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Editor's note: this story involves violence against children.

Eight children, ranging in ages from one to 14 years old, were killed in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, early yesterday morning.

Police say the shootings began with a “domestic disturbance” around 5:00 AM. A single gunman shot 10 people—eight children died, two women were injured—before fleeing in a stolen car. Police chased and killed the suspect, who was identified as the father of seven of the children and the husband of one of the injured women.

It’s the nation’s deadliest mass shooting since 2024, and prompted an outpouring of grief and outrage.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who represents Shreveport's district, called the murders “heartbreaking” and “senseless,” while thanking police for their “swift response.” State police are expected to lead the investigation and have asked anyone with information to reach out.

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PRAY WITH US
Eternal Father, draw near to Shreveport with comfort for those who are mourning. Mighty God, heal the wounded and traumatized. Wonderful Counselor, give governments wisdom to respond and bring some measure of justice. Prince of Peace, hasten the coming of your Kingdom, where hatreds cease, and tears are no more. Amen.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light… For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.”
Isaiah 9:2, 7 (CSB) (read full passage)

The world’s riding the Hormuz rollercoaster.

On Friday, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open,” prompting oil prices to tumble ~12% and stocks to hit record highs. President Trump thanked Iran, but said Uncle Sam would maintain its blockade of Iranian ports until a deal is “100% complete.” In response, Iran played the Uno-reverse and re-closed the strait on Saturday, fired on two Indian-flagged ships, and told all vessels that approaching the strait means “cooperation with the enemy.”

The U.S.-Iran ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday, and an extension is looking increasingly uncertain.

Yesterday morning, Trump announced U.S. negotiators would be in Pakistan today for fresh peace talks, but neither Iran nor Pakistan confirmed. Later, Trump threatened to “take out” all Iranian power plants and announced the U.S. had seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.

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PRAY WITH US
Though peace seemingly shifts from imminent to elusive with each headline, God’s desire for shalom hasn’t changed; nor has his desire to hear from His people (Psalm 46:6-7)

“Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”
Book of Common Prayer, Page 654

According to the WHO, parasitic infections (like… worms) are plaguing millions of children in the world’s poorest places—keeping them out of school, stunting their growth, draining their energy, and trapping families in cycles of poverty. The solution’s shockingly simple… and costs less than a postage stamp. 

World Concern’s 44-Cent Cure delivers a single dose of deworming medicine that can restore a child’s health in days, sometimes even hours. It’s fast. It's easy, and one dose costs 44¢.

BE DOERS
A gift of $11 cures 25 children; $44 cures 100; $220 cures 500… and because TPO is matching the first $4K, your dollars are basically doing double duty. Put your pocket change to work; join TPO & World Concern in curing kids.  

“If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,’ but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?” 
James 2:15-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

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The White House is investigating the mysterious deaths and disappearances of at least 11 American scientists.

Nearly a dozen researchers with reported access to classified nuclear, aerospace, or defense material have either disappeared or died under unusual circumstances in recent years, including 10 since mid-2024. The incidents range from confirmed homicides—including Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, shot outside his CA home in February—to disappearances and deaths ruled non-suspicious by authorities.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the White House is coordinating with the FBI to leave “no stone unturned,” while President Trump called the cluster “pretty serious stuff” Thursday, adding, “I hope it’s random, but we’re going to know in the next week and a half.”

Law enforcement and fellow scientists say no connection has been established, though online theories have ranged from espionage to UFOs.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
When headlines drift into the unknown, it’s easy to get pulled into anxiety or endless speculation. But Christians can find peace in knowing that nothing is hidden from the God who sees every hand and heart. 

“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.” 
Proverbs 15:3 (CSB) (read full passage)

President Trump’s latest executive order is a li’l trippy. On Saturday, Trump signed an EO fast-tracking FDA review of psychedelic drugs like ibogaine, psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD as mental illness treatments. The order commits $50M to match state research, opens a “Right to Try” pathway for eligible patients, and green-lights priority vouchers to shrink review timelines from months to weeks.

Reed Hastings won’t click next episode as Netflix board chair. The co-founder announced Thursday he’s leaving in June, ending a nearly three-decade run turning a DVD-by-mail startup into a 325-million-subscriber industry-changer. Hastings will focus on philanthropic work and different moguling—transforming Utah's Powder Mountain into an exclusive destination. The news left investors Netflix and chilly, with stock down ~10% Friday.

A former college football player is expected to plead guilty in a $20 million fraud scheme. Federal authorities say the ex-Alabama defensive tackle donned disguises (think: wigs and makeup) to pose as three different NFL players seeking multi-million dollar loans. He and a co-defendant then funneled funds through shell businesses to buy more wigs real estate, cars, and jewelry.

Strong winds and tornadoes ripped across the Upper Midwest Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in the region’s latest round of severe weather. Some rural communities face a long road to recovery after damage saw roofs ripped off houses, uprooted trees, tangled powerlines, and impassable roads, but officials say no deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

Pope Leo clarified Saturday that his critique of “tyrants” spending billions on wars wasn’t directed at President Trump. Leo said Thursday’s speech in Cameroon, addressing the long-term effects of war, was written two weeks prior—before last week’s Washington vs. Vatican squabble. The pontiff said he has no interest in debating Trump, but will continue preaching peace.

A very tasty... rug?

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You’d think people stop by to talk news, Jesus, or just… life.

Nope—they’re here to mooch off our abundant LMNT stash (specifically, sparkling Lemonade Salt), and we care too much about their happiness to stop them.

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