Author: Drink of Jesus

Hi I was raised knowing God and I got tired of seeing the down falls of people in church and blamed it on God. I turned my back on him for 16 years, He never turned his back on me He took me through so many trials and through these trials I have learned that the things that I disliked about church had nothing to do with God. He has now put on my heart to share the love and healing that you get through Jesus Christ. I will use examples of how much He loves us through what He has walked me and my family through. So lets take a RIDE!

Maryland’s weekend storms knock down trees, leave residents in the dark

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Maryland residents are feeling the impacts of severe storms that rumbled through the state this weekend, and more storms are possible on Monday. Heavy rain and strong wind gusts knocked down trees and power lines, leaving thousands without power on Saturday and Sunday. Storms could cause more issues, including potential flooding, on Monday. Power outages in Maryland As many as 50,000 Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) customers started Sunday without electricity after storms damaged electric equipment throughout the service area. By 6 a.m. Monday, that number was down to 29,000. Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Harford counties were hit the hardest with power outages. “

Of particular concern are the downed poles and wires due to the severity of the storm and winds,” BGE stated. “Downed trees, limbs, and other debris cause approximately half of all power outages during storms.” About 80% of power outages impacted by Saturday’s storms are expected to be restored by 6 p.m. on Monday. The vast majority will be restored by 11 p.m. on Tuesday. It is not clear if Sunday’s storms changed those projections. “BGE crews are assessing damage and will be working around the clock to restore power for customers as quickly and safely as possible,” BGE said Sunday. “We have increased staffing for this storm and mutual assistance contractors will be arriving this evening to assist with restoration.”

MTA light rail service suspended The Maryland Transit Administration said all light rail service is suspended at stations south of Patapsco because of a BGE power outage caused by downed power lines and fallen trees. Bus shuttles are running at the following stations until service resumes: Glen Burnie/Cromwell, Ferndale, BWI Airport, BWI Business District, Linthicum, North Linthicum, Nursery Road, and Baltimore Highlands.     Anyone anticipating taking the light rail on Monday is urged to check to make sure the train is running. The Maryland Transit Administration said all light rail service is suspended at stations south of Patapsco because of a BGE power outage caused by downed power lines and fallen trees. MTA BWI ground stop Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) issued a ground stop on Sunday evening because of storms in the area.

The ground stop has since been lifted. Stephen Greiman and his wife were stuck in Baltimore overnight after their flight to Charleston, South Carolina, was canceled. “It just gets frustrating when you travel, and things get interrupted,” Greiman said.   Maryland storm damage The Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation said that as of 6 p.m. Sunday there had been reports of 110 downed trees and 23 roads closed.  CBS News Baltimore saw some of the most severe damage in Aberdeen on Sunday, with snapped trees and knocked-down power lines. A Harford County resident shared a photo of downed trees blocking Maxa Road bridge over I-95 in Aberdeen. 

CBS News Baltimore A Harford County resident shared a photo of downed trees blocking Maxa Road bridge over I-95 in Aberdeen on Saturday.  Aberdeen, Maryland Photo by Sandy Weeks A tree fell on a house in Reisterstown, in Baltimore County, on Saturday. A tree fell on a house in Reisterstown, in Baltimore County. CBS News Baltimore On Saturday, trees fell in Eldersburg, in Carroll County, blocking roads and hitting cars. Photo by Joel Dressen Streets in Fells Point had flooding from the heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday. CBS News Baltimore In Odenton, in Anne Arundel County, a tree fell onto a structure on Sunday. There were no reports of injuries, fire officials said.  A lightning strike was reported in the 7800 block of Shelbourne Drive in the Chestnut Hill Cove area of Anne Arundel County.

Crews have not located any active fire or smoke conditions. Maryland State Parks see damage The damage from Saturday’s storm forced some Maryland State Parks to close, including the Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park, Soldiers Delight NEA, and the Steppingstone Farm Museum at Susquehanna State Park.

Source: Maryland’s weekend storms knock down trees, leave residents in the dark – CBS Baltimore

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11

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National Weather Service faces hurricane season with less experienced staff, missing data

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Meteorologists working at computers monitoring live hurricane radar and storm advisory maps

The National Weather Service is hiring to fill hundreds of predominantly entry-level positions, more than a year after losing about 15% of its staff due to sweeping job cuts and buyouts ordered by the Trump administration.  Veteran meteorologists are cautiously optimistic about how an influx of workers could benefit the agency as storm season gets underway — and as people in the industry say vacancies may be impeding the collection of data that many see as vital for predicting extreme weather. But the weather service’s focus on recruiting early career scientists, as its job postings advertise, raises concerns for some former employees who believe their relative lack of experience could be reflected in the nation’s forecasts, especially without more knowledgeable staff around to help train them.

“Obviously, people retiring and new people coming up is a natural part of any business or agency,” said Alan Gerard, a meteorologist who worked for 35 years at the weather service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, before retiring early last year. “But it’s meant to be done in an organized process, where the new people coming in have the benefit of working for a period with people who are experienced and can help train them and build up their expertise.” Hurricane season started on June 1, overlapping with spring and summer months when tornadoes, flash flooding and wildfire outbreaks typically peak in the United States. For forecasters, it’s one of the busiest and most critical periods of the year. Impact of last year’s staffing cuts  Last year’s federal downsize shrunk the weather service by about 600 employees, most of them experienced workers who accepted early retirement packages, said Tom Fahy, the legislative director of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, a labor union representing weather service and other NOAA staff.

About 100 probationary employees, in their first year of federal service, were fired. Federal employment data reviewed by CBS News showed staffing gaps have persisted since then. NOAA had nearly 300 fewer meteorologists and hydrologists in its workforce at the end of May, compared with January 2025. While the data doesn’t specify which NOAA employees are part of the weather service, meteorologists and hydrologists working in other subagencies contribute heavily to the research that informs forecasting operations. Rick Thoman, a climate specialist in Alaska who worked for three decades as a weather service meteorologist before his retirement in 2018, said the loss of specialized forecast experience in his state due to last year’s job cuts “has been a really bad thing.” “Alaska is not like forecasting for Nebraska, and there are no schools of meteorology in Alaska. Everyone has to come here and learn it,” Thoman told CBS News. “So, even though there’s some effort to increase staffing now, because there are no old-timers left, and folks come in here without any experience in high-latitude weather forecasting, it just makes it that much harder.”

Honing meteorological skills requires hands-on experience and practice even in more accessible locations, said Gerard. He said a number of senior-level scientists who left their roles at forecast offices “had real knowledge of local weather patterns” and noted how complex weather conditions, like storm surge, call for a degree of finesse and familiarity as they can be “intricate” phenomena to forecast. “Growing pains” as “gloomy days” over The weather service had already faced declining employment before the Trump administration’s firing spree. In its aftermath, forecast offices in at least six locations entered last year’s hurricane season with critical staff shortages. Several offices stopped operating full-time, and almost a dozen suspended or limited weather balloon launches.  Current and former weather service employees told CBS News that progress is now being made to address those issues, in part by hiring new people. Fahy, with the National Weather Service Employees Organization union, said that while some forecast offices remain understaffed, there have also been “significant hires.” The agency has said it will place new staff at locations based on their vacancy rates. Fahy emphasized that “those gloomy days of 2025 are far away in the rear-view mirror.”

“I think the National Weather Service is going through some growing pains at the current time, with the loss of late-career experience,” said Brian LaMarre, a former weather service meteorologist who retired early from the agency last year after three decades. “But things are gaining on the front end with the new generation of ideas, the new generation of skills, especially in this extremely advanced technology era that we have right now.” A National Weather Service weather balloon at a launch site in Sterling, Virginia, in 2006. Chris Greenberg / AP Some former weather service employees told CBS News they’re hopeful newcomers raised in the digital age will bring value to the agency as it upgrades its technology. Others said additional workers could help restore the flow of key atmospheric data that has been missing or interrupted since staffing levels at the weather service abruptly dropped. 

LaMarre, who mentors students, recent graduates and young professionals aspiring to work for the weather service, views the future as “extremely exciting.” Erica Cei, a weather service spokesperson, told CBS News that forecast offices currently experiencing “temporary staffing changes” receive “mutual aid” from neighboring offices, which allow their forecasting operations to run without interruption.  Cei said the agency “remains ready to meet its mission by maintaining 24/7 operations and ensuring critical forecasts, warnings, and decision support are delivered to partners and the American people.” Hiring “will continue as needed,” says weather service New hiring comes after deadly Texas floods last July raised questions about whether the region could have been more prepared had regional forecast offices been adequately staffed.

Mr. Trump granted an emergency authorization to the weather service last August that allowed it to hire 450 meteorologists, hydrologists and radar technicians over the course of a year, ending this September.   More than 300 new weather service employees were onboarded as of late June, according to Cei, who said they’re predominantly field workers, including meteorologists, hydrologists and electronics technicians, as well as other physical scientists.  Cei told CBS News that around 50 people were onboarded in the last two months alone – after the weather service announced in May that it would recruit another 150 entry-level meteorologists to work at forecast offices across the country. “Our hiring actions and plans are robust, and will continue as needed,” said Cei. “The agency is well postured to recruit entry-level candidates to fortify our front lines and build talent pipelines for the future.”

Missing weather data Everyone who spoke with CBS News pointed out ways that new hires may be able to improve weather service operations, regardless of their experience level. Among the most urgent is the restoration of what’s called “upper air” data, which Thoman and Gerard said has noticeably declined or degraded since January 2025. The data is considered by many to be fundamental to forecasting models, particularly in scenarios where weather is changing rapidly. It has historically been collected by weather balloons, synced to launch twice daily from sites nationwide, and in other parts of the world, too. Several U.S. weather stations no longer launch balloons twice daily, or at consistent morning and evening times, records show, which Cei said is “due to temporary resource and equipment constraints.”

It’s an unprecedented change, Gerard said.  “There’s concern about the quality of the models because of the lack of upper air data,” he said. “There’s a lot of expression of just being less confident, and having less confidence in your data tends to undermine a lot of your operational decisions, right?” Thoman told CBS News that two remote weather service outposts in Alaska have not launched weather balloons since February and August of last year, respectively, and several others are launched much less frequently than they used to be. While the extent of the impact on forecasts is unclear, Thoman said weather models last October incorrectly predicted the track of a storm that displaced about 1,000 people along the Bering Sea. More than half of the area’s scheduled balloon launches failed to take place in the days leading up to its landfall. Thomas said “it’s inconceivable to me, as a meteorologist,” that lack of data due to the diminished balloon launches “had no impact on the weather model forecast.”

Source: National Weather Service faces hurricane season with less experienced staff, missing data – CBS Atlanta

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
Philippians 1:23-24

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Come As You Are: God Awaits You

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Dirt trail winding through green hills at sunset with cloudy sky

God does not ask you to be flawless before coming to Him. He asks you to come as you are.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

No one is saved because they are good enough. We are saved because Jesus is good enough. His grace covers your weakness, failures, and past mistakes. Stop measuring yourself by your’s and the world’s definition of perfection and start trusting His promise. Salvation is a gift, not a reward.

Thought to Ponder

Am I trusting my goodness or God’s grace?

Journaling Prompt

Where have I believed I must earn God’s love?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that grace saves me, not my performance. Help me rest in Your grace, walk in confidence, and trust Your love through every season. Please help me rest in Your unchanging love today, In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

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Revelation 21:4: A Vision of Eternal Comfort

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Woman in gray sweater being comforted by glowing spiritual figure inside church
rescue

Revelation 21:4 – The Promise of a Tearless Eternity

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

One of the few verses in the Bible that captures the hope of heaven as vividly as Revelation 21:4. This verse found near the end of Scripture, is a passage that shines as a beacon of comfort, offering a vision of what awaits Christians when God makes all things new. It is a verse that has carried countless hearts through grief, sustaining the weary in seasons of suffering, reminding us all that pain will not have the final word.

The Context of Revelation 21:4

If you want to fully understand this verse, we need to learn it within its context. Revelation is a book of the word given to the Apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos. Throughout this book, John records dramatic and often difficult images of judgment, tribulation, and spiritual warfare. But as the book nears its close, the tone shifts dramatically.

In Revelation 21, John describes the vision of the New Heaven and New Earth. The old, broken order of creation has passed away, and God ushers in His eternal kingdom. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, and God dwells with His people in perfect fellowship. At this point, in this breathtaking vision, John records one of the most tender promises in Scripture:

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes…”

This is not some elaborate poem—it is a declaration of the radical transformation that awaits all who belong to Christ.

What does it all mean

1. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes”

This is a deeply personal image. God Himself is pictured as gently wiping away the tears from His children’s faces. It’s not because all sorrow will end; it’s because God actively comforts His people. The intimacy of this moment reflects His love and care.

It tells us that every tear we’ve shed—there is no difference between grief, betrayal, disappointment, or physical pain—it matters to Him. In Psalm 56:8, David declares that God keeps our tears in a bottle, symbolizes that He knows showing His compassion. Revelation 21:4 shows us that those tears will one day be permanently wiped away, never to return.

2. “There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain”

With the following four experiences—death, mourning, crying, and pain—it summarizes the brokenness of life in our fallen world. Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve, humanity has been plagued by these realities. But in God’s eternal kingdom, they will cease forever.

This isn’t just an simple modification of life as we know it—it’s the complete removal of suffering. Death will no longer hold dominion, mourning will no longer shadow our hearts, and pain will no longer weigh down our souls.

3. “For the old order of things has passed away”

Why does the suffering end? It is because He proclaims the old order—the world tainted by sin, death, and decay—will be replaced by God’s new creation. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This renewal that has been promised to individuals in salvation, will one day extend to all of creation.

comfort coffee

Why This Verse Matters Today

It can be easy to degrade Revelation 21:4 to the “someday” category, seeing it only as a far-off hope. But its power is not limited to the future—it speaks into our present lives with profound encouragement.

1. Comfort in Grief

When we stand at a graveside or walk through seasons of mourning, Revelation 21:4 highlights that death is not the end. The grief, anguish, sorrow and pain of today will one day give way to eternal joy. We can be confident that those who die in Christ will experience this tearless eternity.

2. Strength in Suffering

For those of us that struggle with chronic illness, mental anguish, or deep personal pain, this Revelation 21:4 provides strength to endure. Our present sufferings are real, but they are temporary. Paul echoes this in Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

3. Hope in Brokenness

When we look around this world often feels irreparably broken. Wars, injustice, poverty, and loss can overwhelm us. But Revelation 21:4 assures us that the brokenness we see is not permanent. God is actively working toward a day when His kingdom will bring perfect peace and restoration.

Living in Light of Revelation 21:4

How should this promise shape our lives today?

1. Live with Eternal Perspective

Because we know and promised that sorrow, pain, and death are temporary, it helps us endure trials with faith and hope. It lifts our eyes from the present moment to the eternal reality ahead.

2. Extend Compassion

Knowing that God Himself cares enough to wipe away tears should inspire us to reflect His compassion. We can be His hands and feet, comforting those who mourn and walking alongside those in pain.

3. Share the Hope of Christ

Revelation 21:4 is a promise reserved for those who belong to Christ. It should stir in us a desire to share the gospel so others may also experience the hope of this tearless eternity.

4. Anticipate with Joy

This promise should not only comfort us but also fill us with joy and anticipation. Just as a bride eagerly awaits her wedding day, we too can eagerly look forward to the day when Christ makes all things new.

A Sample of What’s Coming

Daily, we can experience glimpses of Revelation 21:4. You can see God bring peace in the midst of turmoil, when He comforts us in grief, or when we witness healing and restoration, we are experiencing samples of His eternal kingdom. These moments are reminders that a greater fulfillment is yet to come.

Always remember that the ultimate promise is the complete removal of sorrow and pain awaits us in eternity. This is not wishful thinking; it is the assured destiny of all who place their faith in Christ.

Conclusion

Revelation 21:4 is not just a verse about how great heaven is but it’s a verse about hope. This is God’s promise that the brokenness, despair, and sickness of this world is not final. Every tear will be wiped away, every sorrow will end, and every wound will be healed.

When we are walking through loss, this verse offers comfort. For those enduring suffering, it offers strength. For those discouraged by the state of the world, it offers hope. And for all of us, it points to the incredible love of a God who not only redeems but also restores.

So let us hold tightly to this promise: the day is coming when the old order of pain and death will pass away, and God Himself will dwell with His people, wiping every tear from our eyes.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, be my guide and protect me from these things that surround me that I do not understand or that influence me in ways that are not from You. Lord I want to be and act as close to You as You’ve always wanted Your children to be. Lord give the strength to stand against the evil in this world, the distractions and influences. Help me to not fear and worry about these issues that continue to affect everything around us. Thank you Lord for Your protection, direction, and love. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…..

Couple Helps Moose Calf Escape Bear Attack in Maine Woods: ‘My Heart Was Racing’

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Change moose to baby moose calf

Couple Helps Moose Calf Escape Bear Attack in Maine Woods: ‘My Heart Was Racing’ AMY FURR3 Jul 202625 2:04 A couple on a recent fishing trip in Telos Township, Maine, witnessed three majestic creatures up close and have the photos to prove it. When Elvia and Todd Malcolm of Lincoln saw a female moose on the edge of some woods, they parked their truck and watched as she appeared to be in distress while making grunting noises, the Associate Press (AP) reported Thursday.

That was when the calf and a black bear ran out of the woods and Todd quickly decided to put his truck in drive and step on the gas to put the vehicle between the bear and the frightened calf. The bear ran off into the woods and the calf was saved. Elvia recalled, “My heart was racing because I did not want to witness the bear catching the calf. As soon as the calf got past the truck and we were able to get the bear to give up the chase, I looked up the road and saw that they were together, the mom and the calf.” During the tense moments, Elvia had pulled out her cellphone and snapped several photos that showed the pursuit and the calf being reunited with its mother: While explaining how he moved his truck to save the animal, Todd said he did not want to hurt the bear, simply stating that “I knew what I had to do and I just did it.”

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the state boasts to the highest moose population in the lower 48 states. “The scientific name for moose is Alces alces americana — origin of the word moose comes from the Algonquin word ‘moosu’ meaning ‘bark stripper,’” the site read. “The largest member of the deer family, moose stand up to seven feet tall, sporting dark brown fur and a shoulder hump. Female moose (3.5+ years old) average 836 pounds and the average prime age (5.5+) adult bull weighs 1,106 pounds. The largest bull ever harvested in Maine had a dressed weight of 1,330 pounds and means it would have weighed approximately 1,767 pounds!” it continued.

Source: PHOTOS — Couple Helps Moose Calf Escape Bear Attack in Maine Woods: ‘My Heart Was Racing’

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14

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Toby Keith – Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue

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American soldiers in desert military base with flag and bald eagles flying overhead

Classic Patriotic country song written and record by Toby Keith

Source: Toby Keith – Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) (Official Music Video) – YouTube

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
John 13:20

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Robin Williams as the American Flag

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Add title "250 Years" above flag

Robin Williams portrays the American flag in “I Love Liberty,” a two-hour television special created by Norman Lear and presented by People For the American Way.

Source: (630) Robin Williams as the American Flag – YouTube

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

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Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance

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Red, white, and blue light trails crossing beneath a clear, starry night sky

When is the last time you heard the pledge of Allegiance recited like the great late Christian comedian red Skelton? Give it a listen !

Source: (630) Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance – YouTube

In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
Psalm 62:7

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Lee Greenwood – God Bless The USA (Lyrics)

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Wooden cross and American flag on hill with sunset over rural landscape

Lee Greenwood singing, God Bless The USA with on-screen lyrics. 4th of July (Independence Day) is right around the corner and this song will bless you because God will bless the USA. Enjoy and God bless.

Source: Lee Greenwood – God Bless The USA (Lyrics) – YouTube

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.
John 10:28-30

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Ronald Regan Patriotic Speech

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Ronald Reagan speaking at a podium with presidential seal and microphones

Patriotic speech by President Ronald Regan, sharing how great our country is.

Source: (630) Ronald Regan Patriotic Speech – YouTub

So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
Luke 10:27

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Star Spangled Banner As You’ve Never Heard It, 250 years

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American flag waving at sunset with text 250 Years American Independence 1776 - 2026

The American National Anthem a dramitized story of why or nation is awesome!

Source: Star Spangled Banner As You’ve Never Heard It – YouTube

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10

Hosea 4:6

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President Trump Delivers Remarks at Mount Rushmore, Jul. 3, 2026

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Political rally at Mount Rushmore with a speaker at podium and American flags

President Donald Trump delivers speech at Mount Rushmore before Americas 250th birthday. A celebration of the Greatest civilization and country that has ever been created.

Source: (630) President Trump Delivers Remarks at Mount Rushmore, Jul. 3, 2026 – YouTube

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
John 3:17

Daily Bread; Psalm 91:4

Daily Verse He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4 ESV Refuge: shelter or…

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The News Part 1

Dear Heavenly Father, as this is read give understanding and conviction to those reading this. May there be understanding where there needs to be understanding and conviction where there needs…

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🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who…

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Amos 3:7

 “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. This verse reveals that God does not act without warning His people first. The verse teaches that…

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Isaiah 11:2

And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord…

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The tale of a Ford, a nest, and a Robin

A Ford dealership in Kansas can’t let a customer take home an already-bought F-250 Super Duty, and the reason is for the birds—quite literallySee, Olathe Ford of Olathe, Kansas, which…

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The King is Coming

They shouted “Hosanna” like a King was arriving, but didn’t realize a Savior was surrendering. Don’t just celebrate Jesus for what you want Him to do, honor Him for who…

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California bans ‘sell by’ labels on perishable food, in attempt to cut down on waste

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Packaged baby spinach, shredded mozzarella, hummus, and Greek yogurt with expiration and pricing labels in refrigerated shelf

California has banned “sell by” labels on perishable products, in an attempt to cut down on food waste. The law was passed in 2024 but didn’t go into effect until Wednesday.

It standardizes such labels to try to cut food waste and reduce consumer confusion in the state, according to The New York Times.  Manufacturers can still use several terms including “best if used by” or “best if frozen by” to indicate when a food item is at its peak quality, and “use by” or “freeze by” to indicate when a food item is no longer safe to consume.

Products exempt from the law are eggs and infant formula, according to California’s Department of Food and Agriculture. State and federal officials have long said the labels confuse consumers about when to throw away aging food products. There are roughly 50 variations of date labels in the United States, The Times also reports. 

Source: California bans ‘sell by’ labels on perishable food, in attempt to cut down on waste | Just The News

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
Ephesians 5:1

Break Free and Run the Race

Break free from sin, and run your race like it matters. We must understand, getting rid of our anchors will still keep us in the race. ⚓️ 📖Therefore, since we are surrounded by so…

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Letting God Take the Lead

God doesn’t guide the loud, the proud, or the self-sufficient, He leads the humble who are willing to follow. Lay down your pride, and watch how clearly His path unfolds before you. 📖He will…

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Primary Elections; May 19, 2026

Today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, is a major primary election day in six states: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. These are mostly partisan primaries (Democratic and Republican) to select nominees for the…

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What does Hosanna Mean?

Hosanna: Getting to Know Him Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to…

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Matthew 25:21

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ This…

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2 Peter 2:1-3

But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift…

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Recognizing the Trap of Offense

A wounded heart builds walls higher than pride ever could, harder to win back than a fortified city. Choose your words carefully, because one broken relationship can become a locked gate few ever reopen.…

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Abortion Survivor; Amy’s Story

My story is unique in that it has two beginnings. I was born on June 6, 1980, in Ashland, Oregon. A young lady, probably a student at a nearby university, learned that she was…

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Bear sighting reported at UC Davis campus

A young bear appears to be roaming the UC Davis campus Friday morning, prompting an alert from school officials. In a WarnMe notification sent out just after midnight, UC Davis police said they were…

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The Story of America: The Kings Call to Arms

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Liberty Bell, American flag, historical documents, and map of USA celebrating 250 years of freedom

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come.

Source: The Story of America: The Kings Call to Arms YouTube

But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 19:30

Abortion Survivor; Michele’s Story

“My story began in the pre-Roe v. Wade era of 1962. As the youngest of seven children in a large, financially struggling family, my conception came at a particularly challenging time for…

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❤️The Heart of Worship🛐

What the world calls waste, Jesus calls worship, your sacrifice for Him is never overlooked. Bold, extravagant faith stands out in a culture that misunderstands true devotion.  “She has done a beautiful…

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Organ Harvesting in China

You may think you know about the illegal world of organ harvesting, but there’s an even a darker side to this practice than merely procuring an organ on the black market. In…

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Two teens injured in Bloomington shooting

Two teenagers were injured in a shooting in Bloomington, Minnesota, Monday night, police said. It happened around 10:10 p.m. on the 7900 block of Bloomington Avenue South, according to the city’s police…

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The Story of America: John Adams

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The White House with a banner reading celebrating 250 years, with a crowd gathered and colorful sunset sky

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come.

Source: The Story of America: The Decleration of Independence YouTube

Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.
Luke 9:16-17

Matthew 1:22-23

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” This verse explains that Jesus’…

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Romans 12:19

 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” This verse teaches believers not to seek personal revenge…

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The Outlook for Immigration Policy

The Administration has taken sweeping actions to reduce both legal and illegal entry into the US, driving sharp declines in encounters at the US border and inflows of authorized immigrants. However, labor…

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Guarding Your Heart

Your life is moving in the direction of your heart, whether you realize it or not. What you allow in today will shape who you become tomorrow. Keep your heart with all…

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The Story of America: Declaration of Independence

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The White House with a large American flag flying at sunset and text reading America 250 Years Est. 1776

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come.

Source: The Story of America: The Decleration of Independence YouTube

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Grace, Not Perfection

God does not ask you to be flawless before coming to Him. He asks you to come as you are. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is…

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Prophesy and His Timeline

The God who created time is not controlled by time, He rules over it. Every prophecy fulfilled is proof that history is not random, but written by the hand of a sovereign…

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Watchfulness Without Fear

God never called His people to panic about the future. He called them to be awake, ready, and full of hope. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth…

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The Story of America: The Battle of Bunker Hill

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Fireworks over the White House with Washington Monument and crowd below celebrating America 250 anniversary

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come.

Source: (630) The Story of America: The Battle of Bunker Hill – YouTube

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 10:19

School Teacher Misconduct April 23–30, 2026

In the past week (April 23–30, 2026), several U.S. teachers faced arrests, firings, or administrative actions, mostly over allegations of inappropriate relationships or contact with students. These cases come primarily from Florida…

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God’s Delays Are Not Denials

What feels late to us is often perfectly timed by God. Heaven’s clock never runs behind schedule. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward.” — 2…

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Grace, Not Perfection

God does not ask you to be flawless before coming to Him. He asks you to come as you are. “For by grace are ye saved through faith… not of works.” —…

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The Story of America: The Formation of the Army

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Fireworks in red, white, and blue above the White House and Washington Monument at night

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come.

Source: (630) The Story of America: The Formation of the Army – YouTube

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31

When You Feel Alone

When life feels like you’re walking into the battle alone, remember this: you never take a single step without God beside you, His strength goes before…

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Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil.…

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Deuteronomy 8:3

He humbled you, allowed you to be hungry, and fed you with manna, which you didn’t know, neither did your fathers know, that he might teach…

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Matthew 12:25

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.…

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Matthew 4:6

And said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and,…

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Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for…

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Titus 3:3

For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. This verse reminds…

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2 Timothy 3:16-17

Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete,…

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Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. In this verse it declares the eternal power and authority of Jesus Christ:…

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George Washington on Freedom of Speech

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Flowing red, white, and blue fabric ribbons intertwined

George Washington never wrote a single famous statement that exactly says “freedom of speech” in the way many internet memes claim. However, throughout his writings and public addresses, he strongly supported the principles of free expression, a free press (while also emphasizing responsibility), and the right of citizens to discuss public affairs.

Here are some of his best-authenticated quotes related to freedom of speech and liberty:

“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”

This is one of Washington’s most famous quotations on free speech. It appears in his notes from the debates of the Constitutional Convention, where he copied a statement originally made by William Pitt, Earl of Chatham. Although Washington preserved and repeated it, historians generally do not consider it to be his original wording.

On liberty

“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”

— Letter to James Madison, March 2, 1788.

Washington believed liberty naturally flourishes once people are allowed to govern themselves responsibly.

On freedom and constitutional government

“The freedom of opinion is one of the inalienable rights of man.”

This sentiment appears in Washington’s correspondence and reflects his belief that individuals possess the natural right to hold and express their opinions.

On the press

Washington had a complicated relationship with newspapers. He frequently criticized partisan attacks against him, yet he acknowledged the importance of a free press in a republic. He wrote:

“For if men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments… reason is of no use to us.”

This reflects his belief that debate and discussion are essential for self-government.

On protecting liberty

From his Farewell Address:

“The Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.”

Washington believed liberty depended not only on rights like free speech but also on respect for constitutional law and civic responsibility.

Washington’s overall view

Washington viewed freedom of speech as essential because:

  • Citizens must be able to criticize their government.
  • Open discussion helps preserve liberty.
  • Public debate leads to wiser decisions.
  • Freedom should be exercised responsibly rather than maliciously.

At the same time, he warned that lies, factionalism, and excessive political division could threaten the survival of the republic. He believed freedom and civic virtue had to work together.

This also comes from the LORD of hosts, Who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.
Isaiah 28:29

Baby Squirrel Foster Mom

Retired California teaching assistant Angel Barba has been a baby squirrel foster mom for the last seven years.  Source: Squirrel Foster Mom You Tube

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Abortion News Roundup: April 15–22, 2026

Here’s a summary of the key abortion-related developments from the past seven days. Activity centered on state-level legislative pushes (especially in South Carolina), ongoing medication-abortion access fights, and cultural polling—amid…

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Important (Buried) News Stories: April 15–22, 2026

While the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, Trump administration statements, and related global fallout dominated headlines and social media, several significant developments received far less attention. These stories—drawn from economic…

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Kamikaze squirrel goes flying in cannon blast for America 250, all he wanted to be was a flying squirrel 😄

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Close-up of a grey squirrel with open mouth and wide eyes on a tree branch.

He took escape plans to nutty new heights. An acrobatic squirrel in Brooklyn got so spooked when soldiers fired a ceremonial cannon Thursday morning, it hurled itself off a telephone pole — and lived to tell the tale, according to wild footage and officials. The freaked-out furball threw itself into the air kamikaze-style and plunged dozens of feet after Army members blasted the cannon to welcome a German warship at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn during America 250 celebrations ahead of the Fourth of July, military officials said. ‘“’I didn’t sign up for this,’— This squirrel, probably,” USAG Fort Hamilton hilariously posted, along with the footage, on Facebook Thursday. “Sorry for the early boom, Brooklyn! We promise it’s for a good cause. (The squirrel remains unconvinced.),” it added.

Source: Kamikaze squirrel goes flying in cannon blast for America 250

Yes, in the way of Your judgments, O LORD, we have waited for You; The desire of our soul is for Your name And for the remembrance of You.
Isaiah 26:8

Your Tears Have a Witness

When life feels too heavy to carry and every door seems shut, God is still moving in places you cannot see. Your breaking point may be the very place…

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Why Waiting on God is Always Worth It

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Man looking worriedly at his watch standing in a crowded airport terminal with departures board in background

What feels late to us is often perfectly timed by God. Heaven’s clock never runs behind schedule.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward.” — 2 Peter 3:9

As a Christian one of the hardest spiritual lessons we have to learn is to trust God’s timing. With our 10 second attention span we often want immediate answers, quick breakthroughs, and instant clarity. However God will frequently work through seasons of waiting.

The early church expected Christ’s return and wrestled with questions as time passed. Peter answered this by saying God was not slow concerning His promise. What looked like delay was actually mercy. God was giving more people more time to repent and come to salvation.

This reveals something powerful: God’s “slow” timing is purposeful. He never delays carelessly. When it seems like He is waiting, He is working. When we think He is silent, He is still actively moving.

When we read the bible we can think about Abraham waiting for Isaac, Joseph waiting in prison, David waiting for the throne, Israel waiting for deliverance, and the world waiting for the Messiah. In every case, God fulfilled His promise always at the right moment.

Waiting through these seasons refine us. They expose impatience, deepen trust, and strengthen character. Waiting helps teach us to depend on God rather than circumstances.

You might be waiting today; for healing, direction, provision, reconciliation, or open doors. We could perceive and feel like nothing is happening. But God does not always work in your face Instead He’ll work underground before anything appears above ground. Roots grow before fruit shows.

Bible prophecy itself demonstrates timing. Jesus came “in the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4). Not early. Not late. Right on schedule.

So when your heart grows weary, you feel overwhelmed and just plain tired, remember this: delays are not denials when God is involved. He is too wise to be early and too faithful to be late.

Thought to Ponder:

Could the season you call delay actually be a season of preparation?

Journaling Prompt:

What are you currently waiting on from God? How might He be working in you during the wait?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the evidence of fulfilled prophecy and Your unchanging faithfulness. Help me to always remember what You have already done building my trust in You for what is still ahead. Strengthen my faith and remove doubt. Thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love through Christ Jesus. When fear rises, remind me that I am held securely in You. Help me rest in Your grace, walk in confidence, and trust Your love through every season. Please help me rest in Your unchanging love today, help me trust Your timing when I feel impatient. Remind me that Your delays are never wasted and Your promises never fail. Give me peace while I wait and faith while I cannot see. Be my light for the road ahead and the pavement to smooth out the bumps. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Never Forsaken

When sickness tries to convince you that you’re alone, God’s presence speaks louder than your pain. Even in your weakest moment, you are…

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by Drink of Jesus

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Judge stops Philadelphia from enforcing ban against federal law enforcement officers wearing masks

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Group of ICE and police officers standing on a city sidewalk in front of police vehicles at dusk

A federal judge ruled on Thursday to block Philadelphia from enforcing a ban on federal officers wearing masks while they are on duty.  This temporary ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed against the city by the Department of Justice, which argued that the ordinance was a “blatantly unconstitutional” effort to regulate the conduct of federal agents and would “endanger officers and reduce operational effectiveness,” according to The Hill.  Federal Judge Chad Kenney ruled that the DOJ was likely to succeed in its challenge, and thus barred Philadelphia from implementing or enforcing the law against federal agencies and officers during the period that legal proceedings play out.

“When the Philadelphia City Council voted to pass Bill No. 260060 … it attempted to sidestep the Constitution’s clear mandate and disregarded this fundamental principle of law that has informed American jurisprudence for over 200 years,” the judge wrote in the 30-page order.  The “Constitution’s clear mandate” he was referring to is the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.   “Today, the court blocked Philadelphia’s unlawful attempt to regulate federal law enforcement,” a DOJ spokesperson told The Hill in a statement. “The Department of Justice will keep fighting jurisdictions that try to obstruct President Trump’s immigration enforcement with policies that endanger agents and public safety.”

Source: Judge stops Philadelphia from enforcing ban against federal law enforcement officers wearing masks | Just The News

A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
Proverbs 18:16

Recent Abortion News (April 8-15, 2026)

Here’s a concise overview of the main abortion-related developments from the past seven days. Activity focused on medication abortion access (especially mifepristone by mail), federal enforcement disputes, and state-level legislative pushes. No…

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Swatting call prompts lockdown at medical center in western Wisconsin

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Hand holding smartphone with vibrant red and blue light trails emanating from screen

Rice Lake, Wisconsin, police officers are investigating after a swatting incident at the Marshfield Medical Center Thursday afternoon.  Officials say the medical center received a phone call around 2 p.m., stating that two men were enroute to shoot up the hospital. Officers from the Red Lake Police Department and the Barron County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene and secured the medical center.  Officials interviewed the staff and learned that the caller disguised their voice.

The caller also became upset with staff over the phone and hung up, according to police. No other threatening phone calls were made to the medical center.  While the medical center was on lock-down, officials learned that similar threats were at other places around Wisconsin.  Officials ended the lockdown around 4:15 p.m. and cleared the medical center. Officials say that early in the investigation they were able to determine this was a swatting call. No one was injured during the incident. 

Source: Swatting call prompts lockdown at medical center in western Wisconsin – CBS Minnesota

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.
Ecclesiastes 10:12

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“The Shot Heard Round the World”: The Battles of Lexington and Concord

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Fireworks in red, white, and blue with American flag designs bursting over a city skyline at night

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come. Wilfried McClay explores the dramatic events of April 19, 1775, detailing the logistical challenges and intelligence failures that led to the first armed conflicts. The discussion highlights how Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poetry shaped the historical memory of Paul Revere’s ride and the spirit of ’76.

Source: (629) “The Shot Heard Round the World”: The Battles of Lexington and Concord – YouTube

You, O LORD, remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation.
Lamentations 5:19

Ireland Out of Gas

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Romans 8:28

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What the Fire Burns Away

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US Birthrate Slides to Record Low in 2025

The U.S. birthrate declined to a record low in 2025, according to new federal data, continuing a decades-long trend since the nation’s last major pre-recession high in 2007. The provisional number of births in…

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Fear Shrinks in God’s Light

Fear grows loud in the dark, but it loses its power in the presence of God. The moment His light enters your situation, what once overwhelmed you begins to fade.  Bible Verse: The Lord is…

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You’re Not Alone in the Fire

The fire doesn’t mean God abandoned you, it proves He is already there. You may be in the flames, but you are never in them alone.  Bible Verse:Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and…

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I’m a hot sleeper with no AC; 3 tools helping me beat the heat

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Bedroom with wooden bed and nightstands, left side with orange bedding and warm lighting, right side with blue bedding and cool lighting

Fireworks won’t be the only thing keeping people awake this Fourth of July weekend. As temperatures across the Big Apple soar into the triple digits, a staggering 850,000 New Yorkers are expected to sweat through America’s 250th birthday without air conditioning — and this Postie is one of them. To be fair, I’m a terrible hot sleeper year-round. I toss, I turn, I flip my pillow to the “cool side” 37 times a night, and I still wake up with my blankets tangled at the foot of the bed and my pajamas drenched in sweat. I’m not alone. About 14% of American adults say they’re too hot while sleeping “always” or “most of the time,” according to a 2023 Casper and Gallup survey of nearly 4,000 people.

Compared with people who sleep cooler, these overheated snoozers take longer to fall asleep, get poorer-quality rest and are nearly twice as likely to have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression. They also report having less energy and lower productivity during the day. And when summer rolls around, everything gets worse. In my Astoria apartment, that means sticky, sleepless nights followed by cranky mornings spent asking myself the same question: Is it finally time to surrender and buy a window unit? Roughly 11% of New York City residents live without air conditioning, whether because of environmental concerns, old buildings or cooling bills that have skyrocketed more than 50% over the past decade.

Unfortunately, the forecast isn’t exactly encouraging. Research suggests that by 2028, the concrete jungle could see as many as 10 heat waves every summer and six times as many days topping 90 degrees. Staring down a future of sweat-soaked nights, I started wondering whether anything besides AC could keep me cool enough to actually sleep. My fans certainly weren’t cutting it. So I went hunting for alternatives. Here are the three cooling gadgets that have helped me survive the summer so far. The Embr Wave 2 I’ll admit it: I was skeptical this would work. Of all the gadgets I tested, this wrist-worn device felt like the biggest gamble.

But I was genuinely surprised by the results — and the fact that it’s based on Nobel prize winning science. Marketed as the “world’s first personal thermostat,” the Embr Wave 2 looks like a minimalist smartwatch without a screen. Instead of telling time, it sits on the inside of your wrist and delivers carefully controlled bursts of heat or cold. Third-party research at UC Berkeley found it can make users feel as though the temperature has changed by 5 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit. “The Embr Wave uses thermal stimulation as a unique and powerful pathway to the brain to produce a body response,” Liz Gazda, CEO of Embr Labs, told The Post. Inside the device is a tiny thermoelectric heat pump that either pulls heat away from your skin or pushes warmth toward it.

Those temperature changes stimulate heat-sensitive nerves on the inside of your wrist, sending signals to the brain’s temperature-control center that can make your whole body feel cooler or warmer. And it works — just not in a big, sweeping wave of relief. Instead, the cold is delivered in subtle pulses that are enough to feel, but not enough to make your body think it’s suddenly freezing out. I wore the Embr Wave 2 on and off for a month and found it helped ease that familiar feeling of overheating while trying to fall asleep. The wristband comes in rose gold and black, and it’s battery can last more than nine hours on a single charge.

It pairs with a free smartphone app, unlocking six temperature modes and more than 30 customizable thermal sessions. But it’s not just for hot sleepers trying to survive summer nights. “We have customers using the product for menopausal hot flashes, sleep, stress, panic attacks, hot flashes caused by breast and prostate cancer treatment, symptoms of multiple sclerosis and even motion sickness,” Gazda said. Buy it: The Embr Wave 2 costs $239 to buy outright or $20 a month to rent.

Dagsmejan Stay Cool sleepwear In the summertime, my pajamas are usually workout shorts and an oversized T-shirt — which wind up damp and abandoned somewhere on the bedroom floor by morning. That changed with Dagsmejan’s Stay Cool sleepwear. Slipping into the Swiss-Swedish brand’s short-sleeve shirt and pants, I felt like I’d wandered into the iconic slumber party scene from “The Princess Diaries 2.” They’re unbelievably soft and look like luxury loungewear. Dagsmejan says its eucalyptus-derived “Nattcool” fabric is up to eight times more breathable than cotton and dries in about a third of the time. Its open-knit construction also releases water vapor 60% more effectively.

“When sweat evaporates efficiently, it naturally cools the skin,” said Andreas Lenzhofer, the company’s co-founder and CEO. “If moisture remains trapped — as it often does in less breathable fabrics — it can create a cycle of overheating, sweating and waking up,” he explained. “Our goal is to support the body’s own cooling mechanisms rather than artificially cooling the body.” After several weeks of testing, I noticed I was waking up far less clammy than usual. The set stayed light, breathable and genuinely cool against my skin throughout the night. The only catch is the price tag, which is steep for pajamas and makes it more of a splurge than an everyday buy. Buy it: Prices for Dagsmejan sleepwear vary by item. The collection includes everything from sleep shirts and slip dresses to shorts, pants and boxers. My set cost $248.

Coop Cool+ bedding By this point, you’ve probably heard enough about my nightly battle against sweat-soaked sheets — but Coop’s Cool+ bedding finally gave me a win. Made from a cooling nylon-spandex blend, the sheets absorb less heat than traditional cotton while pulling moisture away from your body. The fabric feels almost like silky athletic wear — soft, stretchy and consistently cool to the touch. There is one small downside. They’re a bit slippery. It took a couple nights to adjust, but once I did, I didn’t want to sleep on anything else. I found myself falling asleep faster, and when I woke during the night, I drifted back off much more easily. Hot tip: Pair the sheets with a fan, and they feel even cooler. The biggest standout, though, was the brand’s adjustable pillow.

I’ve tested plenty of so-called cooling pillows over the years. Most start out refreshingly cold before turning into something that traps heat within an hour. This one was different. It combines cooling gel-infused memory foam with microfiber to improve airflow. One side offers plush cushioning, while the other features a firmer cooling surface made with materials that absorb and disperse heat, helping it stay cooler longer. Better yet, it’s adjustable. You can add or remove the gel-infused filling to customize both the height and firmness of the pillow until it feels just right.

I also tried their mattress topper, which uses a similar memory foam blend the company says increases airflow by 50%. “While cooling bedding isn’t a replacement for air conditioning during extreme heat, it can help reduce heat buildup around your body, improve airflow and create a more comfortable sleep surface,” said Debbie Liu, director of product development and merchandising at Coop. Buy it: Coop Cool+ bedding prices vary by item. The adjustable pillow costs $149, the sheet set $129 and the mattress topper $399. None of these products magically turned my apartment into an icebox. But together, they made sleeping through a sweltering New York summer a whole lot more bearable. And until I finally cave and buy that window AC unit, I’ll take every degree I can get.

Source: Exclusive | I’m a hot sleeper with no AC — 3 tools helping me beat the heat By Emmey Park

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

Hope in the Storm

Hope flows from God, filling your heart with joy and peace as you trust Him. It’s not fragile or uncertain, it overflows through the power of the Holy Spirit, anchoring you even…

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Even If He Doesn’t

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The Story of America; An introduction to America

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Flowing red, white, and blue fabric ribbons intertwined

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It will highlight the stories of the crucial characters and events that resulted in a small rag-tag army defeating the mightiest empire in the world and establishing the greatest republic ever to exist. This is the story of America. This is our shared heritage and our proud destiny that will continue to lead us to unimaginable achievements in the centuries to come.

Source: (629) The Story of America: An Introduction – YouTube

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

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Colossians 2:14

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Luke 23:34

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Matthew 27:46

About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In this verse, as Jesus hangs on the…

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O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? In this verse, Paul triumphantly declares that death has lost its power through Jesus Christ: “Where, O death,…

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‘Second-class citizens’: Angel Families describe two-tiered justice system for illegal immigrants

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Roadside memorial with crosses, flowers, candles, and photos at dusk by a winding road

President Donald Trump has made fighting illegal immigration the centerpiece of his second administration, but for too many families across the country, finding justice has been elusive. Many illegal immigrants who have committed crimes have escaped justice under the Biden administration, while the families of the victims faced ineffective investigations, protracted legal cases, and, in some cases, saw the perpetrators receive light prison sentences. “These people are shown so many privileges in this country and American citizens are really considered, in my opinion, second-class citizens when it comes to crimes committed against them by illegals,” says Mary Ann Mendoza, whose police officer son was killed in 2014 in a head-on collision by an illegal immigrant.

Families torn apart by illegal immigrants who were never caught Mendoza, who founded Angel Families, spoke to Just the News about the Inman family, who were irreparably broken after a fishing trip in 2000 in which an illegal immigrant crashed into their car, killing 16-year-old Dustin and the family dog. Dustin’s mother, Kathy, was in a coma for weeks following the crash, and remained in a wheelchair until she died in 2021 from complications caused by the car accident. The Inman family says that Dustin’s father, Billy, was in the hospital so long he wasn’t able to attend his son’s funeral. He died of a heart attack in 2019, which Mendoza believes was caused by the stress he faced in the decades following the crash and death of his son.

The illegal immigrant who caused the crash, Gonzalo Harrell-Gonzalez, fled to Mexico after the crash but continued to cross between the U.S. and Mexico for several years without being arrested. He was indicted by a grand jury in January 2001 and was placed on ICE’s “Most Wanted” list before being removed during the Biden administration, as noted by the Center for Immigration Studies. He is still a fugitive. The Inmans are not alone when it comes to a lack of justice. Joe Storie, 51, was killed on October 5, 2011, when Luis Alberto Rodriguez-Castro ran a flashing red light and hit Joe, his sister, and his wife. Joe’s sister and wife survived the crash but were critically injured.

Rodriguez-Castro was also injured in the crash and taken to a nearby hospital, where he escaped from police supervision but was later recaptured. Even though Rodriguez-Castro was deemed a flight risk by the prosecution, a Georgia superior court judge granted him a bond reduction, and he was allowed to remain out of prison. He subsequently missed a court date and vanished. Rodriguez-Castro remains on ICE’s “Most Wanted” list. Blake Zieto, 20, was killed in a 2006 head-on crash by Mexican national Jesus Maltos-Chacon, who fled and has remained a fugitive for the past 20 years.

President Joe Biden sitting at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, signing papers.

Maltos-Chacon’s name was removed from the ICE “Most Wanted” list under the Biden administration but re-added on April 27, 2026. He remains at large. The high emotional cost to Angel Families in sanctuary states Hailey King was just 18 years old when she was riding on the back of her friend’s scooter on November 7, 2016. According to a crash reconstructionist hired by her mother, King and her friend were hit by an illegal immigrant driving 71 miles per hour in a 35mph zone. Hailey ended up on the hood of Sergio Rodriguez-Larios’ truck, while her friend, David, was pinned underneath.

David lost both of his legs in the accident and died a few years later. Hailey died at the scene. Her mother, Kathy Hall, tells Just the News that the black box was never recovered from Rodriguez-Larios’ truck, and no autopsy was performed on Hailey. Rodriguez-Larios was initially charged with second-degree murder and faced 58 years in prison, but was allowed to plead guilty to manslaughter and received just 17 years – 10 years for killing Hailey, 5 for injuring David, and 2 for fleeing the scene of the crash. Rodriguez-Larios was one-and-a-half years into his sentence when he first came up for parole.

Now Hailey’s family has to go to a new parole hearing every other year to ensure he actually remains in prison for his crimes. “There is no justice in that,” Kathy tells Just the News. “We have not been able to heal because we can’t stop reliving it.” In a similar case, Patti Fox’s daughter Carissa was riding on the back of her friend’s motorcycle in 2025 when they were hit by an illegal immigrant who had run a stop sign and crossed three lanes of traffic. The illegal, Valeria De Los Angeles Bermudez Marcano, and the passengers in her car got out after the crash and quickly fled, abandoning the vehicle, according to Fox.

Carissa was flung into a concrete barrier, which “obliterated” the left hemisphere of her brain, Fox tells Just the News. The grieving mother also says that the driver of the motorcycle Carissa was on was given a breathalyzer test, but when Marcano turned herself in the next day, she refused to take a breathalyzer and was never tested. She was released within days without the district attorney’s or victim’s advocate’s knowledge, Fox says.  Fox also says she was told initially that the occupants of the other vehicle were U.S. citizens, but after months of not hearing about any advancements in the case, she learned that ICE was involved. 

Over many months, Marcano would receive seven continuances, have five charges reduced to one, and only be required to pay restitution to the driver of the motorcycle, not Carissa, who remains in a wheelchair, is non-verbal, and requires a feeding tube. During Marcano’s eighth arraignment, Fox says she brought Carissa to the court so that they could see her daughter’s condition. At that time, Marcano took a plea deal, which was not discussed with the victim’s families, according to Fox. “I don’t think Americans realize how different the experiences are between citizens and when they’re charged versus illegal aliens and when they’re charged,” Fox says. She also says that she and her husband had been in a car accident shortly before Carissa, but the U.S. citizen in that case had “the book thrown” at him.

He received multiple charges and the case was resolved in a matter of weeks, unlike her daughter’s case with an illegal immigrant. Fox realized that, in a sanctuary state like Colorado, Marcano likely wouldn’t see any serious prison time for her crime, so she says she reached out to the Trump administration’s hotline for families impacted by illegal immigrants and “within days,” Marcano was deported. Chrishia Odette was 13 years old when she was hit by an illegal immigrant with outstanding warrants. Her father, Chris, tells Just the News that the only charge Ramiro Guevara received for killing his daughter was a ticket for driving without a license, for which he was already wanted.

Man entering county correctional facility through open gates carrying a backpack and blanket

He reportedly spent a mere 35 minutes in jail and posted a cash bond. He remained free for years and became a fugitive from ICE. “Court system like a revolving door” for illegal immigrants, Angel Mom says “I grew up believing the justice system was meant to put killers behind bars. I served the country believing in law and justice,” Chris tells Just the News. Lacey Marie Ferguson was fatally shot on August 24, 2003, outside a convenience store in Modesto, California, by an illegal immigrant gang member. Her case went cold but was reopened in 2014 following pressure from her mother, Boni Driskill. The suspect, David Aguilar, had been arrested around a dozen times prior to Lacey’s murder. He was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to 61 years to life, plus life, Boni tells Just the News.

“He went through the court system like a revolving door, being repetitive with another crime, another crime, another crime, and I found twelve times where they could have at any point, you know, saved my daughter’s life,” Boni tells Just the News. “And they failed to do it.” I understand something will fall through the cracks once, twice, maybe even three times, but 12 times is wanton disregard.” Fentanyl poisonings part of border security but not investigated Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids account for nearly 70% of all overdose deaths in the U.S., according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says that Mexico and China are the primary source countries trafficking fentanyl into the U.S., yet so many fentanyl deaths are not fully investigated.

Families of those who have died due to fentanyl poisoning are included in the Angel Families definition because it is a trafficked substance and thus part of border security. Laura Woody lost her son Jimmy in 2021, telling Just the News that his death wasn’t investigated because her son was a drug addict. She found evidence that the coroner called her son “just a druggie,” and the people who sold him the substance were never found. “Having a substance use disorder does not void a person’s right to justice,” Laura says, adding that the judicial system treats drug addicts as “less than human.”

She says that a police report wasn’t even written for her son until a week after he was found dead when she asked for the report. She also says it was full of incorrect information that was written from memory, and questions why these deaths aren’t investigated to find the dealers and those above them responsible for trafficking fentanyl. “Every death could have been prevented if the previous one had been investigated,” she tells Just the News. Debbie Santini also lost her son to fentanyl, but says the circumstances surrounding his death are suspicious, yet police didn’t conduct a full investigation. Her son, Jesse, died on February 16, 2022, just five days after entering a recovery house.

Even though there were 10 people in the house besides Jesse, only four were interviewed, and Jesse’s name was spelled incorrectly throughout the police report. “They did not even care to spell my child’s name right,” Debbie tells Just the News. Debbie dealt with rotating investigators and never found the answers to how her son died in a house full of people without any drugs around him. She also says her son was shy and wouldn’t have used drugs in such a crowded house, that he would have gone to his vehicle or another private place, yet her suspicions were never answered.

“Living with a permanent hole in our lives” The men and women who make up the Angel Families have previously written to Congress seeking a border fence, more Border Patrol agents and deportations, detention expansion, and screening of unaccompanied minors for gang ties. “Every single one of us is living with a permanent hole in our lives because an illegal immigrant, who never should have been in this country, was allowed to stay and take an innocent life,” the families wrote through the American Border Story, a conservative-leaning 501(c)(4) nonprofit that tells their stories. “These were preventable tragedies.”

Source: ‘Second-class citizens’: Angel Families describe two-tiered justice system for illegal immigrants | Just The News

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

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What’s open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating.

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Shopping center decorated with American flags and bunting for Independence Day

The July 4th weekend is here, with millions of Americans expected to gather across the country to celebrate at fireworks displays and barbecues. This year marks a special milestone as the U.S. celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. Because July 4 falls on a Saturday this year, companies may observe the holiday on July 3. That said, most retail stores will be open on Friday. Read on to see which stores are open July 3 and 4, 2026.

What stores will be open?

The following stores are open during regular hours on July 3-4. Check local store hours as they may vary by location.

  • Applebee’s
  • Burger King
  • Chick-fil-A
  • CVS Pharmacy (some stores/pharmacies may have reduced hours, a spokesperson said)
  • Domino’s
  • Dollar General 
  • Food Lion
  • IHOP
  • KFC
  • Kroger (most stores will be open with a few exceptions, a spokesperson said)
  • Lowe’s
  • Macy’s
  • McDonald’s
  • Stop & Shop
  • Target
  • Walmart

The following stores have regular July 3 hours but have modified hours on July 4:

  • Best Buy will open at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
  • IKEA stores will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.
  • JCPenney will open at 10 a.m. (shoppers should check with their local store location for closing hours)
  • Marshalls stores will close at 8 p.m. 
  • Nordstrom (some stores have special July 4 holiday hours)
  • HomeGoods stores will close at 8 p.m. 
  • Homesense stores will close at 8 p.m. 
  • Michaels stores will close at 6 p.m.
  • Petco stores will close at 7 p.m. 
  • Trader Joe’s stores will close at 5 p.m.
  • TJ Maxx stores will close at 8 p.m. 
  • Sierra stores will close at 8 p.m. 
  • Whole Foods stores will close at 6 p.m.

Is Costco open?

Costco is closed on July 4, a spokesperson told CBS News.

Is Target open?

Target stores will be open during their normal business hours, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, on both July 3 and July 4.

Is Walmart open?

Walmart stores will be open during their normal business hours, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, on both July 3 and July 4.

Will USPS deliver mail?

U.S. post offices will be open on Friday, July 3, and mail deliveries will continue as normal, according to the USPS website. The agency will close stores and suspend mail delivery the following day in observance of July 4, with services set to resume on Monday, July 6.

Will FedEx and UPS be open?

UPS retail locations will be open on July 3, and delivery services will continue as normal. However, UPS Air and Ocean Freight Services, used for oversized cargo, will be unavailable on Friday.  On July 4, UPS will halt pickup and delivery services. The delivery company encourages customers to check with their local store for Saturday hours of operation, as some locations may be closed. FedEx stores may also be closed on both July 3 and 4. The company’s website tells customers to contact their local FedEx Office location for details. Regular delivery and pickup services will run on Friday, although the on-call and drop-box pickup schedules may be earlier than usual in some areas. Pickup and delivery services will be closed on Saturday.

Will banks be open?

Major banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, will remain open on Friday, July 3. Most banks close on July 4 for Independence Day, according to their holiday schedules.

Will the stock market be open?

The stock market will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Trading will resume on Monday, July 6, at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Source: What’s open and closed on July 3 and July 4? See which stores are operating. – CBS Philadelphia

ICE Deports MS-13 Member With Cartel Ties

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Border fence with barbed wire at dusk and patrol vehicle lights on a dirt road

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported a self-admitted MS-13 gang member with ties to Mexico’s Cartel del Noreste after he completed a prison sentence in Texas, Newsmax learned exclusively Thursday. According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE removed Isaias Jose Rodriguez-Manzanares, a Honduran national, to Honduras on June 20 after taking custody of him from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice when he completed a two-year sentence for felony drug possession. According to DHS, immigration officials first encountered Rodriguez-Manzanares in January 2024 following his arrest by the Irving Police Department on a liquor-related offense. The agency said he was not detained or removed at that time despite authorities being aware of his admitted MS-13 affiliation.

Rodriguez-Manzanares was arrested again in June 2025 by the Colleyville Police Department on drug trafficking and weapons charges. Prosecutors later reduced the charges, and he was convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance in December 2025, receiving a two-year prison sentence. ICE assumed custody after his release, and a Justice Department immigration judge issued a final order of removal before his deportation. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis credited cooperation between Texas law enforcement and ICE for the removal, saying the case demonstrates the benefits of state and federal coordination on immigration enforcement. She also criticized the Biden administration, arguing it failed to detain Rodriguez-Manzanares after his earlier encounters with law enforcement. DHS said Rodriguez-Manzanares entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and location. The department identified him as both an admitted MS-13 member and an associate of the Cartel del Noreste, a violent Mexican drug trafficking organization.

Source: Newsmax Exclusive: ICE Deports MS-13 Member With Cartel Ties | Newsmax.com

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

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America 250: Full List of Events Canceled or Postponed Due to Heat Wave

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U.S. map showing heatwave intensity with temperatures and heat warning from 85°F to over 105°F on July 18, 2024

A dangerous heat wave gripping large parts of the United States has forced officials to cancel, postpone or modify dozens of events planned to mark America’s 250th anniversary and the Fourth of July, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit across parts of the Northeast. From Pennsylvania and New York to New Jersey and Delaware, parades, concerts, community celebrations and fireworks displays have either been called off or rescheduled as authorities prioritize public safety amid the extreme weather.

“The parade is one of our community’s most beloved traditions, and we share in the disappointment of its cancellation, especially as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” Jayne Musonye, interim municipal administrator of Norristown, Pennsylvania, said after the city’s Independence Day parade was canceled. “With dangerous heat in the forecast, the safety of our families, our marchers, and our first responders must come first,” she added. Washington braces for dangerous temperatures Meteorologists have warned that Washington, D.C., could be among the hottest places on Earth on Friday.

According to Washington Post meteorologist Ben Noll, only parts of the Sahara Desert, the Middle East, China’s Gobi Desert and sections of the US Southwest are expected to record higher temperatures. Despite the heat, organizers of the America 250 celebrations on the National Mall are proceeding with enhanced safety measures.

Officials have installed misting stations, hydration points and free water stations throughout the Great American State Fair. Complimentary bottled water will also be distributed to visitors attending Fourth of July fireworks, while climate-controlled tents have been set up to offer relief from the heat. Authorities are urging attendees to stay hydrated, seek shade whenever possible and make use of designated cooling areas. Colorado cancels fireworks over wildfire fears The heat wave has also raised wildfire concerns in the western United States. In Colorado, at least eight cities have canceled Independence Day fireworks displays due to the elevated risk of fires sparked by pyrotechnics.

Full list of canceled and postponed events

Delaware

  • Bethany Beach: Independence Day Parade (July 3) – Canceled

New Jersey

  • Haddon Township: Independence Day Parade (July 4) – Canceled
  • Franklin Township: Independence Day celebration and fireworks – Postponed from July 2 to July 10
  • Monmouth County (Freehold): MonmouthNJ 250 Concert – Postponed from July 3 to July 17
  • Howell Township: Independence Day celebration – Postponed

New York

  • Port Jervis: Food truck portion of the Food Truck and Fireworks Festival – Canceled; fireworks will proceed as planned
  • Town of Wallkill: Fireworks display – Canceled, with postponement under consideration
  • Town of Newburgh: Community Day festivities – Canceled and expected to be rescheduled

Pennsylvania

  • West York Borough: America250 celebration at Freedom Park – Canceled, with officials considering an August date
  • Lower Windsor Township: America’s 250th Anniversary celebration – Rescheduled to July 8
  • Philadelphia: All-American Block Party (July 2) – Canceled
  • Norristown: Fourth of July Parade – Canceled

Colorado

The following cities have canceled Fourth of July fireworks displays due to wildfire concerns:

  • Cripple Creek
  • Cañon City
  • Colorado Springs
  • Palmer Lake
  • Pueblo
  • Silver Cliff
  • Trinidad
  • Woodland Park

Officials across the affected states continue to monitor weather conditions and have advised residents to limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day as dangerous heat persists heading into the Independence Day holiday weekend.

Source: America 250: Full List of Events Canceled or Postponed Due to Heat Wave | Times Now