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President Trump declared “the end” of the Gaza war on Monday as the last 20 living Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.

How’d the swap go?
Video footage captured joy and relief in Israel and Gaza as loved ones returned home (watch here and here).

The Red Cross delivered the Hamas-held hostages to their families after 738 days in captivity. The remains of four hostages were also returned, but at least 20 bodies haven’t been. Hamas says finding them will be challenging; an international task force will aid the search.

Meanwhile, buses delivered 1,966 Palestinian prisoners to Gaza and the West Bank. About 250 were serving life sentences for murder or terrorist attacks, and ~1,700 were detainees accused of wartime crimes. 

How is President Trump involved?
For the official signing of the peace deal he brokered, Trump took a <17-hour trip to the Middle East, where he:

What’s next?
The skies are quiet in Gaza, and Israel has withdrawn to ~50% control of the Strip. Palestinians are returning to war-ravaged neighborhoods while aid scales up. 

A multinational force of about 200 troops (none American) overseen by the Pentagon will monitor the ceasefire, while a “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump will oversee rebuilding efforts.

Hamas’ disarmament and the long-term governing role of the Palestinian Authority are the critical issues still to be resolved by regional negotiators.

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

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PRAY WITH US
The Bible calls us to “rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15, CSB). As we mourn the loss of life over the last two years, we also celebrate answered prayers for (partial) peace and hostages’ homecoming. 

Heavenly Father, You have guided and provided through the darkest valley. Heal the brokenhearted. Help us to always remember Your goodness and mercy so our lives reflect our delight in You, our ever-present Father and Good Shepherd.

OpenAI announced (another) megadeal. 

The ChatGPT maker revealed its latest major partnership in recent weeks—this time with semiconductor giant Broadcom—to co-develop 10 gigawatts of custom AI chips and infrastructure starting in 2026. The two had quietly collaborated for 18 months before going public on Monday.

The deal adds to OpenAI’s growing web of alliances—including Oracle, Nvidia, and AMD—all aimed at ramping up computing power for AI expansion. Broadcom’s stock popped nearly 10% on the news.

Meanwhile, California Governor Newsom (D) vetoed a bill that would’ve restricted minors’ access to AI chatbots unless companies ensured the bots couldn’t engage in sexual talk or encourage self-harm. Newsom said he supports the bill’s intent, but worries the proposal’s “broad restrictions” could have “unintentionally led to a total ban on the use of these products” for kids.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether you’re thrilled by innovation or intimidated by new threats, live with joy and pursue holiness because believers already know how this story ends. Technology will never outsmart God or thwart His plan to renew and glorify all who are in Christ. 

“But based on his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace.”
2 Peter 3:13-14 (CSB) (read full passage)

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A small plane crashed on a Massachusetts highway on Monday, killing both passengers and injuring a motorist on the ground. Police say the single-engine plane may have been attempting to land at a regional airport when it crashed in the median of I-195 in Dartmouth, striking a car’s passenger side and catching fire. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Western Alaska is reeling from a storm that left one person dead, two missing, and 1,000+ displaced over the weekend. Over 50 people have been rescued after flooding washed away several homes. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, three people have died amid flooding from a days-long nor’easter, and in Southern California, a “rare” storm caused flash-flood and mudslide warnings.

JPMorgan’s making a security deposit. The banking giant announced a $10B plan to invest in U.S. companies that are key to national security. It’s part of a broader $1.5T, decade-long “Security & Resiliency Initiative”—backing everything from AI to defense tech. Shares of the U.S.’s largest bank got a ~2% bump following the news.

President Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk yesterday. Erika Kirk—Charlie’s widow and the new CEO of Turning Point USA, the conservative organization Charlie co-founded—accepted the nation’s highest civilian honor in his honor on what would have been Charlie’s 32nd birthday. Trump honored the late activist as “an American patriot of the deepest conviction.”

“Starbase, we have lift-off again.” SpaceX’s Starship rocket—its largest and most powerful model with hopes of one day transporting Martians—completed its second successful unmanned test flight on Monday (watch the launch). The passing grade marks a comeback from its first nine failed flights (which each ended with a bang… literally). A new, even bigger model is rumored to launch in early 2027.

...So close!

What I’m Keeping Alllll to Myself
My LMNT*

I should never have shared my LMNT. 

I recently did a Spartan Race—a half-marathon plus 30 obstacles—with a group of ten guys. I put two LMNTs in my pack to have during the race, but then I made a mistake… I shared them. Cue cramps around mile ten.

LMNT has the perfect, science-backed ratio of electrolytes (without the sugar) that would’ve helped me cross the finish line side-stitch free. 

If you sweat… you should try LMNT. Right now, they’re offering TPO Readers 8 single-serve packs free with any order—a great way to try all eight flavors or share LMNT with a friend (or don’t). 

Jason Woodruff | Founder

What We’re Subscribing To
Help The Persecuted’s Prayer Newsletter*

This has been an unexpected source of encouragement to my faith and prayer life.

Each week, I receive the specific prayer needs of persecuted believers—people who have faced credible death threats, violence, or been forced from their homes for their faith in Christ. It’s brought a much-needed fresh perspective to my own walk with God and challenged me to reorient on what matters most. 

Also, the Bible is very clear that prayer is powerful and effective… and there’s something powerful about knowing I’m joining thousands of other Christians in praying for another brother or sister’s specific needs! Join me (it’s free).

Jason Woodruff | Founder