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WORLD NEWS

Swaps and Strikes

Russia and Ukraine completed a “1,000 for 1,000” prisoner swap this weekend– the largest of the war so far.

The three-day exchange, brokered in Istanbul on May 16, included mostly prisoners of war and 120 civilians. Freed Ukrainian troops returned, draped in national flags, greeted by emotional crowds chanting, “Welcome!” Russia released footage of its returning troops posing with Russian, Soviet, and Imperial flags. 

The swap was the only concrete outcome from the first direct talks between Ukraine and Russia since the war began three years ago. There was international hope that the exchange would pave the way to a ceasefire… but those hopes are fading. Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war during the prisoner swap; the strikes found their mark in 22 locations across Ukraine, killing at least 12 people, including three children.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War is heavy and ugly, and reminds us of the need for redemption through Christ. Jesus came to lighten our burdens and bring us unexplainable peace. Pray that these nations would experience the peace that comes through Christ alone.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

SPORTS

Hoosier Favorite Athlete?

The sports world descended on Indiana this weekend.

It kicked off Saturday with Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever hosting reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty. The sold-out game ended with controversy; the Liberty won 90-88 after several late referee decisions caused the home team to cry foul.

Sunday saw 350,000 fans pack into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 109th Indy 500; the first sold-out crowd since 2016. Spain’s Alex Palou won, taking the lead with just 14 laps remaining, earning himself the traditional glass of cold milk (and ~$4.5 million). 

Finally, the Indiana Pacers hosted Game 3 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks yesterday, a year after getting swept out of this round by the Celtics. Game 4 is tomorrow night, while Game 4 of the Minnesota-OKC series is tonight.

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Verse to consider whether your favorite athlete wins, loses, or you’re mostly just looking forward to what’s going on the grill today…“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Explore The Voice of the Martyrs’ Gifts to Inspire collection, and find the perfect inspirational gift today! Every purchase helps serve persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

ECONOMY

Tentative Tariffs

President Trump is promising to turn up the tariffs in hopes of boosting “Made in the USA” sticker production.

On Friday, POTUS warned Apple (and other phone-makers) that smartphones made outside the U.S. will face an additional 25% tariff; Apple has been shifting iPhone production from China to India but has not indicated any plans to bring iProduction stateside. Trump also announced an additional 50% tariff on European Union goods, saying trade discussions with the 27-country bloc are “going nowhere,” but agreed yesterday to delay its effect until July 9. 

Major stock indexes, both U.S. and international, stumbled following the announcements.

Also Friday, President Trump approved a “partnership” between U.S. Steel and Japan-based Nippon Steel—which had been blocked by then-President Biden over national security concerns—saying it will add 70,000 new American jobs and keep the headquarters in Pittsburgh.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving—or whether prices are rising or falling—Christians should live out of the abundance of grace we have received, seeking to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed. 

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

Harvard’s international students get to keep wearing crimson, for now. A U.S. district judge granted the Ivy League university a temporary restraining order against the Department of Homeland Security—which sought to ban Harvard from enrolling international students—saying the ban would bring “immediate and irreparable injury” to the school. The order will remain in place while the two sides battle in court. 
 

Pennsylvania Avenue is doing more restructuring. President Trump ordered a major overhaul of the National Security Council, including slashing staff, ousting political appointees, and sending council officials back to their home agencies. The advisory board’s shake-up, which follows National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s removal earlier this month, intends to give more foreign policy influence to the Pentagon and State Department.
 

The Piano Man has canceled his summer tour dates. Legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel, 76, was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain), leading to problems with “hearing, vision, and balance,” according to a statement. He’s undergoing physical therapy and “looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.”
 

Boeing isn’t grounded… but it is paying up. The plane maker reached a tentative $1.1 billion deal with the Justice Department to avoid criminal prosecution for two 737 Max crashes, which killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. The deal—which would preserve Boeing’s eligibility as a federal contractor—includes $445 million for the victims’ families and major investments in compliance and safety.
 

Kim Kardashian’s 2016 robbery case is finally closed. On Friday, a Paris court convicted eight of the ten people—most in their 60s and 70s—involved in the hotel heist that stole nearly $10M in jewelry from the reality star. Two defendants, including the heist’s alleged organizer, were acquitted. Kardashian said she was “grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Rolling into summer like…

How We’re Empowering Our Kids
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Help your kids discover the joy of living for God right where they are. Download the free devotional today!

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