The LOOP
The Tuesday Loop - December 16, 2025
FBI THWARTS NEW YEAR'S EVE BOMB PLOT
Federal authorities announced Dec. 15 that the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) disrupted a coordinated terrorist plot to detonate improvised explosive devices at multiple locations in the Los Angeles area on New Year’s Eve.
CATHOLIC HERO JIMMY LAI CONVICTED IN HONG KONG
Jimmy Lai, the outspoken pro-democracy media tycoon whose rise and fall have drawn attention to Hong Kong’s shrinking political freedoms, was convicted Dec. 15 in a landmark national security trial that could see him spend the rest of his life in prison.
TRUMP: FENTANYL 'WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION'
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Dec. 15 that designates illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction, citing the drug’s role in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
TWO SOLDIERS KILLED IN SYRIA IDENTIFIED
The U.S. Army has identified the two soldiers killed in a deadly ambush in Syria on Dec. 13 as members of the Iowa National Guard: Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, 25, of Des Moines, and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, 29, of Marshalltown. The two died in Palmyra, Syria, from injuries sustained during an attack by what the White House identified as a lone ISIS gunman. An American civilian interpreter was also killed in the attack.
TERROR ATTACK IN AUSTRALIA: THE LATEST FACTS
Australian authorities are investigating what police have declared a terrorist attack after two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, killing at least 16 people and injuring dozens more. Here's what is known so far.
THE FULL INSPIRING STORY BEHIND PHIL RIVERS' COMEBACK
Even the NFL had to surrender to the incredible comeback story of Phil Rivers, a devout Catholic, husband, father, and coach, who on Sunday, at 44, played — and threw a touchdown pass — for the Colts.
MANHUNT STILL ON FOR BROWN UNIVERSITY SHOOTER
Authorities released new surveillance photos yesterday of a person of interest in the deadly Dec. 13 shooting at Brown University. The update comes after investigators discharged a previously detained person of interest, saying evidence no longer supported holding him. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the true killer.
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CHURCH RECOMMENDS BLESSING YOUR HOME—PLUS THIS PROTECTION
You know on Epiphany families bless their homes. But do you know how to protect everyone within it from evil? Mount this Catholic medal in your home — the only one blessed with exorcism prayers. It is documented to defeat illness, curses, spells and aid in childbirth. Get your complete kit for prayers and materials needed for home blessing & protection at HolyHeroes.com/blessing
OVER 200 NEW POTENTIAL SAINTS BEATIFIED
More than 200 20th-century French and Spanish martyrs whom religious leaders have praised as witnesses to hope and the Gospel were beatified in their respective countries over the weekend. The new potential saints' stories will offer new inspiration for Christians who aspire to stand up for the faith against stiff opposition.
CATHOLIC BENEFITS ASSOCIATION BOOMS
The Catholic Benefits Association (CBA) announced it now serves nearly 10,000 Catholic employers nationwide, a significant milestone in its effort to defend the conscience rights of Catholic organizations. Its services now cover more than 167,000 employees across 9,930 Catholic employers, to be exact, including 100 dioceses.
DECK, DON'T DROWN, THE HALLS
Sometimes, when it comes to Christmas, we feel that more is more. But let's not get sucked into too much stuff! Here are some guidelines for elegant Christmas decor that's not over the top.
CATHOLIC 101
"The single greatest help in the spiritual life, after the sacraments of the Church, is the prayer of the Blessed Virgin Mary," writes Father James Brent, OP. "The life of grace flourishes in the soul in proportion to one’s love for her." Here's why.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church celebrates St. Adelaide. Through intrigue, murder plots, and imprisonment, this empress of the Holy Roman Empire remained steadfast in her devotion to Christ and was known for her generosity and piety.
DAILY PSALM
"The Lord hears the cry of the poor." (Psalm 34)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
BEAUTY
The Vatican's Nativity Scene has been unveiled ahead of Christmas!
