Today’s News at a Glance:

1. Your favorite cold medicine may have been lying to you this whole time!

2. MGM Resorts suffered a huge cyberattack, resulting in a loss of millions by the day.

3. Week 1 of the NFL has stirred up an old controversy for football players.

How do you handle disappointment? Today’s stories hold a common theme of disappointment. How do we react when things don’t go as we expected? Our faith is tested when we face unexpected challenges or bumps in the road. James 4 reminds us not to hold too tightly to our plans but instead say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” Or faith is revealed in our ability to adapt to any situation. When things begin to unravel, remember that your plans were never set in stone to begin with. Whether expected or unexpected, each moment provides a beautiful opportunity to live out God’s mission and will.

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

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.’ Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15)

Dear Lord,
We acknowledge that You alone are in control of time and circumstances. No matter how hard we try to control everything in our lives, we don’t have authority over every situation. Therefore, we pray that You would make us adaptable, flexible, and able to handle whatever situation comes our way. Give us resilience when unexpected trials arise. Give us gratitude and humility when life surprises us with blessings. But above all these things, we pray that no situation, whether expected or unexpected, would cause us to stray from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Smaller Bites:

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

1. The Emperor of Cold Medicine Has No Clothes

An FDA advisory panel has revealed that phenylephrine, a popular decongestant in many over-the-counter cold medicines, is ineffective in treating symptoms. This could have significant economic repercussions for the pharmaceutical industry, which had a market value of roughly $5 billion for such medicines as of 2021. In light of these findings, there may be a rush to develop new, effective alternatives, while consumers are left questioning the truth and transparency of healthcare products.

Lord, we ask for wisdom and discernment as we navigate a world where profit sometimes overshadows well-being. Guide those in positions of influence to prioritize truth and transparency, and help us all to walk in the light, as You are in the light. May this revelation lead to improvements that genuinely help those in need. Amen.

2. MGM Resorts Suffers Severe Cybersecurity Incident

MGM Resorts has suffered a major cyberattack that shut down operations at several of its iconic casino hotels and disrupted its digital infrastructure. Unlike typical cyberattacks that focus on data theft, this breach severely impacted MGM's daily operations and posed significant financial losses. The attack reportedly began with a phone call employing social engineering tactics, raising questions about employee training and the overall cybersecurity posture of the company, especially since MGM had already suffered a data breach in 2019.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the swift recovery of all those affected by this cyberattack, and for wisdom and discernment for the teams working to restore security and normalcy. May this incident serve as a wake-up call for us all to be vigilant in guarding not only our digital lives but also our hearts and spirits. Amen.

3. The NFL’s New Turf War: Make the NFL Grassy Again

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is renewing its call for the NFL to replace artificial turf fields with natural grass, citing a significantly higher rate of player injuries on synthetic surfaces. According to NFLPA data, injury rates were 37% higher on artificial turf compared to natural grass during last year's football season. While switching to natural grass fields would be expensive, costing around $850,000 per field, the NFLPA argues it is a justified expense given the league's annual revenue of $12 billion and the health and safety concerns of the players.

Lord, we lift up the NFL players, coaches, and executives as they navigate this complex issue of player safety and artificial turf. We ask for wisdom and understanding for both sides, that they may come to a solution that values the well-being of the athletes. May this be a reminder to all of us that the decisions we make have far-reaching consequences, urging us to prioritize what truly matters. Amen.

The Emperor of Cold Medicine Has No Clothes

We've got a real bombshell for you today, and for once it's not political! You might want to sit down for this: It seems we've been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray by none other than—wait for it—your local drugstore's cold medicine aisle. Yes, that little box of chemical magic you've been downing like candy on cold nights might actually be a farce.

The Revelation
An FDA advisory panel announced that phenylephrine—a popular decongestant found in about 260 oral cold and sinus medicines—doesn't do jack. Yes, you read that right. Your grandma’s chicken noodle likely has significantly more impact than the so-called cold medicine.

Scientifically Speaking
Apparently, oral phenylephrine is metabolized so quickly by our superhero guts and livers that it doesn't get a chance to narrow your blood vessels and relieve that stuffy nose. It's like it RSVPs to the party and then bails before even saying hello. But don't toss your nasal sprays just yet; those still work, thank God.

The Economic Ripple
With a market value of roughly $5 billion as of 2021, this revelation could feather Big Pharma’s golden goose. We're talking about household names here: Sudafed, Tylenol Cold & Flu, and NyQuil. If the FDA follows the panel’s recommendation, these products could vanish.

A Race for Efficacy
This could trigger a race among pharmaceutical companies to develop a viable alternative. You know what that means: Get ready for a slew of new products with names you can't pronounce and side effects that sound like the plot of a horror movie.

The Placebo Effect
Several studies have shown that those taking phenylephrine fared no better than those on a placebo. In other words, all these years, your cold was laughing in your face as you swallowed that pill of false hope. On the bright side, this means your mind has some power over how you feel, after all. Next time you get a stuffy nose, just tell yourself to feel better. That ought to work…

Counterarguments and Repercussions
Of course, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association would like us to know that phenylephrine is "both safe and effective." I mean, safe, sure. It's as harmless as a sleeping baby. Effective? Well, your definition may vary.

A Time for Change?
FDA officials could take months before a final decision is made. In the meantime, there's no need to treat your medicine cabinet like a crime scene.

Reflection
This story is a humble reminder of the need for truth and transparency in all sectors in a world that often prioritizes profit over well-being. 1 John 1:7 reminds us to walk in the light as Christ is in the light. Why is it so important for us to walk honestly in life? Because if we build an identity around lies, things like this happen. We get caught eventually, and people find it hard to trust anything we say. When these pharmaceutical companies develop new products, how should we believe what they say? The data can be skewed. It’s a boy who cried wolf situation. This post-pandemic world has brought about a lot of skepticism in long-standing businesses and institutions. Companies, politicians, and even churches built on lies will eventually lose the people's trust. Let this story be a gentle reminder to all of us that our witnesses will be tarnished if we don’t live honestly, consistently, and in the light.

MGM Resorts Suffers Severe Cybersecurity Incident

In a distressing incident highlighting vulnerabilities in our interconnected digital age, MGM Resorts has fallen victim to a devastating cyberattack. The gaming and hospitality giant had to shut down operations at a dozen iconic casino hotels in Las Vegas—including Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and the Cosmopolitan. A handful of other MGM properties across the United States were similarly affected. Hotel guests found themselves locked out of their rooms and rendered unable to use MGM's mobile app or digital key cards to charge goods and services. As a stopgap measure, hotels initiated manual transactions.

Impact and Response
This cyber onslaught has had a domino effect on MGM's operations. The resort's website was swapped out for a splash page, instructing guests to contact the company directly. In a statement on X, MGM acknowledged the breach and assured that they had engaged leading cybersecurity experts for investigation and took immediate action to protect their data infrastructure.

While the cyberattack has disrupted MGM's hotel reservation systems and left them offline for over 24 hours, casino floors managed to resume operation. According to the most recent statistics, MGM's hotel rooms and casinos generate around $8 million to $15 million daily, respectively, and this attack has undoubtedly dealt a significant financial blow to the company.

Atypical Nature of the Attack
Though the hospitality sector has long been a lucrative target for cybercriminals due to its reservoir of personal data, this recent attack on MGM differs from typical cybercrimes. Most attacks focus on data pilfering and usually come to light post-factum. However, this breach has disrupted MGM's day-to-day operations for an extended period, marking it as an unusual but highly effective cyber-offensive.

Underlying Vulnerabilities
This is not the first time MGM's cybersecurity infrastructure has come under scrutiny. A data breach in 2019 saw hackers gaining unauthorized access to MGM's cloud server, resulting in stolen guest information. This pattern of breaches indicates systemic vulnerabilities that go beyond isolated incidents.

The Power of a Phone Call
Further investigations reveal that the ransomware attack began through a seemingly innocent phone call. Employing social engineering tactics, the attackers targeted an MGM employee identified on LinkedIn. This raises serious concerns about employee training and awareness regarding cybersecurity best practices, especially given that the group suspected to be behind this attack, ALPHV (also known as BlackCat), has a history of social engineering tactics.

A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age
What this episode brings to the forefront is the fragility of our cybersecurity systems. It beckons us to question, if a mere 10-minute phone call can topple a company with the resources and financial might like MGMl, what does it say about cybersecurity across industries?

Reflection
As we ponder the scope and gravity of this cyberattack, it's important to apply our Christian principles to a world increasingly defined by technology. The Bible teaches us to be vigilant, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." In today's digitized world, our vigilance must extend to the technology we use daily.

In times of crisis, we are reminded that while man-made systems can fail, God's love and protection remain steadfast. As businesses like MGM work to secure their digital fortresses, let us also remember to secure our spiritual fortresses, placing our trust in the eternal and unbreakable security that only God can provide.

The NFL’s New Turf War: Make the NFL Grassy Again

As the confetti settles after one week of the 2023 NFL season, a less-celebratory topic has resurfaced. The controversy isn’t over an intercepted throw or a blown call from a referee; it's about what’s beneath the players' feet. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is urging the league to replace artificial turf fields with natural grass, reigniting a debate that has long been the Achilles' heel of the sport. It is a fitting term, especially since star quarterback Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in his debut game for the New York Jets.

Safety Above All
The NFLPA, headed by President JC Tretter and new Executive Director Lloyd Howell, has been vocal about the higher injury rates on synthetic surfaces. According to their data, players have been hurt more often on artificial turf in 10 of the last 11 regular seasons. The injury rate on synthetic turf was 37% higher last year, making it clear why players prefer a more natural field with real grass.

However, the league argues that the issue isn't so black and white. Jeff Miller, NFL Executive VP, reminds us that injury rates can vary across both synthetic and natural surfaces. But tell that to players like Rodgers or Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins, who lost seasons due to severe injuries.

The Cost of Going Natural
Switching to natural grass is far from a grassroots campaign. It would cost approximately $850,000 for each of the NFL's 15 turf fields. When compared to the NFL’s $12 billion in revenue last season, Howell argues it's the "easiest decision the NFL can make." Some stadiums have already made tech-savvy moves, like the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders with their retractable grass fields.

An Added Layer of Complexity
While the NFL sees a profitable future in hosting concerts and other events on their durable synthetic surfaces, players and the union argue that health should come first. “If FIFA is the standard, why aren’t we?” a union source pointed out, citing FIFA’s stricter requirements for playing surfaces.

Reflection
As stewards of their God-given talents, players understandably want to protect their bodies. The Scriptures remind us that "the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). But for league owners, it becomes a moral dilemma of doing what's best for business or prioritizing the well-being of the players. As we move forward, perhaps both sides can find common ground, much like a hybrid playing field, balancing both safety and utility. After all, the Bible teaches us that wisdom is found in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11:14).

In the grand arena of life, this turf war might seem like a minor skirmish. Yet, it’s a reminder that the decisions we make, no matter how small they seem, have ripple effects. Whether it's about football or the field of life, let’s make sure our priorities are in line with what really matters.

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.