Good Morning. Trump gave Iran five days. The Marines land on day five. We break down what happens next.
We also cover Bob Woodward's new memoir, shrinking economy cabins, and MLB's new replay system (forwarded this email? Join 523K readers).
TOP STORY TODAY
Marines Arrive in 48 Hours
The USS Tripoli, carrying roughly 2,200 marines, is expected to arrive in the Middle East on Friday, the same day President Trump's five-day deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires. The Pentagon also ordered a second unit of approximately 2,500 marines to depart California, with arrival expected by mid-April.
Iran closed the strait to tanker traffic, disrupting roughly 20 percent of the global oil supply. Trump indicated military strikes would continue if no deal was reached (WSJ). The 82nd Airborne Division, deployable anywhere within 24 hours, was also ordered to the region.
Military options under consideration include seizing Kharg Island, through which Iran exports approximately 90 percent of its oil. Iran has demanded compensation for existing strike damage and a permanent ceasefire guarantee before any agreement.
Self-Defense Ruling
Brentwood, Tennessee police closed their investigation into Reacher star Alan Ritchson Monday, determining he acted in self-defense during a Sunday altercation with neighbor Ronnie Taylor. Authorities reviewed video footage and witness statements before announcing no criminal charges would be pursued against either party.
The dispute began when Taylor confronted Ritchson over a motorcycle noise complaint. Initial footage published by TMZ showed Ritchson striking Taylor on a front lawn, but additional video — including body cam footage (video) — later showed Taylor initiating the physical confrontation by rushing into the street first.
Ritchson declined to pursue a reckless endangerment charge against Taylor, who admitted to instigating the contact. The District Attorney's Office agreed to close the case. Public perception shifted significantly once the fuller video context emerged.
Dogs Outfox Thieves
Seven dogs stolen by a dog meat operation in Changchun, China escaped from a transport truck in mid-March and walked 17 kilometers over two days to return home. The group included a German Shepherd, Corgi, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Pekinese. One dog sustained injuries during the ordeal.
A passerby first spotted the pack moving along a busy highway in Jilin province and posted video to Douyin. The footage spread widely on Chinese social media, prompting volunteers to track the dogs and confirm they arrived home safely on March 18.
Authorities confirmed the dogs all came from the same village and knew each other from regularly playing together. One volunteer attributed the theft to individuals operating a dog meat shop, though no witnesses observed their escape from the truck (Pixar-style short film).
TOGETHER WITH BROOKS ELMS
Got a $5K+ deal stuck in your inbox?
If they replied once and then went quiet - it wasn’t random.
Something in the thread slowed the deal down.
Most people never see where it happened.
They just follow up… and lose the deal.
Last week: a client had been chasing a prospect for 3 months.
Changed one message → decision in 5 minutes.
I’ll look at your deal and tell you exactly what to send next.
(If it’s a fit, I’ll ask you to send the thread.)
Please support our sponsors!
TODAY’S LIFE ADVICE
5 Ways to Deescalate Arguments
Arguments aren't battles to win; they're knots to unravel. Jefferson Fischer, trial lawyer turned communication expert, shares transformative insights on handling difficult conversations and conflicts in relationships. Here’s how:
What You Say vs. What's Heard — The biggest communication mistake is assuming your words land as intended. Ask "What did you hear?" to uncover misunderstandings before they become arguments.
The "I Know, I'm Not, I'm Open" Framework — Reconnect with someone who's shut down by acknowledging the distance, clarifying what you're not asking for, and expressing openness to conversation.
Arguments as Identity Defense — Telling someone they're wrong challenges their identity, not just their opinion. Validate first, speak to their values, and understand real belief change takes time.
Interest vs. Feeling Good — Relationships fail when you stop being curious about your partner. True strength shows in how long you can sit together through hard times, not just good ones.
Silent Treatment as Low Emotional Intelligence — Silence as punishment is a red flag. Acknowledge it, offer space, and state your readiness to talk when they are.
How to Lower Your Body Fat Percentage
For women hovering around 22% body fat who strength train, this is often the ideal look they're seeking: lean and healthy. Going lower through cutting often backfires, causing muscle loss and metabolic slowdown. The better strategy? Build 5-8 pounds of muscle at your current body fat percentage. You'll achieve the sculpted, defined look you want while increasing metabolism and feeling stronger. Building muscle creates the shape and curves, not cutting body fat.
TRENDING
5 Stories
▲ OpenAI scraps Sora video platform months after launch to refocus on business and coding tools
▲ MLB debuts high-tech ball-strike replay system letting players appeal calls for first time in league history | Opening day
▲ Economy seats shrink as airlines expand premium cabins 27% since 2020, nearly triple economy's growth rate
▲ NYC business group launches ad campaign opposing Mayor Mamdani's proposed tax hikes on wealthy and corporations
▲ Bob Woodward announces memoir covering decades of reporting from Watergate to Trump | Was Bob a spy?
Fun Links
The ultimate guide to cryotherapy [Guide]
The last train robbery [Story]
Only athlete in Super Bowl & Final Four [Post]
Was Neo’s bad CGI intentional? [Video]
Oscar’s Vanity Fair photo fiasco [Post]
A topographical map of the moon [Map]
Guide to swimwear safety this summer [Photo]