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ECONOMY

Rate Relief

Something besides the stock market might be dropping.

After weeks of tariff hikes left Wall Street shakin’ in its boots, President Trump said U.S.-China talks are “active” and promised a “fair deal.” China says it’s open to talks—just not under continued threats.

The White House suggested current 145% tariffs on Chinese imports could drop to 50–65% and possibly even lower for goods not tied to national security. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he sees potential for “a big deal,” while maintaining that the U.S. won’t cut tariffs without reciprocity.

The softened tones are a welcome sound for the CEOs of Walmart, Target, and Home Depot—who met with Trump Monday to raise concerns over strained global logistics and mounting costs—and for stocks. Markets rallied, with the S&P 500 climbing over 6% this week. 

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Verse to consider whether your April budget has you celebrating or getting really creative… “Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” 
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Attack in Kashmir

India-Pakistan relations are nearing a boiling point after a deadly attack.

On Tuesday, militants opened fire on Indian and Nepalese tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing 26 and injuring 17. The scenic Himalayan region is claimed by India, Pakistan, and China, and has long been a flashpoint. (Learn more about its contentious history.) 

The Resistance Front (TRF), suspected to be linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and labeled a terrorist group by India in 2023, claimed responsibility Wednesday. Pakistan denies involvement.

Indian PM Narendra Modi vowed justice and announced the country would close the main India-Pakistan border, expel Pakistani diplomats, and revoke a key water-sharing treaty; Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian-run airlines, suspending trade and visas, and rejecting the treaty’s suspension—warning that any attempt to divert water would be seen as “an act of war.”

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
As we mourn violence and pray for peace around the world, believers are reminded of how good the news is of Jesus’s coming kingdom. His Spirit offers supernatural peace in our hearts today, and his return promises peace in a renewed earth forever. 

“‘For I will create new heavens and a new earth… The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle, but the serpent’s food will be dust! They will not do what is evil or destroy on my entire holy mountain,’ says the Lord.” 
Isaiah 65:17, 25 (CSB) (read full passage)

SPONSORED

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Designed by German engineers, hear.com’s new hearing aid is sleek and nearly invisible, with all-day rechargeable batteries. Whether you’re in a bustling cafe or a quiet park, Horizon allows you to tune into the conversations you’re missing while tuning out the background noise and adjusting settings, switching modes, or taking calls with just a tap on your phone. 

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WORLD NEWS

Battle Lines

An overnight Russian attack on Kyiv yesterday killed eight and wounded over 70.

In one of the deadliest attacks in months, Russia launched 70 missiles and 140 drones at residential areas of Ukraine’s capital. President Trump told Putin to “STOP!”, saying “let’s get the peace deal done” and calling the strikes unnecessary and “very bad timing.”

Hours prior, VP Vance said it was time the two counties accepted the U.S.’s latest peace proposal or watch Uncle Sam “walk away.” The deal reportedly requires Ukraine to cede most Russian-occupied territory and promise to never join NATO. Russia would have 2014-era sanctions lifted and would have to allow Ukraine E.U. membership and a “robust security guarantee.”

President Zelenskyy immediately rejected the deal, saying it’s everything Russia wants; Trump said Zelenskyy’s rejection would only “prolong the killing.”

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
When peace in Eastern Europe seems as far off as ever and settling the conflict feels impossible, remember that God is at work in Ukraine and in Russia. Continue to pray and don’t lose heart, asking that God’s kingdom would come and his will be done.

“Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Luke 18:7-8 (CSB) (read full passage)

Elon Musk is hanging up the chainsaw. The world’s wealthiest man announced he’s stepping back from DOGE in order to “allocate far more” time to his car company after Tesla posted a 71% drop in Q1 profits. Investors welcomed the pivot, sending Tesla stock (which was down 41% year-to-date) up 5%. The White House promised DOGE’s cost-cutting efforts will “keep moving forward.”
 

The #2 Senate Democrat is passing the torch. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced Wednesday that he won’t seek re-election in 2026, ending his 44-year career in Congress. The eighty-year-old’s expected retirement sets off a competition for his (solidly) blue seat—IL’s Lt. Gov. already announced her candidacy—and opens a top Democratic leadership position for the first time in a decade.
 

“With the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select… Cam Ward.” The quarterback made history as the University of Miami's first No. 1 overall pick since 1991. The draft was held at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field (a first for the historic Frozen Tundra). The picks and trades continue tonight (rounds 2-3) and tomorrow (rounds 4-7).
 

YouTube turned 20 and celebrated with a throwback home video. A 19-second video titled “Me at the zoo” (filmed on what appears to be a potato), uploaded by a cofounder in 2005, kicked off the platform’s reign. Now? Over 20 billion videos live on YouTube, with 20 million uploads and 3.5 billion likes… every single day.
 

Turns out neon isn’t on the food pyramid. The Department of Health and Human Services is urging companies to phase out all petroleum-based food dyes by the end of 2026, citing possible links to ADHD and other health issues. Instead, companies are being nudged toward natural alternatives; the FDA says it’s speeding up review of safer colorings.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

How well do you know… the price of Costco items?

How We’re Getting Out Of Bed
Reluctantly… because of Quince’s Bamboo sheets*

Not to be melodramatic, but these sheets will make you never want to get out of bed in the morning.

But even better than the sheets are their online reviews. They read like love poems, with customers waxing eloquently about the temperature-regulating “buttery softness” and how it’s like sleeping on a hypoallergenic “cloud.” (Except Denice, who is disappointed they balled up in the dryer… 1-star.)

A bonus: they’re more than 50% less than other luxury brands, so your budget can relax too.

So, if your age is higher than your thread count, check out Quince’s bamboo sheets. Or if you just need to kill five minutes… check out the reviews.

Who’s Investing (Ethically) in Real Estate
Anyone with $100, thanks to Roots*

In today’s real estate market, big investors are snatching up homes at an alarming rate, then hiking up rents. 

Roots flips the script with a model rooted in compassion and community. They believe generational wealth-building shouldn’t come at the expense of others—so they created a system where everyone wins:

1. Everyday people (like you) can invest with as little as $100

2. Roots’ renters can earn equity in the fund by paying rent on time and taking care of the property. 

Roots is currently on a waitlist as they undergo their annual SEC review, but you can still schedule your investment today to secure your spot in the fund! 

*Information contained herein, although believed accurate and compiled from credible sources, is not guaranteed.  There can be no assurance the business objectives of the Company will be achieved. Investors may lose all or part of their investment, and distributions with respect to such investment are not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future returns.