. 

The school choice amendment would have enshrined a "right to school choice" in the state constitution for K–12 students. Amendment 80 defined school choice as including "neighborhood schools, charter schools, private schools, home schools, open enrollment options, and future innovations in education." The amendment would have given parents "the right to direct the education of their children" while ensuring that all children "have the right to equal opportunity to access a quality education."

Colorado students currently may apply to public schools outside their district or to one of the state's more than 260 charter schools. 

The amendment would have opened up the possibility of school choice programs at parochial schools.

While the Catholic bishops came out in support of school choice, a Colorado home schooling group, Christian Home Educators of Colorado, argued that the measure could lead to "increased government interference" due to its phrasing.

Executive Director of the Colorado Catholic Conference Brittany Vessely told CNA that "the Colorado Catholic Conference of Bishops is disappointed in the loss of Amendment 80." 

"Amendment 80 aligned with Catholic social teaching: to ensure that parents are permitted to select the best education option(s) for their children and each person of every age has a right to education," she explained. "This includes using a portion of state funding for parents to direct to the learning option that best fits the needs of their child." 

"Because of this loss, it is likely that the anti-school choice majorities in the state Legislature will continue to attack Colorado's current school choice options, including charter schools, and erode the rights of conscience and expression for parochial education providers and parents who choose options other than traditional public schools," Vessely noted.

School choice in the U.S.

These votes against school choice bucked the ongoing trend in the U.S. in favor of school choice following a record year in 2023, when 20 states expanded school choice programs, with 11 states enacting "universal" school choice by allowing all students to use state tuition assistance to attend nonpublic schools.

School choice advocates argue that school choice helps parents make the best decision for their parents.  

"Ensuring a quality education for our children is a fundamental duty and right every parent shares," Alleigh Marré, the executive director of American Parents Coalition, a parents' rights group based in Washington, D.C., told CNA.

"Whether it be gender-related policy for sports teams and bathrooms or curriculum that's focused on the activist political issue du jour, school choice is an extremely important issue that gives parents the flexibility to make the best possible decision for their children and family," Marré said.

This story was updated on Nov. 6, 2024, at 2:20 p.m. ET with the statement from the Colorado Catholic Conference.

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Rome Newsroom, Nov 6, 2024 / 12:15 pm (CNA).

European leaders expressed readiness to work with Donald Trump following his historic reelection, emphasizing transatlantic cooperation and shared values while acknowledging challenges ahead.

Trump secured 277 electoral votes and a popular vote margin of 5 million to defeat Democratic challenger Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the first U.S. president in nearly 130 years to win a nonconsecutive term.

In her congratulatory message, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirmed the importance of EU-U.S. relations.

"The EU and the U.S. are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens," von der Leyen wrote on X, calling for work on "a strong transatlantic agenda."

French President Emmanuel Macron offered congratulations in three languages — French, English, and German — emphasizing a commitment to cooperation "with your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Italy and the United States as "sister nations" connected by "an unshakeable alliance, common values, and historic friendship."

"It is a strategic bond that I am certain we will strengthen even further," Meloni added.

The reactions came as Trump declared victory early Wednesday morning in Florida, promising to "deliver the strong, safe, and prosperous America that our children deserve."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized Germany's role as a "reliable transatlantic partner," particularly regarding what he described as Russia's threat to security in the Euro-Atlantic region. "Germany and the USA are bound by a partnership and friendship that has grown over decades," Scholz wrote on X. "We are better off together. Together we can achieve much more than on our own."

The chancellor also called for closer European unity, noting he would work with French President Emmanuel Macron to coordinate with other EU leaders in upcoming meetings in Budapest.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has maintained closer ties with Trump than many European leaders, was among the first to congratulate the president-elect, calling it "the biggest comeback in U.S. political history" and a "much-needed victory for the world!"

Several European leaders highlighted shared democratic values and mutual interests, even as analysts note potential tensions over issues like NATO funding and climate policy that marked Trump's first term.

NATO chief Mark Rutte wrote on X that he had congratulated Trump on his win, adding that his leadership is "key" to keeping the NATO alliance strong.

"I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through #NATO," he said.

Ukraine and Israel's leaders also signaled their desire to continue close alliances with the U.S., as Trump returns to the White House after making promises to end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East through an "America First" approach.

In a statement on X congratulating Trump on his presidential win, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump's reelection offers "a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, pointed to a September meeting with Trump at which they discussed "the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine."

"I appreciate President Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs," Zelenskyy said, adding that they "rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States."

The president-elect selected Catholic convert and Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate. During the campaign, Trump actively courted Catholic voters, launching a "Catholics for Trump" coalition emphasizing religious liberty, traditional values, and pro-life positions.

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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 6, 2024 / 12:45 pm (CNA).

The Republican Party will control the United States Senate with a 52-48 majority, which could grow as votes continue to be tallied in five narrowly contested state races.

As of Wednesday morning, Republicans had secured victories in three Senate seats previously held by Democrats: one in West Virginia, one in Montana, and one in Ohio.

Republicans held on to all of the Senate seats they controlled heading into Election Day, guaranteeing that the party will have at least 52 seats and Democrats will have no more than 48. 

Five Senate races are still too close to call as votes continue to be tallied. All are currently held by Democrats. Those races are in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona.

The House of Representatives is too close to call, but Republicans have won at least 197 seats as of Wednesday morning and Democrats have won at least 177 seats. A House majority requires 218 seats — and there are 61 that have yet to be called. 

Guaranteed Republican flips

West Virginia: The most decisive Republican flip in the Senate came out of West Virginia — where Gov. Jim Justice won the open seat by more than a 40-point margin, securing about 69% of the vote. His opponent, former Wheeling mayor Glenn Elliott, only received 28% of the votes. 

"West Virginians are the best of the best and I love them with all my soul," Justice said in his victory speech.

West Virginia was widely seen as a likely Republican pickup after incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin announced he would not seek reelection and the popular governor of the state decided to enter the race. Manchin, a former governor, was first elected to the Senate in a 2010 special election and was reelected twice.

Montana: The second most decisive flip for Republicans was in Montana, where 38-year-old businessman Tim Sheehy defeated incumbent Sen. Jon Tester by about an eight-point margin. With 87% of the vote tallied, the Republican challenger secured about 53% of the vote and the incumbent Democrat received only 45%. Sheehy tallied about 40,000 votes more than Tester as of Wednesday morning. 

"We the People made our voices heard; we completed our mission; and now we will secure our children's future and save America together!" Sheehy wrote on X.

Tester was first elected to the Senate in 2006 and had represented Montana for three terms before this defeat. 

Ohio: Republicans also flipped the Senate seat in Ohio as Bernie Moreno, a 57-year-old businessman, defeated incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown. The Republican challenger secured about 50% of the vote and the Democratic challenger fell about four points short, garnering only 46% of the electorate. 

"I am so grateful to Ohioans for their resounding support in this race," Moreno said in a news release. "I look forward to working with the new Republican Senate majority to fix our economy, secure our border, and return to American strength at home and abroad." 

Brown was also first elected to the Senate in 2006 and had represented Ohio for three terms before his defeat.

States too close to call

Five Senate seats that are currently held by Democrats are too close to call. As of Wednesday morning, Republicans hold narrow leads in two of them and Democrats hold narrow leads in the other three.

Pennsylvania: With more than 95% of the vote tallied in Pennsylvania, Republican challenger Dave McCormick is leading three-term incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. by just over three-quarters of a percentage point.

McCormick, a businessman, has about 49.1% of the votes currently tallied and Casey has 48.3%. As of Wednesday morning, McCormick is ahead by slightly less than 50,000 votes.

Nevada: With 84% of the vote tallied in Nevada, Republican challenger and Afghanistan war veteran Sam Brown is ahead of incumbent first-term Sen. Jacky Rosen. 

Brown is leading by less than one-tenth of a percentage point as of Wednesday morning with about 47.3% of the vote compared with Rosen's 47.2% of the electorate. His current lead is fewer than 1,000 votes.

Michigan: The open Senate seat in Michigan is also hotly contested. Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin holds a narrow lead of less than one-fifth of a percentage point over former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers. With more than 95% of the vote tallied, Slotkin has 48.55% of the vote and Rogers has 48.37% of the electorate.

As of Wednesday morning, Slotkin's lead is fewer than 10,000 votes. 

Wisconsin: With more than 95% of the vote counted in Wisconsin, incumbent Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin leads Republican challenger and businessman Eric Hovde by more than four-fifths of a percentage point. Baldwin has nearly 49.4% of the vote and Hovde has just over 48.5%. 

Decision Desk HQ has called the race for Baldwin, but most organizations still see the race as too close to call. Baldwin has declared victory, but Hovde has not conceded. Baldwin leads Hovde by nearly 40,000 votes. 

Arizona: In Arizona's open Senate seat, Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego leads Republican Kari Lake by less than three percentage points. Because only 60% of the votes have been counted as of Wednesday morning, the race remains too close to call. 

Gallego holds about 50.4% of the vote and Lake holds about 47.5%. The Democrat has a lead of more than 60,000 votes.

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CNA Staff, Nov 6, 2024 / 13:15 pm (CNA).

Voters in Nebraska approved a measure Tuesday to require all Nebraska businesses to offer their employees one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, a new policy that will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2025.

"Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans," Initiative 436, qualified for the ballot in mid-August after a robust signature campaign, which was funded in large part by a national progressive group. The measure passed overwhelmingly, with roughly 75% voting in favor. 

The measure mandates that employers offer up to five days (40 hours) of paid sick leave per year for businesses with fewer than 20 employees, or seven days (56 hours) for businesses with 20 or more employees.

The measure's passage comes after several paid sick leave proposals repeatedly failed in the Nebraska Legislature. As of 2023, 15 states and the District of Columbia offer some amount of paid sick leave, according to the health policy group KFF. 

The Nebraska Catholic Conference, which advocates for policy on behalf of the state's bishops, had encouraged Catholics to give the proposal their attention and consideration. 

"We encourage all Catholics to strongly review the paid sick leave ballot proposal. Catholic social teaching places a strong emphasis on human dignity, the good of the family, and the dignity of work," Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said in a statement to CNA.

"It's important that Catholics properly form their conscience on these matters and exercise their right to vote in a way that upholds the common good."

The policy of paid sick leave isn't specifically mentioned in the Church's teachings. However, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, a 2004 document that compiles the Church's various teachings on labor, devotes an entire section to "rest from work," which mainly pertains to the importance of employers giving workers the opportunity to observe the Sabbath rest. 

"Rest from work is a right. … As God 'rested on the seventh day from all the work which he had done' (Gen 2:2), so too men and women, created in his image, are to enjoy sufficient rest and free time that will allow them to tend to their family, cultural, social, and religious life," the document says.

"Public authorities have the duty to ensure that, for reasons of economic productivity, citizens are not denied time for rest and divine worship. Employers have an analogous obligation regarding their employees."

On Election Day, Nebraska voters also approved medical marijuana and rejected a measure that would have expanded abortion, instead approving one that restricts abortion after roughly 12 weeks of pregnancy. 

The "Protect Women and Children" amendment, Initiative 434, will amend the state constitution to outlaw abortion "in the second and third trimesters" except in cases of medical emergencies or when the baby is the result of rape or incest. The measure passed roughly 55-45. 

Meanwhile, voters rejected a pro-abortion ballot measure, Initiative 439, which would have enshrined in the state constitution the "right" to have an abortion until the point of viability or later to protect the health of the pregnant woman.

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