The LOOP
The Wednesday Loop - June 18, 2025
TRUMP WEIGHS FURTHER US INVOLVEMENT IN WAR
The US Embassy in Jerusalem early Wednesday announced that it would be closed until Friday in compliance with local ordinances amid retaliatory Iranian strikes on the state of Israel, while the Trump administration signaled it may be weighing further US involvement in the Middle Eastern war.
BLUE-COLLAR WAGES SEE BIGGEST GROWTH IN NEARLY 60 YEARS
In the first five months of President Donald Trump’s second term, real wages for blue-collar workers rose nearly 2% — the highest growth recorded in the opening months of any presidency since 1969.
MAJORITY OPPOSE RIOTS, SUPPORT TRUMP IMMIGRATION AGENDA
A majority of Americans say violent rioters in Los Angeles should be prosecuted and strongly support Trump’s immigration agenda.
CATHOLIC CONVERT TEARS DOWN, BURNS CHURCH'S 'PRIDE' FLAG
A Catholic convert tore down and burned a “pride” flag outside All Saints Catholic Church in Syracuse, New York — a parish at the center of growing controversy over LGBT activism within the Church.
DePAUL UNIVERSITY SHUTS DOWN PLANNED PARENTHOOD STUDENT GROUP
A DePaul University student organization with ties to Planned Parenthood says school officials ordered it to disband, end its operations, and cancel its events. A DePaul spokesperson said the Catholic university does not allow student groups to affiliate with outside organizations “whose core missions are in direct conflict with the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.”
SURVEY FINDS DEMS LOSING BADLY AMONG CHRISTIANS TIME
Magazine published a piece explaining how "Democrats are losing Christian voters of all stripes." The survey at the center of the story found that 75% of Christians have little or no trust in the Democratic Party, with 58% saying the party is actively hostile to Christianity. In stark contrast, 70% of respondents view the Republican Party as friendly to Christianity.
ORTHODOX SUE AGAINST WASHINGTON ANTI-CATHOLIC CONFESSION LAW
Several Orthodox churches and an Orthodox priest filed a federal lawsuit this week to stop a Washington state law that will require priests, starting July 27, to report child abuse if a penitent revealed it to them in confession.
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VICTIMS STILL LANGUISHING, DYING IN GAZA
Though much global attention has shifted to the Israel-Iran conflict, the situation between Israel and Gaza has not improved and still needs urgent prayers and attention, according to a plea from the vicar general of the Custody of the Holy Land.
CHICAGO CATHEDRAL CONTINUES TO PROMOTE LGBT AGENDA
Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago marked its 175th anniversary with a May 4 Mass that publicly acknowledged its continued partnership with the “Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach” (AGLO), the Archdiocese of Chicago’s controversial pro-LGBT ministry.
SO MUCH NEWS
Here are the stories we couldn’t fit in today’s LOOP: • Illinois citizens defeated a bill that would have cracked down on homeschooling! • A man was arrested after smashing $10,000 worth of statues at a New York parish. • US bishops say keep fighting for life as the Dobbs anniversary approaches.
FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT
In the relentless hustle of family life, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Every successful organization has a mission statement, so why not your family as well? Here is a step-by-step guide for creating a together.
CATHOLIC 101
"In our competitive society, where it seems that only the strong and winners deserve to live, sport... teaches us how to lose," Pope Leo XIV stated in an inspiring reflection for the Church's first-ever "Jubilee of Sport." In "learning the art of losing," we are forced "to confront our fragility, our limitations and our imperfections."
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today, the Church honors Saint Osanna Andreasi, an Italian Dominican tertiary and mystic who spent her adult life serving the poor and the sick and offering spiritual direction to many.
DAILY PSALM
"Blessed the man who fears the Lord." (Psalm 112:1)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
NEW REPORT
Gavin Newsom says he’s Catholic — but his policies tell another story. From abortion to attacks on parental rights, we break it all down.