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─────── May 25, 2026 ───────

Today is Memorial Day,
a day to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.”
Elisabeth Elliot

ESPRESSO SHOTS

WORLD NEWS

Iran Deal

President Trump said Saturday that a peace agreement “has been largely negotiated” to end the 86-day war with Iran.

  • The Strait of Hormuz would reopen without tolls, easing the global oil-supply strain 

  • The U.S. would unblock Iranian ports and waive sanctions, allowing Iran to sell oil

  • Tehran would give up its highly enriched uranium and agree to negotiate its nuclear program’s future.

Several hawkish Republicans criticized the emerging deal, saying it was similar to the Obama-era Iran agreement that Trump called one of the “worst deals ever made.” The White House denied any similarity and said it wouldn’t “rush into a deal.”

Iranian officials haven’t publicly commented. Both President Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader must sign off on any deal, which could take days.

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Verse to consider whether you’re working toward the end of a conflict in your own life or enjoying a season of peace… Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus… Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23-24 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

Flash Point

Officials in Southern California are hoping for a major chemical leak… because the alternative is a massive explosion.

A tank containing 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate—a highly flammable, toxic liquid used in the production of plastics—began venting dangerous vapors Thursday at GKN Aerospace in Orange County. It’s prompted a nearly 10-square-mile mandatory evacuation order impacting ~50,000 residents as well as hospitals, schools, fire & police stations, and nursing homes.

Emergency crews have been working around the clock to cool and stabilize the tank but it is getting steadily hotter and is expected to fail, either spilling thousands of gallons of chemicals into the ground or triggering a catastrophic explosion. Orange County’s Fire Chief said, “Our priority remains the safety of our employees, responders, and the surrounding community.” 

No injuries or deaths have been reported.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
God is our hope, strength, and love during scary and uncertain times. Even in the midst of treacherous circumstances, our future with him is secure. 

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” 
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

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U.S. NEWS

Immigration Rules & Rulings

The U.S. will require immigrants to return to their home country before applying for a green card “except in extraordinary circumstances.” 

Friday’s announcement ends a half-century-old provision allowing visa holders (like students or temporary workers) to remain in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it’s “returning to the original intent of the law,” while critics argue the longstanding policy allowed families to stay together during the lengthy application process.

Another Friday announcement: criminal charges have been dismissed against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported from Maryland to an El Salvador prison last year. The federal judge said the Trump admin’s human smuggling case against him was a “vindictive” effort to punish Abrego Garcia for challenging his deportation. 

Abrego Garcia celebrated “justice,” while the DOJ vowed to appeal.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
While you probably play a small role in affecting U.S. immigration policy, you play a much more significant role in Christ's mission to demonstrate his love to the world. As you seek justice, remember compassion for your neighbors—whether immigrants, longtime citizens, criminals, legislators, or people who passionately disagree with you on immigration policy.

“We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother or sister whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 
1 John 4:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

IN OTHER BREWS…

Secret Service agents fatally shot a man who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint Saturday evening, triggering a lockdown and President Trump’s gratitude for their “quick response.” The gunman, a 21-year-old man with documented mental health issues, had previously been arrested by the Secret Service. A bystander injured during the exchange is in stable condition.

What happens in Vegas… involves lots of roids and HGH. The inaugural Enhanced Games—a competition where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged—kicked off Saturday with 40 elite athletes competing for a share of $25M across swimming, track, and weightlifting, with zero substance bans. The World Anti-Doping Agency has condemned the event and warned participating athletes they could face bans from traditional competitions.

Second time’s the charm. SpaceX launched its most powerful rocket ever Friday, redeeming Thursday’s scrubbed attempt. The crewless Starship V3 blasted off at 17:30 CT, reached space, launched 20 dummy satellites and 2 Starlink satellites, then made its (planned) explosive splashdown, an hour later (watch it here)—a big win for moon-mission hopefuls and SpaceX ahead of its stock market debut.

The NASCAR community is grieving the sudden loss of its greatest winner. Kyle Busch, 41, died Thursday after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis. The two-time Cup Series champion was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after passing out in a driving simulator. Tributes have been pouring in for Busch, who won a record 234 NASCAR races, including one just ten days ago.

Tulsi Gabbard resigned as Director of National Intelligence “with love and aloha.” The combat veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii brought her four-week notice to the Oval Office Friday, citing her husband’s diagnosis with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.” During her tenure, Gabbard prioritized downsizing her department and declassifying government records. President Trump praised her “incredible job.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Just finishing up the final touches…

TPO PICKS

What’s Helping Us Pray More
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How We’re Using Screen Time Intentionally
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