The LOOP
The Wednesday Loop - January 8, 2025
NEW HOUSE PASSES LAKEN RILEY ACT
The House passed the Laken Riley Act, a comprehensive border security bill named after the University of Georgia nursing student who was brutally murdered by an illegal migrant last February. The bill passed by a 264-159 vote, with all the votes in opposition cast by Democrats. The measure now heads to the Senate, where Republicans presently hold 52 seats.
ZUCKERBERG ENDS ‘FACT-CHECKS’, VOWS TO RESTORE FREE SPEECH
Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook and Instagram will replace their “fact-checks” with a community notes system in an effort to “restore free expression.” Admitting that “fact-checkers” have been “biased,” Zuckerberg vowed to “work with President Trump” to work against political censorship on social media.
POLICE PRAISE ELON MUSK FOR AIDING INVESTIGATION
Tesla and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk provided significant assistance to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in its investigation of the deadly explosion that took place on New Year’s Day outside of the Trump International Hotel. “I have to thank Elon Musk specifically,” said Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
McDONALD’S DITCHING ‘WOKE’ CORPORATE POLICIES
McDonald’s this week announced it is ending several far-left corporate policies, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The move came after conservative filmmaker and leading anti-“woke” activist Robby Starbuck had contacted the company about the controversial policies.
POLL: MAJORITY OF PARENTS FAVOR REDUCING DEPARTMENT OF ED
New polling from Parents Defending Education shows that 52% of U.S. parents would support reducing the power the Department of Education has over their children’s education. The same poll found that Catholic parents matched the general public in their approval of such a measure.
FIREFIGHTERS REUNITE WITH BABY LEFT AT ‘SAFE HAVEN’
Firefighters in Deerfield Beach, Florida, recently reunited with “Baby Hope,” an infant they rescued through their station’s safe haven program in 2003. The baby, whose adoptive family named her Gloria Hope Lewis, is now a thriving 21-year-old studying criminal justice and social work.
NEW DATA ON RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION IN CONGRESS
New data from the Pew Research Center show that slightly fewer members of the newly convened Congress are Christian compared to the Congress of the previous session, but Christians still make up the vast majority of the Legislature. The numbers show that Catholics make up the largest group of Christians in Congress.
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UK CONSERVATIVE PARTY CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF COVERUP
The United Kingdom’s Conservative Party is set to propose an amendment requiring a national inquiry into the abuse of thousands of British minors largely perpetrated by Pakistani Muslims. Officials involved in keeping the information from the public had cited fears of stirring anti-Muslim sentiment.
GROUP LAUNCHES 26-STATE PRO-LIFE LOBBYING EFFORT
Students for Life Action this week launched a major lobbying effort in 26 states as part of the organization’s “Make America Pro-Life Again” Roadmap. The initiative aims to promote legislation that protects preborn children, addresses the dangers of chemical abortion pills, and advocates for environmental and public health safeguards.
TIPS FOR A LOW-SPEND 2025
If your goal for 2025 is to spend less while still enjoying life, you’re not alone. Living well on a budget isn’t just about cutting corners — it’s about being intentional and creative with your money. So grab a cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s your jam), and let’s dive into five practical, doable tips to help you thrive while spending less in 2025.
CATHOLIC 101
The Ten Commandments are so much more than a random list of do’s and don’ts! God’s rules against idolatry, lying, stealing, adultery, coveting, and killing go way beyond their surface value – they are the foundation of ALL the other rules we abide by, including traffic laws and rules of commerce!
SAINT OF THE DAY
Made bishop of Ravenna by St. Peter himself, first century martyr St. Apollinaris converted many with miracles and powerful preaching. He was beaten and exiled on several occasions, always returning to his city and his people. Tradition holds that after returning to Ravenna for the last time, he was dragged through the city, beaten cruelly, and finally died from his wounds.
DAILY PSALM
“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” (Psalm 72:11)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
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