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POLITICS

From the Oval Office

The President gave an (early) farewell address Wednesday night. 

Addressing the nation for the first time since dropping his reelection bid, President Biden spoke for 11 minutes from behind the Resolute Desk (watch). He said he believes his record warrants another term but doesn’t want his “personal ambition” to “come in the way of saving our democracy.” He praised VP Kamala Harris as “tough” and “capable,” and sprinkled warnings against former President Trump throughout, without mentioning him by name.

#46 also shared a robust to-do list for his final six months: end the war in Gaza, reform the Supreme Court, address climate change, and boost government support to cure cancer.

Former President Trump called Biden’s address “barely understandable” in a Truth Social post, while other Republicans increased their calls for Biden to resign immediately.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whatever the outcome of 2024’s election, the hope of Christians won’t be shaken. Our truest home is God’s kingdom, and he is our ultimate king. Live as exiles here, serving as Christ’s winsome, peace-making ambassadors with your eyes fixed on your heavenly home.

“For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died.… He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us.”
2 Corinthians 5:14, 19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Netanyahu’s Speech

The Israeli Prime Minister delivered a fiery speech to Congress on Wednesday.

Netanyahu said, “America and Israel must stand together,” promising to free hostages held by Hamas and “fight until we achieve victory.” Walking a political tightrope, he thanked President Biden for his support following October 7th’s attack and thanked former President Trump for overseeing the Abraham Accords (which normalized relations between Israel and some Arab nations in 2020).

He also fiercely denounced American critics of the war, who were on full display.

About half of Congressional Democrats and one Republican boycotted Netanyahu’s speech; Rep. Tlaib (D-MI) attended but held a “war criminal” sign. Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protestors filled several blocks surrounding the Capitol chanting “Free, free Palestine,” and in some cases, burning American flags and growing violent. The White House condemned those actions as “disgraceful.”

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
It’s easy to become angry and indignant over world events (wars, protests, etc.), but much more difficult to live with the tension of desiring change while simultaneously loving everyone involved. Followers of Christ are called to live in that tension, loving the very people we work against.

“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 (CSB) (read full passage)

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OLYMPICS

Let the Games Begin

The 2024 Summer Olympics officially begin today. 

Opening ceremonies begin at 1:30 p.m. Eastern. Over 10,500 athletes in 94 boats will parade down the Seine River to the base of the Eiffel Tower, where French President Macron will speak, and surprise celebrities will perform. Lebron James and Coco Gauff are Team USA’s flag bearers.

Men’s football has already kicked off, with Team USA falling to France 3-0 on Wednesday. Later, in a game delayed by fan violence, an offsides call gave underdog Morocco the win over Argentina.

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee voted Wednesday for Salt Lake City, UT, to host the 2034 Winter Olympics… with strings attached. The U.S. must drop investigations into why 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs were allowed to compete in Tokyo and “respect” the World Anti-Doping Agency’s authority.

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The Olympics offer an opportunity to experience camaraderie with fellow fans and to enjoy the thrill of watching athletes do what God created them to do. As you watch athletes compete over the next two weeks, thank God that He also made you to do beautiful things, and pray that you’d bring Him glory in all you do. 

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” 
Ephesians 2:10 (CSB) (read full passage)

FBI Director Wray offered new details about former President Trump’s would-be assassin in testimony before the House Wednesday. Thomas Matthew Crooks Googled “How far away was Oswald from Kennedy?” the day he registered for Trump’s rally, scoped out the event site three times beforehand and legally purchased the rifle he used from his father in 2023. Crooks’ motive remains unknown.
 

Go back to your less-anxiety-producing assigned seats. After 50 years, Southwest Airlines is shifting away from open seating to assigned and premium seating as it looks to boost revenue. The change comes after a 51% drop in profit for Q2. CEO Bob Jordan said in an announcement on Thursday that research shows passengers "overwhelmingly prefer" an assigned seating model. 
 

What we call a ‘layup’... The NBA and WNBA announced 11-year, multi-billion-dollar media rights deals with ESPN/ABC, Amazon, and NBC. The three networks will pay the NBA $76B, leaving behind longtime broadcaster TNT (though a legal fight looms). The WNBA will bank $2.2B, likely meaning higher salaries for the female hoopers. 
 

Senator Menendez (D–NJ) announced that he will resign from office effective August 20 after being convicted on all 16 counts in a federal corruption trial. In his resignation letter, Menendez stated he “fully intends to appeal the jury’s verdict.” There will be 50 Democrats and 49 Republicans in the Senate until New Jersey’s governor (a Democrat) appoints his replacement.
 

Promising trial results showed total HIV protection with twice-yearly injections of the drug Lenacapavir. The drug, commonly used to treat contracted HIV, was 100% effective in preventing HIV across the study’s 5,000+ women and adolescent girls who participated. Experts say the finding is “an important advance” while noting that similar studies in men are still ongoing.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

June’s best science images…

How We’re Getting the Gospel to 15,000 Children
With OneHope*

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What We’re Drinking
LMNT*

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Kathleen Wadkins | Head of Content