Mamdani’s Government Groceries, Jimmy Lai, and Holy Land Violence - 7/28/26

New York City Mayor announced plans for government-run grocery stores, and Americans who fled communist regimes are not having it. I'm Josh Mercer with your morning LOOPcast. Mayor Zora Mandami says New York City's five taxpayer grocery stores will sell staple goods 30% below market prices. The city has already committed $70 million to the project, while the ongoing subsidy remains unknown. Survivors of communism warn that government groceries have a nasty history. Red lines. rationing, empty shelves, and ultimately, a lot of hunger.

A human rights advocate says President Trump must keep pressuring China to free imprisoned Catholic anti-communist hero Jimmy Lai. Nina Hsieh says Trump's appeal to Xi Jinping helps secure evangelical pastor Ezra Jin's release. But Trump is set to meet Xi again in September. And 78-year-old Jimmy Lai's 20-year sentence leaves no time for handling Xi with kid gloves. Pope Leo is condemning the ongoing and escalating violence in the West Bank and Gaza. His appeal comes as settlers occupied a Palestinian family home in the West Bank, and as Israeli forces closed roads and raided communities following a deadly confrontation that left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead.

The Pope called for negotiations rooted in equal dignity, an end to further military action, and a return to dialogue. And a 98-year-old World War II veteran has entered the Catholic Church. Ray Martin received baptism. Confirmation and Holy Communion after years of attending Mass and praying the Rosary with his late wife. Just remember, it's never too late to come home. Today is the Feast of St. Pope Victor I, the first known African pope and a defender of unity in the early church.

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