The LOOP

The Tuesday Loop - June 2, 2026

TRUMP SAYS TALKS ONGOING AFTER IRAN QUIT OVER ISRAELI STRIKES

President Donald Trump said yesterday that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting and that U.S. talks with Iran were still ongoing, despite Tehran saying earlier it had suspended negotiations over Israel’s new offensive in Lebanon.

TENNESSEE CANCELS 'PRIDE MONTH' IN FAVOR OF FAMILY

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed a resolution designating June 2026 as “Nuclear Family Month” in the state, declaring that the family — defined as one husband, one wife, and their children — is “God’s perfect design for humanity.”

OIL PRICES SURGE AS IRAN NEGOTIATIONS BUCKLE

Oil prices jumped sharply yesterday after Iranian state-linked media reported that Tehran had suspended indirect negotiations with the U.S. Exxon Senior Vice President Neil Chapman recently warned that physical Brent crude could surge to $150 to $160 per barrel in the coming weeks if companies hit historically low inventory levels. Trump yesterday projected confidence that prices will soon drop, though he suggested price spikes are worth it if it means keeping Iran from obtaining a nuke.

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ADMIN ABANDONS ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND PLAN

The Trump administration is apparently dropping the Anti-Weaponization Fund, which would have offered compensation to those targeted by federal agencies weaponized under the Biden administration. The Department of Justice stated yesterday that it “disagrees strongly” with the recent court ruling that shut down the plan, but ultimately conceded the administration “will abide by the Court’s ruling."

VATICAN RELEASES AUDIOBOOK OF POPE'S ENCYCLICAL

The Vatican released an English-language audiobook of Pope Leo's first encyclical yesterday. The audiobook of Magnifica Humanitas runs about five and a half hours in total, with the introduction and conclusion each lasting under 30 minutes and the five chapters ranging from about 40 minutes to just over an hour.

TRUMP 'TRANS' MILITARY RULE SEES PARTIAL DEFEAT IN COURT

A divided federal appeals court yesterday partially ruled against the Trump administration's restrictions on “transgender” military service, claiming they likely violate constitutional protections for current service members but allowing the government to continue its policy of not accepting new “transgender” recruits as the matter moves through court.

LIFE INSURANCE RATES ARE NOW AT ALL-TIME LOWS

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POPE LEO CALLS CATHOLICS TO BE PEACEMAKERS

“God seeks peacemakers!" Pope Leo said at his global Rosary for Peace over the weekend. "May our Blessed Mother help us to answer him each day with our own ‘Here I am,’ not only in words but in deeds.” During his address, he called on people to refrain from all acts and words of violence, including on social media.

RELICS OF SACRED HEART VISIONARY COMING TO US

Relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the French nun to whom Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart in the 17th century, will travel from France to Florida this summer, as U.S. bishops consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Here are the details.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR THE BABY

The arrival of a new baby is one of the most beautiful milestones a family can experience. But for older children, whether toddlers or tweens, it can also feel like a big and mysterious change.

CATHOLIC 101

A photographer and author recently offered a look into the sacred silence of Holy Family Motherhouse in Baltic, Connecticut. These images are a worthwhile meditation unto themselves.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, Roman martyrs of the Diocletian persecution whose names are preserved in the Roman Canon, remained faithful to Christ despite imprisonment and execution.

DAILY PSALM

"In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge." (Psalm 90)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

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