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WORLD NEWS

Vicious Cycle

The world awaits Israel’s answer in a cycle of retaliation that could lead to “uncontrollable regional escalation.”

Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel Saturday — other fighting has been through regional proxies like terrorist groups — and Israel has vowed to retaliate.

The Biden Administration says retaliation is unnecessary since Israel’s successful defense against Iran was a victory, reiterating that the U.S. does not want to be pulled into military conflict. However, some conservatives and former President Trump have called that position “weak,” saying it's unlikely to deter future aggression.

To ramp up nonmilitary pressure on Iran, the House passed a series of bipartisan bills Monday night. Later this week, Speaker Johnson (R-LA) will propose separate funding for Israel and Ukraine, a move some Republicans say may cost Johnson the gavel.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Join us in prayer for long-term peace, confident that God is able to spread across the globe the peace that he has given to those who trust him (Isaiah 26:3). 

“Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 654

U.S. NEWS

Choppy Waters

This week, the FBI launched a criminal investigation into the Baltimore bridge crash. 

The Dali, a container ship headed for Sri Lanka, lost power just after departing from a Baltimore port, veered out of control, and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26th. The bridge collapsed into the river below, causing six fatalities. Now, FBI agents are examining evidence that the crew may have known about the electrical issues before departure. 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says the city plans to take legal action against the Dali’s owner and manager — who have already filed petitions to limit their liability. 

The Dali’s crew (many of whom may not have the necessary visas to enter the U.S.) are still aboard — maintaining the ship, cleaning up damage, and unloading cargo when possible.

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Verse to consider whether or not a tragic accident could have been prevented… “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 CSB

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U.S. NEWS

High Court

The Supremes seem unable to avoid hot issues this session.

Yesterday, they heard arguments surrounding a law used to prosecute roughly 350 people connected to the January 6th Capitol riot, including former President Trump.

In question is the crime of “obstructing an official proceeding,” which is illegal under a provision of the 2022 Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which was passed following Enron’s massive fraud and document shredding spree. A January 6th defendant argues the law, which carries a hefty maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, was meant to prevent evidence tampering and does not apply to January 6th. A decision is expected this summer.

Meanwhile, the High Court allowed an Idaho law banning transgender treatment for minors to take effect — making an exception for the two teenage plaintiffs — while legal battles continue. 

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Culturally hot topics frequently make people think, speak, and act poorly… including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we are quick to listen and slow to speak.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
James 1:19-20 (CSB)

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IN OTHER BREWS…

The first seven jurors in former President Trump’s New York fraud trial were sworn in yesterday and told to return for opening statements on Monday; five more jurors and another six alternates still need to be picked. Over 50 of the first 96 potential jurors were quickly excused on Monday due to self-professed biases for or against Trump.
 

Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed received the maximum sentence of 18 months in prison on Monday. Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter last month for loading a live round into actor Alec Baldwin’s gun, which killed the film’s cinematographer when it was discharged on set. Baldwin, who was re-indicted for involuntary manslaughter in January, will stand trial in July. 
 

Coral reefs are turning ghostly in the fourth global bleaching event since 1998. High water temperatures force corals to expel their colorful algae, leaving them white and nutrient-deprived. If the water doesn’t cool in time… the coral dies. It’s a big deal; coral reefs protect coasts from storm surges, drive tourism, and support an estimated 25% of all marine life.
 

The WNBA has “Clark Fever.” As expected, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark was drafted to the Indiana Fever as the No. 1 pick on Monday, and her jersey sold out shortly after. The WNBA announced that all the Fever games would be nationally televised. The Chicago Sky also made waves, picking up Kamilla Cardoso (No. 3 pick) and Angel Reese (No. 7 pick).
 

Tesla is running on low battery. The EV maker is reportedly planning to cut 14,000 employees, representing 10% of its global workforce, after a steep slowdown in sales last quarter. This week also saw the departure of two Tesla executives and an unexpected (and unexplained) pause in Cybertruck deliveries. Sounds like time for a recharge.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Cheater’s guide to drawing an elephant…

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What We’re Reading
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Jason Woodruff | Founder