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President Trump and the IRS have reached a (controversial) settlement.

On Monday, Trump dropped his $10B lawsuit alleging the IRS failed to protect his tax records from a public leak. In exchange, the DOJ is creating a $1.776B “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate people who allege the “machinery of government” was “weaponized” against them—particularly under the Biden Administration. Yesterday, the DOJ expanded the settlement to permanently bar any audit of Trump, his family, or his businesses’ past tax returns.

Trump and his family will receive a formal apology, but are ineligible for a payout from the fund.

Critics accuse the DOJ of colluding with President Trump to use taxpayer money to create a “slush fund” for his allies. Over 90 Democratic lawmakers signed a filing calling the fund “corruption unparalleled” and requesting a court block its creation.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Controversial political news frequently makes people think, speak, and act poorly… including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we are quick to listen and slow to speak.

“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” 
James 1:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

Three people were killed Monday morning in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego—the city’s largest mosque—which authorities are investigating as a hate crime.

Two hours before the shooting, police received a call from the mother of one of the suspects, who reported her teenage son had taken firearms and her vehicle, and she suspected he was suicidal and with a peer. The two attackers, ages 17 and 18, were found dead in a car from apparent self-inflicted wounds. 

According to officials, hate speech was scrawled on one of the weapons, anti-Islamic writing was found in the car, and a note referencing racial pride was recovered. Among those killed was a mosque security guard and father of eight who police say played a “heroic” role in preventing further bloodshed.

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PRAY WITH US
God of mercy, come near. Come near to the victims’ family as their world rips apart. Come near to the community that is shaken and gripped by fear. Come near to us as this act of violence unravels any sense of security, shatters any semblance of peace. 
Amen.

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A California advisory jury deleted Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman.

The three-week battle of the billionaires ended after less than two hours of deliberation. The jury didn’t rule on the merits of the case after unanimously finding that Musk failed to file his suit within the statute of limitations. Presiding Judge Gonzalez Rogers agreed with the jury’s verdict, dismissing claims that Altman, the company, and its president unjustly enriched themselves and strayed from their mission to benefit humanity. The world’s richest man had also sued Microsoft—OpenAI’s biggest backer—for aiding and abetting the ChatGPT-maker; those claims were also dismissed. 

The ruling clears a path for OpenAI to proceed with an IPO that could value the business at ~$1T. 

Musk has vowed to appeal, arguing Altman shouldn’t get off on a “calendar technicality.”

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
As courts discuss technology and AI, it’s a good moment for personal reflection on its effect on our lives, relationships, and heart-habits. Whatever tools we adopt, our aim should be to use them wisely and in ways that increase the fruit of the Spirit in us. 

“Walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh… The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Galatians 5:16, 22-23a (CSB) (read full passage)

President Trump called off surprise strikes on Iran. On Monday, #47 announced that “very major” attacks on Iran had been planned for Tuesday, but that he was holding off for now. The pause was requested by Gulf allies who wanted to allow for “serious negotiations” to continue; Trump warned that fighting will resume if Iran doesn’t strike a deal soon.

Thousands gathered at the National Mall Sunday to rededicate America as “One Nation Under God.” The Rededicate 250 event featured prayer, worship music, a pre-recorded Scripture reading from President Trump, and speeches from Trump admin officials and Christian leaders. Supporters lauded the event as a public declaration of faith, while critics called it an exclusionary display promoting Christian Nationalism.

Ebola is spreading faster than first thought. Yesterday, the WHO warned that Ebola Bundibugyo has killed at least 131 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is spreading across central Africa. The first American infected, a missionary-physician, has been evacuated to Germany. While early supportive care (fluids & oxygen) significantly improves survival rates, there are no approved treatments for the Bundibugyo strain.*

A Minnesota county attorney issued an arrest warrant Monday for an ICE officer involved in a nonfatal shooting during “Operation Metro Surge.” The officer faces five counts—including second-degree assault and falsely reporting a crime—for the January 14 shooting of a Venezuelan man through a closed door. ICE called the charges a “political stunt,” and the officer’s whereabouts are unknown.

Thunder struck twice: SGA is the NBA’s MVP… again. Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the 14th back-to-back MVP after leading the returning champs to another league-best record. However, the Canadian’s celebration was ruined Monday as Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs over the Thunder in a double-overtime thriller in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

*We’re covering the Ebola outbreak at a 7th-grade reading level with biblical reflection and action steps in Decaf: The Pour Over for Families. Sign up free to get it in your inbox tomorrow!

What’s going on here?

What We’re Not Forgetting to Pack
LMNT* 

I went on vacation with my wife, and in the airport, she suddenly stopped me: “Ugh! I knew I forgot something!”

It wasn’t her phone or wallet… it was Raspberry LMNT. Seriously.

At first, I thanked her for the great ad content, but she was genuinely upset. She normally has one daily—loving the flavor and science-backed ratio of electrolytes (lots of salt… zero sugar).

It didn’t ruin our kid-free vacation, but she definitely won’t forget it again! 

TPO readers get a free 8-pack of LMNT’s top flavors with any purchase—and be sure to try the new caffeinated Lemonade Iced Tea (perfect for those AM flights)!

Jason Woodruff | Founder

What’s Not Changing
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What is changing: their name.

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The mission is the same: to help believers steward their finances for God’s glory, support more ministries, and bank alongside people who share their values. 

To celebrate the launch, new members can earn up to $400*. Same Kingdom-minded goal, new name, and a hefty welcome bonus to boot. 

Meet the new AdelFi Christian Banking and open up an account today!
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