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WORLD NEWS

Red (Sea) Lines

Tensions remain… tense in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, the Yemen-based, Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced that they would resume attacking Israeli ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel halting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Then, Saturday, to “defend American interests, deter enemies and restore freedom of navigation,” Washington launched “decisive and powerful” airstrikes against the Houthis. The Trump admin reported killing “multiple” Houthi leaders and damaging its radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems; the Houthis reported 31 deaths and vowed to “respond to the escalation by escalating.”

The bombardment is reportedly the beginning of a larger campaign and a warning to Iran, an adversary Trump wants to prevent from acquiring nuclear weapons and has threatened military action against if Tehran won’t negotiate. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
When a fragile calm unravels into unnerving conflict, remember the God whose word brings order and goodness out of chaos.

“The heavens were made by the word of the LORD, and all the stars, by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the water of the sea into a heap; he puts the depths into storehouses. Let the whole earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it came into being; he commanded, and it came into existence.”
Psalm 33:6–9 (CSB) (read full passage)

WEATHER

Deadly Storms

Severe weather wreaked havoc in the U.S. this weekend.

At least 40 people died from conditions brought on by a sprawling storm system moving across the South and Midwest, spurring violent tornadoes, wildfires, dust storms, hail storms, and blizzard conditions. 

In Oklahoma, fierce winds fanned over 130 wildfires, forcing evacuations. In Texas and Kansas, dust storms caused deadly driving conditions, including one massive 50+ vehicle pileup. More than 40 tornadoes touched down in at least eight states—12 in Missouri alone—leveling schools, toppling semis, and leaving neighborhoods in ruins. 

Yesterday, the line of storms marched on for its third and final day, bringing wind, rain, and power outages to the Northeast and East Coast. Meanwhile, survey and cleanup efforts begin in the storm’s wake. 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Massive weather events and natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. But Christians can look forward to an eternity where there’s redemption not just for people but for creation itself. 

“For the creation was subjected to futility ​— ​not willingly, but because of him who subjected it ​— ​in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.”
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

Alien Enemies Act

A legal storm is brewing over deportations.

Friday night, President Trump signed an executive order invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798—a rarely used wartime authority that allows natives of an enemy nation to be deported without a hearing—to precipitate deportations of members of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

Saturday, a judge ordered a pause to any deportations under the Act, but planes carrying ~250 alleged gang members were already in the air. The judge verbally ordered them to turn around, but the White House declined, saying the planes were over international waters and not subject to the judge’s authority. 

Critics say the Trump Administration is defying judges’ orders, setting up a “constitutional crisis.” The White House says they didn’t break the law and is “happy” to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
While our nation’s immigration policies change and are imperfect, God’s kingdom is eternal, unchangeable, and always for our good and God’s glory. Care for your current home and neighbors while focusing ultimately on our eternal home, a city whose walls keep out injustice and whose gates are always open. 

“Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God.” 
Revelation 21:3 (CSB) (read full passage)

Medusa has set her gaze on 300+ victims in a string of ransomware attacks. The FBI is warning Gmail and Outlook users against a ransomware gang called Medusa that’s targeting medical, education, and legal personnel with phishing emails. The cyber operation encrypts users’ data, demanding ransom payments to prevent public release. To avoid turning to stone, turn on two-factor authentication.
 

Washington won’t have to worry about flipping its open sign to closed ‘til September. A six-month spending bill narrowly passed the Senate Friday, avoiding a government shutdown despite Democrats’ opposition to its structure. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said voting the bill down would have allowed “DOGE to shift into overdrive,” making federal cuts “much faster” during a shutdown.
 

Consumers’ wallets are sweating. Consumer sentiment—a measure of Americans’ confidence in their own finances and the broader economy—dropped to a 29-month low. Recent tariffs have rattled the stock market, while concerns over inflation and high egg prices have kept consumers’ worries scrambled. Stocks largely shrugged off the news; the S&P 500 rose 2% on Friday.
 

The world’s most patient astronauts are one step closer to being earthbound. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore—whose eight-day space station stay unexpectedly turned into a 9.5-month stint after their Boeing spacecraft malfunctioned—greeted their long-awaited replacements Sunday when NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission docked with the International Space Station. Williams, Wilmore, and two other spacefarers should make their return journey this week.
 

A deadly fire in an overcrowded North Macedonia nightclub killed at least 59 people (most aged 14-24), injuring 155 more. Officials estimate 500+ people were attending a 250-person-capacity concert when indoor pyrotechnics caught the roof of the “improvised” nightclub on fire. They suspect “bribery and corruption” were involved, and at least 15 people have been detained for questioning.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

See America's top abandoned towns...

What My 3-Year-Old Is Sneaking
My LMNT*

Sweet, sweet spriiiiiing. Longer days (praise!), blooming flowers, and finally taking workouts outside again. 

Whether it’s a run, a walk, or a home run derby with my kids, I feel it when I’m low on electrolytes—sluggish legs, hammy cramps, and brain fog. No thanks. That’s why I drink guzzle LMNT. Even a certain 3-year-old sip-sneaker keeps downing my 40 oz. tumbler—it’s that delicious.

Whatever gets you moving this spring, LMNT has your back. TPO readers get eight single-serve packs free with any purchase—oh, and don’t forget to try LMNT Sparkling for a fizzy, refreshing electrolyte boost.

Xan Sibley | Writer

How We’re Teaching Our Kids Empathy
With Compassion International’s New Devotional*

Has your kid ever asked you how your day was? Yeah... ours neither.

Empathy is all about understanding and caring for others—just like Jesus did for us. It’s a trait we all can grow in and teach to our little ones.  

Help your kids “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) with Compassion International’s “A Mile in Their Shoes” devotional. This short devotional gives kids practical ways they can be more empathetic, with prompts to help them think about life from someone else's perspective.

Teach your kids to be empathetic like Jesus! Download it for free today!