The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - July 5, 2025
TRUMP SIGNS 'BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL'
"President Donald Trump signed his $3.3 trillion 'big, beautiful bill' on Friday, after the House passed the final version of the measure Thursday to ensure it arrived at the president’s desk by his self-imposed July 4 deadline," FOX News reported July 4.
COURT TO RULE ON TRANS ATHLETE BANS
The Supreme Court announced July 3 that it will take up a pair of pivotal cases that challenge state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that protect girls and women from having to compete against men in sports.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD VOWS TO SUE TRUMP
Planned Parenthood plans to sue the Trump administration over the "Big Beautiful Bill." Nearly 200 Planned Parenthood facilities across 24 states could close under the new provision, which strips Medicaid funds from abortion providers.
VIRGINIA COURT STRIKES 'CONVERSION THERAPY' BAN
A Virginia court has struck down the state’s 2020 ban on so-called “conversion therapy,” delivering a significant victory to Christian counselors and free speech advocates who argued the law violated religious liberty.
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VATICAN RESPONDS TO LATIN MASS REPORT
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni called the alleged Latin Mass report an “incomplete and partial reconstruction,” saying it was just one document behind Pope Francis’ 2021 restrictions of the Traditional Latin Mass. He declined to confirm its authenticity or comment further.
RFK'S CHANGED VIEW OF TRUMP: 'NARCISSIST' TO 'EMPATHETIC'
In a wide-ranging Tucker Carlson interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said he once saw Trump as a narcissist, but now calls him empathetic and thoughtful. RFK also discussed his vast knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and vaccines.
DISNEY CRUISE UPDATE: GIRL FELL THROUGH PORTHOLE
New details have emerged surrounding the June 29 rescue of the 5-year-old girl who was saved by her father after she fell from a Disney cruise ship, revealing that she accidentally slipped through a porthole into the ocean when she lost her balance on a railing.
INTRODUCING 'THE DEEP WITH ERIKA AHERN'
CatholicVote’s new series "The Deep with Erika Ahern" dives into the issues shaping our culture — with the depth and honesty — Thursdays at 4 p.m. ET on LOOPcast’s YouTube. After the latest episode featuring her interview with gay activist Cade Bradley, Erika shared her thoughts on the can't-miss conversation and on the series itself.
4TH OF JULY PLAYLISTS
Want your Fourth of July weekend to sound like freedom? Our Refine team created a roundup of the playlists you need for every part of your celebration — from backyard brunch to firework finales. Patriotic classics, nostalgic rock, and breezy summer jams are curated to match the mood and the moment.
SCREEN-FREE ROADTRIP TRICKS
On a family road trip, do you feel like you have to choose between screens and screams? With a few strategic moves, you can find a third way. Our own Refine team compiled these tips, tricks, and ideas to make the driving its own vacation experience of fun, quality time, and a reasonable amount of order.
NO-COOK SUMMER MEALS
When the heat hits, no one wants to turn on the oven or stove, much less stand over it. So here are 51 no-cook and low-cook meals, ideal for triple-digit days. From turkey and apple arugula salad to zesty marinated shrimp to frosty watermelon ice, these dishes are pretty cool — check them out.
CATHOLIC 101
A lot of problems can be solved by better planning. But on a deeper and more primal level, all problems are solved with prayer. Often, this means surrendering your schedule and plans to God. Here’s how one person did this with the Litany of Humility, and experienced the subtle, soul-shaking change only prayer can bring.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today, the Church celebrates Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, a 16th-century priest known for powerful preaching and deep Eucharistic devotion. Ordained at 26, he is said to have seen angels during his first Mass and later pioneered the “40 Hours” devotion of continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
"Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!" (Psalm 135:3)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Saturday's Mass readings.
SUNDAY’S PSALM
"Let all the earth cry out to God with joy." (Psalm 66:1)
SUNDAY’S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO THE TRIVIA
James Monroe, who was elected president in 1816, helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
LEGACY
The Founding Fathers didn’t just sign the Declaration — they sacrificed everything for it. Many fought in battle, lost their homes, fortunes, and even family members. Here are their stories.