Today’s News at a Glance:

1. House Speaker Keven McCarthy launches a formal Biden impeachment inquiry.

2. Poverty rates have soared in the wake of the Covid-era child tax credit.

3. A new discovery of lithium in Nevada is a huge discovery to relieve modern-day slavery.

Today’s news reminds us that we all have a collective responsibility to the vulnerable people of this world. Does that mean you need to give up everything and leave your family to smuggle slaves out of North Korea? Not necessarily. We aim to think globally and act locally. We want to be aware of the world’s issues and take small steps in the right direction each day. A small donation here, some volunteering there, and a few acts of kindness in our community are like baby steps taken each day to slowly make the world a better place. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10.

We’re glad you’re here. We pray this take on the news leaves you informed and transformed.

“Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

Dear Lord,
Thank You that you are near to the broken, needy, and disinherited. No need is outside Your ability to provide. We pray that You would give us the same awareness toward those around us in need. May we be Your hands and feet in our communities, and always looking for ways to show Your self-sacrificial love and generosity. Give us eyes to see and hearts to move, ever-watchful of ways to carry out Your great commission. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Smaller Bites:

Here’s today’s news: cut short and sweet with a prayer…

1. McCarthy Launches Formal Biden Impeachment Inquiry

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has initiated a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden to investigate Biden's involvement in his son Hunter's overseas business affairs. The move is politically risky and has elicited a range of responses from both parties, including skepticism from within McCarthy's own Republican ranks. The inquiry polarizes an already divided Congress and electorate, and its outcomes could have far-reaching implications for the 2024 elections and beyond.

Heavenly Father, we lift up the leaders of this nation in these turbulent times, asking for wisdom and discernment to guide their decisions. May they be accountable not only to the electorate but also to You, the ultimate moral authority. Help us, the public, to withhold judgment until all facts are clear, and grant us the grace to engage in civil discourse, that we may come together as a nation under Your guidance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2. Poverty Rates Soar After End of Child Tax Credit

Recent data from the Census Bureau shows a significant increase in poverty rates in the United States, particularly among children, with the child poverty rate more than doubling from 5.2% in 2021 to 12.4% in 2022. The discontinuation of the enhanced child tax credit, a measure that had temporarily lifted 2.1 million children out of poverty, has contributed to the increase. The issue has become a focal point of bipartisan debate in Congress, as other economic indicators paint a mixed picture of the country's financial health.

Heavenly Father, we bring before you the pressing issue of rising poverty rates, especially among children. We pray for wisdom and compassion to fill the hearts of lawmakers as they debate policies that could alleviate this suffering. May we, as a society, be reminded of our responsibilities to protect the vulnerable and act justly, showing Your love to those who are most in need. Amen.

3. From Congo to Nevada: Why New Lithium Discovery Can Relieve Modern Slavery

A massive lithium deposit discovered in the McDermitt caldera in Nevada could significantly disrupt the global lithium market; early analysis estimates the reserves to be 700% larger than any known reserves on Earth. This discovery could lead to more ethical sourcing of lithium, offering an alternative to current exploitative labor practices in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lithium Americas Corporation plans to mine the Nevada deposit by 2026 and promises to uphold higher standards for labor and environmental practices.

Lord, we thank You for the discovery of this vast lithium reserve, which brings hope for a more ethical and sustainable future. We pray for wisdom and integrity for all involved in the mining, regulation, and usage of this resource. May this discovery be a catalyst for global conversations on ethical sourcing and labor practices, encouraging us to be better stewards of Your creation and more caring neighbors to those who suffer. Amen.

McCarthy Launches Formal Biden Impeachment Inquiry

In a highly charged political environment, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has initiated a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The move comes as McCarthy navigates complex dynamics within the Republican Party and has garnered responses that range from strong support to skepticism—not just from Democrats but from within his own ranks as well.

McCarthy's Formal Announcement
McCarthy, representing the Republican Party, announced that House committees would open a formal impeachment inquiry against President Biden. The objective, according to the California Republican, is to investigate the President's involvement in or benefit from his son Hunter Biden's overseas business affairs. It is worth noting that thus far, no evidence has substantiated claims that President Biden gained from his son's business activities or used his authority to favor them.

Pressure from Within the GOP
McCarthy faces intense internal pressure from hard-right members of his party, including threats to remove him from his Speaker position over budget disagreements. This initiative to scrutinize President Biden not only provides the GOP with more investigative power but also serves as a risky political gamble. Some Republicans have expressed reservations about this course of action, fearing that it may backfire in future elections without substantial evidence of misconduct by the President.

White House's Response
The White House denounced the inquiry as "extreme politics at its worst." Ian Sams, a White House spokesman, stated that previous GOP investigations have yielded no evidence of President Biden's wrongdoing. The Administration also maintains that the President has no involvement in his son's business activities.

Precedents and Intricacies
In a departure from his previous stance that any inquiry would require a vote, McCarthy decided not to hold one. He defended his position by citing a precedent set by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who initiated an impeachment inquiry against President Trump in 2019 without a vote. Some members of the Republican Party agree with McCarthy’s decision, arguing that a vote would only highlight internal divisions.

Legal Perspectives
Counsel for Hunter Biden have criticized the inquiry as an "impeachment-first, reason-second" process based on recycled and inaccurate claims about Hunter Biden. Nevertheless, House investigators intend to issue subpoenas for Hunter Biden’s bank records.

Voices Across the Aisle
Democrats have criticized the GOP for pushing ahead with the inquiry without evidence. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested that Republicans might be pursuing the impeachment to settle political scores and distract from former President Trump's legal issues.

Recent polls suggest impeachment is popular among Republican voters but less so among independents and Democrats. Approximately 80% of Republicans favor impeaching President Biden, while about 37% of independent voters and more than 90% of Democrats oppose the idea.

Conclusions and Implications
This announcement has far-reaching implications for both parties, as it further polarizes an already divided Congress and electorate. For McCarthy, the challenge lies in balancing pressure from the far-right factions within his party with the broader political implications of the inquiry. As both parties continue to investigate and debate the merits of the inquiry, the American public waits to see what concrete evidence—if any—emerges to warrant the serious step of impeachment.

Reflection
In these contentious times, we are reminded of Proverbs 18:17: "The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him." As believers, it is crucial to wait for all the facts before drawing conclusions and to pray for wisdom and discernment for all involved in this deeply divisive process. Both frontrunners for the 2024 election are under investigation, and we as believers must try with all our might to discern what’s happening, withhold harsh words towards those who disagree with us, and press forward with integrity.

For those in positions of power, Romans 13:1 comes to mind: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Here’s a concept. Being subject to authority doesn’t just apply to average citizens obeying the government. In a representative democracy, the people are the ultimate authority, and politicians are accountable to them. Leaders are in positions of responsibility to their electorate but ultimately to a higher moral authority - God.

Poverty Rates Soar After End of Child Tax Credit

Recent data from the Census Bureau has unveiled a startling surge in poverty rates in the United States last year, particularly affecting children. In 2022, the poverty rate for children leaped to 12.4%, more than doubling from a record low of 5.2% in 2021. The overall supplemental poverty rate also increased from 7.8% in 2021 to 12.4% in 2022, marking the first such increase since 2010. This report aims to provide a balanced examination of these figures, their implications, and the underlying causes.

The Enhanced Child Tax Credit and Its Impact
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided a major but temporary boost to the child tax credit, benefiting lower- and middle-income families. According to the Census Bureau, this enhancement lifted 2.1 million children above the poverty line in 2021. Unfortunately, the relief was short-lived as Congress did not extend the enhanced credit beyond 2021. As a result, more than 5 million additional children fell below the poverty line.

Lawmakers, both Democratic and Republican, have been actively discussing legislation to reinstate the child tax credit. Yet, the extension remains a subject of bipartisan debate, complicating attempts to provide timely financial relief to struggling families.

Economic Indicators: A Mixed Bag
While the child poverty rate has spiked, other economic metrics offer a more nuanced picture. Median household income, although decreasing by 2.3% to $74,580, needs to be understood in the context of inflation and other economic variables. Similarly, while the uninsured rate fell to 7.9% in 2022 from 8.3% in 2021, concerns linger as states are expected to trim Medicaid enrollment in 2023.

Public Sentiment and Policy Debates
A recent poll revealed that 51% of Americans believe the economy is in a downturn and getting worse, casting shadows over the Biden administration's economic achievements and policy choices. More hardline Republicans and conservative members within the Democratic party argue that the discontinuation of the enhanced credit is necessary to balance budgets and prevent inflation, while others advocate for its reinstatement as a moral and economic imperative.

Health Insurance Gains and Concerns
The number of uninsured Americans fell in 2022, largely due to increased enrollment in Medicaid and employer-based plans. However, this progress is also at risk, with nearly 6 million people, including 1.2 million children, having lost Medicaid coverage since April.

Reflection
As Christians, we are reminded of the biblical exhortation found in Proverbs 31:8-9, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." While policy solutions to poverty are complex and often contentious, the rise in child poverty should concern us all and compel us to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). Whether through community engagement, charity, or advocating for balanced policy measures that protect the vulnerable, it's clear that fulfilling our Christian duties extends to seeking the welfare of the "least of these" (Matthew 25:40).

There may not be a one-size-fits-all answer in this multifaceted issue, but there is a universal call to empathy, understanding, and action.

From Congo to Nevada: Why New Lithium Discovery Can Relieve Modern Slavery

In an age when technology permeates every aspect of life, from smartphones to electric vehicles, the news of a potentially monumental lithium deposit discovered in the McDermitt caldera in Nevada is met with palpable enthusiasm. Early analysis suggests the reserves could be a staggering 40 million metric tons—700% larger than any known reserves on Earth. Geologists are ecstatic, as they should be; this could fundamentally disrupt the global lithium market, affecting everything from pricing to geopolitics.

The prospects extend beyond the balance sheets and into the realm of ethics. For years, tech companies and manufacturers have struggled with a moral conundrum: many of their products are powered by lithium sourced through exploitative labor practices. For instance, the Democratic Republic of Congo, rich in cobalt—a crucial component of lithium batteries—is notorious for modern-day slavery conditions, including child labor and environmental degradation.

The discovery in Nevada offers a glimmer of hope for establishing a more humane and regulated supply chain. Lithium Americas Corporation, which has surveyed the site, aims to start mining by 2026, promising higher standards for labor and environmental practices.

The Dark Side of Our Digital World: Exploitation in the Congo
It's tempting to view our digital devices as marvels of human ingenuity and a sign that we are progressing into a more civilized society. Yet, this rosy narrative belies a harsh reality: much of the cobalt powering these gadgets is extracted under appalling conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our technological innovations are often gained in-part to barbaric and inhumane practices.

Siddharth Kara, a fellow at Harvard and author of “Cobalt Red: How The Blood of The Congo Powers our Lives,” describes the situation as "modern-day slavery," pointing to dangerous labor conditions, inadequate pay, and a toxic work environment. Notably, cobalt is harmful to touch and inhale, posing serious health risks to the Congolese laborers.

In theory, large industrial mines should not employ artisanal mining methods, involving manual labor under hazardous conditions. However, the law is flouted blatantly, as the reality of grinding poverty coerces people into accepting virtually any form of employment, regardless of the risks involved. An entire population is faced with an impossible choice—work under life-threatening conditions or face starvation.

Addressing the Crisis: A Call for Ethical Responsibility
Kara rightly insists that transitioning to sustainable energy should not come at the expense of vulnerable populations. The newly discovered Nevada deposit offers a pathway towards ethical sourcing, provided it is managed responsibly. With more transparent supply chains, companies will have the luxury of avoiding suppliers linked to human rights abuses.

Reflection
In contemplating this issue, the words of Proverbs 31:8-9 come to mind: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." This scriptural wisdom calls us to engage with the world's injustices actively. It's not enough to express concern; as stewards of the Earth and its resources, we're called to ensure the welfare of all God's children.

Jesus declared, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). In light of the Nevada discovery, we have an unprecedented opportunity to make a change. But this should be the beginning of a much broader, long-overdue conversation about the ethical implications of our consumer choices.

Thank you for joining us today on PRAY NEWS. It is our aim to be informed and transformed. We pray today you would proceed with hope, love, and determination to be a force for good.