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POLITICS

Gunshots

Former President Trump is safe “following gunshots in his vicinity” yesterday.

Trump was golfing at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida, around 2:00 p.m. when Secret Service agents saw a person hiding with an AK-47 rifle a few holes ahead and opened fire. The suspect ran but was quickly apprehended on the interstate by a flood of local police officers; no injuries were reported.

Shortly after, the FBI announced it was investigating “an apparent assassination attempt” on Trump.

The former President––who has had bolstered security details since the assassination attempt on him 64 days prior in Butler, PA––is reportedly “in good spirits” and publicly praised the Secret Service for acting quickly. The White House said President Biden and VP Harris were briefed and “relieved” #45 was safe.
 
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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
In times of fear and violence, we turn to “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). Join us in praying for peace to overcome our nation.

“Almighty God… Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home… all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 
The Book of Common Prayer, “For Our Nation,” #39.

WEATHER

Damages

Some major storms are wreaking havoc around the world.

In Southeast Asia, Typhoon Yagi—Asia’s most powerful storm this year—brought torrential rain and winds exceeding 90 mph, killing 250 people and injuring 800 more in Vietnam. Even after weakening, the storm caused dangerous river swells and prolonged downpours, significantly damaging northern Vietnam’s export-focused industrial hubs. Hundreds of thousands of children lost their homes and now lack access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.

Search and rescue efforts for 80+ missing people continue as floodwaters recede. 

Meanwhile, Storm Boris triggered massive flooding and evacuations across central Europe. Eight people have drowned across Austria, Poland, and Romania, and four others are missing in the Czech Republic. The storm brought a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours, and the forecast isn’t easing up until at least tonight. 
 
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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
In the wake of these devastating storms, pray not only for protection and prosperity—temporary blessings—but also for Christ’s light to shine through his compassionate, generous followers on the ground. The blessings of the gospel are eternal. 

“Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you… You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials.”
1 Peter 1:3-4, 6 (CSB) (read full passage)

Update: Thanks for your generosity! We quickly reached our match for Operation Blessing’s Hurricane Francine relief efforts in Louisiana. OB is a faith-based non-profit with boots on the ground and a record of doing great work; please continue to support their work.

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U.S. NEWS

Springfield

Springfield, OH, has been thrust into the political spotlight.

In recent years, the arrival of ~15,000 Haitian immigrants has reshaped the town outside Columbus (total population ~58,000); the boom has caused tension with locals over housing and work opportunities and general “friction” between neighbors. 

Recently, a Facebook post circulated claiming a Haitian woman killed and ate a neighbor’s cat; former President Trump referenced this during Tuesday’s debate, putting Springfield at the center of the national conversation about immigration reform.

Over the weekend, Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH) acknowledged the town’s growing pains but said claims of pets being eaten are “simply not true.” He praised Haitians in Springfield, saying they immigrated there legally to work, and criticized recent accusations for endangering the community; bomb threats forced schools to be closed both Thursday and Friday.
 
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Verse to consider when you’re deciding what to say about a hot topic… “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 (CSB) (read full passage)

TV had its shining moment last night at the 76th annual Emmy Awards. Father and son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, co-stars in the Emmy-winning sitcom Schitt’s Creek, hosted the ABC production. FX’s The Bear roared with 23 nominations, including outstanding comedy series. Meanwhile, Shōgun, another FX series, led the outstanding drama pack with 25 noms. 
 

Pope Francis said Friday that he doesn’t envy Americans’ choice this November. The head of the Catholic Church said “the one who kicks out migrants” and the “one who kills babies” are both “against life,” saying voters must choose “the lesser of two evils.” He said he didn’t know which “evil” was lesser, encouraging Americans to vote with their “conscience.”
 

Get out of “jail”... but not for free. Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes lifted the country-wide ban on X after the social media platform paid a $3.3 million fine for "spreading fake news," failing to name a local legal representative, and ignoring a deadline for compliance with court orders as required by Brazilian law.
 

That seashell collection will have to wait... In 2025, China will gradually raise its retirement age to address its shrinking population and aging workforce. Over 15 years, the retirement age will increase from 60 to 63 for men and from 55 to 58 for women in white-collar jobs (it’ll rise from 50 to 55 for women in blue-collar jobs).
 

Boar’s Head hopes it’s decapitated its listeria problem. The meat & cheese company announced Friday that an internal investigation determined the contamination was due to a specific process used to produce liverwurst at a plant in Virginia; it’s closing the plant and permanently discontinuing the sale of liverwurst. The recent listeria outbreak killed at least nine people and hospitalized 50 more.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The most beautiful streets around the world…

What We’re Celebrating
ICM’s Groundbreakers*

Sometimes, social media can feel like a real hindrance to discipleship. But not with ICM!

ICM partners with indigenous ministries around the world to make disciples among their local populations… and they’re using technology to support believers in places where in-person discipleship is often not possible. Their monthly giving program, Groundbreakers, provides a secure virtual place for believers like Abdul to grow in places where following Jesus is illegal.

Many regions remain hostile to Christianity, but Groundbreakers supports Christians there anyway. TPO will match the first $1,000 given by new Groundbreakers today.

What We’re Using Online
Surfshark’s VPN

Tired of seeing the same five sneaker ads on Facebook?

A good VPN will hide your IP address to prevent tracking across the internet, hiding your activity from cybercriminals and relentless advertisers (who just can’t take a hint). It also adds another layer of security, keeping your private conversations private by encrypting your internet connection. 

So, if you’re tired of feeling like social media is listening in on your life, go soundproof with Surfshark. Try it for less than $3/month and get an extra three months!