The LOOP

The Thursday Loop - July 16, 2026

VANCE BLASTS ISRAEL-LINKED CAMPAIGN TRYING TO TANK IRAN DEAL

Vice President JD Vance told Joe Rogan yesterday that a “discreet, extremely well-funded” campaign tied to elements of Israel’s government is attacking him “obsessively” and trying to derail negotiations with Iran. His answer: “Go to hell … I represent Americans first.”

HOUSE MOVES TO EMPOWER VICTIMS OF CHILD 'TRANS' SURGERY

The House Judiciary Committee advanced legislation allowing people harmed by “gender-transition” procedures performed on them as minors to sue the doctors, clinics, and hospitals involved. The bill is named for Catholic detransitioner Chloe Cole, who was subjected to hormones and a double mastectomy as a child.

KIDS EXPOSED TO SEX, VIOLENCE, STRANGERS ON SNAPCHAT?

Two new studies found that one in three young Snapchat users encounters unsafe content or messages at least weekly, including sexual material, graphic violence, self-harm content, bullying, and even unwanted contact from strangers. Kids ages 10 to 12 reported harmful experiences at rates similar to teenagers.

EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE 5 REPORTED MIRACLES THAT COULD MAKE SHEEN A SAINT

In exclusive comments to Zeale News, the man who investigated the miracle that advanced Ven. Fulton Sheen’s cause for beatification revealed the five reported miracles that may now lead straight to his canonization. The nature and number of the miraculous events "makes me think that Sheen is going to be canonized relatively soon,” Monsignor Jason Gray said.

JUDGE BLOCKS MICHIGAN FROM FORCING PRO-LIFE GROUPS TO BETRAY MISSION

A federal judge blocked Michigan from enforcing provisions that could force pro-life organizations to hire employees who oppose their mission and provide health insurance covering abortions. The court found Right to Life of Michigan and a pregnancy resource center are likely to prevail on First Amendment grounds.

HERE'S HOW TO KEEP YOUR PEACE WHEN YOU READ THE NEWS

Catholic author Melissa Overmyer says it's possible to stay informed without carrying the fear and outrage of the whole world's news around with you. Here's how to turn awareness of evil and suffering into prayer and concrete action.

ARE AMERICANS GIVING UP ON PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS?

A new Gallup poll found only 27% of Americans express confidence in the nation’s major institutions — just one point above the record low. Small businesses and the military remain the most trusted at 67% and 61%, respectively. Congress ranks lowest of all, sitting at just 9%.

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MISSOURI PROTECTS BABIES WHO SURVIVE BOTCHED ABORTIONS

Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe just signed a law that allows first-degree murder charges against anyone who kills a child left alive after a botched abortion procedure. The law requires medical workers to provide babies born alive after attempted abortions with the same lifesaving care given to any other newborn.

FILIPINO BISHOP WEIGHS A SOLUTION TO SSPX SCHISM: MORE LATIN MASSES

Bishop Elias Ayuban of Cubao says his diocese may expand access to the Traditional Latin Mass so that Catholics leaving the SSPX after the society’s illicit episcopal consecrations can feel they belong. He has already urged the faithful to receive former SSPX Catholics with charity and understanding.

THE BUSY MOM'S (ACTUALLY DOABLE!) WEEKLY EXERCISE PLAN

Personal trainer and homeschooling mother of five Brittney Pearson shows how short, streamlined workouts can fit into busy family life. Even a 20-minute strength session, she says, can reduce stress, restore energy, and help moms stay strong and mobile as they age.

CATHOLIC 101

We don't heal grief by refusing to feel it. This reflection explains why recovery requires moving through sorrow’s necessary pain with honesty, patience, and trust in God rather than numbing, avoiding, or rushing past it.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church celebrates Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patroness of the Carmelite Order. The Brown Scapular associated with this feast is a sign of Mary’s maternal protection and a call to prayer, holiness, and trust in Christ.

DAILY PSALM

"From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.” (Psalm 102)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

Sen. Lindsey Graham dies unexpectedly, and his sister is sworn in to replace him. Meanwhile, the Iran war escalates as attacks on U.S. targets and commercial shipping send oil prices climbing, threatening to reverse recent inflation relief. Finally, Catholic philosopher Peter Kreeft shares advice everyone needs to hear. All this and more on the LOOPcast! WATCH