The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - December 17, 2025

CATHOLICVOTE PETITION REJECTS LOOSENING WEED REGS

CatholicVote yesterday launched a national petition urging President Donald Trump not to loosen federal restrictions on marijuana, pointing out the higher addiction rates, increased emergency room visits, mental health harms, impaired driving, and broader social costs already seen in states that have legalized the drug. The petition encourages supporters to email Trump using a prewritten message.

NEW: FBI SAID NO PROBABLE CAUSE TO RAID TRUMP HOME

According to newly declassified documents, FBI officials told the Biden administration it lacked probable cause to raid Trump's Florida home in 2022. The Justice Department under President Joe Biden pushed for the raid to take place anyway.

BONDI BEACH KILLERS: LATEST FINDINGS IN AUSTRALIA

Australian authorities have confirmed that the Dec. 14 mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach was an anti-Jewish terrorist act inspired by ISIS ideology. The alleged perpetrators are a father-and-son duo identified as Sajid Akram (50, killed by police) and Naveed Akram (24, hospitalized and expected to face charges).

THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON, CONSIDER HOW YOU BUY

Now more than ever, it’s important to do business with companies who share your beliefs. Charity Mobile is the pro-life cell phone company! Make the switch and get nationwide coverage, affordable plans, a U.S.-based pro-life customer service team, and a FREE phone and power bank offer. Use promo code LOOP at checkout! Offer good through 2/2/26 or while supplies last.

WSJ: EFFORTS TO RESCUE JIMMY LAI ONLY BEGINNING

The conviction of Catholic hero and media mogul Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong this week struck many as a serious blow to him and his supporters. But The Wall Street Journal editorial board offered a different perspective. According to WSJ, diplomatic efforts to secure Lai's release can more seriously move forward now, after the conviction, than ever before.

ANALYSIS: 'TRANS' RATES AMONG KIDS A PASSING TREND?

Studies have already found that rates of "transgender" identification among children have taken a nosedive since 2020. But a new analysis further notes that levels of trans identity five years ago were unusually high to begin with.

FAKE NEWS? TRUMP CHIEF OF STAFF LAMBASTS ARTICLE

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles offered candid comments on Trump and several senior administration officials in a series of interviews with Vanity Fair. Hours after the report’s publication yesterday, Wiles rejected the article as a “disingenuously framed hit piece” and said it attempted to portray the administration in a negative light. Others in the Trump administration expressed support for Wiles and joined her in dismissing the article.

LOOPcast

Recent acts of violence shake the nation and the world: what we know so far, and what critical questions remain unanswered. Meanwhile, Trump signs a sweeping executive order on artificial intelligence and signals a major shift in U.S. cannabis policy. And finally, the U.S. Army cancels a wide range of religious support contracts, leaving Catholic soldiers without access to Mass, sacraments, and pastoral care. All this and more on the.

MICHIGAN AG REPORTS GRAND RAPIDS ABUSE CASES

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report on decades of alleged sexual abuse and misconduct by clergy in the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids this week. The over-300-page report documents allegations dating back to 1950 against 51 priests, 37 of whom are now deceased, and none of whom are still in active ministry. The attorney general's report concluded that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the diocese.

WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT SIDES WITH CATHOLIC CHARITIES

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled this week that Catholic Charities Bureau and its affiliates are eligible for a religious exemption from the state’s unemployment insurance tax, directing state officials to grant the exemption. The ruling concludes a series of now-failed attempts to target Wisconsin Catholic organizations by denying their religious status.

REVIVAL OF FAMILY TRADITIONS

Traditions don’t just “happen;” they are built consciously, lovingly, and sometimes imperfectly, but consistently year after year. And in a world where culture shifts faster than we can process, traditions matter more than ever. Here's why traditions matter and how to bring some back into your home and family.

CATHOLIC 101

Know your enemy! "In the spiritual battle of life, we need to develop some sophistication in recognizing, naming, and understanding the subtleties of common tactics of the Devil," writes Msgr. Charles Pope. Here are four tricks the Devil uses to lead us into temptation.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church celebrates St. Olympias, a 4th-century disciple of the great Church Father St. John Chrysostom. When Chrysostom was exiled, Olympias refused to submit to the unlawful bishop of her city. Soon, she was exiled as well. Centuries later, we still have 17 personal letters addressed to Olympias, written by Chrysostom.

DAILY PSALM

"Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever." (Psalm 72)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

IMMIGRATION GUIDE

Catholics who advocate strong but humane immigration enforcement are sometimes accused of disobeying their bishops or the pope, and even violating Church teaching. Find out how to respond in the Catholic Accountability Project's guide.