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POLITICS

Passed

The House worked overtime this weekend, passing a bundle of foreign aid bills worth $95 billion. 

Here’s what was included:

• $60.8B to Ukraine 

• $26B to Israel 

• $8.12B to Taiwan

• Sell-or-be-banned order to TikTok within 12 months

The aid to Ukraine passed 311-112… but it may cost Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) his gavel. Some Republicans are upset Johnson worked with Democrats to pass foreign aid instead of focusing on funding for the border — it’s not clear if those critics will force a vote to remove Johnson or how that vote would play out. Johnson acknowledged his days may be numbered but said, “I would rather send bullets to Ukraine than American boys.”  

Next, the bills head to the Senate, to be voted on as early as this week.

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Verse to consider when you’re weary from working overtime… “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.” 
Colossians 3:23-24 (CSB)

WORLD NEWS

Israeli Conflicts

The dust may be settling for Israel and Iran, but it’s still cloudy in Gaza and the West Bank.

Israel struck back against Iran early Friday, almost a week after the Islamic Republic sent a barrage of drones and missiles at the Jewish State (which were largely blocked). Israel’s strike damaged an air base in Isfahan, a central province housing military and nuclear facilities. The strike’s narrow scope seemed aimed at demonstrating Israel’s ability to bypass Iranian defenses without provoking further retaliation.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, Palestinian officials report that Israeli strikes on Rafah Saturday killed 18 people, mostly children. Medics delivered a living baby girl from her pregnant mother, who was killed in the strike.

And in a West Bank refugee camp Sunday, an Israeli raid killed 14; Israel says 10 were terrorists.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
It’s easy to feel helpless when there is such intense suffering happening so far away. But the Bible promises that prayer is powerful and effective, that it causes things to happen that would not have happened otherwise. Pray for comfort for those grieving. Pray for wisdom for leaders. Pray for peace.
 
“May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (CSB)

SPONSORED

Light in Darkness

It’s been called a “silent genocide.”

Since the turn of the century, 62,000 Nigerian Christians have been killed by Boko Haram, an Islamic terrorist group. The situation isn’t getting better… it’s getting worse; last year, 8,000 Nigerian believers were murdered.

Nigeria is now #6 on the World Watch List for the most dangerous places to be a Christian.

Despite the growing danger, One Hope is committed to getting the good news and hope of the gospel to children around the world, including Nigeria. Since 1987, One Hope has engaged 2 billion kids with God’s word in 148 different languages — this month, One Hope is specifically campaigning to help reach the next generation of Nigerians.

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BE DOERS
We’re asking the TPO Community to join us in partnering with OneHope; we’ll match the first $5,000 given through this link.

Every $1 donated to OneHope will get God’s story into the hands of 3 Nigerian children through local churches and partners. 

“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (CSB)

U.S. NEWS

Jury Seated

Opening statements in former President Trump's New York hush money trial begin today.

Twelve jurors and six alternates were seated last week, including a teacher, a speech therapist, an investment banker, and multiple lawyers. The trial (background details) is expected to last six weeks, and the jury must reach a unanimous decision to convict or acquit.

Last week, Trump’s team filed a last-minute appeal to move the trial from Manhattan, saying an impartial jury couldn’t be found for his trial in New York City; the appeals court quickly denied the request.

On Friday, in the designated protest area outside the courthouse, a 37-year-old man with a history of mental illness threw anti-government pamphlets and lit himself on fire; he was taken to the hospital and died hours later.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Followers of Christ are not identified by their views on former President Trump or his trial but by their love for others. And yes, that means loving people who disagree with you on former President Trump and this trial.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 
Jesus in John 13:35 (CSB)

At Midnight on Friday, heavily caffeinated Swifties began streaming her new album, The Tortured Poet’s Department. Two hours later, Taylor Swift dropped another 15 tracks. Spotify says the 31-track beast is the first album to “have over 300M streams in a single day” and crowned the album’s song Fortnight (ft. Post Malone) the most-streamed song in a single day.
 

Miley warned us… it’s The Climb. Mortgage rates are back on the rise after March’s discouraging inflation data, which has banks worried the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer. The average 30-year mortgage surged to 7.1% last week, crossing 7% for the first time in nearly five months.
 

The Education Department finalized controversial tweaks to Title IX on Friday. The new rules prohibit discrimination based on “gender identity” and remove Trump-era sexual assault due process rules, drawing praise for protecting victims and criticism for eroding the rights of the accused. Notably, the new policy does not forbid schools from banning transgender athletes as originally proposed.
 

Half as rewarding, twice as valuable? Many crypto enthusiasts anticipate gains after Bitcoin's fourth “halving” event last Friday (miners now earn a 3.125 Bitcoin reward instead of 6.25). Although this change may seem negative, it’s intended to increase the price/demand for Bitcoin by lowering the supply. Bitcoin is currently worth $65,000, down from $73,800 in mid-March.
 

Swoosh! Caitlin Clark has reportedly drained an eight-year deal with Nike worth up to $28 million. The women’s basketball phenom received a full-court press from Puma, Under Armour, and Adidas, but ultimately signed with Nike who offered a longer deal duration and a signature shoe. Clark makes her professional debut (in Nikes) with the Indiana Fever on May 14th.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Oh, to have a built-in pillow…

What We’re Drinking
LMNT*

Healthy hydration isn’t just about water. You lose water and sodium when you sweat, so both need to be replaced to help you sleep soundly, sharpen your focus, and improve your energy.

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You’re guaranteed to find a flavor you love, like fan-favorites Citrus Salt or Raspberry Salt mixed into ice water or seltzer for a refreshing pick-me-up, or mix Chocolate Salt into your coffee for a mean mocha.

Try it out today to get a free sample pack with any purchase!

What Our Kids Are Chewing
Hiya Health*

I put on the full armor of God to battle my hangry children while they wait for dinner…  then they’re full after their first bite. Thankfully, I’ve got Hiya.

While they’re waiting, they happily chomp down on Hiya’s sugar-free vitamins and probiotics. To them, it’s a little treat while they wait for the dinner they may or may not eat. For me, it’s reassurance that they’re getting essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics without gummy fillers. 

To make things even easier, Hiya delivers. With Hiya’s fully customizable monthly refill setup, we never have to miss a day. 

Make Hiya your hack, too! Get 50% off your first order with code POUROVER.

Kathleen Wadkins | Head of Content