July 18, 2025

Overview: This week, the Senate and House of Representatives passed the Trump administration's $9 billion rescissions package. The bill cuts previously approved spending for aid programs around the world and for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Since the Senate amended the bill, allowing $400 million to remain with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, it had to be sent back to the House of Representatives for a second vote.

Economy: In the week ending July 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 221,000, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 227,000 to 228,000. The 4-week moving average was 229,500, a decrease of 6,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 235,500 to 235,750. 

Take action: Tell Congress to support critical, targeted reforms that will help communities prevent and respond to homelessness more effectively by passing The Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act, which offers practical solutions grounded in the daily experiences of service providers across the country. Catholic Charities USA has endorsed this legislation and continues to work to build support for its passage. Take action now.

Although responsibility for the ethical use of AI systems begins with those who develop, manage and oversee them, those who use them also share in this responsibility. AI therefore requires proper ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person, and which goes beyond the mere criteria of utility or efficiency. Ultimately, we must never lose sight of the common goal of contributing to that "tranquillitas ordinis - the tranquility of order", as Saint Augustine called it (De Civitate Dei) and fostering a more humane order of social relations, and peaceful and just societies in the service of integral human development and the good of the human family. Message of the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV on the Occasion of the AI for Good Summit 2025, July 10, Geneva

Q. What is the only river named in the Book of Revelation?

Please send your answers to [email protected]. 

Previous question and answer:

Q. Where did St. Benedict (Feast Day: July 11) begin his monastic life?

A. Thanks to Julie Atkins, who was first with the right answer: St. Benedict started his monastic life in a cave in Subiaco, Italy.

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