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| TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 |
| DEMS LOWER EXPECTATIONS Just two weeks until the midterm elections, and Democrats are trying to tamper expectations of a “blue wave.” DNC Chairman Tom Perez says he doesn’t use the term “blue wave.” And Senator Bernie Sanders agreed: “I know a lot of people talk about this blue wave. I don’t believe it… I happen to think that on election night you’re going to find a very close situation and maybe a handful of votes determining whether Democrats are gaining control of the House.” READ |
| GOP HAS EARLY VOTING EDGE SO FAR Republicans are outpacing Democrats in states with early voting, according NBC News — which stated that it “could put a dent” in Democratic hopes for a ‘blue wave’ in the midterms. READ |
| TRUMP IN TEXAS President Trump declared himself a “nationalist” defending the United States against what he called “power-hungry globalists.” Trump swept into office on what he called an “America First” agenda, but he normally avoided the term “nationalist.” Tonight Trump said: “A globalist is a person that wants the globe to do well, frankly, not caring about our country so much. You know what I am? I’m a nationalist okay? Nationalist.” READ |
| BAKERS PETITION COURT A Christian couple is taking the State of Oregon to court for ordering to pay $135,000 in fines for not baking a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. “Freedom of speech has always included the freedom not to speak the government’s message,” said Kelly Shackelford of First Liberty, the nonprofit legal organization representing the bakers. READ |
| POLITICAL VIOLENCE Vandals threw a giant boulder through the office window of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-CA. The vandals also took off with some office equipment. READ |
| TRUMP SEEKING TO EXPAND 401Ks Millions of additional Americans could have access to work-sponsored retirement plans under a proposed Labor Department rule. If the rule becomes adopted, professional organizations (like the National Restaurant Association) or regional and local groups (like a Chamber of Commerce) could offer such retirement plans. The rule is similar to the Labor Department’s new association health plans that increased access to health insurance plans. READ |
| FAITH IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE The American Legion is petitioning the Supreme Court to allow its 40-foot tall “Peace Cross” in Bladensburg, MD, after the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals found the monument violates the Constitution. READ |
| NEPAL BANS ACCESS TO ONLINE SMUT The Asian country of Nepal has introduced a ban on pornography in an effort to stem the high rate of sexual assault in the country. Internet providers that do not comply with the ban could be fined up to $4,200 or lose their licenses. READ |
| ABUSE HOTLINE A new national hotline has been established for victims of clergy sex abuse. READ |
| SAINT OF THE DAY Born at a time when the bubonic plague had decimated the population and the Church was split with two, maybe three, claimants to the papacy, Saint John Capistrano was a voice of strength and hope. He was known for his preaching and his ability to reconcile warring factions. His talents were felt in the Church and in the Franciscan Order. READ |
| DAILY READINGS “The Lord made us, we belong to him.” (Ps 100:3) READ |
| TRUTH |