The LOOP
The Saturday Loop - November 14, 2026
NATIONWIDE FLIGHT GROUNDING ENDS, AGING AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM BLAMED
Flights resumed nationwide Nov. 13 after radar and communications failures forced the FAA to ground air traffic, disrupting thousands of flights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed aging equipment for the outage and called for a $50 billion overhaul of the system. Officials said they found no evidence of a cyberattack but are continuing to investigate.
MILLER REQUIRES APPROVAL FOR WHITE HOUSE MEETINGS WITH LOBBYISTS
White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has directed staff to obtain prior approval before meeting with registered lobbyists on policy matters within the White House complex, according to an internal memo. The directive aims to keep White House staff focused on working Americans and President Donald Trump’s agenda.
ADVOCATES URGE TRUMP TO SECURE JIMMY LAI’S RELEASE IN MEETING WITH XI
As President Donald Trump prepares for a possible meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, advocates are urging him to renew efforts to free Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old Catholic, pro-democracy activist serving a 20-year prison sentence in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Lai’s wife and children continue to advocate for his freedom despite their own suffering. Catholic author George Weigel recently described the Lais as a “white martyr family,” praising their extraordinary courage and faith and urging Christians to pray for them.
CATHOLIC CONGRESSMAN'S RELIGIOUS FREEDOM BILL BECOMES LAW
President Donald Trump signed legislation extending the work of a U.S. commission that monitors religious persecution abroad through fiscal year 2028. The commission reviews violations and recommends U.S. policy responses to help protect people targeted for their faith.
ARE CHRISTIAN INVESTORS UNKNOWINGLY FUNDING CAUSES THAT CONFLICT WITH THEIR FAITH?
Innovest Portfolio Solutions, a Denver-based investment consulting firm, is urging Christians, including Catholics, to examine what their money is invested in and how their shareholder proxy votes are cast. The push by Innovest and other Christian firms is part of a growing movement that seeks to align investors’ values with how they invest.
NY ARCHBISHOP VOWS CATHOLIC HEALTH PROVIDERS WON’T COMPLY WITH ASSISTED SUICIDE LAW
Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York wrote in a Nov. 12 Wall Street Journal op-ed that Catholic health providers will not comply with the state’s new assisted suicide law, the latest New York law to force Catholics to choose between their faith and a statute they believe is immoral.
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13 PUMPKIN RECIPES
The quintessential autumn flavor for all things delicious is pumpkin. Zeale Lifestyle’s Calista Boskus has your go-to list of 13 pumpkin-filled recipes to try this season, whether it’s time for a cozy breakfast or a show-stopping dessert.
A PANTRY ALWAYS READY FOR GUESTS
Don’t let food fright prevent you from joyfully welcoming unexpected guests. Keeping these pantry staples stocked and these easy recipes handy will help you host well, even without warning.
FAMILY HOLIDAY BOOK CLUB
As families grow, finding commonality across life’s many different seasons can be a challenge. This holiday season, get the connections and conversations started with a family book club. Zeale Lifestyle’s Rose Church offers a guide to introducing this new, fun tradition to your family this year.
CATHOLIC 101
What happens in the interval between committing a mortal sin and getting to confession? Catholic Answers offers guidance to help you avoid falling into despair or further temptation while hopefully awaiting God's mercy.
SAINT OF THE DAY
From a difficult childhood to his ministry as archbishop of Dublin, St. Lawrence O’Toole remained faithful to God and became a beloved shepherd of the Church.
SATURDAY'S PSALM
"Blessed the man who fears the Lord." (Psalm 112)
SATURDAY'S READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
SUNDAY'S PSALM
"Blessed are those who fear the Lord." (Psalm 128)
SUNDAY'S READINGS
Sunday's Mass readings.
ANSWER TO TRIVIA
John Adams was the first U.S. president to live in the White House. He moved in on Nov. 1, 1800.
NEW EPISODE
Gen Z says they want marriage… so why aren’t they dating? From phone addictions and endless swiping to unrealistic expectations, Erika looks at what’s keeping young people apart and what parents, churches, and a few old-fashioned matchmakers can do about it. Check out the newest episode of The Deep, out now on Zeale. WATCH
WHY ARE SO MANY FAMILIES GOING NO CONTACT?
Something disturbing is happening in American families. Parents are being cut off by their children. Siblings are no longer speaking. Relationships that once seemed unbreakable are falling apart. In her book No Contact, Noelle Mering examines this growing phenomenon and the sinister ideology behind it. CatholicVote Champions are invited to join Noelle for an exclusive livestream conversation about what is happening to our families and why it matters. BECOME A CHAMPION TO JOIN
