Proof in the Pudding
You may be thinking… “Politically neutral? Heard that before. How can I see some proof in your pudding?”
You seem wise (and maybe hungry?). We hear you! Here are some of the most contentious stories we’ve covered over the past few years…
In all of our writing, and especially with tense topics, our aim is for Christians to be informed with what is going on and ultimately pointed back to their eternal hope in Christ.
The U.S. and Israel began “major combat operations” in Iran over the weekend.
What happened?
The coordinated strikes began just after 9:00 am local time Saturday, targeting political and military sites across the country. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's compound was destroyed, and President Trump confirmed Saturday afternoon that the 86-year-old who ruled Iran for 35 years was killed, along with 48 of “the people that make all the decisions.”
At least 201 people have died, including dozens of children at an all-girls elementary school; Iran blames the U.S./Israel, while Israel attributed it to a misfired Iranian missile.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard retaliated with strikes on U.S. bases across the region, including in Israel, Dubai, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia; three American servicemembers were killed and five “seriously wounded.”
Was this operation expected?
Yes and no.
The U.S. had been moving warships to the region for weeks and publicly threatened strikes, but ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic resolution made the timing unexpected. The Trump administration says Operation Epic Fury aims to cripple Iran's military, eliminate its nuclear program, and crack the door for regime change.
What are people saying?
The UN Secretary General condemned the U.S./Israeli operation for “undermining international peace and security,” while European leaders largely focused their criticism on Iran's history of oppression and “indiscriminate” retaliatory strikes.
Stateside, some Democratic lawmakers called the strikes “illegal and unconstitutional” while Republicans largely backed the operation—though some in Trump's base say it breaks his promise of “no new wars.”
Large crowds of Iranians reportedly celebrated in the streets of Tehran Saturday night, dancing and chanting “freedom, freedom.”
Pray with us
When our news feed fills with violence and chaos, we're often swept into a spiral of anxieties. But believers have an anchor in Jesus, whose peace pierces the darkness now and will one day shatter it completely. Come to Him in faith.
Mighty God, You are never caught by surprise or overpowered. By Your overwhelming strength, work peace across the Middle East. Overcome evildoers; comfort those who are mourning; protect the vulnerable; strengthen those who will rebuild; and bring order from chaos so that Iran and its neighbors will taste and see the goodness of the One True King.
A federal agent shot and killed a Minneapolis woman on Wednesday.
The woman, 37-year-old Renee Good, was a U.S. citizen. Footage shows agents approaching her car—which was partially blocking a residential street during an ICE operation—ordering her to get out and attempting to open her door. Good then began to drive when an agent fired through the windshield; it's disputed whether he was at risk of being hit.
DHS Secretary Noem and VP Vance say the agent acted in self-defense, accusing Good of “weaponizing” her vehicle after “stalking” agents all day. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) colorfully denounced that claim, telling ICE to leave the city.
Anti-ICE protests, some clashing with police, have spread across the country. Minneapolis schools closed over safety concerns, and Gov. Walz said the National Guard is standing by.
Pray with us
Good Shepherd, we come to You to still our burdened souls. Minister to Renee's family as their world rips apart. Give ICE agents and local law enforcement peace to carry out their duties with faithfulness and integrity. Quiet anxiety, anger, and fear across the country. And protect believers from our enemy, whose seeds of hatred grow into weeds of discord that choke out our fruitfulness for Your kingdom.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith.”
1 Peter 5:6-9 (CSB)
Charlie Kirk, a prominent voice among young conservatives, was assassinated on Wednesday.
What happened?
The 31-year-old was speaking at an outdoor Q&A at Utah Valley University when a single bullet was fired, striking him in the neck. Video shows Kirk discussing mass shootings involving transgender individuals before he collapses; security rushed him to the hospital, where he died. President Trump confirmed the activist's death on Truth Social.
The university quickly went into lockdown while police searched for the shooter alongside the FBI. Authorities questioned and released two suspects shortly after the shooting.
Have they found the shooter?
Not yet.
The FBI has released images of the person of interest, offering a $100,000 reward for information. They believe he is a college-aged male who fled into a nearby neighborhood after the shooting.
Tell me more about Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was best known for co-founding Turning Point USA—a conservative youth organization active on more than 3,500 college campuses—when he was 18 years old. He hosted a popular podcast and “Prove Me Wrong” debates, where he often referenced his faith in Christ, and played a prominent role in helping the Trump campaign reach young voters in 2024.
He was married with two young children.
How have people responded to the assassination?
Political figures on both sides of the aisle—from President Trump to former President Obama—have offered Kirk's family condolences and condemned the violence.
Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through Sunday and announced that the “giant of his generation” will be posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.
Pray with us
God of mercy, come near. Come near to the family of Charlie Kirk as their world rips apart. Come near to the community that is shaken and gripped by fear. Come near to us as this act of violence unravels any sense of security, shatters any semblance of peace.
Emmanuel, you entered a violent world and suffered at the hands of violent men to buy a costly redemption. You have come near in bitter darkness. We cling to you. We depend on you for justice and for hope. Amen.
For the first time since 1973, Israel is at war.
What happened?
Around dawn on Saturday, Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel. They broke through the barrier between Gaza and Israel, driving trucks to occupy nearby Israeli villages where they killed both soldiers and civilians and took “a significant number” of Israeli hostages, according to the Israeli Defense Force.
At the same time, Hamas launched thousands of rockets and an attack by sea.
The Israeli military was caught by surprise and took several hours to respond. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu then declared that his country was “at war” and promised “the enemy will pay an unprecedented price.”
Israel cut power to Gaza, mobilized tens of thousands of reservists, and launched a barrage of missiles. Fighting has continued throughout the weekend, and at least 600 Israelis and 370 Palestinians have died.
What is Hamas?
Hamas is an Islamist militant group that controls the Gaza Strip in Palestine. It is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and has clashed with Israel for years.
A spokesperson for Hamas said the attack was because it wanted “the international community to stop atrocities in Gaza, against Palestinian people, and our holy sites.”
What's the reaction been?
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders around the globe, including President Biden, who said his administration's support for Israel's security is “rock solid and unwavering.”
The U.S. is sending some initial military aid, but additional support may be hampered by not currently having a permanent Speaker of the House.
Eternal perspective
War and the evil it brings out are a terrible reminder that the world is not as it should be. Seek peace where you are and trust that the Lord will end all war in his perfect timing.
“Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress… He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.”
Psalm 46:6–7, 9
It's official: the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade.
Give me a smidge of background info…
Roe was the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 decision that ruled abortion was a constitutionally protected right. It meant that, for nearly 50 years, there were effectively no restrictions on abortions before the point of viability.
On Friday, the Supreme Court overruled Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health. Without the constitutional protections, the legality of abortion is once again determined by each state.
Where do the states currently stand?
It's a mixed bag.
There are differences (based on gestational age, exclusions, enforcement, and more) that make each state's stance unique, but broadly speaking:
- Abortions became illegal in 6 states after the verdict was announced
- 16 states are expected to make abortion illegal in the coming days or months
- 20 are maintaining or expanding abortion access that was provided under Roe
- The remaining 8 (did we do that math right?) have yet to decide
What has the response been?
Friday's ruling was massive news, and it has elicited a massive response. Thousands took to the streets in cities across the U.S. to celebrate or protest, with some demonstrations leading to arrests and vandalism.
President Biden called the verdict “a tragic error” in an address Friday afternoon, a sentiment echoed by Speaker Pelosi (D-CA). Meanwhile, Senator Graham (R-SC) called Friday “a day to celebrate,” and the Vatican praised the decision, saying it challenged the world to reflect on life issues.
Above all, love
We are called to love everyone always. That means loving and caring for the unborn, single mothers, those who have received abortions, and people who passionately disagree with you on this topic.
When discussing this news, leave others with no doubt of your love for everyone always.
“Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14 (CSB)