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| LOOP 1000! Today is the 1000th issue of the Loop! We started this project to help Catholics cut through the clutter and keep them informed on the news that matters. But we also include some offbeat and inspirational stories, too. You can support our work, and help us educate more Catholics. (If you donate $20 or more, we’ll send you the official Loop mug.) SUPPORT THE LOOP |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD FUNDING The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an Ohio law that prevents state funding to organizations like Planned Parenthood which performs abortions. Four judges nominated by President Trump joined the majority opinion. READ |
| CARDINAL SENTENCED Cardinal Pell is sentenced to six years imprisonment for sexual abuse. He will be eligible for parole after serving three years and eight months of his sentence. READ |
| UNIONS VS GREEN NEW DEAL Trade unions are not happy with the Green New Deal calling it “not achievable or realistic,” said AFL-CIO energy committee heads Cecil Roberts and Lonnie Stephenson. “We will not accept proposals that could cause immediate harm to millions of our members and their families,” they wrote. The Green New Deal would seek to abolish the use of all carbon-based energy (coal, gas) within 10 years. READ |
| IT’S A START The Ancient Order of Hibernians have disinvited a state lawmaker who voted in favor of the recently-passed New York abortion law. “The membership is dismayed that a member of their order could vote for such a law that in fact allows for infanticide,” said Rev. Msgr. Steven R. Camp, the group’s chaplain. READ |
| A FEDERAL COURT FLIPS The Senate confirmed Paul Matey for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. This flips the Third Circuit from majority Democratic appointees to majority Republican appointees – the first of the circuits to flip since Trump took office. Matey is President Trump’s 35th appeals judge confirmed. READ |
| RAHM ISSUES WARNING Outgoing Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel believes that Democrats are in danger of self-destructing by their leftward march. “Republicans are telling you something when they gleefully schedule votes on proposals like the Green New Deal, Medicare for all, and a 70% marginal tax rate,” said Emanuel, who served as chief of staff under President Obama. When they’re more eager to vote on the Democratic agenda than we are, we should take a step back and ask ourselves whether we’re inadvertently letting the political battle play out on their turf rather than our own.” READ |
| PAID FAMILY LEAVESenators Joni Ernst, R-IA, and Mike Lee, R-UT, introduced a bill to allow parents to access their Social Security benefits to take time off following the birth or adoption of a child. READ |
| ‘NONBINARY’ COMPUTER VOICEApple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa are female voices. Some researchers think that needs to change. So they’re launching “Q” – a voice that’s neither male or female “for a future where we are no longer defined by gender.” READ |
| NEW GUN LAWKentucky Gov. Matt Bevin signed a bill to allow citizens to carry a concealed gun without a permit. READ |
| CHINA-VATICAN DEALThe U.S. Ambassador-at-large for religious freedom remains concerned about the Vatican’s deal to allow China to appoint bishops. “Since this provisional deal was announced last year, the Chinese government’s abuse of members of Catholic communities has continued. We see no signs that will change in the near future,” Ambassador Sam Brownback said in Hong Kong. READ |
| CATHOLIC SOLDIER HONOREDStaff Sargeant Travis W. Atkins will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for tackling a suicide bomber in Al Yusufiyah, Iraq. “Staff Sergeant Atkins’ heroic actions, at the cost of his life, saved the lives of three of his teammates,” said a White House statement. READ |
| SAINT OF THE DAY Saint Leander of Seville was a Catholic bishop surrounded by Arians for much of his life. He fought hard to restore faith in the divinity of Christ, using the profession of the Nicene Creed as a tool. READ |
| DAILY READINGS “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” (Ps 51:3) READ |