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The Justice Department released its largest stack of Epstein files on Friday, saying the data dump “marks the end” of its review.

The release included 3 million pages of documents, 180,000 photos, 2,000 videos, and fresh mentions of notable names like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and Presidents Clinton and Trump. 

One document lists unverified public tips received by the FBI against President Trump—the White House noted the DOJ’s statement says that files “may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents, or videos.”

Critics say the DOJ over-redacted some areas (protecting abusers/enablers), under-redacted others (exposing victims who wanted anonymity), and still has 3M+ more files. The Department says it has “complied with” the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and no additional files could satisfy the public’s “hunger or thirst for information.”

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether we’re satisfied with an outcome here on earth or still searching for closure, Christians can rest in the fact that Christ knows all things, is sovereign over all things, and pours out perfect justice and mercy from His eternal throne. 

“Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise! Sing a song of wisdom, for God is King of the whole earth. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.”
Psalm 47:6-8 (CSB) (read full passage)

President Trump announced Friday that he is nominating Kevin Warsh to replace current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May.

Warsh is a former Fed governor (2006-2011) with degrees from Stanford and Harvard. He has a history of favoring high interest rates—prioritizing low inflation above economic growth during the Great Recession—but has more recently been critical of the Fed’s “hesitancy” to cut interest rates, earning Trump’s favor.

The price of gold and silver—which ride high on fears of instability—crashed Friday, signaling investors’ early confidence that Warsh will not simply enact any White House request. 

Warsh still needs to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate, where his views on the Federal Reserve’s independence are expected to be a major focus. His confirmation is probable, but not certain.

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Verse to consider whether you’re worried, excited, or indifferent about who takes office… “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”
1 Peter 1:3-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Fallout continues in the wake of the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis:

Meanwhile, thousands of demonstrators gathered across 46 states Friday in a “national shutdown” to “stop ICE terror.” President Trump ordered that “under no circumstances” should DHS get involved with protests unless federal property is threatened or local authorities request support.

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PRAY WITH US
Peacemaking Savior, do Your redeeming, renewing, healing, helping work in Minneapolis and in places of unrest in my own life. Stir up my zeal for Your Kingdom, my desire for Your presence, and my desperation for Your intervention so that my first instinct is to come to You in every season. You meet me, You hear, and You answer.  Amen.

“You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you. Trust in the LORD forever, because in the LORD, the LORD himself, is an everlasting rock!”
Isaiah 26:3-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Senate voted 71-29 Friday to pass a major government spending package, successfully splitting off controversial Homeland Security funding. Parts of the government (HHS, Transportation, Defense, Agriculture) shut down over the weekend while the newly amended package awaits a House vote—Speaker Johnson (R-LA) said he has the votes needed to reopen the government tomorrow. 

President Trump’s taking the IRS to court. #47 and his sons are suing the IRS and Treasury for $10B, alleging the IRS gave inappropriate “staff-like access” to the contractor who leaked their tax records to media outlets in 2022. Critics say federal appointees approving Trump’s personal payout is a conflict of interest; Trump said he might settle and donate proceeds.

Melania is a (unprofitable) box office success. The first lady’s documentary brought in $8M on its opening weekend—the strongest documentary debut in a decade, but well below the $75M Amazon MGM spent on distribution rights and marketing. The film, which follows Melania Trump before she re-enters the White House, has a 10% critics score and 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The South braced for round two of arctic blasts, which blew in Saturday on the heels of last weekend’s storm, bringing more snow and frigid temps to the Carolinas and parts of Tennessee that hadn’t thawed out. Over 150k remain without power since last week, hundreds of flights have been canceled, and Florida is experiencing record sub-zero wind chills.

Carlos Alcaraz won the Australian Open yesterday (see his massive trophy). The 22-year-old Spaniard out-swung Novak Djokovic in four sets to become the youngest man ever to earn a career Grand Slam (winning four major tennis championships). On the women's blue stage, Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan won her second major title, overcoming top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka after a third-set comeback.

A glimpse of whale parenting...

What We’re Getting Our Loved Ones
Their own Christian Standard Bible*

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day and Easter are right around the corner (wasn’t it just Thanksgiving?). Whether you’re showing that special someone you love them or teaching your kids about Christ’s resurrection, CSB has something for everyone. 

He Reads Truth and She Reads Truth Bibles feature matching reading plans to dive deeper together, while the Explorer Bible for Kids is filled with resources to help your little ones engage with Scripture. 

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Holman has so many options, all designed to deepen your love for God’s Word.

Check out all the offerings today!

How We’re Browsing The Internet
Like it's Y2K, thanks to Surfshark*

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TPO readers can get it now for just $1.99/month (87% off), and enjoy 3 extra months free!

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