In Brief

3,000 Doctors Sue Biden Administration

A group of 3,000 doctors and medical professionals has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), challenging a mandate that expands the definition of “sex” in federal civil rights statutes to include “gender identity” and “sexual orientation.” The doctors argue that the rule compels them to provide “gender-affirming” care, including hormone treatments and surgeries, to children seeking transition, even if it contradicts their medical judgment or religious beliefs. While the case was initially dismissed, strong evidence suggests that the U.S. Department of Justice could reverse its stance.

High Arctic Ice Level Challenges Global Warming Narratives

Arctic sea ice is experiencing a remarkable recovery, reaching its highest level in twenty-one years as of January 8, contrary to claims of a warming climate. The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported the third-highest monthly gain in sea ice in December, exceeding averages for the years 2011–2020, 2001–2010, and 1991–2000. This recovery trend, observed since around 2007, challenges alarmist narratives predicting the disappearance of summer sea ice within twelve years. The data suggests cyclical natural climate variations and underscores the importance of considering ocean currents and atmospheric heat exchanges in understanding Arctic glaciology.

Californians Reject Transgender Ideology

Despite Democratic efforts to promote gender ideology in California, a poll reveals that a majority of residents reject such views. The survey, conducted by Spry Strategies with 1,000 likely California voters, indicates that sixty-two percent believe sex is binary, with respondents stating that one can only be male or female. The survey reflects a widespread rejection of erasing biological sex from legal and policy considerations, with significant increases in opposition to pro-transgender laws compared to a poll conducted three years ago.

Abortions Fall One Year After Supreme Court Ruling

In the aftermath of the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which overturned Roe v. Wade, thirty-two states have reported a combined 424,242 legal abortions in 2022, reflecting a decrease of 31,951 compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, states like California, New Mexico and New York, known for lenient abortion laws, have not yet reported their 2022 totals. The data indicates an 8% overall reduction in abortion rates across the reporting states. Pro-life laws, particularly those related to heartbeat or conception, correlate with decreased abortions, while states allowing abortions up to fifteen weeks or later saw increases. Texas led with a significant decrease of 33,572 abortions, while Florida, despite a fifteenweek limit, experienced a rise.

Religious Processions Draw Millions

The Black Nazarene procession in the Philippines, among the world’s largest religious devotions, returned to its traditional size for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting an estimated 6.5 million devotees. Known as Traslación, the annual event involves devotees carrying a replica of a lifesize statue of Jesus with a black wooden cross across Manila. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, over 2.7 million people gathered in Barquisimeto for the Divine Shepherdess procession, celebrating the image of the Virgin Mary. The procession covered over four miles, concluding at the metropolitan cathedral of Barquisimeto, where Archbishop Emeritus Mariano Parra celebrated Mass. The event, held for the 166th time, is recognized as one of the world’s largest manifestations of Marian devotion.

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit against Catholic Newspaper

In a victory for Catholic speech, County Superior Court Judge Steven David tossed out a lawsuit against the Irish Rover, a Catholic student newspaper serving the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. Tamara Kay, a sociology and global affairs professor at Notre Dame, sued the Irish Rover in June 2023 for defamation and false reporting after they published two articles exposing her public pro-abortion activism in defiance of Catholic moral teaching. The Court concluded that Kay could not publicly advocate for abortion “and expect that it will not become newsworthy at Notre Dame and elsewhere.”

Catholic Clergy of England Reaffirm Catholic Teaching

The British Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, an association of over 500 Catholic clergy in the United Kingdom, published an official letter reaffirming traditional Catholic teaching and firmly rejecting the blessing of same-sex couples following the publication of the Vatican’s Fiducia Supplicans. The clergy cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered” (CCC 2357). ■