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WORLD NEWS

Laureates

The Nobels are almost all doled out.

On Friday, Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots Japanese movement of atomic bomb survivors, was awarded the Peace Prize for “its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.” The Nobel Committee said the group’s efforts have contributed to the fact that no nuclear weapons have been used in war in 80 years.

AI researchers nabbed awards in Physics—for inventing artificial neural networks in the 70s and 80s—and in Chemistry—for using AI to crack the code on protein design in 2020. The prize in Literature went to South Korea’s Han Kang, and the prize in Medicine went to American scientists who discovered microRNA. The prize in Economics will be awarded today.

Each Nobel Laureate receives a gold medal, a diploma, and 11 million Swedish kronor (~$1 million).

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Verse to consider whether you’re pursuing a Nobel Peace Prize or just trying to keep the peace in your household… “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” 
Matthew 5:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

ECONOMY

Ups and Downs

JPMorgan Chase is calling it on behalf of Uncle Sam: the U.S. economy has made a soft landing.

On Friday, the country’s biggest bank reported better-than-expected earnings and optimistic forecasts, saying it’s seeing a “Goldilocks economic situation” where consumers continue to spend, businesses act confidently, and inflation is under control. Wells Fargo largely echoed the sentiment but noted it sees businesses acting more cautiously.

Despite JPMorgan’s rising tide, some ships feel like they’re sinking.

Boeing’s machinist strike is entering its fifth week, as the company announced plans to cut 10% of its workforce (about 17,000 people) and delay the launch of its new 777X wide-body planes, citing development issues. Meanwhile, TD Bank pleaded guilty to making itself the go-to bank for money laundering and has agreed to pay a historic $3 billion fine.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed.

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
Hebrews 13:16 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WEATHER

Cleanup

Millions of Floridians have started chipping away at a massive project: hurricane cleanup.

While Tampa was spared a direct hit, Hurricane Milton brought widespread flooding to Florida’s west coast and deadly tornadoes across the state. At least 17 people have died. 

Utility crews have worked to restore electricity to 2.27 million homes and businesses—with nearly a million people still without power yesterday—while government agencies and residents armed with chainsaws cleared downed trees. Returning evacuees also had to add ‘search for gas’ to their to-do lists as fuel shortages grip the state; Governor DeSantis opened three fuel distribution sites, offering 10 gallons per person, free of charge.

Over 6,500 National Guard members were activated in 23 counties to assist with recovery efforts. President Biden visited the state yesterday to survey the damage firsthand. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Prayer is powerful and effective. Pray for God to move in power in the midst of the suffering and the massive cleanup effort. If you’re able to do more, join us in giving to relief efforts here. 

“[If] one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,’ but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.”
James 2:16-17 (CSB) (read full passage)

With three weeks until Election Day, polls say Trump & Harris are neck-and-neck. This weekend, former President Trump drew thousands to a rally in deep-blue Coachella, CA; he criticized the state’s Democratic leadership and immigration policies. Meanwhile, VP Harris visited swing-state North Carolina; she assisted with hurricane relief and pressed Trump to release his medical records, questioning his fitness for office.
 

Teslavestors were unimpressed by last week’s robotaxi reveal, which was heavy on vision but light on details. While Tesla stock fell 9%, TikTok was impressed by the event’s sideshow, Tesla’s humanoid robots named “Optimus.” Elon Musk claimed the robots, which wore cowboy hats and mingled with event-goers, would eventually cost $20k-$30k and be able to mow lawns and babysit kids.
 

A tour of the 130-year-old Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek, CO, turned tragic last week. A lift carrying tourists 1,000 feet underground experienced a mechanical issue halfway down the mine shaft. The incident killed one person, injured four, and left 19 trapped (including 12 in the mine for six hours). The attraction is closed as authorities investigate.
 

The WNBA is leaning into the hype. Responding to growing viewership, the Women’s National Basketball Association announced that it’s expanding the 2025 regular season from 40 to 44 games, the finals from best-of-five to best-of-seven, and the league to 13 teams with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries. Toronto and Portland (mascots TBA) will also get teams in 2026. 
 

Starships were meant to… land? SpaceX is extra-celebrating the fifth launch of its Starship rocket after the arms of the launch tower successfully caught the rocket’s 21-story tall “Super Heavy” booster (watch), a major milestone towards SpaceX’s goal of making the Starship fully reusable. SpaceX intends to do hundreds more unmanned missions with Starship before adding a crew.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Wild elk adopt a donkey…

How We’re Studying God’s Word in Today’s Culture
With the Upside-Down Kingdom Bible*

Ever been knee-deep in a devotional and thought… “I have no idea how this 2,000-year-old text applies to me today?” Much of God’s Word encourages his people to live counterculturally, turning the expectations of worldly kingdoms on their heads… but if someone could explain exactly what that looks like nowadays, that would be great. 

The NIV Upside-Down Kingdom Bible provides practical resources for living faithfully in the modern world. Hundreds of side-column notes, full-page articles, essays, and book introductions skillfully and thoughtfully address divisive issues, guiding readers to think deeply and love widely. 

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What We’re Drinking
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Kathleen Wadkins | Head of Content