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SPORTS

Team USA Tops the Podium

The Olympic flame has been extinguished in the City of Light. 

After 19 days of sport and last-minute wins for women’s soccer and women’s and men’s basketball, the U.S. and China finished in an unprecedented tie with 40 golds each. With 44 silver and 42 bronze, Team USA’s 126 medals topped the overall medal table.

It’s one less than expected… The Court of Arbitration for Sport told gymnast Jordan Chiles to return her bronze, saying the inquiry that put her on the floor routine podium was submitted four seconds too late; the U.S. will appeal.

Meanwhile, yesterday’s Closing Ceremonies were… a party. In addition to the (usual) over-the-top fireworks and artistry, hundreds of Olympians jumped on stage with rock band Phoenix––ignoring announcements to return to their seats in the massive Stade de France.

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Verse to consider whether your team wins gold, loses bronze, or you’d really prefer to play a good board game…“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLITICS

84 Days Until Election Tuesday

One presidential debate is back on… others are debatable.

The Trump and Harris campaigns have both agreed to a September 10th debate moderated by ABC (previously planned as a Trump/Biden rematch), and former President Trump announced two additional dates on social media. The Harris campaign says they’re “open to another debate, and we'll continue those conversations.” 

A new Times/Siena poll shows Harris leading Trump by four points in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania––key battleground states––reversing a strong trend towards Trump before President Biden dropped out.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign says its internal communications were hacked by Iran and leaked to media outlets. The announcement came a day after Microsoft issued a report saying that foreign agents are attempting to interfere in U.S. elections. Iran, long considered a hacking threat, has denied any involvement. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
We shouldn't allow political outcomes to consume our thoughts, direct our emotions, or dull our hope. Government may change, but our mission remains the same: love God and love others.

“Jesus answered, “The most important [commandment] is ‘Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other command greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31(CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD

Strikes

Uncle Sam’s allies are on offense.

Early Saturday in Gaza City, an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in one of the deadliest attacks of the 10-month war. 

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says more than 90 people––including 11 women and 6 children––were killed and 50 more wounded; Israel disputes that toll, saying the “precise munitions” used could not have caused the reported damage and that “no women and children were present.” Israel says they killed 19 militants including a senior Islamic Jihad commander; it blames any civilian deaths on Hamas, saying they hid a command center within the school (which Hamas denies).

Meanwhile, Russia and Belarus have sent reinforcements to the border region where Ukrainian troops have pushed 6 miles into Russia. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy said the invasion aims to “restore justice” and put “pressure on the aggressor.” 

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LOVE HUMBLY
It’s easy to only show compassion for victims. But Christians don’t have the privilege of stopping there; we’re called (quite uncomfortably) to love everyone—including terrorists, troops, diplomats, hostages, Palestinians, Israelis, Russians, Ukrainians, and those who disagree with you about the way out of these wars (Luke 6:32, 35). 

“Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 
Book of Common Prayer, page 655

A passenger plane crashed in Brazil on Friday, killing all 62 people aboard in the deadliest commercial crash since January 2023. Video shows the ATR 72 plane, heading to Sao Paulo, seemingly falling out of the sky into a residential community; no one on the ground was hurt. The crash’s cause is unknown and under investigation.
 

Even those with life-threatening allergies hate needles. Presenting… neffy (short for nasal epinephrine). An alternative to EpiPens, this nasal spray is the first FDA-approved needle-free emergency treatment for potentially fatal allergic reactions. Expected to be available within 8 weeks, neffy will cost $100 without insurance and is expected to increase usage for those with trypanophobia (fear of needles).
 

A third teenager was arrested in connection with the foiled terror plot on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shows in Vienna. An unnamed 18-year-old male was taken into custody Thursday; a 15-year-old was also interrogated but not arrested. Swift will conclude the European leg of her tour with five shows at London’s Wembley Stadium before returning to North America. 
 

Former Hurricane Debby drenched the Northeast this weekend after causing floods and spawning tornadoes in the Carolinas late last week. Debby peaked as a Category 1, but what it lacked in windspeed, it more than made up for in its ability to dump rain. The storm has claimed at least nine lives. Hurricane season runs through November.
 

There are apparently still profits in selling things 97% off. Colin Huang, the 44-year-old founder of online discount retailer Temu, is now China’s richest person with a net worth of $48.7 billion, dethroning bottled-water king Zhong Shanshan. This is Huang’s second brush with mega-billions; Temu surged in 2021, collapsed in 2022, and has re-surged after focusing on international markets.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Art made entirely out of flowers…

What We’re Drinking
LMNT*

Being the new kid on the block at The Pour Over means I’ve gotta stay sharp—someone has to wrangle these over-caffeinated writers. But staying on top of my game is no easy task when I’m also balancing newlywed life, CrossFit, talking about CrossFit, and long runs (away from non-CrossFitters). 

Hydration is my secret weapon, and LMNT is my secret weapon’s secret weapon. 

I start each day with a refreshing Raspberry Salt LMNT, trusting their science-backed electrolyte ratio and zero-sugar formula to keep me firing on all cylinders. 

If you’re juggling life and CrossFit like I am, LMNT is your hydration hero. Try it today and get a free sample pack with any order!

Elly Hamby | CrossFitter (and Partnerships Manager)

What’s Kicking Our Bible Study Up a Notch
Mr. Pen’s Selah Bible Journaling Kit*

Sometimes you need a little push. Maybe it’s new shoes for a lofty running goal, a new pan to inspire culinary exploits, or Mr. Pen’s Selah Bible Journaling Kit to help you dig into renewed wonder at the beauty of God’s Word.

This kit includes Bible pens and tabs, highlighters, stickers, washi tape, transparent sticky notes, and cross clips, as well as a supply pouch (with inner pockets!) to carry everything. 

Founded by teachers in Louisiana on a mission to equip people with accessibly priced Bible tools, Mr. Pen is our team’s favorite. In fact, our whole staff got a Selah Bible Journaling Kit just last month! Get yours today.