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POLITICS

Mamdaniquake

Zohran Mamdani becoming Democrats’ presumptive NYC Mayoral nominee has caused a political earthquake.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old NY state representative and democratic socialist, was polling at just 1% in January but has seen success with his digitally savvy campaign that promised to freeze rent and make buses free—by raising city taxes on businesses and the wealthy—and “reject Donald Trump’s fascism.” It resonated with NYC Democrats frustrated by the high cost of city livin’ and lack of coordinated opposition to President Trump’s 2.0 agenda.

Some national Democrats have rallied behind Mamdani, while others seem hesitant.

Business leaders and Republicans have been loudly critical, with President Trump saying Mamdani is a “100% communist lunatic.” They point to Mamdani’s past support for defunding police, his staunch opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza, and other progressive policy proposals.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Our hope is never contingent on a political outcome; it’s much more secure than that. Regardless of whether things get worse or better during your lifetime, everything eventually ends well for followers of Christ.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” 
Philippians 3:20 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Mixed Reports

Information from U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites is trickling out. 

Israeli intelligence suggested the damage was “very significant,” and President Trump said Iran’s nuclear facilities were “obliterated.” A leaked preliminary U.S. intelligence report, however, claimed Iran’s nuclear program was only set back a few months.

The White House rejected the leak as “fake news,” later calling the report “inconclusive,” and pointing to the Israeli assessment. CIA Director Ratcliffe followed up by saying his agency had credible intelligence that “several key” nuclear facilities were destroyed. 

Iran hasn’t released its own assessment yet, but its missiles are staying put for now, as the Iran-Israel ceasefire appears to be holding. Trump says the U.S. plans to chat with Iran next week and that they “may sign an agreement.”

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Verse to consider in the midst of uncertainty… God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD NEWS

Bezos Wedding Bash

Venice has swapped its gondolas for yachts ahead of Jeff Bezos’s wedding. 

The Prime Amazonian and journalist Lauren Sánchez are tying the knot today as part of a multi-day, $76 million celebration; the 200+ guest list includes A-listers from Oprah Winfrey to Mick Jagger. In lieu of an Amazon registry, the couple is donating to the city in the guests’ honor. 

The high-profile nuptials continue to draw objections both online and in Venice over their extravagance and effect on the fragile floating city. Protesters have been taking to the streets canals as part of the “No Space for Bezos” campaign in an effort to disrupt the “I dos.”  

City officials say they’re “very proud” to host the “wedding of the century.” J&L are reportedly relying on about 80% of local Venetian vendors and organizations for their big day.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
The world has different priorities than God does, and many eternally insignificant things are compelling for a season. These things may not be wrong to follow, but neither should they consume our attention.

“‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything builds up… So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 
1 Corinthians 10:23, 31 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for South Carolina to strip funding for Planned Parenthood from the state’s Medicaid program, opening the door for other states to follow suit. The split decision touched on Planned Parenthood funding in a roundabout way; the case was about the nuances of who is eligible to sue Medicaid (healthcare for low-income individuals that is operated by states but federally funded)… riveting stuff.
 

Not all Bumble relationships make it. The dating app announced it is laying off 240 employees—about 30% of its global workforce. The Texas-based company says it expects $40M in annual savings from the staff cuts, which it will invest in product development. Wall Street swiped right on the news, sending Bumble’s stock up 25% Wednesday.
 

The Dallas Mavericks snagged Duke guard Cooper Flagg with the NBA’s No. 1 pick—to nobody’s surprise. San Antonio snagged Dylan Harper next, followed by V.J. Edgecombe to Philly and Kon Knueppel to Charlotte. The biggest surprise of the night came when Portland swiped 7’1” Yang Hensen from China at No. 16—way earlier than expected.
 

Faith Kipyegon failed to become the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile yesterday but still logged a fastest-ever time of 4:06.91. It’s not an official record because Kipyegon—who was decked out in Nike prototypes, including super-light shoes and a drag-reducing bodysuit—had a team of sprinters to draft from. Roger Banister became the first man to break the four-minute barrier in 1954.
 

Kenya is protesting. At least eight people were killed and hundreds injured in Nairobi on Wednesday as anti-government demonstrations turned violent. The protests marked the anniversary of the deadly 2024 tax-related unrest and were part of the ongoing youth-led outcries over corruption, police brutality, and rising taxes. Kenya’s interior minister called the unrest “terrorism disguised as dissent” and an attempted coup.

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