The LOOP

The Thursday Loop - May 21, 2026

US INDICTS CUBAN EX-PRESIDENT RAUL CASTRO

Federal prosecutors yesterday announced charges against 94-year-old former Cuban President Raúl Castro for the 1996 downing of two civilian planes operated by Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Four men were killed in the incident as they sought to aid migrants fleeing communist Cuba.

PRO-LIFE GROUPS: DO NOT REFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD

In a letter to Congress, a coalition of 60 pro-life organizations across the U.S. urged lawmakers to extend a moratorium that protects taxpayer funds from being used for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers. That moratorium would otherwise expire on July 4th – refunding Planned Parenthood.

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.

VANCE: POPE'S AI ENCYCLICAL WILL BE 'VERY, VERY IMPORTANT'

When asked yesterday about Pope Leo XIV's forthcoming encyclical addressing the development of artificial intelligence, Vice President JD Vance said he looked forward to reading it and that it will be a very important document. "When the leader of the world's largest Christian denomination speaks on an issue like that, it's certainly going to have some influence," Vance said.

NEW SCORECARD GRADES ALL 50 STATES ON CHILD PROTECTION IN FAMILY LAW

Them Before Us has released its first-ever state-by-state scorecard evaluating how well state laws protect children's right to their biological mothers and fathers. Nebraska earned the top grade, Washington, D.C., the lowest, and the results don't always follow party lines.

ISRAEL'S NATIONAL SECURITY HEAD DRAWS INTERNATIONAL FURY

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir enraged numerous officials both internationally and within his own government by posting footage of himself jeering at Western humanitarian workers and egging on the police, under his command, who arrested them as they attempted to deliver aid to Gaza.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PRO-LIFE PHONE SERVICE!

Charity Mobile has provided excellent service since 1996 to people just like you, and to pro-life causes nationwide.

IOWA GOV SIGNS MEDICAL CONSCIENCE, RELIGIOUS LIBERTY BILLS

Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed laws protecting doctors' right to refuse care that violates their conscience and expanding free speech and religious freedom protections for public school students.

BISHOPS TO CONSECRATE NATION TO SACRED HEART AT JUNE ASSEMBLY

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will gather in Orlando next month, where they will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. The consecration Mass will be livestreamed for parishes and individuals to join.

NOT TO BE MISSED

Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP:

HOW TO CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH THIS SUMMER

Here's how to make the most of America's once-in-a-lifetime semiquincentennial celebration this summer.

CATHOLIC 101

Contemplative prayer isn't reserved for monks and nuns — it's the natural fruit of a life genuinely oriented toward God, and it's more accessible than you think.

SAINT OF THE DAY

St. Christopher Magallanes and his companions kept the Catholic faith alive during the Mexican government’s brutal persecution of Catholics in the early 1900s. These martyr saints ultimately gave their lives for Christ. They were known for the Cristero cry, “Viva Cristo Rey!”

DAILY PSALM

"Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope." (Psalm 16)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

Thomas Massie falls in the most expensive House primary ever. What happened, who funded it, and what does it mean for the GOP? Plus, AI takes over graduation season, and is Kamala Harris making a comeback? All this and more on the LOOPcast!