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? When was the last time you bought something from a vending machine? Some entrepreneurs are trying to save the beleaguered cultural icon by filling it with more unusual products like prescription drugs or live bait. And let’s not forget the cupcake vending machine!

Massachusetts Senate candidate Elizabeth Brown is pushing President Obama on same-sex marriage, saying that it’s time for Obama to stop “evolving” and support marriage equality. Since public support for allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry has increased significantly over the last 5 years, Obama may be inclined to listen, but perhaps not until after the election?

A fascinating-looking new survey from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life explores the role of religion in prisons. According to the report, more than seven-in-ten (73%) state prison chaplains say that efforts by inmates to proselytize or convert other inmates are either very common (31%) or somewhat common (43%).

Vanderbilt University is stepping up a non-discrimination policy which requires religious student groups to drop requirements that their leaders hold certain beliefs.

At the New York Times, Timothy Egan explores why Rick Santorum doesn’t seem to be able to appeal to his fellow Catholics. As Dr. Robert P. Jones pointed out earlier this year, in many ways Santorum is a more ideal candidate for evangelicals, despite his Catholic faith.

Meanwhile, I have some vindication for my irrational dislike of e-book readers: turns out you don’t remember what you read on your Kindle as well as what you read in a good old-fashioned book.