Bishops, Birthrates, Bans, & Rupnik Rumors

July 21st, 2026 - Happy feast of St. Lawrence of Brindisi! A senior Iranian official said yesterday that “mediators” have shopped a proposal to Iran that would “de-escalate” the conflict with the United States by first establishing a ten-day ceasefire, and then building up to “revive” the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed in June. President Donald Trump yesterday imposed a 50 percent duty on a variety of Canadian goods, including alcohol, dairy products, hockey sticks, and many others. The U.S. Department of Education defended homeschooling after "I’ve Had It" hostess Jennifer Welch called it "trickle-down stupidity" and a "crazy Christian problem." Following two deadly immigration-enforcement encounters, Bishops Daniel Garcia and Brendan Cahill issued a statement reasserting the dignity of immigrants. The statement also affirmed the government’s authority to enforce U.S. law, however, and condemned the "vilification" of law enforcement officers. Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega said Nicaragua will no longer hold elections, eliminating the possibility ‌of an electoral challenge when his term ends next year and further entrenching the rule he shares with his wife. Darline Graham yesterday announced she is launching a bid for a full six-year Senate term after being appointed to fill the seat of her late brother, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. An op-ed by Fortify Rights Senior Director Benedict Rogers urged Pope Leo XIV to review the Vatican’s secretive agreement with Beijing as Chinese authorities intensify pressure on underground Catholics to join the state-controlled Church. President Donald Trump promised that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America" after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was exploring whether New York could detain Netanyahu. Sen. Josh Hawley sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department alleging that Plan C illegally mailed abortion drugs and conspired to evade federal and state law. Rise Right is a live morning program hosted by Sarah Cain & Jakob Martin Kraft, designed to help Catholics begin their day grounded in faith, clarity, and peace. The goal is simple: help listeners start their day well. Stay rooted in prayer, informed about the world, and able to face each day with joy and reason. RiseRight.org