Read Time: 5 min 59 sec | Listen to Podcast

U.S. NEWS

Public Recording

The public is getting new Jeffrey Epstein deets. 

Friday, the Justice Department released the transcript of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s two-day interview with Ghislaine Maxwell (convicted of aiding Epstein in trafficking minors). 

During the interview, Maxwell stated: 

• President Trump was “never inappropriate with anybody” during his acquaintance with her and “was a gentleman, in all respects.” 

• Former President Bill Clinton never visited Epstein’s private island

• There is no Epstein “black book.” 

• She does “not believe he died by suicide,” but she didn’t “know of any reason why” he would have been murdered. 

The DOJ also sent 33,000+ pages of Epstein-related documents to Congress for “thorough review.” The House Oversight committee plans to make the files public after redacting explicit material and victims’ identification, saying ~3% contain new information.


__

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
We may never know the full truth about Jeffrey Epstein, but our ultimate source of security doesn’t come from having all the answers. It comes from Christ, who knows all things, executes perfect justice, and will make all things right in the end. As you wait for that day, celebrate the patience of your merciful Father and live holy lives in anticipation of his coming. 

“The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 
2 Peter 3:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

SPORTS

Week 0

Hope your chips and dips are stocked because college football is back.

Week 0 opened in Dublin, Ireland, where #22 Iowa State edged out #17 Kansas State 24-21 in a sloppy, turnover-filled game. Back on this side of the pond, other openers included victories for Kansas, Hawaii, Western Kentucky, and Nicholls State—who upset FCS #5 Incarnate Word.

Now, the real feast begins. Week 1 kicks off Thursday with #25 Boise State vs. South Florida, and on Friday, #12 Illinois faces Western Illinois. Later this weekend will come heavyweight clashes, like #1 Texas at #3 Ohio State and #9 LSU at #4 Clemson. 

Preseason polls have Texas, Penn State, and Ohio State sitting atop the rankings. It’s year two of the 12-team playoff format, so every early stumble still matters.


__

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Sports are a good gift—fun and unifying—but they must stay in their place. They can be used to glorify the Lord, but they shouldn’t become idols or consume our hearts.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 
1 Corinthians 10:31 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Strengthen Faithful Frontliners

In Sri Lanka, Chaminda’s church was attacked by a mob of 1,000. He was injured, arrested, and harassed—but instead of retaliating, he forgave his attackers. Today? His church is thriving. 

Around the world, pastors and evangelists face arrests, interrogations, beatings, and even death for sharing the gospel. Yet they keep proclaiming Christ… sometimes even behind bars.

Help strengthen leaders like Chaminda. Your support equips these faithful frontline workers with bicycles, solar-powered projectors, training, and tangible help for their families. 

When you give through The Voice of the Martyrs today, you’ll receive a free copy of When Faith is Forbidden as a thank-you gift!

Curious how we choose sponsors?  Learn more  |  Advertise with us

POLITICS

Congressional Cartography

The Texas Senate approved the “One Big Beautiful Map” bill on Saturday. 

At the urging of President Trump, the map redraws the Lone Star State’s congressional districts in an effort to turn five seats red and solidify Republican control of the U.S. House after the 2026 midterm elections. The bill was passed on a party-line vote after eight hours of debate; now it heads to the desk of Governor Abbott (R) for a signature. 

Critics say the pre-census cartography sets a bad precedent and disenfranchises voters; Democrats are promising to challenge it in court.

Meanwhile, California's retaliatory redistricting—meant to turn five seats blue—just got Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s John Hancock. Unlike its cowboy counterpart, the surfer state’s plan requires voter approval this November.


__

RADIATE HOPE
As you look toward November 2026, steer clear of both escapism (“everything will be better once ___ happens”) and anxiety (“we’ll be in trouble if ___ happens”). Walk in righteousness, justice, and gratitude today, trusting our good God for tomorrow.

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring ​— ​what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’... So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it.” 
James 4:13-17 (CSB) (read full passage)

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was released from jail on Friday, but the Trump Administration hopes to re-deport him to Uganda, calling him a “monster.” The 30-year-old Salvadoran was returned to the U.S. to face human smuggling charges in June, three months after being deported to El Salvador in error. Abrego Garcia’s lawyers say the government is trying to “coerce” him into pleading guilty.
 

The Menendez brothers were denied parole by a California board last week. Lyle and Erik—convicted in 1996 of murdering their parents in 1989—must wait 18+ months to petition again. Prosecutors argued the brothers wanted their inheritance, but advocates want Gov. Newsom (D-CA) to reverse the parole decision or grant broader clemency, saying the two were abused and acting in self-defense.
 

A federal judge blocked the White House from withholding funding from “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Sixteen cities and counties—led by San Francisco—sued in February, arguing that the Trump admin was unlawfully trying to force local officials to cooperate with immigration arrests, which they say would discourage undocumented immigrants from reporting crimes. The DOJ promised to continue fighting policies that “benefit criminal illegal aliens.”
 

Federal agents came knocking on John Bolton’s door on Friday. FBI teams searched the former Trump adviser’s Maryland home and D.C. office in a probe into mishandled classified documents. Bolton has become a sharp critic of President Trump’s policies and national security decisions; VP JD Vance said the raids were driven by the law and “not at all” political payback.
 

The dog days of summer are hitting the West Coast hard. About 1.2M people were under extreme heat risk from Washington to Arizona on Saturday, with highs in Tucson sizzling near 107 degrees. The heatwave is fueling the Pickett Fire in Napa, CA, where 1,000+ first responders are working to suppress the 6,500-acre blaze threatening the region’s vineyards.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Kinetic art... with Legos.

What Finally Got Me to Drink Guzzle Water
LMNT*

Drinking water used to be one of those things I just did because I knew I needed to. Did it bring me joy? No. But did it keep me alive? Okay, sure yeah. 

But then… I tried LMNT.

Now? I’ve become That Person™. The one who carries around a water bottle like it’s an actual accessory. The difference? I actually want to drink it now. 

LMNT’s salty, zero-sugar flavors (Raspberry Salt is chef’s kiss on hot summer days) make hydration weirdly addictive. It’s no longer a chore… You’re welcome, kidneys.

Plus, TPO readers get a free 8-pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any order!

Xan Sibley | Writer

How We’re Staying Safe
With Surfshark One*

You lock your front door, but are you leaving your digital doors wide open?

Slam them shut (and throw the deadbolts) with Surfshark One—a cybersecurity bundle for all-over protection. It includes Surfshark's award-winning VPN to secure your connection, Alternative ID to keep your personal info private, Antivirus to secure everything from your files to your webcam, and Alert so you're notified immediately if your data is leaked.

Keep your digital life safe with SurfShark One. TPO readers get 86% off and three extra months. Try it today!