Read Time: 5 min 57 sec | Listen to Podcast

Burgers aren’t the only thing getting grilled this 4th of July weekend.

Starting today, meteorologists forecast hotter-than-normal (possibly record-breaking) temperatures for ~230M across the Midwest and eastern half of the U.S. High humidity will push many indices into the triple-digits, and experts warn overnight temps will provide little relief, increasing heat-related health risks.

Northeasterners could catch a break by the holiday weekend, but Midwesterners and Southerners should start buying Bomb Pops. (Check your local forecast for the 4th.)

Extreme heat and drought is also fueling the country’s largest current wildfire. The Cottonwood Fire in southern Utah has burned nearly 92k acres and is 0% contained. Gov. Cox declared a state of emergency Friday, restricting personal fireworks through July 5, and Salt Lake City’s NWS issued its first ever “particularly dangerous situation red flag warning.”

__

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Massive weather events and natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. But Christians can look forward to an eternity where there’s redemption not just for people, but for creation itself.

“For the creation was subjected to futility — not willingly, but because of him who subjected it — in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.”
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)

The tentative U.S.-Iran peace deal got a little more tentative this weekend.

Fresh conflict began when Iran struck a commercial tanker traveling without its authorization through the Strait of Hormuz; the U.S. responded by hitting Iranian military infrastructure; then Tehran targeted U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, which saw minor damage. President Trump threatened “to militarily complete the job,” while Iran threatened a “complete halt” in peace talks, insisting Tehran alone must control the Strait.

Peace is also elusive in Lebanon, which signed a U.S.-brokered peace framework with Israel Friday… but Hezbollah (an Iran-backed terror group) rejected it Saturday.

Further north, Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia and Crimea on Friday, kicking off a 40-day operation “aimed at compelling [Russia] to end the war.”

__

PRAY WITH US
When our news feed fills with violence and chaos, we’re often pulled into a spiral of anxieties. But believers have an anchor in Jesus, whose peace pierces the darkness now and will one day shatter it completely (Romans 16:20). Come to Him in faith.

Mighty God, you are never caught by surprise or overpowered. By your overwhelming strength, work peace across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Overcome evildoers; comfort those who are mourning; protect the vulnerable; strengthen those who will rebuild; and bring order from chaos so that warring nations and their neighbors will taste and see the goodness of the One True King.

Is news of wars making you feel helpless? Pray for peace negotiations alongside TPO writers Jason and Steph in today’s 5-minute audio devotional, Praying the News.

Severe drought is devastating East Africa, leaving more than 6 million Somalis facing hunger; wells have dried up, and families are starving. One mother, Amira, walked hundreds of miles to find help, telling a World Concern staff member, “We are as good as dead. If you don’t help us, we may not be here tomorrow.”

Thousands of families are in the same situation…

World Concern’s Drought Survival Kit provides a family with access to clean water, food vouchers to purchase staples, like rice and flour, and emergency supplies.

BE DOERS
A gift of $16 saves a life; a gift of $81 sends a full Drought Survival Kit to a family, and because TPO is matching the first $4K given, your generosity stretches even further; join TPO and World Concern in bringing water to the thirsty.

“If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,’ but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?”
James 2:15-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

Curious how we choose sponsors?  Learn more  |  Advertise with us

The World Cup kicked off its do-or-die round of 32 yesterday.

Canada beat South Africa 1-0 in the first knockout fixture, with fifteen more this week (see bracket). Cape Verde, one of nine African nations to reach the knockouts, became the least-populated country to ever make it past the group stage. Their Cinderella story continues July 3 against Argentina, which is fresh off a 3-1 victory over Jordan where the GOAT bleated Lionel Messi scored again, in a record seventh consecutive World Cup game.

The U.S. plays Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium Wednesday.

In basketball news, the WNBA handed Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas a one-game suspension for “recklessly making contact” with Caitlin Clark’s throat. No foul was called during the game, which Clark’s coach called “absolutely unacceptable.”

__

Verse to consider whether you feel like the front runner or the underdog today… “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Venezuela earthquake death toll has surged to at least 1,430, and is expected to rise as the critical 72-hour survivor window closed Saturday with ~68,000 people reportedly still missing. It’s estimated the quakes caused $6.7B in damage. The U.S. is sending $150M in relief and is among 27 countries that sent rescue workers.

California’s Billionaire Tax Act is heading to November’s ballot despite opposition from Gov. Newsom (D) and other top Democrats. If passed, it would charge a one-time 5% tax on Californians with a net worth over $1B. Advocates say it will raise $100B in revenue for programs like Medicaid; critics say it will drive away the state’s wealthiest taxpayers.

DC’s Supergirl crash-landed in its opening weekend. The comic book adaptation starring Milly Alcock as Superman’s cousin earned an underwhelming $38M domestically, well below the studio’s $50M target and the film’s $170M price tag (not including marketing). Critics gave it a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences a B- on CinemaScore, and the box office gave it second place behind Toy Story 5.

John Bolton pleaded guilty Friday to mishandling classified information. President Trump’s former national security advisor-turned-critic admitted to retaining classified info for his memoir about Oval Office ops; the info was then stolen by foreign hackers. Under the plea, Bolton will be fined $2.25M, forfeit his federal pension, and faces up to 5 years in prison.

NYC’s Rent Guidelines Board voted to freeze rent on ~1 million apartments, fulfilling Mayor Mamdani’s signature campaign promise. Thursday’s vote (7-1) caps annual rent increases for ~2M tenants starting October 1, marking the Big Apple’s first-ever freeze on two-year leases. Landlord groups, who warn the freeze will hamper necessary upkeep of aging buildings, are eyeing a legal challenge.

This was pretty… emotional.

Why We Feel Good About Our Kids’ Screen Time
Because they’re watching Yippee TV*

Summer’s here, and it’s brought all the “I’m bored”s and pleas to watch TV. Sometimes, you just need a simple win or a calm moment…

That’s why we love Yippee. It’s ad-free streaming meets Christian values, filled with positive shows and movies made with kids in mind. No more running to the living room to intercept sketchy recommendations or exit autoplay. It’ll have your kids laughing, learning, singing, moving, and growing all summer long.

Turn “one more episode” from a dread-filled question to one you can delight in. Try your first month of Yippee free with code TPOFREE.

What’s Helping Us Pray More
The PrayMore App*

Grocery lists, what’s for dinner, a fight from yesterday… when it comes to having a consistent prayer life, distraction seems to be one of our biggest enemies. That’s why PrayMore launched Prayer Challenges to help fight back.

Think: a Bible plan for prayer. PrayMore offers five unique challenges (including content from Prayer by Crossway) to meet you where you are. Each one includes Scripture, a short devo, space to capture a personal reflection, and a carefully crafted prayer; most even have an audio version with meditative background music.

Don’t let distraction keep you from the Lord. Get started with one of these free challenges today!

Referral count: {{rp_num_referrals}}
Referral link: {{rp_refer_url}})