The LOOP
The Wednesday Loop - January 29, 2025
NEW TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDER PROTECTS KIDS FROM ‘MUTILATION’
President Donald Trump issued an executive order Tuesday “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation,” calling the subjection of children to genital surgeries in the name of so-called transgenderism a “dangerous trend” that “will be a stain on our Nation’s history.”
FIRST WHITE HOUSE PRESSER: TOP TAKEAWAYS FOR CATHOLICS
The Trump White House yesterday held the first press conference of Trump’s second administration. Here are the top moments from the presser.
GET TO KNOW TRUMP’S DEVOUT CATHOLIC SPOKESWOMAN
After her debut as the youngest presidential press secretary in U.S. history, many will be interested to learn about Karoline Leavitt, a 27-year-old wife, mother, and devout Catholic. Here are some of her public reflections on faith, family, and balancing motherhood with political work.
TRUMP CONFIRMS NEW JERSEY DRONES WERE BIDEN ADMIN’S
Trump confirmed Tuesday that the mysterious drones that hovered over New Jersey late last year belonged to the federal government and were authorized by Biden administration officials. The revelation comes after Biden officials denied any knowledge of the drones amid mounting public fears.
WASHINGTON, DC FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP’S FEDERAL AID FREEZE
A federal district judge in Washington, DC, temporarily halted the Trump administration’s pause of federal aid funding Tuesday, just before it was to go into effect. The ruling comes amid a government-wide effort by the Trump administration to put a stop to controversial taxpayer-funded social and political programming, much of it put in motion under the Biden administration.
CATHOLIC SEAN DUFFY CONFIRMED AS TRANSPORT SEC
The Senate Tuesday overwhelmingly confirmed Sean Duffy, a pro-life Catholic husband and father of nine, as the Trump administration’s Secretary of Transportation. Trump had said that Duffy will “make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI for pilots and air traffic controllers.”
ADMIN OFFERS BUYOUTS TO FED WORKERS IF THEY’LL QUIT
The Trump administration is “offering buyouts to all federal employees who opt to leave their jobs by next week — an unprecedented move to shrink the U.S. government at breakneck speed,” the Associated Press reported. Trump’s Office of Personnel Management is also imposing “enhanced standards of suitability and conduct” and warning of future downsizing.
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BISHOPS DEFEND TAXPAYER-FUNDED WORK WITH REFUGEES
The Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), one of the organizations Trump defunded last week, lists the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as a “participating member.” The USCCB this week defended its taxpayer-funded work with refugees after Vice President JD Vance argued that not all migrants facilitated by RCUSA and its members are properly vetted.
RETIRING DC ARCHBISHOP APOLOGIZES TO LGBTQ ADVOCATES
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the retiring Archbishop of Washington, DC, recently apologized for Catholics who have hurt “our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.” His apology decried the “intolerance and bigotry” of Catholics who oppose the LGBTQ movement, saying they have caused him much “embarrassment.”
SUMMER DREAMIN’
Beach days, salt water, and sun may feel like long-forgotten dreams right now, but summer is on the way! For the ladies considering new swimwear this year, Refine's Jessica Nardi has the best in affordable fashion. Full coverage guaranteed!
CATHOLIC 101
The word “Armageddon” is frequently thrown around to refer to nuclear war or the final showdown between good and evil. But that's not quite right. Explore Armageddon's Biblical roots and what it actually means for Catholics.
SAINT OF THE DAY
St. Gildas the Wise (c. 500-570) moved to Ireland to join the priesthood. He then moved back to the North of Britain, where he performed many miracles. He returned to Ireland at the behest of the king. He built monasteries there before finally choosing a life of solitude on the Island of Houat off the coast of France.
DAILY PSALM
“You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
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COURSE
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