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U.S. NEWS

Boulder Attack

A 45-year-old Egyptian national has been charged with federal hate crimes and 16 counts of attempted first-degree murder for Sunday’s terror attack in Boulder, CO. 

The man reportedly threw two Molotov cocktails into a pro-Israel demonstration—shouting, “How many children killed?” and “Free Palestine.” According to a police report, he disguised himself as a gardener and had another 18 Molotov cocktails with him but didn’t throw them because he “got scared and had never hurt anyone before.”

The suspect, who overstayed his visa after arriving in 2022, later told the FBI he had planned the attack for a year and would do it again. 

The victims were participating in a weekly demonstration aimed at raising awareness for the 58 hostages still held by Hamas; 12 people were injured, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Amid violence and division, followers of Christ have an opportunity to show that our ultimate allegiance is to him. Imitating our just and merciful Father, root for justice while retaining love for all parties – the victims and perpetrator – desiring restoration, not revenge.

“The LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.”
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

At the Negotiating Table

Russia and Ukraine aren’t laying down their weapons just yet.  

At a second round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, Ukraine proposed a 30-day, “full and unconditional” ceasefire. Russia said “not yet,” but offered a two- or three-day truce “in certain areas” of the more-than-600-mile frontline… which Ukraine rejected. 

Ultimately, the warring countries agreed to another prisoner swap—exchanging the bodies of 12,000 fallen soldiers, as well as all sick, significantly wounded, or under-25-year-old prisoners. 

Russia and Ukraine also laid out their war-ending wishlists. Russia is seeking:

• Recognized ownership of the land it has seized from Ukraine 

• A ban on Ukraine’s membership in any military alliances and limits to its military

• Making Russian an official language of Ukraine

• And the removal of sanctions placed on the Kremlin

Meanwhile, Ukraine wants all of its territory returned and more sanctions on Russia.

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Verse to consider when peace seems far away… “In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s house will be established at the top of the mountains and will be raised above the hills. Peoples will stream to it… He will settle disputes among many peoples and provide arbitration for strong nations that are far away. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.”
Micah 4:1, 3 (CSB) (read full passage)

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U.S. NEWS

Extra ICE

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is ramping up operations.

The largest-ever ICE operation concluded Monday, with agents arresting nearly 1,500 noncitizens with convictions or outstanding warrants during a month-long sweep across Massachusetts.

On the other coast, armed and masked ICE agents raided a popular San Diego restaurant, sparking criticism for using a flash-bang grenade and smoke to disperse the crowd, some of whom were blocking a DHS vehicle. An agent said they were “executing a criminal search warrant," and four people were ultimately detained. The raid was prompted by a tip from November 2020 that the restaurant had knowingly hired undocumented workers and treated them poorly. 

Meanwhile, advocacy groups are suing to block ICE agents from arresting undocumented immigrants following their mandatory court appearances.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Culturally hot topics frequently make people think, speak, and act poorly… including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we are quick to listen and slow to speak.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
James 1:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

Mount Etna had a Monday meltdown… literally. Italy’s most active volcano sent smoke and ash sky-high after part of its southeast crater collapsed (see here). The local airport raised its alert level, and the summit, which was closed to tourists as a precaution, remained off-limits. There were no injuries, and Sicily’s president said the lava flows “posed no danger to the population.” 
 

South Korea elected Democrat Lee Jae-myung as president yesterday, ending a six-month power vacuum. The saga began when then-President Yoon was impeached after his short-lived declaration of martial law in December. Yoon’s replacement was impeached after two weeks, leaving the education minister in charge until today. In a victory speech, Lee promised to focus on restoring the economy.
 

Floridians, if you notice a hazy red sky, it’s just dust… from the Sahara Desert. A cloud of dust—roughly the size of the continental United States—has hit Florida and other Gulf states after blowing 5,000 miles from North Africa. While bad for air quality, the dry, dusty air also suppresses hurricane formation and makes beautiful sunrises.
 

Israeli soldiers killed at least 27 Palestinians in Gaza as they attempted to collect aid at a distribution site. The IDF said that their soldiers fired shots at those who were "deviating from the designated access routes.” The attack brings more scrutiny around the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a new Israel- and U.S.-backed group that has taken over aid distribution.
 

Rejoice, fans of snacks… the McDonald’s Snack Wrap is coming back on July 10. The it’s-just-a-chicken-tender-in-a-tortilla-but-somehow-so-much-more menu item disappeared in 2016, but it "never left fans’ hearts,” according to the Golden Arches. The return of the wrap was announced with a lo-fi website, which includes fan emails requesting the return of the beloved treat.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The flying airbike bringing Star Wars speeders to life…

Where We’re Sending God’s Word
Behind bars*

Hebrews 13:3 tells us to “remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them,” but how can Christians practically live this out? 

Turns out, sending them Bibles is a pretty solid option. 

Prison Fellowship has been sharing the hope of the gospel with men and women behind bars for decades. When you support them, you’re getting God’s Word into the hands of people who’ve been waiting for some good news. 

More prisoners are asking for Bibles, and many are still waiting. Share God's Word and change lives by donating to Prison Fellowship today.

What We’re Enjoying
The Friday Update*

For years, my dad (a pastor of 30+ years) has sent The Friday Update to church members, friends, and family. It’s quick hits on things he’s found interesting in the last week; insights on culture, thought-provoking quotes, fascinating statistics, and Biblical wisdom.

I didn’t read it for a long time (it was an email from my dad…), but finally gave it a shot and am pleased to say that he seems wiser and more interesting than when I was in high school.

The Friday Update is loved by pastors, business leaders, and Mike’s son. You may enjoy it too. Subscribe in one click and enjoy his welcome email.

Jason Woodruff | Founder