The LOOP
The Monday Loop - May 18, 2026
TRUMP WARNS IRAN: 'CLOCK IS TICKING'
President Donald Trump renewed his warning to Iran yesterday, posting on Truth Social that Tehran must move "fast" or "there won't be anything left," as reports emerged he is weighing a restart of military strikes amid Iran's ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and refusal to abandon its nuclear program.
NAVY AIRCRAFT RETURNS HOME AFTER RECORD-BREAKING DEPLOYMENT
Families welcomed sailors home as the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier and its strike group arrived in Norfolk, Virginia, following the longest carrier deployment since the Vietnam War era. The mission involved operations related to the Iran conflict, the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and other global tasks.
UKRAINE LAUNCHES LARGEST DRONE ATTACK ON MOSCOW
Ukraine killed at least four people and downed more than 1,000 drones across Russia in its largest overnight attack on Moscow in more than a year, as President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation for Russia's heaviest strike on Kyiv since the war began.
TRUMP-BACKED CHALLENGER OUSTS CASSIDY IN LOUISIANA GOP PRIMARY
Sen. Bill Cassidy lost his Louisiana Republican primary Saturday to Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow, becoming the first elected GOP senator to lose renomination since 2012 — five years after he voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial.
GIULIANI BACK ON AIR AFTER DRAMATIC RECOVERY
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has returned to his radio program after being hospitalized with viral pneumonia, telling listeners he was recovering and grateful for the support he received during the health scare.
A CHRISTIAN WAY FORWARD IN THE HOLY LAND
Vatican analyst Sandro Magister says the latest pastoral letter from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, offers a spiritual roadmap for Christians living the faith amid ongoing conflict in the Holy Land.
LAWMAKER CONFRONTS CHINA'S ORGAN-HARVESTING
Lawmakers recently heard testimony detailing allegations that prisoners of conscience and religious minorities in China are being systematically targeted for forced organ harvesting. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is urging the Senate to advance legislation aimed at combating the practice.
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DHS DISMISSES CLAIMS BORDER WALL PROJECT THREATENS CATHOLIC SITE
The Department of Homeland Security last week pushed back on a report suggesting the Trump administration’s border wall project would affect the Mount Cristo Rey pilgrimage site in New Mexico, saying the planned construction work is south of the shrine and will not disrupt access for pilgrims.
POPE LEO WARNS AI MUST SERVE HUMAN DIGNITY
Celebrating World Communications Day, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics to resist forms of communication that undermine the truth and dignity of the human person, and renewed the Church's commitment to environmental care during Laudato Si' Week.
RESEARCH: CHURCH ATTENDANCE = MENTAL HEALTH?
Good news, Massgoers! A new report summarizing decades of research found that sustained involvement with religion can dramatically improve mental health and provide a positive way of coping with stress and anxiety. Here are the details.
CATHOLIC 101
Ahead of our nation's 250th birthday, consider these lessons in faith from holy men and women of the United States.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Saint John I, a 6th-century Pope who worked to ease tensions between Arian and Catholic rulers and helped restore unity between the Eastern and Western Churches. He died a martyr in prison after being imprisoned by the Arian king Theodoric.
DAILY PSALM
"Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth." (Psalm 68)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
NEW EPISODE
Join Cecilia in discovering the idyllic world of the Dahlia & Vine Flower Farm and the wonder of nurturing land to produce incredible beauty. The latest episode of Flourish is out now on Zeale.
