ISLAM // German Chancellor Angela Merkel now says the burka “should be banned wherever it is legally possible” and vowed never to repeat her “open-door” refugee policy of 2015. She faces election next year. http://cvote.it/2h4P6th
ECONOMY // Poll: Donald Trump’s deal with Carrier is wildly popular. Sixty percent of voters say Carrier’s decision to keep some manufacturing jobs in Indiana gives them a more favorable view of Trump. That includes not only 87% of self-identified Republicans, but also 54% of independents and 40% of Democrats. http://cvote.it/2h4JiQK
ENVIRONMENT // The Democratic Party’s embrace of “green” policies, especially opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline, have cost them dearly with working-class voters in the Rust Belt. http://cvote.it/2h4IkUs
SPORTS // Louisville’s Women’s basketball coach has a harsh reality for the Snowflake Generation. He said the idea that no one is a “loser” is an attempt to not hurt anyone’s feelings, but Walz reminded reporters that it’s very different in the real world. Watch the video rant: http://cvote.it/2g7Gspz
LOUISIANA // A new poll in Louisiana finds state Treasurer John Kennedy (R) leading Foster Campbell (D) by a wide margin heading into this weekend’s runoff election, 60% to 40%. If Kennedy wins, he’ll increase the Republican majority in the United States Senate to 52 seats. Democrats have 48 seats (counting two ‘independents’ who caucus with Democrats). http://cvote.it/2g7QFlQ
CRIME // Missouri police take 3 teens into custody in the armed robbery of the wife of Missouri Gov.-Elect Eric Greitens. The governor-elect, a former Navy SEAL, said: “I’m glad that the men and women of law enforcement found these young men before I did.” http://cvote.it/2g7N874
CULTURE // “Junior knows best” — How a troubling trope has taken over contemporary animated movies. http://cvote.it/2g7CLQQ
CATHOLIC // Vatican commission launches child protection website. http://cvote.it/2g7DcdP
ON THIS DAY // 1941 – The Empire of Japan launches a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. http://cvote.it/1XHb0CM
SAINT // Saint Ambrose – http:/cvote.it/DailySaint
DAILY READINGS // Today’s readings – http://cvote.it/Daily-Readings
AMAZING // “Computer geek” takes one more step toward sainthood — Carlo Acutis, who died at 15 years old, cataloged all of the Eucharistic miracles in the world. http://cvote.it/2h4BqyI