The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - October 29, 2026
TEXAS CHILDREN’S LAUNCHES NATION’S FIRST DETRANSITION CLINIC
Texas Children’s Hospital, the largest pediatric hospital in the U.S., has opened what Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton calls the nation’s first dedicated detransition clinic, fulfilling a requirement of a settlement he announced earlier this year. “I will continue to ensure that this clinic provides the care and support that victims of the radical left’s gender ideology deserve,” said Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate in the midterms.
TRUMP ANNOUNCES EPA REGULATION ROLLBACK ON LOW-PRODUCING OIL WELLS
The proposal would loosen Biden-era rules for marginal wells and end a leak-detection program, but EPA has not estimated any effect on pump prices, which follow fluctuations in global crude.
EXCLUSIVE: LATIN PATRIARCHATE AUXILIARY BISHOP DESCRIBES CHRISTIANS’ SITUATION IN GAZA, WEST BANK, JERUSALEM
In this exclusive interview, Bishop William Shomali, auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate, speaks with a Catholic Palestinian journalist based in the West Bank Christian town of Taybeh about the situation faced by Christians in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Israel. “Preserving Christian presence in the Holy Land is not merely a demographic issue,” he said. “It is a spiritual, historical and ecclesial responsibility, because these Christian communities are the living stones that keep the witness to Christ alive in the land where he walked.”
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NEW YORK MAN CHARGED AFTER 9/11 MEMORIAL DEFACED WITH RED PAINT
A New York man faces charges after allegedly spray-painting a gun-control website address on the 9/11 Memorial. Officials said the site was restored, with no permanent damage.
TRAIN COLLISION IN SPAIN KILLS 68, INJURES DOZENS MORE
A high-speed train collision in Spain killed at least 68 people and injured dozens more Oct. 28. The exact cause of the crash is under investigation, while Spain’s transport minister indicated that human error and a computer communications malfunction led to one train crashing into the back of a stationary one. Catholic leaders have urged the faithful to pray for the victims and their families.
USCCB PRAISES PREGNANCY HELP CENTERS FOR THEIR ‘WITNESS TO LIFE’
Ahead of Pregnancy Help Appreciation Week Nov. 9-13, Bishop Daniel Thomas praised pregnancy help centers nationwide and urged Catholics to support those serving women, babies, and families through prayer, good works, and financial assistance.
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VERSELE
How well do you know Scripture? Find out with, a daily Catholic word game featuring a new hidden word every day. PLAY NOW
NETANYAHU PULLS AHEAD IN ISRAELI ELECTION BUT NEITHER BLOC HAS A MAJORITY
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed a “clear, decisive victory” among Jewish and Zionist voters early Oct. 28, but partial results from Israel’s parliamentary election left neither his right-wing alliance nor the opposition led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot with a governing majority.
MICHIGAN MINISTRIES FIGHT LAW THEY SAY WOULD FORCE THEM TO VIOLATE THEIR FAITH
A Catholic school and Christian medical ministry are asking a federal appeals court to protect their ability to hire staff, teach students, and provide medical care according to their religious beliefs.
DAYTIME HALLOWEEN FUN
Celebrate All Hallows’ Eve with these fun snacks, crafts, and family activities!
CATHOLIC 101
The "primary foundation" of culture's relationship to the Christian faith is found in the Incarnation, Pope Leo XIV said in his Oct. 28 General Audience. Faith, an incarnate reality, must be lived out through culture, he said, taking shape through people’s art, science, writings, and traditions.
SAINT OF THE DAY
From a remarkable miracle to years of personal trials, St. Narcissus of Jerusalem lived a life of faith and devotion to the Church. He became bishop of Jerusalem in the late second century, helping guide the early Church and taking part in a council that affirmed the celebration of Easter on Sunday.
DAILY PSALM
"Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!" (Psalm 144:1b)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
VOTE EARLY
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