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Early Friday, a blast at a Tennessee explosives plant killed 16 people and left no survivors.

The blast tore through Accurate Energetic Systems (AES), which manufactures explosives for demolition companies and the U.S. military on a remote 1,300-acre campus about 60 miles southwest of Nashville. The explosion was felt for miles, leveling buildings, burning out vehicles, and launching debris up to 2 miles away.

Officials initially reported 18 people missing based on the vehicles present; two employees were later confirmed to be safely offsite.

The cause of the blast remains unknown, and officials warn the investigation won’t be quick because of the risk of secondary detonations. Investigators from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) and the FBI are combing through the charred remains “foot-by-foot” using rapid DNA tests to identify victims.

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PRAY WITH US
The promise of Heaven does not remove the pains of this world, but it does give us hope, strength, and peace during life’s most difficult seasons. Join us in praying for hope, strength, and peace for the families and first responders in Tennessee.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” 
Revelation 21:4 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Trump Admin’s getting out its scissors. 

On Friday, the White House sent reduction-in-force (RIF) notices (think: a note saying you’re pre-fired) to over 4,100 federal employees across departments, including Homeland Security, the Treasury, and Education (see who’s getting a trim). Health and Human Services laid off ~1,300 CDC workers… then UNO-reversed ~700 of them hours later after a “coding error” mistakenly sent RIFs to “essential” staff. 

The cuts have received bipartisan pushback; critics have called the layoffs “arbitrary” and “illegal,” saying they’ll only cause further departmental “dysfunction.”

Newly still getting a paycheck? The troops. 

Saturday, President Trump directed War Secretary Hegseth to “use all available funds” to ensure military members will be paid on time; the Pentagon said it will reshuffle roughly $8B (originally for military research) to cut the checks.

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Verse to consider when determining how to run your own house, business, fantasy football league, or book club… “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity so that he may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of his faithful followers. Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity​—​every good path.”
Proverbs 2:6-9 (CSB) (read full passage)

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The Las Vegas Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury on Friday, winning their third WNBA championship in four years. 

MLB is also nearing its final 2025 inning, with the League Championship Series now set. The Seattle Mariners stepped up to the Toronto Blue Jays’ plate yesterday in the American League Championship series; today, defending Fall Classic champs L.A. Dodgers will take on the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League title. 

Think America’s pastime is a bit of a yawn? You might go bananas for Banana Ball.

It’s a fast-paced, fan-focused alternative to baseball (learn the wacky rules) that’s selling out the biggest stadiums in the country. The Savannah Bananas just announced a 45-state tour featuring five new barnstorming teams for their 2026 season, where they expect to play in front of 3.2M fans (see if you’re on the map).

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
It can be thrilling to watch talented athletes, but sports teams and their scoreboards can become an obsession. Keep your affections trained on Jesus, allow your hobbies to be hobbies, and keep everything in its proper place.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus / Look full in his wonderful face / And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of his glory and grace.” 
Helen H. Lemmel, 1918 (Scriptural basis: Hebrews 12:2)

President Trump is threatening to start November with new tariffs. He’s floated a 100% tariff on Chinese imports along with export limits on “critical software” after China announced new export controls on rare-earth minerals. Friday’s announcement sent Wall Street reeling: the Nasdaq sank 3.6% (its worst day since April), with tech giants losing a combined ~$770B in value. 

The U.S. Air Force is joining formation with Qatar. On Friday, War Secretary Hegseth announced a new Qatari Air Force facility within an American base in Idaho for “combined training.” Prominent GOP influencers decried the move as “training the funders of Hamas,” but the Trump Administration has called Qatar a “steadfast ally” that was “core” to securing a Gaza peace deal.


New bottles are in the TrumpRx medicine cabinet. Friday, AstraZeneca became the second drugmaker (after Pfizer) to strike a deal with the White House, agreeing to cut Medicaid drug prices and offer up to 80% off select medicines through the new TrumpRx website. In return, the U.K.-based company will enjoy a three-year partial tariff exemption and expanded U.S. operations.

Three separate homecoming celebrations in Mississippi ended in deadly shootings. On Friday, six people were killed and 20 were injured when gunfire erupted after a high school football game in Leland. Then, on Saturday, one person was killed at Alcorn State University in southwest Mississippi, and two were killed in Heidelberg. No arrests have been made, and the attacks appear unconnected.

Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, received the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize “for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” The White House said the committee put “politics over peace” in overlooking President Trump, whose Gaza peace plan had world leaders (including #47 himself) floating his name; the committee said nominations closed in January.

The world's looongest swim practice...

How We’re Spreading Hope
With Prison Fellowship*

What if you could show someone behind bars that God still has a plan for their life?

When you give to Prison Fellowship, you help launch a new Bible study for prisoners. The Foundations Bible study is a doorway to real spiritual growth that helps prisoners understand and apply God’s Word through guided teaching. They’ll encounter the Gospel, find healing from their past, and begin to see themselves the way God sees them. 

Every gift equips an inmate to discover lasting hope and purpose in Christ. Give today and help change a life from the inside out! TPO is matching the first $2k.

What We’re Looking Into
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Healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is Medi-Share. 

With multiple program options, you can choose what works best for your family and your budget. Members can even select different Annual Household Portions (AHPs) to control their monthly share amount.

Whether you’re single, newly married, or raising a family, Medi-Share adapts to your life stage. And for over 30 years, Christians have been sharing one another’s medical expenses (over $9B so far!) while saving an average of $500+ a month. 

Enrollment is open year-round. See what your savings would be with Medi-Share!

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