Read Time: 5 min 39 sec | Listen to Podcast

WORLD NEWS

Operation Midnight Hammer

The U.S. bombed Iran’s three main nuclear sites over the weekend.

What happened?
On Saturday night, President Trump announced that U.S. B-2 bombers “obliterated” three of Iran’s key nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—calling it a “spectacular military success.” Twelve bunker-buster bombs (each capable of reaching sites buried under 300 feet of rock) were dropped on Fordow, two on Natanz, and 30 Tomahawk missiles were launched from American submarines over 400 miles away.

The Pentagon emphasized Sunday that the “intentionally limited” operation directly targeted nuclear infrastructure, not Iranian troops or civilians. 

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reported no increase in off-site radiation.

What led to this? 
The strikes came after nine days of Israel’s bombing campaign aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear pursuits. Iran has responded with missile attacks on Israel and has vowed to retaliate against the U.S.

POTUS reportedly approved the strike plans Tuesday but held off on entering the chat to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program. (It didn’t.)

What are people saying?
Responses have been very mixed, both in the U.S. and abroad. 

Israel praised the “bold” decision, while others, including China and Russia, condemned the strikes. Many American allies, including the U.K. and Italy, offered support for the strike while focusing on the need for diplomacy moving forward. 

Stateside, most Republican lawmakers, including Speaker Johnson (R-LA) and Senator Cruz (R-TX), applauded the strikes as necessary to ensure Iran never acquired a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY), criticized Trump for not seeking Congressional authorization before using military force. Multiple Democrats and one Republican (Rep. Thomas Massie, R-KY) have suggested the strikes were unconstitutional, backing legislation to prohibit further U.S. involvement in the conflict.

__

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
War and the evil it exposes are a terrible reminder that the world is not as it should be. Seek peace where you are and trust that the Lord will end all war in his perfect timing.

“Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. The LORD of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold… Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation on the earth.”
Psalm 46:6–7, 9 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

High Yield; Higher Calling

Banking is boring… but it can make a world of difference. Especially when you choose where to bank wisely.

Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU)’s Harvest Checking account earns a whopping 4% APY. Prefer to save? Their Harvest Savings earns 5% APY—and every dollar fuels ministries and spreads the Gospel. 

As a TPO reader, from now until July 31, you can get up to $400* when opening new accounts. Just use code “TPO” when you apply and start enjoying America’s #1 biblical banking solution. 

CCCU offers full-service digital banking that helps you live—and give—more abundantly.

*Terms and conditions apply.

U.S. NEWS

Ctrl+Alt+Leaked

Time to start thinkin’ up some new passwords—yours were (almost certainly) leaked.

Researchers at Cybernews, a cybersecurity watchdog site, announced they had discovered one of the largest data breaches in history: leaked datasets containing 16 billion login credentials from Google, Facebook, Apple, and “any other service imaginable.” The passwords were likely taken over time, from multiple sources, and by various infostealers before being compiled and briefly exposed.

Cybernews says the data breach gives hackers and scammers “unprecedented access” to consumers’ accounts, and that much of the data was likely duplicated, making it “impossible” to determine how many people were affected.

Experts are reiterating the importance of practicing good password hygiene, including using a variety of strong passwords, changing them frequently, using two-factor authentication when possible, and flossing passwords every night (not just before a checkup).

__

Verse to consider when you’re feelin’ exposed… “Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29-31 (CSB) (read full passage)

The U.S. is crankin’ up the heat. Nearly 100 million people from the Midwest to the Northeast are experiencing a dangerous heat wave that will last through midweek. Heat indices are likely to reach 104 degrees in cities like Nashville and Louisville, with record highs expected in cities from Detroit to Boston.
 

BTS is reuniting with their ARMY of fans. All seven members of the K-pop boy band have completed their mandatory 18 months of South Korean military service, making them eligible to return to the recording studio. Industry experts hope getting the band back together will boost the K-pop genre—which has seen a stall in album sales in recent years.
 

It seems everyone is talking about AI. Meta is shelling out billions to build an “AI Dream Team,” including making a $14.3B investment in Scale AI to secure access to its 28-year-old co-founder, AI wunderkind Alexandr Wang. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV spent his Friday sharing concerns with tech executives about AI’s potential impact on children; he gave a similar speech to politicians on Saturday.
 

California’s National Guard can remain federalized, for now. A U.S. appeals court ruled that it was within President Trump’s authority to deploy the ~4,000 Guardsmen to “protect federal personnel” in Los Angeles, despite objections by California Governor Newsom (D). The court did note Trump’s directive was not “completely insulated from judicial review,” so expect more legal challenges.
 

Oklahoma City is bringing home the NBA Finals trophy for the first time ever. The Thunder struck down the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the Finals last night, led by league and series MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 29 points. Meanwhile, the NBA’s offseason has already had a hot start—Kevin Durant, a 15-time all-star, was traded to the Houston Rockets yesterday afternoon.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Border collies vs. Basset hounds…

How We’d Fundraise… If We Fundraised
With Virtuous CRM*

Fundraising doesn’t have to feel like a grind. With Virtuous, it becomes personal, purposeful, and scalable.

Virtuous CRM helps nonprofits ditch the robotic “Dear Donor” vibes and build real relationships instead. Their responsive CRM is designed to help nonprofits see, know, and appreciate their donors (because rehumanizing fundraising starts with seeing the person behind every gift). 

Want better donor retention, personalized outreach, and growth that doesn’t burn out your team? Virtuous has you covered—with automation that’s actually helpful.

Schedule a free demo and see how Virtuous can help your nonprofit thrive.

What’s Pumping Me Up
Telling strangers about saving on gas with Upside*

I’ll strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. But making a friend at the gas pump was new, even for me. I just had to tell him that he could save 25¢/gallon… and that’s when I realized I’d become an evangelist for Upside.

Upside is a free app where you can earn real cash back when you fill up. Just claim the offer at your station on the app, pay as usual, and get cash straight to your account. That’s it.

Download the free Upside App and use code POUROVER to get an extra 25 cents back per gallon on your first fill-up.

Stephanie Wainwright | Proselytizing Proofreader