The LOOP

The Friday Loop - November 6, 2026

DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST WINS LOS ANGELES MAYOR’S RACE

Democratic socialist Nithya Raman defeated Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who conceded Nov. 5, putting socialists at the helm of America’s two largest cities following Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s election in New York last year. Raman campaigned on publicly owned housing, stronger sanctuary policies, and expanded city-funded legal assistance for immigrants facing deportation.

HEGSETH’S JOB IN DOUBT AFTER GOP MIDTERM LOSSES

War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s job may be in jeopardy after the Republicans’ massive midterm losses, with some in the party blaming the Iran war, but President Donald Trump said Nov. 5 that he plans to keep Hegseth in his role.

VOTER ID PASSES IN NEVADA, NORTH CAROLINA, AND OHIO

Voters in Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio approved constitutional amendments on voter identification Nov. 3, with unofficial results showing each passing with at least 59% of the vote.

AD: YOUR MEDICAL SKILLS. A SACRED PURPOSE

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NEWSOM COMMUTES ALL 548 DEATH ROW SENTENCES IN CALIFORNIA TO LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose term concludes in early 2027 and who is widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, announced Nov. 5 that he has commuted all 548 death sentences in the state to life without the possibility of parole. He said he has concluded that the state cannot morally kill those on death row.

‘A MASSIVE VICTORY’: IDAHO REJECTS ABORTION MEASURE

Stanton Healthcare celebrated Idaho voters’ rejection of Proposition 1, which would have established a statutory right to abortion, and pledged continued care for women facing unexpected pregnancies.

ANALYSIS: UNDERSTANDING POLAND’S CURRENT CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a former official of the European Union with close ties to Brussels, has been accused of committing a coup after using riot police to install his preferred picks on Poland’s top constitutional court. What precipitated this unlawful judicial takeover?

AD: PREPARE YOUR HEART FOR THE COMING KING

A Heart Made Ready guides you through Advent and Christmas with 43 daily meditations, Scripture, reflection questions, and prayer. Available in English or Spanish. Explore this prayer companion and more family books in the Advent Collection. LEARN MORE

THE SCHOOL CHOICE LANDSCAPE AFTER THE MIDTERMS

New Mexico’s outgoing Democratic governor announced plans to join the federal scholarship tax credit program Nov. 4, bringing the number of states publicly committed to participating to 32. Meanwhile, Democratic election gains have raised uncertainty for state-funded school choice programs in Texas and North Carolina, where families could face new fights over scholarship funding.

RESEARCHERS EXPLORE MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT LATIN MASS-ATTENDING CATHOLICS

There are a number of public misconceptions regarding Catholics who attend the Traditional Latin Mass, according to two Catholic professors who have been researching TLM communities and compiled a book about it. Though the TLM community sometimes may be perceived as cultish, the reality is that many who attend the traditional liturgy are like any group of people strongly committed to practicing religion in a secular world, one of the professors explained in a recent interview.

SAVE THOSE SEEDS

Fall gourds like pumpkins and squash are for more than decorating and side dishes. Save, season, and cook their seeds for a nutritious and budget-friendly snack.

CATHOLIC 101

Would the saints go no-contact? In light of the increasing trend of adult children going no-contact with their parents, look to the saints for holy examples of how to navigate challenging or even abusive family situations with love and virtue.

SAINT OF THE DAY

Remembered for his care for prisoners and a life devoted to prayer, St. Leonard of Noblac became a beloved intercessor for those seeking freedom and hope.

DAILY PSALM

"Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord." (Psalm 122)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION

Another election has come and gone and the future remains to be seen. As we celebrate First Friday, pray that our elected officials will be guided by the light of the Sacred Heart. PRAY AND SHARE

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