1. AP – Some Americans breathed a sigh of relief, others bubbled with frustration, and nearly all resigned themselves to the prospect that the latest chapter in the never-ending national debate over health care would not be the last. The withdrawal of the Republican-sponsored health bill in the face of likely defeat Friday in the U.S. House seemed to ensure that the deep divisions over the Affordable Care Act and its possible replacement will continue to simmer. As news spread, Americans fell into familiar camps, either happy to see a Democratic effort live another day, or eager to see Republicans regroup and follow through with their “repeal Obamacare” promises.
2. WORLD – Aid groups and government officials in famine-hit parts of Africa and the Middle East are calling for more global attention to a crisis that has left more than 20 million people at risk of starvation. The United Nations earlier this month said the world is facing its worst humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II. More than 20 million people across conflict-hit regions in South Sudan, Somalia, northeastern Nigeria, and Yemen are at risk of famine and starvation. The rising needs and worsening conditions have left several aid groups and government officials scrambling for resources.
3. News Corp Australia Network – Several people, including a child, were injured following a shooting in France. French reports say there were several shots fired near the Porte d’Arras metro station in northern France at around 9.50pm. At least three people received wounds all over their bodies, including a 14-year-old. Two Lille police officials said of the injuries is life-threatening. The shooting sparked fears of a terror attack because it was so close to a metro station and came only days after a man attacked a police officer at Paris Orly Airport.
4. Yonhap News – North Korea seems to have finished preparing for another nuclear test, waiting for leader Kim Jong-un’s final decision, South Korean defense officials warned Friday. “It’s assessed that North Korea is capable of conducting a nuclear test within hours after Kim Jong-un’s order,” an official said on the condition of anonymity. “We are keeping close tabs on its nuclear-related facilities with combined assets with the U.S.” The warning came in response to foreign news reports that a nuclear provocation, which would be North Korea’s sixth, appears imminent.
5. BCNN1 – It is being reported that Pastor Chris Hill of The Potter’s House Denver has stepped down for a month after his wife, Joy Turner Hill, exposed an adulterous relationship with a church employee. Apparently, Mrs. Hill sent out a mass text message to church members after she confronted her husband over an affair that she claimed had been going on for “several months.” The police were called to their house during the argument. A blog report says that Pastor Hill read a letter in front of the congregation declaring his intention to step back from the pulpit for a month to deal with marital issues. Guest preachers, including Jasmin Sculark, Ruckins McKinley, and Shane Perry, have been speaking at the church since March 19th. Neither the church nor Pastor & Mrs. Hill have issued an official statement on the matter.
6. WORLD – Alabama is considering a law that would abolish marriage licenses in the state. The proposed bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Greg Albritton, amends Alabama law to remove any requirement that couples obtain marriage licenses or have marriage ceremonies. Albritton said the law would protect the religious liberty of probate judges and clergy who have moral objections to signing same-sex marriage licenses while also avoiding likely litigation. “It keeps the state from making the decision of who can and cannot get married. It prevents the state from that gatekeeper position.”
7. AP – A federal review released Monday found problems with Minneapolis’ coordination and communication during an 18-day standoff outside a police station following the fatal shooting of a black man in 2015, but praised officers for their professionalism and the peaceful end of the protest. The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services conducted the review at the city’s request after the shooting of 24-year-old Jamar Clark on Nov. 15, 2015. His death in a confrontation with two white officers sparked an occupation outside the station on the city’s north side and other protests that were largely peaceful, though one on Nov. 18 included skirmishes between officers and demonstrators.
As you go throughout this day, keep this word in mind: Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”
God loves you. He always has and He always will. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you don’t know Jesus as your Saviour, today is a good day to get to know Him. Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead for you. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart and He will. Romans 10:13 says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Thanks so much for listening and may God bless your day!
BCNN1 WP 