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The verdicts are in, and it’s costing Meta $379 million. 

In a landmark decision Tuesday, a New Mexico jury found Meta Platforms guilty of failing to safeguard users from child sexual exploitation, ordering the social media giant to fork over $375M. The lawsuit was brought by New Mexico Attorney General Torrez, who accused Meta of putting “profits over kids’ safety.” 

Two states over, a Los Angeles jury handed the win to a 20-year-old woman Wednesday, who sued Meta and YouTube for designing addictive features (think: infinite scroll) leading to her anxiety and depression. Meta’s shouldering 70% of the burden ($4.2M) and YouTube took the other 30% ($1.8M).

Meta plans to appeal both, saying they’re confident in their “record of protecting teens online.”

Thousands of similar cases await trial, some seeking damages in the tens of billions.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
As courts discuss the effects of social media, it’s a good moment for personal reflection on social media’s effect on our lives, relationships, and heart-habits. Whatever tools or technology we adopt, our aim should be to use them wisely and in ways that increase the fruit of the Spirit in us. 

“Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Galatians 5:16, 22-23a (CSB) (read full passage)

Iran said “no deal.” 

Tehran rejected President Trump’s 15-point ceasefire proposal as “one-sided and unfair,” countering with five conditions of its own: 

Iran’s foreign minister told state media, “We do not want a ceasefire. We want the war to end… on our own terms.”

Meanwhile, scrutiny is mounting over a $580M spike in oil futures trading 16 minutes before Trump’s Monday announcement of “productive” Iran talks, resulting in a quick, hefty profit for the anonymous traders. Financial experts are crying foul and possibly “treason.” The White House said, suggesting Administration officials of insider trading “without evidence is baseless and irresponsible.”

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PRAY WITH US
Conflict and chaos in our news feeds can sweep us into spiraling anxieties. But believers have an anchor in Jesus, whose peace pierces the darkness now and will one day shatter it completely. Come to Him in faith.

Mighty God, you are never caught by surprise or overpowered. By your overwhelming strength, work peace across the Middle East. Overcome evildoers; comfort those who are mourning; protect the vulnerable; strengthen those who will rebuild; and bring order from chaos so that Iran and its neighbors will taste and see the goodness of the One True King.

For 50 years, Americans were told to avoid full-fat dairy. Turns out, we may have been missing something important… new dietary guidelines are putting it back at the top of the food pyramid. 

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Homeland Security has been shuttered for nearly six weeks, and Senate negotiations are moving slower than TSA lines.

Republicans have agreed to strip out ICE enforcement and removal operations in order to fund non-immigration functions like TSA and FEMA, but Democrats want ICE reforms included (e.g., no masks), and President Trump wants voter reform included (the SAVE America Act). Yesterday, Senate Republicans proposed their “last and final” offer, but didn’t provide details. 

Meanwhile, airport passengers are experiencing the “highest wait times in TSA history.” 

The blue-shirted agency reported that 11.6% agents scheduled to work Sunday were no-shows, and nearly 500 agents have quit. TSA’s acting administrator said it was considering closing some smaller airports until the department reopens. Yesterday, President Trump said he was signing an emergency order to pay TSA agents despite the Congressional stalemate.

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Verse to consider whether you’re waiting for a breakthrough in Congress, in a stalled TSA line at your local airport, or in a stalemate in your own home… “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.”
Colossians 3:12-13 (CSB) (ready full passage)

President Trump is accused of showing a classified map to passengers on a private flight in 2022 (during his 4-year sabbatical), and retaining another highly-classified document only available to six people in the government. Rep. Raskin (D-MD), says the information comes from a “damning” DOJ memo provided to the House Judiciary Committee. The White House dismissed the allegations, saying Raskin has “zero credibility.”

Last night’s March Madness Sweet 16 opened with two thrillers. #2 Purdue survived #11 Texas 79-77, and #9 Iowa outlasted #4 Nebraska 77-71 with a 38-point bench performance. Today, the remaining four Men’s Sweet 16 games finish up alongside the first four Women’s Sweet 16 matchups, including #1 UConn vs. #4 North Carolina. Elite Eight games tip off Saturday.

Venezuela’s ex-President Maduro appeared in a Manhattan court yesterday, three months after being captured in a military raid to face narco-terrorism charges. The hearing focused on legal fees: U.S. sanctions block the Venezuelan government from paying for Maduro’s legal defense, which he argues violates the constitution. The judge signaled he wouldn’t dismiss the case, but questioned Uncle Sam’s position on fees.

OpenAI is shutting down Sora, the text-to-video social media app that launched to much fanfare (and copyright infringement debates) last fall. Disney piggybacked on the announcement, saying it was cancelling its planned $1B investment into OpenAI, which had included a deal to allow its characters on Sora. OpenAI is refocusing its talent and compute resources on its core productivity products.

Stephen Colbert’s life after late night will start with a trip to Middle Earth. The comedian will write a new Lord of the Rings movie with his son inspired by the early chapters of Tolkien's trilogy, which were largely omitted from the original movie adaptations. Colbert’s The Late Show ends in May; CBS announced it would not renew his contract last summer.

Y'all ever seen... penguin zoomies?

How We’re Getting Prepared, Not Scared
Alongside Max Lucado in this study*

End times. Two words that spark more speculation than Scripture, and often more anxiety than hope. But what does the Bible actually say? Join beloved pastor and bestselling author Max Lucado for the FREE What Happens Next online Bible study and find out.

Across six sessions, Max walks through key passages to help you approach prophecy with confidence, not confusion, and understand why the future God promises is full of hope for His followers. Jesus wins—and your future is secure in Him.

Join now and check your inbox for access to the six free teaching videos, bonus resources, and Session 1 of the study guide!*

*Additional study materials available for purchase

What We’re Participating In
The Passover Seder, thanks to this free guide*

Passover isn’t just a tradition for Jewish people—it’s a story God commanded His people to keep telling. For believers in Yeshua (Jesus), it’s a powerful picture of God’s faithfulness fulfilled in Christ.

The Messianic Passover Haggadah is a free guide that helps families and church communities walk through a meaningful Passover Seder, explaining each element of the traditional meal and connecting the story of liberation to the gospel, just as Scripture calls us to teach our children. 

Whether you’ve never hosted (or heard of) a Seder or just want to deepen your understanding, this free guide makes it accessible. Download your FREE copy of Messianic Passover Haggadah.