The LOOP

The Thursday Loop - October 8, 2026

TRUMP RALLIES FOR PAXTON IN TEXAS SENATE RACE

President Donald Trump urged Texans to elect Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton and preserve GOP control of Congress amid polls showing Democratic opponent James Talarico ahead in the toss-up race.

CATHOLICVOTE BACKS HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES DENIED FUNDING FOR RELIGIOUS MATERIALS

CatholicVote is urging the Supreme Court to hear a California case involving families denied funding for faith-based homeschool materials, challenging state restrictions the group says are rooted in anti-Catholic hostility. Joshua Mercer, vice president of CatholicVote’s Education Fund, said California “cannot bypass the U.S. Constitution by denying equal benefit access to homeschool families that incorporate religious instruction into their children’s education.”

CHRISTA PIKE AWAKE AFTER FAILED EXECUTION, JUDGE ORDERS EXECUTION EVIDENCE PRESERVED

Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike is awake and speaking after surviving a failed lethal injection attempt. A judge ordered execution evidence preserved Oct. 7 as her attorneys continue seeking clemency.

AD: ALIGN YOUR CATHOLIC VALUES WITH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

Want a mutual fund that respects your pro-life, pro-family beliefs? All eight Ave Maria Funds share your Catholic values. They don’t invest in companies that support abortion, pornography or embryonic stem cell research, or make corporate contributions to Planned Parenthood. Learn more about Ave Maria, the nation’s largest Catholic mutual fund family. LEARN MORE

UNBORN BABY’S ESTATE WINS SETTLEMENT AGAINST ABORTIONIST

An abortion clinic and its co-defendants agreed to a $200,000 settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit brought by a mother and the estate of her unborn child, who was aborted without his mother’s informed consent. “You can collect for the death of the unborn baby as a person, but you can still murder the unborn baby under New Mexico law,” the mother’s attorney said.

POPE LEO: CHURCH CALLED TO LIVE THE GOSPEL IN THE WORLD

Pope Leo is reminding Catholics that faith cannot remain separate from daily life. Drawing from Gaudium et Spes, he pointed to the Church’s mission in society and why its message cannot be softened to meet the culture.

FOCUS SELECTS NEXT CEO

FOCUS has unanimously selected Jonathan Reyes as its next chief executive officer. A co-founder of the Augustine Institute, Reyes returns to the missionary organization where he once helped form Catholics to share the faith.

AD: GET THE GOLD STANDARD OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION—THE NEWMAN GUIDE

The 2026-2027 issue of The Newman Guide is here! Choosing a faithful Catholic education can shape a young person’s faith for life. The Newman Guide, published by The Cardinal Newman Society, helps families find K-12 schools, homeschool programs, colleges, and graduate courses they can trust. Avoid weak and scandalous education. GET YOUR FREE E-BOOK

POPE LEO TO JOIN RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN ASSISI

Pope Leo XIV will join religious leaders from around the world in Assisi Oct. 27 to pray for peace. The visit marks 40 years since St. John Paul II’s historic invitation and will include a message of peace from the Holy Father.

US BISHOPS TO ELECT CONFERENCE SECRETARY, NEW COMMITTEE LEADERS

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will elect a conference secretary and leaders for six committees at its Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore next month. The elections will help shape the USCCB’s work on key issues, including pro-life advocacy, Catholic education, and Church doctrine.

RESISTING AI ART WITH A RETURN TO TRADITION

In a world of AI generated art, Zeale Lifestyle’s Rosie Hall returned to the old world masters for a reminder of why and how art done well and by human hands reflects the Divine Artist.

CATHOLIC 101

When we think of our life path, we may think of education, careers, relationships and family, or a vocation, but there is one thing that every single person is called to — holiness.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Simeon, the elderly man who recognized the infant Jesus at the presentation in the temple.

DAILY PSALM

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people.” (Luke 1)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW EPISODE

The Archdiocese of St. Louis sues the Trump administration over restrictions on Sacraments for immigration detainees. Meanwhile, the Cornell 7 case explodes, raising major questions about consent, morality, and whether the public narrative has outrun the evidence. And finally, Justice Samuel Alito talks retirement, post-Dobbs security threats, and the religious liberty battles still coming before the Court. All this and more on the LOOPcast! WATCH ON ZEALE

HELP POWER THE LOOP

If you look forward to reading The LOOP each day, consider becoming a Champion. Monthly supporters provide the reliable funding that keeps The LOOP free and helps CatholicVote defend life, protect religious freedom, educate voters, and equip Catholics to live out their faith in the public square. Join today with a monthly gift of $10 or more. JOIN THE CLUB