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Israel and Lebanon are hours into a 10-day ceasefire.

President Trump announced the agreement yesterday (sans details) after U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington D.C. on Tuesday; it was the neighboring nations’ first direct diplomatic meeting since 1993. 

The agreement follows more than a month of war between Israel and Hezbollah—an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon—which has reportedly caused over 2,100 deaths in Lebanon, 23 deaths in Israel, and displaced over 1M Lebanese residents. Hezbollah was not a part of the ceasefire negotiations, but backed the agreement yesterday.

This ceasefire could be key to broader U.S.-Israel-Iran peace. Though the conflicts are officially separate, Tehran has refused to negotiate a long-term deal with Washington until the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is also addressed. 

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PRAY WITH US
Give thanks to God for progress, and trust Him for long-term peace: 

Wonderful Counselor, you are the One who winds down wars and teaches peace (Isaiah 54:13). May your peace rule in the hearts of Israelis, Lebanese, members of Hezbollah, diplomats, U.S. officials, and all members of Christ’s body (Colossians 3:15-17). Bring evil plans to nothing and promote the good of the vulnerable, so that people from all nations would see your goodness and bow to the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Ceasefire momentum had stocks jumping for joy.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed above 7,000 and 24,000 respectively for the first time on Wednesday, riding an optimism wave for a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Markets continued ascending Thursday after Israel and Lebanon’s battle pause.

Uncle Sam’s Hormuz blockade—fully implemented in under 36 hours—has cut off 90%+ of Iran's seaborne trade, tightening the screws on Tehran to make a deal. Washington has also threatened further Iranian oil sanctions, calling it the “financial equivalent” of a bombing campaign, and Secretary Hegseth said the U.S. was “locked and loaded” for continued combat.

Stateside, the House (214-213) and Senate (52-47) both narrowly rejected War Powers resolutions this week in largely party-line votes. The resolutions would have required President Trump to receive Congressional approval before launching future military action against Iran.

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Verse to consider whether you’re jumping with joy like the market or slogging through trials: “May the Lord bless you and protect you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” 
Numbers 6:24-26 (CSB) (read full passage)

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President Trump is re-threatening to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Powell’s term as chairman ends May 15, but he could stay on as a regular ol’ Federal Reserve governor until 2028. Powell has said he has “no intention” of leaving until the Justice Department concludes its controversial criminal probe into his handling of costly central bank renovations. Senator Tillis (R-NC) has also criticized the investigation and promised to block the confirmation of Trump’s new pick for Fed Chair, Kevin Warsh, unless it is dropped.

On Wednesday, #47 told Fox Business that if Powell doesn’t leave with his leadership title, “I’ll have to fire him.” Powell says the president has no authority to fire him, and the Supreme Court is currently considering whether Trump’s attempt to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook was lawful. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Politicians come and go, often disappointing supporters and opponents alike. Put your hope in the Lord, who has no term limit, who rules with compassion, and who executes justice perfectly.

“But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for judgment. And he judges the world with righteousness; he executes judgment on the nations with fairness. The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord.” 
Psalm 9:7–10 (CSB) (read full passage)

A New York federal jury ruled Live Nation illegally monopolized the ticketing market, saying the company’s 2010 merger with Ticketmaster enabled “anticompetitive conduct” leading to higher ticket prices and poor customer service. The judge will now determine damages, which could include forcing Live Nation and Ticketmaster to break up the band. Live Nation said the verdict isn’t the final note on the matter.

Tax Day delivered good news (no… really). Americans are getting more money back this year, with the average federal refund topping $3,400 (+11%). The IRS reported 53 million Americans claimed at least one new deduction provided under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, such as No Tax on Overtime or the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors.

Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor publicly apologized to fellow Justice Kavanaugh over her “inappropriate” statements suggesting his upbringing prevents him from understanding day laborers targeted by ICE. Following September’s 6-3 decision to lift ICE restrictions, Kavanaugh stated that English proficiency and day laborer employment should be considered “common sense” grounds for immigration questioning.

Former Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax (D) and his wife were found dead yesterday in an apparent murder-suicide. Police are still investigating, but say Fairfax allegedly shot and killed his wife—who filed for divorce last July—then shot himself in their Annandale, Virginia, home. The incident was initially reported by one of Fairfax’s teenage sons, who were both home during the shootings.

What’s that squeakin’? It’s sneaker company Allbirds pivoting to AI. The struggling sustainable-shoe brand announced Wednesday it’s lacing up to join the AI race—selling off its wooly wares, raising $50M, and changing its name to NewBird AI—pending shareholder approval. Allbirds stock (down 99% from its peak in 2021) soared over 500% on Wednesday, despite the company’s lack of prior AI experience.

Giving a road sign a much-needed bath…

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