Notably, the primary election in Illinois was on June 28, rather than in March as it has often happened in the past.
One issue at stake was inflation, as prices for commodities like food and gas spiked. 2022 brought exceedingly high gas prices, though they've come down somewhat since the middle months of the year.
Undoubtedly, a major issue driving the politicking that led to the November elections was the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs vs. Jackson case. A slight majority effectively allowed the Mississippi state law limiting abortions to stand and also overturned Roe vs. Wade. The official decision came after someone leaked a draft opinion in early May to Politico, in which Justice Alito wrote an opinion that overruled Roe vs. Wade. (I haven't heard the results of the investigation that Chief Justice Roberts directed the Supreme Court Marshal to undertake, after he acknowledge the draft's validity in a press release.)
Abortion proponents went into overdrive in an attempt to prevent this decision from being issued, and also prepared to take steps to protect abortion. Protestors went to the homes of Supreme Court justices who were in favor of upholding the Mississippi law and overturning Roe vs. Wade. (Chief Justice Roberts ruled to let the law stand, but didn't necessarily join the majority to overrule Roe vs. Wade.)
The justices wouldn't be pressured, and the ruling held when officially issued on the morning of June 24. That date is significant as the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, who leapt in the womb of his mother when he sensed the presence of Christ in the womb of His mother Mary. It was also the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and it was a sign that God bestowed His mercy on the USA by righting a terrible wrong. I went to Mass later that day, and it was special to experience the palpable excitement of the priest celebrating Mass about what was a truly notable development.
Much work remained to uphold protections for the unborn. The day the ruling was issued, many states immediately enacted laws to restrict abortion. Many other states took action to protect abortion. The Oak Park Village Board of Trustees took action to make Oak Park an abortion sanctuary.
There were ballot initiatives addressing abortion in the primary and November elections, which were unsuccessful in protecting the unborn. It's clear that much work remains, but a notable victory has been achieved that now shifts the debate back to where it belongs, closer to the people. I continue to hope and pray for the conversion of hearts and minds so that June 24, 2022, will be recognized in our society as a truly great day.
Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, and President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his successor. She was confirmed by the Senate and took her place on the Supreme Court when its term began in October.
Another major news story was Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in late February. It was largely condemned throughout the international community. There were even protests in Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emerged as a powerful leader in this time of crisis. He made an impromptu visit to the United States in December and addressed a joint session of Congress. Pope Francis led a consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Virgin Mary on March 25. In July, Pope Francis went on a trip to Canada to meet with First Nations peoples to offer an apology for abuses that occurred in residential schools.
The US bishops formally launched the Eucharistic Revival initiative on June 19, Corpus Christi Sunday. Bishop Barron moved from Santa Barbara as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to become Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
Among the departures this year were Bishop Emeritus of Gary Dale Melczek, journalist Barbara Walters (right at the end of the year), actress Angela Lansbury, actor Sidney Poitier, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, historian David McCullough, and Queen Elizabeth II, whose passing was a major news story because she had achieved a high-profile status as the longest-reigning British monarch in history.
Her son succeeded her as King Charles III. Two days before her passing, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Liz Truss as prime minister. Following the funeral proceedings, Prime Minister Truss unveiled a plan to boost Britain's economy, but it caused such havoc that she was compelled to resign as Prime Minister about 6 weeks after taking office. Rishi Sunak, who had competed for the spot previously, became the new Prime Minister.
Giorgia Meloni created a stir when she was elected prime minister of Italy, taking a strong right-leaning stance in her victory speech, addressing issues related to gender ideology and the family.
Locally, there were leadership changes in Oak Park. Dr. Ushma Shah became the new District 97 superintendent. Joslyn Bowling Dixon became the new executive director of the Oak Park Public Library in November, after David Seleb retired earlier in the year. Shatonya Johnson became the new Oak Park Police Chief.
Notable anniversaries this year included 100 years since the births of St. Gianna Molla and Charles Schulz, and 200 years since the birth of Louis Pasteur. The McCaughey 7 turned 25 in November.
The long-running children's TV show Arthur released its final episode in February, but it's a quality show that will last for a long time to come.
There was intense summer heat throughout the western United States in August. Hurricane Ian caused major devastation in Florida in September. An intense Arctic wintry blast engulfed the central and eastern USA in December, which partly contributed to major operational problems for Southwest Airlines. In November, parts of New York state experienced copious amounts of lake-effect snow.
The world came together for the Winter Olympics hosted by Beijing, and then in Qatar for the World Cup. Emery Lehman, who first competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics during his final year at OPRFHS, participated in the 2022 Olympics and got a bronze medal.
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