U.S. NEWS

Shot/Reverse Shot

President Trump signed an executive order overhauling childhood vaccine schedules on Monday.

After a federal court blocked an earlier attempt to shift shot schedules in March, the new order cuts recommended shots from 18 diseases to 11 and splits the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate shots. (See the new schedule here.) POTUS said the changes address “an increase in autism diagnoses” connected to “rising rates of childhood shots,” while leaving vaccine decisions “to the parents.”

Some doctors had a second opinion. The American Academy of Pediatrics says 40+ studies found “unequivocally” no vaccine-autism link, and Senator-with-an-MD Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said #47 “does not have the expertise to make these changes.” As the U.S. faces its worst measles outbreak since 2000, experts fear splitting MMR produces vulnerability windows, and requiring multiple a-poke-ments creates barriers for low-income families.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
While debates about vaccines can stir up strong emotions and fear, Christians should be known by our faithfulness to serve our ill or healthy neighbors, not by the strength of our political stances.

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Quake in Colombia

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia Monday, leaving at least 250 dead, over 600 injured, and thousands more missing.

The strongest earthquake in Colombia in 50 years occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time in Chocó, a poor, remote region ~250 miles west of Bogotá and along the volcanic Ring of Fire (see our quick geology refresher here), while tremors could be felt as far as surrounding Ecuador and Panama. More than 1,600 structures suffered damage from the quake, including 60 collapsed buildings (some caught on camera).

First responders have been combing rubble for survivors, but areas closer to the quake’s epicenter are only accessible by boat or plane, making rescue and relief difficult. Colombia’s sworn-in-five-days-ago president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has declared a state of emergency and mobilized “the entire military and police apparatus” as efforts continue.

(We’re covering this story tomorrow at a 7th-grade reading level with biblical reflection and action steps in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up free in just one click to get it in your inbox.)

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PRAY WITH US
Relentless Shepherd, as first responders go boldly into danger, grant them endurance, skill, and success. Bind the wounds of those who have been shaken in body and spirit; comfort those who mourn lost loved ones. Feed those who are suddenly lacking food, work, and community so that they want for nothing. Strengthen weary hands for the long work of rebuilding.

Immovable God, set our feet on solid ground, and set our eyes on Your unshakeable kingdom. Thank You, Father, for Your promise of an indestructible world. Prepare us for it, even in our weakness and mortality, growing our reverence and awe by the power of Your Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen. (read full prayer here)

POLITICS

Primary-Palooza

The six-state primary stage was set in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Carolina, Alabama, Vermont, and Connecticut yesterday.

All blue eyes were on swing-state Wisconsin’s gubernatorial Democratic bid between democratic socialist Rep. Hong and Milwaukee County Executive Crowley, mirroring Michigan’s recent progressive-vs-moderate clash. Hong’s grassroots campaign rose to fame despite scrutiny over past social media posts, but some Dems worry she won’t survive the general election against Trump-backed GOP Rep. Tiffany.

In Minnesota, President Trump’s winning endorsement streak was tested by backing former MyPillow CEO Lindell, who has faced multiple lawsuits, in the Republican primary. The winner will take on Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN) to replace Governor Walz (D) in a state embattled with immigration controversy and welfare fraud.

Meanwhile, Senator Darline Graham faced nine Republican challengers to replace her late brother Senator Lindsey Graham on South Carolina’s November ballot.

See each state’s winner here.

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Verse to consider whether you’re watching the polls, watching your tongue, or watching for a pot to boil, “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”
Exodus 15:2 (CSB) (read full passage)

Thirty years later, Tupac’s murder is on trial. Duane "Keffe D" Davis (63), a former South Side Compton Crips gang leader, is accused of orchestrating the 1996 shooting of the late rapper and has pleaded not guilty. Davis’ own 2019 memoir connected him to the shooting, reviving the conspiracy-riddled cold case; his lawyers say he embellished for money. (See what the trial still won’t answer.)


NOAA confirmed it: July was Uncle Sam’s hottest month on record. Data released Monday showed temps in the U.S. (sans Hawaii and Alaska) averaged 76.9°F. Several heat domes brought scorching days from the East Coast to the Plains and Southwestern states, and sparked wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. Looking to migrate north? Alaska had its coolest July since 2008.


The Patriot Games crowned the nation’s best male and female high school athletes yesterday. President Trump traveled to Ohio for the finale of the competition created to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, where 120 teens (one boy and girl per state, plus some territories and tribal nations) competed to split a $250K scholarship pool. A recap airs tomorrow on ABC; peek at them doin’ all the verbs here.


President Trump made a sleuthy plane swap on his return journey from Turkey’s NATO summit last month. Responding to a possible Iranian threat, POTUS boarded Air Force One, slipped into a catering truck, flew via a different military plane, then publicly deplaned from another AF1 after secretly reboarding (see how the switcheroo worked). Reporters aren’t thrilled that they were flown on the decoy plane.


Your cereal might get some new homework. The FDA proposed a rule Monday requiring food manufacturers to show their work and report when using ingredients labeled “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), closing a loophole allowing companies to bypass oversight and self-certify safety (let us explain what GRAS is here). Critics say it doesn’t pull understudied ingredients off the shelves (just requires notification) and leaves enforcement questions open.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

A visual of airplane wake turbulence...

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