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Happy Friday!
Today is a perfect time to remember that no matter what makes headlines, we are still in a story that ends with our victorious King making all things new and wiping all tears away. Now, read in peace.

The Iran war appears to have fully reignited.

Tehran accused the U.S. of a “war crime” Wednesday, reporting that Tuesday’s strike killed four people (including two children) at a wedding. CENTCOM said that the U.S. “never targets civilians,” and its strikes answered “recent attempted attacks” on American forces and Hormuz shipping. Iran hit back at U.S. bases in four allied countries; most projectiles were intercepted, though one struck a residential complex in Kuwait with no casualties.

Oil prices jumped on the news, with Brent crude passing $95/barrel on Wednesday (a six-week high).

VP Vance and Secretary of State Rubio are reportedly pushing to keep the unpopular war relatively “quiet” ahead of November’s midterms, weighing post-election escalation. Recent polling found 68% of Americans unhappy with White House’s handling of the conflict (see full findings here).

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PRAY WITH US
God of Wisdom and Might, our sin sickness is splintering across Your good world. As provocations threaten to spiral into chaos, we cling to You.

Grant wisdom, creativity, and humility to world leaders seeking deescalation. Comfort with eternal hope those who mourn losses of loved ones, livelihood, home, prospects. Provide daily bread for the vulnerable swept up in swirling hostilities. And establish Your church as a lighthouse of peace and hope shining into the storm. May the unity among believers on opposite sides of enemy lines demonstrate the supernatural power of Your reconciling gospel; and may our good works push forward gentleness and harmony in a world that values power and victory. (read full prayer here)

Google won’t have to sell Park Place its ad business.

In April 2025, a federal judge found that the search-engine giant illegally used “monopoly power” to corner the online ad market (think: forcing websites that wanted Google’s ad money to use its ad software). The DOJ, which has been chipping away at Google’s monopoly board since 2020, requested the judge order Google to sell its banner broker, AdX.

On Wednesday, the judge didn’t allow the DOJ’s request to pass go, but ordered Google to change its practices to boost competition (details TBA; opinion sealed for 14 days). Google was “very pleased” the court didn’t order a sale but is appealing the 2025 finding.

Meanwhile, Meta’s obstructing Glasses’ view. This week, the company announced updates to keep users from secretly filming others with its AI-powered smart glasses.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Consumers and companies alike can use technology to hoard power and wealth or bless others. Whatever technology you’re using, remember to use every resource at your disposal to honor God and love others.

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water. People will curse anyone who hoards grain, but a blessing will come to the one who sells it.”
Proverbs 11:25-26 (CSB) (read full passage)

Fluorescent sports drinks make lots of promises, but behind them lie fistfuls of sugar and sketchy ingredients that read like a foreign language. When the sweat starts rolling, reach for LMNT instead.

LMNT isn’t another fad. It’s science: the OG trend-setter.

Their electrolyte mixes (and their crispy Sparkling line) are the perfect formula of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Translation: all the hydration without any of the junk. The best part? Any of LMNT’s delicious flavors (Lemonade Iced Tea is our favorite!) make their promises taste good, leaving you clear-headed, energized, and feeling good.

Here’s a hack just for you: TPO readers get a free 8-pack of LMNT flavors with any purchase!

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

The NBA dunked its largest-ever team punishment on Wednesday.

A nearly year-long investigation found that the Los Angeles Clippers circumvented the salary cap, funneling millions to star Kawhi Leonard in what Commissioner Silver called “flagrant” rulebreaking.

After signing in 2019, Leonard’s uncle-turned-manager, Uncle Dennis, demanded LAC cover ~$10M/year in off-court income for his nephew. The team assisted, covering personal expenses Leonard never repaid and brokering deals with four companies, including a $28M no-show contract with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt financial-and-sustainability company.

The punishment includes forfeiting five first-round draft picks (2029-2033), a record $30M fine, a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, and a $700K fine for Leonard, whose trade to the Raptors is now unpaused, freeing him to take his (talon)ts to Toronto.

The Clippers called the probe a “witch hunt,” vowing to fight.

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Verse to consider when examining your own life for the temptation to cut corners, fudge numbers, or veer from the truth: “The one who lives with integrity lives securely, but whoever perverts his ways will be found out.”
Proverbs 10:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy trial can’t come to a unanimous decision. Today, the 12-person panel entered its seventh day of deliberation, weighing whether the labor-and-delivery nurse who killed her three children is criminally responsible or was suffering postpartum psychosis. The jury’s decision could determine whether Clancy goes to prison or a psychiatric hospital. A no-verdict result could signal mistrial.

Wondering how all this jury stuff works? So were we. Come back tomorrow for TPO Explains where KA and Kathleen will deliberate on the matter.

The USS Abraham Lincoln said “land ho!” after a record 264 straight days at sea. The aircraft carrier docked in Thailand Wednesday after its Middle East deployment was scrutinized for supply shortages and mental health challenges among crew. Its ~5,000 sailors and Marines will get a few days’ rest before sailing for San Diego. (See the rusty ship’s before-and-after pics.)

Gloria Steinem, a leading voice in the American feminist movement, died at 92 in her New York City home on Wednesday. The journalist-turned-activist co-founded Ms. Magazine and the National Women’s Political Caucus and spent six decades advocating for issues like gender equality, abortion, and contraceptives. President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

A resident killed two people in a mass shooting at an apartment complex in downtown Minneapolis Wednesday. Six others were injured, including three police officers who were inside the building less than 2 minutes after the call. The 35-year-old suspect also died in the shooting and was facing eviction from the complex for assault and repeatedly brandishing a firearm.

New York City schools sent AI to the principal’s office, saying children need “human connection in order to learn.” Wednesday, officials for the nation’s largest school district announced a one-year K-12 moratorium on chatbots and the “AI components” of 38+ programs for PreK-8 (think: tutoring software). Also implemented: high school AI literacy classes, teacher limits (robots can’t grade), and screen-time caps (see the limits for your kid’s grade).

I can do this all day...

Where You Can Find Us
At MOMCON 2026*

Hey you. Yes, you with the mile-long to-do list featuring laundry, dishes, dinner, and kids runnin’ around. There are three things you should know: 1) You’re killin’ it, 2) You’re not alone. 3) We see you.

And we’ll see you… At MomCo’s annual conference in two weeks!

If you’re looking for a place to worship with other moms, take impactful workshops (including one led by us!), and generally be encouraged, join us September 17-19 in Denver!

Stop by our booth to meet the moms (and babies) of TPO and make a few friends too 😉. Click here to register.

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Ever feel like there are two versions of you? There’s the one who can talk cap tables and risk-adjusted returns, and then there’s the other one… looking up from that milestone and wondering, “What’s this all for?”

The Bottom Line & Beyond is a newsletter for founders and owners who are still in the arena and are done keeping their business and faith lives separate. Every edition speaks to both worlds: business realities (growth, tax strategy, investment) and kingdom questions (stewardship, legacy, generosity).

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