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WORLD NEWS

Millennial Milestone

Tensions are rising as Ukraine and Russia reach 1,000 days at war.

A day after President Biden lifted the ban on Ukraine’s use of American-supplied long-range weapons to target Russia, Ukraine confirmed striking an ammunition warehouse 65 miles into Russian territory. Moscow says Ukraine used the American-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) in the strike, which caused a fire but no casualties after Russia intercepted five missiles. 

In response to Uncle Sam’s policy change, Putin finalized his own: Russia officially lowered the threshold for using its nuclear weapons. 

The new doctrine, proposed in September, allows a nuclear retaliation after a conventional military strike from any nuclear-power-supported nation—meaning Ukraine threatening the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia and its ally, Belarus” opens the door for Russia to go nuclear.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
As nations fight over temporarily held territory, followers of Christ rejoice in our eternal inheritance: the entire world made completely new, where we will live and reign with our Savior forever. 

“Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” 
Matthew 5:5 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

More Cabinet Nods

President-elect Trump continues assembling his 2.0 administration.

Here’s the latest:

• Education Secretary: Linda McMahon, former Small Business Administration director

• Commerce Secretary: Howard Lutnick, billionaire Wall Street executive and crypto enthusiast

• Transportation Secretary: Former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI), a current Fox Business host 

• Interior Secretary: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, tasked with driving U.S. energy dominance

• FCC Chair: Brendan Carr, a current member of the FCC and a big critic of big tech; he’s proposed banning TikTok and reforming Section 230 (a legal shield for tech companies)

• Press Secretary: 27-year-old Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to hold the position

Still TBD: secretaries of Treasury, Agriculture, Labor, and Housing and Urban Development (see graphic).

Senate committees will likely begin confirmation hearings in early January, though formal confirmation votes cannot happen until Inauguration Day (January 20th).
 
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CHOOSE HUMILITY
When discussing divisive topics, such as political appointments, remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. We shouldn’t sacrifice relationships to win arguments.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” 
James 3:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

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U.S. NEWS

Congestion Pricing

Getting to the city that doesn’t sleep will soon cost you an extra Hamilton.

On Monday, NYC’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority board fast-tracked Governor Kathy Hochul’s revised “congestion pricing” plan. Beginning in January, drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street will face a new $9 toll, which drops to $3 after 9 PM (see more details). 

A $15 version was set to go into effect in June, but Hochul paused the plan due to “unintended consequences for New Yorkers.” The reduction to $9 is temporary; planned hikes will raise the toll to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031. The tolling is expected to generate the $15B needed to update NYC’s 120-year-old transit system.

Critics say the toll is a political move with “huge consequences for the entire region”; President-elect Trump has said he’d seek to terminate it once in office.
 
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Verse to consider when two sides are fighting over the right thing to do… “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” 
Proverbs 2:6 (CSB) (read full passage)

The House Ethics Committee will meet today, facing mounting pressure to release a report detailing an investigation into sexual misconduct and illicit drug use allegations against Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who’s up for Attorney General. Two women reportedly testified that Gaetz paid them for sex, and one said she saw him sleeping with a 17-year-old. Gaetz denies all allegations.
 

Manhattan prosecutors declined to dismiss President-elect Trump’s criminal conviction but suggested freezing the case until after his second term, citing “the need to balance competing constitutional interests.” A Trump spokesman called the delay a “definitive victory.” It’s expected both federal investigations into Trump (Jan 6th & Classified Documents) will be dismissed, and the Georgia Election Interference case is currently paused indefinitely.
 

There’s a carrot crisis. An E. coli outbreak linked to Grimmway Farms organic carrots has left one person dead and 38 others sick across 18 states. Grimmway has recalled affected baby and whole carrots sold under brands from Trader Joe’s and Target. Check your fridge and the FDA website to make sure you’re in the clear.
 

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that mail-in ballots that arrived on time but lacked the correct handwritten dates on their return envelopes must not be counted in accordance with state law. The order, prompted by the RNC and Pennsylvania’s Republican Party, is the latest chapter in ongoing legal battles over absentee voting rules, which have sparked numerous lawsuits since 2020.
 

We might have a new Queen of Christmas this December 25th (assuming Netflix can solve its livestream struggles). Beyoncé will deliver the first live performance of her Cowboy Carter album during halftime of Netflix’s Christmas Day Ravens-Texans NFL game in her hometown of Houston. Christmas Day games with a Super Bowl-worthy halftime show are Netflix’s next foray into live events.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners…

Where We’re Giving
Somalia, through World Concern*

Somalia is caught in the crosshairs of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks.   

East Africa is coming off its worst drought in 40 years, which has left tens of millions of people without access to clean water, killed millions of livestock, and decimated crops. Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and a cholera outbreak is spreading in some areas. 

Join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs, water, and hygiene products to those with the most need. Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $1,000; just give through this link.

How We’re Getting a Little Extra Jingle in Our Pockets
With Upside*

With Christmas shopping underway, your wallet might need a little holiday boost!

The Upside app gives you cash back for doing what you already do: filling up your gas tank, going out to eat, or grocery shopping. It’s super user-friendly, and top users can earn up to $300 back each month… just the boost you need to tackle those wish lists without playing budget Tetris!

Download the Upside app (for free) and use code POUROVER to score an extra 25¢ per gallon on your first fill-up.