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Civil Rights icon César Chávez has been accused of abusing women and girls over decades. 

A New York Times investigation published Wednesday detailed sexual abuse allegations from Dolores Huerta—Chávez’s co-founder at the United Farm Workers (UFW) union—and two other women. Huerta, 95, said Chávez “manipulated and pressured” her into sexual encounters that resulted in two children; Huerta kept silent to protect the labor movement. The other women claim his abuse began when they were children and Chávez was UFW president.

The UFW—and several states—canceled their César Chávez Day activities, calling the allegations “deeply troubling,” and some officials are debating renaming streets and buildings bearing Chávez’s name. 

The labor leader rose to fame in the 60s and 70s, organizing strikes and boycotts for better wages and conditions for farmworkers. He died in 1993 at age 66.

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PRAY WITH US
When heroes fail, Christians are reminded why we can never put our faith in any man or woman. Only Christ lived sinlessly and offers true security and justice:

“Where our trust has been twisted, O Christ, where those who ought to have served us have instead sought control… where sex and scandal, or greed and ambition for power have come to light, wounding our souls—now be about the work of healing those deep hurts. Let those who are injured yet see such stark contrast between the self-serving manipulations of a duplicitous leader, and the self-sacrificing love of their eternal King, that they could never confuse the one for the other. Amen.” 
Every Moment Holy, Vol. III, pages 306-307

As the Iran War continues, energy prices and Uncle Sam’s defense budget are getting pricier. 

This week, Israel and Iran have traded strikes, with Israel hitting Iran’s largest natural gas field, and Iran retaliating by targeting a major natural gas site in Qatar. President Trump said the U.S. “knew nothing about” Israel’s strike (some Mid-East officials contest this) but would “massively blow up the entirety” of Iran’s gas field if Tehran strikes Qatar again. 

Crude oil* and liquified natural gas prices oozed upward in response; Washington is now considering new ways to stopper rising prices, including releasing more U.S. reserves and un-sanctioning ~140M barrels of Iranian oil. 

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is requesting $200B in additional war funding, saying “it takes money to kill bad guys.” Critics say the department’s big-ticket request is “asking for a long war.”

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Verse to consider when the headlines are dominated by conflict… “He will settle disputes among many peoples and provide arbitration for strong nations that are far away. They will beat their swords into plows and their spears into pruning knives. Nation will not take up the sword against nation, and they will never again train for war.”
Micah 4:3 (CSB) (read full passage)

*If you’ve ever wondered, “What even is crude oil?,” you’re not alone. We’re doing a shallow dive into all things black gold, Texas tea crude oil tomorrow in TPO Explains. Stay tuned!

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The road to One Shining Moment tipped off yesterday with 16 first-round Men’s games. 

Most games went according to rankings, with the biggest upset being 12-seeded High Point Panthers defeating the 5-seeded Wisconsin Badgers (83-82). The Madness continues today with the remaining 16 first-round Men’s games, along with the first 16 Women’s matchups. 

Off the court, WNBA players are getting a massive pay bump. The league and its players’ union reached a verbal agreement Wednesday, ending a 17-month wage battle that threatened to delay the league’s 30th season. Key deets of the deal: 

The deal’s still not officially official, but the season is back on track to tip off May 8.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The world has different priorities than God does, and many eternally insignificant things are compelling for a season. As Christ-followers, we can show the world how to enjoy sports without letting them consume our attention or rule our hearts. 

“‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything builds up… So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 
1 Corinthians 10:23, 31 (CSB) (read full passage)

The World Happiness Report has revealed… that doomscrolling does exactly what you think. Oxford University’s annual report tagged heavy social media use as a key driver of declining well-being among young people. Finland is the world’s happiest nation for the ninth straight year, while Uncle Sam came in as the 23rd-happiest, marking the second-straight year English-speaking countries didn’t crack a smile the top 10. 

A Senate committee narrowly advanced Senator Markwayne Mullin’s (R-OK) DHS Secretary nomination yesterday. Support from Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) swung the 8-7 vote after Committee Chair Rand Paul (R-KY) was the lone Republican to dissent. Paul confronted Mullin for past personal comments, warning his “anger issues” make him unfit to lead ICE. The full chamber will consider Mullin’s nomination next week.

This just in: interest rates didn’t change. The Fed voted 11-1 Wednesday to hold rates at their current benchmark (3.5-3.75%) for the second consecutive meeting, citing a softening labor market, higher-than-wanted inflation, and uncertainty tied to the Iran war. Fed forecasts have one cut projected for this year, but experts say timing depends on the length of the conflict.

The FAA’s tightening its seatbelt on helicopter safety. Wednesday, the aviation regulator announced it’s suspending the use of visual separation (AKA using only eyeballs) to keep planes and helicopters from colliding, and requiring air traffic controllers to use radar to “actively manage” helicopters. The announcement comes over a year after the plane-helicopter crash near Washington D.C. that killed 67 people.

The 98th Academy Awards weren’t a blockbuster hit. This year’s Oscars drew 17.9M viewers, making it the least-watched tiny gold man ceremony since 2022. Meanwhile, Val Kilmer’s a shoo-in for Best AI-Generated Lead next season. The late actor’s estate is allowing an AI rendition of Kilmer to star in a film he was cast in—but never acted in—before his death.

How to transport a NASA rocket…

How We’re Renewing Our View of Easter
With Tim Tebow’s new book*

Easter is the most important holiday for a Christian, but if we’re honest, it’s easy to feel like it just comes and goes some years. If you’re looking to re-engage with the Passion narrative, this book is for you.

Written by bestselling author Tim Tebow, “If the Tree Could Speak” is a captivating poem told from the perspective of the crucifixion’s closest witness: the cross. Readers are invited into this familiar story with renewed depth and intention, creating a beautiful moment to sit in the truth.

Celebrate this Easter with renewed conviction and hope. Grab your copy of “If the Tree Could Speak” today.

What Your Marriage Deserves
TLC, at this marriage retreat*

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Now through March 31, save 40% on FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember getaways. Think: a mini-vacation with purpose. It’s three days of romance, reconnection, and biblical principles that will grow your marriage stronger. 

With over 80 locations nationwide, the odds are high there’s one near you (or you have the perfect excuse to travel somewhere new). Your marriage is worth the investment. Register today.