U.S. NEWS

Lindsey Graham Dies

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died Saturday night at age 71 after a “brief and sudden illness.”

Police scanner audio indicates that emergency personnel responded to a “cardiac arrest” call at Graham’s Capitol Hill residence. Staff said Graham gave no indication of feeling unwell prior to his death.

The conservative Republican was elected to the Senate in 2002 and was running for a fifth term. Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a critic-turned-ally of President Trump, the retired Air Force colonel was an influential GOP voice on defense and foreign policy. #47 called the South Carolinian “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.”

SC Republicans must hold a special primary by August 11 to choose their new November candidate, and Gov. McMaster (R) will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until January 3.

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RADIATE HOPE
Unexpected deaths confront us with the brevity and fragility of human life. The hope of resurrection doesn’t mean we don’t grieve real sorrows, but reminds us that death will not have the final word. Pray for the late senator’s loved ones, for his colleagues, and for South Carolinians to experience the comfort and hope of Jesus.

“On this mountain… up death once and for all. The LORD GOD will wipe away the tears... On that day it will be said, ‘Look, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he has saved us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him. Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation.’”
Isaiah 25:7–9 (CSB) (read full passage)

Jason & Steph will lead a 5-minute guided prayer for when a public figure passes in Wednesday’s edition of Praying the News (PTN). Sign up here, we’ll text you.

POLITICS

Law and Land

A landmark housing bill automatically became law Saturday, after President Trump declined to sign or veto during its 10-day review window.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes 40+ provisions to cut housing costs and increase supply, including easing building regulations and limiting Wall Street’s purchase of single-family homes. The bill passed Congress with flying bipartisan colors, but President Trump withheld his signature to protest Congress not passing the SAVE Act (election reform).

Meanwhile:

• President Trump flexed his new SCOTUS-approved authority to remove independent commissioners, firing two members of the Election Assistance Commission; a third (and final) member resigned.
• The Department of the Interior narrowed the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act to allow for “modification or degradation” of a habitat as long as no endangered animals were killed.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Action (and inaction) out of D.C. frequently makes people think, speak, and act poorly… including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we are quick to listen and slow to speak.

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.”
James 1:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

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“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40 (CSB) (read full passage)

World News

Canadian Festival Shooting

Two suspects remain at large after a shooting at a Toronto street festival killed two and injured six Saturday.

Gunfire broke out around 8:12 p.m. at the 22nd annual Salsa on St. Clair, Toronto’s largest Latin culture festival. Police initially warned of an active shooter, sending some of the ~13,000 attendees fleeing in a panicked rush, before determining the gunfire was an exchange between two people who, police said, “indiscriminately put vast numbers of people in danger.” Investigators recovered two firearms and are working three crime scenes, believing the shooters moved through the crowd. No motive has been confirmed, and no arrests made.

A deputy police chief noted the rarity of such shootings in Toronto, calling it “one of the safest cities in the world.”

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PRAY WITH US
God of Mercy, come near to Toronto as its sense of order and security has been shattered. Come near to the victims’ loved ones as their world rips apart. Come near to the wounded and heal their hurts. Come near to all who witnessed this violence and its effects as they live with new and unwanted memories. In the wake of tragedy and chaos, bring your healing and peace. Amen.

The table is set for a pitch-perfect World Cup semifinals, as FIFA’s top four-ranked teams all advanced for the first time ever. On Tuesday, Spain plays France, who has outscored opponents 16-2. On Wednesday, England plays Argentina, who beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time after another controversial call; Swiss striker Breel Embolo was given a red card for “simulation” (a.k.a. “flopping”).

A passenger was partially sucked through a dislodged window on a Ryanair flight Friday. Engine debris struck the plane after takeoff from Thessaloniki, Greece, pulling the man’s head and shoulders outside the plane before his wife and other passengers pulled him back in. The 61-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries and friction burns; the incident is under investigation.

Uncle Sam’s Saturday deadline for Iran to cede control of the Strait of Hormuz came and went, prompting the U.S. to strike 140 Iranian military targets. In another sign peace talks aren’t going well, Israeli intelligence reportedly tipped off the White House to an Iranian plot to assassinate President Trump, who said he’d “left instructions” to destroy Iran if they do.

More than 1,500 people have come down with explosive diarrhea from a foodborne parasitic infection this month. The largest outbreak of cyclospora infections (a parasite that causes intestinal illness) is in Michigan, with over two dozen other states reporting cases. Health officials haven’t pinned down a source, but are advising people to thoroughly wash produce and cook veggies when possible.

The DOJ served four New York Times journalists with subpoenas Friday after they reported on security concerns with the Qatari-gifted plane used as Air Force One. The DOJ said it’s investigating leaks of “classified information impacting national security,” while The Times condemned it as an attack on free press. The journalists were ordered to testify before a Manhattan federal grand jury next week.

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