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WORLD NEWS

Talks and Tensions

Ceasefires are being negotiated… and ending.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy backed a limited ceasefire that would ban attacks on civilian infrastructure after a call with President Trump Wednesday, which both described as “positive.” Russian President Putin agreed to the narrow proposal on Tuesday but rejected Trump’s push for a broader 30-day ceasefire.

U.S.-led negotiations will continue Sunday in Saudi Arabia, with Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Advisor Waltz representing the U.S.; Russia and Ukraine’s participation remains unclear.

Meanwhile, the Israel/Hamas ceasefire appears to have fully broken. Israel resumed its ground assault and heavy airstrikes in Gaza this week; Hamas began returning rocket fire yesterday. At least 500 people have been killed since fighting resumed, and there’s not a clear path to resuming peace talks.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
War and the evil it exposes are a terrible reminder that the world is not as it should be. Seek peace where you are and trust that the Lord will end all war in his perfect timing. 

“Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold… Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth.” 
Psalm 46:6–7, 9 (CSB) (read full passage)

ECONOMY

Staying Steady

The Federal Reserve is holding its horses.

At their meeting on Wednesday, the central bank left interest rates unchanged (around 4.5%), employing its trademark “wait and see” approach.

The Fed gave a slightly less optimistic forecast than it did at its last meeting—lower economic growth and higher inflation—but caveated everything by saying the predictions were “highly uncertain.” It’s unclear how things like proposed government spending cuts, federal layoffs, and on-again-off-again tariffs will play out. Despite the uncertainty, Chairman Jerome Powell said the overall economic data, like unemployment, remains solid.

Wall Street was excited to hear the Fed still expects to cut rates twice this year (S&P 500 +1.1%, Dow +0.9%), but President Trump was unexcited rates wouldn’t be cut immediately, saying a trim would be the “right thing” to offset the impact of tariffs.

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Verse to consider when stressing over the uncertainty of the market… “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

Branch Divisions

The Executive and Judicial branches are at odds.

This week, President Trump called for the impeachment of the judge who blocked recent deportation efforts, earning a rare statement from Chief Justice Roberts, who said “impeachment is not an appropriate response” to a disliked decision. The Legislative branch entered the chat when a House Republican proposed a resolution to impeach the judge (his removal is highly unlikely, requiring a majority of the House and ⅔ of the Senate).

Meanwhile, the courts are weighing in on DOGE’s cost-chainsawing efforts. Judges ruled:

• Probationary workers fired in recent mass layoffs must be fully reinstated

• DOGE cannot shut down USAID, and Musk’s involvement in the effort was unconstitutional

• DOGE can proceed in taking over the U.S. Institute of Peace

All of these rulings are expected to be appealed.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
In this divisive political climate, followers of Christ have an opportunity to show that our ultimate allegiance is to him. Imitating our just and merciful Father, root for justice while retaining love for all parties—both the accused and the accusers—desiring restoration, not revenge. 

“The Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.” 
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

Musk critics are burning rubber… literally. Several Teslas were set on fire Tuesday at a Las Vegas dealership in an apparent “targeted attack,” with “RESIST” spray-painted on the dealership’s doors. The attack is part of a nationwide wave of vandalism against Tesla since Musk began leading the White House’s efficiency efforts. Attorney General Pam Bondi called it “domestic terrorism,” vowing prosecutions.
 

Over 63,000 files on JFK’s assassination were released Tuesday but contain some redactions despite President Trump’s call for full transparency. Enthusiasts—who are still poring through the stacks—say the files reaffirm the CIA had been monitoring Oswald leading up to the assassination but have provided no major bombshells. About 4,700 documents remain classified, many at the CIA and FBI’s request.
 

Greenpeace owes some major green. The environmental advocacy group was ordered to pay over $660 million in damages to the Dakota Access Pipeline developer after a jury determined that Greenpeace trespassed on private property and defamed the company, among other violations, while protesting the pipeline’s construction in 2016. Greenpeace intends to appeal, saying the damages may force it into bankruptcy.
 

The Trump Administration announced it is pausing $175M in funding to the University of Pennsylvania, stating the university’s policies are “forcing women to compete with men in sports.” Penn, which made headlines in 2022 when swimmer Lia Thomas became the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA swimming championship, says their policies comply with all NCAA and Ivy League policies.
 

The Boston Celtics were sold for a pot o’ gold $6.1 billion. It’s the priciest franchise sale in North American sports history, topping the $6.05 billion sale of the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023. The Celtic’s new owner, Bill Chisholm, said he’s been “a rabid fan” of the team since 7th grade.

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