The LOOP

The Friday Loop - November 13, 2026

DEMOCRATS FLIP MISSISSIPPI SENATE SEAT IN MAJOR UPSET

Democrat Scott Colom defeated Republican incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi, expanding the incoming Democratic Senate majority to at least 55 seats. The AP called the race Nov. 11 after more than a week of ballot counting. Colom is the first Democrat elected to the Senate from Mississippi since 1982.

COLORADO APPROVES TRIO OF MEASURES PROTECTING CHILDREN

In an election where Democrats advanced around the country, Colorado voters approved three ballot measures that show their values are not in complete alignment with that party’s policy agenda. The changes to state law involve requiring life in prison without parole for sex trafficking of minors, keeping male athletes out of girls’ sports, and banning sex-rejecting surgeries for minors. “This was never about left or right,” CatholicVote President Kelsey Reinhardt said. “It was about right and wrong. Protecting children is not a partisan cause.”

TRUMP ADMIN HALTS $112M IN MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PAYMENTS TO FRAUD-RIDDEN MINNESOTA

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services originally announced plans to pause nearly $260 million in payments to Minnesota, but federal review of documents related to payments raised enough red flags for officials to withhold millions of taxpayer dollars indefinitely.

AD: HAVING A HARD TIME HIRING GREAT PEOPLE?

Sól Recruiting, Coaching & Consulting exists to grow the Kingdom, the Catholic Church, the common good, and authentic human flourishing. We support apostolates, Catholic medical groups, pro-life organizations, parishes, dioceses, schools, and value-aligned businesses in finding hard-working, mission-fit team players. EXPLORE OUR SERVICES

DEADLY SHOOTING AT DC GYM

The suspect allegedly targeted someone he’d been in litigation with over a condo issue, and then took his own life after a police standoff. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called the shooting “a senseless act of gun violence.”

‘SOUND OF FREEDOM’ TEAM REUNITES FOR NEW FILM ON CHRIST’S BIRTH

Mexican Catholic actor Eduardo Verástegui and director Alejandro Monteverde, the filmmakers behind the box-office hit ‘Sound of Freedom,’ are reuniting for ‘Zero A.D.: The Birth of Christ,’ a biblical epic depicting the Nativity. The film stars Jim Caviezel, who previously portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, as King Herod, alongside Avatar star Sam Worthington. The story follows the birth of Jesus, Herod’s persecution of innocent children, and Mary and Joseph’s efforts to protect their newborn Son.

AOC SUPPORTERS EYE WHITE HOUSE IN 2028

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is shaking up her fundraising team, hiring the firm led by Sen. Bernie Sanders’ former fundraising strategist as supporters push her toward a 2028 presidential bid. An independent group says it recruited more than 10,000 supporters in 24 hours, and chapters of the Democratic Socialists of America are urging her to run.

AD: STEP INTO THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS

Experience the wonder of the Nativity through Scripture, prayer, and reflection that draw you into the mystery of the Incarnation. Perfect for families, parish groups, or quiet personal devotion — a beautiful way to keep Christ at the center of your Advent and Christmas season. LEARN MORE

POPE LEO RETURNS TO PERU

Approximately 3 million people welcomed Pope Leo XIV back to Peru Nov. 11. After serving as bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023 and earlier as a missionary in Peru, he once again greeted the faithful, this time as the Successor of Peter. In the first several addresses of the visit, Pope Leo addressed challenges faced by communities in Peru and the importance of protecting the common good.

ARCHBISHOP HICKS URGES PRAYERS AFTER DEADLY BROOKLYN BUILDING COLLAPSE

As rescuers searched for survivors, New York’s archbishop thanked emergency crews and asked God to console grieving families. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS FOR 20S AND 30S

Transitioning from celebrating Thanksgiving as children, along for the long car ride to Grandma’s, to participating as adults, possibly even planning and hosting yourself, brings the opportunity to start traditions that will become the happy memories of generations after you. Here are some ideas to consider.

CATHOLIC 101

Why are the craftsmanship, elaborate beauty, and romance of yesteryear garnering so much attention on social media? Zeale Lifestyle’s Johanna Duncan argues that this nostalgia is really a longing for the true, good, and beautiful that reflects the Creator.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Guided by her trust in God's providence, Mother Cabrini overcame personal fears and countless obstacles to bring hope and compassionate care to immigrant families.

DAILY PSALM

"Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!" (Psalm 119)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

VERSELE

How well do you know Scripture? Find out with, a daily Catholic word game featuring a new hidden word every day. Only on Zeale. PLAY NOW

WHY ARE SO MANY FAMILIES GOING NO CONTACT?

Something disturbing is happening in American families. Parents are being cut off by their children. Siblings are no longer speaking. Relationships that once seemed unbreakable are falling apart. In her book No Contact, Noelle Mering examines this growing phenomenon and the sinister ideology behind it. CatholicVote Champions are invited to join Noelle for an exclusive livestream conversation about what is happening to our families and why it matters. BECOME A CHAMPION TO JOIN