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Send us a textEver since I heard the news of Brian Wilson's death this week, I keep hearing over and over in my head, “God only knows what I'd be without you.” The song reassures us that love will never end. “As long as there are stars above you, you never need to doubt it. I'll make you so sure about it.”I have Mass at St. Isidore on Sunday, June 15 @ 7:30/9:30 amthe 7:30 am Mass will be live-streamed https://stisidore.church/worship-online/frjoedailey@gmail.com
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comNote: We recorded this episode before we learned about the decision in the St. Isidore case. religious beliefs being weaponized to reshape public education? In this episode, Rachel Laser—CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State—joins hosts Will and Josh to unpack two major Supreme Court cases: Mahmoud v. Taylor and St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. Both cases carry huge implications for the future of religious freedom, public schooling, and church-state separation.Laser explains how one case centers on parents trying to opt out of LGBTQ-inclusive books, while the other could open the floodgates for religious public charter schools funded by taxpayer dollars. Drawing from legal expertise and personal faith, Laser offers a bold and nuanced defense of pluralism, public education, and constitutional integrity. With the stakes this high, these rulings could redefine what it means to be an American student—or a person of faith.
Send us a textIn the Acts of the Apostles, on the day of Pentecost, THEY were all in one place together. A few verses earlier Luke told us exactly who THEY are: Mary the Mother of Jesus was there, along with about 120 persons.I have Mass on Sunday, June 8 at St. Isidore @ 9:30/11:30 amfrjoedailey@gmail.com
Patrick discusses insights about faith, focusing on miraculous events in Acts chapter 8 and addressing questions on Catholic practices like choosing sponsors at Confirmation. He shares a compelling story of angels assisting St. Isidore and highlights the importance of standing firm in one's faith at work. Plus, Patrick emphasizes how Relevant Radio serves as a unifying resource for Catholics. Isidore (email) - What does Luke mean when he says the spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. Did Philip just disappear into thin air? (0:54) Zach (email) – Confirmation and sponsor question (9:24) Sheila (email) – Why did Adam and Eve sin? (13:26) Audio: Sen. Marco Rubio responds to a question about revoking Visas. (25:00) Mary - I have been asked to leave the Adoration Chapel because the space is needed for a meeting. (28:20) LtCol Dan (email) - If I have my niece be the Godmother, and my brother be a witness, it’s not ideal but I believe I’m still following the Church's guidelines on Godparents. If he comes back to the Catholic Church, does he then become the Godfather retroactively? As a witness, does he make the same verbal commitment that a Godparent makes? (37:08) Bob (email) - If Angels are pure spirit with no bodies, how are they doing hard manual labor on farms and plowing fields? (43:23) Jackie (email) - Coworkers mock my faith and I’m not sure how to handle it (45:00) Encore from 3/13/25
Send us a textSo before leaving them, he tells his disciples to go back to Jerusalem and there wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. If they want to find Jesus, they will find him in the Christian community, in the midst of their every day lives.I have Mass on Sunday June 1, at St. Isidore @ 7:30/9:30 amThe 7:30 am Mass will be live-streamed https://stisidore.church/worship-online/
On Thursday, the Supreme Court blocked a religious online charter school from obtaining public funding from the state of Oklahoma. In a 4–4 decision that Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from, the court affirmed the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling that prevented St. Isidore of Seville — a Catholic online-only charter school in Oklahoma City — from receiving public funds. The court did not disclose how the justices voted in the case, only releasing a one-sentence opinion: “The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court.” Ad-free podcasts are here!Many listeners have been asking for an ad-free version of this podcast that they could subscribe to — and we finally launched it. You can go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!You can read today's podcast here, our “Under the Radar” story here and today's “Have a nice day” story here.Take the survey: What do you think of the Supreme Court's ruling? Let us know!Disagree? That's okay. My opinion is just one of many. Write in and let us know why, and we'll consider publishing your feedback.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by Isaac Saul and edited and engineered by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Hunter Casperson, Kendall White, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's Wednesday, May 28th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Somalian Muslim man trusts Christ and is kicked out of home A young Muslim man in Somalia was kicked out of his home recently after converting to Christianity. The 20-year-old struggled with substance abuse and had not been home to see his Muslim parents for months. That's when an underground pastor shared the Gospel with him. The young man came to Christ and gained freedom from drug use. After going home, however, his parents drove him away because of his new faith. The young convert told Morning Star News, “Now that I have loved [Jesus], I do not have a family standing with me. I do no not know what to do. I need prayers.” Please pray for this brother in Christ in Somalia, Africa. The country is ranked second on the Open Doors' World Watch List of most difficult places to be a Christian. In Matthew 19:29, Jesus said, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” French Muslim youth vandalizing Catholic churches and assaulting Catholics The European Conservative reports there have been a string of attacks on churches in France recently which have received little attention from the mainstream media. In one case, Islamic youths insulted a Catholic priest and threatened to set the church building on fire earlier this month. Days earlier, another group disrupted a parish meeting in the same area. Muslim attacks on Catholics have included vandalism, physical assault, and kidnapping. Supremes split decision result: OK religious charter school unfunded In the United States, the Supreme Court delivered a split decision last Thursday in a case involving religious education. Previously, Oklahoma's charter school board had approved funding for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. It would have been the country's first publicly-funded religious charter school. However, Oklahoma's Supreme Court blocked the school. And the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 4-4 in the case, leaving the lower court ruling in place. For some reason, conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from the case. Defense Secretary Hegseth: "“King Jesus, we come humbly before You." U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth led a prayer meeting at the Pentagon last Wednesday. Listen to his opening prayer. HEGSETH: “If you would bow your head in prayer. “King Jesus, we come humbly before You, seeking Your face, seeking Your grace, in humble obedience to your law and to Your Word. We come as sinners, saved only by that grace, seeking Your providence in our lives and in our nation. “Lord God, we ask for the wisdom to see what is right, and in each and every day, in each and every circumstance, the courage to do what is right in obedience to Your will. “It is in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that we pray. And all God's people said, Amen. Thank you.” The voluntary 30-minute prayer meeting was called “Secretary of Defense Christian Prayer & Worship Service.” Hegseth said it may become a monthly event. Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” Planned Parenthood to close 8 abortion mills in Iowa and Minnesota Last Friday, Planned Parenthood North Central States announced it will close eight locations across Iowa and Minnesota over the next year. Planned Parenthood blamed the closures on states passing anti-abortion laws as well as a freeze on federal funding for abortion. The closures will also involve laying off 66 staff members. CDC no longer recommends COVID-19 shot for pregnant women & kids The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer recommend COVID-19 shots for pregnant women and healthy children. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the announcement yesterday. KENNEDY: “Hi everybody. I'm Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, your HHS Secretary. And I'm here with NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty MaKary. “I couldn't be more pleased to announce that, as of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC-recommended immunization schedule. Last year, the Biden administration urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot, despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children! BHATTACHARYA: “That ends today. It's common sense and it's good science.” MAKARY: “There's no evidence healthy kids need it today. And most countries have stopped recommending it for children.” KENNEDY: “We're now one step closer to realizing President Trump's promise to make America healthy again.” Lawmakers want to launch “Natural Family Month” Republican lawmakers in Ohio are considering a bill to celebrate families. The measure would designate the weeks from Mother's Day to Father's Day as “Natural Family Month.” The timeframe goes from the second Sunday in May to the third Sunday in June. This contrasts with Homosexual/Transgender Pride Month when many celebrate sexually perverted lifestyles in June. 1,500-year-old Christian graves in Israel discovered And finally, archaeologists recently uncovered 1,500-year-old Christian graves in Israel's Negev Desert. The graves reflect Christian burial practices. Inside, archaeologists found rare ebony figurines depicting individuals with African features. Researchers wrote, “It is possible that the deceased were of ‘Ethiopian' origin, and that they, or their ancestors, converted to Christianity and moved to the Negev.” The figurines were made out of ebony wood sourced from India or Sri Lanka and likely carved in Africa before being brought to the Negev. Researchers believe it is the first time they have discovered such artifacts in the region of Israel and Jordan. Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, May 28th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Yesterday was an important feast day for our parish, the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians. Before St. Isidore's existed, we had a chapel in Denver, on Winona Court and West 39th Avenue.The chapel was called Our Lady Help of Christians Chapel. When this church was built, it was decided that the church would be dedicated to St. Isidore the Farmer and that the school would be placed under the protection of Our Lady Help of Christians.It was in this way that we came to have two patrons, whereas in many SSPX parishes, the church and the school have the same patron.Today, I would like to help us get to know our patroness a bit better and remind us why we are dedicated to her. I think that it is especially appropriate to do that today, given that we are celebrating the results of our campaign and the faithful have been so generous contributing to the future of Our Lady Help of Christians Academy.The practice of referring to Our Lady as the “Help of Christians” goes all the way back to St. John Chrysostom.But the devotion to Our Lady under this title really started to take off in the 1500s. It was at that time that the Church was engaged in religious wars against the Muslims and the Protestants.We all know that Pope St. Pius V was asking the Christian world to pray the Rosary to Our Lady as the Catholic naval army was preparing to face off against the Muslims. But he was asking them to invoke Our Lady under the title of Help of Christians.After the victory at Lepanto, the invocation “Help of Christians” was added to the Litany of Our Lady, also known as the Litany of Loreto.But devotion to Our Lady Help of Christians really reached its high point in the 19th century. At the beginning of the century, Pope Pius VII was kidnapped by Napoleon and imprisoned by him at a place called Fontainebleau in France.Eventually, Napoleon fell from power and the Pope was able to return safely to Rome. Pius VII attributed his release to the intercession of Our Lady. As a way of thanking her, he added the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians to the calendar on May 24.This happened in 1815. It was in that same year that a great saint was born who was to be a promoter of devotion to Our Lady Help of Christians as well as a great educator.
Send us a textAlthough we refer to Scripture as the “Word of God,” it is Jesus of Nazareth who is the "Word of God" made flesh and dwelling among us. So this collective memory is fluid and dynamic.I have Mass on Sunday, May 25 at St. Isidore @ 9:30/11:30 am.frjoedailey@gmail.com
The Trump Administration moves to revoke Harvard's ability to enroll noncitizens on student visas, but it's temporarily blocked by a federal judge. Does the Ivy League school have a good case that this is mere retaliation by President Trump? Plus, the Supreme Court splits 4-4 on St. Isidore, the religious charter school, while signaling an end to so-called independent federal agencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textWhile the story of the Bible begins with a garden, it ends in a city. The new Jerusalem is the fulfillment of all human dreams for the community. This is not a vision of individuals communing one-on-one with God or Jesus, but rather an interdependent community, a city, living out the essential nature of human life.I have Mass on Sunday at St. Isidore @ 7:30/9:30 amfrjoedailey@gmail.com
e318 Lost and Found, Incorrupt...I Guess, Isidore the Farmer by Paul George
Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Fourth Week of Easter Lectionary: 282The Saint of the day is Saint Isidore the FarmerSaint Isidore the Farmer's Story Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular, he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National Rural Life Conference. When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died as a child. Isidore had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long. He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore's supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals. He died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622, with Saints Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.” Reflection Many implications can be found in a simple laborer achieving sainthood: Physical labor has dignity; sainthood does not stem from status; contemplation does not depend on learning; the simple life is conducive to holiness and happiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. Perhaps the truth which emerges is this: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will fall into order also. “[S]eek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness,” said the carpenter from Nazareth, “and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33). Saint Isidore the Farmer is the Patron Saint of: FarmersRural Laborers Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Friends of the Rosary,Today, May 15, is the Feast of Isidore the Farmer, spouse of another saint, his own wife, St Maria de la Cabeza, two holy souls of the twelfth century in Madrid, Spain.They devoutly attended Mass every day before their daily labors. They served the poor in the city slums, and angels were said to accompany St. Isidore in his work.Isidore and Maria de la Cabeza had a son, who died as a child.Shortly after his death on May 15, 1130, miracles were attributed to his intercession. In 1615, King Philip III of Spain, in danger of death, had Isidore's relics brought to his bedside. He was miraculously healed and petitioned for Isidore's formal canonization in 1622.He is part of the group known in Spain as " the five saints, " along with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri.Isidore is the patron saint of laborers, farmers, and several Spanish cities.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York• May 15, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter Optional Memorial of St. Isidore the Famer, 1070-1130; born in Madrid, Spain, and spent most of life as a laborer on a farm outside of the city; he was favored with celestial visions, and it is said that angels sometimes assisted with his field work; he the patron of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference in the United States Office of Readings and Morning Prayer Gospel: John 13:16-20
Celebrating the feast of St. Isidore the Farmer, foods and herbs from the Bible, and more…
Happy feast of St. Isidore the Farmer! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss his simple and profound witness of faith. Guests include Rita Heikenfeld with Bible Foods, Gary Michuta from Hands On Apologetics, and Courtney Brown from Ruah Woods with reflections on the Theology of the Body. ***** Prayer for God’s Mercy by Padre Pio O Lord, we ask for a boundless confidence and trust in Your divine mercy, and the courage to accept the crosses and sufferings which bring immense goodness to our souls and that of Your Church. Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross, as we climb the mountain of holiness, carrying our cross that leads to heavenly glory. May we receive You with great faith and love in Holy Communion, and allow You to act in us as You desire for your greater glory. O Jesus, most adorable Heart and eternal fountain of Divine Love, may our prayer find favor before the Divine Majesty of Your heavenly Father. ***** RECIPES FROM RITA: GRILLED CARNE ASADA Ingredients 2 pounds skirt steak – can use flank or flat iron if necessary Carne Asada Marinade 1 jalapeño seeded and minced – or more to taste 4 cloves garlic minced – nice large ones 1/2 cup cilantro leaves chopped – Matt would use way more…. Juice from 1 of each: orange, lime and lemon 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1/3 cup olive oil or bit more 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Instructions In a large glass baking dish whisk together Carne Asada marinade ingredients (jalapeño through black pepper) until combined. Add skirt steak in a single layer, turning to coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 8 hours (longer will begin to break down the meat – if using flank or flat iron steak it can stay up to 12 hour or so). Grill steaks on medium high for 7 to 10 minutes per side (if they are each about 1 pound; if they are thinner they will take only a few minutes per side so take this into account), turning once for medium-rare. Remove steaks and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain and serve. Great go withs: Blistered tortillas, guacamole, pico de Gallo, sour cream, salsa, Cotija cheese, lime wedges, etc. ***** Dr. Benjamin Reinhard, author of The High Hallow: Tolkien’s Liturgical Imagination Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He was German by birth but, drawn to the Orthodox faith, he moved to Rostov and not only became Orthodox, but took on the podvig of folly for Christ. He lived in complete destitution, spending the days pretending madness and the nights in prayer. Many wonders were performed by this Saint even in his lifetime. When he died in his meager hut in 1484, the people of Rostov smelled a fragrant odor throughout the city. A merchant whom he had miraculously saved from drowning built a church in the place where his hut had stood.
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages with legal expert Dr. Charles J. Russo to dissect a landmark Supreme Court case that could redefine the intersection of public education funding and religious institutions. The case centers on Oklahoma's attempt to establish St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School, raising pivotal questions about the constitutionality of state-funded religious charter schools.Dr. Russo provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal arguments, historical precedents, and potential implications for school business officials nationwide. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or stakeholder in public education, this discussion offers critical insights into a case that could reshape the educational landscape.Stay informed and prepared for the outcomes that may emerge from this significant legal battle.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
Today, we delve into how Medieval Christians depicted ants and their predator, the sometimes legendary antlion, in Medieval bestiaries. Subscribe to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@imightbelieveinfaeries7563I Might Believe in Faeries is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Resources: “The Aberdeen Bestiary | the University of Aberdeen.” Abdn.ac.uk, 2019, www.abdn.ac.uk/bestiary/. Aesop. “Library of Congress Aesop Fables.” Read.gov, read.gov/aesop/052.html. Badke, David. “Medieval Bestiary : Animals in the Middle Ages.” Bestiary.ca, 1 Oct. 2024, bestiary.ca/index.html. Accessed 10 May 2025. Druce, George C. “An Account of the Mυρμηκολέων or Ant-Lion.” The Antiquaries Journal, vol. 3, no. 4, Oct. 1923, pp. 347–364, bestiary.ca/etexts/druce-account-of-the-ant-lion.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1017/s0003581500015031. Accessed 9 May 2025. The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville. Cambridge University Press, 8 June 2006. “Gregory the Great - Moralia in Job (Morals on the Book of Job) - Book v (Book 5) - Online.” Lectionarycentral.com, 2025, www.lectionarycentral.com/GregoryMoralia/Book05.html. Accessed 9 May 2025. Heck, Christian, and Rémy Cordonnier. The Grand Medieval Bestiary : Animals in Illuminated Manuscripts. New York, Ny, Abbeville Press, 2018. von Bingen, Hildegard, and Priscilla Throop. Hildegard von Bingen's Physica : The Complete Translation of Her Classic Work on Health and Healing. Rochester, Vt., Healing Arts Press, C, 1998. Hope, Louise, and Steve Schulze. “The Project Gutenberg EBook of Metamorphoses, by Ovid.” Gutenberg.org, 2021, www.gutenberg.org/files/21765/21765-h/21765-h.htm#bookVII_fableVI. Accessed 9 May 2025. Get full access to I Might Believe in Faeries at aaronirber.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textHow appropriate that we welcome a new shepherd as the Bishop of Rome on this 4th Sunday of Easter, that we call Good Shepherd Sunday. The whole world was stunned Thursday afternoon to hear the name of the American Cardinal, Robert Francis Prevost, chosen to be our new pope. He has taken the name Leo XIV. I have Mass on Sunday, May 11 at St. Isidore @ 9:30/11:30 amat St. John Fisher @ 6:00 pmfrjoedailey@gmail.com
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reads ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. In 1802, founding father Thomas Jefferson, wrote a letter to the Danbury, Connecticut Baptist Convention insisting that their legislature "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and state. On April 30th, 2025, SCOTUS heard arguments in the consolidated cases of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond and Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond which could redefine the fine line between religion and government in public education. In this episode, Craig is joined by Frank Ravitch, professor of law & religion at Michigan State University's College of Law. Together, Craig and Professor Ravitch delve into the significant legal topic of SCOTUS and the separation of church and state. Their discussion encompasses the details of these cases, Chief Justice Roberts' prior involvement in similar matters, the complex question of whether faith-based schools should be part of the public charter system, the importance of safeguarding religious freedom, and the potential ramifications of this forthcoming landmark decision.
Labhraíonn Caomhnóir Choláiste San Isidore sa Róimh faoin bPápa nua Leo XIV.
The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reads ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. In 1802, founding father Thomas Jefferson, wrote a letter to the Danbury, Connecticut Baptist Convention insisting that their legislature "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and state. On April 30th, 2025, SCOTUS heard arguments in the consolidated cases of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond and Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond which could redefine the fine line between religion and government in public education. In this episode, Craig is joined by Frank Ravitch, professor of law & religion at Michigan State University's College of Law. Together, Craig and Professor Ravitch delve into the significant legal topic of SCOTUS and the separation of church and state. Their discussion encompasses the details of these cases, Chief Justice Roberts' prior involvement in similar matters, the complex question of whether faith-based schools should be part of the public charter system, the importance of safeguarding religious freedom, and the potential ramifications of this forthcoming landmark decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Comment réagit-on à Kinshasa à l'élection d'un pape venu des Amériques ? Est-on déçu que le nouveau pape ne soit pas africain ? L'historien congolais Isidore Ndaywel est une grande figure de l'Église catholique en RDC. Il est le coordonnateur du puissant Comité laïc de coordination (CLC). Il est aussi très proche de Mgr Ambongo, le cardinal-archevêque de Kinshasa. Il répond aux questions de Christophe Boisbouvier. RFI: Le nouveau pape a été élu en 24 heures, est-ce que vous avez été surpris ? Isidore Ndaywel : Oui, j'ai été surpris parce qu'on nous avait annoncé qu'il y aurait des discussions, qu'il y avait plusieurs tendances et on se serait attendu à ce que ça prenne un peu plus de temps. Mais là, nous sommes dans une surprise et une bonne surprise qui démontre qu'il y a une très grande maturité au niveau de l'église et de la gestion et au plus haut niveau, s'agissant de l'élection du pape. Quelle est votre première réaction après les premiers mots de Léon XIV ? Eh bien, j'avoue que c'est une grande joie, une joie de fin de deuil. En fait, le deuil de François et l'accueil d'un nouveau pape. C'est bien qu'on soit quelque peu déroutés par ce changement dans tout ce qui s'annonçait. On ne nous avait pas parlé de lui. Un pape qui se place dans l'héritage de son prédécesseur François ?Il se place dans les premiers mots, tout à fait, dans cet héritage. Et c'est ce qui nous rassure et nous conforte. Parce que, en Afrique et spécialement à Kinshasa, nous avons beaucoup aimé François qui nous a fait une très grande visite en janvier 2023 et qui nous a laissé des mots très forts et qui correspondent tout à fait à notre situation actuelle. Et nous sommes heureux de constater que nous sommes vraiment dans cette continuité. Alors, visiblement, ce nouveau pape est aussi un théologien ?Dans ses premières paroles, ce qui m'a frappé, c'est surtout la première parole. C'est l'insistance sur la paix. Sur la paix, spécialement en cette période où, dans le monde entier, nous courons derrière la paix. Et donc ce mot qui tombe bien, le 8-Mai, est quelque chose qui me paraît très fort. Et dans cette première exhortation, Léon XIV a appelé à construire des ponts à travers le dialogue. Tout à fait. Et cette paix n'est possible que dans la construction des ponts. J'avais l'impression d'écouter François. Et donc, vous pensez que le nouveau pape sera attaché au dialogue inter-religieux ? Tout à fait. Au dialogue inter-religieux, mais aussi au dialogue tout court, parce que tout ne se déroule pas dans le contexte religieux, dans la problématique de cette époque que nous traversons. Alors ce pape vient d'Amérique, est-ce que vous n'êtes pas déçu qu'il ne vienne pas d'Afrique ? Pas spécialement parce que pour nous, en Afrique, lorsqu'on parle du pape, il n'est pas vraiment question de nationalité. Nous sommes d'ailleurs étonnés de voir qu'ailleurs, on en parle beaucoup. Pour nous, le Saint-Père est un père. Et un père, on l'accepte, on l'accueille, qu'il soit barbu ou pas. Mais c'est un père. Et donc là, il nous est donné de passer d'une espérance à une autre avec ce nouveau pape qui provient de l'Amérique. Et d'ailleurs, ce n'est pas tout à fait des États-Unis parce qu'on nous dit qu'il est aussi originaire du Pérou et donc on se retrouve là aussi à nouveau en Amérique latine. Donc, peu importent ses origines, nous avons accueilli avec beaucoup de joie Jean-Paul II, sans trop nous poser des questions sur le fait qu'il soit Polonais ou pas. François de même, qu'il soit Argentin ou pas. Il en est de même pour ce nouveau pape Léon XIV qui nous vient des Amériques. C'est une bonne chose. Mais vu la vitalité des catholiques en Afrique, est-ce qu'il n'était pas temps que l'Église se donne un pape africain ? Mais nous avons du temps. Il y aura, comme déjà dans le passé, des nouveaux papes africains. Nous sommes sûrs que cela se fera dans l'avenir. Mais nous ne sommes pas spécialement pressés. Ça ne devait pas être nécessairement maintenant, ça aurait pu l'être, mais que cela ne l'ait pas été, ce n'est pas grave. C'est très bien aussi parce que nous savons que le pape qui nous est donné est un pape qui fera certainement bien ce qui doit l'être. Mais vous qui êtes très proche de monseigneur Fridolin Ambongo, est-ce que vous n'avez pas espéré que ce serait lui ?Mais c'était normal que je puisse espérer cela, sans non plus me faire trop d'illusions, en me disant que ça peut être lui comme ça peut ne pas être lui. S'il l'avait été, ç'aurait été très bien. Mais s'il ne l'a pas été, c'est très bien aussi. Donc, nous, en Afrique, nous n'en faisons pas un problème. Nous accueillons le Père qui nous a été donné et qui est donc maintenant Léon XIV.À lire aussiÉlection du pape Léon XIV: comment se profile son pontificat?
The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – The Supreme Court examines whether St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School can retain its charter amid disputes over the Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses. With arguments over religious expression in public education and accusations of bias, the ruling could potentially reshape First Amendment enforcement and address internal constitutional conflicts.
Two weeks ago, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 30, 2025, about whether Oklahoma can operate the nation's first faith-based charter school. If the Supreme Court decides their way, St. Isidore of Seville would be a virtual, K-12 school run by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa. We should note that a lot of conservatives are with St. Isidore. Alliance Defending Freedom's Jim Campbell was one of the attorneys arguing on behalf of the Oklahoma charter board and the school. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican supporter of St. Isidore, said the case “stands to be one of the most significant religious and education freedom decisions in our lifetime.” The conservative legal group Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief in the case, also in favor of St. Isidore. But not everyone – even on the conservative and Christian side of the aisle — is so enthusiastic. David Dockery is the president of the International Alliance for Christian Education. He told MinistryWatch, “IACE does not have an official position on the St Isidore case since we do not have full agreement on this matter among those who serve on the Board.” Dan Burrell is a longtime Christian education leader. Today he serves as a pastor in Charlotte, N.C., and the chairman of the board of MinistryWatch. His experience includes a tenure as president of the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. He was also a faculty member at Liberty University's graduate school of education. Burrell said he was “pretty strongly opposed” to government-funded religious schools.
The Advisory Opinions extended universe kicks off as SCOTUSblog's Amy Howe and David Lat join Sarah Isgur to discuss the St. Isidore of Seville religious charter school case and the debate over school choice. The Agenda:—A ‘public' public school or a ‘private' public school?—Justice Amy Coney Barrett's recusal—Will Chief Justice John Roberts be the swing vote?—Will birthright citizenship end?—May 15: Mark it on your calendar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Thursday's Mark Levin Show, WJNO's Brian Mudd fills in for Mark. President Trump nominated former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz began the day as NSA, but the sudden nomination raises questions about whether it was planned or a reaction to an event. The move might be tied to the March Signal app incident, though if part of a broader strategy, naming Secretary of State Marco Rubio as interim NSA seems unusual. Either way, with Senate confirmation looming, Republicans must stand firm to ensure Waltz's appointment to the UN. Also, despite what the media is saying, the economy had a great first quarter. The Democrats are trying everything they can to scare you; all they have is fear. The only thing that led to a negative GDP number was imports. Later, the left's plan for Trump was always lawfare, but Trump knows how to play their lawfare game now. Trump won most of the nationwide injunctions the first time around and he's learned all the lessons. Finally, in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, the Supreme Court considered whether the proposed Catholic virtual charter school in Oklahoma could operate as the nation's first publicly funded religious charter school. The Supreme Court must rule in favor of this charter school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On October 20, 2023, the Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board for signing a contract with St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, claiming that St. Isidore cannot participate in the charter school program because it is a religious school. The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed, holding that the contract […]
On October 20, 2023, the Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board for signing a contract with St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, claiming that St. Isidore cannot participate in the charter school program because it is a religious school. The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed, holding that the contract […]
On October 20, 2023, the Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board for signing a contract with St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, claiming that St. Isidore cannot participate in the charter school program because it is a religious school. The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed, holding that the contract […]
Today, Fr. Gale and Kate talk about the many happenings and recent events at St. Isidore's, including the Eucharistic procession and the formal dance where Fr. Gale showed off his best moves.
On October 20, 2023, the Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board for signing a contract with St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, claiming that St. Isidore cannot participate in the charter school program because it is a religious school. The Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed, holding that the contract violated the Establishment Clause.The United States Supreme Court is hearing this case to address 1) if the teaching decisions of a private school are considered state action when the school contracts with the state to provide free education and 2) if a state is prohibited from excluding a religious school from its charter school program because of the Free Exercise Clause or if it can justify the exclusion under the Establishment Clause. Arguments are scheduled for April 30.Featuring:Philip A. Sechler, Senior Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom(Moderator) Prof. Michael P. Moreland, University Professor of Law and Religion and Director of the Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
On April 30, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, in which a virtual school in Oklahoma is attempting to become the nation's first religious charter school. On this episode of The Report Card, Nat Malkus and four experts discuss and debate the case and […]
On April 30, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, in which a virtual school in Oklahoma is attempting to become the nation's first religious charter school. On this episode of The Report Card, Nat Malkus and four experts discuss and debate the case and […]
It's Thursday, May 1st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Police attacked Christians in India The All India Christian Council called out officials in Odisha State, India last week for violence against Christians. The council found that police assaulted tribal Christians, attacking women, children, and priests back in March. International Christian Concern reported a particularly disturbing event. “A 62-year-old woman who had buried her husband just hours earlier was also allegedly beaten up, along with her 17-year-old daughter, while they were in mourning.” The council noted that officials did not take any formal action against the violent police personnel. Proverbs 11:20-21 says, “Those of crooked heart are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are His delight. Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will be delivered.” 47 percent of Germans are religiously unaffiliated A new study found that people who identify with no religion outnumbered Protestants and Catholics in Germany for the first time last year. These religiously unaffiliated make up a shocking 47 percent of the country's population. Catholics represent 24 percent of the population, and Protestants represent 21 percent. Together, Catholics and Protestants lost over one million members last year in Germany. Meanwhile, the number of Muslims in the country increased by 80,000 last year. Supreme Court could allow publicly-funded religious charter school In the United States, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday in a case that could lead to the nation's first publicly-funded religious charter school. Oklahoma's charter school board approved funding for St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. However, the state's attorney general is challenging the decision. Conservative justices on the high court appeared supportive of the religious charter school. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters told CBN News what the case is all about. WALTERS: “It's about the freedom to express your religious beliefs without being penalized by the government. And it's about school choice and making sure that parents actually have that power over their kids' education. Avinger, Texas is 74th Sanctuary City for the Unborn Avinger, Texas is the 74th city in the country to become a Sanctuary City for the Unborn. The city council passed the measure in a 3-1 vote on Monday. Avinger resident and former State Representative David Simpson said, “Avinger is blessed to join cities and counties across Texas who are going as far as they can to address the tragedy of abortion, specifically abortion trafficking and the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs.” U.S. economy shrank in first quarter The U.S. economy shrank during the first quarter of this year. The Gross Domestic Product fell 0.3 percent compared to last year. This was the biggest decline since 2022. Economic growth slowed as businesses tried to stock up on imports ahead of President Donald Trump's tariffs. And federal government spending was down 5.1 percent this year. Membership drops again among Southern Baptists Membership declined in the Southern Baptist Convention for the 18th consecutive year in 2024. The U.S. denomination grew from about seven million members in the 1950s to a peak of over 16 million in the mid-2000s. Since then, it has declined to 12.7 million members last year. However, the Southern Baptist Convention baptized 250,000 people last year, a 10 percent jump from 2023. Kevin Ezell, the president of the North American Mission Board said, “We celebrate every baptism and every new life in Christ. It's encouraging to see these numbers continue to move upward.” Capitol Hill's Bible Reading Marathon And finally, Christians gathered on Capitol Hill to read the entire Bible aloud. The Bible Reading Marathon started Saturday and finished yesterday. For 90 continuous hours, Christians read from Genesis to Revelation in Washington, D.C. Keith Davidson led the event. He told The Christian Post, “Our goal is to bring attention back to our legislators, of course, and to get the attention back on the word of God. And then for [legislators] to remember that's where our nation's foundation is at, and also, for people who are reading, to let them publicly express their faith.” In an interview on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, Mike Herbster, Director of Southland Christian Ministries, talked about the power of reading the Bible aloud in the capital of Louisiana, like they did on Capitol Hill. HERBSTER: “We know that the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. [Hebrews 4:12] We know that obviously, as the word of God goes forth, the Bible says it will not return void. [Isaiah 55:11] So, even in the public declaration of it out loud to our state, even though not everybody will hear all of it, we know that some will hear some of it.” Deuteronomy 31:10-11 says, “And Moses commanded them, saying: ‘At the end of every seven years … when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God … you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, May 1st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
This Day in Legal History: “Law Day” is BornOn this day in 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a proclamation that did more than just slap a new label on the calendar—it attempted to reframe the ideological narrative of the Cold War itself. With Presidential Proclamation 3221, Eisenhower officially designated May 1 as Law Day, a symbolic counterweight to May Day, the international workers' holiday long associated with labor movements, socialist solidarity, and, in the American imagination, the creeping specter of communism.What better way to combat revolutionary fervor than with a celebration of legal order?Pushed by the American Bar Association, Law Day wasn't just a feel-good civics moment; it was a strategic act of Cold War messaging. While the Soviet bloc paraded tanks through Red Square, the U.S. would parade its Constitution and wax poetic about the rule of law. In short, May Day was about the workers; Law Day was about the lawyers—and the system they claimed safeguarded liberty.But this wasn't just symbolic posturing. In 1961, Congress gave Law Day teeth by writing it into the U.S. Code (36 U.S.C. § 113), mandating that May 1 be observed with educational programs, bar association events, and a national reaffirmation of the “ideal of equality and justice under law.”Cynics might call it Constitution cosplay. Advocates call it civic literacy.Either way, Law Day has endured. Each year, the President issues a formal proclamation with a new theme—ranging from the judiciary's independence to access to justice. The ABA leads events, schools hold mock trials, and the legal community gets a rare day in the spotlight.In the grand tradition of American holidays, Law Day may not come with a day off or department store sales. But it's a reminder that the U.S. doesn't just celebrate its laws when it's convenient—it does so deliberately, and sometimes, geopolitically.A federal judge ruled that Apple violated a 2021 injunction meant to promote competition in its App Store by improperly restricting developers' payment options. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found that Apple defied her prior order in an antitrust case brought by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. The judge referred Apple and its vice president of finance, Alex Roman, to federal prosecutors for a possible criminal contempt investigation, citing misleading testimony and willful noncompliance. She emphasized that Apple had treated the injunction as a negotiation rather than a binding mandate.Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney praised the ruling as a win for developers and said Fortnite could return to the App Store soon. Apple had previously removed Epic's account after it allowed users to bypass Apple's in-app payment system. Despite the ruling, Apple maintains it made extensive efforts to comply while protecting its business model and plans to appeal. Epic argued that Apple continued to stifle competition by imposing a new 27% fee on external purchases and deterring users through warning messages. The judge rejected Apple's request to delay enforcement of her ruling and barred the company from interfering with developers' ability to communicate with users or imposing the new fee.US judge rules Apple violated order to reform App Store | ReutersPalestinian student Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University graduate student and longtime Vermont resident, was released from U.S. immigration custody after a judge ruled he could remain free while contesting his deportation. The case stems from the Trump administration's efforts to remove non-citizen students who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests, arguing such activism threatens U.S. foreign policy. Mahdawi, who was arrested during a citizenship interview, has not been charged with any crime. Judge Geoffrey Crawford found he posed no danger or flight risk and compared the political environment to McCarthy-era crackdowns on dissent.Crawford emphasized that Mahdawi's peaceful activism was protected by the First Amendment, even as a non-citizen. Mahdawi was greeted by supporters waving Palestinian flags as he denounced his detention and vowed not to be intimidated. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the decision, accusing Mahdawi of glorifying violence and supporting terrorism, although no evidence or charges of such conduct were presented in court.Members of Vermont's congressional delegation condemned the administration's actions as a violation of due process and free speech. Mahdawi's release was seen as a symbolic blow to broader efforts targeting pro-Palestinian foreign students, while others in similar situations remain jailed. Columbia University reaffirmed that legal protections apply to all residents, regardless of citizenship status.The relevant takeaway here revolves around the First Amendment rights of non-citizens – Judge Crawford's ruling affirmed that lawful non-citizens enjoy constitutional protections, including freedom of speech. This principle was central to Mahdawi's release, reinforcing the legal standard that political expression—even controversial or unpopular—is not grounds for detention or deportation.Palestinian student released on bail as he challenges deportation from US | ReutersA federal judge in San Francisco is set to consider a critical legal question in ongoing copyright disputes involving artificial intelligence: whether Meta Platforms made "fair use" of copyrighted books when training its Llama language model. The case, brought by authors including Junot Díaz and Sarah Silverman, accuses Meta of using pirated copies of their work without permission or payment. Meta argues that its use was transformative, enabling Llama to perform diverse tasks like tutoring, translation, coding, and creative writing—without replicating or replacing the original works.The outcome could significantly impact similar lawsuits filed against other AI developers like OpenAI and Anthropic, all hinging on how courts interpret fair use in the context of AI training. Meta contends that its LLM's use of copyrighted material is covered under fair use because it generates new and transformative outputs, rather than duplicating the authors' content. Plaintiffs argue that this type of use violates copyright protections by extracting and repurposing the expressive value of their works for commercial AI systems.Technology firms warn that requiring licenses for such training could impede AI innovation and economic growth. Authors and content creators, on the other hand, view the unlicensed use as a threat to their financial and creative interests.Judge in Meta case weighs key question for AI copyright lawsuits | ReutersThe U.S. Supreme Court appears sharply divided over whether states can prohibit religious charter schools from receiving public funding, in a case that could significantly alter the legal landscape for church-state separation in education. The case centers on Oklahoma's rejection of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School's bid to become the first publicly funded religious charter school in the country. Conservative justices, including Brett Kavanaugh, expressed concerns that excluding religious schools constitutes unconstitutional discrimination, while liberal justices emphasized the importance of maintaining a secular public education system.Chief Justice John Roberts is seen as a crucial swing vote. He questioned both sides, at times referencing prior rulings favoring religious institutions, but also signaling discomfort with the broader implications of authorizing religious charter schools. Justice Sotomayor raised hypothetical concerns about curriculum control, such as schools refusing to teach evolution or U.S. history topics like slavery.The case could affect charter school laws in up to 46 states and has implications for federal charter school funding, which mandates nonsectarian instruction. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself, increasing the possibility of a 4-4 split, which would leave Oklahoma's decision to block St. Isidore intact without setting a national precedent.This case hinges on the constitutional balance between prohibiting government endorsement of religion (Establishment Clause) and ensuring equal treatment of religious institutions (Free Exercise Clause). The justices' interpretations of these principles will guide whether public funds can support explicitly religious charter schools.Supreme Court Signals Divide on Religious Charter Schools - Bloomberg This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Does the First Amendment give a church the right to open a religious charter school? Or can states require that charter schools be secular, as part of the government's system of public education? The Justices wrestle with those questions in a case from Oklahoma, which could be a landmark ruling, with consequences for nearly four million students who now attend charters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Day in Legal History: Louisiana PurchaseOn this day in legal history, April 30, 1803, the United States signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty with France, dramatically altering the legal and territorial landscape of the country. The treaty, signed in Paris by American envoys Robert Livingston and James Monroe, officially transferred approximately 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River from French to American control. President Thomas Jefferson, though uncertain whether the U.S. Constitution explicitly authorized such a land acquisition, ultimately supported the deal, citing the necessity of expanding the republic and securing trade access to the port of New Orleans.The purchase, which cost $15 million (roughly four cents an acre), effectively doubled the size of the United States and set a precedent for executive power in foreign affairs. It raised important legal questions regarding the role of the executive branch, the powers of Congress, and the interpretation of constitutional authority in territorial expansion. The acquisition also intensified debates over the expansion of slavery and the treatment of Indigenous peoples, both of which would become central legal and political issues throughout the 19th century.In addition to expanding national territory, the Louisiana Purchase laid the groundwork for the exploration and legal organization of new states. Soon after, Congress passed legislation governing how the territory would be divided and admitted into the Union. This required new legal frameworks for property rights, governance, and federal versus state authority in previously foreign lands.The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to hear arguments on whether Oklahoma can fund a religious charter school—the first case of its kind. At issue is the state's attempt to establish St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, a K-12 online institution run by two Catholic dioceses, using public funds. A state court previously blocked the school, ruling it would act as a “governmental entity” and violate the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which bars government endorsement of religion.The school's supporters, including Oklahoma's governor and President Trump, argue that denying the school solely because it is religious constitutes a violation of the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Meanwhile, opponents, including the state's attorney general, warn that the move would amount to taxpayer-funded religious indoctrination and could erode public education standards, particularly around non-discrimination.Charter schools in Oklahoma are considered public entities, which complicates claims that St. Isidore would operate as a private, independent institution. Organizers maintain that contracting with the state doesn't make the school an arm of the government. The Supreme Court's decision, expected by June, could redefine the boundaries between church and state in education.The legal element worth highlighting here is the Establishment Clause vs. Free Exercise Clause tension—the case tests how far states can go in accommodating religious institutions without endorsing them. This clash sits at the core of modern debates about public funding and religious liberty. Under the current Supreme Court composition, it is likely we will see an expansion of the former at the cost of the limits in the latter. US Supreme Court mulls legality of milestone religious charter school | ReutersGoogle CEO Sundar Pichai is set to testify in a high-stakes antitrust trial where the U.S. Department of Justice is pushing to break up parts of Google's business to restore competition in online search. The DOJ is urging the court to force Google to divest its Chrome browser and stop paying major tech partners like Apple and Samsung to be the default search engine on their devices. Prosecutors argue these deals entrench Google's monopoly and hinder innovation, especially as search overlaps more with emerging generative AI tools like ChatGPT.U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has already found that Google maintains a dominant position in the search market with no real rivals. The government is also asking the court to make Google share search data with competitors to level the playing field. Google, in response, claims that such measures would harm user privacy and undercut smaller partners like Mozilla that depend on Google funding.Pichai is expected to argue that the proposed remedies would have unintended consequences across the tech ecosystem. Google has already made some adjustments, allowing phone makers to pre-install alternative search and AI apps, but it still plans to appeal any adverse ruling. The case could have sweeping implications for the future of search, digital competition, and AI integration online.Google CEO Sundar Pichai to take the stand at search antitrust trial | ReutersPresident Trump issued an executive order directing the Justice Department to coordinate free legal defense for police officers accused of misconduct. The order calls on Attorney General Pam Bondi to organize pro bono support from private law firms, aiming to protect officers who, in the administration's view, face "unjust liability" for actions taken in the line of duty. Though the order doesn't name specific firms, it expands Trump's broader effort to harness the legal industry to support his administration's priorities.This follows recent agreements between the Trump administration and nine major law firms—including Paul Weiss, Skadden, and Kirkland & Ellis—to commit $940 million worth of pro bono work to causes the administration endorses, such as veterans' services and combating antisemitism. Critics, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and 20 Democratic state attorneys general, have raised concerns about political pressure and lack of transparency in how these firms were selected and what they've agreed to.The order also calls for improved pay and training for police while denouncing efforts to “demonize law enforcement.” Critics warn this could undermine accountability and place pressure on firms to align their legal services with political goals. Meanwhile, some firms have publicly stated they will maintain control over their pro bono work, even as Trump claims the right to “use” them for administration-selected causes.Trump executive order seeks law firms to defend police officers for free | ReutersIn a piece I wrote for Forbes this week, I examined President Trump's renewed push to replace income taxes with tariffs, particularly targeting relief for Americans making under $200,000. The idea sounds populist, but it's economically misleading. Tariffs, after all, are simply hidden taxes that show up in the form of higher prices on imported goods. For lower- and middle-income Americans—those Trump claims to want to help—this shift would likely increase, not reduce, their financial burden.The proposal doesn't change the amount of money the government needs—just where it's extracted. Instead of the IRS, the “bill collector” becomes stores, suppliers, and foreign producers, with consumers footing the bill at checkout. Trump's approach, I argue, banks on the psychological difference between writing a tax check and absorbing incremental price hikes, though the economic effect is the same.Historically, tariff-based revenue systems led to inequality and volatility—conditions that helped inspire the adoption of the income tax through the Sixteenth Amendment. And practically speaking, tariffs simply cannot generate the hundreds of billions needed to sustain modern federal programs. Relying on them also cedes revenue control to foreign exporters, which undermines national fiscal stability.Ultimately, this policy doesn't tackle the real issue—Americans' frustration with a high cost of living. Instead, it disguises taxation while dodging the deeper structural question of who should be paying more. I emphasized that real reform must address not just how taxes are collected, but also the fairness of who bears the burden.Trump Continues To Push Idea Of Replacing Income Tax With TariffsSpecial ThanksStephanie Himel-Nelson, Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Send us a textJesus speaks clearly to this moment, not with words, but with a gesture; He showed them his hands and his side.I have Mass on Sunday, April 27at St. Isidore, 7:30/9:30 amat St. Andrew, 5:00 pmfrjoedailey@gmail.com
The city was one of the central and defining features of the world of the Greek and Roman Mediterranean. Challenging the idea that the ancient city 'declined and fell', Andrew Wallace-Hadrill argues that memories of the past enabled cities to adapt and remain relevant in the changing post-Roman world. In the new kingdoms in Italy, France and Spain cities remained a key part of the structure of control, while to contemporary authors, such as Cassiodorus in Ostrogothic Italy, Gregory of Tours in Merovingian Gaul, and Isidore in Visigothic Spain, they remained as crucial as in antiquity. The archaeological evidence of New Cities founded in this period, from Constantinople to Reccopolis in Spain, also shows the deep influence of past models. The Idea of the City in Late Antiquity: A Study in Resilience (Cambridge UP, 2025) reveals the adaptability of cities and the endurance of the Greek and Roman world. Sheds fresh light on one of the most important social and cultural developments in the transition from classical antiquity to the world of the Middle Ages Explores developments through the eyes of contemporary writers and documents as well as the archaeological record Of interest to all those concerned with how cities can adapt in a radically changing world ANDREW WALLACE-HADRILL is Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge and an Emeritus Fellow of Sidney Sussex College. He is a Roman cultural historian and his books include Suetonius: The Scholar and His Caesars (1983), Augustan Rome (1993), Houses and Society in Pompeii and Herculaneum (1994), Rome's Cultural Revolution (Cambridge, 2008) and Herculaneum: Past and Future (2011). Former Director of the British School at Rome, he has directed archaeological projects at Pompeii and Herculaneum. This book is the result of his project on the Impact of the Ancient City, which received funding from the European Research Council. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond case next week. The case will decide whether the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School can be a state-funded public school. The lawsuit was brought by Oklahoma's attorney general against the state charter school board that approved St. Isidore's application.Mentioned in this episode:Social Media tags