The LOOP

The Saturday Loop - February 28, 2026

US BISHOPS FILE BRIEF IN BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP CASE

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops filed an amicus brief Thursday with the Supreme Court, calling President Donald Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship "immoral." The bishops drew criticism for hiring a law firm for the filing that has in the past represented Planned Parenthood affiliates and also played a role in advocating for same-sex “marriage."

OPENAI REACHES POTENTIAL AGREEMENT WITH PENTAGON

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the evening of Feb. 27 that his artificial intelligence company had reached an agreement with the Pentagon to allow its technology to be used for classified work within the Department of War. The news came just after OpenAI's competitor, Anthropic, was rejected by the Department. Anthropic claimed the disagreement was due to its refusal to remove protections against AI being used for mass surveillance or the deployment of drones that could kill without human prompting.

MAJOR COMPANY LETS THOUSANDS GO AFTER ADOPTING AI

Block, the parent company of Square, Cash App, and Afterpay, said Feb. 26 it will eliminate more than 4,000 positions, reducing its workforce by "nearly half." CEO Jack Dorsey directly tied the cuts to his company’s adoption of advanced artificial intelligence.

MAKE THE PRO-LIFE CHOICE THIS LENTEN SEASON

When you switch to Charity Mobile, you can support the lifesaving work of your favorite pro-life charity with your everyday cell phone use. All monthly plans are under $50 before taxes and surcharges, and every new line gets a free phone offer with promo code LOOP. With Charity Mobile, you don’t have to make sacrifices with your phone service or your values!

STUDENTS SHIFT FROM PROTEST TO PRAYER AT NOTRE DAME

After a pro-abortion professor announced she is declining her controversial appointment by the University of Notre Dame to head up one of its institutes, pro-life students shifted plans for a Friday protest against the school. "We need to shift this event to be an event of gratitude," student Luke Woodyard told Zeale News.

EEOC DECISION: FEDERAL AGENCIES CAN HAVE WOMEN-ONLY SPACES

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted Feb. 26 to affirm that federal agencies may designate bathrooms and other intimate workplace spaces based on employee sex, rather than "gender identity," under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said the move is "consistent with the plain meaning of ‘sex’ as understood by Congress at the time Title VII was enacted." She added: “Biology is not bigotry."

CHARLOTTE BISHOP ADDRESSES CRITICISM OF LITURGY RULES

The Charlotte Observer this week published an interview with Bishop Michael Martin. In it, the bishop of Charlotte elaborated on his pastoral vision and addressed widespread criticisms of liturgical changes he initiated in May 2025, some of which affected the Traditional Latin Mass in the diocese.

BILL CLINTON DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF EPSTEIN CRIMES

Former Democratic President Bill Clinton yesterday said he had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes in an opening statement to the House Oversight Committee. “As someone who grew up in a home with domestic abuse,” Clinton said, “not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing — I would have turned him in myself and led the call for justice for his crimes.”

PRIORITIZE FAITH, FAMILY, & FINANCES

Taylor Frigon Capital actively manages portfolios designed for those who prioritize faith, family, and long-term stewardship.

A SHRIMP RECIPE PERFECT FOR THE SEASON

If your idea of the perfect pasta night involves a little spice and zero fuss, this Shrimp Fra Diavolo is it. Better yet, this Italian American classic is perfect for Lent.

WINTER WARDROBE TLC

Your favorite winter clothing items need your attention. All knit sweaters require gentle care, but some fibers can handle a bit more of a tussle than others. Here's a quick guide to washing and storing your favorite sweaters.

WHAT TO SIP WHILE READING

Curl up with your next great and the perfect drink to match! This fun guide pairs five excellent books with sips that make the whole experience feel like a cozy little ritual.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Bl. Villana de’ Botti ran away at 13 to enter a convent but was sent home and later married. After falling into a worldly life, she saw her reflection appear as a demon — a shock that sparked a dramatic conversion. Becoming a lay Dominican, she embraced prayer, Scripture, and her vocation to marriage.

SATURDAY'S PSALM

"Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!" (Psalm 119)

SATURDAY'S READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

SUNDAY'S PSALM

"Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you." (Psalm 33)

SUNDAY'S READINGS

Sunday's Mass readings.

ANSWER TO TRIVIA

Thanks to a letter from Pope Leo the Great decrying the behavior of certain trouble-makers at the Second Council of Ephesus as "band of robbers," the council is widely known as "The Robber Council." The good pope didn't disapprove of everyone there, however. He sent a papal legate named Hilary to the council, and later, that holy emissary succeeded Leo as pontiff. Both popes are canonized saints, and Pope St. Hilary's designated feast day is today.

DO THE BISHOPS HAVE THE WHOLE CITIZENSHIP PICTURE?

Kelsey Reinhardt, President and CEO of CatholicVote, offers insightful perspective on the amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court by the U.S. Catholic bishops, in which they encourage the Court to strike down what they call President Trump's "immoral" executive order regarding birthright citizenship.