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WORLD NEWS

On Hold

The war in Gaza continues, but it might be without American bombs.

In an interview Wednesday, President Biden said that the U.S. won’t supply offensive weapons to Israel that could be used in an attack on Rafah, expressing concern for the more than one million Palestinians sheltering there. The announcement follows the White House’s decision to pause a shipment of 4,500 bombs, with officials citing apprehension about how the larger explosives would be used in dense urban areas.

He said the U.S. would continue supplying Israel with Iron Dome rocket interceptors to defend itself, saying they’re not walking away from Israel’s security but from “Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas.” 

Critics of the decision, including former President Trump, called the announcement “disgraceful,” accusing Biden of “taking the side” of Hamas.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Our world is overwhelmed by violence and loss and by swirling and spiraling anxieties. Turn to Jesus for mercy, who himself suffered violence and loss at the hands of those who hated him. Pray that the hope He offers will turn hearts to the Lord, the only source of true comfort.

“On this mountain… [the LORD almighty will swallow] up death once and for all. The Lord God will wipe away the tears... On that day it will be said, ‘Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’”
Isaiah 25:7–9 (CSB) (read full passage)

BUSINESS

Money Back

In a surprise twist, defunct crypto exchange FTX says it can repay its 2 million customers and creditors with interest.

When FTX collapsed in 2022, the court named John Ray III as CEO and tasked him with tracking down $8B in missing assets to repay an estimated $11.2B to creditors. Since then, thanks largely to rising crypto prices, Ray has recovered $14.5 billion… “an unbelievable result.”

Suddenly flush with cash, FTX has asked the court to approve a plan where all customers and creditors claiming $50,000 or less will receive 118% of what they’re owed.

There is a (big) caveat: customers are being paid back for how valuable their deposits were at the time of bankruptcy. In November 2022, Bitcoin was worth $16,000. Today, it’s worth $62,000. Ouch.

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Verse to consider when stressed by the constant ups and downs, wins and losses, of cryptocurrency or the stock market… “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

House Hullabaloo

The People’s House got a little rowdy on Wednesday.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) introduced a motion to oust Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Speaker amid a chorus of boos. A 359-43 bipartisan majority immediately blocked the motion; Democrats say they didn’t want to punish the Speaker for working with them, and Republicans say they want to project unity ahead of November’s election. Johnson’s critics say the vote is proof he’s owned by Democrats.

Earlier Wednesday, lawmakers grilled K-12 school administrators over curriculum, hate speech, and discipline of teachers and students involved in alleged harassment of Jewish students. 

The K-12 administrators were more combative than Ivy League presidents. They said student suspensions and employee terminations show they do not tolerate antisemitism; one suggested the hearing was a “gotcha moment” that wasn’t “actually trying to solve” anything.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
It’s easy to see the shortcomings of our opponents and cast ourselves in the right. When you find yourself grumbling about others, don’t forget to check your own heart.

“Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:3-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

Former President Trump may have two fewer trials to worry about before November. Tuesday, the federal judge in his classified documents case indefinitely postponed trial, saying the classified evidence poses significant issues that need resolution before a jury trial. Wednesday, a state appeals court agreed to review the ruling that allowed DA Fani Willis to stay on Trump’s Georgia election interference case.
 

The Joker did it again. Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić was named the NBA’s MVP in a landslide vote — his third MVP in four years. The Nuggets are counting on him to live up to the award if they want to repeat as league champs; they face an 0-2 deficit in their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
 

Boys Scouts of America will have a new name badge next year. The 114-year-old company will now be “Scouting America,” to reflect that they’re “an organization for all.” On the heels of a major sexual abuse scandal and bankruptcy, Scouting America has faced “historically low” memberships and is hoping its new chapter will help scout some new members.
 

When life gave Panera lemons, they charged them full of caffeine… and got sued. Panera Bread is removing “Charged Lemonades” from its menu after the highly caffeinated drink was blamed for at least two deaths in recent lawsuits. The cafe chain will focus on “low sugar and low-caffeine options” moving forward.
 

Disney and Warner Bros announced they’re combining Disney+, Hulu, and Max into a single “streaming bundle” coming sometime this summer. They hope the trifecta will stop the subscribe/cancel cycle that has been eating into profits. The companies didn’t announce prices, but there will be options without ads and with ads (funny… we used to call that cable).

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Satisfying slow-mo…

What We’re Subscribing To
Hope for Each Day, Billy Graham’s Daily Devotion

Sometimes, the day surprises you. A deer in the headlights totals the car, a toddler with the zoomies takes a trip to the ER, or a storm lands a tree on your house (not speaking from our own recent experiences or anything…).

To make it through the day’s challenges with faith and hope, you need words of encouragement and wisdom stored in your heart. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is bringing that lifeline to your inbox daily with their free devotion, Hope for Each Day.

Subscribe for free today and choose hope, no matter what the day throws at you.

What We’re Listening To
Dwell Daily*

If you’ve been around here a while, you’ve probably heard how Dwell helps our staff stay rooted in the Bible, covering lots of holy ground almost by accident.

Now, Dwell is helping us slow down, too. We’re diving deeper with Dwell Daily — unhurried, thoughtfully crafted audio devotionals that help us pray and meditate on Scripture. Each day features the soothing and customizable audio we’ve come to know and love from Dwell, plus reflections on a couple of verses that give us something to ponder, all in under 10 minutes.

Download the app to check out Dwell Daily and meditate with us.