CiVL News: Apr 24, 2026, 1:05 PM PDT -- Shoplifting Chic, Iran's Tanker Wars, and the Bible on Trial

Here's your latest episode from the Reason Magazine CiVL News Roundup produced by CiVL.com. This episode covers an indefinite ceasefire in the Persian Gulf, a Defense Secretary's attempt to discipline a senator, and a pastor facing charges for preaching near an abortion clinic. It also discusses a Michael Jackson biopic, a debate on shoplifting, and the reauthorization of a surveillance law. • The US-Iran ceasefire continues indefinitely after its scheduled expiration, with no direct hostilities but ongoing naval incidents. • President Trump ordered the US Navy to "shoot and kill any boat, small boats" in the Strait of Hormuz if they are suspected of laying mines. • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seeks to discipline Senator Mark Kelly for a video reminding military personnel to refuse illegal orders. • The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) argues against applying Parker v. Levy to a retired senator's speech. • A 77-year-old pastor in Northern Ireland faces charges for preaching Bible verses within a 100-meter abortion clinic buffer zone. • The case questions whether general religious preaching without mentioning abortion constitutes influencing someone seeking an abortion. • Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows surveillance of non-US persons, is up for reauthorization. • President Trump now calls for a "clean" reauthorization of Section 702, despite previously advocating to "kill FISA." • The new Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," is criticized for omitting controversial aspects of his life due to legal restrictions. • Twitch streamer Hasan Piker and writer Jia Tolentino discussed shoplifting on a New York Times podcast, with Piker endorsing stealing from the Louvre. Join CiVL and be part of building the future you want to live in. Be an early adopter. We're just getting started. Human respect, a core tenet of CiVL's vision, recognizes that the path to a flourishing civilization does not lie in more efficient forms of coercion, but in the widespread adoption of human respect as a primary value. By moving away from the "Conflict Machine" and toward a culture of voluntary cooperation, we align ourselves with the natural requirements for human well-being. We built CiVL News out of our passion for free and open access to information. Follow the topics you care about, and don't be subjected to algos! You're invited to build a hub with us for ideas that upgrade civilizations.