The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - June 26, 2025
DID BIDEN ADMIN DELIVER MIGRANT CHILDREN TO TRAFFICKERS?
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified this week that he has reviewed true "horror stories" of the Biden administration directly delivering migrant children to traffickers. “One of the addresses" officials handed children over to "was a strip club," Kennedy said. "One of the addresses was a parking lot. One was an address with shipping containers.” In one instance, 42 children went to a single address.
POPE LEO SPEAKS FORCEFULLY AGAINST 'ARROGANCE' OF WAR
Pope Leo yesterday decried the violence that has occurred in "Iran, Israel and Palestine,” calling on the world to "reject arrogance and revenge, and instead resolutely choose the path of dialogue, diplomacy and peace.”
UNIVERSITY GIVES DOCTORATE FOR A 'DRAG MASS' PERFORMANCE
Bishop James Conley of Lincoln, Nebraska, publicly condemned what he called a “disturbing and appalling” drag performance that was orchestrated at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The performance, which mocked the Mass and was titled "Mass of Perpetual Indulgence," was a doctoral student’s dissertation university's musical arts program. Bishop Conley condemned the fact that the university would award a doctorate degree for "a blatant public display of faith-based discrimination."
5 VIRAL MOMENTS FROM TRUMP'S NATO TRIP
World leaders gathered in the Netherlands on Tuesday for the 2025 NATO summit, where NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called President Donald Trump "Daddy" while praising his strong language against the warring parties of Israel and Iran. Here are the top five viral moments from Trump's appearances at the gathering.
THE NUMBERS BEHIND NEW YORK CITY'S SOCIALIST MAYORAL WIN
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani claimed victory over former three-term governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor June 24, delivering a major upset in one of the nation’s most closely watched primaries. Here are the details.
BIGGEST CHILD TRAFFICKING BUST IN US HISTORY
In what officials are calling the largest child rescue operation in US history, law enforcement recovered 60 missing children and arrested eight suspects linked to child trafficking in Central Florida. "The success of Operation DRAGON EYE is a testament to what’s possible when agencies unite with a shared mission to protect children."
JUDGE TRIES TO BLOCK SCHOOL CHOICE IN OHIO
An Ohio judge ruled June 25 that the state’s school choice program was unconstitutional, a significant setback for family advocates in the state. Despite the ruling, however, Ohio's EdChoice program will be able to continue during an appeals process.
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COLORADO SUMMER CAMP WINS EXEMPTION FROM LGBT RULES
Camp IdRaHaJe, a Christian summer camp named after the hymn “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” will remain free to operate according to its beliefs after a settlement exempted it from the State of Colorado's pro-LGBT rules. The news comes after Colorado tried to force the school to let boys into girls' bathrooms.
POPE LEO GIVES INSPIRING LECTURE TO SEMINARIANS
Pope Leo this week delivered strong, encouraging words to men pursuing the priesthood, cautioning them not to become "obstacles to the encounter with Christ" but leaders who will bring "all who approach" them to Jesus. "Yes, He must grow and we must diminish, so that we can be shepherds according to His Heart.”
MEN ARE IN TROUBLE
We live in a culture in which men are struggling as men. But men in particular seem to benefit from the transition to parent life. Here’s some data that supports this, and the story of a father who bucked the culture and had a bunch of children, finding meaning and purpose in the process.
CATHOLIC 101
When G.K. Chesterton was asked, “What’s wrong with the world?” He replied, “I am.” St. Augustine would have fully agreed. These two men were keenly aware of their own faults and sins, refusing to focus the blame on other people and things. Here are examples of Augustine’s confessions that could inspire self-awareness and honesty in ourselves.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today, the Church commemorates the life of Saint Josemaría Escrivá. The Spanish-born priest founded Opus Dei, meaning "the work of God," which represented a new spirituality and vocational path for the laity.
DAILY PSALM
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good." (Psalm 106:1)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
INTRODUCING 'THE DEEP WITH ERIKA AHERN'
This new weekly offering from CatholicVote LOOPcast cohostess Erika Ahern will take you on deep dives into important issues of the day from a perspective you won’t find anywhere else. Watch the premier episode tonight at 4 p.m. Eastern on the LOOPcast YouTube channel. And when you, be sure to hit the bell button to be notified when today's show goes up!