Monday, 9 February 2026

laughter and light in winter

How to feel beautiful at home – even on a tight budget

On a tight budget but still want to feel beautiful? Follow your grandmother's example and choose your "one beautiful thing."

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Was the past actually romantic?

We usually think of romance as easy and effortless, but there's a deeper romance that grows in hardship.

By Keturah Hickman

9 books to read this Lent

Lent is only a couple weeks away. Here are nine recommendations for spiritual reading to help you enter more deeply into the season.

By Brittany Makely

Baby won't go back to sleep? Here are some simple morning routines!

Getting your morning started on the right foot has an added layer of complexity once you have a little one waking up with you. Here are a few tips to help your mornings run more smoothly.

By Grace Porto

I'm prone to seasonal depression – This is the routine that helps me every winter

If the grayness of winter is weighing heavy on your, try this winter checklist to add a spark of light back into your life.

By Madison Freeman

Laugh therapy for February: 7 comedy routines to stream now

They say that laughter is the best medicine, so here are seven clean comedy routines guaranteed to get you giggling!

By Rose Church

11 healthy sweet snacks

Real Simple rounded up 11 dietitian-approved sweet snacks that curb sugar cravings without a big crash.

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LOOP: Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

JIMMY LAI SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON Jimmy Lai on Feb. 9 received a 20-year jail sentence in a Hong Kong court. The prominent media mogul's five-year imprisonment and prosecution has sparked global concerns about China's communist regime encroaching on civil liberties in Hong Kong. READ

POPE NAMES NEXT ARCHBISHOP OF DENVER Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop James R. Golka as the next archbishop of Denver. Archbishop-designate Golka, who currently leads the Diocese of Colorado Springs, will succeed Archbishop J. Samuel Aquila. The 59-year-old Nebraska native will be installed on March 25. READ

WAPO CEO STEPS DOWN Will Lewis stepped down as CEO of The Washington Post on Saturday, days after the Jeff Bezos-owned paper laid off more than 300 staffers. Lewis, who led the publication for two years, said his departure is part of a difficult but necessary period of change. READ

US, IRAN HAD 'GOOD TALKS,' WILL MEET SOON "The US and Iran will meet again 'early next week' after President Trump said the two sides held 'very good talks' in Oman, even though the risk of armed conflict remains high as both [countries] continue to trade warnings," The New York Post reports. READ

SENATE STANDOFF OVER DHS FUNDING Senate talks on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remain stalled with just days left before a Feb. 13 deadline, as Democrats press for immigration demands and most Republicans refuse to budge. The standoff raises the likelihood of a partial government shutdown that would affect border, security, and emergency agencies. READ

INSPIRING: AN ART TEACHER'S JOURNEY TO WRITING ICONOGRAPHY Most creative callings don't arrive at convenient moments. For Garrett Hines, the rediscovery of his artistic calling as an iconographer came alongside the responsibilities of marriage, fatherhood, and a full-time teaching career in Texas. In an exclusive interview with Zeale News, Hines talked about how God calls each person to a unique path. READ

POPE: LIVE THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL In his Feb. 8 Sunday Angelus, Pope Leo XIV encouraged Christians to respond to Christ's call to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" by embracing the transformative joy of the Gospel. "This joy springs from a way of life, a way of inhabiting the earth and of living together that must be desired and chosen," he said. "It is the life that shines in Jesus, the new flavor of his words and deeds." READ

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COURT TAKES UP CASES OF CHRISTIANS BANNED FROM TURKEY The European Court of Human Rights has taken up 20 cases brought after Turkey designated hundreds of foreign Christian residents as threats to national security and barred them from re-entering the country or obtaining residence permits. READ

YOUNG PRIEST CONFRONTS DEATH IN HOSPITAL MINISTRY Father Charles Marie Rooney, O.P., recently wrote a profound reflection on his experience in hospital ministry, where he encountered death, faith, darkness, and light. "I have cancer," an elderly woman told him from her hospital bed. "But cancer is not the sickness. Cancer is the cure. Because cancer brings you close to God." READ

TOP 10 MOVIES FOR YOUR NEXT COZY NIGHT IN Planning to spend the evening at home? This list rounds up 10 must-watch movies that are comfort-viewing at its finest. READ

CATHOLIC 101 Discouragement is one of the devil's biggest traps, especially for those striving to live faithfully. This reflection, inspired by the teachings of St. Catherine of Siena, examines how humility, self-knowledge, and perseverance in prayer protect the soul from despair. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY Today the Church honors St. Apollonia, a third-century Christian from Alexandria who was martyred during a violent uprising against believers. Tradition holds that she endured torture rather than renounce her faith. READ

DAILY PSALM "Lord, go up to the place of your rest!" (Psalm 132) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

ANOTHER WAY TO STAY CONNECTED Whether you read The LOOP by email or on Zeale, the mission stays the same. Zeale simply offers a free, easy option to explore more – on your schedule. GET STARTED ON ZEALE

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