The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - May 21, 2026
Federal prosecutors indict Raúl Castro on 1996 murder charges
Federal prosecutors on May 20 announced charges against 94-year-old former Cuban President Raúl Castro for the 1996 downing of two civilian planes operated by Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue, reviving one of the most contentious episodes in the history of U.S.-Cuba relations.
In Brief
Pro-life orgs ask Congress to extend moratorium on taxpayer funding of abortions
A coalition of 60 pro-life organizations across the U.S. have signed a letter urging Congress to extend a moratorium — set to expire at the beginning of July — that protects taxpayer funds from being used for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.
Vance says Pope Leo’s upcoming AI encyclical will be ‘very, very important’
Vice President JD Vance said May 19 that he expects Pope Leo XIV’s forthcoming encyclical on artificial intelligence to be a “very, very important document” — one that will likely influence the world’s approach to the rapidly advancing technology.
Them Before Us grades all 50 states on child protection in family law
The children’s rights organization Them Before Us released a new state-by-state scorecard May 19 that grades every state, plus Washington, D.C., on its protection of children’s fundamental right to their biological mother and father.
Israel’s national security head condemned for humiliating Western humanitarian activists
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir enraged numerous officials both internationally and within his own government by posting footage of himself jeering at Western humanitarian workers and egging on the police, under his command, who arrested them as they attempted to deliver aid to Gaza.
Iowa governor signs bills protecting medical conscience rights, students’ free speech, religious liberty
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, signed a slate of bills into law May 19, including two measures that supporters say strengthen medical conscience protections for health care workers and expand safeguards to protect student speech and religious liberty in education.
US Catholic bishops to convene in Florida this summer and consecrate the nation to Jesus’ Sacred Heart
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather in Orlando, Florida, from June 10 to 12 for its 2026 Spring Plenary assembly, where they are set to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as well as receive updates on Catholic prison ministry, World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea, and other topics.
Reports detail conditions for Kenyan workers training AI and moderating content
Behind the world’s largest social media and artificial intelligence platforms is a global workforce responsible for reviewing some of the internet’s most graphic material, including depictions of beheadings, child sexual abuse, torture, and suicide.
O, say can you see: Best spots to celebrate America’s 250th this year
July 4th commemorates 250 years of the Great American Experiment. There are so many incredible events taking place throughout the country, offering wonderful opportunities to honor this great nation and all who have come before us.
Massie Loses Most Expensive House Primary Ever, New Grad Boo AI, And Kamala is Back
Watch on Zeale→
Saint of the Day
St. Christopher Magallanes
and his companions kept the Catholic faith alive during the Mexican government’s brutal persecution of Catholics in the early 1900s. These martyr saints ultimately gave their lives for Christ. They were known for the Cristero cry, “Viva Cristo Rey!”
DAILY PSALM
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.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
Contemplative prayer isn't reserved for monks and nuns — it's the natural fruit of a life genuinely oriented toward God, and it's more accessible than you think.
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