The LOOP
The Monday Loop - January 12, 2026
FED CHAIR JEROME POWELL TARGETED WITH CRIMINAL PROBE
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is under a criminal investigation initiated by the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Columbia. The probe focuses on Powell's congressional testimonies about a renovation at the central bank, but he contends that matter is just a pretext and that he is in fact being targeted because the Fed would not set interest rates according to President Donald Trump's preferences.
RUBIO, NETANYAHU DISCUSS STRIKING IRAN
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke on the phone Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of U.S. military strikes on Iran as widespread protests rock the regime. President Donald Trump last week threatened to strike Iran if it used force against protesters.
TRUMP THREATENS CUBA OVER OIL
Trump yesterday stated that the U.S. will now cut off supplies to Cuba, threatening unspecified consequences if the communist nation does not cooperate with his administration's economic plans. "I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
MISSISSIPPI SYNAGOGUE TORCHED, SUSPECT ARRESTED
Officials with the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested a suspect Saturday night after Mississippi's largest synagogue was burned and local law enforcement ruled the incident an act of arson.
POPE LEO PRAYS FOR PEACE IN IRAN, SYRIA, UKRAINE
“My thoughts turn to the situation currently unfolding in the Middle East, especially in Iran and Syria, where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives,” Pope Leo said yesterday during his Angelus address at St. Peter's Square. “I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society.”
HOLY FATHER BAPTIZES VATICAN EMPLOYEES' BABIES
Yesterday, the Holy Father carried on a tradition started by his predecessor, Pope St. John Paul II: In the midst of celebrations for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Leo baptized 20 babies — newly born children of Vatican employees.
ARCHITECT REVEALS DETAILS OF WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM
The lead architect of Trump's new White House ballroom this month revealed more details about the space. Located on the East Wing, the ballroom will include a major banquet hall, offices for the First Lady, and a movie theater.
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O JESUS, I SURRENDER MYSELF TO YOU, TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING!
The most powerful novena. Made in America exclusively by Full of Grace USA.
CATHOLIC VICTORY IN COLORADO
Colorado recently agreed to pay a Catholic health care clinic $5.4 million to cover attorneys’ fees and court costs after the state targeted the clinic for providing women with abortion pill reversal services.
POPE LEO COMMITS TO MEETING YEARLY WITH CARDINALS
At the end of the two-day meeting with cardinals from around the world last week, Pope Leo made a historic announcement: He now plans to hold such meetings every year.
CATHOLICS & FOOD RESPONSIBILITY
In an age of industrial agriculture and ultra-processed food, what's a Catholic to do? Are there ethical lines that should be drawn? Are moral issues at stake? Caroline LaFleur examines this issue.
CATHOLIC 101
Brother Nathaniel Labs, OP, reflects beautifully on barrenness and birth, on the salt of the curse of Eve, and on how God sweetened it when He brought Our Lady into the world.
SAINT OF THE DAY
Today the Church honors St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, a devout girl born in France. She moved to Canada and started a school in what would eventually become the city of Montreal. She began her mission in a stable, teaching children. Eventually, the small group of women she gathered around her became the Congregation of Notre Dame de Montreal.
DAILY PSALM
"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Psalm 95)
DAILY READINGS
Today's Mass readings.
CATHOLICVOTE CALLS TO END ABORTION TAX DEDUCTION
When Roe v. Wade cleared the way for abortion, the IRS unilaterally made abortion expenses eligible for a tax deduction. CatholicVote is now asking people to go the CatholicVote Action Center where they can send a message to Trump, urging him to rescind that eligibility.
