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Leaves may be falling, but inflation missed the memo.

Consumer prices were slightly higher than economists expected, rising to 3.7% from September 2025. A 9.1% monthly surge in gas prices was the main culprit (see how your state’s average pump prices compare), accounting for over half the increase, though consumers saw costs tick up in most categories. The one bright spot for grocery shoppers: Food prices held steady from August.

Wednesday’s report was the last before the Fed’s October meeting and before midterms, where 84% of voters will enter the ballot box with the economy front of mind. With inflation stuck above its 2% target, the central bank is expected to hike rates again this year.

The same day, the Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% benefit increase for 2027. Retirees can expect an average monthly bump of $75.

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PRAY WITH US
Great Provider, how long must our community ache and groan under the extra strain of this invisible tax? How long will these everyday purchases bring such dread? How long until our thoughts and conversations are no longer consumed by ballooning dollar signs and decimal points? We confess that as the price of goods rises, so do our anxieties—as our paychecks stretch thin, so does our hope. Wrap Your righteous right hand around Your people and meet us with miraculous provision, divine rest, and strength to persevere. Lover of the Sparrows, meet our many needs, and use these fears and worries to turn our hearts toward You. Amen. (read full prayer)

OpenAI’s facing pressure from inside and outside the building.

The DOJ alleges an OpenAI engineer plugged a toilet-paper-wrapped “sophisticated recording device” into an executive conference room’s TV (see where it was hidden). OpenAI found the device in a wipe sweep of the room, then used its AI to trace it back to the employee, a Saudi national who was fired and arrested on federal charges of intercepting oral communications.

OpenAI sees no sign any code or customer data was taken, and the FBI called protecting AI innovation one of its “highest counterintelligence priorities.”

Meanwhile, eight states sued OpenAI Wednesday under consumer protection and public nuisance law, saying it misled users on ChatGPT’s safety. They allege its agreeable design is especially dangerous for kids, citing self-harm coaching and dangerous medical advice. OpenAI promised to build more safeguards while highlighting its “industry-leading” teen protections.

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RADIATE HOPE
When reading the news feels like a nagging reminder of the world’s darkness, remember that our hope is built on the rock-solid promises of a good and faithful Father, the undimmable light of Jesus, and the restorative power of the Spirit. No headline can take that away.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”
John 1:4-5 (CSB) (read full passage)

Sabina Wurmbrand almost froze to death in a labor camp in Communist Romania. During the three years she was imprisoned, she was told over and over that her husband had died while behind bars.

He hadn’t. Richard Wurmbrand was alive, serving 14 years in prison for leading worship and sharing the gospel.

Neither gave up nor wavered in faith, and now, for the first time, their stories are told together—both sides in one book. And you can have your own copy to read for free (shipping included!).

Step inside their prison cells and let their courageous faith inspire your own. Get your free copy of Wurmbrand: Tortured for Christ, the Complete Story today.

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Ukraine had to slow down its drones to keep control of them this week.

Kyiv reported a network disruption that disconnected any of its weapons traveling faster than 100mph and limited Ukraine’s defensive capabilities on Tuesday. Simultaneously, Russia launched “one of the largest attacks” of the war, cutting power to 600,000 in Kyiv.

Ukraine’s military depends on Starshield, Elon Musk’s military-grade sister to Starlink, for its battlefield operations and defensive weapons. Musk said “any limits on speed or usage” of the U.S.-government-controlled network are set by the Pentagon and “ultimately POTUS.” Ukraine said, “This action cannot be a coincidence.”

Tensions between Washington and Kyiv have been high since the White House waived sanctions on Russian diesel last week.

Starshield connection was partially restored Wednesday night; the Pentagon hasn’t commented.

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Verse to consider whether your day is interrupted by worry over high-stakes military ops, a struggling family member, or what to make for dinner tonight…

“My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all his benefits. He forgives all your iniquity; he heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; he crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with good things… He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities.”
Psalm 103:2-6, 10 (CSB) (read full passage)

Details are emerging in the federal investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN). The agents seized the Somali-born lawmaker’s phone and passport during Monday’s search of her D.C. home, and prosecutors have issued more than a dozen subpoenas, including to Omar’s relatives. Officials are reportedly examining whether Omar’s birthdate was altered on her immigration paperwork. She denies wrongdoing and hasn’t been charged.


Two Singapore-flagged ships were struck in the Strait of Hormuz this week, sinking one. The sunken ship’s 21-person crew survived, but the details aren’t straightforward: Maritime officials said “unknown projectiles” hit the ships; the U.S. said the sunken ship was hit by an Iranian projectile; and Iran said a ship struck a naval mine. Three commercial ships have sunk since the war began.

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Bank of America’s been fined $1.2B for not marking potential money laundering in its ledger. The fine, the third-largest in Treasury Department history, penalizes the banking giant for failing to report $5B+ in suspicious activity, including $1B that posed national security and illicit finance risks (see what that means and what red flags were missed). BofA admitted to policing failures and announced a $0.17/share decrease in Wednesday’s earnings report.


A school’s roof collapsed in northwestern Pakistan yesterday, killing at least 34 school-age children and a teacher, and injuring ~50. Officials say the private school’s “weak building structure” and “overloaded roof” caused the collapse. Its owner, whom parents accused of ignoring safety concerns, was arrested. Low-budget private schools are common in low-income Pakistani neighborhoods amid growing demand for affordable education.


What lives in a coral reef under the sea? The world’s oldest shipwreck. 🧽 Archaeologists diving off the coast of Turkey say they discovered a sunken ship that’s around 4,400-4,700 years old. After thousands of years on the ocean floor, the believed-to-be-a-merchant ship’s shape is gone, but its contents remain, including ceramic pots that helped date the wreck (see the sunken treasure… and its curious spectator).

This pup deserves all the treats, no tricks...

How We're Prepping for Elections
With Beyond the Ballot, World Relief's free guide*

Between the yard signs, sponsored posts, and literally every other commercial… Election season often feels like information overload. For me, that’s especially true when it comes to immigration.

Candidates have plenty to say about immigration. But what can a senator, governor, or mayor actually do?

World Relief’s free guide, Beyond the Ballot, connects the issues to the people with power to act. It explains federal, state, and local responsibilities, outlines five policy areas to watch, and unpacks immigration terms and common claims.

It’s also got practical ways to advocate and pray, helping me approach election season with understanding and compassion. Download your free guide today!

Matt DeLange | Editorial Advisor

What My Dog is NOT Eating
Traditional kibble, thanks to Sundays*

Take a w-a-l-k (don’t want ears perking up) down any pet aisle, and it’s wall-to-wall kibble. Before Sundays for Dogs, I thought that’s what dog food had to be (sorry, Chloe).

Sundays’ 3-minute quiz asked about Chloe’s activity, preferences, and even body shape, then gave a personalized (canine-alized?) recipe. It’s made with human-grade ingredients and gently air-dried to lock in flavor and nutrients (traditional kibble’s high-heat production process zaps nutrients).

Bonus: it looks like jerky and stores like kibble, so my fridge isn’t full while my golden retriever gets gold-standard grub. Use code POUROVER for 50% off, plus free shipping and a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Michala Cox | Chloe’s Mom, TPO’s Administrative Assistant