The LOOP
The Friday Loop - June 20, 2025
TRUMP ADMIN TO DECIDE ON MILITARY ACTION IN NEXT 2 WEEKS
The Trump administration said Thursday it will decide “within the next two weeks” whether to intervene militarily in the rapidly escalating Israel-Iran conflict, as backchannel diplomacy efforts continue.
TRUMP ADMIN RESUMES RAIDS AT WORK SITES
The Trump administration has resumed aggressive immigration raids at certain workplaces this week, reversing course just days after announcing potential changes in response to lobbying from corporations in the agriculture, hospitality, and food processing industries concerned about losing their workforces. Border Czar Tom Homan pointed out that trafficking victims are often found at work sites.
FEDERAL PROBE COMING ON BEHALF OF EAST PALESTINE VICTIMS
Vice President JD Vance this week announced a new multi-million-dollar federal initiative to investigate the long-term health effects of the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, responding to ongoing concerns from the affected community.
TRUMP EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR TIKTOK BAN
Trump signed an executive order yesterday granting TikTok another 90-day extension from a US ban as negotiations continue over whether the company can sell its US operations to American buyers in order to avoid being shut down.
TEXAS BOOSTS SUPPORT FOR PRO-LIFE GROUPS
Texas lawmakers have increased funding for pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and maternity homes to $200 million this year and passed legislation that ensures the funding won’t be used for abortions.
HIGHEST-IQ MAN IN WORLD: 'JESUS CHRIST IS GOD'
The man officially recognized as having the highest recorded IQ in the world has publicly professed his belief in Jesus Christ. “As the world’s highest IQ record holder, I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life,” YoungHoon Kim of South Korea said this week.
UK'S PRO-ABORTION VOTE MAY IGNITE US-STYLE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT
The United Kingdom’s radical decision to decriminalize abortion up to birth will likely spark a pro-life movement similar to the one in the United States, Welsh political commentator Sarah Vine argued this week.
RESCUE JUNE FROM PRIDE
People celebrate disturbing things throughout the month of June – loudly, immodestly, and, well, pridefully. Make a quiet stand against unruly pride by wearing a simple statement about the value of a humble heart. In addition to carrying an important message, these top-quality shirts feature 100% cotton for comfort and double-needle stitching for durability.
TRUMP RELIGIOUS LIBERTY COMMISSION CONFRONTS SECULARISM
At the first hearing of President Donald Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, Bishop Robert Barron of the diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota wondered: “Have we religious people been too cowed by a secular society that wants us to privatize the faith, that we haven't seized the opportunity of the First Amendment?”
JOIN THE KNIGHTS' NOVENA FOR POPE LEO
The Knights of Columbus this week began a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, offered for Pope Leo XIV and his intentions — and it’s not too late to join. Here are the details.
SO MUCH NEWS
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Check out this Eucharistic Adoration photo contest! • Pew found nearly half of US adults have a connection to Catholicism. • US Bishops: Be "witnesses to hope" this religious freedom week!
A CATHOLICVOTE VIDEO KELSEY WOULD LIKE YOU TO WATCH
"The election of Pope Leo XIV has unleashed a renewed spiritual energy, particularly among Catholics in the United States," writes CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt. "To be Catholic today means to hold eternity in our hearts while engaging boldly in the struggles of this world." That's why CatholicVote recently created this inspiring video!
CATHOLIC 101
Author and blogger Emily Stimpson Chapman answers three interesting questions: Can I secretly baptize my niece if the parents refuse to? Is it okay to cut off my parents if they are “toxic”? How should I pray when struggling with singlehood?
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today, the Church celebrates Saint Alban, the first Christian martyr in Britain and a patron saint of converts and torture victims.
DAILY PSALM
"From all their distress God rescues the just." (Psalm 34:18)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
HELLO FROM CATHOLICVOTE'S NEW PRESIDENT
CatholicVote yesterday welcomed our new president, Kelsey Reinhardt! With a strong background in Catholic media, evangelization, and religious life, she’s set to lead a bold new chapter. "Now is not the time to retreat from the culture," she says in this short video. "Now is the time to transform it."