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U.S. NEWS

Franklin Fire

Firefighters have been working overtime to contain a wildfire that has spread across more than 4,000 acres in Malibu, California. 

The Franklin Fire started early Monday morning and grew rapidly Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, fueled by Santa Ana winds (strong, very dry winds from inland, high-pressure areas of California). As of yesterday, the fire was ~7% contained.

While no injuries have been reported, almost half of Malibu’s 10,000 residents—including stars like Cher, Barbie, Ken, and Dick Van Dyke (who’s celebrating his 99th birthday today)—have evacuated the area. Malibu’s Pepperdine University canceled its final exams but issued a shelter-in-place to students earlier this week, prompting many students to sleep in the school’s library as flames roar outside. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Massive weather events and natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. But Christians can look forward to an eternity where there’s redemption not just for people but for creation itself. 

“For the creation was subjected to futility—​not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.” 
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)

ECONOMY

Up and Up

Traders are feeling festive after some milestone moments.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq closed above 20,000 for the first time ever this week, an exclamation point on a massive year (+33%) driven by excitement over AI, falling interest rates, and the promise of deregulation under Trump Administration 2.0.

Recent surges in Tesla (+70%) and SpaceX (+67%) have driven/rocketed Elon Musk’s personal net worth to $447B; he’s the only person to have ever crossed the $400B mark (Jeff Bezos is in a distant second at $250B). 

Kroger and Albertson’s aren’t in the mood for (super)market merriment after both a federal and a state judge blocked their $25B merger, agreeing with the FTC that an Alberger alliance would lead to higher prices at the checkout conveyor belt.

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Verse to consider whether your stock-ing is stuffed or hanging empty… “Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.” 
1 Timothy 6:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

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SPORTS

Cup Controversies

FIFA announced the 2030 and 2034 World Cup locations.

The 100th-anniversary 2030 tournament will take place on a hat trick of continents, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco hosting after early games in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will host solo in 2034––a decision that has human rights groups waving red cards.

Saudi Arabia has been accused of “sportswashing,” luring big names like Neymar and Ronaldo to play in global-image-boosting events, and critics argue FIFA is ignoring dangerous, potentially deadly labor conditions. The bidding process also raised eyebrows––FIFA’s 2030/2034 package deal forced members to accept or reject both bids and Saudi Arabia ran unopposed. Officials defended the decision, claiming it could spark social change.

In other sports news, six-time Super Bowl champ Bill Belichick, 72, is headed back to college as UNC’s new head coach.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Injustice and controversy in this world stir up longing in us for a better world where justice always wins, and righteousness is never corrupted. As you wait, celebrate the patience of your merciful Father and live holy lives in anticipation of his coming.

“The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

President-elect Trump is Time’s “Person of the Year” for “changing the course” of politics and history in 2024. He celebrated by ringing the NYSE opening bell yesterday to mark the market’s massive run since his election win. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark, WNBA Rookie of the Year, earned “Athlete of the Year” for her crossover appeal and the “Caitlin Clark effect.”
 

President Biden announced the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history, affecting 1,500+ individuals sentenced under “outdated laws, policies, and practices.” The action commutes the sentences of 1,499 people who have been in home confinement for over a year under COVID-era policies and pardons 39 people who were convicted of non-violent crimes and have “turned their lives around.”
 

New year, new boss (for the FBI). On Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray said he’ll step down by Inauguration Day after President-elect Trump announced plans to appoint a new director, Kash Patel. Trump has been critical of Wray many times since appointing him in 2017, most fervently following the FBI’s 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago.
 

The Onion’s $1.8M bid to buy Alex Jones’ Infowars was rejected by a federal judge who cited issues with the bankruptcy auction process, including lack of transparency and failure to maximize value for Jones’ creditors. The owners of The Onion, a satire news site, say they are “deeply disappointed.” Infowars will remain under Jones’ control for now.
 

Mysterious lights in New Jersey’s night sky turned out to be 180 commercial-grade drones (not Rudolph), but it’s unclear who is operating them. The fleet of skybots has been seen repeatedly for weeks, including near a military installation; the FBI says, “there are no known specific or credible threats related to these sightings.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

High-stakes teaching…

How We’re Ending the Year Generously
By donating to Operation Blessing*

When crisis strikes, hope can’t wait. And Operation Blessing (OB) is ever-ready to provide strategic, ongoing relief through core programs—disaster relief, medical care, hunger relief, and clean water—thanks to generous partners devoted to being God’s hands and feet in the world. 

Every dollar donated to OB creates lasting change, and right now, every dollar given through year-end will be matched up to $125,000, doubling your impact and doubling OB’s ability to empower people in need through compassionate, Christ-centered relief and development programs.

Support Operation Blessing’s mission of bringing help and hope to a hurting world by donating to their “Where Needed Most” fund today.

What’s Under Our Christmas Trees
Lottttts of Mr. Pen*

Looking for a practical and fun gift? Mr. Pen has you covered! Their smooth-as-butter pens and vibrant highlighters are the kind of office supplies that make you weirdly excited to tackle to-do lists (just for the satisfaction of checking boxes), journal, or write Bible study notes. 

This Christmas, snag Mr. Pen for a friend (or yourself!) with an unbeatable deal: buy 3 packs, get 1 free plus a free gift! And with free shipping on orders over $25, you can feel extra good about clicking “add to cart.” Use code “CM” at checkout.

Affordable, thoughtful, and perfect for stocking stuffers or gift exchanges––Mr. Pen is the gift that keeps on writing!

TPO CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Salt. Sunglasses. Swings. Straws. Those are just the gifts that start with “S” in TPO’s Christmas Gift Guide. (And if you think salt and straws are boring… prepare to be wowed.)