House to Trump: Speak for China's prisoners

Thursday, May 14  LAWMAKERS: TRUMP SHOULD PRESS XI TO RELEASE JIMMY LAI  Hours after President Donald Trump arrived in China for high-stakes talks with the communist regime, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on him to prioritize the release of prominent detainees, including devout Catholic publisher Jimmy Lai. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser THURSDAY, MAY 14  LAWMAKERS: TRUMP SHOULD PRESS XI TO RELEASE JIMMY LAI  Hours after President Donald Trump arrived in China for high-stakes talks with the communist regime, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on him to prioritize the release of prominent detainees, including devout Catholic publisher Jimmy Lai.  READ EFFORT TO LET CONGRESS VOTE ON IRAN WAR FAILS IN SENATE  The Republican-led Senate on May 13 narrowly blocked a Democratic effort to force the Trump administration to allow Congress to vote on U.S. military involvement in the war with Iran. The procedural vote to advance the resolution failed 50-49 after Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman joined most Republicans in opposition.  READ  TRUMP ACCOUNTS COMING JULY 4  The Trump administration is promoting its "Trump Accounts" ahead of their July 4 rollout. The program grants a $1,000 government contribution to each eligible U.S. citizen born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, and parents must leave the funds untouched until the kids turn 18.  READ ADMIN COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGY FOCUSES ON LEFTISTS  The Trump administration’s new counterterrorism strategy was released this week, focusing on Antifa, anti-American leftist groups, and transgender ideology. The White House released the sweeping 2026 U.S. Counterterrorism Strategy this week, and it identifies three categories of terror threats: narcoterrorists and transnational gangs, legacy Islamist terrorists, and "Violent Left-Wing Extremists, including Anarchists and Anti-Fascists."  READ MAJOR CITIES SEE CRIME DROP SO FAR THIS YEAR  Axios reported that violent crime levels fell across major categories during the first three months of 2026, with homicides down by 17.7%, robberies by 20.4%, rapes by 7.2%, and aggravated assaults by 4.8% when compared with data reports from the first quarter of 2025.  READ POPE REMINDS FAITHFUL OF MARY'S READINESS TO HELP  Pope Leo XIV devoted his General Audience reflection yesterday to the Blessed Mother, saying the Church can look to her as an example and turn to her for any need.  READ US EMBASSY PUSHES BACK ON REPORTS OF SPECIAL PAPAL HONOR FOR IRAN  The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See clarified that Pope Leo XIV did not bestow an exclusive honor on Iran's Vatican ambassador, saying the decoration given to the Iranian envoy is a routine award presented to all ambassadors after two years of service, and that Iranian state media was wrong to frame it as politically significant.  READ AD: CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PRO-LIFE PHONE SERVICE!  Charity Mobile has provided excellent service since 1996 to people just like you, and to pro-life causes nationwide.  JOIN THE CELEBRATION AND SWITCH TO CHARITY MOBILE VATICAN WARNS SSPX AGAINST 'SCHISMATIC' BISHOP ORDINATIONS  Yesterday, the Vatican's doctrinal chief formally warned that the SSPX's planned July 1 bishop ordinations lack papal permission and will constitute "a schismatic act."  READ POPE REMEMBERS PREDECESSOR'S MIRACULOUS SURVIVAL  On the anniversary of the 1981 assassination attempt on St. John Paul II, Pope Leo knelt in prayer yesterday at the spot where the late pontiff was shot.  READ HOW TO HOST A MARIAN TEA PARTY THIS MAY  This complete hosting guide has everything you need to throw a beautiful afternoon tea in honor of Our Lady, from Marian-inspired tea sandwiches and scones to crowning Mary and praying the Rosary.  READ CATHOLIC 101  Blessed Imelda Lambertini longed to receive Jesus in the Eucharist from the age of five. When she finally received her First Communion, her joy was so complete that she died peacefully in the chapel, making her the patron saint of First Communicants.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Today is the feast of St. Matthias, the man ordained to serve as the replacement for the apostle Judas, the betrayer.  READ DAILY PSALM  "The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people." (Psalm 113)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ NEW EPISODE  Marty Makary is out at HHS. Is MAHA dead? New economic data suggests rising anxiety among young Americans. Trump heads to China alongside some of the world’s most powerful CEOs. All this and more on the LOOPcast!  WATCH Have feedback? Click here! Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization, PO Box 3310, Carmel, IN 46082 (317) 669-6127 Unsubscribe Manage preferences

FDA commissioner reportedly ousted

Wednesday, May 13  MAKARY OUT AT FDA  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigned yesterday amid mounting criticism from pro-life leaders over the agency slow-walking its investigation into the deadly abortion drug mifepristone. Makary's 13-month tenure was also marked by internal upheaval, staff departures, and clashes over drug approvals and vaping regulations. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser WEDNESDAY, MAY 13  MAKARY OUT AT FDA  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary resigned yesterday amid mounting criticism from pro-life leaders over the agency slow-walking its investigation into the deadly abortion drug mifepristone. Makary's 13-month tenure was also marked by internal upheaval, staff departures, and clashes over drug approvals and vaping regulations.  READ TRUMP ANNOUNCES 6 CONSERVATIVE JUDICIAL NOMS  President Donald Trump announced six federal judicial nominees this week, including two conservative district judges he appointed during his first term for seats on federal appeals courts. Here's how these conservative appointments could shape the judiciary.  READ  INFLATION HITS 3-YEAR HIGH  The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that consumer prices rose 3.8% in April compared with a year earlier, marking the highest inflation rate in three years. The worsening economic conditions are driven largely by rising energy costs linked to the war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, WSJ noted.  READ AD: SUPPORT PRO-LIFE, PRO-FAMILY CAUSES WITH CHARITY MOBILE  Legislative efforts across America make it clear that the Culture of Death is not going away. Help build a Culture of Life by switching your phone service to Charity Mobile, where a percentage of your monthly bill supports your favorite pro-life, pro-family charity! New customers get a free phone, free activation, and free shipping with promo code LOOP.  LEARN MORE EX-MAYOR TO PLEAD GUILTY OF SERVING AS ILLEGAL CHINESE AGENT  Eileen Wang resigned as mayor of Arcadia, California, this week, and she has now agreed to plead guilty to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.  READ SOUTH CAROLINA STUDENTS TURN TO FAITH  In South Carolina, the college Catholic population has more than doubled over several decades. Here's a look into why.  READ AD: DOES YOUR PORTFOLIO REFLECT YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH?  What if your portfolio reflected the same values that guide your family? I'm Michael R. Acosta, CFP® at Genesis Wealth Planning — a Catholic advisor who builds faith-aligned portfolios screened for Church social teaching, structured beyond standard ETFs and mutual funds. Welcome, LOOPers. See how to align your investments with what your family stands for.  SEE THE APPROACH NEW EPISODE  What makes authority legitimate? Cardinal Raymond L. Burke explains how the Fourth Commandment shapes civic duty, legitimate authority, and the dignity of the human person. Join Zeale for America 250, and watch the latest from The Virtue of Patriotism.  JOIN & WATCH APOSTOLATE DECRIES SYNOD REPORT OVER 'GAY' CONTENT  The executive director of Courage International sharply criticized a Vatican synod study group report this week, calling it “intellectually dishonest” and saying it “wounds the Church.”  READ IDF PUNISHES SOLDIERS OVER PHOTO DISRESPECTING MARY  The Israeli military said yesterday it had sentenced two soldiers to military jail after one was photographed placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in a predominantly Christian village in southern Lebanon.  READ NOT TO BE MISSED...  Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: Swiss Cardinal Paul Emil Tscherrig, former nuncio to Italy and San Marino, has died at 79.  READ The U.S. Religious Freedom Commission is asking Trump to nominate an ambassador.  READ Students at Johns Hopkins University erased pro-life messages.  READ 5 POEMS TO READ THIS MAY  Here are five poems to read over and pray with during the month of May. Through them, may you grow closer to Mary, who, according to St. Therese, “is more mother than queen.”  READ CATHOLIC 101  "The call to contemplation is, in many respects, a call to second conversion."  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Today is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, commemorating Mary’s 1917 apparitions to three Portuguese children asking Catholics to pray the Rosary daily for world peace and for the conversion of sinners.  READ DAILY PSALM  "Heaven and earth are full of your glory." (Psalm 148)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ CATHOLICVOTE IS HIRING  Passionate about faith, family, and freedom? This could be your moment.  APPLY Have feedback? Click here! Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization, PO Box 3310, Carmel, IN 46082 (317) 669-6127 Unsubscribe Manage preferences