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WORLD NEWS

Threats and Extraditions

The Trump administration is breaking with longstanding American policy of not negotiating with terrorists.

The White House confirmed Wednesday that it’s talking with Hamas directly to secure the remaining 59 hostages from Gaza, 5 of whom are American citizens. President Trump issued a public “last warning” to Hamas, saying, “It’s over for you” if all living and dead hostages aren’t released “immediately,” adding that he’s “sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job.” 

Hamas said his threats “encourage” Israel to violate the current ceasefire deal.

In other news, the ISIS-K member accused of plotting the 2021 Kabul airport bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan was extradited to the U.S. Tuesday night. FBI Director Patel said the man responsible for killing 13 American service members and about 170 Afghan citizens will “face American justice.”

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
As earthly powers work out their visions for justice on an international scale, believers remember the radical call of Jesus to show uncommon kindness and mercy to the enemies in our personal lives—whether global terrorists, politicians with whom we disagree, or a coworker making life difficult.

“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.”
1 John 4:8–11 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLITICS

Sanctuary Squabbles

Immigration stats are causing a stir in Washington.

Border Patrol reported 8,300 apprehensions in February—the lowest monthly total since 2000 and over 100,000 fewer than this time last year.

While border crossings are down sharply, deportations are holding steady. To push forward President Trump’s plan to conduct “the largest deportation operation” in U.S. history, House Republicans focused in on four sanctuary cities—New York, Chicago, Boston, and Denver—in a tense, six-hour committee hearing with the cities’ mayors Wednesday.

Republicans argued that sanctuary policies, which dissuade or prohibit local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration officers, allow cities to shelter dangerous criminals. The mayors defended the constitutionality of their sanctuary status, arguing their cities comply with federal law and that local law enforcement assisting ICE would lead to “fear” in the community and make their jobs harder.

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Verse to consider when a hot-button issue is causing a stir in your own neighborhood… “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” 
James 3:17–18 (CSB) (read full passage)

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ECONOMY

Numbers (Economic, not Mosaic)

Ever-changing economic headlines are keeping consumers on their toes.

Yesterday, President Trump announced he’s paused some of Monday’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada until April 2nd—exempting goods already covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a deal negotiated during Trump’s first term. A day earlier, he issued a one-month exemption for the auto industry.

Wall Street appears tired of the whiplash; despite a reduction in tariffs (which investors typically like), the S&P 500 fell 1.8% yesterday, and the Dow dropped 1%.

In the jobs realm, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced plans to cut over 80,000 workers; the IRS is preparing to halve its 90,000-person workforce; and the CDC… un-fired 180 employees. Meanwhile, private-sector hiring slowed to just 77,000 in February. It’s the weakest growth since July, compounding concerns of economic slowdown.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Too often, we let eternally insignificant things like the ups and downs of the market control us. Seeking to steward money well is a good thing, but keep your focus on the Giver rather than the gifts. 

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

Mickey’s making cuts. Disney is laying off nearly 6% of staff across its Entertainment Networks and ABC News units, directly affecting ~200 employees as it aims to “boost efficiencies.” Along with the job cuts, Disney plans to dissolve its FiveThirtyEight brand—a popular political polling resource—and bring shows like 20/20 and Nightline under a consolidated leadership team.
 

Representative Sylvester Turner (D-TX) died suddenly on Wednesday, two months into his first term. The 70-year-old former mayor of Houston briefly visited the hospital Tuesday night after attending President Trump’s congressional address, and he died at home Wednesday morning. His family cited “enduring health complications”; Turner underwent cancer treatment in 2022.
 

A divided SCOTUS ruled against the 47th POTUS. President Trump had ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid, but a lower court ruled Uncle Sam must pay government contractors within 36 hours for nearly $2B of work already performed. The admin appealed, and the Supremes upheld the ruling 5-4 (and requested a more practical payout timeline).
 

LeBron James just made history… again. The Lakers’ 40-year-old superstar became the first NBA player to hit 50,000 combined regular and postseason points Tuesday night. He reached the milestone on a three-pointer, his first shot against the New Orleans Pelicans. During an ensuing timeout, the announcer told the crowds, “Ladies and gentlemen, we all have just witnessed history.”
 

U.S. companies are dropping anchor at the Panama Canal. The U.S. firm BlackRock led a deal to buy most of a Hong Kong conglomerate’s $22.8 billion global ports business, including key canal assets. The purchase shifts control away from Chinese ownership but risks rocking the boat with Panama, where tensions over the canal were already high.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The logistics of yacht life…

How We’re Preparing Our Hearts for Easter
With the Reflection and Awe Email Series*

Lent is about more than just giving up chocolate. 

For 47 days, journey through a season of purpose, reflection, and preparation leading up to Resurrection Sunday—the greatest day in history! This free Lent email series will help you refocus your heart, deepen your faith, and align with God’s purposes through fasting, prayer, and eternal truths.

Start your journey today—sign up for the free Lent series and snag an exclusive bookmark!

How We’re Flooding Social Media
With God’s Word… and Mr. Pen*

During this season of Lent, let’s fill our feeds with Scripture! 

Join the Mr. Pen Challenge by posting photos of your Bible study or journaling setup (our team’s fav tool is the Mr. P Bible Journaling Set). Each post with #MrPenChallenge is an entry to win weekly prizes like the Pink Journaling Kit or a New Hope Girls pencil case—and the grand prize…

…a trip to Greece to walk where Paul walked (and enjoy some baklava)! Plus, each entry = $1 donated to New Hope Girls, a non-profit rescuing girls in the Dominican Republic.

Bible study and free Grecian travel, all while giving back? Yes, please! Learn more and get sharing!