The LOOP
The Monday Loop - February 16, 2026
DOJ LISTS 300 PROMINENT NAMES FOUND IN EPSTEIN FILES
Attorney General Pam Bondi over the weekend issued a list of 300 major figures named in the Epstein files, stating that the Department of Justice has now released “all” of the Epstein files. Some of the names on the list include President Donald Trump, Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Nancy Pelosi, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. The names appearing in the files does not necessarily indicate direct involvement in any crime, or even acquaintance with Jeffrey Epstein.
HILLARY CLINTON: MASS MIGRATION 'WENT TOO FAR'
Hillary Clinton said during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference that there is "legitimate" reason to debate mass migration. "It went too far," she said, "it's been disruptive and destabilizing, and it needs to be fixed in a humane way with secure borders that don't torture and kill people and how we're going to have a strong family structure because it is at the base of civilization."
FBI GIVES UPDATE ON GUTHRIE KIDNAPPING
Federal investigators said Sunday that the FBI now has new DNA evidence taken from a glove found near the home of Nancy Guthrie, the kidnapped 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-hostess Savannah Guthrie. "According to the FBI, the glove, found about 2 miles from Guthrie’s residence, appeared to match those worn by a masked man who was seen on doorbell video at the home the night she disappeared," Newsweek reports.
ISRAELI CABINET DEFIES TRUMP, MOVES TO ANNEX WEST BANK
Israel’s cabinet decided Feb. 15 to begin land registration in West Bank Area C, which includes part of the State of Palestine, prompting concerns over what critics call a “de-facto annexation." President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Israeli officials not to annex the West Bank.
FORMER NOTRE DAME PROFESSOR CALLS OUT MISSION DRIFT
Retired professor Christian Smith recently weighed in on the controversy dogging Notre Dame in an essay claiming the university’s leadership has long been sacrificing Catholic identity for the pursuit of elite status. Choosing to avoid the sorts of controversies that can stem from asserting Catholic teachings, he argued, Notre Dame has aimed many of its recent marketing, hiring, and administrative decisions at becoming a respected research school on secular terms.
POPE LEO OFFERS GUIDANCE FOR A GOOD LENT
In his Lenten message delivered shortly before Ash Wednesday, Pope Leo pointed out that in "the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering.”
CORTES: IT IS NOT CHRISTIAN TO SUPPORT OPEN BORDERS
"As Americans insist on law and order and a restoration of sovereignty, a concerted effort unfolds among prominent church leaders and theologians," writes CatholicVote Senior Political Advisor Steve Cortes. "These church officials quite brazenly seek to 'guilt' believers into accepting a lax immigration agenda—and even the lunacy of porous borders."
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JOIN BIBLE ACROSS AMERICA
This Lent, join Catholics across the country as we gather for Bible Across America’s Lenten Bible study. Together with Shane Owens, John Bergsma, Fr. Dave Pivonka, and other leading Catholic voices, we’ll dive into the biblical roots of Lenten spirituality and prepare to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. Encounter Christ. Share Christ.
CHARLOTTE BISHOP'S VIDEO MESSAGE CALLS FOR EVANGELIZATION
Bishop Michael Martin of the Diocese of Charlotte delivered a highly anticipated pastoral message via video over the weekend. He had distributed the video to clergy with instructions to play it at weekend Masses. The video presented a "pastoral vision" centering on Catholics in the diocese loving Jesus so much that they share Him with others. The message did not address the controversies surrounding his recent liturgical policies.
BROOKLYN DIOCES TO CLOSE 7 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Seven elementary schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn will close down at the end of the 2025–26 academic year due to enrollment decline and financial struggles, the diocese announced this week. "The decision to close them was made only after careful consideration and with great sorrow," said Deacon Kevin McCormack, superintendent of schools.
FEBRUARY LAUGH THERAPY
They say that laughter is the best medicine, so here are seven clean comedy routines to stream this month. They're guaranteed to get you giggling!
CATHOLIC 101
"Saint Therese of Lisieux teaches us to be confident in God to the point of audacity," writes Fr. James Brent, OP. "We should expect the Lord Jesus to light things up for us – especially the mysteries of faith and the decisions of our lives – just as Solomon answered all the questions of the Queen of Sheba."
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church honors St. Onesimus, a slave whose master was converted after hearing the preaching of St. Paul the Apostle. In his letter to Philemon, St. Paul asked for Onesimus’ freedom. Onesimus went on to become a bishop and was eventually martyred for his faith.
DAILY PSALM
"Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live." (Psalm 119)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
SAVE THE DATE
Can Catholics pursue holiness without retreating from public life? Renowned Biblical scholar Dr. Scott Hahn joins Erika Ahern on The Deep for a timely conversation about faith, civic responsibility, and the future of our nation. Join us Thursday, February 26 at 4PM ET for this exclusive interview you won’t want to miss. Subscribe here – and make sure to TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you don't miss it!
