Senate to Begin Impeachment Trial

Currents News Staff

With the ceremony and the swearings-in out of the way last week, the Senate today is set to begin the real business of the impeachment trial of President Trump.

Yet, there’s still great debate over what that trial should look like.

After days of previewing their cases in back-and-forth filings, the House impeachment managers — and President Trump’s legal team — are set to take the Senate floor.

Jan. 21 marks the third presidential impeachment trial in the history of the U.S., and the first in more than 20 years.

“This is going to be a complex trial with a lot of issues,” said Democratic Senator Chris Coons.

On Monday night, President Trump left the White House and Washington for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Before House managers and the president’s legal team offer opening arguments, Tuesday will bring a debate and a vote on the trial rules proposed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

McConnell’s plan allows the two sides 24 hours each to make their opening arguments in two twelve-hour sessions that could stretch into late night hours, given the trial’s 1 p.m. start time each day.

It also puts off the question of witnesses until after those opening arguments.

“Mitch McConnell will go down in history as one of the people eroding democracy because he has gone along with President Trump’s cover up, hook, line and sinker,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, blasting the plan.

To call any witnesses, Democrats would have to sway at least four Republicans to vote with them for a majority.

The White House praised McConnell’s proposal, saying it “protects the president’s right to a fair trial.”

Currents News for Monday, January 20, 2020

On the newscast: The Diocese of Brooklyn pays tribute through prayer to the civil rights hero Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Emergency supplies that had been hidden away for years are discovered in Puerto Rico. Tonight, there’s a demand for answers on the earthquake damaged island; A Puerto Rican legend who sacrificed his life is honored; And when the Senate impeachment trial starts tomorrow, President Trump will be far away.

Watch weeknights at 7:00 pm EST on NET-TV in the New York City area on Spectrum, Optimum, and Fios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications about new content.

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: Prayer Service Celebrates Civil Rights Leader

By Tim Harfmann and Jazmin Rosa

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Martin Luther King Jr. Day was marked locally with an interfaith prayer service at Our Lady of Victory Church, Bedford-Stuyvesant, on Jan. 20.

The service was led by Father Alonzo Cox, coordinator of the Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns for the Brooklyn Diocese. The vicariate holds the service annually on MLK Day.

“We live in a world where we need that message now more than ever,” Father Cox told Currents News. “We don’t want to build walls; we want to build bridges that will allow us to grow closer to the Lord [and] to each other. And that’s exactly what Dr. King preached and taught … looking at each other as brothers and sisters.”

At Our Lady of Victory, about 200 people turned out to celebrate King’s life on a frigid day.

An introductory dance selection by the Passion Ministry Through the Arts preceded a singing of the Black National “Dream of Freedom” by the parish choir from St. Martin de Porres, which is also in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Father Robert P. Boxie, III, of the Archdiocese of Washington delivered a speech at the service, in which he described the importance of King’s place in both American history and the faith.

“Dr. King was a man of faith,” Father Boxie said. “His faith was one that literally moved mountains and initiated a movement that changed the course of history in this country one which affected the lives of every single American, and continues to do so to this day.”

Father Boxie also spoke about King’s most notable writing, “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” which was penned in 1963. In the letter, King dismantled arguments made by a group of white clergy who believed that King and other nonviolent protestors should wait for courts’ decisions on segregation instead of engaging in direct action.

King’s letter was so profound that one of the white priests who signed his name alongside other clergyman criticizing the nonviolent protests had a conversion of heart. That priest — Bishop Joseph Durick of Nashville, Tenn., — went on to become an outspoken civil-rights advocate.

“He became a staunch supporter of civil rights and sought to end racial division and became concerned for the poor and the marginalized,” Father Boxie said. “And for this, the bishop was greatly criticized.”

It is up to individuals to take some action, no matter how small, and not be a bystander to history, Father Boxie said.

King’s advocacy, nonviolent protests and letter were individual acts that peacefully sidestepped quiet submission and culminated in something greater that we continue to draw inspiration from, Father Boxie concluded.

March for Life: Looking Towards the Future of the Pro-Life Movement

Currents News Staff

The countdown for the giant March for Life is underway.

On Jan. 24, hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers will take to the streets of the nation’s capital to fight for the rights of the unborn.

The head of U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Archbishop Joseph Naumann, joins Currents News to discuss its impact over the years, the future of the pro-life movement, and where the momentum lies today in the case for the rights of the unborn.

Rally for Gun Rights Underway in Richmond, Virginia

Currents News Staff

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency ahead of a rally at the State Capitol.

Northam said law enforcement believes extremists, including people from outside Virginia, plan to flood Richmond protesting proposed gun control measures.

“We are seeing threats of violence, we are seeing threats of armed confrontation and assault on our capitol,” he said.

Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday also coincides with “Lobby Day,” a chance for Virginians to advocate for themselves.

Northam stressed the event is normally peaceful, but worries about a return to the violence in Charlottesville, Va. in 2017.

“Violence will not be tolerated,” said Col. Gary Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent “And if that is your group and that is your intention on Monday, then you’re not welcome.”

Second amendment advocates insist they are there to simply exercise their rights peacefully

“I think it’s overkill at a certain level,” said Virginia gun carrier Michael Fouche. “I accept being prepared, but I believe this is beyond being prepared.”

“I just hope that people truly understand that Virginia gun owners are peaceful people,” said Tim Anderson, a Virginia Beach attorney. “We’ve peacefully demonstrated. This didn’t just start today.”

The proposals at the now-democratically controlled legislature include a ban on transporting and possessing an assault weapon and wider background checks.

The proposals prompted some localities to declare themselves “Second Amendment sanctuaries,” where officials say they won’t enforce certain laws if passed.

Roberto Clemente Remembered for Humanitarian Efforts With Memorial Mass

By Jessica Easthope

Puerto Ricans of all faiths gathered Jan. 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey, to celebrate the life and legacy of baseball player Roberto Clemente.

Clemente rose to fame as a sports star who has been credited with breaking down racial barriers within Major League Baseball.

When he died in a tragic plane crash in 1972, he was revered as one of the world’s greatest humanitarians.

Dozens braved the icy and snowy conditions to attend the Saturday Mass.

For the last 15 years, Newark Councilman Luis Quintana has been organizing the Mass, bringing Clemente memorabilia from his personal collection to set up on the altar.

In the wake of the devastating 5.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the island last week, Uintana spoke of the sad irony and connection Puerto Ricans have to Clemente’s death this year more than ever.

“He heard about the earthquake in Nicaragua and he said, ‘I have to go there and help the people of Nicaragua.’ And he loaded a plane,” Uintana explained. “And it was a touching day, because I heard the news that the plane had crashed in the sea after five minutes in flight.”

“Roberto Clemente was a great soul,” added Linda Cruz, who attended the Mass. “He was one of our great baseball players, and we have to remember all the good he did, and him as a person. He did a lot for all of the disasters, and if he were here today, he’d be doing the same thing.”

Puerto Rican’s in attendance expressed how Clemente’s legacy represents the importance of humanitarian efforts and, commemorative Masses represent the importance of faith, especially during the most difficult of times. This sentiment was also echoed by Newark Auxiliary Bishop Manuel Cruz, who celebrated the Mass.

“We’re family and we’re not alone and we’re grateful for our faith, knowing that our faith will never disappoint us,” he said.

As Puerto Ricans continue to recover from the earthquake, organizers of the annual Mass have pushed to have Clemente’s number, 21, retired from Major League Baseball.

Winter Storm Warnings, Advisories in Effect Across the Nation

Currents News Staff

Nearly 90 million Americans are on the lookout for some bad weather and a wintry mix across the country.

Some places, like Pollock Pines, California, are already feeling winter’s wrath. The town saw nearly a half-a-foot of snow on Jan. 16.

“I come home and there’s a berm to get in my driveway, so I have to shovel it out so i can get in,” explained resident Tim Munson.

Meanwhile Kansas City International Airport had closed temporarily due to a plane sliding off the runway and icy conditions.

“If you have to go out, and you shouldn’t, you really need use extreme caution,” warned Dan Luna of the National Weather Service.

Minnesota officials expect between eight to 12 inches of snow, and strong wind gusts.

“Road conditions will likely be terrible across most parts of the state,” said Col. Matt Langer, Chief of the Minnesota State Patrol.

The Minnesota-St. Paul international airport will likely work off two, instead of three runways. Delays are possible.

“We will close if we have to, or close service, because our department closes the airport,” explained Jeff Mattson of the Minnesota-St. Paul Airside Operations. “And if it’s a situation that’s not safe, we’re not going to go down that road.”

A swath of heavy snow and sleet will also affect the central plains and the upper midwest this weekend.

The northeast is not in the clear either. New York, Boston, and Maine will get a wintery mix as well, and parts of the region may get eight to 12 inches of snow by the end of the weekend.

Once the storm passes, it’s still not over. Some parts of the northeast will feel cold temps as low as 10 to 20 degrees below zero.

Currents News for Friday, January 17, 2020

On the newscast: Protecting students from danger. We’re there as the Diocese hosts active shooter training drills at two academies; Why the Governor of Virginia declared a state of emergency before a gun rally in Richmond on Martin Luther King Day; Vice President Mike Pence is heading to the Vatican to meet with the Pope; And it’s a zoo in Saint Peter’s Square – literally. We’ll tell you why the animals are there!

Watch weeknights at 7:00 pm EST on NET-TV in the New York City area on Spectrum, Optimum, and Fios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications about new content.

Catholic School Teachers Complete Active Shooter Training

By Emily Drooby

Teachers scattered into classrooms, barricade the doors, armed themselves with everyday items and hid — all as part of an active shooter drill designed to prepare them for the worst-case scenario.

Active shooter response training was conducted for some of Brooklyn’s diocesan schools. Staff gathered at either St. Francis de Sales in Queens, or at St. Joseph the Worker in Brooklyn, arranged by the Brooklyn Diocese and their school’s office.

The day started out with a presentation, where staff learned the three L’s of survival: lockdown, leave, live. As part of the program, educators learned how to use everyday classroom objects to make large, cumbersome barricades in the event of a shooter.

Next, staff was trained in an actual classroom, where they they took what they learned and implemented it during an active shooter drill.

“I have a chance, I have a chance to help out the children and protect themselves,” said Laura Pla, a teacher at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy. “With this training and proper planning, I feel empowered to try my best and to do all that I can do to protect the children.”

Now, she knows how to set up her classroom so that the furniture can become a barricade. Others, like Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy’s principal, Stephanie-Ann Germann, have been through some of this training before.

“It really opened my eyes to some of the not necessarily hazards, but the things we need to plan for, in terms of the infrastructure in our building,” she said.

The drill was executed by two companies: Synergy and Ratio Risk Services.

Police Officer Brian Rojee, one of the instructors with Synergy, saw the effects of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting first hand. Now, he helps prepare people for active shooter situations.

“I think any way that we can mitigate the dangers that teachers and students face in school now-a-days makes the world a better place and that’s why I’m here,” he explained.

He taught preparations teachers called helpful, necessary but also sad.

According to Editorial Projects in Education, a non-profit that raises awareness and understanding of critical issues facing American schools, in 2019 there were 25 school shootings with injuries or deaths. 43 people were injured, and eight people were killed.

Active shooter drills help to mitigate the potential loss.

“Until you actually put these things into practice and plan and train, it’s really not worth much,” explained Doreen Rearden of Ratio Risk Services, who helped facilitate the program.

Crux’s John Allen: Religious Freedom Starts ‘In School, Parishes and Workplaces’

Currents News Staff

Around the world, millions of people of faith face persecution for practicing their religion.

In the United States there has been a spike in anti-semitic incidents, as well as attacks against churches.

As the issue continues to be on the rise at home and around the globe, the question arises: What is behind all this?

John Allen, editor of Crux, joins Currents News to discuss this pressing issue and share what the Vatican is doing to combat Christian persecution.