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WORLD NEWS

Hit the (Campaign) Trails

British politicians have new summer plans: start campaigning.

With its current Parliament’s term expiring in December, a U.K. election had to happen by January 2025… but Brits were surprised to find out that they’ll head to the polls on July 4th (probably to distract from thoughts of “the one that got away”).

On Wednesday, Current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for general elections in just 6 weeks. It’s earlier than expected, and polls suggest that Sunak’s Conservative Party faces an uphill battle to keep its 14-year hold on the office from falling to the opposing Labour Party. 

U.K. general elections determine the Members of Parliament (MPs) representing each of Britain’s 650 total constituencies. The leader of the political party with the most MPs elected is then appointed as Prime Minister by the King.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Just as many Americans view the outcomes of foreign elections with a certain level of detachment, Christians view earthly political outcomes as secondary to the campaign of our eternal home, where we hold our truest citizenship. 

“From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.… in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and 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 5:16, 19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Re: The Middle East

A graphic hostage video, recognition for Palestine, and another hurdle in aid delivery… the Israel/Hamas war keeps making headlines.

On Wednesday, the families of female Israeli soldiers who were taken hostage released a harrowing video of their abduction on October 7. The families hope the footage will reenergize stalled hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

The same day, Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, a largely symbolic move that prompted Israel to recall its ambassadors to the three countries.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon says aid delivered through the U.S.-constructed pier in Gaza is being “intercepted” and has not reached the broader Palestinian population. Aid shipments have been paused while the U.S. works with Israel and the U.N. to establish “alternative routes” for its secure delivery.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Christians don’t need to gloss over evil to maintain our joy and hope. Our Savior Jesus confronted darkness directly and overcame it. Pray for the Middle East with renewed thankfulness for eternal hope in our dark world. 

“So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you. In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.… I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” 
John 16:22–23, 33 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

Exec. Depts.

One in ten federal student loan borrowers has now been approved for debt relief.

Biden’s Education Department announced the newest loan cancellations on Wednesday, using a combination of existing programs to erase $7.7 billion in federal debt and bringing the total cancellation to $167 billion. Public servants and lower-income earners are among those who qualify.

President Biden said he’ll “never stop working to cancel student debt — no matter how many times Republican-elected officials try to stop us.” Republicans call the debt cancellation “unconstitutional” and have filed lawsuits challenging previous initiatives.

Across the Mall, the Justice Department is suing Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, for monopolizing the live events scene. Attorney General Garland said, “The American people are ready for it,” in a nod to Swifties, who have clashed with the ticketing giant.
 
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Verse to consider whether you’re still paying off your Eras Tour ticket, bachelor’s degree, or just trying to pad that rainy day fund… “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.”
1 Timothy 6:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

Last night, the NCAA broke with over 100 years of policy and agreed to allow schools to directly pay college athletes. The organization also agreed to pay $2.8 billion in damages to former college athletes who were prevented from earning money through endorsements. The deal must still be approved by the judge overseeing the case. (See more details in our post!)
 

Taiwan has a new president, and China’s sending him a message. Yesterday, the Red Dragon began two-day military drills surrounding the contested island as “punishment” for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who promised to protect Taiwan’s democracy in Monday’s inauguration speech. China called the mock air and sea strikes “a stern warning against… provocation by external forces” (looking at you, Uncle Sam).
 

The FBI made a rare statement after former President Trump posted, “Biden’s DOJ… AUTHORIZED THE FBI TO USE DEADLY (LETHAL) FORCE” during the 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago. The Bureau said the search warrant included its “standard policy statement limiting the use of deadly force” (read that policy), which was also included in a warrant to search President Biden’s Delaware home.
 

Nvidia can’t lose. On Wednesday, the AI chipmaker announced another quarter of record earnings, beating Wall Street’s sky-high expectations. The company is now worth $2.5 trillion—more than Amazon and Alphabet (Google)—and is planning a 10-for-1 stock split to make its $1,000 shares more attainable for everyday investors.
 

Graceland is staying with the Presleys. A judge blocked the foreclosure of Elvis’ iconic estate a day before it was set to go to auction. The legal drama began when Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie, died in 2023, and a creditor claimed she used the property as collateral on a $3.8 million loan. The judge suspects the claim is fraudulent.

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