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U.S. NEWS

MAGA Rift

President Trump is digging in against his base over the Epstein case.

After the DOJ announced there is no Epstein “client list” and reaffirmed his suicide, many Trump supporters cried cover-up. On Wednesday, Trump doubled down, calling it a “hoax” pushed by “Democrats and foolish Republicans.” On social media, he called critics “weaklings” and “past supporters.”

The case has sparked a MAGA rift. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino has clashed with AG Pam Bondi over withheld files. Some right-wing influencers, like Charlie Kirk, have quieted after speaking with Trump. Others, like Megyn Kelly and Laura Loomer, are still demanding answers.

Congress may get involved. This week, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) requested the DOJ release its files on Epstein, and House Democrats are proposing amendments to this week’s crypto legislation that would force the files’ release.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Culturally hot topics frequently make people think, speak, and act poorly… including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we are quick to listen and slow to speak.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” 
James 3:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Syria Ceasefire

A ceasefire in the Middle East has been reached… for a conflict you likely haven’t heard of. 

Syria announced Wednesday it had renewed a ceasefire with the Druze—a tight-knit religious minority of ~1 million people living in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel—following days of fighting between Druze militias and nomadic Bedouin fighters (another minority group) in the country’s southern province of Suweida. Syria deployed its military to control the conflict, but fighting escalated, and residents accused government forces of killing Druze civilians. 

The ceasefire came after Israel intervened, launching airstrikes on Damascus—which hit Syria’s military headquarters—in a reported effort to defend the Druze and prevent Syrian forces and Islamist militants from turning southern Syria into a “terror stronghold.” 

Syrian forces have withdrawn from the region; Interim President Al-Sharaa says his “priority” is to protect Druze citizens.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Peace in this world is temporary, but the peace we gain through Jesus is forever. As we pray for peace in the Middle East, remember our ultimate hope is in Christ—who’s coming again one day to bring perfect, lasting peace. No more wars. No more death, sadness, or pain.

“He will settle disputes among many peoples and provide arbitration for strong nations that are far away. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.” 
Micah 4:3 (CSB) (read full passage)

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U.S. NEWS

Fed Firing?

Will he? Won’t he? Can he?

President Trump reportedly showed Republican lawmakers a draft termination letter for Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, but later said the firing was “highly unlikely.” The stock market opposes Powell’s potential pink slip (dipping each time it’s suggested), but the President is publicly frustrated that Powell won’t cut interest rates. 

The Fed maintains that Trump doesn’t have the authority to fire Powell. The president appoints the Fed Chair to a 4-year term (which requires Senate confirmation), but can only fire them for “cause.” Disagreement over when to cut rates does not merit “cause,” but the Trump Administration suggests Powell has mismanaged a $2.5B renovation to Federal Reserve buildings. 

It’s generally assumed that, if the letter is ever sent, the Supreme Court will be forced to weigh in.

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Verse to consider when things feel up in the air… “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 
Hebrews 13:8 (CSB) (read full passage)

Uncle Sam’s budget will likely get $9B slimmer. At President Trump’s request, the Senate passed a bill that would cancel previously approved foreign aid and funding to public broadcasting (think NPR and PBS). It’s expected to clear the House today. Supporters praise the fiscal trim; critics say Congress is conceding too much of its spending authority to the White House. 
 

Tomorrowland’s tomorrow is a little murky. A massive fire tore through the main stage of Belgium’s Tomorrowland EDM festival site Wednesday, just two days before kickoff. No one was injured, but organizers say the stage was “severely damaged.” The cause remains unknown. The festival, set to begin today, draws tens of thousands of visitors from around Europe each year.
 

Meta’s $8B privacy trial has settled… a day after it began. Shareholders had sued CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other Meta directors, saying they should use their personal piggy banks to reimburse the company for fines and legal costs of user privacy violations. The trial promised testimony from the who’s who of tech, but alas. The settlement’s terms were not disclosed.
 

Do you Labubu? Pop Mart, the Chinese toymaker behind the viral doll, announced a 350% jump in profits as endorsements from Kim Kardashian and Lisa from Blackpink continue to fuel the craze. The $10 dolls, which look a little like they’d hang out Where the Wild Things Are, have a booming resale market where they can fetch hundreds of dollars.
 

Tuesday’s MLB All-Star Game hit it outta the park. Tied after nine innings, it ended with the first-ever “swing-off,” where three players from each team got three swings to try for a home run. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber blasted all three for homers for the National League, winning the game, MVP, and a cool crystal bat.

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