Philadelphia Shooting Standoff Brings Gun Legislation to the Forefront

Currents News Staff

A nearly eight-hour standoff between a gunman and police in Philadelphia is adding fuel to the gun control debate in the U.S. as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle weigh in.

Panic ensued in the streets of North Philadelphia as bullets flew for hours.

Police officers who were attempting to serve a narcotics warrant entered a row house and as they got to the kitchen area, 36-year-old Maurice Hill fired multiple rounds.

“We’re dealing with a violent felon who told me himself during negotiations that he had an extensive arrest record and that he did not want to deal with prison again,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

According to police, Hill barricaded himself inside for almost eight hours and continued shooting, trapping some officers in the house.

By the time he surrendered, six officers had been injured

“There are many heroes from last night, probably too many to mention by name. Certainly, you know of the six officers who were struck by gunfire,” said Ross.

The shooting is now adding fuel to the gun control debate.

“We need to start with really good gun legislation,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat.

“Let’s take guns out of the hands of people like this. Then they don’t have the means to do the things that this jerk did last night,” he added.

President Trump had a different focus regarding the incident, tweeting, “the Philadelphia shooter should never have been allowed to be on the streets. He had a long and very dangerous criminal record.”

The president ended his tweet with a call to get tougher on street crime.

Catholic Academy Set to Unveil New Sensory Classroom

By Tim Harfmann

From rubber disks to squishy floor tiles you can step on, a new way of shaping young minds is underway at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn.

The Catholic academy’s new classroom is the first in the Brooklyn Diocese to instruct students ranging in age from two-to-five-years-old on how to use their senses.

“Sensory play really activates a whole different center of the brain that helps them really understand their entire world around them; it starts to make sense of the world and has them start to make their own definitions for what things are,” explained Stephanie-Ann Germann, who after years of teaching in the Brooklyn Diocese, is preparing for her first year as principal.

Nearly 80 kids are learning through this method, and when they get back to school, students will be working with a variety of unusual tools.

Tables fit with LED lights that change color with the touch of a remote are among the highlights of the school’s new room.

“Kids can explore that table. They can explore with shadows: What happens when I put my hand on the table? What happens when I put this block on the table?’” explained Ms. Germann.

“I’m just really excited to get started with kids and engaging with families and getting to know more of the community,” she added.

The new principal is off to a fast start. She’s not only looking to make a difference with pre-k and kindergarten children, but students in other grades as well.

Ms. Germann will be replacing the old classroom desks with new ones shaped as triangles. That’ll get the kids to connect.

“You have to put them together in different formations so it leads for collaborative, peer learning. So, whether you make squares or circles or long tables, kids are going to be sitting with each other, and not in isolated rows,” said Ms. Germann.

These desks and hallways are empty now, but in three weeks Ms. Germann and her teachers will be ready.

“It’s really good for kids and at the end of the day, we’re here for kids and we want them to benefit from everything we do,” she said.

In the Brooklyn Diocese, the new school year begins on Wednesday, September 4.

Touring a Texas Migrant Facility

Currents News Staff

The main facility where thousands of migrants are held is not as over crowded and controversial as once seen. Officials have said it’s due to diminishing apprehensions.

Since June, the center has remained busy.

“We make sure they don’t have contagious diseases, if they do have a fever we will make sure to take the appropriate steps to take care of them, we will transfer them over to the hospital,” said deputy patrol agent Oscar Escamilla.

After being medically cleared when they enter, the migrants are then given food and snacks.

“Some crackers, juices, we’ll also give them a mylar blanket to cover themselves. In addition to that we’ll give them a shower wipes because we don’t know the last time they received a shower, they’ll be able to wipe themselves down before we get them in a shower so they can take a shower,” Escamilla explained.

Agents who run the center say the migrants shower every 72 hours at minimum. The agency also provides them with clean clothes.

“We make sure they’re wearing something new if they want it, we also let them wash their clothes,” one agent explained.

The fencing many refer to as ‘cages’ remain all throughout the facility, but agents explain that there’s a reason for the design.

“I can assign an agent and he’s able to see four, five cells down, versus if we had solid walls, I would have to add personnel just to manage and make sure everyone is safe,” Escamilla explained.

During their time in custody, all migrants are given phone calls to contact family members and speak to their consulates.

“The migrants as you saw are well taken care of, you saw the kids watching cartoons, interacting and they’re in a very clean facility,” said another agent at the facility.

Hostages Rescued From Philadelphia Home Following Hours-Long Shootout

Currents News Staff

A tense and dangerous scene played out in a North Philadelphia neighborhood on August 14 when police and SWAT tried to reach a man who had barricaded himself in his house with several hostages.

What began as officers serving a narcotics warrant turned into a chaotic shootout inside the suspect’s home.

Six officers were injured during the eight-hour long gun battle that ended with five rescued hostages, and the suspect being taken into custody.

“I have to admit, I did not think this guy would come out alive He was indicating he was not going back to prison, so he was not coming out alive,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

Officers were diving out of windows and doors to escape. All six were later released from the hospital.

“I thank God for these cops. They’re good people. Don’t say nothing bad about them,” said one hostage.

“They kept us safe the whole time. The whole time, they kept us safe, by permission of God.”

Philadelphia’s mayor spoke during the ordeal, and blasted the federal government for not being more proactive on gun control.

“Our officers deserve to be protected and they don’t deserve to be shot at by a guy for hours with an unlimited supply of weapons and an unlimited supply of bullets. So it’s disgusting, and we gotta do something about it. We need to do something about it quickly,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.

Currents News for Wednesday, August 14, 2019

On the newscast: A new law is now in effect–giving adult victims of child sex abuse in New York one year to bring lawsuits against their abusers; More details on Jeffrey Epstein’s death. Guards were asleep on the job; She lost her niece in a car crash. Now a Catholic woman is on a mission to save lives; Plus, the Christian couple that’s a match made in heaven.

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.

Fighting for Street Safety: Catholic Family Remembers Teen Lost to Traffic Crash

By Emily Drooby

On Utopia Parkway in Whitestone, Queens there’s a plaque honoring Madeline Serchen, a Saint Francis Prep Honor student whose life was cut short on June 25, 2018.

“She was in the crosswalk. She had the right of way. She proceeded to walk into the street, and a driver slammed right into her, killing her,” explained Maddie’s aunt, Rita Barravecchio.

The 88-year-old driver, Sheila Kahn-Prager, ran a red light. eventually giving up her license after pleading guilty to reckless endangerment. Maddie was killed on impact.

“All she had to do was be more defensive as a driver,” said Rita.

Maddie’s story is not uncommon. Every two hours, someone is killed or seriously injured in a

Rita is now fighting to lower that statistic, using the tragic loss of her niece as inspiration.

She decided to join Families for Safe Streets, a group of advocates who confront traffic violence and inspire change by sharing their tragic stories.

“This is where my connection with families for safe streets began,” she said.

She joins members like Raul Ampuero, who entered the group just days after losing his 9-year-old son Giovanni to a traffic crash.

“This is a really bad epidemic. We are trying to do something that I think is the right thing to do, which is just save lives. At least if I know that I save one life, I could die in peace,” Raul said.

The group has had an impact in helping to lower New York’s citywide speed limit to 25 miles per hour. They also had a major hand in supporting recently signed legislation allowing speed cameras in school zones.

The group also provides support to those who need it most.

Families for Safe Streets has a resource guide on their website for people who have been recently injured, or families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one to a traffic crash.

Information from their resource guide includes the five most important things you need to know after a crash, and how to deal with an NYPD investigation.

The group is “helping to change the culture of change here in New York, because it needs to change. We need to change this culture, it’s too reckless and people are taking other people’s lives,” said Rita.

For her, the group has become a way to inspire much needed change, and way to prevent other families from having to go through a similar experience.

“My family is living a nightmare that we will never wake up from, and if we can prevent another family from living this nightmare, then we’re doing good, we are doing something for Maddie,” she said.

For Rita, it’s another way to keep Maddie’s spirit alive.

In November, the group will be honoring those killed or severely injured in NYC at their World Day of Remembrance. For more information on the group and their upcoming events please visit their website.

Window for Abuse Suits in New York Opens

By Tim Harfmann and Andrew Pugliese

New York state’s Child Victims Act (CVA) took effect on Aug. 14. The law lifts the statute of limitations, which gives those who say they were abused as minors one year to file a civil suit regardless of when the alleged crime occurred.

“Today, we stand with victims who were sexually abused as children,” Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said in a statement Aug. 14. “We have reached this point because too many victims all across society have sadly carried this heavy cross for far too long. Sexual abuse is a heinous crime, and victim-survivors now have a new avenue to seek redress through the Child Victims Act.

“For anyone abused by a priest, employee or volunteer — I am sorry that a member of our church who you trusted became the source of pain and anguish. You should know the Diocese of Brooklyn has instituted the most aggressive policies to prevent any future abuse and to protect children.”

Similar child abuse laws have been passed in Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii and New Jersey. A two-year window for lawsuits in New Jersey is set to begin Dec. 1.

Last week, 30 alleged victims of abuse by New Jersey priests chose to file their claim with the New Jersey Independent Victim Compensation Program, according to NJ.com. The option is open to alleged victims in the five dioceses in New Jersey, allowing them to bring their claim to an independent mediator where the burden of proof is much less than it is in a courtroom.

The Diocese of Brooklyn is operating a similar program, called the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP). That program, which started in June 2017, gives alleged victims a way to settle claims with the diocese. Anyone who elects to participate in the IRCP agrees not to sue the diocese.

“While no amount of money could ever heal the scars of abuse, the compensation program has been one way for us to show a concrete expression of our contrition and our desire to make amends,” Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio wrote in his weekly column in the Aug. 10 issue of The Tablet.

Bishop DiMarzio also recommends the IRCP as “a better way” forward than a lawsuit.

“What we do know is that litigation can be a lengthy endeavor. Our straightforward and non-adversarial process through the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program is still an option worth exploring.”

So far, the Diocese of Brooklyn has settled almost 500 claims, and has paid over $90 million in settlements. The money has come from selling and mortgaging properties, not from donations, Bishop DiMarzio said.

Lawyers Camille Biros and Kenneth Feinberg are the mediators of the diocese’s IRCP, along with similar programs in 15 dioceses in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Biros said a lawsuit often takes about two years, while the IRCP process is usually completed in 90 days. Biros and Feinberg have handled more than 2,000 claims and fewer than a handful have rejected their offer.

“It’s an opportunity to resolve the issue with the program rather than be in a court of law and have to bring up, justify, and have all these documents in a court of law, rather than an independent program where it’s just a one-on-one or with your lawyer,” Biros said.

One piece of information Biros and Feinberg use in reaching their decision is the determination of credibility by the Diocesan Review Board, made up of former police officers, psychologists, attorneys, pastors, social workers, and victims.

The board reports allegations received by the diocesan reporting line to the appropriate district attorney’s office of concern, either Brooklyn or Queens, as well as the New York Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, according to Joseph Esposito, chairman of the review board and retired NYPD Chief of Department, in a statement. If the police and district attorney “pass on the case,” Esposito said the board directs its investigators “to do a thorough investigation on the allegation.” Once the investigators report their findings, the board votes on whether the allegation is substantiated or unsubstantiated. Then, a letter is drafted to the diocese. The report is also sent to the Vatican.

“We hear you. We love you. We have compassion for you. We will do everything we can to see to it that you get justice and relief in this horrible situation,” Esposito said in a statement.

“If I can get one thing across to the people of this diocese, this board is independent, very thorough, and we have the best interest of all as our main concern.”

The New York State Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state’s bishops, initially opposed efforts to pass the CVA, but supported it when lawmakers agreed to include public institutions in addition to the church, NYSCC spokesman Dennis Poust told Reuters.

Brian Toale, an alleged victim who belongs to the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), said he plans to take advantage of New York state’s window to sue.

“When you make it easier for people to come forward and bring a suit, then it inspires other survivors to come forward,” Toale said.

The Independent Reconciliation Compensation Program: An Overview

Those alleging abuse by a clergy member of the Diocese of Brooklyn may still settle their claim with the diocese through the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program.

The diocese’s IRCP began in June 2017 and will be in effect during the one-year window during which New York state has lifted the statute of limitations for those filing lawsuits alleging sexual abuse when they were a minor. That window began on Aug. 14. Those who go through the IRCP process may not file a civil suit alleging abuse.

The IRCP in the Diocese of Brooklyn is being administered by Kenneth Feinberg, an attorney best known for administering the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, and by Camille Biros, an associate of Feinberg’s. Feinberg and Biros decide the amount, if any, a claimant may receive. The diocese has agreed to abide by their decisions.

A panel consisting of Joseph P. Dunne, a former NYPD First Deputy Police Commissioner, and Joseph Golia, a former Queens County judge, is providing oversight for the IRCP.

Those claiming sexual abuse should call the diocese’s reporting number — (888) 634-4499 — to start the IRCP process. A claim will be heard after the claimant provides documents to support his or her allegation. Claims are reviewed by the administrators on a rolling basis.

For more information go to dioceseofbrooklyn.org and click on Clergy Sex Abuse Crisis Response.

Match Made in Heaven – Christian Couple Married for 7 Decades

Currents News Staff

Francis and Rosemary Klontz met in junior high in Auburn, Washington. They’ve been matching their outfits ever since.

“Well, my mother got us matching shirts when we were in high school. I picked them out and so, we’ve matched ever since,” said Rosemary.

“And I thought she was the cutest little thing when she came into our town. By the time we were seniors, we started going together,” added Francis.

At 19 years old, they were married. Now both 87 years young, Francis knows the term ‘happy wife, happy life’ all too well, letting his bride of more than half a century pick his outfits every day.

“She just lays it out for me, and I don’t have to worry about a thing,” he said.

They also sing together, and while it’s obvious they are in-tune with each other vocally, when asked what the secret to a happy marriage is, this duet is very much in sync.

“Jesus first, others second, yourself last – that’s the way to spell ‘joy.’ Jesus and others and you – what a wonderful way to spell joy,” said Rosemary.

And these “singing chaplains” perform at their local church, hospitals, and even just around the house.

Currents News for Tuesday, August 13, 2019

On the newscast: Just weeks before the school year begins–another Catholic academy in Brooklyn is closing its doors; United States bishops speaking out on a new immigration law–saying it undermines human dignity; Carnage in Sydney. A knife wielding man yelling “Allah Akbar” before stabbing pedestrians; And the repair of the world’s most famous cathedral is set to resume–after worries about the spread of toxic lead.

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.

St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy to Close

By Emily Drooby and Allyson Escobar

CLINTON HILL — A historic school in Brooklyn will shutter its doors before the upcoming school year, due to a steep decline in enrollment that put the school in dire financial condition.

St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy, which has served Fort Greene/Clinton Hill are since 1910, will close on Aug. 31.

Thomas Chadzutko, the diocese’s superintendent of schools, said that a significant number of families left the academy in July.

“It left us in a very precarious situation that we could not see ourselves getting out of,” Chadzutko told The Tablet.

The school projected a deficit of more than $676,999 for the 2019-2020 school year, but increased that amount to almost $1 million with the sudden drop in enrollment.

“The immediacy of this decision has been prompted by a 30 percent decline in enrollment since the 2018-2019 school year concluded in June,” the school said in a press release.

“This growth of financial debt, combined with the decline in enrollment, has made St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy unsustainable.”

Tuition at St. Francis Xavier for the upcoming school year was slated to be $4,650, while the actual cost for each student was projected to be $13,825.

The school merged with All Saints in June 2018 because of declining enrollment. St. Francis had 122 students in the 2017-2018 academic year.

“With school starting in less than three weeks, it was a very painful decision…it was not an easy one to make, and took much discussion on the part of the members of the academy,” said Chadzutko. “Whenever these decisions are made, it’s really made after a lot of prayer and reflection, knowing that we want to make sure that as an office we can support the parents and childrens’ needs.”

“It comes after many efforts on the part of the diocesan support staff to maintain a financially viable and high quality educational program in this section of Brooklyn,” he added. “We regret that factors beyond our control led to this decision so close to the start of the school year.”

“We are most appreciative of the leadership and efforts of the administration, faculty and staff for all that they have tried to do to sustain St. Francis Xavier-Queen of All Saints Catholic Academy. We also recognize the efforts and support of the parents. We understand the impact this decision will have on the students and their families and will assist them in the transition.”

As the announcement was made, one parent noted on Facebook, “This is devastating and sad commentary on the state of religious education today. The Church and the Pope need to invest in our children, their future and in our faith … I cannot believe that this school is closing a couple of weeks before school starts. Where do the children go? Where do the teachers go? And what happens to all the children who transferred to that school when St. Francis Xavier closed? We could have been one of them.”

“So Saint Francis Xavier closed last year and the 2 schools merged and now the new school is closing,” another parent commented. “I feel bad for the kids, and to close just weeks before school starts with no warning is terrible.”

An information night has been scheduled for Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. to assist families in enrolling their children to neighboring Catholic academies.

Representatives from several schools, including Queen of the Rosary, Williamsburg; St. Gregory the Great, Flatbush; St. Francis of Assisi, Crown Heights; St. Joseph the Worker, Park Slope; and St. Saviour, Park Slope, will be in attendance to help with new registrations.

“There are some things we learn from sadly every [school] closing experience,” said Chadzutko. “We know that we need to marshal our resources and use what’s best to keep Catholic education in the area.

“We know that we need to marshal our resources and use what’s best to keep Catholic education in every area of the diocese.”