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WORLD NEWS

Incoming Fire

Air-raid sirens sounded throughout Saturday night in Israel.

Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones in retaliation for Israel's April 1 strike that killed three top Iranian commanders on Iran’s embassy compound in Syria. Between Israel's air defense systems and help from Britain, Jordan, and the U.S., 99% of the drones and missiles were shot down.

The U.S. intercepted “dozens” of Saturday’s strikes using aircraft and ships moved to the region recently, and U.S. officials said damage was “relatively limited” given the scale of the attack. President Biden said support for Israel is “ironclad,” and G7 leaders met yesterday to develop “a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”

Allies are urging caution as they rally; Biden told PM Netanyahu that Uncle Sam wouldn’t support any counterattack because it could start a regional war.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
As we mourn violence and pray for peace around the world, believers are reminded of how good the news is of Jesus’s coming kingdom. His Spirit offers supernatural peace in our hearts today, and his return promises peace in a renewed earth forever.

“‘For I will create new heavens and a new earth… The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle, but the serpent’s food will be dust! They will not do what is evil or destroy on my entire holy mountain,’ says the Lord.”
Isaiah 65:17, 25 (CSB)

U.S. NEWS

Historic Trial

The first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president begins today.

The trial concerns former President Trump’s involvement in a hush money deal with adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about an alleged affair she had with Trump in 2006. Trump’s business then repaid Cohen the $130,000, logging the payments as “legal expenses,” which New York prosecutors claim was illegal.

The former President denies having an affair with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty to all 34 counts of business fraud.

Even if convicted, it's unlikely Trump would face jail time as a first-time offender. However, state law does require him to attend the entire trial, taking him off the campaign trail for an estimated six weeks.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Our goal is to keep the big things big and the small things small. It’s not that a historic trial of a president isn’t important… it’s just not God-of-the-Universe important. Stay focused on eternity; it changes everything.

“Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 3:20 (CSB)

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WORLD NEWS

A Deluge

Cities in southwestern Russia and northern Kazakhstan are facing the worst flooding the region has seen in 80 years, leaving only rooftops peeking out of muddy water.

Record snowmelt burst a dam in Orsk, Russia, last week, pushing the Ural River—Europe’s third largest—over its banks and to a record high. Officials declared a state of emergency as waters surged toward a region of two million people, including the city of Orenburg, where more than 11,000 homes have flooded.

To the south, Kazakhstan is having to blow up artificial dams to combat flooding that’s forced 110,000 people from their homes.

Unhappy with the Kremlin’s response, Russians held a rare protest in Orsk, chanting, “Putin help us.” Late opposition leader Navalny’s widow, Yulia, criticized the Kremlin for being “unprepared.” 

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Verse to consider when your neighbor is mourning (whether or not you’re not on good terms)… “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Matthew 5:43-44

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The House voted Friday to renew the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for two more years. FISA was designed to track electronic communications of national security threats abroad, but critics say it spies on Americans. A last-minute amendment to stop warrantless surveillance inside the U.S. flopped in a tie vote, keeping FISA as-is. Now, the Senate will vote.
 

The White House announced Thursday that background checks will be required when “dealers sell guns at gun shows, flea markets, on social media or other places outside of brick-and-mortar stores," closing the so-called “gun show loophole.” The action was enabled by the 2022 bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Now, President Biden wants Congress to “finish the job,” and pass “universal background checks.” 
 

Six people were killed and several others injured in a stabbing near Sydney, Australia. A man wielding a knife entered a shopping mall on Saturday, attacking at least nine people — including a 9-month-old — before a police officer shot and killed him. Police say the attacker, who was known to law enforcement, acted alone and that the tragedy wasn’t terrorism.
 

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three castaways who used palm fronds to spell "HELP" on the beach of a remote Pacific atoll. The men were stranded after their boat’s motor broke during a fishing trip 100 miles from home. They survived on coconut meat and well water for over a week until they were recovered “in good health.”
 

American Scottie Scheffler earned his second green jacket yesterday. The azaleas bloomed, the $1.50 pimento cheese sandwiches were consumed, the landline phone calls were free… and when all was said and done, Scheffler — the #1 golfer in the world — pulled away from the pack, winning the 2024 Masters for the second time in three years with shots like this.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Out for a stroll with mama (lion cub edition)…

What We’re Carrying
Aruna Project bags*

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What’s the mission, you say? Aruna Project works to free, house, counsel, and employ victims of sex trafficking around the world. Their artisans create premium athleisure bags and accessories, and 100% of proceeds go towards holistic care for survivors. Aruna has brought 170,945 days (and counting) of freedom for women.

There’s nothing better than a good bag… except a good bag with an exceptional mission. Shop now to give lifelong freedom.

What We’re Drafting
Epic Will*

In May 2021, my mom passed away after a 10-year cancer battle. As our family mourned, I had to take care of lots of logistics… but thankfully, her will let me avoid any legal mess. Our family misses my mom every day, but we celebrate that she’s with Jesus — maybe even doing some heavenly gardening.

Recently, my wife and I welcomed our fourth child (pray for us), and I updated my own will. Epic Will helped me do it in just 13 minutes. With easy explainers and safe online storage, I’m reassured that my family will be taken care of in any event. 

I highly recommend checking out Epic Will. Use code POUROVER10 for 10% off.

Nate Wells | Head of Business