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How Illini’s Davis Is Thriving with His European Teammates: A Balkan Connection

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How Illini’s Davis Is Thriving with His European Teammates: A Balkan Connection


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WCIA) – The Illinois men’s basketball team proudly boasts six European players on its Final Four lineup.

  • David Mirkovic, freshman forward, Montenegro
  • Mihailo Petrovic, sophomore guard, Serbia
  • Toni Bilic, freshman forward, Croatia
  • Tomislav Ivisic, junior center, Croatia
  • Zvonimir Ivisic, junior center, Croatia
  • Andrej Stojakovic, junior guard, Greece

In Champaign, Illinois, there’s a strong Balkan influence among the Illini, with the potential for one more addition. However, this new addition isn’t due to recruiting efforts.

“Before I joined, [Tomislav Ivisic] mentioned that Jake [Davis] had a bit of a Balkan vibe,” Mirkovic shared. “Though he’s American, there’s something distinctly Balkan about him.”

Junior guard Jake Davis, originally from McCordsville, Indiana, is gradually embracing Balkan culture. Despite his Midwest roots, Davis has become an honorary member of the Balkan crew. Growing up just 20 miles from Indianapolis, the site of the 2026 Final Four where Illinois faces UConn this Saturday, couldn’t be more different than the 4,800-mile distance his Balkan teammates like Mirkovic, Stojakovic, Petrovic, Bilic, and the Ivisic twins have traveled from home.

“He’s about 40% Balkan now,” remarked Tomislav ‘Tomi’ Ivisic, Davis’s roommate.

Why does Davis fit so well with his international teammates? How did he earn the ‘honorary Balkan’ title? He wasn’t chosen at random.

“You probably got to be a little bit crazy,” Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said of Davis being welcomed into the Euro’s circle. “Which, Jake probably is.”

Mirkovic, perhaps the craziest of the bunch, approves.

“He loves to joke. He loves to have fun,” Mirkovic said. “He’s a little crazy, little goofy… So he just fits us perfectly.”

While his fun loving personality may have contribution to the bonds built with these Illini far from home, it wasn’t just that.

“He has gone out of his way to make those guys feel at home,” Underwood said, citing Davis even bringing a few of the Balkan players back to his home state of Indiana during time away from practice. “He probably, as much as anybody, helped in ways that maybe they needed help. In terms of the American ways, and basketball, and [my coaching] and our program.”

It started with Tomislav Ivisic, who joined the Illini for the 2024-25 season. When Davis was helpful to the 7-foot-1 center, Tomi volunteered his services to others.

“I think it’s me taking care of them,” Davis said. “Three, four more [Balkans] came — and Tomi is like, ‘Oh, you got any questions? Ask him.’ So, I guess I’m just the person they ask for help.”

The European players, whose names are much harder to pronounce for most Illini fans, intend to repay Davis in the form of a trip — a trip to their homes.

“He wanted to come to Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro,” Petrovic said. “It will be good.”

“I’m planning on it,” Davis said. “It’ll be a super awesome trip this summer.”

Tomislav, perhaps Davis’ closest friend on the team, plans to show his good buddy and roommate his hometown, introduce him to friends and try out his mom’s best homemade food. Plus:

“We’re looking for his wife — [a] Croatian one,” Ivisic said.

Jokes aside, Davis is enjoying his time with the teammates who come from a much different background.

“It’s super cool to share the American lifestyle, my lifestyle as a whole — and they get to share their lifestyle — what it’s like being overseas and sharing that stuff with me,” he said.

Underwood is likely not complaining. Team chemistry, for folks of all different shapes, sizes and backgrounds, is a large part of why Illinois is still dancing.

“He’s very much so engrained with those guys,” the Illini head coach said of Davis and the Balkans.

Tragic Domestic Incident: Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Wife and Dragging Body in Presence of Officers, Police Report

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Tragic Domestic Incident: Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Wife and Dragging Body in Presence of Officers, Police Report

Background: News footage of police activity outside the Kenosha, Wis., house where a woman was found dead on April 1 (WISN). Inset: Marckus Plaza (City of Kenosha Police Department).

Authorities in Wisconsin are on the hunt for a man accused of murdering his estranged wife at her residence.

A warrant has been issued for 33-year-old Marckus Plaza, who is believed to have fatally stabbed his estranged wife in her Kenosha home while her children were present. As detailed in a criminal complaint released by the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office, the incident unfolded while the woman, whose name has not been disclosed, was speaking to a friend on the phone Wednesday morning. The friend, alarmed by the sounds of a struggle and recognizing a voice she suspected to be Plaza’s, promptly contacted the police.

Upon arrival, officers from the Kenosha Police Department were met at the door by Plaza, who identified himself as “Allen” before shutting the door on them. As the officers moved to the back of the house, they peered through a basement window and reportedly saw Plaza “dragging a body,” which they later identified as his wife’s.

The police forced entry into the home, prompting Plaza to flee. Inside, they discovered the woman with a knife embedded in her left eye, and she was declared deceased at the scene.

The complaint revealed that investigators found blood splattered throughout the house, indicating a violent struggle had occurred. The officers also discovered the couple’s two young children, including one who was just days away from celebrating his fifth birthday. The older child told police, “Daddy hit Mommy,” while the younger child was spotted with bloodstains on his clothing.

Investigators continued to speak to the 5-year-old after bringing him to the Children’s Advocacy Center. The little boy told investigators, “Momma got dead,” adding, “Daddy use a knife, my daddy do it.”

Plaza remains at large. The DA’s office has charged him with first-degree intentional homicide, and they asked the public to contact the Kenosha Police Department with any information about his whereabouts. Authorities cautioned the public not to approach Plaza.

2026 Easter Shopping Guide: Essential Store Hours for the Long Weekend

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2026 Easter Shopping Guide: Essential Store Hours for the Long Weekend
With the long Easter weekend now underway, last-minute chocolate purchases will be a little harder than usual, as supermarkets and big stores shut nationwide.

As the Easter long weekend approaches, shoppers should be aware that most stores will not be open on Friday, although there are some exceptions and different operating hours extending through Monday.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about shopping availability during this holiday period.

Sydney, Australia - October 2, 2014: Pedestrians and traffic waiting around an intersection beside Westfield Burwood. Westfield is a large chain of shopping malls, with over a hundred locations worldwide.
While most stores will be shut on Friday, there are some exceptions. (Getty)

Westfield shopping centers are scheduled to remain closed on Good Friday.

Throughout the rest of the weekend, these centers will generally welcome shoppers, albeit with varied opening times.

Most Westfield centres will be open from 9am to 5pm, with some stores across NSW and Victoria with varying trade hours.
Westfield centres will open with reduced public holiday hours in all states, except South Australia, where they will be closed.
Opening hours vary by store, and customers are encouraged to check the Westfield website for trading hours.
All Coles stores across Australia will be shut except for some in Western Australia and South Australia.

In Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, all stores will operate but with reduced hours.

All Coles stores will be open with reduced trading hours, except some in South Australia, which will be closed.
roast chicken coles and woolworths price increase
Most Coles stores across Australia will be shut on Good Friday. (Nine)
All Woolworths stores across Australia will be shut except for some in Western Australia, South Australia and the Brisbane Airport store.

On Easter Saturday, all Woolworths stores will be open, with certain Metro stores closed nationwide. 

On Easter Sunday, a large number of stores across the ACT, NSW, South Australia and the Northern Territory will be closed.

Most Woolworths stores across other states are expected to remain open with a few exceptions. 

Most Woolworths stores across Australia will be open on Easter Monday, with exceptions in some states.

Customers are encouraged to check the Woolworths website for their local store hours over the long weekend.

Aldi stores will be closed nationwide on Good Friday. 

All Aldi stores will be open on Easter Saturday. 

Stores will be open on Easter Sunday with varying hours across NSW, South Australia, Queensland and the ACT.

All Aldi stores will be open on Easter Monday, with varying hours in South Australia.

Customers are encouraged to check the Aldi website for their local store hours over the long weekend.

All Target stores across Australia will be closed on Good Friday.

All Target stores across Australia will be open on Easter Saturday except for some stores across Victoria, Queensland and NSW.

All Target stores across Australia will be open on Easter Sunday except for some stores across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and NSW.

Target storefront
Target store (Nine)

All Kmart stores across Australia will be closed on Good Friday.

Kmart stores will be open on Easter Saturday with varying hours in some locations.

Most Kmart stores will be open on Easter Saturday, with some closed in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia.
Bunnings stores will be closed on Good Friday and open across the remainder of the Easter long weekend.

Easter Sunday trading hours vary by location, with some stores closed.

Customers are encouraged to check the Bunnings website for their local store hours.

Outside of a Bunnings Warehouse store in Australia.
Bunnings stores will be closed on Good Friday. (Supplied)

All Big W stores across Australia will be closed on Good Friday.

Big W stores across Australia will be open with reduced trading hours in some states.

Stores nationwide will be open except in NSW, South Australia and the ACT.

Stores nationwide will be open except in South Australia.

Big W confirmed that the advertisement has already been pulled from all channels. (Big W) (Supplied)

All BWS stores across Australia will be closed on Good Friday except for a select few in South Australia.

All BWS stores across Australia will be open on Easter Saturday.

Most BWS stores will be open nationwide with limited trading hours.

Customers are encouraged to check the BWS website for their local store hours.

BWS store (AFR photo Louie Douvis) (Nine)

All BWS stores across Australia will be closed on Good Friday.

All Dan Murphy’s stores will be open with normal trading hours. 

Most Dan Murphy’s stores will be open with normal trading hours except Cellar stores, which will be closed. 

All Dan Murphy’s stores will be open from 10am to 7pm. 

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Federal Agents Uncover Major Fraud Operation in California: A Landmark Bust

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Federal Agents Uncover Major Fraud Operation in California: A Landmark Bust

In a dramatic operation, agents resorted to cutting through metal barriers to apprehend suspected fraudsters.

This act serves as a fitting illustration of the persistent effort required to dismantle the deeply embedded fraud within California, a state notorious for widespread scams.

The Trump administration deserves recognition for undertaking this crucial and meticulous task, addressing what the state has long overlooked, and reinforcing the law to combat the fraud crisis in California.

In a synchronized operation early Thursday, federal authorities arrested eight individuals in various locations, including Covina, Glendale, Anaheim, and Lakewood, linked to a Medicare fraud scheme exceeding $50 million.

Among those detained were Amelou and Gladwin Gill, who managed St. Francis Palliative Care in Anaheim. They were apprehended by an FBI SWAT team at their Covina residence, where agents had to cut through metal gates to gain entry.


Gladwin Gill, who operates St. Francis Palliative Care in Anaheim, is apprehended by law enforcement agents.
Those arrested included Amelou and Gladwin Gill, operators of St. Francis Palliative Care in Anaheim. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post

The Gills’ end-of-life facility –– which had a patient survival rate of more than 97% over the past five years, the federal government said –– allegedly swiped $7 million from taxpayers.

“Since 2022, there have been allegations, but for four years, what seems to be typical in California, nothing was done,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services who was on the scene of the Covina raid Thursday.

Dr. Oz, along with fraud czar/Vice President JD Vance and prosecutor Bill Essayli, first assistant US attorney for the Central District of California, have done yeoman’s work in fighting California fraud.

Their success reflects well on their boss, President Trump, who campaigned in 2024 in part on ending waste, fraud and abuse across federal government programs such as Medicare.

Voters should take notice: Campaign promise kept.

The raids also follow a California Post investigation into the hospice fraud that honeycombs Southern California; reporters found a web of doctors who could be bilking Medicare (i.e., taxpayers) out of tens of millions of dollars.

The investigation found nonexistent addresses, empty storefronts, and addresses where multiple hospices were purported to operate.

In one example in North Hollywood, a building “for rent” was listed as the address for 12 hospices and home health agencies.

So it was welcome news last month when Oz said that “every single hospice in California is now under investigation.”


Mehmet Oz speaking about the fraud epidemic at a press conference with other men in suits in Los Angeles.
Oz also confirmed on Thursday that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has suspended “hundreds” of hospice licenses in California. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post

Thanks to advanced fraud detection tools, he added –– including AI ––  investigators can pinpoint potential scammers.

Oz also confirmed on Thursday that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has suspended “hundreds” of hospice licenses in California.

Good.

The plundering of taxpayers –– virtually unchecked for years –– needs to end; those responsible should face consequences; state and federal officials need to install reforms to prevent more abuses; and California, long a bastion of progressive laxity, needs a culture change.

The feds get it, and the cleanup has begun.

Voters, meanwhile, should hold accountable those who presided over the fraud mess in California, starting with presidential aspirant Gavin Newsom.

The governor and the rest of California’s political class also need to remember: The cash being looted is not “free” money or politicians’ money or “the government’s” money or bureaucrats’ money.

It is our money, taxpayers’ money, hard-earned-through-long-days money.

Congrats to the feds for slicing through the metal.

Fiery Brighton Park Community Debate: Alleged Chicago Police-ICE Collaboration Sparks Outrage

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Fiery Brighton Park Community Debate: Alleged Chicago Police-ICE Collaboration Sparks Outrage

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability convened a meeting on Thursday evening in Chicago’s Southwest Side, aiming to address pressing community concerns.

As the session drew to a close, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling faced a vocal crowd. Several attendees rose to their feet, voicing their dissatisfaction and underscoring the community’s demand for more substantial action and transparency.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Tensions were palpable at the Brighton Park gathering, where Superintendent Snelling was questioned about the Chicago Police Department’s alleged cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies. The community’s unease was evident as residents sought clarity on the department’s practices.

“Our officers are committed to maintaining peace and reducing violence,” Snelling asserted, defending the department’s focus during the heated exchange.

The meeting allowed a select number of speakers to express their concerns during the public comment segment, providing a platform for community voices to be heard.

“The community knows that CPD and ICE are collaborating with each other,” one person said. “We have seen it with our own eyes, we have seen it within our communities.”

“It’s really clear that under Superintendent Snelling, if you wear a badge you can commit whatever crime you want to in Chicago,” a person said.

“Where is the investigation? Where is the accountability?” another person said.

As Superintendent Snelling addressed commissioners and the dozens in attendance, he was faced with several interruptions from the crowd.

“I believe that sometimes, when people are looking for answers they point fingers,” Snelling said. “I don’t know, but I can tell you if we’re going to have a conversation around things like this it has to be with people walking in with an open mind. If you don’t have an open mind, then we know your mind is made up. And we’re never going to have a respectful discourse so that we can get to the bottom of what it is you’re trying to understand.”

SEE ALSO | Cook County officials speak out on claims of ICE agent activity at courthouses

The crowd there Thursday night was clearly not satisfied with the answers they were provided, leaving with louder calls for accountability.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Sexual Assault Advocate Highlights Importance of Awareness Month

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Sexual Assault Advocate Highlights Importance of Awareness Month


On April 1, Savannah City Hall was illuminated in teal as a tribute to the resilience of sexual assault survivors and to acknowledge the vital work of organizations supporting their recovery journey.

Mary’s Place Sexual Assault Center, previously known as the Rape Crisis Center, plays a crucial role in this mission by providing comprehensive support for individuals who have endured sexual abuse. The center offers an array of services, including forensic medical examinations and counseling, to aid survivors in their healing process.

“We’re here for all the survivors,” stated Doris Williams, the Executive Director of Mary’s Place. “Regardless of where you are in your healing journey or when the crime took place, our doors are always open.”

In addition to its support services, Mary’s Place actively engages with the community by offering educational courses to high school and college students. These courses focus on essential topics such as cyberbullying and fostering healthy relationships.

Williams emphasizes the strength and resilience of those who seek help at Mary’s Place, referring to them not as victims, but as survivors, deserving of respect and support as they navigate their paths to recovery.

“We want them to reflect on the journey that they survived that event,” Williams said. “No matter what they did. If they fought that whatever they did to get to here before us and needing that service, we want them to know that they survived it. They’re beyond a victim. They’re a survivor.”

The center is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Over the years, Williams said she has noticed a change to the narrative surrounding the topic of sexual abuse.

“In the beginning, everybody didn’t welcome us to the table,” Williams said. “In the beginning, some doors were slammed, but it was her resilience. To see the change, to see how survivors are embraced, so it was very taboo to have these conversations.”

The center officially changed their name to Mary’s Place in 2022, and opened the doors for some who might have never come forward, Williams said.

“We got an increase in our male survivors, and they tend to come to the door and knock on the door versus call,” Williams. “They call, but we saw an increase of them coming to our doors.”

April is sexual assault awareness month and shines a light on the work organizations like Mary’s Place does every day.

“When you don’t have days or months that you honor something, its way to just living life,” Williams said.” “We know that this is a time that we try to make sure we’re seen even more in the community.”

Mary’s Place has a list of events planned for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

On April 7, they will hold a Solidarity Walk to honor survivors at 6pm at Forsyth Park in Savannah. For a full list of events, click here.

Erika Kirk’s TPUSA Event Sees Engagement Disruptions as Leavitt Addresses Audience Concerns

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Erika Kirk’s TPUSA Event Sees Engagement Disruptions as Leavitt Addresses Audience Concerns

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, faced a challenging question during a Turning Point event featuring Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, on Thursday.

The event, marking the spring launch of TPUSA’s This Is The Turning Point Tour, took place at George Washington University in Washington, DC. With an audience of over 1,000 attendees, the conversation spanned a variety of topics, from professional guidance to the intricacies of motherhood.

As the gathering drew to a close, the speakers addressed several audience queries. However, just as a staff member indicated the final question of the event, the crowd urged for one more, leading to the day’s most difficult inquiry.

An audience member, referencing statistics from the conservative Heritage Foundation and the Brennan Center for Justice, posed a question to Leavitt. They asked if it was justified to potentially disenfranchise millions of voters to prevent a few hundred instances of voter fraud.

This inquiry pertained to the SAVE America Act, a voter ID bill currently under consideration in the US Senate. This legislation has been highlighted by Trump as a major legislative priority.

The question prompted a flurry of boos, mixed in with a few cheers.

Leavitt first moved to calm the crowd, remarking that there was ‘no need to boo,’ before adding, ‘it’s an honest question.’

‘Why are you ok with any voter fraud in the United States of America?’ Leavitt pushed back before adding that the US is the ‘greatest country on the face of the Earth,’ and therefore ‘should have the safest and most secure elections of any country.’

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA with Erika Kirk at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA with Erika Kirk at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

An audience member questions Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA event on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

 An audience member questions Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA event on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

Erika Kirk speaks with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA stop in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

Erika Kirk speaks with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA stop in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC

‘This idea that the SAVE America Act would disenfranchise anyone is frankly insulting,’ the White House Press Secretary also noted.

The bill – a cornerstone of Trump’s MAGA agenda – needs 60 votes to pass in the Senate. It narrowly squeaked over the finish line last month for a ‘test’ vote that only required a simple majority.

The legislation, officially called the Save America Voting Eligibility Act, would require proof of US citizenship to cast a ballot, a measure Trump has spent weeks demanding as essential to ‘protect American elections.’

Proof means supplying a passport, birth certificate, or REAL ID explicitly showing citizenship. Student IDs and utility bills don’t qualify.

Trump issued a stark warning to any GOP holdouts on his signature legislation.

‘Only sick, demented, or deranged people could vote against the Save America Act,’ he wrote on Truth Social, threatening to campaign against any Republican who defies him.

‘Each one of these votes will be used against them – a guaranteed loss,’ he went on.

The president has also made the bill a personal crusade, declaring last month that he will not sign any other legislation until the Senate passes it.

Join the discussion

Should protecting elections with voter ID laws outweigh concerns about voter access and fairness?

Donald J. Trump speaks at a Save America Rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, 05 August 2022. The Save America slogan was tied Trump's political endeavors long before the SAVE America Act

Donald J. Trump speaks at a Save America Rally in Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA, 05 August 2022. The Save America slogan was tied Trump’s political endeavors long before the SAVE America Act 

Trump demanded Democrats pass his Save America bill in order to restore TSA funding on March 22

Trump demanded Democrats pass his Save America bill in order to restore TSA funding on March 22

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, (C) talks with reporters as is being pressured by conservatives to do away with the 60-vote cloture threshold and move the SAVE America Act forward, a priority for President Donald Trump going into the midterm elections

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, (C) talks with reporters as is being pressured by conservatives to do away with the 60-vote cloture threshold and move the SAVE America Act forward, a priority for President Donald Trump going into the midterm elections

Earlier in the speech, Leavitt heralded Charlie Kirk as a key mentor during her political rise, including his support of her congressional campaign in New Hampshire in 2022.

‘When I launched my congressional campaign, Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA were the only organization in the political world that supported me,’ Leavitt noted, sharing that the entire Washington, DC ‘establishment’ backed her opponent, but sharing that she thinks ‘Charlie loved’ that she ‘was a young person who was stepping up to the plate.’

Erika Kirk kicked off the discussion by noting that Leavitt barely looked pregnant, despite officially marking her 9th month of pregnancy on Thursday.

Expecting her second child in May, Leavitt insists she plans to take more time to recover this time before returning to the briefing room podium, compared to just a handful of days after the birth of her first child, Nico, during the 2024 campaign.

Over nearly two hours, Leavitt and Erika discussed faith, family, and balancing a demanding career with growing family life, while sharing a few behind-the-scenes details of White House life.

Leavitt with son Nico and her husband during the White House Halloween celebration in 2025

Leavitt with son Nico and her husband during the White House Halloween celebration in 2025

Charlie and Erika Kirk with their children before the TPUSA founder's murder last fall

Charlie and Erika Kirk with their children before the TPUSA founder’s murder last fall

Leavitt shared that her office gets between 200 and 300 press inquiries on a typical day, which are answered by her and a team of dedicated deputies.

The Trump spox also shared that on Tuesday mornings, at 7:45 in the AM, in the Roosevelt Room, several White House staff participate in Bible study, now attended only by female staffers. However, Leavitt said her male colleagues are welcome too.

Later in the speech, Leavitt also revealed that her favorite Bible verse is from the Book of Psalms, 46:5, ‘God is within her. She will not fall.’

‘Faith gives you such perspective that even the worst story or the worst news cycle is just a moment,’ Leavitt remarked when asked by Erika how she gets through the 24-hour news cycle every day.

To young women, Leavitt’s advice was that they can do both, be mothers and have a career.

And the number one recommendation she dished out for success was simple.

‘I’m going to give you a piece of advice that is not novel. You’ve definitely heard it before. It’s very simplistic. Work hard,’ Leavitt told the crowd.

Open Heaven 3 April 2026 – The Burden Bearer

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Open Heaven 3 April 2026 Friday Daily Devotional By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – The Burden Bearer

Open Heaven 3 April 2026 TOPIC – The Burden Bearer

MEMORISE: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

READ: Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV)

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 8-11

Open Heaven 3 April 2026 MESSAGE

In today’s memory verse, Jesus invited us to lay our burdens on Him. A burden, in this context, refers to a difficult situation that a person must deal with. Often, burdens attach themselves to people against their will, and they cannot remove them on their own. In 1 Kings 17:10-12, the widow of Zarephath had little food left because Elijah had prophesied that there would be no rain or dew until he decreed otherwise (1 Kings 17:1). God pronounced the judgment through the prophet because of the king’s idolatry; therefore, the widow was suffering, not because she committed any offence, but because of the sins of the head of her nation, and there was nothing she could do to get rid of the situation.

In 2 Kings 5:1, the Bible tells us that Naaman was rich and famous; however, he was a leper. Leprosy was incurable in those days, and if money or fame could have solved his problem, he would not be in the situation he was in. If leprosy were something he could cut away with a sword, he would have destroyed it because he was a military general. However, he couldn’t do anything about it despite his wealth and influence. Beloved, have you been carrying a burden for a long time? Do you have problems that you cannot do anything about? If your answer is yes, I rejoice with you today because there is someone called the Burden Bearer; His name is Jesus Christ. I join my faith with yours that as you cry to Him for help today, He will answer you.

Sin is a heavy burden that crushes those under it. When the burden of sin is upon a fellow, the fellow will remain under the devil’s heavy yoke until he or she meets a stronger person who can remove the yoke. Mark 3:27 says that no one can enter a strong man’s house and steal from him without first tying him up. Jesus is the only One who can deliver those who are weighed down by the burden of sin (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12). Are you burdened by sin? Jesus is calling you today. He wants to deliver you and give you rest from the burden of sin if you surrender your life to Him. If you have not yet given your life to Christ, acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour over your life. Once you do this, He will bear your burden and give you a new life in Him.

Open Heaven 3 April 2026 ACTION POINT

Jesus is waiting for you to cast all your burdens on Him, and He will give you rest.

Open Heaven 3 April 2026 HYMN 27 – What A Friend We Have In Jesus.

1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge-
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Accessing the Devotional
The Open Heavens devotional is conveniently available as an application across all major mobile platforms and operating systems, including iOS, Android, Nokia, Windows Mobile, and PC. This wide accessibility ensures that users can engage with the devotional from virtually any device. For more information or to access the Open Heaven for Today 2026, visit

REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!

Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:






Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.



Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold

AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

DCLM Daily Manna 3 April 2026 — Mystery Of The Crucifixion

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DCLM Daily Manna 3 April 2026 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Mystery Of The Crucifixion

TOPIC: Mystery Of The Crucifixion (DCLM Daily Manna 3 April 2026)

KEY VERSE: And it was the third hour, and they crucified him – Mark 15:25

TEXT: Mark 15:21-26 (KJV)

21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, The King Of The Jews.

DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:

When Charles Wesley wrote his great hymn “And Can It Be that I should Gain”, he began the second verse with a line that encapsulates the pith and pathos of the crucifixion truth: “‘Tis mystery all! Th’Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design?”

Our text zeroes in on the heinous and humiliating crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Against this dark and deadly backdrop is the perfect display of the grace, love and mercy of God. This cross on which our Master is crucified translates to the centre of the world’s history. Thus, His incarnation and the crucifixion are the pivot around which all the events of the ages revolve and time is defined.

A golden truth is couched and concealed in the facts of the crucifixion of Jesus. Through His condemnation, the guilty, condemnable sinner received acquittal. Through His sufferings, crisis-plagued humanity receives peace. And through the shame of the cross, the undignified world receives glory. Finally, through His death, life abundant and life eternal were bequeathed to us. Our sins were imputed to Him. His righteousness is imputed to us. No wonder Apostle Paul exclaims: “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” The principal fact of Christ’s crucifixion is the spiritual truth that Christ became the sin offering for humanity as He paid the debt He did not owe. He thus fully paid the price for sin (crucifixion) and in the process fully satisfied the demand of God’s justice, which placed the penalty of death on the sinner.

This should make you ready and willing to present your body a living sacrifice to Him who lived and died for you. Always picture the cross of Christ before you, rightly understanding that no object can have a more sanctifying as well as comforting effect on your soul.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Our sins caused the cross of Christ, which cancelled our curse

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 19-23

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!

Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:






Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.



Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold

AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Rhapsody Of Realities 3 April 2026: Dominion Over Fear Of Death

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Rhapsody Of Realities 3 April 2026: Dominion Over Fear Of Death

Rhapsody Of Realities 3 April 2026 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): Dominion Over Fear Of Death

TOPIC: Dominion Over Fear Of Death (Rhapsody of Realities 3 April 2026)

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Rhapsody Of Realities For Today’s MESSAGE:

The scripture above is as clear as it is emphatic: the Lord Jesus has completely destroyed the one who had the power of death, the devil, and delivered humanity from the fear of death. He didn’t come to give us a partial victory. His work wasn’t unfinished or incomplete. He fully defeated Satan who had the power of death.

2 Timothy 1:10 says, He “…abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” He replaced death with life and deathlessness. Hallelujah! This is the message of faith. This is the Word of the Gospel: death has been abolished.

Consider the early apostles; they didn’t die because they grew old or weak. The Scriptures reveal that their departure from this world was consistent with their specific calling and choice to seal the message of the Gospel with their blood. They laid down their lives; death had no power over them.

The Christian life is the transcendent life, not a slow succumbing to death, corruption or decay. You were not designed to “wear out.” The life of God in you is incorruptible; it’s divine; it’s ageless. It doesn’t diminish or deteriorate. You’re in the death-free and fear-free zone. Live in Christ’s victory every day: fearless, strong and full of life. Praise God!

CONFESSION

I’m fearless and bold, living in the consciousness that the Lord Jesus has abolished death and brought me into life and immortality. I walk in strength, health and glory. I live in Christ’s victory: fearless, strong and full of life. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV) Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— [15] and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

2 Timothy 1:10 (NIV) but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

John 11:25-26 (KJV) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (KJV) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 9:37-62 & Joshua 16-19

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 6:12-23 & Psalm 106

DIVINE HEALTH CONFESSIONS – 3RD APRIL 2026

The Holy Spirit has beautified my life. He brings color into my life. I live a wonderful, glorious, beautiful, and blessed life. I walk in supernatural strength, health, supply, and abilities every day.

Keep saying it, don’t stop talking it! Remember, you can make your way prosperous with words. Get talking today!

Remember to share with all your friends and loved ones today. Thank you and God bless you richly.

Rhapsody of Realities 2026 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.

REMINDER!!! JESUS IS COMING SOON

ARE YOU BORN AGAIN? IF NO, WHY NOT ACCEPT JESUS NOW!

Accept Jesus Christ today and secure a life of eternal rest and Glory by saying this short prayer below:






Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins, Forgive me of all my iniquities. I accept you as my Lord and Saviour from today and forever.



Come and Be the Lord of my life and I am willing to obey Your command and live according to Your will by Your Grace, Thank you for accepting me into Your fold

AMEN!!! John 6:37…and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
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