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The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a “public health emergency of international concern.”

The declaration came Sunday after 80 reported deaths, eight lab-confirmed cases, and 246 suspected cases were identified as the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved treatment or vaccine. The outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency (maybe you remember COVID-19?), but officials warn the scale could be “much larger” than currently reported.  

Two cases, including one death, have been confirmed in Uganda among travelers from Congo. The WHO’s declaration aims to mobilize other countries to action, as response efforts have been complicated by local conflict, population mobility, and informal health facilities. 

Authorities urged neighboring countries to establish monitoring measures but advised against closing borders, saying such moves are usually “implemented out of fear.”

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PRAY WITH US
God Our Refuge, bring under the shadow of your wings those who have lost loved ones to this disease. Give them the enduring comfort of the good news of forgiveness and eternal life in the face of this terribly bad news of corruption and death. Be a refuge, a fortress, a friend for the sick who have been quarantined, separated from their support systems. Give doctors and public health officials skill for healing, communication, and containment. Bless the work of scientists and biomedical engineers racing to find new methods of protection. And shower the public with steadying grace—healing, protecting, and renewing the world through your Word by the power of your Spirit. 
Amen.

President Trump said U.S. and Nigerian forces took out “the most active terrorist in the world” Friday night.

Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, believed to be the second in command of ISIS globally, was reportedly killed along with “several of his lieutenants” in a “very complex” helicopter-borne assault on his Lake Chad island compound. Nigerian officials reported no Nigerian or American casualties in the three-hour firefight, describing the “daring joint operation” as proof of growing cooperation between the Giant of Africa and Lady Liberty.

The Islamic State has shifted south in recent years—90% of its attacks happen in sub-Saharan Africa—and is especially active in Nigeria. Al-Minuki had been linked to attacks targeting civilians and minorities, including 2018’s kidnapping of over 100 schoolgirls. 

Military analysts are poring through recovered records to learn about ISIS activities.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
While celebrating justice for victims and protection of the vulnerable, believers simultaneously work to obey Jesus’s radical command to love our enemies—including terrorists—and pray for those who persecute us.

“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:43-45 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Reports from last week’s U.S.-China summit are a bit of a he-said Xi-said. 

Returning on Air Force One Friday, President Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as an “incredible guy” and touted “fantastic trade deals”—including China buying 200 Boeing jets and billions in soybeans. Xi said the summit represented a new era of “constructive strategic stability” after last year’s trade war, but Beijing hasn’t confirmed buying Boeings or beans.

On Taiwan, which emerged as the summit’s stickiest sticking point, Trump said he’s reconsidering the previously authorized, Xi-opposed $11B arms package for the semiconductor hub—a potential break with decades of U.S. precedent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists policy hasn’t changed. 

Xi is scheduled to come to Washington in September, two months before the current U.S.-China tariff pause is set to expire.

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Verse to consider whether the relationships you’re working on are international or domestic; and whether you’re talking trade deals or chore duties… “Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 
Romans 12:17-18 (CSB) (read full passage)

Senator Bill Cassidy lost his reelection bid Saturday, finishing third behind Trump-backed challenger Rep. Julia Letlow and State Treasurer John Fleming in Louisiana’s Republican primary. Cassidy, one of seven GOP Senators who voted to convict President Trump in his second impeachment trial, thanked supporters, saying sometimes democracy “doesn’t turn out the way you want.” Letlow and Fleming face a June 27 runoff.

Napoleon Solo dominated Saturday’s 151st Preakness Stakes. Entering with 7-1 odds, he stormed past favorite Taj Mahal to win by 1 ¼ lengths at Laurel Park in Maryland, holding off Iron Honor down the stretch. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo skipped the race—the third Derby champ in the last five years to sit leg two out—dashing Triple Crown hopes early.

Bulgaria brought a bangar to Eurovision. Bulgarian singer Dara stole the show Saturday at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with her party anthem “Bangaranga,” beating out 24 other sequined competitors and giving the European country its first Eurovision victory. The underdog country’s win came amid controversy; five countries boycotted, and hundreds gathered to protest Israel’s inclusion in the contest.

One of Ukraine’s largest drone strikes on Russia killed at least four people—three of them near Moscow—and wounded a dozen others this weekend. Wreckage fell on Russia’s busiest airport but didn’t cause damage. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the barrage of 500+ drones was an “entirely justified” response to Russian attacks like last week’s strike on Kyiv that killed 24.

Ronda Rousey didn’t waste her comeback. In her first fight in nearly a decade, the former UFC champ submitted Gina Carano with her signature armbar 17 seconds into Saturday’s main event; it had been nearly 17 years since Carano’s last fight. The event, put on by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, was streamed live on Netflix.

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