The LOOP

The Tuesday Loop - July 7, 2026

PLANNED PARENTHOOD FUNDING RESUMES AFTER ONE-YEAR BAN

Federal Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood resumed July 5 after a one-year defunding provision expired, drawing sharp criticism from pro-life groups, including CatholicVote, who had pressed Republican lawmakers to extend the provision.

MAMDANI’S AMERICA 250 ADDRESS DRAWS CATHOLIC BACKLASH

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s America 250 address drew sharp criticism from Catholic leaders, who said his focus on class conflict and elite exploitation reflected Marxist themes at odds with Catholic teaching. Here's what CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt had to say.

MAINE DEMOCRATIC SENATE NOMINEE MAY DROP OUT AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner denied a rape allegation reported by POLITICO. Nonetheless, reports suggest he is considering dropping out of the race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

GET A COMPLIMENTARY INVESTMENT SCREENING

To defund the abortion industry, Arimathea Investing is on a mission to give every Catholic in America a free investment screening. Join the movement matching Catholic money with Catholic values. No purchase or advisory relationship is required. Screening is not intended to promote any specific investment strategy. REQUEST FREE INFORMATIONAL SCREENING

TRUMP RINGS OPENING BELLS TO LAUNCH CHILD SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

President Donald Trump marked the launch of Trump Accounts by ringing the NYSE and Nasdaq opening bells from the Oval Office, beginning a federal savings program that gives eligible children investment accounts.

BALOGUN PLAYS AFTER TRUMP CALL, BUT US FALLS TO BELGIUM

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium after FIFA suspended his red-card ban following a call from Trump. The Americans were eliminated from the World Cup in a 4-1 loss yesterday.

ERIKA KIRK ATTENDS AS EVIDENCE PRESENTED IN ASSASSINATION TRIAL

Charlie Kirk's widow Erika Kirk and other family members said they are reliving "the darkest days of our lives" as prosecutors began presenting evidence yesterday against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating the Turning Point USA founder.

LIFE INSURANCE RATES ARE NOW AT ALL-TIME LOWS

Compare rates of 50 leading life insurers in seconds, enjoy anonymous quotes, $10,000 to $25 million, ages 21 to 80. Need advice or have questions? Our salaried advisors are at (833) 939-0803, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week. We specialize in helping applicants who have health conditions. VIEW INSTANT QUOTES

POPE LEO PRAYS FOR MIGRANTS WHO DIED AT SEA

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass July 4 on the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, praying for migrants who died trying to reach Europe. He cited the parable of the Good Samaritan, urging compassion.

US BISHOPS URGE CATHOLICS TO AVOID SSPX PARISHES

Several U.S. bishops have urged Catholics to pray for unity and avoid SSPX parishes after the Vatican declared the society schismatic over its illicit episcopal ordinations.

ZEALE'S FAVORITE AMERICANS

From presidents and saints to athletes and musicians, here are the favorite Americans of Zeale's and CatholicVote's staff.

CATHOLIC 101

We admire the Blessed Virgin Mary for her faithfulness, patience, purity, and meekness, but Sister Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM, invites us to consider another one of Our Lady's overlooked virtues: amiability.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church honors Blessed Benedict XI, a Dominican friar and talented teacher who served as pope for less than a year at the beginning of the 14th Century.

DAILY PSALM

"The house of Israel trusts in the Lord." (Psalm 115)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

PREMIERE

This world needs heroes. And we have one in Sister Deirdre Byrne. Catholic nun. American soldier. Combat surgeon. Fearless advocate for the unborn. Watch Sister, Soldier, Surgeon—a NEW mini-documentary about “Sister Dede’s” fascinating life. Available now on Zeale. WATCH