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BREAKING: The Episcopal Church Ends Partnership With Government Over Moral Objections

The Episcopal Church has ended its partnership with the federal government over moral objections, Trump tried to cut Medicaid, Pope Leo urges the public to protect journalists, and more.

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Now, let’s get to the news:

  • The Episcopal Church’s migration agency is rejecting a federal directive to assist in resettling white South African refugees, citing its commitment to racial justice and reconciliation. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe said the church will end its longtime partnership with the government rather than comply, just as a group of 59 South Africans arrived in the U.S. on a chartered flight.

  • In his first official address to the press, Pope Leo XVI — the first American-born pope — thanked over a thousand journalists for their coverage of Pope Francis's passing and the papal transition, urging them to communicate with truth and reject the “war of words.” Welcomed with cheers and applause, the Chicago-born pontiff emphasized the moral responsibility surrounding artificial intelligence, called for peace in communication, and quoted both St. Augustine and Pope Leo XIII on living virtuously in challenging times.

  • Senator Thune suggests Trump’s executive order on drug pricing would stir controversy if Congress tried to make it law, indicating he likely wouldn’t support it.

  • The Republican tax bill could lead to at least 13.7 million people losing health insurance by 2034, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

  • Trump is now calling on Republicans to support the reconciliation bill, which includes proposed Medicaid cuts.

  • Republican tax plan raises U.S. debt limit by $4 trillion, sparking concerns over long-term fiscal impact

  • President Trump on Qatar’s gift of a 747:

    1. He expressed strong respect for Qatar’s Emir and leadership.

    2. He said accepting the plane was a reasonable gesture, given the U.S.'s longstanding role in protecting Qatar, and joked he'd be foolish to reject it.

    3. He clarified he won’t use the aircraft after leaving office and plans to retire it as a display piece in his presidential library.

  • Trump is expected to meet with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa—who is still classified as a terrorist by the U.S.—during his visit to Saudi Arabia this week.

  • Trump said he’s considering lifting sanctions on Syria, suggesting the country needs a “fresh start.” He noted that Turkish President Erdogan and others had raised the issue, adding that the current sanctions may be too restrictive to allow Syria to move forward.

  • Poll Shows China Becomes More Popular Worldwide Than the U.S. After Trump's Comeback — POLITICO

  • President Boluarte’s approval drops to a record-low 2%, while 94% of Peruvians express disapproval, according to an Ipsos poll.

  • UK Prime Minister Starmer pledges tougher immigration policies, warning that rising immigration is turning Britain into an “island of strangers” as public opposition grows.

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  • During a recent press event, President Donald Trump referred to a weight-loss medication as the "fat shot drug" while recounting a conversation with a wealthy, unnamed friend.

  • Senior Justice Department officials appointed by President Trump to lead the Library of Congress have been denied access to the institution, highlighting a significant dispute over the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

  • A federal judge has declined to block the Trump administration's initiative to use Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.

See you in the morning.

— Aaron