The LOOP

The Wednesday Loop - August 12, 2026

PRIMARY ROUNDUP: KEY RACES AND WINNERS

A number of closely watched primaries across the Midwest were decided Tuesday night. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won Democratic nominations for Minnesota governor and U.S. Senate, respectively. In Wisconsin, CatholicVote-endorsed Republican Michael Alfonso won his party’s nomination for the state’s 7th Congressional District. Here's a look at several key results.

SURROGATE FIGHTS TO SAVE UNBORN BABY

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured an emergency court order ensuring an unborn baby, whose intended parents requested an abortion after he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, will receive life-saving care. Surrogate mother McKenna West refused to abort the baby. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., has also urged officials to protect the baby as West’s Sept. 2 due date approaches.

REPORTS: EL-SAYED SCRUBBED 100+ VIDEOS BEFORE CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

Abdul El-Sayed, who won Michigan’s Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate earlier this month, removed at least 100 YouTube videos — including one in which he called for an end to 4th of July fireworks and another floating the elimination of the Second Amendment — from his channel ahead of launching his campaign, according to reports. A campaign spokesman said the old videos do not reflect El-Sayed’s current views.

WHAT—AND WHOM—COULD YOU SAVE BY SWITCHING TO CHARITY MOBILE?

It’s important to compare apples to apples when shopping for mobile phone service. Charity Mobile gives you a transparent estimate of your full monthly bill, including taxes and surcharges! Plus, 5% of your monthly plan price supports the live-saving work of your favorite Pro-Life charity, and every new line gets a free phone offer with promo code LOOP. LEARN MORE

NO MORE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR 'SEX-REJECTING' PROCEDURES

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said yesterday that federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program funds will no longer pay for puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or “transgender” surgeries performed on children.

LATTER-DAY SAINTS CHURCH DONATES 45,000 POUNDS OF FOOD TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated about 45,000 pounds of food to Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, which serves thousands of families across southwestern Connecticut. The donation is part of a nationwide service initiative marking America's 250th anniversary.

MASSACHUSETTS GOV SIGNS LAW ALLOWING ABORTION UP TO BIRTH

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, signed a law Aug. 10 that removes virtually all remaining restrictions on late-term abortions in the state, allowing abortion up to the moment of birth based on a physician’s judgment. Pro-life leaders responded quickly, condemning the measure as “egregious” and warning that it strips unborn children of their final legal protections.

GIVE THE CATHOLIC WAY

Give wisely, give effectively, give efficiently. And most importantly, give in accordance with your Catholic faith. Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund is here to help you stretch your charitable giving so it can have the greatest impact. Together as Catholics, let’s change the world. LEARN MORE

LAST MAO-ERA TRAPPIST MONK DIES AT 108

Father Benedict Chao, the last Trappist monk exiled from China during Mao-era communist persecution, died at age 108 after 79 years of religious life. He helped reestablish the Abbey of Our Lady of Joy in Hong Kong after communist persecution displaced his community from its original monastery in Hebei Province.

PITTSBURGH BISHOP WON'T SEEK RENEWAL FOR PARISH TLM

Bishop Mark Eckman of Pittsburgh announced Aug. 7 that he has decided to not seek a renewal of permission from the Vatican for a local parish to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), saying the authorization was intended to be temporary. He directed the faithful who still wish to attend the TLM to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish, which is run by the Institute of Christ the King.

NOSTALGIC MOVIES

Why do some children's movies have such an incredible staying power in cultural memory? The answer, writes Zeale's Johanna Duncan, is deeper than mere nostalgia.

CATHOLIC 101

Our emotions are not obstacles to holiness but invitations to greater honesty, discernment, and trust in God. When offered to grace, even difficult emotions can be transformed into instruments of virtue and love.

SAINT OF THE DAY

St. Jane Frances de Chantal faithfully followed Christ through marriage, motherhood, widowhood, and religious life, turning profound grief into deeper trust in God and service to others.

DAILY PSALM

"The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies." (Psalm 113)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

Join Cecilia Jean as she discovers the Catholic Makers Market, a community of Denver artists and artisans providing a source of enriching, locally-created expressions of faith and beauty. Check out the latest episode of Flourish out now on Zeale. WATCH

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