The Morning Buzz | May 31, 2012

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? If you ever doubted that a neon lamp could stay lit for 77 years, I’m sorry to say that this Los Angeles restaurant has proved you wrong. Talk about retro!

In a column for the Washington Post, Joanna Brooks explains that although Mormons, overall, tend to be politically conservative, progressive Mormon women will cast their vote based on which candidate best exemplifies the Mormon values of “preparedness, compassion, pragmatism, and service to others.”

Muslims in Murfeesboro, Tennessee expressed frustration and anger at a judge’s decision that could derail construction of a mosque that has already been delayed by arson and unwillingness of local contractors to take on the job. A slim majority (51%) of Americans say they would be comfortable with a mosque being built near their home.

A group of Conservative Jewish rabbis and leaders commended President Obama after a meeting at the White House, where they questioned him about issues ranging from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and sanctions on Iran to the environment. Earlier this spring, nearly 6-in-10 (58%) Conservative Jews said they approved of the way Obama is handling his job as president.

Mitt Romney officially clinched the Republican nomination after the Texas primary, scooping up the last few delegates needed to make it to the magic 1,144. His favorability also hit a record high, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll, thanks largely to a bump in support among women.

A Pentecostal pastor from West Virginia famous for handling snakes during services died of a snakebite last Sunday. Mack Wolford, who had sought to keep the snake-handling tradition alive in West Virginia (where it is legal) and neighboring Appalachian states (where it is not), believed that the Bible commands Christians to handle snakes to test their faith in God.

Kids, don’t do drugs, or you’ll end up with a strange desire to gnaw on other people’s faces. (Or maybe drugs don’t turn you into a cannibal? Unclear.)

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