The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - May 7, 2026
TRUMP TOUTS 'VERY GOOD' TALKS WITH IRAN
The U.S. and Iran may now be very close to an agreement. President Donald Trump announced yesterday that Iran has agreed not to pursue the development of nuclear weapons, and Iran is reportedly considering a U.S.-proposed deal, with intentions to respond as soon as today.
CAN REPUBLICANS KEEP PLANNED PARENTHOOD DEFUNDED?
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is working with pro-life lawmakers to try to extend a temporary defunding of Planned Parenthood before it expires July 4.
SEVERAL STATES MOVE TO REDISTRICT AHEAD OF MIDTERMS
The Supreme Court’s April 29 ruling on Louisiana v. Callais has sparked a wave of redistricting activity in Republican-led states, with Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi moving to reshape congressional maps.
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DOES YOUR PORTFOLIO REFLECT YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH?
What if your portfolio reflected the same values that guide your family? I'm Michael R. Acosta, CFP® at Genesis Wealth Planning — a Catholic advisor who builds faith-aligned portfolios screened for Church social teaching, structured beyond standard ETFs and mutual funds. Welcome, LOOPers. See how to align your investments with what your family stands for.
TAXPAYERS TO FOOT SOME OF BALLROOM BILL
Senate Judiciary Republicans have slipped $1 billion of taxpayer funding toward the White House ballroom project in a major immigration and border security reconciliation package, despite previous assurances from Trump that the ballroom would be funded entirely through private donations.
GEN Z FILLING THE PEWS IN MAJOR CITIES
Young adults are filling pews at Catholic churches in New York City and beyond, drawn by community, faith, and shared values in what researchers describe as a measurable uptick in religious participation.
POPE'S FIRST ENCYCLICAL REPORTEDLY GETS RELEASE DATE
Pope Leo XIV is expected to sign his first encyclical on May 15, the 135th anniversary of the landmark papal encyclical Rerum Novarum. While that document addressed the Industrial Revolution, Pope Leo’s will address the revolution of Artificial Intelligence.
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CHOOSE LIFE THIS EASTER
You can be a pro-life force for good by switching to Charity Mobile — which sends 5% of your plan price to pro-life causes — and get a FREE phone too!
VATICAN DIRECTLY ADDRESSES GERMAN 'GAY' BLESSINGS
The Pope's doctrinal chief has made clear that the Vatican's 2024 letter against formally blessing people in same-sex relationships was not only a general guidance, but directly forbids the most recent document encouraging such blessings in Germany.
POPE LEO ENCOURAGES LEBANESE PRIESTS IN SURPRISE CALL
Pope Leo made a surprise video call yesterday to priests serving in southern Lebanon villages near the Israeli border, offering encouragement, prayers, and his apostolic blessing as communities there continue to endure cross-border violence.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP:
WHAT ZEALE'S LIFESTYLE DESK SAYS IS IN FOR 2026
Here is Zeale's definitive list of what trends to leave in the past, and what to joyfully embrace.
CATHOLIC 101
"Whether we like it or not and whether we obey or not, Mary is asking even little children to commit to at least a daily Rosary." Here's why Gabriel Castillo believes praying the Rosary every day is an "urgent necessity."
SAINT OF THE DAY
After the death of her fiancé, St. Rose Venerini gathered women in her home to pray the Rosary and discovered how little many knew about the Catholic faith. Moved by their poverty and lack of education, she opened schools for girls where she taught reading, writing, catechism, and practical skills, eventually founding what would become the Venerini Sisters.
DAILY PSALM
"Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations." (Psalm 96)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
What is driving so many Catholics away from the Church? Fr. Ambrose Criste of St. Michael's Abbey joins Erika for a candid conversation about the crisis facing Catholics in America today. The newest episode of The Deep premieres today at 4 PM ET on YouTube.
