Sep 13, 2018

Pope asks bishop to investigate abuse claims against fellow clergy member

Pope Francis. Photo: Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Pope Francis has authorized Baltimore Bishop William Lori to investigate sexual harassment claims made against West Virginia Bishop Michael Bransfield in 2012, allegations which he denies, the AP reports. The announcement comes the same day as Bransfield's scheduled retirement, given he turned 75 last week — the age that Catholic bishops are required to retire.

Why it matters: According to a grand jury report over widespread abuse in the Pennsylvania clergy, special agents argued that appointing a fellow clergy member to investigate such allegations rather than trained personnel is a key reason as to why clerical abuse has been a perpetual issue. Meanwhile, Lori has vowed to conduct a thorough and public investigation.

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Jennifer A. Kingson

10 mins ago - Economy & Business

A big hiring pledge from New York CEOs

Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/Axios

Leaders of more than two dozen of the New York City area's largest employers — including JPMorgan Chase, Ernst & Young, IBM, McKinsey & Company and Accenture — aim to hire 100,000 low-income residents and people of color by 2030 and will help prep them for tech jobs.

Why it matters: As the city's economy has boomed, many New Yorkers have been left behind — particularly during the pandemic. The hiring initiative marks an unusual pact among firms, some of them competitors, to address systemic unemployment.

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Axios

Updated 28 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 9:30 p.m. ET: 20,004,254 — Total deaths: 733,929 — Total recoveries — 12,209,226 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 9:30 p.m. ET: 5,088,516 — Total deaths: 163,400 — Total recoveries: 1,670,755 — Total tests: 62,513,174 — Map.
Politics: Trump claims he would have not called for Obama to resign over 160,000 virus deaths — House will not hold votes until Sept. 14 unless stimulus deal is reached.
Business: Richer Americans are more comfortable eating out.
Public health: 5 states set single-day coronavirus case records last week — A dual coronavirus and flu threat is set to deliver a winter from hell.
Sports: The cost of kids losing gym class — College football is on the brink.
World: Europe's CDC recommends new restrictions amid "true resurgence in cases."

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Alexi McCammond

58 mins ago - Politics & Policy

AOC to speak at Dem convention

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during an April a press conference in Queens, New York City. Photo: Scott Heins/Getty Images)

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will speak at the Democratic convention next week ahead of Sen. Bernie Sanders' appearance on the Tuesday night, CNN first reported and Axios has confirmed

Why it matters: Her involvement is a strategic decision to energize young progressives without tying former Vice President Joe Biden too closely or directly with her agenda.