Read Time: 5 min 56 sec | Listen to Podcast

ECONOMY

Bingo Card

GDP took a tumble. 

The U.S. economy shrank 0.3% from January to March, its first contraction since 2022. The decline was largely driven by businesses scrambling to stock up ahead of tariffs (Uncle Sam buying more decreases net exports… a component of GDP), though consumer spending dipped, too. 

Trade activity is also feeling it: cargo shipments from China to the U.S. have plunged 65% since the 145% tariff took effect just three weeks ago. Economists warn Americans may begin crossing off “empty shelves” and “higher prices” from their 2025 bingo cards this month.

If times are tough, no one told Meta or Microsoft. Both tech giants posted strong earnings on Wednesday—Microsoft’s quarterly revenue was up 13% from a year ago; Meta’s was up 16%. U.S. stocks rallied on the news.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES
Whether the economy rebounds, wobbles, or collapses, God will remain in control. In the midst of uncertainty on earth, set your hope on the abundance we will enjoy with Christ when he comes. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” 
1 Peter 1:3-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Done Deal

After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a natural resources deal Wednesday.

The deal—pursued by President Trump since his inauguration—sets up a joint investment fund that keeps Uncle Sam engaged in the war against Russia while providing a path for profit. Here’s how it works: 

• Ukraine contributes 50% of profits from mining government-owned rare-earth minerals, oil, and gas to the fund

• The U.S. contributes to the fund directly or with military aid

• For the first 10 years, profits will be reinvested into Ukraine’s reconstruction; then, profits will be distributed between the partners

Notably absent from the deal: President Zelenskyy’s desired security guarantees and Trump’s desired repayment of the billions in military aid Washington already provided.

The White House celebrated the win-win partnership; critics say it reduces Ukraine to a “virtual colony.”

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for peace in Eastern Europe, confident that God hears and grants our prayers when we pray “according to his will” (1 John 5:14–15).

“Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 654

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U.S. NEWS

Status: Pending

A Columbia University student was released on bail Tuesday after being detained by immigration authorities at his citizenship interview. 

Mohsen Mahdawi—a 34-year-old from the West Bank and permanent U.S. resident—was arrested in Vermont last month. Mahdawi’s lawyers say his arrest is “the government’s retaliation” against Mahdawi’s free speech rights and his role in organizing pro-Palestinian protests on Columbia’s campus. The State Department argues Mahdawi’s actions—speaking out against Israel—compromise “U.S. foreign policy interest.” 

The judge overseeing his case said Mahdawi posed no public or flight risk and allowed him to remain in Vermont and attend Columbia while his case is ongoing. 

Uncle Sam’s recent measures targeting on-campus, pro-Palestine protests include revoking students’ visas and placing at least two students—including fellow Columbia Lion Mahmoud Khalil—in ICE detention.

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Verse to consider whether or not justice is served in American courts, your workplace, or the middle school hallways… “This is my servant; I strengthen him, this is my chosen one; I delight in him. I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring justice to the nations… He will not grow weak or be discouraged until he has established justice on earth. The coasts and islands will wait for his instruction.”
Isaiah 42:1, 4 (CSB) (read full passage)

A prank call is proving to be pricey. The NFL fined the Atlanta Falcons $250K and Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich $100K after Ulbrich’s 21-year-old son used confidential info from dad’s iPad to prank call Shedeur Sanders during the draft. The team accepted blame and promised better security going forward. Ulbrich and his son have publicly apologized for the “inexcusable ”call.
 

SCOTUS appears poised to green light Lady Liberty’s first religious charter school. In oral arguments Wednesday, a Catholic school in Oklahoma argued that excluding it from the publicly funded charter school system violates the First Amendment’s protection against religious discrimination; Oklahoma countered, saying including it would violate the First Amendment’s separation of church and state. Expect a final decision this summer.
 

A fan tumbled over a 21-foot wall, plunging onto the right-field warning track during the Pirates’ home opener versus the Cubs Wednesday night. Play stopped as players looked on in shock, and first responders attended to the fan, who was rushed to the hospital and is in critical condition. Officials say the fall appears accidental; an investigation is ongoing.
 

Take it down or head downtown. House Democrats and Republicans joined forces to pass the Take It Down Act, 409-2. The bipartisan bill would make it a federal crime to knowingly post (or threaten to post) nonconsensual, sexually explicit deepfakes—digitally altered videos/images of real people. First Lady Melania has championed the bill, and her husband has promised to sign it.
 

Apple’s in a sour situation. Wednesday, a judge ruled that Apple’s Vice President of Finance, Alex Roman, “outright lied” in court during the tech giant’s 2021 Epic Games trial over in-app purchasing policies. According to the judge, “neither Apple, nor its counsel, corrected” the lies. Roman and Apple now face a potential criminal contempt investigation; Apple has promised to appeal.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The uses of AI… ranked.

ICYMI

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What We’re Drinking
(*cue hushed tones*) Tea from Pique Life*

Can you keep a secret? I’m one of the newest team members at The Pour Over, and… I’m actually more of a tea guy. 

While my coffee-obsessed coworkers chug coffee, I’m powering through with Pique Life. Their crystallized tea dissolves instantly—minimal prep, maximum results. 

My favorite lately? Pique's Radiant Skin Duo with Sun Goddess Matcha and B•T Fountain. This combination delivers what coffee can't: sustained energy without the crash, improved gut health, and enhanced mental clarity. And yes, my skin looks better too—I'm not complaining.

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Joe Kim | Tea-rific Podcast Producer