The LOOP

The Friday Loop - October 2, 2026

RILEY GAINES VOWS APPEAL IN FIGHT TO KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS

Riley Gaines and more than a dozen female athletes plan to appeal after a federal judge rejected their Title IX lawsuit against the NCAA over policies that allowed males to compete in women’s sports and use women’s locker rooms. Gaines said the goal “from the beginning was to get this case before the Supreme Court.”

MARRIED COUPLES CAN CLAIM $3,400 SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT

Married couples filing jointly can claim up to $3,400 annually for donations to K-12 scholarship organizations beginning in 2027 under proposed Treasury rules released yesterday. The rules drew praise from school choice advocates and resolved concerns that couples would be limited to one $1,700 credit.

TENNESSEE HALTS EXECUTIONS AFTER WOMAN SURVIVES LETHAL INJECTION

A woman on Tennessee’s death row survived two doses of a lethal injection drug. The failed execution has prompted an outside review and renewed questions about concerns her attorneys raised months earlier.

STATE DEPARTMENT REVOKES 250,000 VISAS

The mass revocation of visas, mostly business and tourism visas, was spurred by visaholders committing serious crimes, including child abuse, sexual assault, fraud, embezzlement, theft, drug crimes, and other offenses.

REPORT: DHS FINDS 40% ERROR RATE IN VETTING AFGHAN NATIONALS UNDER BIDEN

A new report is warning that former President Joe Biden’s Department of Homeland Security failed to properly vet nearly half of Afghan nationals entering the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome following the 2021 fall of Kabul. In hundreds of cases, the Biden administration failed to check aliases, left out paperwork, and even missed two potential terrorist threats.

JUDGE CLEARS WAY FOR PARAMOUNT-WARNER BROS. MERGER

A federal judge approved an antitrust settlement Sept. 30, clearing the way for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and resolving a challenge from 12 states that argued the merger would reduce competition and raise prices for viewers. The $110 billion deal, which followed Paramount’s victory over Netflix in a bidding war, would bring HBO, CNN, and CBS under the same corporate ownership.

A PAPAL REPLY FOR THE WHITE SOX

Pope Leo responded this week to an August gesture from his favorite baseball team, continuing a connection with the Chicago White Sox that has remained part of the Chicago-born Pontiff’s papacy.

AD: HELP LITTLE HEARTS GROW IN VIRTUE WITH THE GARDEN WITHIN SERIES

Avery learns to face worry with faith, Aria finds courage to speak up, and Augustine discovers the joy of generosity. Three Catholic children's books to nurture faith and character. Explore the series at Road to Purity. LEARN MORE

BISHOP BARRON’S ROME VISIT BRINGS PAPAL AUDIENCE, REFLECTIONS ON AMERICA

As America marks 250 years, Bishop Robert Barron is exploring what connects its founding ideals to Catholic faith. His visit to Rome also brought his first extended private conversation with Pope Leo XIV.

POPE LEO PRAYS FOR THOSE CARRYING HIDDEN WOUNDS

In his October prayer intention, the Holy Father asks the Church to draw near to people facing mental illness and become a place where no one suffers alone.

FEASTING WITH THE SAINTS

Before we even get to All Hallow’s Eve, October is filled with saints and feasts to celebrate. Zeale Lifestyle has your guide to liturgical living this October. Pick the ones that mean something special to you, or embrace new saints to celebrate this year.

CATHOLIC 101

The feast of the Guardian Angels is an opportunity to form a closer relationship with the angel that God brought into being specifically to take care of you. Guardian angels are more than just fairy-tale figures watching over sleeping children: They are powerful spiritual guides and protectors.

SAINT OF THE DAY

The Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels celebrates God’s loving care for us through the heavenly companions He sends to protect and guide us.

DAILY PSALM

“Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION

Today is the Feast of the Guardian Angels. It’s also First Friday. Let’s ask our angels to join us today in praising the Sacred Heart of Jesus. PRAY & SHARE

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