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Happy Wednesday!
On this day in 1776, Congress officially renamed the country the United States of America (from the United Colonies). Sooo happy 250th name-iversary!

We’re glad you’re here, staying informed while remaining focused on Christ.

Canada slapshot its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods yesterday.

The “dollar-for-dollar” duties range from 15-50% and hit $20B of American goods, matching President Trump’s recent levies on $20B of Canadian goods, which he said was to combat “discriminatory treatment” of American industries. Maple-Leaf commodit-ehs include alcohol, cement, and hockey sticks, while American inventory includes dairy products, appliances, and golf clubs (gander at how much your shopping cart could cost).

Canadian Prime Minister Carney called the tit-for-tat tariffs “necessary to protect” Canadian workers and said that although trade tensions with the U.S. would “come at a cost,” the Great White North has “everything we need to pivot and prosper.”

Meanwhile, Trump is taking an aerial approach in the trade war, threatening to ban Canadian aerospace company Bombardier from selling its planes in the U.S. unless Bombardier flies its manufacturing south.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Regardless of how tariffs affect the economy, both today and in the long term, their impact doesn’t change the end of the story. Wealth comes and goes—only King Jesus will receive tribute from the whole world.

“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it… They will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.”
Revelation 21:23-26 (CSB) (read full passage)

A 22-year-old pleaded guilty yesterday to masterminding one of the largest crypto heists in U.S. history.

The swindler and his gamer buddies reportedly sweet-talked a longtime crypto investor in 2024 by posing as Google reps, saying his accounts were compromised. They manipulated the investor into giving them access to his Google Drive, where they made off with security codes to sync 4,100+ bitcoin (~$245M) to their wallets. Laundering specialists allegedly helped cash it out… Then came the Lamborghinis.

Authorities say they then went on a month-long spending spree (multi-million-dollar homes, 30+ luxury vehicles, and $4M+ at LA nightclubs) before an unconcealed IP address tipped the feds.

Eighteen total defendants have been charged, with their ringleader facing up to 20 years. His sentencing date is TBA, but he’ll forfeit the audacious autos to go toward restitution.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Even if our scariest fears about being scammed out of money or having our identity stolen come to pass, God will remain God and our eternal life with Christ will remain secure. Be quick to point to God and give Him the credit for your hope, strength, and love during times dominated by uncertainty and fear.

“The life of every living thing is in his hand, as well as the breath of all humanity.”
Job 12:10 (CSB) (read full passage)

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With 55 days ‘til polls open, Republicans are painting Dallas red today for their first-ever midterm convention.

The two-day gathering aims to boost GOP momentum by uniting around its vision of “restoring opportunity, lowering costs, and making the American Dream attainable again.” GOP leaders hope the “Trumpapalooza” helps overcome the incumbency hurdle in November’s midterms, which Speaker Johnson (R-LA) called a “competition against communism.”

The American Airlines Center set list includes keynotes from POTUS and VPOTUS and appearances by AG Todd Blanche, RFK Jr., and Donald Trump Jr. Some Republicans are opting out, wary it might cost them independent voters.

In blue-toned counterprogramming, four House Democrats led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) will rally with Texas Democrats in downtown Dallas. They say Americans are “being crushed by rising costs” while Republicans are “celebrating.”

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Verse to consider whether you’re gathering for a political convention, conference, counterprogramming, or a coffee date… “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

Buckingham Palace welcomed Prince Harry and Meghan home with a fruit basket formal letter clarifying their status as “akin to private citizens” in the eyes of the British government and military, reaffirming their position as nonworking royals (translation: no official duties or “Royal Highness” titles). The Sussexes were “surprised,” reportedly receiving the missive just a few hours before its media release.


Indonesian airports are back in business after a volcanic eruption forced two-day closures and stranded ~341,000 travelers. Ash clogged airways Sunday after outbursts from Anak Krakatau, one of the “Ring of Fire” archipelago’s 127 active volcanoes (watch the plumes billow). In other island weather, Hawaii had its first-ever tornado watch Monday as Hurricane Lowell spun by, bringing flooding and knocking out Kaua’i’s power.


Russia and North Korea cut the ribbon Monday on the first road bridge between the countries. Russia’s PM said the link across the Tumen River border will boost “trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation,” expanding the Moscow-Pyongyang partnership that strengthened after Russia’s Ukraine invasion. A Ukrainian watchdog group alleges that it’s meant to create a “covert military logistics corridor.”


A pair of “well-informed” thieves pilfered four Renoir paintings worth $10M from a museum on the French Riviera yesterday. Armed with an “electric knife and hacksaw,” the duo dropped two paintings in the museum’s gardens while escaping (these two are still missing). Unlike the $100M meltable treasures taken in last October’s Louvre heist, investigators expect to recover Renoir’s recognizable masterpieces.


🎶Are you ready for some football? A Wednesday night party?🎶 The NFL season kicks off right where it left off tonight, with the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch (check out the Seahawks’ new talon trinkets). Tomorrow night, the 49ers and Rams will say g’day from Melbourne Cricket Ground in the league’s first-ever regular-season game Down Under.

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Who We’re Not Forgetting About
People behind bars, with Prison Fellowship*

Jesus meets people where they are. A tax collector’s booth, a well at noon, a sycamore tree… Prison is no exception.

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For 50 years, Prison Fellowship has been answering the call to remember those in prison, inviting them to encounter Jesus. Those who do start year-long programming and become leaders who can then invite more people to know Jesus. And you can help fund the resources they need.

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How We’re Prepping Our Budget for the Holidays
By getting cashback using Upside*

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