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U.S. NEWS

Signalgate Saga

The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, published all the receipts from the U.S. national security Signal chat he was accidentally added to (see past story).

The messages showed discussions of mid-March’s strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, including an exact timeline by Defense Secretary Hegseth. Goldberg initially withheld the screenshots due to sensitivity, but, after officials insisted no classified info or war plans were shared, published them so people could “reach their own conclusions.” 

Hours later, Intelligence Director Gabbard and CIA Director Ratcliffe testified before Congress. Gabbard said she didn’t recall the chat’s details but maintained that nothing classified was shared; Ratcliffe defended using the Signal app for the convo.

Watchdog group American Oversight is suing, alleging that using Signal—which auto-deletes messages—violates the Federal Records Act’s requirement for federal officials to preserve all communications about official business.

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Verse to consider when opinions are flying left and right… “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6 (CSB) (read full passage)

ECONOMY

Sticker Shock

President Trump is giving the green light to auto industry tariffs. 

Wednesday, the White House announced a 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles, light trucks (think: pickups), and some car parts beginning next week. Economists expect the levies will raise car prices by $4,000-$10,000 as many “American made” cars have foreign parts or are partially assembled in Mexico or Canada. 

Trump says the tariffs will make Uncle Sam $100B/year and incentivize companies to do more of the car-building in the U.S., creating jobs. Critics say higher prices will decrease demand, hurting carmakers and forcing layoffs. Auto stocks generally went in reverse (GM -7.8%, Ford -3%, STLA -2.5%, Tesla +2.5%).

Tariff uncertainty and inflation fears are shaking Consumer Confidence. The measure of consumers’ optimism or pessimism about the economic future hit a 12-year low this week.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed. 

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD NEWS

Outcry in Gaza

Hundreds of Palestinians are protesting in a rare show of public dissent against Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007.

On Tuesday, demonstrations broke out in northern Gaza—the most war-torn part of the Strip—with protesters calling for an end to the fighting that’s resumed since Hamas’ two-month ceasefire with Israel crumbled last week. By Wednesday, crowds had swelled and spread south, with many chanting “Hamas out.” 

Leaders of prominent Gazan clans issued a statement calling for the end of leadership that doesn’t “represent us.” Members of the Fatah faction, which dominates the West Bank’s governing Palestinian Authority, joined calls for Hamas’s withdrawal.

Masked, armed Hamas militants forcibly dispersed protesters, condemning those shifting blame away from Israel and pushing “suspicious political agendas.” Israeli PM Netanyahu said the protests prove that Israel’s offensive is weakening Hamas.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
No matter what happens with the government in Gaza or leadership closer to home—in fact, no matter what happens to you today—believers can face the future with confidence. Christ has delivered us from darkness and made a home for us in his kingdom.

“I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content ​— ​whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:12-13 (CSB) (read full passage)

Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order requiring proof of citizenship (a passport or government ID) to register to vote in federal elections; current federal law only requires registering voters to swear that they’re citizens under penalty of perjury. Legal challenges are expected. Critics say the change is unconstitutional and would illegally disenfranchise many voters.
 

A search is ongoing for four U.S. soldiers who went missing during a training exercise in Lithuania this week. Their vehicle was discovered submerged in a peat bog in the training area Wednesday; the fate of the soldiers is still “unknown.” U.S. and Lithuanian soldiers have been working to drain the bog and dig out the vehicle.
 

Six people were killed and 39 rescued after a submarine carrying Russian tourists sank off Egypt’s Red Sea coast on Thursday. The accident happened during an underwater coral reefs tour near the popular resort of Hurghada, where another tourist boat sank in rough waters in November, killing at least four. The cause of this week’s incident is still under investigation.
 

No more tasting the rainbow in West Virginia. WV Governor Morrisey (R) signed a law banning seven artificial food dyes and two preservatives from food and drugs sold in the state. School meals will start ditching the dyes this August, with a full statewide ban rolling out by 2028. Dozens of other U.S. states have introduced similar legislation this year.
 

The Vances are getting a… chilly reception in Greenland this week. Second lady Usha originally planned to attend cultural events, but Greenland’s government called it a “provocation” given the Trump administration’s interest in buying the mineral-rich island. Instead, VP JD will join Usha for a quick visit to a U.S. Space Force base on the Arctic island.

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