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The Supreme Court struck down Louisiana's congressional map Wednesday, further limiting the Voting Rights Act.

In a 6-3 decision, justices declared the Pelican State’s 2024 map (redrawn to add a second majority-Black district) was unconstitutional racial gerrymandering. The ruling narrows Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, requiring future map challengers to prove state districts are intentionally racially discriminatory rather than just discriminatory in effect. Dissenting justices called the ruling a “demolition” of the law, warning the new precedent will dilute minority voting power.

A new wave of legal challenges and redraws is expected.

Meanwhile, Florida passed a new congressional map this week, allowing Republicans in the Sunshine State to gain as many as four seats ahead of midterms, and some Georgia GOP lawmakers are calling for a special redistricting session in their state. 

Still wondering what “ReDiStRiCtiNg” is all about? Tomorrow’s TPO Explains is just for you. We’ll see ya in your inbox and for an even chattier deeper dive on YouTube!

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
We shouldn't allow Supreme Court decisions or political outcomes to consume our thoughts, direct our emotions, or dull our hope. The political landscape (or map) may change, but our mission remains the same: love God and love others. 

“Jesus answered, “The most important [commandment] is ‘Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other command greater than these.” 
Mark 12:29-31(CSB) (read full passage)

King Charles and Queen Camilla said toodaloo to the former colonies yesterday, wrapping their four-day U.S. state visit.

After Charles received bipartisan applause for his address to Congress Tuesday, President Trump and First Lady Melania hosted the British monarchs for a White House state dinner. The posh party (see photos) was attended by cabinet members and SCOTUS justices, plus billionaires Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook and Masters champ Rory McIlroy (see the full guest list). 

Wednesday, the royal couple headed to the Big Apple, where they paid respects to September 11 victims at the 9/11 Memorial. Then, yesterday, Charles and Camilla received a formal cheerio from POTUS and FLOTUS before ending their trip in Virginia, where they visited the Arlington National Cemetery, then celebrated the “North American tradition” of potlucks at an America250 block party.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Christians have the opportunity to display the riches of Christ through hospitality—whether it’s to foreign dignitaries, next-door neighbors, or strangers in need. Who in your life could use an open door and a cuppa (tea or coffee)? 

“Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.”
Romans 12:10-13 (CSB) (read full passage)

Isabella was dragged into the street by her brother-in-law—a drug distributor for a Marxist guerrilla group in Colombia. He had already killed her younger sister.

“Cursed woman, I am going to kill you!” he screamed. “Since you got here, you have taken our power.”

He fired the gun at Isabella’s neck. There was an explosive sound, but she was miraculously unharmed.

You can read the rest of Isabella’s inspiring story here. 

Isabella is one of many persecuted Christians whose stories are featured in VOM’s award-winning, full-color magazine. Request your free monthly subscription today and be inspired by these powerful testimonies each month as you get to know our persecuted Christian family around the world.

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The Iran war is continuing to rattle markets and Uncle Sam’s piggy bank.

The Pentagon told Congress Tuesday that Uncle Sam’s Iran war tab hit ~$25B. Oil topped $126/barrel yesterday (a four-year high) as top brass briefed President Trump on next moves, and markets braced for a long Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Pentagon officials say the spending keeps the Strait open and global commerce flowing. Critics counter that the war’s price tag and open-ended timelines threaten to swamp domestic priorities. 

In a separate jolt, the United Arab Emirates said Wednesday it’s leaving the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)—the cartel’s biggest defection in decades—citing production caps that don’t fit.

A Saudi adviser shrugged off the UAE’s exit, saying ”one country going out doesn’t mean anything,” but analysts warn more defections could follow.

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Verse to consider when international conflict feels unending… “Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm.” 
Psalm 20:7-8 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Fed held the line… and so did its outgoing chair. Jerome Powell says he’ll stay on as governor after his term as chair ends May 15—the first to do so since 1948—citing President Trump’s series of legal attacks on the Fed. Rates were left unchanged Wednesday for the third time this year, despite Trump’s continued demands for cuts.

James Comey’s waving the white flag for now. The former FBI director surrendered to authorities and appeared in court Wednesday over charges that he threatened President Trump’s life on Instagram last year. Though Comey didn’t enter a plea, his lawyers say they’re working to get the charge dismissed on grounds that the DOJ is intentionally targeting the longtime Trump critic.

Two Jewish men were stabbed in north London Wednesday in what police are calling a suspected terrorist attack. The victims, 76 and 34, remain in stable condition at the hospital, and authorities have arrested one suspect: a 45-year-old, Somali-born U.K. citizen. This stabbing is the latest in a series of antisemitic attacks in the U.K., prompting demands for urgent action.

Ding! Ding! Ding! The winner is… Big Tech! Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft all reported better-than-expected earnings Wednesday, making April tech’s best month since 2020. All four giants credited AI for their bottom (and top) lines, doubling down by announcing massive AI-focused spending plans. Wall Street still wasn’t impressed; excluding Alphabet’s ~7% pop, tech stocks fell across the board.

After 75 days, Homeland Security is defrosting. Wednesday, Congress passed a budget resolution that allows lawmakers to draft a $70B, 3.5-year funding bill for ICE and Customs and Border Protection. Then, yesterday, the legislature “yayed” and President Trump signed off on a separate bill to fund most of DHS through the end of September—officially melting its record-breaking partial shutdown.

Y'all ever seen... a ribbon eel?

How We’re Putting Our Faith in Perspective
With VOM’s Free Monthly Magazine*

What does it actually look like to follow Jesus when it could cost you everything? 

In places like Iran, Nigeria, and North Korea, our Christian brothers and sisters are answering that question every single day—facing prison, threats, and even death… and still choosing to stand firm in their faith. 

That’s where The Voice of the Martyrs’ magazine comes in. Every month, VOM delivers firsthand stories of persecuted believers straight to your mailbox—real people, real courage, real faith that refuses to flinch. 

It’s free, and it’s award-winning, so subscribe today (did we mention it’s free?), and don’t miss what God is doing through His people around the world.

How We’re Browsing The Internet
Like it's Y2K, thanks to Surfshark*

Remember when "pop-ups" were just baby books, not annoying ads? Back when the only thing tracking you was your nosy friendly neighbor? 

Today's internet is loud, cluttered… and not-so-secretly collecting your data.

CleanWeb from Surfshark is the digital rewind button you never knew you needed. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware. One install, and boom… pages load faster, creepy banners disappear, and browsing the web feels like it used to: clean, simple, and private.

To celebrate their 8th birthday, Surfshark is giving back with their biggest deal ever, now through May 11: $1.68/mo for two years + 3 months free (read: all-time low).