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POLITICS

Overtime

Federal workers will have more time to make a major decision.

Last week, 2 million government employees—including workers from the CIA and at least four other intelligence agencies—were offered deferred resignations (leave now, receive pay and benefits through September) as part of the White House’s efforts to overhaul the federal workforce. 

The Trump admin reportedly expected 5-10% of federal workers to quit, saving Uncle Sam $100 billion annually; an estimated 2%—40,000 people—have accepted the deal so far. Critics have challenged the offer’s legality and the administration’s authority to fulfill it; others worry that agencies’ effectiveness would weaken if experienced staff resign.

Yesterday, a federal judge pushed back last night’s deadline for workers to decide if they’ll resign until at least Monday when a hearing will take place to weigh blocking the buyout further.

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Verse to consider when you’re weighing a decision with major implications… “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Proposal for the Strip

President Trump’s ideas for post-war Gaza are making waves. 

Earlier this week, Trump announced that he envisioned the U.S. developing Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” casting the effort as offering “enduring peace” and giving “people a chance.” Yesterday, his administration clarified that no U.S. troops would be required and any relocation of the Palestinian population would be temporary, but reiterated that Israel would “turn over” Gaza to the U.S. under his plan.

Israeli PM Netanyahu called Trump’s proposal “the first good idea” he’s heard for the enclave, but it’s found few other supporters.

China, Russia, the U.K., France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt all quickly voiced their opposition, while the U.N. warned about “ethnic cleansing.” The Palestinian president said Palestine is “not for sale” and “not an investment project.”

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for wise leadership and long-term peace, trusting—no matter how complex the conflict—that God is able to spread across the globe the peace that he has given to those who trust him (Isaiah 26:3).

“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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POLITICS

Transgender Sports Ban

President Trump signed an executive order Wednesday barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports at schools receiving federal funds.

The “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order directs federal agencies to interpret Title IX––which bans sex discrimination in schools––based on biological sex “as a matter of safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.” Critics say the order is discriminatory and makes a big deal out of a small issue (fewer than 10 out of 500,000 NCAA athletes reportedly identify as transgender).

The order may also impact the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics; White House officials say visas for transgender athletes competing in women’s events will be reviewed for fraud. 

A recent poll found 79% of U.S. adults say transgender athletes should compete only on teams that align with their sex at birth. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The Bible doesn’t say that speaking the truth is love. God calls believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). When discussing divisive topics with your neighbors, remember that both what you say and how you say it reflect on Christ. 

“Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity… Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” 
Ephesians 4:25-27, 31-32 (CSB) (read full passage)

Protestors gathered across the U.S. Wednesday in opposition to the Trump administration’s recent policies—on immigration, gender, federal funding, etc.—Elon Musk’s role in the White House, and Project 2025. The protests, which mostly took place at state capitols, were organized by the Reddit-originating 50501 Movement (50 protests, 50 states, one day) and urged demonstrators to “fight fascism.” 
 

The USPS pressed play just hours after pausing inbound packages from China and Hong Kong Wednesday. A reason for the temporary suspension wasn’t given, but it followed President Trump’s executive order imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and eliminating a duty exemption on shipments under $800—a move expected to significantly impact discount shippers like Shein and Temu.
 

The transcript of the unedited 60 Minutes interview with then-VP Harris was released Wednesday as part of the Trump administration’s $10 billion election interference lawsuit alleging that CBS made heavy edits to flatter Harris. CBS said the edits were “not doctored or deceitful.” The network reportedly wants to settle quickly so it can close a merger with production company Skydance.
 

Amazon Prime’s platinum anniversary is next week, and last quarter’s stats suggest the 20-year marriage is staying strong for the 75% of American adults who use it. Amazon says it delivered over 9 billion items the same or next day last year, with the average U.S. Primer placing nearly two orders/week and saving $500 annually on free delivery.
 

Dude, where’s my eggs? Police have yet to crack the case after 100,000 eggs (worth $40,000) were verrrry carefully stolen from the back of a distribution trailer in southern Pennsylvania Saturday night. Though the cage-free culprit remains at large, the motive is likely related to rising prices; the average price for a dozen eggs recently hit a record $7.09.

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