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U.S. NEWS

Shooting

Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed Wednesday night in D.C.

The shooting took place outside the Capital Jewish Museum, where the suspect—who had been seen pacing outside the museum—approached a group of four, pulled a handgun, then opened fire on the two victims. He then entered the museum, was detained by security, and began shouting “Free, free Palestine!”

The victims—an Israeli citizen and an American—were a young couple reportedly days away from getting engaged. 

Israeli PM Netanyahu and President Trump condemned the attack, highlighting concerns over rising antisemitic violence; the FBI is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime and act of terrorism. Security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide have been increased in response.

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RADIATE HOPE
While mourning with victims and praying for our enemies, Christians have hope in the face of a violent world. God’s Son, who Himself did no violence, has been afflicted by His Father on our behalf so that we can live in the Lord’s peaceful presence forever.

“Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.”  
Isaiah 53:4-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

Off the Bench

The courts are coming to conclusions. 

Yesterday, a split Supreme Court blocked a plan to turn a private Catholic school in Oklahoma into the nation’s first taxpayer-funded religious charter school. Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself, enabling a 4-4 split which upheld the Oklahoma State Supreme Court’s earlier ruling—religious charter schools violate the First Amendment’s separation of church and state.

Meanwhile, a federal district judge found that Uncle Sam “unquestionably violated” a court order—saying migrants must be given 10 days to challenge deportations to countries not their own—when several men were deported to war-torn South Sudan with less than 24 hours’ notice. Homeland Security argued the judge’s orders were “unclear,” the men were “uniquely barbaric monsters” convicted of violent crimes, and that South Sudan wasn’t their final destination. 

The judge did not immediately punish anyone.

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Verse to consider whether justice is thwarted or wins out… “But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for judgment. And he judges the world with righteousness; he executes judgment on the nations with fairness. The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord.” 
Psalm 9:7–10 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

Big Bill

House Republicans passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” early Thursday.

Dozens of last-minute changes were made to the 1,000-page bill—including boosting state and local tax deductions, and accelerating when work requirements for Medicaid would kick in—to win over holdouts. 

Here are some core parts of the bill:

• Taxes: Make 2017 tax cuts permanent; remove taxes on tips and overtime

• Defense: $150 billion for national security, including $25 billion for a “Golden Dome” missile defense system

• Immigration: $46.5 billion to fund construction of the border wall; hire 10,000 more ICE agents

• Education: Revamp student loan repayment plans; establish “Trump” accounts to give $1,000 to children born between 2024-2028 

Now the still-just-a-bill heads to the Senate where it faces fresh hurdles. All major indexes closed down Wednesday over fears the bill would significantly grow the nation’s debt.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
When discussing divisive topics, such as how to manage trillions of dollars, remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. We shouldn’t sacrifice relationships to win arguments.

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  
Romans 12:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Trump administration revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll international students yesterday, accusing the university of “fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.” The ~7,000 existing international students will be forced to transfer schools or lose their legal status. Harvard called the decision “unlawful” and said it is “fully committed” to educating its foreign students.
 

The Oval Office hosted another tense meeting on Wednesday. President Trump confronted his South African counterpart over claims of discrimination and genocide against White farmers. The South African government denies these claims, saying of the 26,232 murders last year, only 8 were against farmers; President Ramaphosa said he hoped the meeting would “mend ties” with the U.S.
 

A private plane crashed into a San Diego military housing neighborhood early Thursday, killing multiple people onboard but injuring none on the ground. The foggy 4 a.m. crash damaged approximately 10 homes, torched vehicles, and forced multiple blocks to evacuate as jet fuel spread. Investigators are probing the cause; the plane’s passenger count remains unconfirmed.
 

The Pentagon officially accepted a luxury Qatari jet for use as Air Force One “in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” despite bipartisan security and ethical concerns. Democratic lawmakers are also criticizing President Trump for hosting a private gala last night with the top $TRUMP coin holders, saying it allowed foreign actors to “buy access to the President.”
 

OpenAI is buying former Apple executive Jony Ive’s one-year-old AI device company for $6.4 billion—by far its largest acquisition to date. Mr. Ive, who designed the iPhone and many other iConic iProducts, is now focused on designing “a new family of products” for the age of AI, which aims to be as revolutionary as the smartphone. The deal will need to be approved by regulators.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Amazing midair dog leap…

How We’re Reaching Teens in Thailand and Asia
With OneHope*

On Monday, we wrote about the situation in Thailand:

• Nearly 700,000 kids have dropped out of school

• Many have been pushed into gangs or trafficking

• Over 36% have been groomed or propositioned online

We’re partnering with OneHope’s digital missions team to meet these children in crisis with gospel truth, real conversations, and the hope of Christ.

They’re doing incredible work, and every $1 donated reaches three young lives with God’s light instead of darkness. TPO is matching the first $5,000 given through this link: join us.

What We’re Snacking On
David Protein*

Around 3 p.m.… I have a David Protein bar. Then around 10:30 p.m.… I have another (warmed in the microwave for 10 seconds, with a glass of milk).

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So far, my David Protein addiction has consisted mostly of the Chocolate Chip flavor, but they just released Red Velvet—a blend of vanilla and chocolate cake batter layered with butter and vanilla cream frosting, loaded with crisps and white chocolate chunks—and lkadfnsldklksdghailsd it's good.

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Jason Woodruff | Founder