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More Epstein Files are seeing the light, but some are covered in dark redactions.  

On Friday, the DOJ released ~13,000 files tied to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell following a transparency law signed by President Trump last month. The anticipated release contained new photos of former President Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor; 500 pages that are fully blacked out; and few mentions of Trump, whose name appeared mainly in address books and flight logs. 

The White House said the dump made them history's most “transparent” administration and promised to release thousands more documents “in the coming weeks.”

Democratic lawmakers and some victims criticized the heavy redactions and limited release as violating the spirit of the transparency law. Clinton’s team claimed #42 is being used as a scapegoat to “shield” #47 from worse disclosures ahead. 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Waiting in partial light can feel unsettling. Yet we can trust that no imperfect human system can ultimately thwart God’s justice—and that what needs to be seen will one day be brought into the light and made right.

“No one, after lighting a lamp, covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see its light. For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and brought to light.” 
Luke 8:16-17 (CSB) (read full passage)

On Friday, nine more pharmaceutical companies joined the White House’s Most-Favored-Nation program, voluntarily lowering prices on Americans and promising to invest in U.S. manufacturing in exchange for avoiding President Trump’s planned pharmaceutical-specific tariffs.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also making healthcare headlines.

Late Thursday, HHS announced a crackdown on transgender medical treatments for minors (puberty blockers, sex-transition surgery), barring any hospital providing the “sex-rejecting procedures” from Medicare or Medicaid programs. The American Academy of Pediatrics said “restrictions to gender-affirming care” are “not grounded in science.”

Meanwhile, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. is expected to announce an overhaul to the childhood vaccine schedule using Denmark as a model. The Danes recommend 11 vaccine doses targeting 10 diseases, while Uncle Sam currently recommends 72 doses targeting 18 diseases; U.S. medical groups have concerns.

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Verse to consider whether you’re discussing healthcare or how to best cook a Christmas ham… “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6 (CSB) (read full passage)

Scientists from Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Berkeley, and Stanford walked into a lab… and instead of making a bad joke, they improved gut health forever. 

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*Based on preclinical studies. Not intended for weight loss.

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Uncle Sam’s diversity visa lottery is suspended until further notice. 

Secretary of Homeland Security Noem announced the pause Thursday, saying the “disastrous” program was used by the man accused of killing two Brown University students and an MIT professor. The program issues ~55,000 visas annually to countries with low rates of U.S. immigration, and issued a green card to the suspected shooter in 2017.

Authorities say that a big breakthrough in identifying and tracking the suspect came from a Reddit post; the user who posted the tip may be eligible for a $50,000 reward.

Meanwhile, a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a Mexican immigrant evade authorities was convicted of obstruction—a felony punishable by up to five years in prison—prompting state Republicans to call for the judge’s resignation. Advocacy groups say the case raises “serious constitutional questions.” 

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Jesus showed compassion when people expected rejection, gentleness when people expected anger, and love when people expected hate. In all areas of life and discussion, be imitators of Christ. 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus in John 13:35 (CSB) (read full passage)

Gaza is no longer facing famine. On Friday, a U.N.-backed hunger watchdog (IPC) said reduced conflict and improved humanitarian access have eased conditions in Gaza—reversing the “man-made” famine it declared in August. The IPC warned that conditions remain dire, with 1.6 million people still facing acute food insecurity, and that gains could unravel if fighting resumes.

Uncle Sam launched retaliatory airstrikes on multiple ISIS targets in Syria Friday. War Secretary Hegseth called the mission—dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike—a “declaration of vengeance” for last week’s attack that killed an American contractor and two soldiers from Iowa. U.S. officials said more than 70 targets were struck, and Syrian monitoring groups reported that at least five ISIS members were killed.

Prices are inflating more slowly than expected, giving investors renewed hope the economic balloon isn’t about to pop. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7% from November 2024 to November 2025, well below the expected 3.1%. Grocery prices are up just 1.9% over the last year, with a few notable exceptions, including uncooked beef (+21%) and coffee (+18%).

The investigation into fraud in Minnesota’s social service program has expanded from 3 to 14 government programs. Federal prosecutors say the 14 programs received $18B since 2018 to help low-income Minnesotans, and estimate over $9B may be lost to fraud. Governor Walz (D) applauded the new charges and said the system is being overhauled; Republicans criticize Walz for not implementing fraud safeguards sooner.

The College Football Playoffs kicked off this weekend. The Ducks outlasted the Dukes; Miami’s defense got the U the W; Lane-less Ole Miss trounced Tulane; and the Tide rolled back from 17-0 to beat Oklahoma. Quarterfinals start next Wednesday. Meanwhile, Illinois State continued its improbable run in the FCS playoffs and will face Montana State in Jan. 5th’s FCS Championship game.

Wondering why there are two college football playoffs and championships? This episode of TPO Explains is for you!

When you see an old friend...

What We’re Drinking
Raspberry LMNT*

My wife, Hannah, swung by the TPO office with the girls (3 years old and 10 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 I’m Getting Free Stuff
With this Amazon rewards credit card*

I spent almost no money on Christmas gifts this year… and not because I’m a Scrooge. 

I used the points I racked up on my Amazon Prime Visa card to foot the bill. It allows me to earn cash back on purchases I already make—like that replacement water filter I need to order or my bestie’s baby shower gift.  

Now, I don’t stress about my budget when a blue-taped box shows up on my porch—odds are, it was free. 

Prime members who sign up can earn hundreds each year, no strings attached. See if it’s right for you and start covering next year’s Christmas budget today!

Bailey Parmley | Writer

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