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WORLD NEWS

No Survivors

All eight passengers of an Iranian diplomatic helicopter died when it crashed on Sunday. 

Investigations are underway, but initial indications suggest dense fog is to blame. The U.S. and Israel have denied involvement.

Among those killed were Iran’s 63-year-old President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, leaving the Islamic Republic without two hard-line leaders. President Raisi was Iran’s top elected official, second in rank to (and viewed as a potential successor to) Iran’s 85-year-old Supreme Leader, the country’s most powerful figure.

Supreme Leader Khamenei named First Vice President Mokhber as interim president until elections are held in the next 50 days. Candidates are vetted by a hard-line council, so the direction of Iranian leadership is unlikely to change as the nation faces growing dissent over social norms, economic crises, and military exploits.

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Verse to consider when you’re at your own crossroads… “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.”
Psalm 16:11 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

Trump’s Trial

Next stop: closing arguments.

The defense in former President Trump’s hush money trial rested its case yesterday without #45 taking the stand. Judge Merchan sent the jury home for the week, telling them to return next Tuesday for closing arguments.

Their break comes after some courtroom drama. 

On Monday, Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney, admitted to stealing from Trump’s company. In one instance, he made a payment on behalf of the Trump Organization and then submitted an inflated reimbursement request, pocketing the $30,000 difference as a form of "self-help” after receiving a lackluster annual bonus.

Later Monday, Judge Merchan admonished defense witness Robert Costello, Michael Cohen’s former attorney, for “contemptuous” conduct, including speaking out of turn. At one point, both the jury and press were kicked out of the courtroom while Merchan and Costello had words.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether it’s this trial or another high-profile case, it’s easy to see the shortcomings of another person and cast ourselves in the right. As you root for justice, remember compassion and leave ultimate judgment to our impartial Lord.

“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use. Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye?” 
Matthew 7:1-3 (CSB) (read full passage)

SPONSORED

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WORLD NEWS

Warrants

The International Criminal Court has requested arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders and two Israeli leaders, including PM Benjamin Netanyahu, saying all five men “bear criminal responsibility” for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

It’s a controversial move.

Netanyahu said there’s no parallel between “democratic Israel and the mass murders of Hamas,” calling a warrant for his arrest “absurd.” President Biden called it “outrageous.” Meanwhile, Hamas says any warrants against its leadership “equates the victim with the executioner.”

A panel of pre-trial judges will review evidence before deciding whether or not to actually issue the warrants. If issued, the warrants obligate the 124 member states to arrest these men if they enter their territory. While Russia, China, Israel, and the U.S. do not recognize the ICC, some Israeli allies, such as Britain, do.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Injustice in our world stirs up longing in us for a better world, where justice always wins and righteousness is never corrupted. As you wait, celebrate the patience of your merciful Father and live holy lives in anticipation of his coming.

“The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 
2 Peter 3:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

Apparently, too many people took “all-you-can-eat shrimp” seriously… Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after closing 93 underperforming restaurants last week; the seafood chain has 551 remaining locations. The restructuring was blamed on the economy, higher competition in the restaurant industry, and key business missteps, like making $20 Endless Shrimp deal a permanent promotion. 

Hitting the bullseye just got a little less expensive. Target is lowering the prices of 5,000 common items — like milk, butter, diapers, and pet food — to stay competitive. Prices have dropped for 1,500 items already, and the remaining cuts will continue throughout the summer. Walmart, Aldi, and Ikea have also said they’ll be dropping some prices. 

The FDA has green-lit Neuralink to implant its brain chip into a second human patient. The first patient experienced initial success with thought-controlled computer use, but 85% of the device’s ultrathin wires came loose within a month. Neuralink plans to embed the device’s wiring deeper into the brain of its second quadriplegic patient sometime in June.  

Julian Assange won’t be heading stateside yet. On Monday, a U.K. court ruled the WikiLeaks founder can appeal America’s extradition order. The court says the U.S. couldn’t provide “satisfactory assurance” that Assange — who faces a potential 175-year prison sentence for espionage charges — would receive free speech protections and avoid the death penalty once on American soil. 

Turbulent skies left one dead and 30 injured on a flight from London to Singapore yesterday. Flight SQ321 was diverted to Bangkok after 84 seconds of extreme unexpected turbulence threw people and objects about the cabin. A 73-year-old British national with a history of heart problems died of suspected cardiac arrest; seven others are in critical condition.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Marbles on a mission…

What We’re Drinking
LMNT*

I’ve always been a bit… scrawny. I swam in high school and started running in college, so my New Year's Resolution for 2024 was to hit the weights and #bulk.

After listening to podcasts and talking to people with tree-trunk quads, it became clear that nearly every aspect of my fitness routine needed to change, except for one: hydration.

I’ve loved LMNT for years. It has the perfect, science-backed electrolyte ratio, which means lots of salt and zero sugar.

TPO readers get eight single-serve packs free with any drink mix order. Also, try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water.

Jason Woodruff | (Soon-to-be-Buff) Founder

Where We’re Donating
Prison Fellowship*

What were some of the most transformational experiences in your journey with Jesus?

I’d bet you they included:

• Getting out of your daily routine

• Developing meaningful relationships in special places

• Spending prolonged time reflecting on your relationship with Christ 

Maybe… like a summer camp? Camp can be a refuge for children of prisoners, who often feel abandoned and ashamed. Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree camps are a powerful opportunity for these kids to get away, make new friends, and put their faith in Christ. And for many of them, finances are the only obstacle between them and a life-changing week away.

Donate today to provide camp scholarships — TPO will match the first $1,000!

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