Welcome to the Morning Buzz, PRRI’s morning dose of religion-related news with a shot of data – because what doesn’t liven up a morning round-up like some public opinion numbers? Yesterday, of course, was Groundhog Day, a holiday which I (like many, I suspect) celebrate with an annual viewing of the classic Bill Murray movie of the same name. Little did I know how much squabbling the film has caused among religious studies academics, until I found this article – which, yes, is from 2003. It’s still good, I promise!

If you missed it, check out our CEO, Dr. Robert P. Jones, on yesterday morning’s edition of the “Washington Journal,” a popular program on C-SPAN. Dr. Jones answered questions from the host about religion, politics, and the 2012 election, and then fielded queries from the audience.

At the National Prayer Breakfast, President Obama reflected on the role that his Christian faith plays in his new emphasis on aiding America’s vulnerable citizens. Noting that he prays daily, he explained that his proposal for the rich, including himself, to pay more in taxes “coincides with Jesus’s teaching that, ‘for unto to whom much is given, much shall be required.’” To learn a bit more about how Obama’s faith has impacted his personal views and political decisions, check out our book chapter on this topic in Mark Rozell’s updated edited volume on Religion and the American Presidency.

In yesterday’s Buzz, I mentioned the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s decision to cut off funding to Planned Parenthood, which is rapidly expanding into a controversy of gargantuan proportions. The influential breast cancer foundation was a major supporter of services at Planned Parenthood clinics across the country, including screenings for breast cancer. Now, the foundation is facing accusations from commentators like CNN’s Laura Sessions Stepp, who say that the Komen Foundation is denying crucial reproductive health services to low-income women.

At CNN, an exploration of whether rank-and-file Catholics are as angered by the Obama administration’s refusal to exempt religiously associated schools, hospitals and social agencies from providing no-cost birth control to employees through their health insurance. It’s entirely possible that lay Catholics see the move as disrespectful to their faith, but it’s also important to remember that 85% of Catholics support expanding access to birth control for women who cannot afford it.

Meanwhile, a prominent Catholic Cardinal publicly lamented the failure of the DREAM Act and encouraged young people to press for more comprehensive immigration reform. A strong majority (58%) of Catholics also agree that illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children should be able to gain legal resident status if they go to college or join the military. However, he may have more difficulty inciting young people to action, since only about 1-in-4 Millennials say that immigration is a critical issue.

A rumor to ponder over the weekend: did Mitt Romney’s infamous Irish setter, Seamus, go on the lam in Canada?

Find a story you’d like to see in Monday’s Buzz? I’d love to take a look – just reply to this email and send me your discovery! Also, don’t forget to share the Buzz with your friends. Send them this link to sign up. For updates and coverage throughout the day, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Also a reminder that our CEO as well as yours truly are on Twitter: we’re @robertpjones and @PRRIAmelia.