The LOOP

The Friday Loop - July 31, 2026

TRUMP MAKES PROFANE THREATS AS IRAN WAR ESCALATES

President Donald Trump vowed to "beat" Iran in a profanity-laced interview with Fox News after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Jordan. U.S. forces later unleashed a two-hour “heavy wave” against dozens of Revolutionary Guard targets.

BISHOPS MOBILIZE CATHOLICS AS ABORTION-PILL FIGHT HEATS UP

Archbishop Paul Coakley and Bishop Daniel Thomas called Catholics nationwide to pray and act against abortion pills through October, with a full campaign launching August 18 to target pharmacies, distributors, and drugmakers.

DEMOCRATS DITCH SENATE BIDS TO HELP ‘INDEPENDENTS’

Democratic nominees Cindy Burbank in Nebraska and David Roth in Idaho have exited their Senate races, clearing the field for independents Dan Osborn and Todd Achilles against Republican incumbents. CatholicVote Vice President of Advocacy Joshua Mercer called the tactic an effort to “cosplay as ‘Independent’ candidates,” warning that the candidates would still march in lockstep with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer if they manage to win.

LEFT-WING ‘AUTONOMOUS ZONE’ SEIZES MADISON STREETS

A left-wing encampment formed after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz has declared itself the Corey Ruiz Autonomous Zone Encampment (CRAZE), using staffed checkpoints, vehicles, furniture, and a makeshift spike strip to block two city blocks. Madison is keeping the streets closed “until further notice,” while nearby businesses report lost customers and police avoid the camp.

SEN. BRITT JOINS FIGHT TO RESTORE ABORTION-PILL SAFEGUARDS

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., joined 90 Republican members of Congress in backing Louisiana’s bid to restore in-person dispensing for mifepristone, arguing Biden-era mail-order rules violated federal law and put women at risk. The case centers on a woman who says an abusive former boyfriend obtained the drug by mail and coerced her into taking it.

POPE LEO: ‘I HAVE GREAT LOVE FOR AMERICA’

Speaking as the first American pontiff, Pope Leo said he thinks of himself as “the Pope who happens to be American,” placing his mission as shepherd of the universal Church first. He praised America’s freedom and opportunity, spoke about his family’s immigrant and racial history, and said he hopes to visit his native country soon.

UCLA STUDY: KIDS WHO OWN PHONES SCORE LOWER IN READING

A new study of mostly third- and sixth-graders found that children who owned cell phones scored lower overall on a timed reading-comprehension test, even after researchers adjusted for grade. The researchers advised parents concerned about reading to delay handing phones to the kids.

GET THE HOLY HOURS OF MEDITATION AND HEALING

Four spiritual tools to turn your next Holy Hour into a battle plan for the soul. Holy Hours of Meditation and Healing guides you through spiritual warfare, the seven deadly sins and virtues, renunciation, devotion, and Confession preparation. ORDER NOW

MARCH FOR LIFE PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN TO BE FULL-TIME MOM

Jennie Bradley Lichter is stepping down as March for Life president to focus full-time on her vocation, saying her most important titles are “wife” and “Mom.” Lichter, who has led the organization since February 2025, will remain a senior adviser while its board searches for a successor.

PRO-LIFE CANVASSERS KNOCK ON 2 MILLION DOORS SBA

Pro-life canvassers have surpassed 2 million home visits in 2026 battlegrounds, with students from more than 100 universities accounting for half the total. The campaign aims to reach 10.5 million voters, while four states face abortion ballot measures and pro-life leaders warn Republican inaction could depress turnout in November.

THE ULTIMATE AMERICA 250 ROAD-TRIP GUIDE

America’s 250th birthday is the perfect excuse to pack the car, bring the family, and rediscover the country together. This region-by-region guide maps road trips from Boston’s Freedom Trail and Virginia’s Historic Triangle to the Black Hills, the Alamo, historic missions, national parks, and unforgettable sites in between.

CATHOLIC 101

“What would Jesus do?” becomes concrete when we study the habits Christ modeled throughout the Gospels. This practical guide invites Catholics to grow in humility, detachment, love, prayer, faith, obedience, strength against temptation, patience, and forgiveness—then choose one or two virtues to practice more intentionally today.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today is the feast of St. Ignatius, who founded the Society of Jesus and continues to shape generations through his Spiritual Exercises.

DAILY PSALM

"Lord, in your great love, answer me.” (Psalm 69)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

BEAUTIFUL

Legendary singer Andrea Bocelli performs "Panis Angelicus" for Pope Leo at Castel Gandolfo. WATCH & SHARE

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