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WORLD NEWS

Peace Pending

Presidents Trump and Putin had a high-stakes chat Monday night. 

Following the two-hour call—which Trump described as going “very well,”—he announced that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations. He briefed President Zelenskyy and several NATO leaders, then told reporters he believes a deal is within reach, saying he thinks “something’s going to happen.” Russia’s account of the conversation was more muted, saying only that it was ready to discuss a “possible future peace agreement” with Ukraine.

President Trump says the Vatican is “very interested” in hosting the peace talks and thinks that could be “helpful.”

Meanwhile, European leaders issued fresh sanctions on Russia, saying Putin needs to immediately accept the ceasefire proposal that’s currently on the table. The U.S. declined to join in the additional sanctioning, warning that the pressure could backfire.

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Verse to consider whether you’re conducting high-level international diplomacy, stuck in the middle of a sticky situation at work, settling sibling squabbles, or just trying to get everyone to church on time… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.”
Psalm 34:14-15 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

Second Opinions

Former President Biden’s cancer diagnosis has stirred sympathy and speculation.

On Sunday, the recently retired commander-in-chief announced he had stage 4 prostate cancer. The news brought a wave of bipartisan well-wishes, but critics and some supporters questioned how the cancer wasn’t caught sooner, suggesting the then-president’s doctors were either negligent or involved in a cover-up.

An oncologist and former Biden White House adviser noted that men over 70 are not recommended for prostate cancer screens, but said it would be “strange” if #46 didn’t receive one, given how thoroughly presidents’ health is monitored.

The news comes amid publications re-sparking the debate on Biden’s mental fitness, including audio clips of his 2024 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur and a new book, Original Sin. Biden said the book’s authors had “nothing to sustain” their claims of his cognitive decline.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
God, our Rock, be a fortress to us in moments of fear and uncertainty. When unwelcome news shifts our footing and reminds us of our frailty, still our spinning souls and be with us.

“For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abounding in faithful love to all who call on you. LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my cries for mercy. I call on you in the day of my distress, for you will answer me.”
Psalm 86:5-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

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SPORTS

Final Four, on Wood and Ice

There are four teams left standing/skating in the NBA and NHL.

The Minnesota Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals to face top-seed Oklahoma City, while the Indiana Pacers open the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 1 tonight against the New York Knicks.

No matter who wins the title, it will bring a long-overdue celebration as only two of the teams have won a title before, most recently in 1979.

As for the skaters… the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers are in the Eastern Conference finals while the Dallas Stars play tonight against the Edmonton Oilers, the lone hope to return the Stanley Cup to Canada, where it hasn’t resided since 1993.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether we’re professional athletes, newsletter writers, phlebotomists, spelunkers, programmers, or anything in between, we have an opportunity every day to honor God in our work with the gifts He’s given us, and to show the love of Christ to those around us as we do.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (CSB) (read full passage)

President Trump made the two-mile trek from the White House to the Capitol Building yesterday to give a “pep talk” to holdouts on his “big, beautiful bill,” which aims to advance much of the GOP agenda. The bill includes new work requirements for Medicaid and would make his 2017 tax cuts permanent, while eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. 
 

Venezuelan immigrants’ Temporary Protected Status is getting revoked. Granting an emergency application from the White House, the Supreme Court gave the green light to end special Biden-era legal protections for 350,000+ Venezuelan immigrants, which allowed them to legally live and work in the U.S. due to “extraordinary and temporary” conditions back home. The decision paves the way for deportations.
 

How do you get to Sesame Street? Netflix. Things were looking dicey for Elmo and the gang after HBO Max announced it would stop streaming new episodes of the longest-running (non-soap opera) TV show, but Netflix stepped in to save Big Bird’s day. Season 56 will be released on both Netflix and PBS, keeping the kids’ programming free.
 

Aid is beginning to flow into Gaza. After an 11-week blockade on food, medicine, and other supplies, Israel allowed the first five of 100 aid trucks to enter the enclave. The U.N.’s humanitarian chief called the relief a “drop in the ocean,” while Israel maintains “the war can end tomorrow” if Hamas releases its remaining hostages and lays down its weapons.
 

An employee at the New Orleans jail where 10 inmates escaped was arrested for allegedly helping them pull it off… literally. Authorities say a maintenance worker shut off the water, allowing inmates to rip the toilet from the wall and escape through a hole behind it. Police used real-time facial recognition to search for the remaining five escapees, sparking privacy concerns.

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If veggies could write…

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