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U.S. NEWS

New Chat, Who Dis?

A group chat of top U.S. national security officials accidentally looped in… the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. 

Jeffrey Goldberg says he was added to a Signal chat titled “Houthi PC small group” where senior Trump officials—including VP Vance and Defense Secretary Hegseth—debated the March 15 strike on Houthi rebels. Assuming it was fake, Goldberg silently watched the convo, which included specific targets, weapons, and timing, until the strike unfolded exactly as described.

He then left the chat and reached out for comment. The National Security Council confirmed the chat’s authenticity but called it “deep and thoughtful policy coordination.”

Lawmakers from both parties condemned the use of Signal—an encrypted but not-approved-for-classified-info messaging app—for sensitive war planning. President Trump called the incident a “glitch” while his top intelligence officials told Senators that “no classified information” was shared.

(We’re also covering this story tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Whether you’re critical of your government or think it’s unfairly criticized, the command for Christians is to love neighbors and enemies alike. That requires speaking about others with dignity and respect, even when we feel like they haven’t earned it.

“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way… Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.”
James 3:9–10, 13 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLITICS

Via Venezuela

The U.S. and Venezuela are in a salsa diplomacy dance.

Monday, President Trump announced that the U.S. would impose 25% tariffs on countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela (their largest buyer is China), claiming the “hostile” country has been “intentionally flooding the U.S.” with gang members. The “secondary tariff” adds to other reciprocal tariffs going into effect April 2. 

The announcement comes amid continuing legal battles around the admin’s recent deportations of Venezuelans.

A U.S. district judge declined to lift a restraining order preventing the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans. Meanwhile, a flight carrying 199 deported Venezuelan migrants (alleged members of the gang Tren de Aragua) touched down near Caracas after the Venezuelan government agreed to resume accepting deportees.
 
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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
As Christians, we can commit to praying for national and world leaders to be wise, while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government. 

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD

Turkish Turmoil

Turkey’s largest protests in a decade are entering their seventh day.

Last Wednesday, popular Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and dozens of municipal officials were arrested on charges of corruption and supporting terrorism. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets in Istanbul and elsewhere, accusing the government of using the courts to sideline political opponents of President Erdogan, who’s been in power 22 years.

Imamoglu denies the charges, calling them politically motivated. While he awaits trial in jail, the CHP (Turkey’s main opposition party) formally named him as their candidate for the 2028 presidential election.

Since last Wednesday, police have arrested over 1,100 people, dispersing crowds with water cannons and tear gas. The CHP called for protests to end yesterday, but younger generations are expected to continue the anti-corruption movement. 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Christians live as strangers and exiles in our home countries, whether that temporary home is peaceful, disorderly, or somewhere in between. Seek the good of the land you’re passing through while eagerly anticipating the advent of your permanent home.

“This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce.… Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.’” 
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a partial ceasefire. The U.S.-mediated deal will pause attacks on energy infrastructure and “ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea." Putin says the deal will be implemented when Washington helps “restore Russia’s access to the world market.”
 

Roundup might have to pay up… to the tune of $2B. A judge has sided with a man who sued Monsanto—the company behind the weedkiller—when he developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for 20+ years. Over 150,000 cases have been filed alleging that the herbicide causes cancer; Monsanto (owned by Bayer) maintains that it doesn’t, promising to appeal the verdict.
 

Return to sender… U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is stepping down, passing the parcel to the Deputy Postmaster until his successor is named. Earlier this month, DeJoy announced DOGE will assist America’s mail carriers in “identifying and achieving further efficiencies.” The change comes amid renewed debates over bringing the currently independent USPS into the executive branch or privatizing it.
 

On ‘yer left! Chinese electric carmaker BYD has officially passed Tesla; in 2024, BYD posted $107B in sales compared to Tesla’s $97.7B. BYD’s cars are roughly half the cost of a Tesla, and new upgrades will reportedly allow them to recharge in just 5 minutes, but they face steep tariffs from Western countries (including a 100% tariff in the U.S.).
 

The company that helps people uncover their past with their saliva is facing an uncertain future. Genetics testing giant 23andMe filed for bankruptcy Sunday after months of turmoil and a massive data breach in 2023. The company—whose value fell from $6 billion to $20 million—hopes to sell, but critics worry about the fate of its 15 million users’ personal health data.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Just some 3D graffiti art…

What We’re Doing
Drinking more water, with LMNT*

Drinking water… isn't my favorite. (I’m not saying my husband has to chase me around the house with a water bottle, but I’m not not saying that either). 

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If you also want to boost your hydration (and ease your spouse’s worries), try LMNT today. TPO readers get eight single-serve samples with their purchase!

Bailey Parmley | Less-dehydrated Writer

What We’re Laying Down
Our weapons, at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember*

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