The LOOP
The Thursday Loop - March 13, 2025
INFLATION LOWEST IN NEARLY 4 YEARS
The US inflation rate fell to 2.8% in February, with core inflation at 3.1%, the lowest in four years. The White House credits Trump’s policies, including deregulation and energy initiatives, as gas prices also declined, easing financial pressure on consumers.
TRUMP EPA ROLLS BACK BIDEN 'EV MANDATE'
Facing rising costs and tightening regulations in recent years, many families have worried about affording their next vehicle. In a major shift, Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency is rolling back the Biden administration’s crackdown on gas emissions, aiming to lower costs and protect consumer choice.
CDC LAUNCHING STUDY INTO SKYROCKETING AUTISM RATE
The Trump administration's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reportedly initiated a comprehensive study into the rising autism rates, including potential vaccine links, reflecting ongoing parental concerns about the US childhood vaccination schedule.
Advertisement
LENTEN LESSONS: WHAT MAKES A SACRAMENT VALID?
Did you know that sacraments can be invalid if certain elements are missing? Discover what makes Baptism valid and what can render it void. Jesus gave us the instructions – we just follow them! Watch and learn today with Lenten Lessons on the Sacraments from Relevant Radio.
RUBIO: 83% OF USAID PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN CUT
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID's contracts—approximately 5,200—due to misalignment with U.S. national interests. The remaining 1,000 programs will be administered by the State Department.
TRUMP SENDS BRIAN BURCH NOMINATION TO SENATE
President Donald Trump has formally submitted to the Senate his nomination of CatholicVote President Brian Burch as US Ambassador to the Holy See. "Brian loves his Church and the United States," Trump has said. "He will make us all proud."
CUBA RELEASES PRISONERS IN VATICAN-BROKERED DEAL
Cuba's communist regime has released 553 prisoners as part of a Vatican-brokered agreement. The news comes shortly after the Trump administration reinstated Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
SO MUCH NEWS
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Churches in Israel may have to close due to imposed taxes. • Exposed: a "grassroots" anti-Trump group is funded by billionaires. • GOP voters' satisfaction with the nation sees a historic surge.
PRO-LIFERS: PICK UP THE PHONE!
Switch to Charity Mobile, the pro-life phone company!
NUNS IN SYRIA PLEAD FOR PRAYERS
Carmelite nuns in Aleppo are crying out against the recent massacres. “We beg you: pray, and do whatever is in your power to help stop this inhuman slaughter."
CATHOLIC WAS BEHIND RECENT PRIEST KIDNAPPINGS IN NIGERIA
In an unexpected twist, Nigerian police arrested a Catholic suspect linked to the kidnapping of two priests, raising unsettling questions about trust and security within the Church amid growing violence against clergy.
'THE DEVIL HAS NO KNEES'
Some congregations have stopped kneeling during Mass altogether. If you walk into a Byzantine Catholic church on a Sunday, you might think they’ve chosen the same thing. But Eastern Christians don’t kneel, specifically on Sundays, for very different reasons. Here’s what it means in their 1700-year-old tradition.
CATHOLIC 101 A 13-year-old boy’s terrifying descent into possession—levitation, guttural
Latin, unexplainable violence—led priests to battle a demon in a grueling month-long exorcism. The true story that inspired "The Exorcist," this real-life horror is an important reminder to Catholics: the devil is real, and closer than you might think...
SAINT OF THE DAY
Saint Roderick, a priest in 9th-century Spain, was martyred for refusing to renounce his Christian faith under Muslim rule. Betrayed by his own family, he was imprisoned and executed alongside another Christian, Solomon.
DAILY PSALM
“Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me." (Psalm 138:3)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
PRAYER
Pope Francis' health is still stable and slightly improving. Please join us in continuing to pray for the Holy Father and for the Church.