The LOOP

The Monday Loop - August 3, 2026

IRAN TALKS BACK ON AFTER TRUMP CANCELS ‘BIGGEST ATTACK SINCE WWII’

President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran recommence today after he canceled what he called “by far the biggest attack since World War II,” citing appeals from Iran and Gulf allies to give diplomacy more time.

72 DEAD AS 60,000 MIGRANTS STORM SPANISH ENCLAVE

At least 72 migrants died — many by drowning, others in a stampede — after an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people poured from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain. The rush temporarily swelled the Spanish enclave’s population by more than half, prompting a military response, a Level 3 U.S. travel advisory, and renewed fury over Europe’s border security.

WISCONSIN SOCIALIST FRONTRUNNER SAID ‘CANCEL THANKSGIVING’

Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong wrote in a since-deleted 2020 post, “Cancel Thanksgiving,” calling the holiday “colonialism” and the “original superspreader event” that killed “indigenous folx [sic] and women.” With Mandela Barnes out, Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley are the leading Democrats ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.

BLANCHE SCRAPS ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND UNDER GOP PRESSURE

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally rescinded the planned $1.8 billion fund for victims of past political persecution after Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and John Cornyn threatened to block his confirmation. Blanche stressed that the fund never became operational, and his delayed committee vote is now scheduled for Tuesday.

ISRAELI SOLDIER ARRESTED AFTER CHILD SHOT IN WEST BANK

Israeli police arrested an active-duty IDF soldier on leave and seized his weapon after a Palestinian child was shot near Al-Mughayyir in the West Bank. Later reports indicate the boy survived. Escalating violence in the West Bank has drawn warnings from Pope Leo XIV and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who says "lawlessness" and expanding settlements risk hardening into a “permanent occupation.”

POPE LEO: REMEMBER WAR’S ‘WEAKEST, MOST DEFENSELESS’ VICTIMS

Pope Leo yesterday offered prayers for a resolution to the crisis in Ceuta and urged Catholics to keep praying for wars to end and diplomatic solutions to prevail. “Let us remember all the victims of hostilities, especially the weakest and most defenseless,” he said, naming children, the elderly, and the sick and asking God to comfort the suffering and bless those bringing aid.

EXCLUSIVE: NIGERIA’S ANTI-CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE IS UNPRECEDENTED

Across Nigeria founder Brad Brandon called 2026’s wave of anti-Christian violence “the worst that I have ever seen it,” reporting nearly daily attacks and about 570 widows now in his ministry’s care. He urged the faithful in the U.S. to “pray for the persecuted” and speak out.

HOW TO MAKE THE HOLY HOUR FULTON SHEEN RECOMMENDED

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SCOTTISH BISHOP BACKS PM: FIX CARE BEFORE ASSISTED SUICIDE

Bishop John Keenan of Paisley welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s call to repair gaps in palliative and social care before reopening the assisted-suicide debate. “No one should ever feel driven towards assisted suicide because they lack the care, support, or dignity they need,” Bishop Keenan said, calling love and accompaniment the truly compassionate response.

CATHOLIC CHURCHES OPEN DOORS AS WILDFIRES RAVAGE SOUTHERN EUROPE

Catholic churches are offering shelter, food, psychological assistance, and pastoral care as massive wildfires displace hundreds of thousands across southern Europe.

ISOLATING NEW MOMS

While many new moms will turn to social media as a source of connection or inspiration, it can leave them feeling more frightened, isolated, and lonely than ever before. Here's how to guard your heart when the algorithm is trying to exploit your worst fears.

CATHOLIC 101

From music and art to teaching, hospitality, and intercessory prayer, every gift can become a channel of the Holy Spirit when offered for others. Whitney Flanders explains why our gifts carry a sacred responsibility: to serve the Body of Christ and reveal the glory of the One Who gave them.

SAINT OF THE DAY

A dealer in purple cloth, Lydia became St. Paul’s first recorded European convert, was baptized with her household, and opened her home to the early Church.

DAILY PSALM

"Lord, teach me your statutes.” Psalm 119)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

VERSELE

Put your Scripture knowledge to the test with, a daily Catholic word game. Guess the hidden Scripture word in six tries or less, and come back each day for a new challenge. PLAY NOW

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