Read Time: 5 min 44 sec | Listen to Podcast

U.S. NEWS

Steel Deals & Sealed Pardons

Monday kicked off another busy week in the White House. 

First, President Trump restored “a true 25% tariff” on all imported steel—removing the exemptions for Uncle Sam’s biggest steel-trading buddies (Mexico and Canada)—and increased tariffs on aluminum to 25%.

International criticism was quick. The E.U. promised “proportionate countermeasures,” criticizing the import tax as “bad for business, worse for consumers.” While U.S. industries––especially construction and auto––anticipate rising costs, Trump said the move will boost domestic production and mark “the beginning of making America rich again.”

Before capping his Sharpie, Trump pardoned former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich (D), who was convicted of trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat in 2008. Blagojevich served eight years of a 14-year sentence before Trump—who says Blagojevich was “set up”—commuted the sentence during his first term.

__

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Whether your wallet’s having a tough day or you just got some really good news, believers’ hope rests in Christ—not here-and-now outcomes. As citizens of heaven, trust the Lord to secure your future.

“Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” 
Philippians 3:20 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Fragile Truce

Hamas and Israel’s ceasefire is on thin ice.

Monday, Hamas said it would delay Saturday’s planned release of three hostages, claiming Israel is “targeting [displaced Palestinians] with direct shelling and gunfire” and delaying emergency shelter supplies. Israel called Hamas’s plan “a complete violation” of their agreement and moved troops to the Gaza border, saying, “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon—the ceasefire will be terminated.”

Phase-two negotiations involving final hostage releases and a permanent end to the war have been delayed.

Other post-war discussions remain underway, with Trump saying he may withhold military aid to Jordan ($1B+ annually) and Egypt (~$1.5B annually) if they don’t take in Palestinians—which both countries oppose, citing security risk. Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House yesterday to discuss the future of Gaza.

__

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War puts the brokenness of this world on full display and reminds us of our desperate need for ultimate redemption. Jesus, the light of the world, came to shine in the darkness. Pray that the Middle East would experience the darkness-penetrating light of Christ. 

“That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” 
John 1:5 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Something to Bark About

Dogs are the best. They’re loyal, cute, smart, playful, affectionate… Did we mention cute? 

They deserve better than flavorless, mystery kibble. This year, give them a fresh (then air-dried) start.

Sundays for Dogs is 100% human-grade dog food. Founded and formulated by a practicing veterinarian to provide pups with the complete, balanced nutrition their bodies need, Sundays is made with quality ingredients like real meat, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (and nothing else). Plus, it’s slowly air-dried and shelf-stable—meaning no prep, mess, or refrigeration. Just pour and serve!

Sign up for a custom plan today! Use code POUROVER40 at checkout and get 40% off your first order.

U.S. NEWS

In Silicon Valley

OpenAI is not for sale.

On Monday, CEO Sam Altman said “no thank you” to a $97.4 billion offer from Elon Musk’s xAI and a consortium of other companies that want to reestablish OpenAI as an “open-source, safety-focused force for good.” 

In 2015, Musk and Altman helped found the nonprofit OpenAI Inc., but Musk left the ChatGPT-maker in 2018. In recent months, Altman has announced plans to restructure to a for-profit organization and join other tech giants in investing $500 billion into U.S.-based AI infrastructure… Musk says they’re risking public good for profit.

In other tech news, Meta began its first round of anticipated layoffs Monday, with plans to hand out “performance terminations” to 5% of its workforce—3,700 employees—in the U.S. and more than a dozen other countries to make room for more “business critical” engineers. 

__

Verse to consider whether you have to let someone down easy or you’re the one feeling the sting of rejection… “Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” 
Philippians 4:5 (CSB) (read full passage)

Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy is ready to “do a deal” with President Trump, accepting the White House’s proposed terms: Ukraine supplies Uncle Sam with rare-earth minerals—used to make consumer electronics and electric engines—in exchange for Washington’s war-time support. The leaders will talk this week, with Zelenskyy looking for security “guarantees” to stop Russia’s advance into mineral-rich areas. 
 

The DOJ ordered federal prosecutors to drop their corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams (D) Monday, saying the indictment “restricted” Adams’s ability to address “illegal immigration and violent crime” in the Big Apple. Adams—who’s accused of accepting bribes in exchange for mayoral influence—has pleaded not guilty to the five charges. So far, prosecutors have not dropped the case.
 

A private jet landing at Scottsdale Airport veered off the runway and collided with a parked jet, killing one and injuring several others. The arriving jet was owned by Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil, who was not on board at the time of the collision. Officials say the accident was possibly caused by landing gear failure; investigations are ongoing.
 

President Trump is pinching penny production. Sunday, he directed the Treasury to stop minting Honest Abe coins, saying they just don’t make fiscal cents; the U.S. Mint lost $85.3M in 2024 after making 3.2B of the copper-plated chump change. On the other side of the coin, tossing pennies may necessitate increased production of nickels, which is even less cost effective.
 

Shoppers are scrambling for eggs after several grocery store chains introduced purchase caps to prevent panic buying. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco, Kroger, and Aldi are among the stores limiting customers to two to three dozen daily. Egg prices continue to soar—up to $8/dozen from $4.15 in December—largely due to farmers culling flocks to combat bird flu outbreaks.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Explore some of Earth's most obscure islands...

What We’re Teaching Our Kids
The Power of God’s Love*

Parents teach their kids so many important lessons: don’t touch that; don’t put that in your mouth; don’t touch that either. 

But the most important thing a parent can teach their child is to love God and others. 

Compassion International’s “Love God and Love People” devotional helps kids grow in obedience to the Great Commandment with Bible verses, thoughtful prompts, and activities that make practicing love simple and fun. Whether they're drawing a picture for a sad friend or writing letters of encouragement, “Love God and Love People” helps kids live out God's love in a practical way.

Teach your kids the power of God's love with Compassion International’s "Love God and Love People" devotional.

What We’re Using
World Relief’s New Prayer Guide*

One of the most divisive and complicated issues in the headlines is immigration. Where can believers even begin?

Consider starting with World Relief’s Prayers for Such a Time as This: Seeking God’s Heart for Immigrants, Refugees, and Those Who Walk Alongside Them. World Relief has been serving refugees and other immigrants for over 80 years, and their new prayer guide is an invitation to lament, intercede, and stand in the gap. 

In times like these, it’s easy to feel weary. But as people of faith, we know that before we can step forward, we first step into prayer. Download the Prayer Guide today and join me.

Matt DeLange | Editor