European migrant crisis forces more countries to introduce border controls

Recently, there has been a huge influx of migrants fleeing to Europe from countries facing war and weakening economies. European countries had not been fully addressing the problem until a photo surfaced of a Syrian child washed up on a beach in Turkey, causing worldwide outrage and forcing the countries to take action. Germany decided to take in 800,000 refugees by the end of the year, but the overload of migrants caused them to enforce border patrols Sunday. Germany’s decision has caused Austria, Slovakia and the Netherlands to also introduce border controls. Click here to read more about the new policies.

Kentucky clerk Kim Davis won’t block marriage licenses, but won’t authorize them

Last week, controversy spread across the U.S after Davis refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This was the first incident of protest since the Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage legal in the U.S this summer. As a result of her refusal, Davis was jailed for six days. She returned to work yesterday and stated that she would not authorize any licenses in her office until she receives an accommodation for religious exemption from the state legislature. Click here to learn more about her decision.

Pope Francis to visit the U.S in coming week

Francis, known for his focus on mercy and progressive views of Church doctrine, is making his first visit to the United States next week, including a stop in D.C from Tuesday to Thursday. In his two years as Pope, Francis has made some landmark decisions—just last week, he announced that priests could forgive women for having an abortion for the Church’s “Year of Mercy.” Francis has an interesting background, including working as a nightclub bouncer. Click here to learn more about Francis.