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POLITICS

(Mostly) Unmuted

Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz went head-to-head in the 2024 Vice Presidential debate last night.

The longer-than-expected debate was, overall, a cordial discussion of major issues––including the Middle East, immigration, abortion, gun control, and the economy––that steered clear of personal attacks. Governor Walz called himself a “knucklehead at times” when asked why he claimed to be in China during the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown (he was not, but arrived later that year), and Senator Vance said, “I was wrong” when asked about his previous disparagement of former President Trump.

CBS muted the mics once after Vance sought to fact-check a moderator and continue discussing immigration, prompting Walz to jump in also.

Last night was likely the final side-by-side comparison of the two tickets prior to Election Day. Check back Friday for more post-debate reactions.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The debate and campaign events for this year’s election may feel like a big deal, but will you remember it in 1,000 years? Viewing the events of our lives from an eternal perspective doesn’t mean we stop caring or that they don’t matter, but it reminds us to keep our focus on Christ at the center of all things. 

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming.” 
2 Peter 3:10-12 (CSB) (b)

U.S. NEWS

Anchored Offshore

Dock workers along the East and Gulf Coasts marched from the port to the picket line just after midnight yesterday.

The International Longshoremen's Association’s first strike since 1977 has shut down all ports from Maine to Texas and sidelined about 25,000 workers. The union wants job security and a larger share of shipping operators’ post-pandemic billions, pushing for 77% pay raises and a complete ban on automation at ports. The strike comes after port employers’ counteroffer of 50% raises and better benefits “fell far short” for the longshoremen.

A prolonged strike could cost Uncle Sam up to $4.5 billion daily and cause major supply chain disruptions on things like bananas, coffee, cars, and toys. The White House is "closely monitoring” the situation but doesn’t currently plan to intervene.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Frustration between managers and workers is an inescapable part of working in a broken world. Christians can rejoice because we serve an honest master who is far more generous with us than we deserve. In all your endeavors, work to please him.

“Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.” 
Colossians 3:22–24 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD

Middle East Conflict(s)

Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel yesterday, further expanding the region’s conflict.

The attack killed at least one, a Palestinian hit by shrapnel, and prompted orders to shelter across Israel. Iran described the attack as a “legal, rational, and legitimate response” following Israel’s killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. 

The U.S., which helped Israel intercept the incoming missiles and has deployed thousands of additional troops to the region in recent days, previously warned Iran of “severe consequences” if it attacked Israel.

The attack came a day after Israel launched a “limited” ground operation in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Israel says it’s rooting out Hezbollah terrorists who have attempted to “infiltrate Israel” near its Lebanon border, an area 63,000 Israelis have fled since Hezbollah began firing rockets in support of Hamas a year ago. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
War is a heavy burden that impresses upon us our world’s need for restoration. Jesus came to bear that burden of sin, lighten our load, and restore our world. Pray that the Middle East would experience that restoration and glorify the Messiah Jesus. 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 (CSB) (read full passage)

First responders continue counting the human cost of Helene, one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. From Florida to Virginia, at least 150 people have died, about 600 remain missing, and millions are still without power and cell coverage. Western North Carolina saw “biblical devastation” after the deluge, rendering hundreds of roads impassable. 
 

Pete Rose, MLB’s controversial all-time hits leader, has died at 83. Known as “Charlie Hustle” for his all-out style of play, Rose was banned for life from MLB—and Hall of Fame contention—after betting on baseball as a player and a manager. He ended his 24-season career with 4,256 hits, 17 All-Star Game appearances, and three World Series rings.
 

A Georgia judge has struck down the state’s six-week abortion ban, ruling it unconstitutional and reinstating abortion up until ~22 weeks of pregnancy. Judge Robert McBurney’s order stated that “liberty in Georgia” includes a woman’s right to make “personal healthcare decisions.” Georgia’s Attorney General Carr (R) is expected to appeal the case to the state supreme court.
 

A chemical plant fire in an Atlanta suburb prompted shelter-in-place orders for over 90,000 people and evacuation orders for ~17,000 more on Monday. The fire sent massive plumes of dark smoke into the sky and a strong chemical smell and haze into the air. The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency lifted the shelter-in-place order yesterday. 
 

DirecTV has agreed to buy its longtime rival Dish for a symbolic $1 (and the assumption of $9.75 billion in debt). The multistep deal involves DirecTV buying Dish’s TV business while a private equity firm simultaneously buys DirecTV from AT&T. Satellite TV is past its prime; combined, the two companies have lost 63% of their customers since 2016.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The finalists for the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Awards…

What We’re Learning
Spanish, with Babbel*

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Señor Nate Wells | Head of Business

What I Wish 17-year-old Me Had
Christianity Today’s College Guide*

During my junior and senior years of high school, I faced the standard, dreaded question on repeat: What’s next?

I wish I’d had a resource like Christianity Today’s College Guide to boost my shaky confidence. 

It’s a free resource that comes alongside teens and parents, equipping them with thoughtful exercises and helpful info ahead of their toughest decision yet. CT’s College Guide helps teens consider critical questions about themselves and their future, explore academics and campus life at Christian colleges and universities nationwide, and approach applications confidently instead of fearfully.

Download CT's FREE College Guide to protect joy, discover purpose, and find the right fit.

Steph Juliot | Writer