The LOOP
The Friday Loop - January 16, 2026
PLANNED PARENTHOOD REFUNDING EXPLAINED
Some pro-life commentators this week were dismayed by a Politico report that the Trump administration had “quietly” restored funding to Planned Parenthood in December. But pro-life operatives with knowledge of the decision say the move was legally necessary and could ultimately make it easier to cut off taxpayer abortion funding in the future.
US PLAN FOR GAZA ENTERS PHASE 2
The U.S. formally launched Phase Two of its Gaza ceasefire framework this week, shifting focus from an initial truce toward demilitarization, transitional governance, and reconstruction in the war-ravaged territory.
TRUMP THREATENS TO INVOKE INSURRECTION ACT
President Donald Trump yesterday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to put down anti-ICE protests in Minnesota. In a social media post, Trump decried what he called the “corrupt politicians of Minnesota,” while defending ICE agents who he said are "only trying to do their job."
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STARTING HOMESCHOOLING MIDYEAR? START HERE
Not returning to school after the holidays? You’re not alone—and it’s not too late. This article shares practical tips to help Catholic families start homeschooling midyear with confidence, including how to ease the transition, choose curriculum wisely, and use flexible online courses to get started now.
REPORT: FLAWED AI ADVANCED INEXPERIENCED ICE AGENTS
The Trump administration reportedly used an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to speed up the process as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raced to hire thousands of new officers last year. Instead, the AI inadvertently sent new hires with no law enforcement experience straight into advanced programs intended for more seasoned recruits.
BETHLEHEM MAYOR EXPLAINS SITUATION ON THE GROUND
In a recent interview, the mayor of Bethlehem said the survival of Christianity in the city where Our Lord was born depends not only on protecting holy sites, but also on preserving the local Christian community itself — which he describes as the city’s “living stones.”
NEW DEM CANDIDACY: ALASKA SENATE RACE COMPETITIVE
Alaska’s 2026 Senate race has suddenly become competitive after Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola announced a challenge to Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, prompting forecasters to reassess a seat long considered safely Republican.
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PLAN AHEAD: PREPARE FOR A DEEP & SATISFYING LENT 2026
A deeply satisfying Lent can restore your soul, but you have to. 'Return to Me' is a great resource that offers daily reflections and simple practices that lead you toward healing, mercy, and deeper intimacy with God. Don't delay your Lenten planning — walk step by step into renewal and discover the grace that transforms your life by planning for Lent ASAP.
POPE LEO GOES OFF SCRIPT TO SPEAK UP FOR VICTIMS
During his Jan. 8 address at the conclusion of a two-day meeting with cardinals from around the world, Pope Leo raised a topic that was not on the meeting’s official agenda. Drawing attention to the abuse crisis in the Church, the Holy Father said it is a scandal “that the door was closed and the victims were not welcomed and accompanied by authentic shepherds.”
VATICAN DEFENSE OF LATIN MASS RESTRICTIONS FACES CRITICISM
The document more than 100 cardinals received in Rome last week regarding Latin Mass restrictions has been met with critiques from the president of an international organization for the faithful with a devotion to the Traditional Latin Mass.
YOUR SINGLE YEARS ARE YOUR MISSIONARY YEARS
Singlehood isn’t a phase of life meant for self-indulgence or directionless drifting. If anything, it tends to be the opposite: A season where your availability becomes a gift not just to yourself, but to the people around you.
CATHOLIC 101
How did a Midwestern farmgirl witness the love of Christ to others? Here's how an ordinary life became a path to holiness.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church honors Pope St. Marcellus (c. 255 - 309). When Marcellus became pontiff after the last of the persecutions by Emperor Diocletian in 308, Rome had been without a bishop for several years. He led the Church during a time of great confusion, when priests had to minister in secret.
DAILY PSALM
"For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 89)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
THE DEEP
Gen Z women are reporting record levels of depression and anxiety – but why did liberal girls fall first and fastest? In this episode of, Erika breaks down the data on feminism, therapy culture, social media, and locus of control – and asks whether feminism actually engineered a female mental-health crisis.
