Current Events Archives

Six Surprising Ways Marijuana is Hurting Your Family

I first blogged about marijuana back in January 2014, when Colorado became the first state to open its doors to the commercial sale of recreational marijuana. (Since then, Washington, Alaska, and Oregon have followed suit.)

The changes in drug policy came after years of lobbying and campaigning by a group of committed activists who compared marijuana to alcohol. They also promised voters many benefits for our communities, like more efficient use of law enforcement and judicial resources; increased revenue for our schools and infrastructure; and an improvement to public health and safety.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, news, policy, pop culture June 8, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What You Think About the Gorilla Controversy Reveals Your Worldview

It started out as a day filled with eager anticipation for a 3-year-old boy going to the zoo with his mom and siblings. We can imagine the happiness of the Saturday morning scene.

But the carefree adventure quickly took an ominous turn once the family made it into the park.

By now, you’ve heard what happened. Trying to get a better look at the endangered gorillas, the youngster somehow fell 15 feet into the enclosure’s water-filled moat.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pro-life June 1, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

In Honor of Memorial Day

One million.

It’s a big number. But on today of all days, that number takes on even greater value and significance.

That’s because today is Memorial Day, the day we remember over one million Americans who have died in war on behalf of us all.

That figure is astounding by itself, but it’s even more sobering when you reflect on this: behind every number is a name, and behind every name is a family whose entire world changed forever because that soldier didn’t come home.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, events May 30, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

A Doctor Shares His Summer Safety Tips

Memorial Day weekend is hours away and, with it, the unofficial start of summer.

For many families, summer is a time to make memories and spend countless hours having fun together. But with all the activities that come with the longer, sun-drenched days come new opportunities for families to face injuries or hurts.

My friend Dr. Ed Leap, who serves on Focus on the Family’s Physician Resource Council, recently came up with a list of summer safety tips that I thought I would pass along.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, kids May 27, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

The United Methodist Church’s Surprising Announcement

For 40 years the United Methodist Church has supported the Supreme Court’s infamous Roe v. Wade decision – that is, until last week.

Delegates of the country’s third-largest religious body voted 445 to 310 to repeal the official resolution supporting the case establishing a constitutional “right” to abortion during its General Conference. They also voted to sever its affiliation with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC), an interfaith organization co-founded by the United Methodist Church.

Topics: Current Events Tags: church, news, pro-life May 25, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Three Lessons from Justice Clarence Thomas’ Commencement Speech

When I hear good people say good things, I like to pass them along. So I want to share three items from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ commencement speech to the graduates of Hillsdale College.

1. Benefits don’t exist without responsibility.

The small farm of his youth taught Justice Thomas that you reap what you sow. There are no crops if you don’t take care of the land. “If we didn’t work, we didn’t eat.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, pop culture May 20, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

What Do You Think About the Obama Administration’s School Restroom Policy?

Last week’s controversial directive by the Obama Administration to the nation’s public schools and colleges has understandably shocked many parents and students.

In fact, according to a new Rasmussen poll earlier this week, 55 percent of parents with elementary and secondary school age children oppose it while 32 percent support it; 16 percent are undecided.

As I said in my media statement Friday, the move to open up restrooms and showers to gender-confused students undermines parental rights and politicizes our kids’ education.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, parenting, policy, religious liberty May 18, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Why No News is Good News from the Supreme Court Today

We’re pleased today to learn that the Little Sisters of the Poor will not be forced by the government to compromise their religious beliefs after all.

Allow me to explain.

Rather than issue a final verdict, the U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the lower courts to allow the over two dozen religious organizations and individuals involved in the Zubik v. Burwell case (in which Little Sisters is one of the religious parties) to work with the federal government to reach a compromise that takes care of the concerns of all parties.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, policy, pro-life, religious liberty May 16, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

My Thoughts on the Obama Administration’s Letter to Schools Concerning Transgender Bathrooms

Here’s what we sent to the media regarding today’s news. I hope to address this topic – and the issues surrounding it – in greater depth next week. –JD

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Focus on the Family President: Obama Administration’s Letter to Public Schools Undermines Parental Rights, Politicizes Education of 50 Million Schoolchildren
““There should be a balanced approach – one that does not ignore privacy concerns”

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Focus on the Family President Jim Daly issued a statement reacting to the Obama Administration’s letter to public schools on bathroom use today.

Topics: Current Events Tags: family, news, parenting, policy May 13, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

An Innocent Man, a Crooked Cop and the Gift of Forgiveness

Their friendship started in an unlikely way – with a lie and an arrest.

Jameel McGee was walking down a Benton Harbor, Michigan street when police officer Andrew Collins falsely accused him of dealing drugs and arrested McGee. The arrest – and the phony report Collins filed – led to McGee spending four years in prison. During his sentence, McGee lost everything.

While in prison, all McGee could think of was of getting back at the man whose actions had stolen so much from him.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news May 13, 2016 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura