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Meta’s day in court has come.

Opening statements began yesterday in a landmark social media case brought by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey. Arguing on behalf of a 29-state coalition, lawyers allege the Facebook maker covered up evidence that its products were addictive and harmful to children. If found liable, Meta could face fines up to $200B (context: Meta made ~$60B profit last year) and be forced to make fundamental changes to its apps and algorithms, like age restrictions and time limits.

Meta denies the allegations, citing its “longstanding commitment to supporting young people.”

The high-stakes trial, expected to last sixish weeks, is drawing comparisons to the “Big Tobacco” rulings that held cigarette makers liable for lying about health risks. An advisory jury will hear from Meta and Instagram’s CEOs and an employee turned whistleblower (see what he’s said here).

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PRAY WITH US
Great Judge, as this trial captures our attention, keep it from capturing our hearts. Give the arbiters of this case eyes to see the evidence clearly and impartially, ears to tell sincere testimony from craftily worded tricks, and empathetic hearts bent toward finding the truth. Give lawyers the ability to articulate their case, humility in handling witnesses, and integrity in presenting facts. Grant jurors unbiased perspective and discernment to deliver a swift and just verdict. Wisen the judge to exact a fair punishment or a compassionate pardon, and to order their courtroom with a firm, steady hand. Amen.
(read full prayer here)

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country’s history.

Yesterday, Africa CDC announced that the outbreak, which was declared three months ago and was already the DRC’s fastest-spreading surge, had surpassed 5,000 cases and killed at least 2,325 people (see outbreak map). It’s also the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in the world, behind a 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa that claimed 11,000+ lives.

The current contagion has been caused by the Bundibugyo strain (see our map of the outbreak and what we’ve learned about the virus). Though there’s currently no approved treatment or vaccine for the rare variant, several treatment options are in development.

The World Health Organization says containing the spread is still possible with “the necessary resources.” So far, infection has outpaced response, which has been complicated by a lack of health infrastructure and ongoing armed conflict in the region.

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RADIATE HOPE
It’s easy to look at the widespread suffering caused by a disease outbreak and feel anxious or helpless, but our Great Physician is at work in even the most desperate health crises, bringing physical and spiritual healing to His people. Pray for healing in DRC while putting your hope in God’s promises that He is making all things new and that one day, all sickness, suffering, and death will end.

“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)

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Uncle Sam threatened to bomb Oman and held peace talks for Gaza this week.

President Trump said Monday he’d strike the Gulf nation if it “gets in the way” of efforts to put economic pressure on Iran via the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The U.S. ally and go-to mediator has been negotiating with Iran to ship ships through the Strait, compromising Washington’s leverage over the Iranian economy. Responding to #47’s Oman threat, Sen. Kaine (D-VA) plans to introduce a war powers resolution when Congress returns.

Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Kushner met Hamas in Egypt and PM Netanyahu in Israel this week, trying (unsuccessfully) to advance Trump’s Board of Peace 15-point roadmap for Gaza. Sticking points remain: Hamas won’t disarm until Israel honors the ceasefire and withdraws; Israel won’t leave until Hamas disarms.

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Verse to consider when you’re brokering peace deals between nations, guiding children through sibling squabbles, or navigating a fractured friendship… “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

Ohio State and Oregon top the AP’s preseason college football rankings. The #2 Ducks flew to their highest-ever preseason ranking, while the Buckeyes will see if they can become the 12th team since 1950 to start and end a season #1. The SEC secured bragging rights, claiming nine spots; the Big Ten, home of reigning champ Indiana (#6), had eight. See if your team made the cut.


Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) is facing scrutiny over sexual misconduct allegations. The House Ethics Committee announced Monday it’s investigating Gomez for allegedly having “inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.” Gomez says he made “personal mistakes outside [his] marriage” but his “consensual” actions didn’t violate House Ethics rules. The probe is the latest in a string of Lower-Chamber misconduct scandals.


Kindergarteners are moving the vaccine statistics needle. The CDC reported Monday that kindergarten exemptions from one or more vaccines rose from 3.6% to 4.2% this school year, the majority for nonmedical (religious or philosophical) reasons. The increase spanned 41 states and D.C. (see our map for your state’s stats) and came amid a dip in overall vaccine coverage and a 35-year high in measles cases.


Nashville and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday at age 36. She was found in cardiac arrest in a Greenville, SC, apartment complex from an apparent overdose. The actress’s May-released memoir, This is Me: A Reckoning, chronicles her career as a child actor, grief over her brother’s passing, and struggles with mental health and substance abuse. (Shaken by life’s brevity? Pray with us.)


Tariffs: the talk of the North American neighborhood. A deal to avoid the deadline for increased Canadian tariffs (some up to 50%) reportedly landed on President Trump’s desk yesterday. Sources say Ottawa would drop retaliatory measures and dairy protections, freeing American wine and cheese to travel northward. If signed, the deal could unlock broader U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement talks.

A Chilean sunset…

Why We Stopped Trusting “Grass-Fed”
ButcherBox* taught us the word that actually matters

It’s grass-finished. Not all beef is created equal. “Grass-fed” can just mean cattle ate grass at some point, but it doesn’t mean that they lived on pasture (we know that sounds backwards, but it’s true!). It’s basically like someone who’s eaten a vegetable vs. a vegetarian.

ButcherBox sources 100% grass-finished beef: never confined to a feedlot, grazing open pastures their entire lives, never given antibiotics or added growth hormones. They’re committed to extra-mile quality you can taste.

Right now, new members can pick free NY Strip, Ribeye, or Filet Mignon for a year. Use code TPO60 for $60 off your first three boxes ($20/box)!

What My Wife is Smuggling
Raspberry LMNT*

My wife, Hannah, likes to swing by the TPO office with the girls. Well… sorta.

They’re both under 3, and they actually just stay in the car while Hannah texts me to “bring a box of Raspberry LMNT out.”

I’m not at all suggesting she’s addicted to Raspberry LMNT, but it does feel a little bit like it… she’s just gotta have that healthy hydration (a science-backed ratio of sodium, magnesium, and potassium).

And now, LMNT has caffeinated Lemonade Iced Tea to try! When you buy through this link, you’ll get a free 8-pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors. Happy hydrating!

Jason Woodruff | Founder