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WEATHER

Damage Assessment

Hurricane Milton rained on the Sunshine State’s barely-resumed parade Wednesday night, making landfall as a Category 3 near Siesta Key (just south of Tampa). 

At least nine people died, including multiple from Milton-spawned tornadoes, and over three million homes and businesses across Florida were left without power. The powerful storm shredded the roof of the Tampa Bay Rays’ home ballpark, destroyed homes, and left debris (and cars and boats) strewn about (see pictures).

Florida Governor DeSantis called the storm “significant” but “not the worst-case scenario.” Milton’s storm surge––often the most destructive and dangerous part of a hurricane––peaked at 8-10 feet in Sarasota, sparing the more heavily populated Tampa Bay area (which installed AquaFences in anticipation of 15+ feet) from significant flooding.

Federal, state, and private aid workers have descended upon the state to begin cleaning up.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Be quick to point to God and give him the credit for your hope, strength, and love during times dominated by uncertainty and fear. Even in the midst of chaos, our eternity is secure.

Please also join us in giving to on-the-ground relief efforts.

“The life of every living thing is in his hand, as well as the breath of all humanity.”
Job 12:10 (CSB)

WORLD NEWS

Planning a Response

President Biden and Israeli PM Netanyahu broke their 49-day silence with a phone call Wednesday. 

Their 30-minute “direct” and “productive” chat included discussing Israel’s response to last week’s Iranian missile attack. Israel’s defense minister has publicly warned Iran that Israel’s retaliation will be “lethal, precise, and surprising,” saying Iran “won’t understand what happened and how; they will see the results." The U.S. supports a “measured” response that does not target nuclear facilities or start an all-out war.

It comes at a time of friction between Biden and Bibi.

The White House is frustrated that it was kept in the dark about the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (July) and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (September), as well as the pager and walkie-talkie detonations across Lebanon, saying it needs more “clarity and transparency” from its ally.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Christians should be committed to praying for world leaders to be wise and to work for the good of their people 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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SPORTS

Full Lineup

October is feeling sporty.

The MLB semi-final picture is almost clear. The Mets ended the Phillies’ season on Wednesday, earning their first NLCS berth since 2015. They’ll face the winner of tomorrow’s matchup between LA and San Diego. The ALCS matchup is also waiting for some results. The Yankees topped the Royals last night, earning their spot, but Detroit and Cleveland are headed to Game 5 on Saturday. 

On the ice, the NHL is starting its season with some firsts. The Utah Hockey Club (mascot TBD) dropped the puck on its inaugural season with a win, and Seattle assistant coach Jessica Campbell began her tenure as the NHL’s first full-time female coach. 

Finally, on the court, the WNBA Finals tipped off last night with the Minnesota Lynx winning a thrilling Game 1 against the New York Liberty. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether we’re professional athletes, newsletter writers, politicians, social workers,  electricians, or anything in between, we have an opportunity every day to honor God in our work with the gifts He’s given us and to show the love of Christ to those around us as we do.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (CSB) (read full passage)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Our founder, Jason, has launched a newsletter called NewsHealth, exploring how Christians can build a spiritually healthy relationship with the news, marked by peace & hope (not anxiety & anger).

It’s super practical and, with the election almost here… very timely. 

Each email is ~2 minutes. Get the first newsletter on Sunday (one-click subscribe).

The Justice Department has proposed a few potential “remedies” after Google Search was declared an illegal monopoly. The most aggressive proposal would force Google to sell its Chrome, Play, and/or Android businesses; it would be the first major corporate breakup in four decades. Google called the proposals “radical,” warning that it would stifle innovation in the AI sector.
 

Annual inflation hit 2.4% in September, a three-year low but still higher than expected. Grocery prices were up a modest 1.3% year-over-year, while gasoline is down 16%. So-called “core inflation” (a measure preferred by economists that excludes food and energy) remained at 3.3% thanks to rises in the cost of medical care, clothing, and airfare.
 

Tesla unveiled its long-awaited robotaxi last night. At an event called “We, Robot,” streamed live from a Warner Brothers studio, the Cybercab made its (quiet) debut without a steering wheel or pedals, a milestone moment for an idea Elon Musk has been teasing since 2016. Musk’s vision for ubiquitous ride-hailing of driverless cars is still years away and faces significant regulatory hurdles.
 

The King of Clay is hanging up his racket. Rafael Nadal, the greatest clay-court tennis player ever, will retire next month after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup. Nadal won 22 Grand Slams—14 at the all-clay French Open—but his most memorable was 2008’s Wimbledon Championship over Roger Federer, considered by many as the greatest tennis match ever. 
 

Sean "Diddy” Combs made his first court appearance in his sex-trafficking trial yesterday afternoon. The hearing established submission deadlines for lawyers’ arguments to establish boundaries for the trial (set for next spring). Combs (54) remains in custody after pleading not guilty to charges that included racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking based on allegations that go back to 2008.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Grazer won this year’s Fat Bear Week. Meet the competitors…

What We’re Donating To
Hurricane Relief*

We’ve been reporting on it a lot… the Southeastern U.S. is in crisis.

Many great organizations are stepping up to help; one of them is World Concern, which is providing relief through local churches in the impacted areas. These churches know the exact needs of the community and can pivot quickly to help those most in need. 

Right now, any donation you make provides emergency supplies, food, and clean water, supporting families in desperate situations. We’re matching the first $5,000 given through this link. 

(P.S. If you cannot give financially, we’ll donate $2 on your behalf for every referral to TPO this week. No limit.)

What We’re Committing To
Pray for America*

Apparently, something big is happening in America within the next 24 days… No matter what our country faces, the most powerful thing we can do as a first response is to pray. 

That’s why we’re pledging to Pray for America.

We love envisioning an America where Christians stand apart because of their fervent prayer. Join the movement! Nearly 12,000 Christians from all over the country (see this interactive map) have pledged to pray for America so far.

Let’s up the number. Sign the pledge, and the Christian Broadcasting Network will mail you a list of specific points to pray for, along with a free “pray” yard flag and window cling.