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Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• The viral image sparking debate amid Gaza conflict

• Headline Hustle: Donald Trump is found guilty on all 34 counts in hush money trial, inflation is taking its sweet time coming back down to 2%, Jeep unveils its first EV SUV in North America

• Senate steps up to challenge Big Oil's pricing power play

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

GLOBAL

The viral image stirring controversy and conversations

It’s like spotting a mirage in the desert. Is it a series of tents? Truck beds against a rust orange background? Or perhaps multicolored rectangles? Whatever it is, it’s been everywhere, and everyone’s talking about it.

The viral phenomenon

The ambiguous image, set against mountains with the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” displayed across, has become ubiquitous on social media following an Israeli strike on a refugee camp in Rafah, Gaza, killing dozens in what was supposed to be a safe zone.

Despite not being an actual photo from Rafah, this AI-generated graphic has gone viral, amassing over 46 million shares on Instagram alone. But the image’s widespread popularity has sparked debate. As scientist Ayesha Khan noted on Instagram, merely posting this ambiguous graphic hasn’t halted the violence—it’s performative.

So, what’s behind this viral sensation, and what does it really signify?

Where did 'All Eyes on Rafah' come from?

The phrase isn't new. It dates back to February when Rik Peeperkorn of the World Health Organization highlighted Rafah as a hotspot for displaced Palestinians amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes. His words, “All eyes are on Rafah,” have since been adopted by activists and incorporated into numerous graphics.

What makes this image so popular? Faiza Hirji, a media studies professor, suggests that its sanitized nature—lacking the graphic horror of war—makes it more shareable. Instagram's “add yours” feature has also fueled its spread. However, critics argue the image’s ambiguity dilutes the reality of Rafah's plight.

Does 'All Eyes on Rafah' mean anything? The phrase avoids mentioning "Palestine" or "Gaza," possibly to evade the political baggage these terms carry. This vagueness has led some to question whether people are truly informed about Rafah or merely sharing a trendy graphic. Hirji points out that while some view it as a call to awareness, others see it as slacktivism—similar to the black squares posted during the racial reckoning of 2020.

Big picture: Ultimately, while "All Eyes on Rafah" raises awareness, it may also exemplify the limits of social media activism. It’s a reminder that real change demands more than just clicks and shares.

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IN THE KNOW

Headline Hustle

🧑‍⚖️ Trump found guilty on all 34 counts in hush money trial. A New York jury convicted former President Donald Trump on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. This makes Trump the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. He faces a maximum of four years in prison for each count, with sentencing scheduled for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention. Trump, who plans to appeal, faces three other criminal cases and has been involved in three civil cases resulting in significant financial judgments against him.

📉 Inflation is taking baby steps returning to where policymakers want it. A report due Friday is expected to show U.S. inflation in April at a 2.7% annual rate, with core inflation slightly declining, indicating gradual progress toward the Federal Reserve's 2% target. The Commerce Department's personal consumption expenditures (PCE) prices measure, preferred by the Fed for reflecting changes in consumer behavior, suggests a slow easing of price pressures. Despite these positive signs, achieving the Fed's target is anticipated to be challenging, with only one rate cut expected this year.

⚡️ Jeep reveals its first EV for the North American market. Jeep has unveiled the Wagoneer S, its first fully electric SUV for North America, signaling its entry into the global EV market. Unlike its European counterpart, the Avenger EV, the Wagoneer S boasts up to 600 horsepower, a 300-mile range on a full charge, and can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Designed with flexibility, it can be produced as gas-powered, hybrid, or electric to meet market demands. Starting at $72,000, it features advanced drive modes and eco-friendly interior materials, replacing traditional leather and chrome.

OIL

Big oil faces Senate showdown over price fixing claims

Senate Democrats, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, are turning up the heat on Big Oil, demanding a Justice Department investigation into alleged collusion and price-fixing practices within the industry. This aggressive push follows accusations that a prominent Texas oil tycoon conspired with OPEC to manipulate market prices, a scenario Schumer described as having "materially harmed virtually every American household and business."

A Senate call to action

In a stark letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Schumer and 22 other senators, including high-profile figures like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, expressed grave concerns over potential illegal activities that could be inflating the cost of fuel across the United States. Citing recent charges by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Scott Sheffield, CEO of Pioneer Natural Resources, the senators argue that this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

The FTC's findings suggest that Sheffield engaged in discussions with OPEC to restrict oil output, purportedly boosting prices and reducing U.S. production. These maneuvers, the senators claim, have hiked gas prices by as much as 94 cents per gallon compared to pre-pandemic levels, costing drivers dearly.

The repercussions. While the FTC has taken steps, including banning Sheffield from serving on Exxon’s board, the senators believe that only a thorough DOJ investigation can bring about comprehensive justice. They advocate for severe penalties under the Sherman Act, including substantial fines and potential prison terms for individuals found guilty of price fixing.

Looking ahead…as the DOJ contemplates its next move, the oil industry remains defiant, challenging the accusations and criticizing current economic policies they claim threaten the nation’s energy security.

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• Amazon announced on Thursday that it has received federal approval to fly its delivery drones over longer distances without ground spotters, a significant regulatory clearance that paves the way for expanding the service across more areas in the U.S.

• Twitch will disband its Safety Advisory Council this Friday, according to sources and documents reviewed by CNBC.

• Yale University has shattered a 323-year-old glass ceiling by naming Maurie McInnis as its first permanent female president.

• Following a civil lawsuit by the US Department of Justice and a coalition of states, the NCAA has agreed to eliminate a rule that restricted Division I college athletes from transferring schools while maintaining eligibility to play.

• Amazon is introducing an AI-powered search feature on Fire TV that allows Alexa to answer open-ended questions about TV shows and movies and provide recommendations tailored to users' preferences.

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