The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - August 20, 2026
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CV CEO REFUTES FORMER EDITOR'S CLAIMS MADE ON 'THE TUCKER CARLSON SHOW'
CatholicVote President and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt pushed back early on Aug. 20 against allegations made by former Zeale News political editor Stephen Herreid during an interview on “The Tucker Carlson Show,” denying that donors or former CatholicVote President Brian Burch pressured the news outlet to alter its coverage of Israel. "Ultimately, this was not a dispute over whether Zeale would report on suffering in Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank," Reinhardt said. "It was a dispute over ordinary editorial standards: balance, sourcing, supervision, and adherence to the editorial process."
FLORIDA DEMS NOMINATE SOCIALIST FOR US SENATE
Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated establishment favorite Alex Vindman in Florida’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Aug. 18, despite being outraised by millions of dollars. She will face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in November's race.
USCCB LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST MAIL-ORDER ABORTION PILLS
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) formally launched a nationwide campaign Aug. 18 calling Catholics to pray, educate others, and advocate against the growing availability of abortion pills, the latest step in the bishops’ push to curb chemical abortion in the post-Dobbs era.
MASSACHUSETTS BISHOP CONDEMNS STATE'S PRO-ABORTION LAW
Springfield Bishop William Byrne condemned Massachusetts' radical pro-abortion law as “morally evil,” warning it reflects a deteriorating culture that has rejected God and the sacredness of human life. He also criticized senators for approving it through an unrecorded vote hidden from public scrutiny.
VIRGINIA DIOCESE URGES 'NO' VOTE ON RADICAL AMENDMENTS
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is calling on voters to reject two proposed constitutional amendments this November that it says threaten core principles concerning the sanctity of human life and marriage between one man and one woman.
MOBILE PRO-LIFE CLINICS BRING HOPE TO MOMS
Save the Storks is bringing free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and life-affirming support to women facing unexpected pregnancies. "We want every woman to know she is not alone," CEO Diane Ferraro said.
PRO-LIFE CANDIDATE SCORES UPSET WIN IN WISCONSIN
Pro-Life Wisconsin's political arm is celebrating former Lancaster Mayor David Varnam's upset primary win for lieutenant governor, after the Republican made opposition to abortion a central pitch to GOP primary voters.
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The new 2026 Apostolic Pardon Holy Card featuring the official USCCB English translation went into effect on February 11, 2026. This powerful blessing and plenary indulgence, given by a Catholic priest at the hour of death, grants complete remission of all temporal punishment due to sin already forgiven in the sacrament of confession. Get your newly revised cards today. Bulk pricing available—share with family, friends, priests & fellow parishioners. LEARN MORE
POPE LEO: SACRED MUSIC IS INTEGRAL TO LITURGY
Pope Leo XIV reflected in his Aug. 19 General Audience on the role sacred music has in the liturgy, encouraging the use of the schola, preservation of the Church’s musical heritage amid new compositions, and appropriate music, inspired by Scripture and Tradition, for the liturgy.
IDAHO COURT DISMISSES DIOCESE LAWSUIT
The Idaho Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit accusing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Moscow, Idaho, of covering up the danger posed by an allegedly abusive priest, ending a yearslong legal fight over the case.
HOMEMADE SCHOOL LUNCHES
Move over, pbj! Keep your kids' bellies full with these delicious, healthy, and creative packed lunches.
CATHOLIC 101
Discernment doesn't always have a quick and easy answer; sometimes, God is asking us to trust Him in the quietness and uncertainty of waiting.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church celebrates Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the 12th-century abbot who advised popes, defended the faith, and preached across Europe. St. Bernard drew his strength from prayer and devotion to Mary.
DAILY PSALM
"I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins." (Ezekiel 36)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
NEW EPISODE
The Lindsay Clancy case sparks a national debate and divides America. Meanwhile, Republicans confront growing voter backlash over AI data centers. And finally, this wholesome high school tradition will warm your heart. All this and more on the LOOPcast! WATCH ON ZEALE
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