The LOOP
The Tuesday Loop - January 6, 2026
MAN ARRESTED FOR ATTACKING HOME OF VP VANCE
A 26-year-old Cincinnati man is in custody after allegedly breaking windows and damaging a vehicle at the personal residence of Vice President JD Vance in that city yesterday morning. None of the Vance family was in the home at the time of the attack. The suspect now faces multiple charges: felony vandalism, criminal damaging or endangering, criminal trespass, and obstructing official business.
WALZ DROPS OUT OF MINNESOTA GUBERNATORIAL RACE
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz yesterday announced that he will not seek a third term, exiting the 2026 gubernatorial race amid mounting scrutiny of his administration’s handling of alleged fraud in state programs. In his announcement, Walz denounced the "cynics who prey on our differences."
MADURO PLEADS NOT GUILTY, RAID CASUALTIES REPORTED
Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty yesterday in a New York federal court to charges of narco-terrorism. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of the deaths and damage in Venezuela from the Jan. 3 U.S. military operation that culminated in the capture of the presidential couple in Caracas.
30 MASSACRED IN HORRIFIC MARKET ATTACK IN NIGERIA
At least 30 people, including women and children, were killed and several others were abducted over the weekend in an attack at a market in Nigeria’s Niger State. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated Sunday that he has directed authorities “to hunt down” the perpetrators of the attack.
ADMIN FLOATS MORE INTERVENTIONS: CUBA, COLOMBIA...
The Trump administration is hinting at openness to further interventions in Cuba, Colombia, Greenland, and Mexico, days after a U.S. operation led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump has cited the war on drugs and national security as potential reasons for further action.
NEW CHILD VAX SCHEDULE CUTS COVID, FLU SHOTS
The Health Department yesterday officially overhauled the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, removing COVID and flu shots from the vaccines automatically recommended to all parents of young children. The updated schedule shifts the U.S. approach closer to those of international peers like Denmark by reducing the number of diseases for which the U.S. government recommends all children undergo vaccination. The number of diseases is now 11, down from 18.
CHURCH AIDS GAZA, WEST BANK AMID ISRAELI OBSTRUCTIONS
Caritas Jerusalem, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, said it will continue humanitarian operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem despite Israel’s recent decision to suspend permits for dozens of international aid organizations.
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EXPLAINER: POPE LEO'S UPCOMING CONSISTORY
With the announcement that Pope Leo will convene his first Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals Jan. 7–8, the Vatican has marked an early and significant moment in the new pontificate. But what is a Consistory of Cardinals, and why does this one matter?
CHARLOTTE PRIESTS SUBMIT DUBIA OVER LITURGICAL CHANGES
In a rare move, more than 30 priests from the Diocese of Charlotte have submitted formal dubia — or questions — to the Vatican, seeking clarification on the authority of a diocesan bishop to impose certain liturgical restrictions. The questions respond to new norms for receiving the Eucharist outlined in a Dec. 17 pastoral letter from Bishop Michael Martin and address whether a bishop may prohibit altar rails, the Latin language, and related practices.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP:
HOW CATHOLICS AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATE EPIPHANY
Catholics around the world celebrate the Epiphany — the day on which the Magi greeted the Infant Jesus — with all sorts of unique blessings, parades, and feasts. Here are some fascinating ways you can celebrate the 12th day of Christmas with your family.
CATHOLIC 101
We've shared this before, but it can't be reread enough — especially since St. John Henry Newman is now a Doctor of the Church. his insightful reflections on Epiphany here.
SAINT OF THE DAY
The term “Epiphany” originates from the Greek word "epiphaneia," meaning “manifestation” or “appearance.” The celebration, one of the oldest Christian feasts, commemorates the visit of three pagan kings who followed a star to find the newborn King.
DAILY PSALM
"Lord, every nation on earth will adore you." (Psalm 72)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
TRUTH
Happy feast of the Epiphany!
