President Donald Trump's assertion that the House Republican bill would not change Medicaid, only targeting "waste, fraud, and abuse," was a misleading promise. The truth is more complex and far-reaching than his repeated claim. On May 20th, President Trump visited Capitol Hill as House Republicans drafted a bill containing many of his priorities, including significant changes to Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program for...
In a rare display of cooperation amidst the ongoing conflict, Russia and Ukraine have initiated their largest prisoner exchange to date, with each side returning 390 soldiers and civilians. This significant development marks a crucial step towards healing for the families affected by the war, as well as a testament to the resilience of those who have endured captivity. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine proudly announced the exchange on...
In a historic move, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti as the new Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This significant appointment not only marks a milestone in the journey of women's empowerment within the Vatican but also underscores the progressive strides made by the Holy See under Pope Francis' leadership. As the third woman to hold the position of Secretary within...
In the bustling city of Lewiston, Maine, a familiar aroma of stir-fried noodles and savory sauces has been replaced with an air of uncertainty. Canton Wok, a beloved Chinese restaurant, has been shuttered indefinitely due to the unexpected detention of its owner, Xing Feng Dong, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 46-year-old entrepreneur's arrest on May 6 has left his family, employees, and loyal customers in limbo. Dong, a...
In the early hours of Thursday morning, the House of Representatives passed a monumental tax cut bill, championed by President Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Dubbed "The One Big Beautiful Bill Act," this legislation aims to enact Trump's tax and spending priorities while adding a staggering $3.8 trillion to the US national debt over the next decade. The bill, which was approved with 215 votes in favor and 214 against, marks a...
Deep within the asteroid belt, a hidden gem has been waiting to be discovered – the dwarf planet Ceres, a frozen ocean world that is rewriting our understanding of the early solar system. Recent findings published in Nature Astronomy have revealed an ice-rich crust on Ceres, which has significant implications for our comprehension of ocean worlds close to Earth. The Dawn mission, launched by NASA, provided crucial data that allowed scientists...
Augusta, ME – A controversial bill is currently making its way through the Maine legislature, sparking a heated debate about the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. The proposed legislation seeks to fundamentally alter the relationship between Maine’s police departments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising serious questions about civil liberties, public trust, and the very nature of...
In an unprecedented Oval Office exchange, President Donald Trump clashed with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, over false claims of "genocide" against white Afrikaner farmers. The tense encounter, which took place on a Wednesday afternoon, was marked by Trump's persistence in pushing unsubstantiated allegations, despite the lack of evidence and the vehement denials from the South African delegation. Ramaphosa, accompanied by his...
On Saturday, May 17th, nearly 200 women from across Maine gathered at the St. John's Community Center in Brunswick for the 12th Maine Catholic Women's Conference, a day-long event that celebrated the joy of being a Catholic woman and nurtured Christ-centered friendships among attendees. This year's theme, "When Women Pray," was expertly woven into the fabric of the conference by keynote speaker Amber Ezeani, host of the upcoming Theology of...
Rome's Omega gym, nestled in the up-market Prati district, has long been a hub for residents, priests, nuns, and monsignors from the nearby Vatican City. Little did anyone know that this unassuming fitness haven would play host to the future Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost, an American cardinal who had moved to the Vatican in 2023 to head the Dicastery for Bishops. For two years, Prevost frequented Omega, where he would break a sweat under the...
