GOVT SHUTDOWN Funding expired at midnight, prompting a temporary government shutdown. Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, repeatedly objected to a quick vote on the bipartisan funding deal struck by his fellow Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell. The Senate is expected to vote on a funding bill to reopen the federal government Friday morning. A House vote is less certain. http://cvote.it/2EcmDOK
SOUTH BEND BISHOP DISAGREES Bishop Kevin Rhoades of South Bend-Fort Wayne: “I strongly disagree with Notre Dame’s decision to provide funding for contraception in its health insurance plans, which involves it even more directly in contributing to immoral activity. The Catholic Church clearly teaches that contraception is an immoral action that contradicts the truth of marital love.” The Bishop’s full statement: http://cvote.it/2C6h5zp
GENTRY LIBERALS Rich white liberals now outnumber blacks in Chicago. They are the largest demographic in other major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. With their money and influence, they dominate the Democratic Party. But their positions on climate, coal, and social issues often hurt Democrats in the heartland. http://cvote.it/2C5M5zH
RUST BELT WOMEN But not everything is perfect for the GOP in the Rust Belt either. Working-class women powered Trump’s Midwestern wins, but those voters are souring on him in office. http://cvote.it/2C7WFGi
MORE JUDGES The Senate Judiciary Committee approved four of President Trump’s judicial nominees, including Kurt Engelhardt to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. http://cvote.it/2C889cI
CULTURE OF LIFE Notre Dame’s pro-life club offers free childcare for parenting graduate students. “We do hope that the little we do somehow can make their workload a little lighter and their jobs as parents a little easier, at least for a few hours a week,” said Sarah Drumm, president of the university’s Right to Life Club. http://cvote.it/2EfRD0k
PATRONESS FOR VICTIMS The U.S. Bishops estimate that about 17,000 people are trafficked across the United States border each year. They’re encouraging Catholics to hold or attend prayer services for victims of this crime. http://cvote.it/2EfQINq
SAINT OF THE DAY Family ties and religious obligations may affect one another, but they are not necessarily opposed. Saint Scholastica’s relationship with her brother, Saint Benedict, is a good example. http://cvote.it/dailysaint
DAILY MASS READINGS “I am the Lord, your God; hear my voice.” (Ps 81:10) – http://cvote.it/Daily-Readings
SPORTS Winter Olympic gold medalist speaks about his Catholic faith. http://cvote.it/2Eg3V8I