BUDGET // With days left before the federal government runs out of money, President Trump appeared to back off of his demand for immediate funding of the border wall, removing an obstacle on a budget deal. http://cvote.it/2pcs7y7
BUSINESS TAX // The business tax in the United States is currently 35% — among the very highest in the industrialized world. Trump wants to drop it down to 15%, which would bring the rate just below Germany’s but still above Ireland’s low rate of 12.5%. http://cvote.it/2pciqQs
ABORTION // So-called “pro-life” Democrat Senator Joe Manchin, WV, caught holding “I Stand With Planned Parenthood” sign. http://cvote.it/2pc52f4
2018 // “The majority is not safe,” warned Oklahoma Republican Tom Cole, a member of the House GOP leadership. The former head of the House Republican’s campaign arm, Cole says the lack of legislative progress has imperiled the GOP’s hold on the House. “We need to be more constructive legislatively, and there are going to be political implications if we don’t.” http://cvote.it/2pc7QsG
2018 // Then again, Democrats could totally blow their opportunity. In 2006 and 2008, Democrats regained the majority in part by allowing Democrats in the South and Midwest to run as “pro-life.” But DNC Chair Tom Perez is bent on purging of all pro-lifers from his party, which would rule out that strategy. http://cvote.it/2pcdTNE
EDUCATION // Congress needs to step in and mandate free speech on campus. “In the memorable phrase of my friend, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education president Greg Lukianoff, college students are ‘unlearning liberty,’ carrying the virus of censorship and oppression beyond the university and into the nation,” notes David French. http://cvote.it/2pbN6Bq
SPORTS // Tennis star Serena Williams writes to her unborn baby: “I can’t wait to meet you.” http://cvote.it/2pcey1O
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY // Christian baker refuses to back down after government punishes him for refusing to make same-sex wedding cake. He said he’s hoping the Supreme Court will take his case. http://cvote.it/2pcbeUl
CATHOLIC // Pope Francis comforts the sister of Fr. Jacques Hamel, the French priest who was slain last year by ISIS sympathizers while celebrating Mass. http://cvote.it/2pckxnj
SAINT // Saint Mark – http://cvote.it/dailysaint
DAILY MASS // “For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” (Ps 89:2) – http://cvote.it/Daily-Readings
NEAT // Comedian Jim Gaffigan and singer Harry Connick, Jr., are featured in new Divine Mercy documentary. http://cvote.it/2pcasH5