The LOOP
The Wednesday Loop - October 21, 2026
TRUMP WARNS ISLAMO-MARXIST RIOTS IN FRANCE WILL COME TO US IF DEMOCRATS TAKE POWER
As violent riots fueled by Muslim and left-wing activists rage across France, President Donald Trump and Republican leaders warned that the U.S. will likely suffer the same fate if Democrats return to power in November’s midterm elections. “If you want to see what is at stake in this election, just look at what's happening in France,” Trump said at an Oct. 19 rally. “They're losing their country. They're losing Europe. That's never happening to the United States of America.”
WNBA REJECTS FORMER NBA PLAYERS’ BIDS TO COMPETE IN LEAGUE’S DRAFT
The WNBA told Congress that former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White cannot play in the league because they’re “both men,” responding to the players’ effort to challenge the WNBA’s “transgender” eligibility rules. But the league’s response left lawmakers’ request to define “women” unanswered, prompting renewed calls for explicit rules.
VANCE SITS OUT NETANYAHU ENDORSEMENT, FOCUSING ON AMERICAN ELECTIONS
Vice President JD Vance declined to join President Donald Trump in endorsing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 elections, saying his focus is on American candidates and the U.S. election. Meanwhile, War Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly visited Israel for talks with the prime minister.
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UNDERCOVER VIDEO RAISES CLAIMS OF OVERSEAS EL-SAYED DONORS
O’Keefe Media published an undercover video of an organizer saying that Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed takes foreign money, a claim the candidate’s campaign and state Democrat party deny. El-Sayed and his Republican opponent continue to trade barbs as the polls show a neck-and-neck race.
CATHOLICVOTE PARTNERS WITH EDUARDO VERÁSTEGUI TO RALLY HISPANIC VOTERS
CatholicVote, through its Spanish-language initiative VotoCatólico, is partnering with Mexican actor and film producer Eduardo Verástegui to reach Hispanic voters in Colorado and Virginia ahead of the midterm elections, urging them to support the positions taken by their Catholic bishops on five ballot measures.
SEN. SLOTKIN CREATES BACKLASH WITH 'DETER YOUNG CONSERVATIVES' COMMENT
Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who is running for re-election in Michigan, generated strong objections from conservatives after she said that she wants young people to believe that taking jobs in the Trump administration will buy them “a ton of problems.” Conservatives reacted strongly, calling for investigations and saying that Slotkin’s comments are unconstitutional.
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US AMBASSADOR TO HOLY SEE VISITS TAYBEH DAY AFTER SETTLER ATTACK ON LOCALS, EUROPEAN DIPLOMATS
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem this week denounced a settler attack against residents of the West Bank Christian town of Taybeh that occurred Oct. 17, while stressing that it is not an isolated incident but a part of “wide-scale terror by settlers.” U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and several other U.S. diplomats visited Taybeh the day after the attack.
TEXAS BISHOP ENCOURAGES VOTERS TO PRAY AHEAD OF ELECTION
The bishop of a Texas diocese has urged his flock to vote in the 2026 elections, encouraging them to approach the midterms with prayer and a sincere desire to seek what is right and just. “Because the Gospel of Christ says a great deal about our love for and responsibilities to our neighbor, our faith cannot be separated from our voting decisions," Bishop Daniel Flores wrote.
CUSTODY OF THE EYES AT MASS
You’ve received the Eucharist and return to your pew in jubilant adoration only to find yourself distracted by watching the rows of attendees make their own way to receive Jesus. Now what? Zeale Lifestyle’s Rosie Hall draws on wisdom she learned from an order of Dominican sisters to offer practical advice for avoiding the temptation to wandering eyes and minds during Mass.
CATHOLIC 101
As the Nov. 3 midterms approach, a Catholic clinical psychologist is offering advice for political conversations with family. Her guidance calls for prayer and respect without setting aside personal convictions.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Saint Hilarion the Great, born in Gaza around 291, became one of the earliest pioneers of Christian monasticism through his devotion to the Lord in prayer and solitude. He invites us to seek moments of stillness with the Lord, even amid our daily responsibilities. He is the patron saint of Palestine, monks, and Gaza.
DAILY PSALM
"You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation." (Isaiah 12)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
VOTE EARLY
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