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U.S. NEWS

NY v. Trump

The second week of testimony in former President Trump’s hush money trial ended Friday.

Nine witnesses have taken the stand, including:

• David Pecker, a former National Enquirer publisher accused of suppressing stories critical of Trump in a “catch and kill” scheme ahead of the 2016 election

• Keith Davidson, a lawyer who negotiated payments for women who purported to have had affairs with Trump (Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal) 

• Hope Hicks, Trump’s campaign and White House spokeswoman from 2015-2018

Though he hasn’t taken the stand, Trump’s “fixer,” lawyer Michael Cohen, was a central focus of testimony because he paid Ms. Daniels for her silence. Trump’s lawyers want to paint him as a rogue operative, while prosecutors point to Trump’s track record with women and Cohen’s unwavering loyalty.

Testimony from Trump and Cohen themselves is expected soon.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
When you’re discouraged by constant courtroom drama, remember that a much more important judgment is coming. Keep your focus on pleasing Jesus.

“I also observed under the sun: there is wickedness at the place of judgment and there is wickedness at the place of righteousness. I said to myself, “God will judge the righteous and the wicked, since there is a time for every activity and every work.” 
Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 (CSB) (read full passage)

BUSINESS

Woodstock for Capitalists

Flocks of investors migrated to Omaha, NE, to see Warren Buffett this weekend.

Buffett presided over his 60th annual shareholder meeting since taking over a failing textile company called Berkshire Hathaway in 1965. Berkshire has since become a conglomerate worth over $800 billion, earning Buffett the title the “Oracle of Omaha.”

During Q&A, he discussed the year’s decisions—such as why Berkshire sold some of its Apple stock and a losing investment he made on Paramount—and praised Federal Reserve Chair Powell’s steering of the economy. He ended by saying, “I hope to come next year,” with a laugh. 

Buffett, 93, said he feels “fine,” but he promised investors “won’t have to wait too long” for new leadership and named Greg Abel as the man who will make Berkshire’s investment decisions once he’s gone.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
No matter what the stock market does or how much eggs cost... God will still be God, and He will remain in control. Our eternity is secure, even in the midst of uncertainty on Earth.

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

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SPORTS

Photo Finish

Mystik Dan overcame 18-1 odds to win the 150th Kentucky Derby by a nose.

On Saturday, 157,000 hat-wearing fans held their mint juleps with bated breath, waiting to hear the official verdict after Mystik Dan crossed the finish line neck-and-neck with Sierra Leone and Forever Young; it was the closest three-horse finale since 1947. A review of the photo finish shows Mystik Dan’s flared nostril winning the “greatest two minutes in sports.” 

It was trainer Kenny McPeek’s first Derby win in the longest-running U.S. sporting event.

Also sporting a long face was Bob Baffert, Hall of Fame trainer to six Derby winners. His suspension from Churchill Downs was extended, barring him from the famed racetrack for the third year. Baffert has been suspended since his horse tested positive for a banned substance in 2021.

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Verse to consider when you're racing towards your own finish line... "Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross... Consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up."
Hebrews 12:1-3 (CSB) (read full passage)

Since April 17, anti-war demonstrations have led to over 2,400 arrests on 46 college campuses nationwide. Some university leaders have struck deals with pro-Palestinian protesters to divest from companies tied to Israel, but overseas, a deal between Israel and Hamas is stalled over Hamas’s demand that the ceasefire be permanent — an outcome Israel would consider “a terrible defeat.” 
 

President Biden awarded 19 people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award that comes with a shiny necklace. Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh, civil rights activist Opal Lee, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were among those honored. Biden praised the group for their “relentless curiosity, inventiveness, ingenuity, and hope.”
 

The labor market cooled off in April, reenergizing (again) hopes that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates this summer. The U.S. added 175,000 jobs last month, well below expectations and a significant drop from the 315,000 jobs added in March. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9%.
 

Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and his wife were charged on Friday over ties to Azerbaijan. The 54-page indictment alleges Cuellar accepted $600,000 in bribes from 2014-2021 in exchange for influencing legislation and delivering a pro-Azerbaijan speech on the House floor. Cuellar, currently seeking reelection for his 11th term in Congress, denies all wrongdoing.
 

Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok are back in one accord, bringing music from Taylor Swift, Drake, Justin Bieber, and other huge artists back to FYPs after three months of silence. TikTok agreed to offer more protections against AI copycats as well as set up new monetization, promotional, and engagement opportunities for UGM songwriters and artists.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

When is the last time you pet a whale…

What’s On Our Mother’s Day Wishlist
Aruna’s crossbody bag*

Sure, we love carrying a backpack full of snacks and BandAids… but sometimes we moms just want a bag for ourselves. 

This Mother’s Day, we’re eyeing the Soniya Belt Bag from Aruna. It’s not just trendy — it’s a way to help provide employment and holistic care to survivors of sex trafficking. 100% of Aruna’s premium athleisure bags and accessories are created by these survivors — promoting their lifelong freedom.

Made from recycled, ripstop, machine-washable fabric, the Soniya is tough enough to handle all your trips and travel. Your purchase comes with a freedom story and positively supports 6 survivors. Shop for Her Freedom at Aruna.

What We’re Taking
This free online course on King David

The David Story: Shepherd, Father, King explores the lives of Israel’s first two kings – Saul and David (we’ll give you that answer for free) – to discover what the Bible says about fatherhood, the nature of sin, and the consequences of sin.

It’s a self-paced, seven-lecture, deep-dive into the books of First and Second Samuel that is perfect for anyone wanting to grow in their knowledge and appreciation of God’s word.

Did we mention it’s free? Join thousands of others pursuing a deeper understanding of the Bible.