DOJ TO PROSECUTE POT Attorney General Jeff Sessions rolled back the Obama administration’s rules that allowed states to essentially legalize marijuana. Now federal prosecutors will again prosecute recreational marijuana usage. http://cvote.it/2CGdyfi
OFFSHORE DRILLING The Trump administration announced a draft proposal to allow all U.S. federal waters for oil and natural gas drilling. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said: “This is a clear difference between energy weakness and energy dominance.” http://cvote.it/2CCbftX
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM The State Department named 10 countries as worst offenders of religious freedom: Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. http://cvote.it/2CFln53
EUROPE IS CHANGING Violent crime in Germany rose by about 10% in 2015 and 2016. A study found that 90% of that crime was attributed to young male refugees. http://cvote.it/2CErUNh
CULTURE The Conservative Theatre Festival is being held later this month in Columbus, Ohio. It’s intended to bring conservative, religious, and patriotic themes to the stage. http://cvote.it/2lXKhTc
JUDICIAL REFORM Legal scholar Ed Whalen looks back at Trump’s judicial appointments from Gorsuch to the circuit courts and declares: “A promising reorientation of the judiciary has begun.” http://cvote.it/2lUCrK7
ECONOMIC GROWTH Five economic factors that look great right now: Dow hits 25,000, job creation in December smashed expectations, layoffs in 2017 at lowest level since 1990, manufacturing had best year since 2004, and almost 100 companies have announced employee bonuses because of the recently-passed tax reform law. http://cvote.it/2lVUAXV
A WITNESS TO THE DIGNITY OF LIFE J.J. Hanson, a strong opponent of assisted suicide, is being remembered for his strength and strong faith. In 2014, he had been told he would only live for a few months. “He outlived that death sentence by more than three years, giving hope and inspiration to thousands of people during that time,” said Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the New York State Catholic Conference. http://cvote.it/2CDIUDE
THE ROSARY PRIEST The enduring legacy of now Venerable Father Patrick Peyton. http://cvote.it/2CHAEm2
CATHOLIC VOTE RADIO HOUR Listen in to hear the latest talk about Trump and Kim Jong Un’s Button contest, Pope Francis’s pacifism, Eminem’s apology to an aborted child, and the shape of the Senate in 2018. http://cvote.it/2CDCjsB
SAINT OF THE DAY Saint John Neumann – http://cvote.it/dailysaint
DAILY MASS READINGS “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.” (Ps 100:2) – http://cvote.it/Daily-Readings
EPIPHANY Celebrate the Epiphany with a home blessing. All you need is chalk, holy water, and your family. http://cvote.it/2lX6b8X