The LOOP
The Friday Loop - August 21, 2026
FBI FOILS ISIS-INSPIRED PLOT TARGETING NEW YORK CAPITOL
Federal authorities arrested and charged a 35-year-old Albany woman with allegedly plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol, kill state senators, and flee to Syria in an ISIS-inspired attack.
TRUMP ADMIN MOVES TO BAR TAX REFUNDS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
The Trump administration proposed new rules Aug. 19 that would bar illegal immigrants and certain other noncitizens from receiving the refundable portions of four major federal tax credits, a move the administration says could save taxpayers up to $2.6 billion.
VATICAN REAFFIRMS SEX-ED TEACHING FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN GERMANY
The Vatican has reaffirmed its existing teaching on sexuality in response to an appeal from Catholic parents in Hamburg, Germany, but has thus far declined to publicly order the archdiocese to halt a new sex education framework for Catholic schools set to take effect this week. The response is the latest sign that Rome is attempting to preserve Church unity as German Church bodies press ahead with changes that challenge Church teaching.
REPORT: AMERICANS PREFER FREE ENTERPRISE OVER SOCIALISM
More than eight in 10 Americans viewed free enterprise positively, while fewer than four in 10 said the same of socialism, according to 2025 data examined by Gallup. The report indicated that Americans share more common ground on underlying economic values than the country’s political debates often suggest, particularly in their support for competition, innovation, opportunity, and economic freedom.
SATANIC TEMPLE SUES IOWA
The ACLU of Iowa filed a federal lawsuit Aug. 13 on behalf of The Satanic Temple, alleging state officials violated the group's constitutional rights by repeatedly refusing to let it hold a holiday event inside the state Capitol. The lawsuit is the latest development in a years-long saga that includes a Christian veteran destroying the group's 2023 display.
CATHOLIC LEADERS TO SPEAK AT FULTON SHEEN CONFERENCE
The Fulton Sheen Movement will host a daylong conference Sept. 23 in St. Louis exploring Venerable Fulton Sheen’s enduring call to holiness, prayer, and evangelization — one day before the famed Catholic broadcaster is beatified. CatholicVote President and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt, who has a wealth of experience in Catholic media and evangelization, will give a talk titled “Fulton Sheen: The American Saint Maker.”
SENATOR: COVID VACCINE RECKONING 'LONG OVERDUE'
Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., called for a broad reckoning over the government and medical establishment’s response to COVID-19, arguing in an Aug. 18 Wall Street Journal op-ed that federal health officials withheld information about theoretical vaccine safety concerns from pregnant women.
AD: 7 MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR A GREAT CONFESSION AND MASS
Keep four Confession guides and three timeless Mass prayers close at hand on durable, wallet-sized metal cards. Choose the full 7-card set or add the personalized wooden case. Prepare. Participate. Pray. LEARN MORE
TX ARCHDIOCESE ANNOUNCES LAICIZATION OF PRIEST
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, Texas, announced Aug. 14 that John Mary Foster, who had been ordained a priest in 2009, has been found guilty of schism and removed from the clerical state. The archbishop also prohibited the faithful from participating in activities or illicit liturgies celebrated at the mission church where Foster serves as the de facto leader.
PARISHIONERS FIGHT TO SAVE HISTORIC LOUISVILLE PARISH
A Catholic church established in 1836 in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of several parishes under consideration for closure as the archdiocese works to restructure in the face of a priest shortage and limited resources. Parish leaders who don’t want to see it close have reached out to the archdiocese with a unique possible path forward that doesn’t require another full-time priest.
HOW TO PROVIDE
Married men, writes Zeale's William Nardi, don't have to choose between professional success and faithful living. He details how fathers and husbands should provide for their families' physical and spiritual needs.
CATHOLIC 101
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool, but it poses real moral and spiritual threats if abused. Author Jim Kennedy at Word on Fire offers advice on alleviating some of the threats of AI and technology.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Pope Saint Pius X, born into a poor Italian family, encouraged frequent reception of Holy Communion and defended the Church against government interference. He also aided disaster victims and refugees before dying shortly after World War I began.
DAILY PSALM
"Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting." (Psalm 107)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
PRAY WITH ZEALE
Pray the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel with Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. WATCH ON ZEALE
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