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Policy Flip spam

Read Time: 5 min 46 sec | Listen to Podcast

─────── July 10, 2026 ───────

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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“If you are in Christ, you have a Friend who, in your sorrow, will never lob down a pep talk from heaven. He cannot bear to hold himself at a distance. Nothing can hold him back. His heart is too bound up with yours.”
Dane Ortlund

ESPRESSO SHOTS

WORLD NEWS

Ceasefire Over

The Iran War appears to be back on.

Uncle Sam accused Iran of attacking three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz Monday and launched “a series of powerful strikes” in response. The two sides have exchanged strikes since, and the Strait is closed.

President Trump says he considers the ceasefire to be “over,” calling Iranian leaders “scum” and later saying Tehran called and wants to “make a deal so badly.”

It’s not the only foreign policy flip. While in Turkey for the 36th NATO Summit, President Trump:

Said Ukraine would receive a license to produce Patriot interceptor missiles and indicated support for Kyiv’s deep strikes inside Russia
Suggested he’ll remove Syria from the U.S. terrorism list for the first time since 1979
Ordered the U.S. to stop trade with Spain over insufficient NATO spending

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Be quick to point to God and give Him the credit for your hope, strength, and love during times dominated by uncertainty and fear. Even in the midst of chaos, our eternity is secure.

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLITICS

Senate Scramble

Democratic nominee Graham Platner has dropped out of the Maine Senate race.

The Marine-turned-oyster-farmer was recently accused of sexually assaulting a former girlfriend in 2021. It’s the latest in a string of scandals prompting top Democrats to call for his exit. In an 11-minute video posted Wednesday (watch here), Platner called the allegations “false” but said he was forced to “suspend campaign operations” because of his party’s threats to withdraw funding and voter data, criticizing a “system built structurally to make sure that movements like ours cannot flourish.”

Now, the Maine Democratic Party will hold a convention to choose Platner’s replacement by July 27; the nominee will face five-term incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

Maine is a must-win for Dems if they hope to gain control of the Senate from Republicans, who currently hold a three-seat majority.

Verse to consider, no matter who’s on the ballot: Jesus is our King, and Heaven is our Home. “‘My kingdom is not of this world,’ said Jesus. ‘If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’”
John 18:36 (CSB) (read full passage)

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SPORTS

Russia’s Rings Return

The door to Los Angeles 2028 is cracking open for Russian Olympians.

Russia was suspended from the Olympic Games in 2018, 2020, and 2022 following a state-sponsored doping scandal, and from the 2024 Paris Games following its invasion of Ukraine. During the bans, athletes could compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (rules: no doping, no military ties, no public war support).

On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension, saying it no longer claims ownership of Ukraine’s Olympic organizations.

There are some asterisks. Each international sports federation (e.g., track and field) can still ban Russia, and another decision will be made on whether Russia’s flag and anthem will be welcome in Los Angeles.

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether we’re professional athletes, committee members, nursery volunteers, newsletter writers, or baristas, we have an opportunity every day to honor God in our work with the gifts He’s given us, and to show the love of Christ to those around us as we do.

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (CSB) (read full passage)

IN OTHER BREWS…

The envelope, please: Emmy nominations just dropped. At 25 noms, “The Pitt” nearly doubled its haul from last year, and comedy show “Hacks” went out on a high note with 24 for its farewell season, putting HBO Max ahead of the pack. Newcomers “Pluribus” and “Widow’s Bay” also flexed, teeing up another HBO v. Apple TV showdown (see full list).

Kentucky Gov. Beshear (D) urged Sen. McConnell’s (R-KY) office to share updates on the senator’s health Wednesday. The 84-year-old has been hospitalized for 3+ weeks, after medics responded to an emergency call at his Washington home last month. His office hasn’t disclosed details, prompting rumors McConnell may not return to office (possibly requiring a special election to fill his seat until January).

Egypt’s World Cup ends in a loss to Argentina and a formal complaint to FIFA. The day after Argentina rallied from 0-2 with 11 minutes left to a 3-2 victory over Egypt, Egypt alleged “serious refereeing mistakes,” including with the video assistant referee (VAR), saying FIFA wants “Messi to stay” because it’s “all about money.” FIFA has dismissed the allegations of bias.

Delta Air Lines is launching “basic” First Class and Business Class tickets that promise the same premium in-flight experience but give up other perks. The cheaper-but-still-expensive tickets come without airport lounge access or pick-your-own seat privileges, earn fewer miles, and feature fees for changes or cancellations. It follows a similar move by United Airlines earlier this year.

OpenAI’s most powerful trio just got cleared for launch. ChatGPT AI models Sol, Luna, and Terra debuted publicly yesterday after being piloted by a small group of partners. Uncle Sam requested the staggered rollout due to the models’ advanced capabilities. OpenAI also unveiled voice models that can listen and speak simultaneously, saying it feels like “having a real conversation.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The Artist was having fun with this one...

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