The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - August 5, 2026

EL-SAYED WINS, CATHOLICVOTE WARNS AGAINST SOCIALIST POLICIES

Abdul El-Sayed defeated establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary and will face Republican Mike Rogers in November. CatholicVote’s Josh Mercer urged Catholics to reject El-Sayed, citing his alliance with far-left streamer Hasan Piker and warning that Michigan voters must reject “radical socialist policies.”

BLANCHE VOWS TO DEFEND PRO-LIFE STATES FROM ABORTION PILLS

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told faith leaders the Justice Department is developing policies to stop abortion providers from mailing abortion drugs into states that protect unborn life. Saying the administration is working to make Dobbs “permanent in every single state,” Blanche promised that “victory will be soon, and it will be permanent.”

PIKER VOWS SOCIALISTS WILL WIPE OUT GOP IN WISCONSIN, MICHIGAN

Far-left streamer Hasan Piker vowed that “a Republican will never be elected” in Wisconsin again once his movement completes its takeover of the Democratic Party. He made the controversial remark while speaking alongside DSA-backed gubernatorial frontrunner Francesca Hong. Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers says Hong could “probably not” defeat Republican Tom Tiffany in November.

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

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ALL 259 CONGRESSIONAL DEMS BACK MAIL-ORDER ABORTION PILLS

Every Democrat in Congress asked the Fifth Circuit to preserve Biden-era FDA rules allowing mifepristone to be prescribed through telehealth and shipped by mail, filing a brief signed by 47 senators and 212 House members. Louisiana says the rules let providers evade pro-life state laws, while CatholicVote continues pressing the Trump administration to restore safeguards on the deadly drug.

PRO-LIFE FATHER: DOJ REPORT CONFIRMS BIDEN-ERA TARGETING

Pro-life father of 11 Paul Vaughn says his family was “shattered” when armed FBI agents arrested him at his Tennessee home over an abortion-facility protest. President Donald Trump pardoned Vaughn, whose family later received a seven-figure settlement. Now, Vaughn says a DOJ report confirms the Biden administration coordinated with abortion-industry groups to identify and target pro-life Americans.

AMNESTY RETRACTS ‘ANTI-RIGHTS’ LABEL ON CHRISTIAN GROUPS

Amnesty International UK apologized and permanently withdrew a report branding 117 organizations — including the Catholic bishops’ conference, pro-life groups, and Christian medical advocates — “anti-rights.” Amnesty acknowledged that the briefing fell “significantly short” of its standards and announced internal and independent reviews.

BEGIN YOUR BEATIFICATION EXPERIENCE EARLY

Arrive early and make the most of your day at the Dome. Explore the Beatification Expo, pray before the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic Adoration, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, enjoy inspiring pre-show speakers and music, and prepare your heart for this historic celebration. Go to CelebrateSheen.com to learn more about the pre-show. LEARN MORE

ARIZONA LAWMAKER VOWS TO DEFEND SEAL OF CONFESSION

Arizona House Judiciary Chairman Quang Nguyen, a Catholic Republican, says he will keep blocking bills that would force clergy to report ongoing abuse disclosed in Confession or face felony charges. Days after the state Supreme Court upheld protections for confidential religious communications, Nguyen declared, “I will not break that sacrament. I will not be the guy to do that.”

CARDINAL: NIGERIAN PRESIDENT REJECTED WARNING THAT ‘NIGERIA IS BLEEDING’

Cardinal John Onaiyekan says President Bola Tinubu rejected Catholic bishops’ warnings that insecurity, economic hardship, and shrinking political opposition threaten Nigeria’s stability. While Tinubu insisted that “life is improving,” the bishops warned that anything short of free, fair, and credible 2027 elections could invite “disaster.”

MAKE YOUR HOME TELL YOUR STORY

Your home should reflect you — not the latest influencer’s feed. These five tips invite you to curate your style, display meaningful heirlooms and sacred images, blend old treasures with new finds, develop a signature look, and let the seasons and liturgical year freshen your space.

CATHOLIC 101

When prayer feels dry and God seems silent, the darkness may be the hidden work of purification rather than abandonment. Here's a reflection that draws on Psalm 130’s watchmen awaiting the dawn to offer a hopeful lesson in loving God for Himself and persevering until His light breaks through.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church celebrates the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. St. Mary Major has honored the Blessed Virgin Mary since the fifth century. Its August 5 feast, also known as Our Lady of the Snows, celebrates Mary’s title as Mother of God and her role in leading the faithful to Christ.

DAILY PSALM

"The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.” (Jeremiah 31)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

We picture combat veterans as people burdened by the memories of battlefield bloodshed. But what about Cold War veterans? People who never saw battle but lived for years under the intense psychological pressure of preventing nuclear annihilation. Hear their story in the latest episode of Forgotten USA, now on Zeale. WATCH

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