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It’s day 5, and the U.S.-Israel-Iran war is spilling across the Middle East.

Who’s involved now? 
At least 11 countries. This week: 

What’s the impact? 
The Pentagon says the U.S. death toll has risen to six, with “additional losses” expected. In Iran, humanitarian groups estimate at least 787 casualties. Uncle Sam shuttered his embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and warned Americans in 14 Mid-East countries (see the list) to evacuate due to “serious safety risks.” 

President Trump estimated the war would last “four to five weeks,” possibly longer. 

So, why are we at war with Iran?
On Monday, the White House listed four objectives: 

Trump initially said Iranian regime change was one of Uncle Sam’s goals; White House officials now say it isn’t on the U.S.’s agenda, but that #47 is open to supporting “regional partners” seeking to dethrone Iran’s government. Critics argue Washington’s waffling makes defending the Admin’s endgame difficult.  

According to polls, roughly 1 in 4 Americans approve of the war. 

How’s the economy responding? 
With more expensive gas station fill-ups. 

Oil and natural gas prices have risen as the conflict disrupts Mid-East oil production, and some economists warn inflation may follow suit.

(We’re covering the war with Iran at a 7th-grade reading level with biblical reflection and action steps in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up free here to get it in your inbox tomorrow.)

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PRAY WITH US
Good Shepherd, when nations battle, image bearers bear the weight. Tend to the dying, the injured, and the grieving. Where there is despair, bring hope. Where there is pain, bring relief. Where there is anger, bring peace. May Your goodness and mercy pursue all those walking in the valley of the shadow of death. 

Give leaders hearts that long for justice to flow like many waters. Give them wisdom in place of confusion; give them humility in place of lust for power; and give them courage in place of fear. Amen.

The 2026 election season kicked off yesterday with primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas.

The donations and attention have been bigger in Texas’s Senate race.

On the Republican side, incumbent John Cornyn is headed to a runoff election against Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 26 after neither reached the 50% of the vote needed to secure the nomination. Meanwhile, state Rep. James Talarico defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a contentious Democratic primary; he hopes to win Democrats their first statewide office in the Lone Star State since 1994 this November. 

North Carolina’s open Senate seat produced the expected matchups: Trump-backed former RNC co-Chair Michael Whatley won the GOP primary, while former Gov. Roy Cooper secured the Democratic nod. In Arkansas, incumbent Republicans cruised with little drama.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
We shouldn't allow political outcomes to consume our thoughts or direct our emotions. Political offices may change, but our mission remains the same: love God and love others. 

“Jesus answered, ‘The most important [commandment] is Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.’” 
Mark 12:29-31 (CSB) (read full passage)

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The House Oversight Committee released footage of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s Epstein-inspired depositions on Monday. The hearing got heated when Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) leaked a closed-door photo, prompting Hillary to say “I’m done” before staying to field Pizzagate-conspiracy questions. Bill called Epstein a “brief acquaintance,” denied visiting his island, and said Trump and Epstein’s friendship ended over real estate.

The FBI’s investigating Sunday’s deadly Austin bar shooting as a possible terrorist act. The gunman—a naturalized citizen from Senegal who killed two and wounded 14—wore clothing bearing “Property of Allah” and an Iranian flag, and attacked one day after the strikes on Iran. Authorities found “indicators” suggesting possible terrorism, however, no motive’s been confirmed. The suspect was killed by police.

We the people… can see Founding-era documents up close now. Several of America’s most prestigious pieces of parchment took their first flight Monday, landing in Kansas City to kick off the Freedom Plane National Tour celebrating Uncle Sam’s 250th birthday. The eight-city museum tour is free to the public through August. See tour dates and documents here (Hamilton and Burr… yikes!).

The Supreme Court temporarily pressed pause on California's laws allowing transgender students to withhold their gender identity from their parents. The emergency ruling (6-3; along ideological lines) found California’s laws likely violated parents' religious and parental rights. Dissenting Supremes called it a "malfunction" of the court's emergency docket, arguing novel decisions shouldn't be made without full briefing or oral arguments.

Live Nation has stepped onto the legal stage. The DOJ—joined by 39 states and D.C.—opened its antitrust trial against Ticketmaster’s parent company yesterday. They’re arguing Live Nation used restrictive deals with its venues to drive up ticket prices and create a concert-industry monopoly. If jurors agree, it could mean a Live Nation-Ticketmaster breakup or compensation for concert-goers.

Some impressive rock skipping…

How We’re Slowing Waaayyy Down
With the help of this Bible study*

Jesus (literally) carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, yet he wasn’t anxious or hurried. If you’ve ever wondered how you can have that kind of peace, this study is for you. 

Relaxed explores what it means to choose faith over control and follow Jesus with an unworried heart. With free video teachings, author/pastor Megan Fate Marshman will dive into Proverbs 3:5-6 and teach you why peace isn’t something we can manufacture; it’s something God provides. 

Whether you’re exhausted from trying to hold things together or simply longing for slow, steady faith, you’ll love Relaxed. Sign up today for this free, online study and open the door to deeper peace.

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Shoutout to small wins—the sustainable kind that aren’t life-changing but give me little boosts to power through my day. Like earning money with Upside.

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Download the free Upside app and use code POUROVER to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas.

Emily Hansen | Partnerships Manager