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U.S. NEWS

Not Lovin’ It

Ronald’s in the dog house.

E. coli outbreaks linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders have hit at least ten states. Most cases are concentrated in Colorado and Nebraska, but the CDC has warned the outbreak may spread further. So far, 49 people have reported illness after eating the burger, leading to ten hospitalizations and one death.

Investigators believe the slivered onions on the Quarter Pounders are the likely culprit, but no official details have been released about where the onions were grown or if other restaurants were affected. In response, Mickey D’s has pulled both the onions and Quarter Pounder patties from menus in impacted areas.

McDonald’s president praised the company’s “swift and decisive action” in removing the QP from the menu and remains “very confident” that it is safe to eat under the Golden Arches. 
 
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Verse to consider when news of disease outbreaks or anything else unsettling sends your thoughts spinning… “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

ELECTION

Fightin’ Words

With 11 days until Election Day, the gloves are coming off. 

VP Harris is campaigning heavily on new comments by John Kelly, former President Trump’s longest-serving chief of staff, who said #45 “falls into the general definition of fascist” and claims Trump repeatedly praised Hitler behind closed doors. The former President says Kelly “made up” the comments, calling him a “lowlife.”

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) traded her blue-then-purple badge for a red one on Tuesday, criticizing Harris as “anti-freedom” and announcing that she’s officially joining the GOP, which she called “the party of common sense.”

This week, Harris held a rally in Georgia alongside former President Obama and plans to visit the Lone Star State today for an event focused on abortion rights. Trump held rallies in Arizona and Nevada and will record a podcast with Joe Rogan today. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
During any election season, it’s easy to see the shortcomings of our opponents and cast ourselves in the right. When we find ourselves grumbling about others, we must remember to check our own hearts.

“‘Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:3-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD NEWS

Restarting Negotiations?

As fighting in the Middle East rages on, Secretary of State Blinken says ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel will resume.

During his 11th trip to Israel since the war began, Blinken said Israel has accomplished the objective of “effectively dismantling” Hamas and that negotiations—which stalled over the summer—will continue “in the coming days.” It is not clear whether Hamas is ready to engage after the recent death of its leader; neither side has expressed willingness to soften its demands.

And the fighting isn’t letting up. Palestinian medical officials say a strike in central Gaza yesterday killed 17 people (mostly women and children) in a school-turned-shelter. Israel says it was targeting Hamas militants hiding among civilians.

This week, Israel also reported killing the Hezbollah official next in line to be the Lebanon-based terrorist group’s leader.

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RADIATE HOPE
Believers have hope in the midst of darkness because Emmanuel is present with us. Our Living God has removed the sting of death so that it’s powerless against those who love him.

“‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-58 (CSB) (read full passage)

Still no takeoff in sight. Boeing machinists rejected a new labor contract proposal on Wednesday, extending their weeks-long strike. The proposal included a 35% raise over four years, a $7,000 bonus, and increased company contributions to 401ks, but did not resurrect the company’s pension––a key demand of many union members. Analysts estimate the strike is costing Boeing $1 billion/month.
 

While Boeing is stuck on the tarmac, air taxis may take to the skies soon(ish). The FAA just issued the final rules to clear the electric-powered flying vehicles for takeoff—and they’re straight out of “the Jetsons” (see pics). Tech optimists predict the vertical-takeoff, compact, low-flying, quiet aircraft will be used daily for zero-emissions ride-sharing and deliveries by the 2040s.
 

The U.S. has evidence of North Korea sending 3,000 troops to Russia, possibly for deployment in Ukraine––a move that could mark a significant escalation in the neighbors’ war. U.S. Defense Secretary Austin said it would be “very, very serious” if North Koreans fought alongside the Russians. Moscow and Pyongyang dismissed the reports as false and baseless.
 

The basketball doesn’t fall far from the tree. In the LA Lakers’ season opener Tuesday night, Lebron and Bronny James took to the court together as the NBA’s first father-son duo. James Sr. began his career the year before Bronny was born and tipped off his record-tying 22nd season this week; Tuesday’s game was James Jr.’s regular-season debut.
 

The Dodgers and Yankees will play ball tonight in the 120th World Series. You’ll probably have to watch from the couch… seats at Game 1 were >$1,100— the spendiest in Fall Classic history. The star of the Series will be Shohei Ohtani, whose historic 50/50 ball (50 homers and 50 swipes in one season) was auctioned for a record $4.39M.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The 25 most beautiful beaches in the world…

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