Over the next forty years, Spikes would patent at least seven more items, including a break testing machine in 1921 (U.S. Patent number 1,441,383), a pantograph for conveying electrical current to trolleys’ wires in 1923 (U.S. Patent number 1,461,988); a combination milk bottle opener and cover in 1926 (U.S. Patent number 1,590,557); a device to obtain average samples and temperatures of tank liquids, for automobiles and industry in 1931 (U.S. Patent number 1,828,753); an improved gear shift transmis-
sion system in 1932 (U.S. Patent number 1,889,814); a horizontally swinging barber’s chair in 1950 (U.S. Patent number 2,517,936); and, finally, an automatic brake safety system in 1962 (U.S. Patent 3,015,522) at the age of 84. Of all these innovations, the best-known are those related to automotive technology. Spikes’ gear shifting device aimed to keep the gears for various speeds in constant mesh, enhancing the turn-ofthe-century invention of the automatic transmission. His automatic brake safety system was also significant; ac-
Investment Property Insights
In today’s evolving real estate market, investing in property remains one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth. The DFW Metroplex checks all of the boxes when you’re thinking about the best location for rental properties. The DFW area remains one of the hot spots in Texas for relocation. Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to expand your portfolio, it’s crucial to understand how to evaluate opportunities wisely. Let’s explore what makes a solid investment, how to analyze return on investment (ROI), and where to look for the best rental markets.
Understanding the Rental Market
The strength of a rental
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cording to the patent application, it provided a reserve braking action in case of damage to the standard braking means and is still used in some buses as a fail-safe means of stopping the vehicle.
Spikes is also widely credited with patenting an automobile signaling system (turn signal) in the early 1910s, though a patent record has yet to be located. The system was installed on a PierceArrow motorcar.
Richard B. Spikes died on January 22, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 86.
Smithsonian African American Museum Director Placed on Leave
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com
Senior National Correspondent@ StacyBrownMedia
Kevin Young, the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), is currently on personal leave and not leading the museum, according to Smithsonian officials. The leave began on March 14 and will continue for an “undetermined period,” according to Kevin Gover, the Smithsonian’s undersecretary for museums and culture. Shanita Brackett, the museum’s associate director of operations, has stepped in as acting director. Young has served as director since January 2021, succeeding Lonnie G. Bunch III after Bunch became Secretary of the Smithsonian. Under Young’s lead-
Kevin Young reading at the Library of Congress (Photo provided by Wikimedia Commons)
ership, the museum launched a digital “Searchable Museum” in the fall of 2021 and kicked off its $350 million “Living History” campaign the following year. His unexpected leave comes as former President Donald Trump escalates ef-
forts to reshape national cultural narratives. A recent executive order issued by Trump directs Vice President J.D. Vance to work with the Smithsonian Board of Regents on content oversight. That directive has alarmed museum officials, historians, and members of the Black community, who see it as a direct attempt to influence how history is presented, particularly Black history. The order has cast a spotlight on the NMAAHC, which opened in 2016 under Bunch’s leadership. Once praised for unearthing America’s untold Black stories, the museum is now facing political scrutiny for content Trump labeled as divisive and anti-patriotic. Bunch addressed the situation in a memo to Smithsonian continued on page 3
Talking R eal e s TaT e
with Stephanie Spann
market depends on several key factors: job growth, population trends, vacancy rates, and rental demand. Look for areas with strong employment sectors, growing populations, and amenities like schools, transportation, and shopping. Suburban neighborhoods near metropolitan areas, and up-and-coming urban districts often offer strong rental potential. For this example, we are looking at the Fort Worth rental market.
Before purchasing a rental property, research average rent prices and compare them to the cost of ownership.
A healthy rent-to-value ratio (typically 0.8% to 1% of the purchase price) can be a good
indicator of strong cash flow.
Calculating ROI: It’s More Than Just Numbers
To evaluate an investment, focus on both cash flow and appreciation potential. Cash flow is the income left after expenses—like mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management—are paid. A positive cash flow means the property generates income every month.
Calculate your ROI using the formula: (Annual Return ÷ Total Investment) × 100 = ROI%
For example, if you earn $9,600 annually from a rental property and your total investment (including down payment and repairs) was $120,000, your ROI is 8%.
Don’t forget to factor in tax benefits, equity growth, and property appreciation, which can significantly enhance your long-term return.
Best Areas for Real Estate
Investment Right Now
While every market is different, here are a few traits shared by top-performing investment areas:
• Strong Job Growth: Cities with booming industries like tech, healthcare, or logistics often attract renters.
• Affordable Entry Points: Markets where home prices are mid-range, but rental demand is high offer the best value.
• Population Growth: Areas with increasing populations tend to have more consistent rental occupancy. Emerging suburbs around major metro areas often Continued on page 6
In Cinque: Quiet Revolution
By Renetta W. Howard
Last week, the United States witnessed a nationwide protest against Elon Musk, the appointed federal leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, who has been instrumental in slashing government jobs in various departments and causing chaos in the economy of the United States by laying off and firing government employees and slashing funding to various units supported with government funds.
On yesterday, a nationwide and worldwide “HANDS OFF” protest was held against Donald Trump who has allowed Mr. Musk to wield unlimited power; a person who was NOT born in the United States, was NOT elected to any office and who REAPS millions of dollars from government funds for his personal projects like SPACES and
is the head of an electric vehicle manufacturing company, Tesla. He owns billions of dollars and slashes at the livelihood of tax-paying American citizens. Mr. Trump, on his way to play golf at home, in a motorcade, yelled out to the protesters, “ONLY THE WEAK FAIL!”
It reminds me of Ceasar fiddling while Rome burned and Marie Antoinette saying to the poor and hungry to “Let them eat cake!” during the French Revolution. However, we know the end to that saga with hem both losing their heads to the guillotine. Like the crucifixion on the cross during Jesus’s time in Rome, beheading by the guillotines in France during the French Revolution was like the electric chair, fatal injections and the gas chamber in today’s American executions. We must keep in mind that the WEAK are those of us whom have lost wages due to Trump, Musk and the DOGE. It is us who fear the loss of social security funds, earned and held with interest by a government agency
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Target Continues to Pay the Price for Breaking Promise to Black America
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com
Target is losing more than its commitment to equity, it’s losing customers. For the eighth consecutive week, shoppers have turned away from the retail giant following its decision to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program in January. New data from Placer.ai shows store visits during the week of March 17 fell by 5.7% compared to the same time last year. That follows a 7.1% decline the week before, bringing the average drop over the past two months to 6.2%. The fallout has been swift and steady. Target’s quiet retreat from DEI—after years of vocal support for racial and social justice and a multi-billiondollar pledge—triggered an immediate backlash. Faith leaders, civil rights organizations, and everyday consumers responded with public pressure and calls to action.
Houston, Texas, USA - March 13, 2022: A Target store in Houston, Texas, USA on March 13, 2022.
Leading the charge is the Rev. Jamal Bryant, whose “Target Fast” boycott encouraged shoppers to avoid the chain throughout Lent. The effort surpassed its original goal of 100,000 participants, with more than 150,000 people now participating. The boycott is scheduled to end on
Smithsonian
staff, writing that the institution “will continue to showcase world-class exhibits, collections, and objects, rooted in expertise and accuracy.” He wrote that the Smithsonian “remains steadfast in our mission to bring history, science, education, research, and the arts to all Americans.”
Young’s museum career began in 2005 at Emory University, where he taught English and creative writing and served as a curator at the university’s rare books library. In 2016, he became director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library, one of the oldest Black cultural institutions in the United States. During his five-year tenure, he raised $10 million in funding, launched a literary festival, boosted attendance by 40 percent, and acquired archives from cultural icons, including Harry Belafonte, Sonny Rollins, and James Baldwin. An author of 16 books of poetry and nonfiction, Young also serves as poetry editor for The New Yorker. The executive order follows Trump’s earlier efforts to dismantle racial equity initiatives, including his 2020 directive banning diversity training in federal agencies. Historians say those efforts have evolved into a larger campaign targeting how race, power, and history are discussed nationwide. Dr. Jerry W. Washington, an education expert who has written extensively about the cultural and political battles over historical memory, described the Trump-led effort as part of “the fight over American memory.” In an article for The Medium, Washington wrote, “It highlights a fundamental divergence not just in policy preference, but in how we interpret history, power, and truth itself.”
He pointed to the national backlash against critical race theory as evidence of a strategy designed to eliminate discussion of systemic racism and white privilege.
Teach your children their heritage and family history. Do not rely on a system or others to distort, mislead or destroy their legacy!
“CRT became a catch-all term—a manufactured villain used to silence any acknowledgment of systemic racism, white privilege, or the real struggles of margin-
Easter Sunday. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, launched a National Public Education and Selective Buying Campaignto help guide African Americans in wielding their $2 trillion in annual spending power. The NAACP
Continued from page 2
alized communities,” Washington wrote. “It was never about theory. It was about control.” Since Trump’s 2020 directive, more than 30 states
Continued on page 6
In Cinque: Quiet Revolution
threatening to demolish it, calling it an entitlement. It is us who have businesses and feel the pressure of the new tariffs on our livelihood. It is us, who are having a difficult time surviving on a minimum wage job income. It is us who rely on government
funding programs to survive. It is us who are no longer able to maintain a home or job. It is us, the naturalized permanent citizens who fear an offense or thought of having one, and being deported to an unknown country. It is us with income below $200,000
issued a national consumer advisory, warning that Target’s rollback is part of a broader, intentional retreat from DEI by major corporations. “We encourage you to spend your money where you’re respected, support Black-owned businesses, and demand businesses prioritize people over profit,” NAACP officials said. “Above all, we must continue to advocate for policies that ensure people of color, women, veterans, those with a disability, and all protected groups have equal access to opportunities across the country.”
Continued from page 2
per year who are facing an uncertain economy, with stocks falling every day. Let us get ‘in cinque’ and connect with our government representatives. LET THEM HEAR FROM YOU. If you cannot do anything else, PRAY for a DEVINE INTERVENTION!
Following George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Target Corp. was among a list of companies making specific diversity pledges. Target vowed to spend $2 billion with Blackowned businesses by 2025, increase its Black workforce by 20%, and establish a Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee to advance racial equity within the company and beyond. It has reneged on those promises, making Target a focal point of protests. While Target remains silent on its declining traffic, the contrast with its competitors is glar-
ing. Costco, which maintained its DEI commitments despite political attacks, saw a 5.2% year-over-year increase in foot traffic during the same week—its 13th straight week of growth. Walmart and McDonald’s—both of which had seen multi-week declines like Target—also saw their numbers shift slightly for the week of March 17. Walmart posted a modest 0.3% increase in foot traffic, while McDonald’s reported a 2% increase. But unlike Target, neither had matched its aggressive stance on racial justice—or its equally visible retreat. Over the last eight weeks, Walmart’s average weekly foot traffic has been down 1.6%, and McDonald’s has seen a 3.6% average drop. Target’s 6.2% average decline puts it at the center of growing consumer frustration—and organized resistance. “It’s been eight weeks, and the numbers don’t lie,” Deja Monet wrote for NewsBreak. “Target faces foot traffic decline for the eighth week after cutting off DEI programs, and the backlash shows no signs of slowing. With a massive boycott underway, declining sales, and silence from the brand’s top brass, Target is walking a tightrope between corporate appeasement and consumer fallout.”
Sunday School Lesson Sunday School Lesson
Christ, the Atoning Sacrifice
1 John 2:1–6; 4:7–21
Key Text:
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.—1 John 4:10
Introduction: Surprising Symbol Today, the cross of Christ is recognized the world over. We see it on church buildings, use it for headstones, depict it in paintings, and wear it as jewelry.
The latter is particularly surprising for becoming so common, given that the cross was the instrument of torture and death for notorious criminals in the Roman world. In that era, crosses along roadsides symbolized the ultimate consequence for challenging the Roman Empire’s power.
How could such a terrible object become the universal symbol of a faith that preaches love and offers new life?
The answer to that question lies in the purpose of Jesus’ death on the cross: today’s lesson.
Our text comes from two parallel sections of the New Testament epistle designated 1 John. It is one of three letters by John among the General Epistles. This is a section of the New Testament consisting of the eight letters: Hebrews; James; 1 and 2 Peter; 1, 2, and 3 John; and Jude.
The epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John are not explicitly ascribed to the apostle John by name, yet the early church ascribed these epistles to him, just as they did with the Gospel of John.
The three letters have close connections to the language and themes of the Gospel of John, so it is reasonable to conclude that all came from the same author. In doing so, we carefully distinguish the apostle John from John the Baptist or John Mark (Acts 1:5; 12:12; etc.).
The letter 1 John and the Gospel of John explicitly state that the author was an eyewitness of Jesus’ life and ministry (John 1:14; 1 John 1:1–3). These two works of Scripture have similar purpose statements (compare John 20:31; 1 John 5:13). Both purpose statements find their basis in what the readers can “know” as a certainty. This is a distinctive emphasis of the author. He wrote about 14 percent of the New Testament, but his writings feature over one-third of the New Testament’s 250 uses of the Greek word that is underneath the idea of “to know” (more on this in the commentary below).
The letter 1 John addresses growing controversies in the first-century church about the nature of Christ and the Christian life. It seems some believers were influenced by a common concept of that day that said all material things are by nature evil, but that which is spirit is by nature good. On this basis, some began to deny that Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. After all, if ma-
terial things are evil, then it would be impossible for the good God to exist as a human in a body. The letter of 1 John refutes this. Some students see the growing heresies of Gnosticism and Docetism as playing a part in this problem.
I. The Source of New Life (1 John 2:1–2)
Our Advocate (v. 1)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
The author addresses readers as children often (1 John 2:12, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21).
The term suggests a close and affectionate connection between the writer and the original audience. This term might also hint that the readers are either younger or less mature in their spiritual journey than the writer.
The Greek word translated advocate here is the same one translated “Comforter” in John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7, where it describes the Holy Spirit.
Christ’s forgiven people still sin; they recognize as much if they are honest with themselves. When believers sin, they do not require justification once more; instead, as children of God, they receive forgiveness through the intercession of Jesus Christ with the Father. Is forgiveness a one-and-done affair? Is the once-forgiven sinner returned to the life of death on the first failure after forgiveness?
The answer is no, as the author sketches Christ’s ongoing role as an “advocate,” one who speaks on behalf of another. Another way of saying this is that Christ intercedes for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). With God the Father depicted as the righteous judge, Christ speaks on our behalf, identifying us as those whose punishment has already been taken by Christ himself. Christ is righteous, meaning He is not guilty of any sin and is entirely in accord with God’s right way.
Our Propitiation (v. 2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
The keyword propitiation now appears in the text. The underlying ancient Greek word is rare in the New Testament. The noun forms appear exclusively here, in Romans 3:25, and 1 John 4:10 (see below) and refer to something that turns away wrath. A verb form is in Hebrews 2:17.
Central to the gospel message is that Christ’s death was the once-for-all-time sacrificial offering that shifted our fully deserved punishment for sin onto Him, who is the sinless one (2 Corinthians 5:21). This doctrine is often referred to as “substitutionary atonement.” Christ’s substitutionary atonement is sufficient for all our sins—past, present, and future. This reality is fundamental; this is
grace. It is available for the whole world, but it is effectual and operative only for those who receive it through faith in the blood (Romans 3:25–26).
II. The Proof of New Life (1 John 2:3–6)
The Test of Obedience (vv. 3–4)
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
The author uses the verb translated know about two dozen times in the five short chapters of 1 John. These mostly affirm the Christian’s confident faith in Christ and assurance of salvation. Here, the question is what assures us that Jesus’ is indeed our advocate and propitiation when we sin. The answer is that keeping Jesus’ commandments is our proof (John 14:15; 15:10). If Jesus is Savior, then He must also be Lord.
But how can one who keeps Jesus’ commandments also need ongoing forgiveness of sins? The writer uses the stark contrast between ongoing sin and ongoing obedience to capture the nature of the Christian life. As a people habituated to sin, we continue to sin even after receiving the gift of Christ’s atoning death. But as people with faith in Christ, we continually submit our lives to His authority. So sin, ongoing in the lives of believers, is continually being overcome. Sin is no longer in control, no longer at home.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
This verse restates and reinforces 1 John 1:6: “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.”
Some believers among John’s original readers may have separated faith in Christ from obedience to Christ. Perhaps thinking their “good” spirits were completely separate from their “evil” bodies, they lived as if their actions had no bearing on their relationship to Christ (see Lesson Context). Nevertheless, the contents of a person’s heart will eventually become apparent through their actions (compare Matthew 12:34). Therefore, the writer completely rejects the idea that someone’s actions would not align with their declared faith.
The Model of Love (vv. 5–6)
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
By contrast, our following Jesus’ teaching expresses the effect of everything He has done. Jesus’ death for sinners was the fullest expression of God’s love for humanity, and Jesus’ teaching instructs us how to express God’s love to others (John 3:15; 1 John 3:16). This makes God’s love for humanity our love for humanity. The ancient Greek word translated perfected
can take various shades of meaning, depending on context. Here and elsewhere, the sense is that of a finished task because its goal has been achieved. The writer uses the word this way five times in his Gospel (John 4:34; 5:36; 17:4, 23; 19:28) and four times in his first epistle (here and 1 John 4:12, 17, below; and in a negative sense 4:18).
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. To confess Christ means to obey Christ. To walk, even as he walked, is to follow His example (John 13:15).
The author fronts this conclusion by introducing a Greek word translated as “abide”; he uses this word 23 times in this letter. In doing so, he speaks of a close, ongoing connection. This image originated from Jesus as He compared His followers to branches connected to Him as the vine (John 15:1–11). The author’s linkage to Jesus’ teachings clarifies that a believer cannot keep Jesus’ commandments or follow in Jesus’ footsteps through his or her own strength. Doing so is only feasible by remaining in Christ and letting God’s Spirit produce fruit in and through the believer. This teaching applies to everyday life. Those who abide in Jesus will inevitably live their life in ways reflecting His love and teaching. In the text between 1 John 2:6 and 4:9 (not in today’s lesson), the author continues to trace the theme of love as it applies to various situations.
III. Love in Action (1 John 4:9–12)
God’s Initiative (vv. 9–10)
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
How can we fail but to see John 3:16 restated here? The supreme expression of God’s love is demonstrated through the incarnation: the divine Son of God putting on human flesh to announce and deliver salvation personally. The description of Christ as the only begotten Son emphasizes His uniqueness and value to the Father. The eight other translations of the underlying Greek word—not always referring to Jesus—are found in Luke 7:12; 8:42; 9:38; John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; and Hebrews 11:17.
God sent His Son to give life to humanity and thereby allow them to enter the presence of the holy God. Jesus not only accepted and affirmed that mission, but He also narrowed the focus of His uniqueness and exclusivity of mission when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Truly, we live only through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us.
An astute observation from years ago is that what is unique about the relationship
between the true God and people is that pagan religions tell stories about humanity’s search for god(s). In contrast, Christianity tells the story of God’s search for us (Luke 19:10). Christ became incarnate in a world that had rebelled against God (Romans 3:10–12, quoting Psalms 14:1–3; 53:1–3; Ecclesiastes 7:20). His becoming human is an act of love, and His death on the cross brings that love to its fullest measure.
“We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
The message of the gospel calls us to love God and our neighbor (Matthew 22:34–40). All such love begins with God’s love, expressed and made available through the death and resurrection of the incarnate Christ.
And sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins
John aims to convey to his audience that love is an action, not an empty term. He illustrates this by detailing how God demonstrated His love for the world: by becoming the propitiation for our sins.
The declaration in this halfverse echoes what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:8. see discussion of this word in commentary on 1 John 2:2, above.
Our Responsibility (vv. 11–12)
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
This implication of the gospel is unmistakable. After receiving God’s love, we must recognize our responsibility to love the same people God loves. We do not need to ask who our neighbor is when hearing the command to love our neighbor (Luke 10:29). God loves all because Christ’s death makes atonement available for all (1 John 2:2, above). God loves first and loves those who do not love Him. And so must we who have received His love. Even our enemies are objects of God’s love and so must be of ours (Matthew 5:43–47). No man hath seen God at any time.
Many texts reflect the fact that God cannot be seen (examples: Exodus 33:20; John 1:18; 1 Timothy 6:16). But in Christ, God became a visible, physical human, so to see Christ was truly to see God (John 14:8–9); the next halfverse expands on this.
If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
The imperative to love one another is so important that John uses that phrase five times in this letter (here and 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11–12). This command is a repeated part of Jesus’ message (John 13:34–35; 15:12, 17) and stressed by others as well (Romans 13:8; 1 Peter 1:22). As we love others, then our actions make God visible to the world.
Regarding the word perfected, see commentary on 1 John 2:5, above.
IV. Certainty of Knowledge (1 John 4:13–17) Divine Intervention (vv
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13–14) Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
The presence of the Holy Spirit expresses a new reality. The Spirit’s presence in us gives us the certainty that we are in Christ and He is in us. Christ’s promise of the Spirit’s presence is a fact for all who are Christians and can be a fact for all who are not yet Christians (John 14:16–17; Romans 8:9–11; Ephesians 1:13; 1 John 3:24; etc.). The Holy Spirit’s presence is God’s presence. Life in the Spirit is the life of God’s love, demonstrating and assuring that we belong to Him through Christ’s atoning death.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
The beginning of this epistle is a stirring declaration that the incarnate Christ, seen by eyewitnesses, is the basis for the gospel message (1 John 1:1–3). In shorter form, the author now repeats that declaration. By using the word we, the author declared he had seen Jesus personally and, therefore, his testimony is that of an eyewitness. The mission of the Son to be the Saviour of the world reinforces the same thought of John 3:17.
Human Confession (vv. 15–17)
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
This verse is a summary statement of the plan of salvation. A doctrinal error often seen is to take such summary statements as being the entirety of that plan. For someone to confess that Jesus is the Son of God is good as far as it goes. But remember that demons confess the same thing and are still lost (Mark 5:7; James 2:19). Spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:12) is required for understanding the entirety of that plan, which results in knowing how God dwelleth in a believer, and he in God (compare Acts 2:38; Ephesians 2:8–10; Hebrews 11:6; etc.).
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
The author turns to the imperative of love. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection fully demonstrate God’s love. We can say without reservation that God is love (also 1 John 4:8). For us to confess Christ truly means that we love one another. Such love is found among all who genuinely experience the abiding unity with God brought by Christ. Without such love, our confession is empty. With it, our confession is complete. 17. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Workers. A Smarter Trade Strategy Could Empower Them.
By Ben Jealous
In the Trump era, economic policy often comes with more bluster than strategy. His latest round of tariffs is no exception. Slapped on a broad swath of imported goods without rhyme, reason, or regard for the people who will bear the brunt of the cost –American families and workers – these tariffs are a political stunt masquerading as industrial policy.
Let’s be clear: tariffs can be a tool for economic transformation. But they must be wielded with precision, guided by vision, and paired with bold investments. What Trump is doing is none of that.
His scattershot approach will disturb the ongoing US manufacturing renaissance and raise prices on everything from cars to appliances, hitting working families hardest. The administration’s recently announced 25% tariff on all cars and auto parts not made entirely in the United States could drive up the cost of an average new car by thousands of dollars. And for what? There are no clear signals to industry, no long-term plans for job creation, no environmental guardrails – just chaos and chestthumping.
We’ve seen this movie before. During Trump’s first term, similar tariffs on steel
Ben Jealous
and aluminum were supposed to help revive American manufacturing. And they could have, had he invested in clean, safe, high-tech production and the American supply chain. Instead, Trump opted for pain and scarcity. Less availability of metals had a negative downstream impact on the industries that relied on them. Prices on goods made with metals went up. And American metals makers didn’t have a reason to invest in advanced manufacturing.
American manufacturing actually has been revived since then, but it was the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and other initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that were responsible. The previous administration’s trade policy was also smarter, with narrowly focused tariff increases specifically targeted to China and on sectors criti-
Smithsonian
have introduced or passed laws banning certain classroom discussions of race and history. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have been dismantled across school districts, colleges, and public agencies. The Smithsonian, which is considered the nation’s most visible repository of historical scholarship, is now being pulled into that campaign. Bunch told staff that the Smithsonian would continue to work with its Board of Regents, which includes the Chief Justice, the Vice President, and members of Congress. He noted the board’s role in guiding the institution and its understanding of “the importance of scholarship, expertise, and service to the American public.” Washington warned that
Real Estate:
Continued from page 2
check all three boxes. In our local Fort Worth market, areas like Arlington Heights: Cultural District; Fairmount: Historic Neighborhood with walkable streets; Westcliff: Texas Christian University: Polytechnic Heights: Texas Wesleyan University; and Crowley: suburb with a variety of housing options with lots of shopping and restaurants with access to freeways; are showing strong signs of growth with high rental demand.
Investing in real estate isn’t just for seasoned pros, it’s for anyone willing to do their research, crunch the numbers, and think long-term. Whether you’re buying a single-family rental, a multifamily property, or even looking into shortterm rentals, the key is to align your goals with the right property and location.
As a local real estate professional, I’m here to help you navigate the market, spot opportunities, and make sound investment decisions. If you’re ready to explore your next investment, let’s connect.
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cal to the clean energy transition – solar panels, electric vehicles, EV batteries, semiconductors, and yes, steel and aluminum. Ideally, tariffs should be paired with investments in domestic manufacturing, particularly in facilities that are clean, unionized, and ready to meet the climate challenge. And tariffs should send a clear message to competitors that there will be consequences for polluting, relying on forced labor, and other harmful practices.
This is not just about economics; it is about justice. Low-income and workingclass communities have borne the brunt of dirty industry and offshored jobs. Reindustrializing America has to be different this time. We
need a clean, equitable economy built with and for working families. And here’s the good news: it is possible. I have seen it. From my time crisscrossing the country opposing NAFTA 30 years ago to my current work with the Sierra Club, I have stood shoulderto-shoulder with labor leaders, environmental advocates, and frontline communities. We agree more often than not. We want trade policies that lift wages, protect the planet, and rebuild domestic industries – not that rig the game for polluters and drive up prices on already-struggling consumers.
One step in the right direction is for trade agreements and tariffs to address pollu-
tion and include carbon border adjustment mechanisms – fees based on the pollution in imported goods exceeding US levels. If your steel pollutes rivers in Mexico or your solar panels are made with coal power in China, you should not get a free pass in the US market. These mechanisms level the playing field, give American manufacturers a reason to go green and become cleaner, and improve conditions for workers and manufacturing communities overseas.
We also need to update agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to include rapidresponse mechanisms not just for labor abuses, but for environmental violations too.
If a country undercuts us by trashing its air and water, we should be able to act quickly. Trump’s tariffs don’t do any of that. They are about headlines, not outcomes. And we do not have time for empty gestures. The climate crisis is here. American workers are tired of being played. And families across this country cannot afford higher prices with no payoff.
We need a real plan. One that brings together labor and environmentalists, manufacturers and frontline communities. One that builds a new industrial vision—not just for profit, but for people and planet.
The path is clear. What we need now is the courage to walk it.
Continued from page 3
what’s at stake is much deeper than a shift in policy. “This is about more than exhibits,” he wrote. “It’s about erasing the truths that make America whole.”
UConn Captures Record 12th NCAA Title in Dominant Win over South Carolina
Tampa, FL.The University of Connecticut women’s basketball team made history Sunday night, securing its record 12th national championship with a commanding 82–59 victory over South Carolina in the 2025 NCAA title game. Led by the dynamic trio of Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and freshman sensation Sarah Strong, the Huskies overwhelmed the Gamecocks to claim their first championship in nearly a decade and surpass the UCLA men’s team for the most titles in college basketball history.
“We’ve won a lot of them, and they’ve all been special,” said head coach Geno Auriemma, who now owns more national titles than any other coach in the sport. “But this one, because of how it came about and everything involved, it hit different.”Bueckers scored 17 points in her final collegiate game, finishing her NCAA Tournament career with 477 points—third most all-time. She left the court with just over a minute remaining, tears in her eyes as she embraced Auriemma on the sideline.
Fudd, who poured in 24 points, was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player and surpassed 1,000 career points in the process. She is expected to return next season, providing a bright future for the program. But it was Strong who stole the show. The freshman phenom recorded her fourth double-double of the tournament with 24 points and 15 rebounds, breaking the record for most points by a freshman in an NCAA Tournament. “There are players who play four years and don’t do what she’s done in one,” Auriemma said. “She dominates every aspect of the game.”
South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, saw its perfect season hopes dashed. Staley, now 3–1 in
2024-25 Women NCAA Basketball Champions the UConn Huskies
Photo Courtesy UConn Sports Dept. title games, praised UConn’s execution and reflected on the impact of her departing senior class. “Much respect to UConn. They did a masterful job,” Staley said. “This senior group—what they’ve done
for our program, our game, our city, and our state—is nothing short of historic.”
Bueckers is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft on April 14, capping a
remarkable collegiate career. With this championship, UConn reasserts its place atop women’s college basketball, powered by a blend of seasoned stars and next-generation talent.
Christ Atoning Sacrifice
This is the third time the writer has spoken of perfection with regard to love (see commentary on 1 John 2:5; 4:12, above); he will continue to do so in the verse that follows this one. And again, Jesus is our model. These concepts are so foundational that they bear repeating! What’s new here is how it all ties in with the day of judgment. The complete love of the Father revealed within us empowers us to face God’s judgment confidently. This boldness stems not from our righteous deeds but from our trust in God’s mercy to save us (Titus 3:5). The nature of
Continued from page 4 our loving works in this world will demonstrate the presence or absence of saving faith (James 2:14–26). Jesus had much to say about this coming judgment (Matthew 11:20–24; 12:36; 25:31–46; etc.).
Conclusion: Transformed Reality
Symbols are intended to be meaningful, but people must acknowledge that meaning for the symbols to have their desired effect. I may know a red light means “stop,” but I will stop at the red light only if I honor its intended meaning. So it is with the cross. This
central symbol of Christianity reminds us of Christ’s death, the saving work He accomplished on it, His resurrection, and the love that motivated every part of His ministry. Our failure to love others will indicate that we don’t honor the symbol of the cross—we betray the cross instead. What can you do to honor the intent of that symbol today? Thought to Remember: Christ’s death for us moves us to a life of love for others. Standard Publishing. KJV Standard Lesson Commentary® 2024-2025 (p. 770). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.
Cedric Bailey Sports
The
UConn Huskies #35 Azzi Fudd scores a lay up in the 1st period in the National Championship game
