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More Epstein files dropped Monday. 

The House Oversight Committee published hundreds of pages of documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, including a 2003 “birthday book” with messages from high-profile friends—including Bill Clinton and Peter Mandelson—compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell three years before Epstein’s abuse allegations became public. Among the entries was a suggestive doodle and note, allegedly from Donald Trump, ending with “Happy birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

The White House swiftly dubbed the signature a forgery and pointed to Trump’s $10B defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal—which first reported on the entry in July.

The broader release includes Epstein’s will, non-prosecution deal, and address book—but no “client list,” which DOJ officials maintain does not exist. Republicans are accusing Democrats of cherry-picking evidence, while Democrats say it’s time for Trump to “release all the Epstein files.” 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Secrets and spin are rampant in politics, but God’s Word promises nothing hidden will stay that way (Luke 8:17). Use discernment while placing your hope not in committees or courts but in Christ, who will reveal truth and bring ultimate justice.

“So don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.” 
1 Corinthians 4:5 (CSB) (read full passage)

After weeks of promising a deportation crackdown in Chicago and Boston, “Operation Midway Blitz” and “Patriot 2.0” are underway.

The Department of Homeland Security says the fresh immigration enforcement efforts are targeting “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” released from local jails in sanctuary cities. Four arrests have been confirmed in Chicago; Boston saw at least eight arrests of violent criminals, some of whom are accused of MS-13 gang affiliations.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court temporarily lifted restrictions on ICE operations in Los Angeles.

The 6-3 decision blocks a July court order that had stopped ICE from conducting “roving patrols” in predominantly Spanish-speaking communities and areas where day laborers frequently congregate. Democratic leaders say ICE agents are illegally profiling Californians and “terrorizing our communities”; Republicans praise the efforts as restoring public safety.

(We’re also covering this story tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)

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Verse to consider whether you’re feeling frustrated with your government or thankful for it…“This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce… Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.’” 
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Israel’s dialing up its offensive against Hamas. 

Yesterday, the IDF dropped leaflets across Gaza City, ordering an “immediate” evacuation of the area, directing the city’s million residents to travel south to a humanitarian zone. PM Netanyahu says “this is only the beginning” of an “intensified ground maneuver” in the city, warning of a “mighty hurricane” if Hamas doesn’t surrender. 

Later, the IDF carried out a “precise strike” targeting Hamas’s negotiating team in Doha, Qatar. Hamas says five of its members were killed but that its top leaders all survived; Qatar has called the move a “blatant violation” of international law.

Meanwhile, two gunmen opened fire at a Jerusalem bus stop on Monday, killing six and critically injuring at least seven others. Hamas has not claimed responsibility but praised the “resistance fighters.”

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
It’s easy to feel helpless when there is such intense suffering happening so far away. But the Bible promises that prayer is powerful and effective, that it causes things to happen that would not have happened otherwise (James 5:16; Hebrews 4:16).

Heavenly Father, bring your kingdom’s peace here, as it is in heaven. Dismantle the suspicions that separate. Provide for the war-torn; heal those wounded and grieving. Free the power hungry from hatred, cruelty, and revenge. Empower leaders with wisdom to negotiate creatively. And embolden your Church to go courageously into the mess, proclaiming the gospel of peace. Amen.

Apple unveiled a basket of fresh-picked products yesterday, including the thinnest-ever iPhone 17 Air, live-translating AirPods Pro 3, and a blood-pressure tracking Apple Watch 11. Apple also announced it’s dropping iOS 26—featuring Liquid Glass (see it in 3D)—next week. Critics wanted to see more AI features, which have been underripe compared to competitors.

France’s government crumbled like a croissant… again. French PM Francois Bayrou—on the job for just nine months—was ousted Monday after losing a no-confidence vote brought on by his unpopular plans to trim France’s budget. Bayrou will stay on in a caretaker role while President Macron headhunts for a replacement who can get parliament to agree on next year’s budget.

President Trump still has to pay $83.3M for defaming E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of sexually assaulting her decades ago (he was found liable for sexual abuse). He challenged the civil jury’s defamation decision, but an appeals court upheld it yesterday, ruling that the presidential immunity SCOTUS afforded POTUS last year for official acts doesn’t cover the defamation case.

Twenty-four civilians were killed and 19 more injured in a Russian strike on eastern Ukraine yesterday. Ukraine said the victims, mostly elderly people, were in line to collect their pension when Russia “dropped a guided air bomb” on Yarova, a village just a few miles from the front lines (see map). President Zelenskyy said there are “no words”; Russia has not commented.

Mail is melting down. On Thursday, the U.S. scrapped its “de minimis” tariff exemption for packages under $800, and global mail bound for America plunged by 81%. The change puts customs duty collection responsibilities on transportation carriers, dozens of which halted shipments, lacking the infrastructure to manage their new… duties. The United Postal Union has created a tool to help.

Feelin’ snacky…

What We’re Drinking
Raspberry LMNT*

My wife, Hannah, swung by the TPO office with the girls (3 years old and 6 months old) the other day! Well… sorta. 

They actually just stayed in the car, and I got a text: “Bring a box of Raspberry LMNT out.”

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

I switch between Raspberry and Grapefruit; Hannah’s just hooked on Raspberry. You’ll get a free 8-pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors if you buy through this link. Happy hydrating!

Jason Woodruff | Founder

How We’re Actually Getting Our Clothes Clean
With Truly Free’s Laundry Detergent*

My old detergent was basically marinating my clothes in chemicals—stuff with names I can’t pronounce and definitely don’t want on my skin, my sheets, or my… unmentionables.

So I switched to Truly Free. Their plant-based formula tackles sweaty socks and sheets without the sketchy stuff, and their refill system means I keep one reusable jug instead of a bottle graveyard. My laundry room is less cluttered, my clothes are actually clean, and I’m smelling fresh as a daisy.

Make the switch today!

Elly Hamby | Squeaky-Clean Partnerships Manager