The LOOP
The Tuesday Loop - May 19, 2026
Trump holds off new strikes against Iran, acceding to requests from Gulf states
President Donald Trump said May 18 that he postponed a planned U.S. military strike against Iran after Gulf leaders urged more time for negotiations.
In Brief
Kelsey Reinhardt tells Wyoming Catholic College graduates: 'Live differently for Christ'
Kelsey Reinhardt, a Gillette, Wyoming, native and CatholicVote’s CEO, delivered a stirring commencement speech May 18 at Wyoming Catholic College, urging graduates to live their faith boldly, embrace their vocations, live out the Catholic moment in the U.S., and allow their experiences in Wyoming to shape the rest of their lives.
Gunmen kill 3 at San Diego mosque before dying of apparent self-inflicted gunshots, police say
Two teenage gunmen opened fire at a mosque in San Diego May 18, killing three men before fleeing the scene and dying of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds a few blocks away, police said.
Trump lawsuit settlement creates $1.776 billion fund for victims of government ‘lawfare’
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” as part of a settlement resolving President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the unauthorized leak of his tax returns, establishing a compensation process for people with claims of being targeted by politically motivated government actions.
‘The world needs you’: Ambassador Brian Burch urges Thomas Aquinas graduates to seek true peace through rightly ordered love
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch urged Thomas Aquinas College graduates to pursue a vision of peace rooted in truth, justice, and the dignity of the human person during a commencement address that connected the nation’s 250th anniversary to Catholic teaching on ordered love and public life.
Education Department expands Pell Grants to some trade, short-term job training programs
The Department of Education (DOE) issued a final rule May 18 allowing eligible students to use federal Pell Grant funds for certain trade, technical, and skills-based training programs that can be completed in as little as eight weeks.
Pope Leo’s first encyclical, set for release May 25, to focus on AI and humanity
Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, which will focus “on preserving the human person in the age of artificial intelligence,” will be published May 25, the Vatican announced this week.
Thousands gather on National Mall for ‘Rededicate 250’ prayer rally ahead of America’s 250th anniversary
Thousands of Americans gathered on the National Mall on May 17 for a daylong prayer rally held to rededicate the nation as “one nation under God” ahead of America’s semiquincentennial anniversary on July 4.
US, Nigeria launch new airstrikes against ISIS days after killing top leader
U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out another round of airstrikes against ISIS fighters in northeastern Nigeria on May 17, just days after a joint operation killed a senior Islamic State leader, according to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
How to be a supportive bridesmaid (or groomsman)
Being asked to stand beside someone on their wedding day is more than an honor or mark of friendship; it’s an invitation to step into a role of real, meaningful support. You’re not just part of a celebration; you’re part of a moment that marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment.
Saint of the Day
Pope St
Celestine V founded the Celestine order. He reluctantly became pope at age 80 before becoming the first pontiff to voluntarily abdicate the papacy.
DAILY PSALM
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.Read the full passage → (opens in new tab)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
Full Readings at USCCB (opens in new tab)Catholic 101
Catholic 101
Could this Gen-Z student become the Church's next saint? Pedro Ballester was a 21-year-old cancer patient so filled with joy and peace that fellow patients sought out his hospital room just to be near him.
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