The LOOP

The Friday Loop - October 16, 2026

TRUMP CANCELS EXECUTION LIVESTREAM

President Donald Trump has reversed the Pentagon’s plan to livestream the Fort Hood shooter’s execution after widespread backlash, including from several Catholic leaders, over the proposal. “Many very good and well meaning people would rather not watch him die, through streaming, or through any other visual device,” the President said. Nidal Hasan is still scheduled to be executed by firing squad Dec. 3.

MLB SLAMMED FOR AIRING ‘SOFT PORN’ ADS DURING PLAYOFFS

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call called on Major League Baseball (MLB) to stop airing “soft porn ads” during the playoffs, saying parents shouldn’t have to worry about “half-naked women” appearing on screen while their children watch baseball. CatholicVote President and CEO Kelsey Reinhardt also urged MLB “not to ruin America’s pastime,” saying that “Some things are worth more than advertising dollars.”

‘THOU SHALL NOT KILL’: CATHOLIC VOTER CALLS OUT TALARICO FOR ABORTION SUPPORT

At a townhall debate, a Catholic voter challenged Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico’s assertion that abortion is compatible with Christianity. “The Bible is not silent on abortion. There is the Ten Commandments: ‘Thou shall not kill,’” she said.

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NBC CHALLENGES EL-SAYED OVER ALLEGED FAMILY TIES TO MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, denied misleading viewers after NBC confronted him with his half-sister’s past posts describing their mother’s Muslim Brotherhood activism during the early 1970s, challenging his earlier denial of family connections to the group.

POPE LEO RECOVERING WELL AFTER LUNG SURGERY

Pope Leo XIV’s doctors say his recovery from lung surgery is “progressing normally.” He concelebrated Mass again Oct. 15 and resumed some daily work from the hospital. The latest update comes as Catholics offer prayers and support following his cancer diagnosis.

ANALYSIS: LEFT-WING INFLUENCE PRESSED AMERICA’S BIGGEST BANKS TO ‘DEBANK' CONSERVATIVES AND CHRISTIANS

According to a major federal government report, then-President Joe Biden, Democratic lawmakers, and left-wing activist groups were responsible for pressuring major financial institutions to terminate business with conservative merchants and vendors, Christian organizations and non-profits, and industries disfavored by Biden and the Democrats.

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USCCB PRESIDENT: PUT ‘FAITH BEFORE POLITICS’ THIS ELECTION

With the Nov. 3 elections approaching, Archbishop Paul Coakley urged Catholics to bring their faith to the ballot box, judge candidates by their actions, and resist discouragement amid political division.

REP. OMAR'S PHONE, COMPUTERS, AND PASSPORT SEIZED

Federal agents who searched the Washington home of Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., on Oct. 12 took her cellphone, notebooks, personal computers, and passport, and a Minnesota grand jury has issued more than a dozen subpoenas, including to some of her relatives, according to The Wall Street Journal. The outlet reports that the investigation aims to build a case to strip Omar's citizenship. Her office says the case has no basis.

14 FALL DATE IDEAS

Spending time with that special someone this time of year doesn’t have to mean another trip to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Here are 14 unique ideas for your first or 50th fall date together.

CATHOLIC 101

Pope St. John Paul II's "Theology of the Body" refers to his 129 Wednesday audiences on marriage, celibacy, and sexuality. Aleteia breaks down the five main tenets of his teaching here.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Today the Church celebrates Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, who dedicated her life to making the love of Jesus known through devotion to His Sacred Heart. Her example invites us to turn toward the Heart of Christ with confidence, remembering that His love remains constant even amid life's difficulties.

DAILY PSALM

"Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own." (Psalm 33)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

NEW SERIES

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THE MIDTERMS WILL SHAPE AMERICA’S FUTURE

The outcome of this November’s elections will have a lasting impact on our country. CatholicVote is working to educate and mobilize Catholic voters in the races that matter most. Become a Champion with a monthly gift of $10 or more and help power this work through November and beyond. BECOME A CHAMPION