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WORLD NEWS

A Crash, Strikes, and Rumors

Washington’s war with Tehran is showing no signs of slowing.

Thursday, six American service members died when their KC-135 (a plane that refuels other planes midair) collided with another aircraft in “friendly airspace” in Iraq. The other plane landed safely, and an investigation is underway.

Also in Iraq, an Iran-backed militia took responsibility for a retaliatory drone attack on the U.S. Embassy following an attack that reportedly wounded the militia’s leader. No Americans were hurt, but the embassy urged all citizens to leave Iraq. 

As missiles continue to fly, rumors are swirling about Iran’s new Supreme Leader, who hasn’t been seen publicly since taking his father’s place. Secretary Hegseth suggested Ayatollah Khamenei is “likely disfigured,” and Saturday, President Trump questioned whether he’s alive. Iran maintains there’s “no problem” with its leader.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The darkness of death weighs heavily on our hearts and our world. But believers have hope—Emmanuel is present with us in the darkness, and our Living God has removed the sting of death so that it’s powerless against those who love Him. 

“‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (CSB) (read full passage)

US NEWS

SAVE America Act Standoff

President Trump warned he won’t sign any legislation until the SAVE America Act clears Congress, but it appears doomed in the Senate.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act would require showing proof of citizenship in person at an election office when registering to vote, and a valid photo ID at the time of voting. It also establishes criminal liability for election workers who register a voter without proper documentation.

Supporters call SAVE “essential for the legitimacy of our democratic institutions,” while critics note citizenship is already a requirement of voting and say adding steps will disenfranchise millions to “solve a problem that doesn’t exist.” 

The bill passed the House 218-213. In the Senate, all Democrats and at least one Republican oppose the bill, leaving it short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

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PRAY WITH US
It’s tempting to put our faith in earthly leaders, but they will always fail. God never will. Pray with us:

“Never Changing, Never Failing God… I confess my all-too-eager impulse to delegate some portion of my faith to human leaders who can never bear the weight of it… Keep the center of our truth always and ever anchored in you. Forgive us if we have made our [leaders] into idols. Now in the howling space where once they stood, in that hollow crater of our misplaced faith, pour out your balm, and teach us faith again that looks ever and only to you, the one eternal author and perfector of our faith. Amen.”
Every Moment Holy Vol. III, pages 301, 307.

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ENTERTAINMENT

And the Oscar Goes To…

One Battle After Another” shone on Hollywood’s biggest night.  

The Leonardo DiCaprio-led epic took home six statuettes, including Best Picture, at the 98th Academy Awards last night. Its director Paul Thomas Anderson, previously 0-11 at the Oscars, won one award after another, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, en route to a dominant night in the Dolby Theater.

Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his role(s) in “Sinners” (watch his speech), while Best Actress went to Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”).   

Conan O’Brien hosted the loooong telecast, which featured music from “K-Pop Demon Hunters”; Tinsel Town’s tributes to late legends Robert Redford, Rob Reiner, and Diane Keaton; and a tie for best live-action short film (the 7th tie in Oscars history). See all the winners here.
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Verse to consider when you win the award, make the shot, close the deal, or nail a meal: “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:16-17 (CSB) (read full passage)

Uncle Sam is looking to grease the world’s oil-supply wheels. Friday, the White House issued a 30-day sanction waiver to allow the sale of Russian oil currently stranded at sea and ordered one California offshore drilling project to restart. President Trump also urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to help secure the Strait of Hormuz (no affirmative RSVPs yet).
 

Air traffic controllers made a big stink on Friday. A “strong chemical smell” tied to an overheated circuit board at a D.C.-area F.A.A. communications center grounded flights at four nearby airports. Flights were halted for more than two hours, causing longer delays, affecting 650+ flights during a busy Spring Break travel season.
 

Cuba and the U.S. are officially on speaking terms. Friday, Cuban President Díaz-Canel acknowledged (for the first time) that his government is in initial talks with the U.S. to resolve “bilateral differences.” The White House confirmed the talks and urged Cuba’s leaders to “make a deal.” Cuba is facing worsening blackouts as Uncle Sam’s three-month oil blockade drags on.
 

Federal Judge Boasberg blocked two subpoenas against Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, saying the government “offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the President.” U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro, who is investigating cost overruns at the Fed’s new HQ, criticized the “activist judge” for his “arbitrary” ruling and vowed to appeal.
 

Happy Selection Sunday to all who celebrate. The NCAA March Madness brackets were set yesterday (see men’s and women’s). Duke claimed the top spot on the men’s side, with UConn topping the women’s. The action starts (and your productivity plummets) tomorrow with the men’s “First Four” games; and the round of 64 begins Thursday. Bracket wisely, friends!

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Slicing into a fresh honeycomb…

How We’re Changing Lives
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Why We Get Invited to All the Parties
Because of the Holman Gift Guide*

Ah, Spring. The sun’s shining. Flowers are blooming. And special occasions that’ve been hibernating on our calendars have us searching for last minute gifts…

Thankfully, the Holman Gift Guide has gifts that our loved ones will return to again and again. 

Want to deepen your kids’ understanding of the Word? Get ‘em the CSB Explorer Bible paired with the Explorer Bible Dictionary. For the mom always pouring into others? The She Reads Truth Spiral-Bound Notetaking Bible gives her space of her own to read and reflect.  

Shop the Spring Gift Guide today, and point your loved ones to the reason for new life this Spring.

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