Dear Jack,

Welcome to the Friday Five! Every Friday we share our top five articles, stories, and quotes for you to read and share with your friends and church families.

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2. CBS 17: Slew of Bills Become Law in North Carolina as Veto Overrides Pass Senate and House

"By noon on Tuesday, eight bills vetoed by Governor Josh Stein had become law by way of supermajority override votes in the General Assembly.

While eight bills have crossed the complete veto override finish line, there are few that remain to see a final vote."

View the eight bills here: https://www.cbs17.com/news/capitol-report/slew-of-bills-become-law-in-north-carolina-as-veto-overrides-pass-senate-and-house/

3. CAROLINA JOURNAL: Parties Pause Suit Challenging NC Ban on Minors’ Gender Transition Surgeries

"Both sides in a legal dispute over North Carolina’s law against gender transition surgeries for minors are asking a federal judge to place the case on hold. They want to wait for a federal Appeals Court to resolve a separate case involving the State Health Plan.

Lawyers representing state legislative leaders filed a motion Thursday for a temporary stay in the case Voe v. Mansfield. The lawsuit challenges House Bill 808, enacted in 2023 over then-Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto.

Neither state lawmakers nor the Voe plaintiffs want to move forward before the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals resolves Kadel v. Folwell and Anderson v. Crouch. The Kadel dispute involves North Carolina State Health Plan coverage for medical treatments typically sought by transgender patients. The Anderson case deals with similar issues in West Virginia."

Read more: https://www.carolinajournal.com/parties-pause-suit-challenging-nc-ban-on-minors-gender-transition-surgeries/

4. CAROLINA JOURNAL: NC Lawmakers Send Tax Credit School Choice Bill to Stein

"Now facing the threat of a likely veto, a measure that would create a new school choice program in North Carolina cleared a final vote in the North Carolina General Assembly on July 30 and now heads to the desk of Gov. Josh Stein.

House Bill 87, the Educational Choice for Children Act, passed the House in a 69-47 vote with two Democrats — Reps. Carla Cunningham of Mecklenburg County and Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe County — joining all Republicans in voting in favor. On July 29, the measure cleared the Senate in a party-line 30-29 vote."

Read more: https://www.carolinajournal.com/nc-lawmakers-send-tax-credit-school-choice-bill-to-stein/

5. WRAL: NC Lawmakers Send 'Mini Budget' and DOGE-Style Plan to Stein

"North Carolina lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a spending plan that would allow for continued operations at some state institutions while legislative leaders continue to debate over a full state spending plan. The bill also included a plan to create a division that would examine state government operations with an eye toward cuts.

House lawmakers voted 91 to 23 on Wednesday to send the legislation to Gov. Josh Stein. Lawmakers reached a deal on the spending plan this week. The state Senate approved it Tuesday with a vote of 47 to 2. Stein can approve it, veto it or let it become law without his signature."

Read more: https://www.wral.com/story/nc-lawmakers-send-mini-budget-and-doge-style-plan-to-stein/22102557/

WEEKLY PRAYER: Life

LORD, we recognize that you are Sovereign over all creation. We recognize you made man from the dust, and in your mercy, you crowned creation with man and woman made in your image. What a wonder it is that you would bestow upon us this blessing and responsibility!

LORD, may we not take this blessing for granted. We pray that this great responsibility and dignity may motivate us to love You, our neighbors, and our families more. LORD, may we as a culture truly see and believe that children are a blessing from the LORD—born or unborn; able or disabled. All children should have an opportunity to experience the liberty of life. LORD, make us your vehicle to change our culture into one that cherishes and protects life. Keep at the forefront of our minds our responsibilities to respect, cherish, and serve the youngest and oldest in our society.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.'” (Matthew 18:1-6)

Sincerely,

Tami & Team

NC Values