By Jonathan Howe
“On the Horizon” is a quick glance at important news items for your week.
Midterm Election Finally Here
After months and months of campaigning and thousands of political ads on TV, the midterm election is finally here. Many states are expecting record turnout on Tuesday and early voting records have been set in at least 17 states. Total turnout in 2016 was at 61 percent nationwide.
It will be interesting to see how 2018 compares and if prognosticators are right in thinking that Congress will be split between the two major parties.
Sanctions Showdown
On November 5, the U.S. re-imposed sanctions from 2015 on Iran. The Islamic Republic is defying the sanctions and says it will continue to sell oil. It’s hard to know how this will be resolved, but President Trump has been adamant about these sanctions being restored.
Armistice Anniversary
This Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day—the day that The Great War ended. Here in the U.S. Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11, but for our friends in Canada and Europe, Remembrance Day and its ever-present poppies will be celebrated far and wide this weekend.
Economy Still Strong
Even with all the political discussions happening in the U.S., the economy across the country is still strong. Jobs are up, wages are up, unemployment is down, and Lifeway Research will be releasing related findings later this week on pastors’ views on the economy and the church.
Remembering Sutherland Springs
Today marks the anniversary of the largest mass shooting in Texas history. A year ago, Devin Patrick Kelley walked into First Baptist Sutherland Springs and killed 26 while wounding 20 more.
The pastor, Frank Pomeroy, lost his daughter in the shooting but has held the small community together over the past year with help from churches and pastors from across the country.
Be sure to check Facts & Trends throughout the week for continued coverage of these stories and much more.
JONATHAN HOWE (@Jonathan_Howe) is Director of Strategic Initiatives at Lifeway Christian Resources.
