The LOOP
The Friday Loop - August 28, 2026
US AMBASSADOR TO THE VATICAN MEETS WITH TRUMP, VANCE, RUBIO
Ambassador Brian Burch, co-founder of CatholicVote discussed with the President and his top two advisors the Holy Father’s plans to promote global peace and religious liberty.
HHS STUDY LINKS LEFT-WING AUTHORITARIANISM, GENDER IDEOLOGY TO SUPPORT FOR POLITICAL VIOLENCE
The sweeping study found that those who self-identify with far-left ideology are more likely to approve of violence targeting their political opponents. The findings raise “important questions about what happens when ideology is given the authority of medicine,.” HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine said.
TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO RENAME LAKE ONTARIO AS ‘LAKE AMERICA’
The President called the lake a “tremendous asset” and said that the name change reflects the lake’s importance in American history, trade, and defense.
FLORIDA ANNOUNCES FIRST-IN-THE-NATION WELFARE RESTRICTIONS ON TATTOOS, PORNOGRAPHY, VAPES
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the new restrictions will also prevent welfare funds from being spent on video games, theme park admission, entertainment subscriptions, spa services, and other purchases deemed non-essential.
META AGREES TO SWEEPING TEEN PROTECTIONS ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK
The proposed settlement would impose time limits, overnight restrictions, stronger parental controls, and other safeguards on Instagram and Facebook accounts belonging to users under 18, as well as paying out nearly $18 billion to the states involved in the lawsuit.
CATHOLICVOTE-BACKED SCHOLARSHIP TO AWARD $50,000 IN GRANTS TO STUDENTS STUDYING NATION’S FOUNDING
The scholarship, backed by the CatholicVote Education Fund, is designed to encourage students to study the Constitution and America’s founding principles. CatholicVote Vice President and co-founder Josh Mercer said that it “is important for the next generation to understand how the Constitution was created to defend our God-given rights and to defend the common good,” encouraging Catholic students to apply.
ANALYSIS: MIKE ROGERS DISTANCES SENATE CAMPAIGN FROM AIPAC AS YOUNG REPUBLICANS SOUR ON ISRAEL
The Michigan Republican asked the Israel-aligned lobbying group not to campaign on his behalf, likely wary of backlash from young Republicans and independent voters, who have increasingly embraced negative views of Israel.
AD: 1 CARD EVERY CATHOLIC SHOULD CARRY
If an emergency leaves you unable to speak, this durable metal wallet card tells others: “I Am Catholic—please call a priest.” Choose one of 5 prayer backs or personalize the reverse with medical, emergency-contact, parish, and care details. Keep faith and vital information close. LEARN MORE
WHAT IS CLINIC? INSIDE THE CATHOLIC NETWORK FIGHTING TRUMP’S 75-COUNTRY VISA BAN
A federal judge’s decision to block the President’s visa ban has garnered national headlines, but few are aware that the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. is behind the lawsuit which resulted in the ruling.
PRO-LIFE GROUP VOWS TO DEFEND ADVOCATES TARGETED UNDER NEW JERSEY’S NEW ABORTION LAW
40 Days for Life pledged free legal defense for Garden State pro-lifers who could be prosecuted under new legislation which could be weaponized against pro-life demonstrators praying outside abortion facilities. “This law is designed to scare people of faith off the sidewalks outside abortion facilities by creating the constant threat of prosecution and costly lawsuits,” 40 Days for Life’s CEO Shawn Carney said.
15 EASY RECIPES FOR DINNERS ON THE FLY
With busy schedules, making dinner isn’t always easy, but these recipes may make choosing what to feed the family a little bit easier.
CATHOLIC 101
Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga and Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh are both up for sainthood in the Catholic Church, and while the two never met in person, both Slovenian missionaries served immigrants and Native Americans in Minnesota.
SAINT OF THE DAY
St. Augustine spent years searching for something that could satisfy the deepest desires of his heart before discovering that the truth and peace he longed for could only be found in Christ.
DAILY PSALM
"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 33)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
NEW EPISODE
America is about to face a demographic disaster. What happens when the world’s most powerful country stops replacing itself? Erika walks you through what depopulation means for our future… and what might actually reverse the decline. Check out the latest episode of The Deep, now on Zeale. WATCH
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