The LOOP

The Saturday Loop - July 25, 2026

ALARMING STUDY: ABORTION-INDUCING DRUG IN WATER SUPPLIES

A new study found traces of a mifepristone equivalent in the public drinking water of three U.S. cities, giving credence to pro-life leaders' warnings about the public fertility and environmental risks of the deadly drug's widespread use. Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins put it starkly: "Some of us are drinking other people’s abortions."

NEW YORK SENATE CANDIDATE BACKS NUNS FIGHTING ASSISTED SUICIDE

Republican New York state Senate candidate Anthony Merante backed Catholic religious orders suing over the state’s Medical Aid in Dying Act, which takes effect Aug. 5. The lawsuit argues the law would force nuns, doctors, and nurses to counsel, refer, or transfer patients for assisted suicide in violation of their consciences.

WHITMER ENDORSES STEVENS IN MICHIGAN SENATE PRIMARY

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens shortly before statewide early voting begins in the Democratic primary for an open U.S. Senate seat. The contest with Abdul El-Sayed has drawn record AIPAC spending and exposed the party’s growing divide over Israel and Gaza.

CELEBRATE LIFE! USE YOUR PHONE TO SUPPORT THE PRO-LIFE CAUSE.

Without the right to life, no other rights matter. That’s why Charity Mobile sends 5% of your monthly plan price to the pro-life, pro-family charity of your choice — at no extra cost! Switch and get the same nationwide coverage as the major carriers, low monthly plan prices, and live customer service based in the USA — plus a free phone offer with promo code LOOP. LEARN MORE

POLLS: VOTERS OF BOTH PARTIES NOW OPPOSE ISRAEL

CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten this week highlighted multiple polls showing Israel with negative net favorability among U.S. voters. Enten called the reversal a “mammoth” change, citing a 67-point drop in American support for Israel in just eight years. A majority of Americans support reducing or ending military aid, and opposition has moved beyond the Democratic base and become a general-electorate issue.

SIX KILLED AS SETTLER RAIDS SPREAD ACROSS WEST BANK

Four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed after dozens of Israeli settlers entered the Palestinian village of Tell without military coordination and a gunfight erupted. Reprisal raids then spread across the northern West Bank, while Church leaders warned the same lawlessness threatens Christians in nearby Taybeh.

VOTERS IN HISPANIC TEXAS REGIONS OVERWHELMINGLY OPPOSE LATE-TERM ABORTION

SBA Pro-Life America canvassers said an estimated 80% to 95% of voters they contacted across four majority-Hispanic South Texas congressional districts opposed late-term abortion. The group argues the issue could move voters in several closely divided House races.

SEE THE COVER: ADVENTURES OF HARRY WAYNE THE WOLFCHICKEN

Follow Harry Wayne for a unique insight into growing up as a child during the Great Depression, and the test of character and moral courage needed in every age. Written to be enjoyed by the entire family, 'Adventures of Harry Wayne the Wolfchicken' reveals the peace and quiet strength that comes from integrity of heart. SEE THE COVER

EXCLUSIVE: NUNS BECOME SURPRISE HIT AT SECULAR FILM FESTIVAL

A 20-minute documentary about the prayer and ministry of the Sisters of Mercy sold out twice at a secular Oklahoma film festival, forcing organizers to add a third showing. Sister Brigid Mary Meeks said the response reflects a “deep mutual love” between the sisters and the community — and points viewers toward the true pursuit of happiness: union with God.

FATHER MIKE TO IRELAND: ‘WITHOUT THEM, I WOULDN’T BE ME’

More than 800 Catholics packed St. Kevin’s Church in Dublin as Father Mike Schmitz grew emotional recalling the Irish priests who heard his confessions, offered Mass, and taught him to pray when he was a boy in Minnesota. A later event drew 1,600 people — most of them young adults — and left one Irish bishop wondering whether Catholics are witnessing “the birth of something new.”

5 WAYS TO HOLD YOUR GROUND WITHOUT HARDENING YOUR HEART

Oxford put Catholic writer Rosie Hall in rooms full of people who disagreed with nearly everything she believed. She came away with five practical rules for speaking the truth with charity — from listening well and finding common ground to keeping your cool and staying rooted in faithful friends.

SAINT OF THE DAY

One of the two brothers known as the “Sons of Thunder,” St. James was transformed from an ambitious disciple into the first Apostle to shed his blood for Christ. His shrine at Santiago de Compostela became one of Christianity’s great pilgrimage destinations.

SATURDAY'S PSALM

"Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.” (Psalm 126)

SATURDAY'S READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

SUNDAY'S PSALM

"Lord, I love your commands.” (Psalm 119)

SUNDAY'S READINGS

Sunday's Mass readings.

ANSWER TO TRIVIA

These words are from George Washington's 1790 "Letter to the Roman Catholics." Readers can find the full text online.

NEW EPISODE

This is the Odyssey review you didn’t expect. Erika breaks down the good, the bad, and the (confirmed) ugly in Nolan’s adaptation of the founding myth of the West. Check it out on the latest episode of The Deep, out now on Zeale. WATCH NOW

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

Real change begins when faithful Catholics take action. As a Champion, your monthly support helps CatholicVote defend life, protect religious freedom, educate voters, and equip Catholics to make a difference where it matters most. Join today with a monthly gift of $10 or more. JOIN THE MISSION