On today's Quick Start podcast:

• NEWS: Noem Purse Theft Sparks Security Concerns – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse was stolen at a D.C. restaurant. It contained thousands in cash, ID, and her official badge. The suspect is still at large.
• Pope Francis Cause of Death Confirmed – The Vatican says the late pope died of a stroke and heart failure following complications from double pneumonia. He was the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years.
• American Idol Goes All-In on Jesus – The Easter episode featured worship songs by Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, and Carrie Underwood. Backstage worship broke out, and even the judges praised the night’s gospel focus.
• FOCUS STORY: The Colorado House passed a bill allowing courts to strip custody from parents who “misgender” their children. Critics say it weaponizes state power against Christian parents. Supporters claim it’s about child welfare. Faith-based groups are sounding the alarm and urging action.
• THE MAIN THING: Christian Solidarity International's Joel Veldkamp warns of horrifying new attacks on Christians in Nigeria. Villages are being raided, believers targeted, and the violence is escalating with little international response.
• TODAY’S VERSE: Matthew 5:11–12 – “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

SHOW LINKS

• **NEW** HEAVEN MEETS EARTH PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth
• JESUS AND THE PROPHECIES OF CHRISTMAS : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jesus-and-the-prophecies-of-christmas/id1783607035
• NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454
• DC DEBRIEF POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/d-c-debrief/id1691121630
• CBN News YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CBNnewsonline
• CBN News https://www2.cbn.com/news
• Faithwire https://www.faithwire.com