The LOOP

The Tuesday Loop - July 14, 2026

GRAHAM'S SISTER APPOINTED TO FINISH HIS SENATE TERM

South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone, the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham's younger sister, to serve the remaining months of his term. President Donald Trump said he had recommended the move as "a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!"

CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION FELLOW TO DEMS: STOP SUING NUNS

Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow with The Catholic Association, urged Democratic officials to "leave the nuns alone," decrying targeted legal pushes that could force the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne to violate their Catholic beliefs.

NEW BILL TARGETS BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP LOOPHOLES

Sen. Jim Banks introduced legislation that would rein in the automatic granting of U.S. citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants and foreign nationals who enter the nation for so-called "birth tourism." The measure follows a legal path that Justice Brett Kavanaugh identified in the Supreme Court's recent ruling against Trump's order to pull back birthright citizenship.

GET A COMPLIMENTARY INVESTMENT SCREENING

To defund the abortion industry, Arimathea Investing is on a mission to give every Catholic in America a free investment screening. Join the movement matching Catholic money with Catholic values. No purchase or advisory relationship is required. Screening is not intended to promote any specific investment strategy.

SSPX SAYS APPEAL SUSPENDS EXCOMMUNICATION DECREE

The Society of St. Pius X filed a formal appeal of the Vatican decree declaring its July 1 episcopal consecrations a schismatic act. The SSPX said the appeal means that, according to canon law, the execution of the Vatican's decree is now paused while Church authorities review the group's case.

PAKISTAN CASE OFFERS HOPE FOR CHRISTIAN GIRLS

A 13-year-old Christian girl is seeking a new hearing to escape the man accused of abducting her, forcing her to convert to Islam, and marrying her against her will. A ruling in her favor could set an important precedent protecting minority girls from abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage.

SMITH SEEKS DOJ PROBE OF TIANANMEN MUSEUM ATTACK

Republican New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith and House China Committee Chairman John Moolenaar urged the Justice Department to investigate whether the vandalism of a California Tiananmen Square museum was an act of Chinese Communist Party-linked transnational repression. Smith warned of widespread acts of chilling intimidation against Chinese dissidents who tell the truth about the communist regime.

LIFE INSURANCE RATES ARE NOW AT ALL-TIME LOWS

Compare rates of 50 leading life insurers in seconds, enjoy anonymous quotes, $10,000 to $25 million, ages 21 to 80. Need advice or have questions? Our salaried advisors are at (833) 939-0803, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week. We specialize in helping applicants who have health conditions.

27 SERIOUS FLAWS IN FRANCE'S ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL

A Christian legal advocacy group is urging French lawmakers to reject an assisted-suicide bill ahead of its final reading, identifying 27 dangers including weak oversight, inadequate conscience protections, exclusion of families, limited access to palliative care, and potential abuse of vulnerable patients.

ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR EASIER ACCESS TO LATIN MASS

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone called for wider access to the Traditional Latin Mass and more reverent Novus Ordo liturgies following the SSPX schism, while urging Catholics to pray for renewed dialogue with Rome.

JULY CELEBRATES THE SAINTS OF MARRIED LIFE

July's calendar features an unusual number of married saints, from Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin to Sts. Aquila and Priscilla, reminding Catholic couples that holiness is not reserved to priests and religious.

CATHOLIC 101

C.S. Lewis' "Till We Have Faces" shows how love can become possessive and jealous, preventing the beloved from flourishing — and why every human love must be ordered beneath our love for God.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church celebrates St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, whose steadfast love of Christ endured illness, rejection, and suffering.

DAILY PSALM

“God upholds his city for ever.” (Psalm 48)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

ONLY ON ZEALE

Think you know your faith? Solve the daily 5-letter Catholic word in just six tries with Versele.

YOUR INVITATION IS WAITING

Join CatholicVote's Champions on Wednesday, July 15, at 8 p.m. Eastern for an exclusive interview and Q&A with pro-life advocate Mark Houck, hosted by CatholicVote VP of Advocacy Josh Mercer. Not a Champion yet? Become one today with a monthly gift of $10 or more to unlock access to this important event while helping strengthen CatholicVote's mission all year long.