The LOOP

The Friday Loop - August 7, 2026

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 - FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART

CATHOLICVOTE WARNS CRUZ BILL COULD UNDERMINE WOMEN’S SPORTS

CatholicVote warns the Protect College Sports Act's broad preemption clause could undermine roughly 27 state laws reserving women’s and girls’ teams for females. CatholicVote Director of Government Affairs Tom McClusky accused sponsors of courting Democratic support by “throwing women under the (sport) bus” and urged opposition to the bill.

WHITE HOUSE LEDGER TRACKS NEARLY $230B IN ESTIMATED FRAUD

The White House has launched Fraud.gov, a searchable ledger cataloging nearly $230 billion in estimated fraud uncovered since January 2025, plus $56.4 billion in annual fraudulent payments stopped and $55.5 billion tied to enforcement actions.

SENATE PANEL ADVANCES FAUCI CONTEMPT RESOLUTION AFTER COVID HEARING

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced a criminal contempt resolution against Dr. Anthony Fauci by an official 8–5 party-line vote after he invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times under subpoena. Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., says he will send the referral directly to the Justice Department.

JUDGE CONFIRMS HAITIAN TPS TERMINATION ORDER IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT

A federal judge has formally confirmed that her order blocking the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for roughly 350,000 Haitians is no longer in effect.

OPENAI TO PAY $3.2M OVER ALLEGED ANTI-US HIRING DISCRIMINATION

The Justice Department says OpenAI and subsidiary Statsig favored temporary visa holders over U.S. applicants for jobs tied to permanent-residency sponsorship, discouraging Americans through practices such as mail-only applications and omitted web listings. The companies denied wrongdoing but agreed to $1.2 million in civil penalties, a $2 million back-pay fund, hiring reforms, and three years of federal monitoring.

POPE LEO CALLS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ‘PROPHETS OF HARMONY’

Pope Leo XIV urged Knights of Columbus members to cultivate unity through honest dialogue and charitable service, warning that a divided age needs people who build bridges and reconcile opposing sides. Addressing the group's 144th Supreme Convention, he praised its aid to preborn children and mothers, persecuted Christians, victims of war and human trafficking, and the poor.

HOMESCHOOLING SURGES AS RESEARCHER CHALLENGES ‘FRINGE’ STEREOTYPES

A Johns Hopkins researcher says roughly 3 million U.S. students — about 6% of the K–12 population — are now homeschooled, with enrollment still growing at more than twice its pre-COVID pace. She argues that the evidence undercuts recent caricatures of homeschooling as a fringe, politically uniform movement: participating families span racial, religious, political, and geographic lines.

CONSECRATE YOUR FAMILY

Two powerful prayers. One powerful mission. Beautifully engraved metal prayer cards honoring America’s 250th Anniversary invite you to consecrate your family and our nation in 2026 to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Carry them daily and pray for a true renewal of America. LEARN MORE

POPE LEO TO RETURN TO PERU ON 11-DAY SOUTH AMERICA TRIP

Pope Leo will return in November to Peru, where he spent years as a missionary and served as bishop of Chiclayo, during an apostolic journey also covering Uruguay and Argentina. Lima Cardinal Carlos Castillo called the Pope “a true friend of the people” and said the visit could renew Peruvian faith amid serious social challenges.

STATUE OF MARY SURVIVES DEVASTATING SPOKANE WILDFIRES

A statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was found standing untouched in a Spokane neighborhood devastated by the Old Trails Fire, becoming a viral sign of hope after more than 10,000 acres burned and about 65,000 people evacuated. Bishop Thomas Daly urged Catholics to remember that “Christ remains with us” and to accompany neighbors facing tremendous loss.

FIND YOUR BEAUTY TYPE—AND DRESS MORE LIKE YOURSELF

Fashion trends come and go, but here's a personal guide to dressing in harmony with your natural features. From Dramatic and Natural to Romantic and Ethereal, this approachable explainer can help women identify the styles, silhouettes, and details that make them feel most confidently themselves.

CATHOLIC 101

In a culture wary of lifelong commitment, Pope Leo recently told young Catholics that choosing “forever” does not imprison us but opens us to greater freedom in love.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church honors St. Cajetan, patron of workers, job seekers, and the unemployed. The Italian lawyer-turned-priest co-founded the Theatines and served the poor and sick, showing that authentic reform begins with hearts transformed by prayer, charity, and humble service.

DAILY PSALM

"It is I who deal death and give life.” (Deuteronomy 32)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION

As we celebrate First Friday this month, let us focus on the Immaculate Heart of Mary to which August is dedicated. May we aspire to Our Lady's humility and, especially, her incomparable devotion to her Son. & SHARE

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

Real change begins when faithful Catholics take action. As a Champion, your monthly support helps CatholicVote defend life, protect religious freedom, educate voters, and equip Catholics to make a difference where it matters most. Join today with a monthly gift of $10 or more. JOIN THE MISSION