WORLD NEWS

Plague Probe

Health officials are on alert.

The death of a 28-year-old laboratory worker at a Siberian anti-plague research institute last week sent speculation skyrocketing. After the institute and treating hospital were quarantined and ~200 contacts placed under observation, local outlets suggested she contracted pneumonic plague (yes, the Black Death).

Russian officials told the WHO there are no plague cases in the region, none of the contacts have tested positive, and the deceased was diagnosed with pneumonia of unknown origin.

Uncle Sam’s monitoring the situation, and Secretary of State Rubio’s urging Russia to share more information.

The U.S. is also monitoring measles. Cases in New York reached 108, prompting Gov. Hochul (D) to declare a statewide emergency, expanding vaccine and testing access. Neighboring Pennsylvania has seen 1,000+ cases, with five deaths; nationwide, cases have reached a 35-year high.

__

PRAY WITH US
God Our Refuge, bring under the shadow of Your wings those who have lost loved ones to disease. Be a refuge, a fortress, a friend for the sick who have been quarantined, separated from their support systems.

Give doctors and public health officials skill for healing, communication, and containment. Strengthen them for a bitter fight against an unseen foe and tend to their complex grief. Bless the work of scientists and biomedical engineers racing to find new methods of protection. And shower the public with steadying grace, healing, protecting, and renewing the world through Your Word by the power of Your Spirit. Amen. (read full prayer)

U.S. NEWS

Firing Squad

The Pentagon announced Monday that the former U.S. Army major who fatally shot unarmed soldiers in Texas would be executed by firing squad.

In 2009, Nidal Hasan opened fire in Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Processing Center, killing 13 people and injuring 30+. Hasan said he “switched sides” and shot the soldiers to prevent them from deploying to Afghanistan and killing Muslims. He was convicted of murder in 2013 and is one of four death-row inmates in the military’s justice system.

Officials said the firing squad was approved by President Trump following a recommendation from Secretary Hegseth. The military execution will be the first carried out in the U.S. since 1961 and the first by firing squad since WWII.

Details of the execution are pending while the order undergoes a military-law-mandated judicial review.

__

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Christians have a hard job. Imitating our just and merciful Father, we must simultaneously uphold justice, come alongside victims in their pain, and demonstrate our love for the guilty.

“But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”
Luke 6:35-36 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

What Does Your Bank Do With Your Money?

Most banks focus on getting profit; AdelFi Christian Banking focuses on giving it.

Bank vaults aren’t filled with shelves of labeled piggy banks 🐷. Most banks take deposits and lend or invest ’em… AdelFi (same trusted team you knew as Christian Community Credit Union) puts its deposits to work, funding $1B+ in loans to churches and ministries overlooked by traditional banks.

With Adelfi, America's #1 biblical banking solution, you can support Gospel-focused ministries while you earn.

The Harvest Bundle is how: Harvest Savings earns 5% APY* and Harvest Checking earns 4% APY*, and with any debit card purchase you make, Adelfi donates to ministries and missions (nearly $7M given since 1995).

Open your Harvest Account today!

*Terms and conditions apply

Bank With Purpose, Create Kingdom Impact

U.S. NEWS

Annnnd Scene

A new media giant premiered yesterday as Paramount’s $110B acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery officially wrapped.

The newly-formed Skydance combines Warner Bros., HBO Max, CNN, and franchises like Harry Potter and the DC Universe (see every show and movie included in the deal). Paramount CEO David Ellison called it a “historic day” for the industry, saying the company has the resources to “tell great stories” across genre and platform.

Since Paramount outbid Netflix in February, the deal’s gotten mixed reviews. While some filmmakers prefer Paramount over the streamer, 4,000+ Hollywood signatories warned that consolidating studios means fewer jobs for creatives and fewer movies for audiences. As part of a 12-state antitrust lawsuit settlement, Skydance will release 30+ films annually.

On the news beat, CNN’s chief is staying on and expressed confidence that Skydance will protect its newsroom from political interference.

__

Verse to consider whether you’re making deals, making friends, or making PB&Js…
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3 (CSB) (read full passage)

A possible Iranian drone attack reportedly prompted the U.S. to pull its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford, a British base the U.S. used to strike Iran. Secretary of State Rubio said it wasn’t linked to last week's suspected terrorist plot on the base and that the U.S. is “constantly reallocating resources,” while President Trump later affirmed there was “a threat.”
This story was voted on by our app users. Download the app to choose what we cover next!


Japan lodged a "strong protest" with the U.S. after a U.S. Marine was arrested on suspicion of murder in Okinawa. A 20-year-old Marine stationed at Futenma Air Station is accused of robbing and strangling a 39-year-old Japanese woman, allegations he denies. Japanese PM Takaichi called the incident “brutal and heinous,” and U.S. officials have promised to cooperate in the investigation.


President Trump announced Monday that his super PAC, MAGA Inc., would pay for White House TV ads celebrating a “golden age of America” going forward. The ads (watch one) cost at least $1.5M and drew bipartisan backlash for using government funds to run campaign-style spots ahead of midterms. Trump defended them as “a positive promotion for our Great U.S.A.”


Uncle Sam is dyeing to lower prices. President Trump signed an executive order Monday allowing anyone to purchase tax-exempt “red dye” diesel (same as regular diesel but usually reserved for farm machinery) after prices hit $6.50/gallon last month (see if your state allows it). Meanwhile, millions on Original Medicare Part B will receive a one-time $90 rebate to help offset higher premiums (see if you qualify for the $90).


“Times fly” when you’re scoring 929 goals… Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time regular-season goal leader, announced that this season will be his last. The three-time Hart Trophy winner and 2018 Stanley Cup champion has played his entire 22-year career with the Washington Capitals, and needs 11 goals to pass Wayne Gretzky’s combined-goal record. (Watch Ovi’s (maybe anyone’s?) greatest goal ever.)

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Can you tell they're twins?

Where We're Giving Hope
Behind bars, with Prison Fellowship*

Prison Fellowship turned 50 this year. Half a century of getting Bibles, Christian resources, and church volunteers inside prisons in all 50 states, and encouraging them after they come home.

The demand hasn't let up. Prison is one of the few places where someone has nothing but time to read and a real reason to go looking for God, and Prison Fellowship says requests for Bibles come in faster than they can fill them.

So, TPO community, let’s tackle this together. We'll match the first $2K given through our link! Every gift is a chance to put God's Word where it's already wanted.

My Current Devotional
Tim Tebow’s 40 Days to Look Again*

It’s so easy to tie my worth to worldly things: The Pour Over’s growth, my kids’ behavior, my bank statement.

When those things are good, I feel worthy. If those things are bad, well…

Tim’s devo has been chipping away at those lies, reinforcing the truth I too often forget: my performance doesn’t determine my worth; the Creator of heaven and earth does! Each day includes scripture, a story from Tim’s life, a truth to declare, and a practical step.

Whether you feel that you’re not enough or you’re weary of relying on accomplishment, commit 5 minutes a day for 40 days to look again.

Jason Woodruff | Founder

*From our partners