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ECONOMY

Downward Revisions

After years of heat, the U.S. labor market turned suddenly chilly and contentious on Friday.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued its monthly jobs report on Friday, indicating that 73,000 jobs were added in July (under the expected 115,000) and unemployment rose to 4.2%. The less-than-sunny numbers were further rained on by revisions to May and June’s reports:

• June’s job growth was revised from 147,000 to 14,000

• May’s job growth was revised from 125,000 to 19,000

Hours later, President Trump fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, whom he called a “Biden political appointee,” saying the particularly large downward revisions were proof she was manipulating the numbers for “political purposes.”

Democrats and some Republicans are criticizing the firing, saying it amounts to “shooting the messenger” and undermines trust. 

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Verse to consider when faced with changing reports and an uncertain future… “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 
Hebrews 13:8 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

Verdict

Tesla failed to steer clear of responsibility in the courtroom. 

The case centered around a 2019 crash that killed a 22-year-old and seriously injured her boyfriend. The couple had parked a Chevy Tahoe to look at the stars when it was hit by a Tesla Model S; the driver ran a stop sign and a flashing red light while reaching for his fallen cellphone before crashing into the couple’s car at 62 mph.

The eight-person jury found Tesla was 33% to blame because its Autopilot software failed to engage the brakes, ordering the company to pay $243 million in damages. 

Plaintiffs argued Tesla was negligent in its design and marketing of Autopilot. Tesla—which argued no car can prevent a “reckless” driver from crashing—promised to appeal, saying the verdict “only works to set back automotive safety.”

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Earthly justice has limits, and even the best technology can’t fix what’s broken in the world. But our hope isn’t in perfect systems—it’s in a perfect Savior who promises lasting peace and restoration. 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” 
Revelation 21:4 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

An Open Letter to Sugary Sports Drinks

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

WORLD NEWS

Statehood Standoff

Ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas stalled… again. 

Last week, several Western countries announced plans to recognize a state of Palestine—including France, Canada, and the U.K.—and Arab governments urged Hamas to disarm and give up governance of Gaza. But Saturday, Hamas said it would fight until an “independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital” was established.

Hamas’s refusal to disarm is a dealbreaker for Israel. 

Meanwhile, Uncle Sam’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Gaza to investigate the humanitarian situation firsthand. Witkoff visited PM Netanyahu, families of Israeli hostages, and an aid site of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF, an organization run by Americans and supported by Israel). The GHF reports delivering over a million meals daily, but has drawn criticism for unsafe conditions and bypassing the U.N.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Proverbs warns against “scoffers” who are so set in their opinions they lash out when confronted. “Scoffers” are contrasted with the “wise,” who respond with humility and love. Whether you’re discussing statehood or aid sites or who’s hogging the bathroom, seek to soften your heart, be open to correction, and be counted among the wise.  

“Don’t rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you.” 
Proverbs 9:8 (CSB) (read full passage)

A manhunt is underway in western Montana after a military veteran fatally shot four people at a local bar Friday morning. Authorities found the suspect’s getaway truck and are now searching a mountainous area west of Anaconda. Residents have been told to stay inside and lock their doors. The bar owner believes the shooter, who lived next door, just “snapped.”
 

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is closing its doors. The nonprofit behind PBS, NPR, and ~1,500 local radio and TV stations had $1.1B in funding clawed back by Congress last month after a push from President Trump, who criticized CPB as a “disinformation machine.” Elmo won’t be off the airwaves, but some local stations are expected to shutter.
 

Canada has become the center of North America’s measles outbreak. More than 4,000 Canadians (mostly children and infants) have been infected with the highly contagious virus in 2025—that’s 3x the number of U.S. cases. Ontario and Alberta have been hit hardest, with doctors blaming falling vaccination rates for the outbreak. Only one death has been reported.
 

Ghislaine Maxwell got a change of scenery for the remainder of her 20-year sentence. The former Epstein associate, convicted of trafficking underage girls, was moved from a low-security Florida prison to an even lower-security camp in Texas after talking with a DOJ official about others involved in Epstein’s crimes. Maxwell’s victims issued a statement of “outrage” at the “preferential treatment.”
 

Former special counsel Jack Smith is on the other side of a federal investigation. Smith oversaw investigations into then-former/future President Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and alleged attempt to overturn 2020 election results, but is now being investigated after Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) accused him of “unprecedented interference in the 2024 election.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

It’s hot out there… stay hydrated.

How We’re Saving on Back-to-School Costs
With Upside*

New lunchboxes? Check. Crumpled registration form? Check. New pair of jeans? Check, check, check.

Back-to-school season is expensive, so I’m always looking for small ways to save. Upside takes 10 seconds every time I get gas (literally), and I get actual cash back. I even fill up my husband’s car just to use Upside on his tank (he doesn’t mind… especially when I spend the savings at Starbucks).

It's an easy (and free) win in a season full of spending. Download the free Upside App and use code POUROVER to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first fill-up.

Emily Hansen | Partnerships Manager

What We’re Studying in Small Group
The Art of Marriage by FamilyLife*

Small groups foster community that helps us become more Christlike in every area of life… including our marriages.

This fall, dig into The Art of Marriage, a new small group study from FamilyLife. It’s designed to spark meaningful conversations about forgiveness, intimacy, communication, and more. Whether you’re leading your tenth group or your first, these studies are practical, Scripture-based, and focused on helping couples grow closer to each other and to Christ.

Even better? Right now, you can get 25% off all small-group workbooks (no code required)!