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WORLD NEWS

Continued Conflict

Iran and Israel are continuing to trade blows after Iran rejected President Trump’s calls for an “unconditional” surrender.

Israel has targeted several nuclear weapons sites across Iran, including a nuclear reactor in the city of Arak that Iran claims is “inactive.” Iran launched missiles into southern Israel, hitting a hospital and injuring over 30 people. Israel’s defense minister called the strike “criminal” and warned that Iran’s Supreme Leader “cannot continue to exist;” Iran says it was targeting a military base near the hospital.

Meanwhile, President Trump is still deciding whether to join Israel’s offensive. 

Yesterday, #47 denied reports that he had approved an attack plan. The White House said Trump will make a decision “within two weeks” because he believes there is a “substantial chance of negotiations” with Iran in the near future.

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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 the Middle East 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)

U.S. NEWS

Ban Upheld

The Supreme Court issued a landmark decision Wednesday.

In a 6-3 decision, split along ideological lines, the Supremes upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-transition treatments for minors, allowing restrictions on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for trans-identifying youth to stand.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Roberts acknowledged the “fierce scientific and policy debates” surrounding such treatments but said Tennessee’s law does not violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. Justice Sotomayor read her dissent aloud (a rare move)—saying the law enables “medical discrimination on the basis of sex” and “abandons transgender children.”

Tennessee is one of 27 states with similar bans. The state’s Attorney General called the ruling a victory for “common sense over judicial activism;” critics warn the “discriminatory” ruling could open doors to future restrictions, including on adults.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
When discussing divisive topics, remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. Believing you’re right is not an excuse to be harsh, impatient, or unkind.

“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 (CSB) (read full passage)

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INDUSTRY

Record Sale

The Lakers are money-makers.

A majority stake of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers is being sold to Mark Walter at a $10B valuation, the highest ever for a U.S. sports franchise. Jeanie Buss, whose father Jerry purchased the Lakers and LA’s hockey team for a combined $67.5M in 1979, will continue running the team for a while.

Walter’s a big sports fan; he also has ownership stakes in the LA Dodgers (MLB), LA Sparks (WNBA), Chelsea F.C. (Premier League Soccer), Cadillac’s Formula 1 team, and others.

Game 7 of the NBA finals is happening Sunday, after the Indiana Pacers staved off elimination by the Oklahoma City Thunder last night. Meanwhile, after beating the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night, the Florida Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup trophy (which they promptly dented).

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Verse to consider when you find yourself consumed by sports or high-dollar deals… “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” 
Colossians 3:2-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Treasury Department warns that Uncle Sam’s social safety nets are fraying faster than expected. New projections suggest Medicare’s trust fund will be depleted in 2033 (three years sooner than expected) and Social Security’s will in 2034 (one year sooner than expected). Unless Congress acts before then, benefits will be automatically cut by 11% for Medicare and 19% for Social Security.
 

Hurricane Erick is sweeping through Mexico’s Pacific coast. The category 4 storm was downgraded to a category 3 when it made landfall in Oaxaca and Guerrero earlier than meteorologists expected, bringing “life-threatening” flash flooding, mudslides, and 120-mph winds. Evacuations had been issued for the popular resort area, and officials expect power outages to last up to several weeks.
 

Jell-O’s going au naturel. Starting in 2027, Kraft Heinz and General Mills are ditching artificial dyes in all their U.S. products. Kraft Heinz says most of their dye-filled items are drinks and desserts (think Crystal Light, Kool-Aid, and Jell-O) and that they’ll keep them colorful with natural dyes from fruits and veggies.
 

One of Massachusetts’ most-watched trials has ended with a “not guilty” verdict. A jury acquitted Karen Read of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, after a mistrial last summer. Prosecutors said she struck him with her SUV; the defense alleged a police cover-up. Read was found guilty of a lesser charge, drunken driving, and sentenced to one year of probation.
 

Seven California men (none named Danny Ocean) have been charged in the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history. The alleged bling bandits are accused of stealing $100M worth of gold, gemstones, and Rolexes from a Brink’s security truck—which they followed for nearly 300 miles—in 2022. Federal prosecutors said cellphone records and surveillance footage helped them finally nab the nabsters.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

He was a sk8er boy…

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