• Interview with Jimmy Needham – 'The Hymns Sessions – Vol. 1'

  Christian singer Jimmy Needham plans to release “The Hymns Sessions – Vol. 1,” an eclectic compilation of Christ-centered hymns, on September 10. Needham, known for his Christ-exalting lyrics and soul-pop music, wrote two original hymns for the album alongside contemporary covers of nostalgic Christian songs, some of which are hundreds of years old. The record features guest artists Trip Lee and Shane and Shane.

  

• ‘Truly Human’ Video by Jefferson Bethke: 'We are Created for Deep Community'

  Evangelist and college minister Jefferson Bethke posted “Truly Human,” a YouTube video inspired by Craig Gross’ upcoming book, that encourages living in deep community, despite the effort and potential discomfort that getting “open” might involve at first.

• XXXChurch Founder Releases ‘Open’ Book on Being Honest in Today's Isolated Culture

  Craig Gross, pastor and founder of XXXChurch, will release ‘Open,’ a book about accountability, on July 30. The book encourages honest communication in the paradoxical age when America and the social media world boasts to be the most connected and prefer to portray a picture-picture social media site, but also the most fragmented and disconnected culture in history.

• Stomach Bug Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Across the U.S.; Sources Remain Unclear

  At least 285 cases of intestinal infections caused by cyclospora parasites have been reported since June in eleven states across America. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have yet to pinpoint the source of the outbreak, due to the delay of symptoms in those who have ingested the parasites.

• Spain Train Crash Updates: Train's Speed Exceeds Twice the Limit at Curve

  Wednesday night’s train wreck in Santiago de Compostela, Spain has killed 78 passengers to-date, some of which were from the United States and from Mexico. The train may have been going twice the speed limit when it rounded a curve, causing it to derail and slam into a cement support structure for a bridge.