The LOOP
The Friday Loop - February 13, 2026
HOMAN ANNOUNCES END TO MINNESOTA ICE OPERATION AFTER 4000+ ARRESTS
Border Czar Tom Homan announced that “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota is officially winding down after more than 4,000 arrests and what he called a sharp drop in violence against federal officers. Homan said President Trump approved the decision and that a drawdown of ICE and Border Patrol agents is already underway.
BROTHER BISHOPS RALLY BEHIND RHOADES TO DENOUNCE NOTRE DAME APPOINTMENT
A growing number of U.S. bishops are backing Bishop Kevin Rhoades’ call for Notre Dame to “rectify” its appointment of an outspoken pro-abortion professor to lead the Liu Institute. Bishops James Conley and Michael Olson as well as Archbishops Salvatore Cordileone and David Ricken publicly voiced support Feb. 12, saying Catholic universities must faithfully uphold the sanctity of life.
CHRISTIAN ATHLETES TO WATCH AT THE 2026 OLYMPICS
From hockey star Britta Curl-Salemme to figure skater Maxim Naumov, these competitors are speaking openly about the faith that fuels their Olympic journeys. Meet some of the athletes bringing their Christian witness to Italy.
NEWSOM APPROVES $90M FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved $90 million in state funding to shore up Planned Parenthood after federal Medicaid cuts — doubling down on the state’s role as an abortion stronghold.
CANADA SCHOOL SHOOTING LEAVES 8 DEAD, AUTHORITIES IDENTIFY 'TRANSGENDER' SUSPECT
A mass shooting at a school in British Columbia left at least eight people dead, including two family members of the suspect. Authorities say the 18-year-old suspect — a man who identified as a "transgender" woman — was also found dead after allegedly killing his mother and stepbrother at home before opening fire at the school.
PEW: CATHOLIC VIEWS OF TRUMP LARGELY HOLD STEADY
New Pew Research Center data show white Catholics’ support for President Trump remains relatively stable after his first year in office, while Hispanic Catholics have grown modestly more skeptical.
VATICAN DOCTRINAL CHIEF MEETS WITH SSPX LEADER
The Vatican’s doctrinal prefect, Cardinal Víctor Fernández, met yesterday with SSPX Superior General Fr. Davide Pagliarani, proposing a structured theological dialogue on disputed interpretations of Vatican II — while warning that consecrating bishops without papal approval would constitute a "decisive rupture of ecclesial communion (schism)." Cardinal Fernández called on the Church to pray for unity.
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CHARLOTTE BISHOP MANDATES VIDEO AT ALL MASSES THIS WEEKEND AMID LITURGY DISPUTE
Charlotte Bishop Michael Martin has directed every parish in the diocese to play a password-protected video outlining his “pastoral vision” at all Masses this weekend — an unusual move that comes as tensions continue over liturgical changes, including restrictions on altar rails and the Traditional Latin Mass. The directive follows dubia sent to Rome by 31 priests and growing concern among clergy and laity alike.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS SEEK FCC PROBE OF BAD BUNNY'S HALFTIME SHOW
Several GOP lawmakers are calling for a federal investigation into Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, alleging explicit lyrics and indecent content violated broadcast standards for the NFL and NBC.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP:
- A federal judge has blocked the Pentagon from demoting Sen. Mark Kelly after his “unlawful orders” video.
- Minnesota’s bishops have formally banned voluntary starvation and “gender-transition” procedures in Catholic hospitals
- Physicians are disputing a ProPublica report that linked a North Carolina mother’s death to pro-life laws.
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY STEAK DINNER AT HOME
Make this year a romantic, homey Valentine's day by mastering a steak at home.
CATHOLIC 101
What Actually Brings Peace? Dr. Richard Clements draws on Thomas Merton and Scripture to explain why peace with others begins with peace with God — and how the sacraments and contemplative prayer anchor us there. If you’ve ever wondered why inner turmoil spills into your relationships, this piece offers a clear, Catholic roadmap back to lasting peace.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Born into a noble Tuscan family in 1522, St. Catherine de’ Ricci entered the Dominican convent at 14 and endured years of intense illness that she united to Christ’s Passion, emerging with a deep mystical life of prayer. Elected prioress at just 25 and later canonized in 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV, she is honored as a patron of the sick.
DAILY PSALM
"I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice." (Psalm 81)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
THE DEEP
Youth sports used to mean sandlots, Saturday mornings, and cheering on your kid brother. Now it’s Big Business, travel teams, injuries, and 70% of kids quitting by 13. In this episode of, Erika takes on elite youth sports culture – and makes the case for bringing back sports with a soul.
