The LOOP

The Thursday Loop - June 11, 2026

US RENEWS BOMBING CAMPAIGNS AGAINST IRAN

CENTCOM yesterday evening announced it had renewed bombings against Iran, calling the strikes "self-defense" in response to the downing two days earlier of a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. War Secretary Pete Hegseth said American forces would hit targets "hard" if Tehran did not accept a nuclear deal.

GRAHAM VICTORIOUS, NANCY MACE COMES IN LAST, & MORE

Voters in Maine and South Carolina have done a lot to shape the 2026 midterm landscape in the past week, setting up U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races that will test partisan strongholds in California, Maine, and South Carolina. Here are the details.

TRUMP SIGNS ICE, BORDER ENFORCEMENT BUDGET INTO LAW

President Donald Trump yesterday signed the Secure America Act into law, approving almost $70 billion in funding to bolster U.S. immigration enforcement and deportation operations through the end of fiscal year 2029.

ALIGN YOUR CATHOLIC VALUES WITH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

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SETTLERS AGAIN ATTACK MAJORITY-CHRISTIAN TOWN IN WEST BANK

Israeli settlers attacked Taybeh, the last entirely Christian town in the West Bank this week, setting fire to agricultural land and throwing Molotov cocktails at homes, according to residents and journalists on the ground.

POPE INAUGURATES HISTORIC BASILICA TOWER

Pope Leo XIV marked the completion of the tallest tower of Barcelona's Basilica of the Sagrada Família yesterday June 10, with Zeale's Hannah Hiester reporting from the scene. Speaking to thousands gathered inside the basilica — including Spanish monarchs King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Catalan President Salvador Illa — Pope Leo used the opportunity to issue a forceful call for peace.

HOUSE VOTES TO KEEP TABS ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM THREATS

The House overwhelmingly passed legislation June 8 to extend the independent federal watchdog that monitors and exposes violations of religious freedom around the world and authorize its annual funding through fiscal year 2028.

ANSWER THE CALL AND JOIN THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT

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POPE LEO ENCOURAGES PRISONERS DURING SPAIN TRIP

During his apostolic journey in Spain, Pope Leo yesterday prayed the Rosary at a 1,000-year-old Benedictine monastery and visited with inmates at a penitentiary, sharing with both communities messages of hope and invitation to encounter God’s love.

TRANSITIONAL DEACON ANSWERS CALL TO SERVE AS NAVY CHAPLAIN

Amid a shortage of Catholic clerics in the military, a newly ordained transitional deacon from the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, says he hopes to address the need and serve as a U.S. Navy chaplain.

DITCH YOUR SCREENS

Even if you are only engaging with wholesome content on your smart devices, they can still interfere with your social, emotional, and even spiritual life. Here's how to take a candid look at your reliance on technology.

CATHOLIC 101

Sister Danielle Victoria reflects on how the image of a Servant of God from the 1800s helped her appreciate the saintly woman's character.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today is the Feast of St. Barnabas. One of the 12 Apostles, Barnabas earned his name, which means “son of encouragement.”

DAILY PSALM

"The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power." (Psalm 98)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

Tensions rise among Israel, Iran, and the United States as Iran shoots down a U.S. helicopter. Meanwhile, Karmelo Anthony is sentenced to 35 years for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf. Plus, Pope Leo in Spain. All this and more on the LOOPcast! WATCH

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