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ELECTION

Unwinding the Election

Tuesday’s results are (mostly) in.

How’d the people vote?
More than 90% of counties in America shifted more towards former-turned-future President Trump in 2024 compared to the 2020 margins (see map), propelling him to victories in five swing states (and currently leading in the other two), an electoral college victory, and a lead of five million in the popular vote. Trump expanded his voting coalition to include demographic groups that historically pull the blue lever: +13 points with Hispanics/Latinos, +7 with 18-to-29-year-olds, and +8 among those without college degrees.

The GOP has the Senate majority locked up and appears poised to secure control of the House. Results could take days or weeks as key states like California and New York continue counting mail-in ballots. 

See how your state voted on special ballot measures.

How’s the White House responding? 
Wednesday afternoon, VP Harris officially conceded the presidential race from her alma mater, Howard University. She encouraged acceptance of the election results and a peaceful transfer of power, stating, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”

Meanwhile, President Biden spoke with President-elect Trump and invited him to a White House meeting. He addressed the nation from the Rose Garden yesterday, promising a “peaceful and orderly transition” while telling Democrats “setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable.” 

What’s next for the President-Elect? 
Trump’s transition team––led by RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Trump’s older sons—is assembling ~4,000 appointees to staff the Trump 2.0 admin, where Elon Musk and RFK Jr. are expected to hold senior advisory roles.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
As America changes course, remember that our home country—heaven—is on the same course as ever. Just as many Americans view the outcomes of foreign elections with a certain level of detachment, Christians view earthly political outcomes as secondary to the campaign of our eternal home, where we hold our truest citizenship.

“Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.” 
1 Peter 2:11-12 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Sharing Season

‘Tis the season of giving, sharing, and receiving. Have you thought about how you could share… your medical costs?

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*Editor’s Note: Health Care Sharing is not the best option for everyone, but it is an excellent option for many. Take the time to research if it’s right for you & your family.

ECONOMY

Trump Trades

Wall Street is wearing its party hat.

The Dow Jones jumped over 1,500 points (3.5%) Wednesday––its biggest gain in two years–– on speculation that President-elect Trump’s promises of deregulation and tax cuts will add fuel to the economy.

Industries expected to benefit most from a Trump presidency––dubbed “Trump trades”––have soared. Big banks had a banner day on the prospect of lighter regulations (JP Morgan +12%), big tech rose on hopes of favorable policies and reduced antitrust scrutiny (Tesla +15%), and crypto surged on optimism the industry will be embraced (Bitcoin +8%). The big losers were tariff-exposed companies that manufacture goods overseas (Nike -3.5%) and real estate developers hit by rising bond prices. 

Yesterday, the Fed followed through on its widely anticipated 0.25-point interest rate cut, extending Wall Street’s festivities. 

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Too often, we let eternally insignificant things like the election or the ups and downs of the market control us. Seeking to steward money well is a good thing, but keep your focus on the Giver rather than the gifts. 

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

Europe’s largest economy sputtered into political chaos Thursday. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner after a disagreement over the 2025 budget, collapsing the coalition that has governed since 2021. Scholz scheduled a vote of confidence for January 15, hoping to keep his government alive; if it fails, snap elections could take place as soon as March.
 

Powerful winds fueled fast-moving wildfires in California Wednesday. Northwest of LA, the Mountain Fire remains uncontained after rapidly spreading across 14,500 acres, threatening 3,500 structures and forcing thousands to evacuate. The same day, a 50-acre fire in Malibu briefly shut down the Pacific Coast Highway. A rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” warning was issued amid the region’s ongoing fire-danger conditions.
 

The breakdancing community is spinning with news that viral Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn—AKA Raygun—is retiring, citing backlash to her 2024 Olympic performance that famously earned 0 points. Raygun says she’ll still dance, just not in competitions, and recently launched the #RaygunChallenge.
 

A military judge upheld plea deals struck by alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants, voiding Defense Secretary Austin’s order to discard the deals. The agreements, which spare the three men the death penalty in exchange for them pleading guilty in the long-running case, sparked political backlash this summer, especially from Republican lawmakers.
 

Forty-three primates are monkeying around in SC after escaping from a lab between Charleston and Savannah. Biological researchers at Alpha Genesis say the 7lb female monkeys “bolted” through an unsecured door. Police are urging South Carolinians to shut doors and windows; the “skittish” fugitives reportedly don’t pose any health risk and are probably just looking for snacky-snacks and a Netflix password.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Ever wonder what a super light sailing hydrofoil looks like…?

How We’re Empowering Teens in Faith
With Axis’s The Greatest Debate: A Simple Defense Against Atheism*

As parents, it’s easy to feel uneasy about your children flying the nest, whether that time is rapidly approaching or is still years down the road. Research shows that the majority of teens who go off to college will face real challenges to their faith…

How should families prepare? 

Thankfully, Axis has created The Greatest Debate: A Simple Defense Against Atheism, a free resource to help parents and college-bound kids counter common arguments that seek to dismiss or undermine Christianity. The guide features conversation starters and thorough explanations to spark productive dialogue on these issues.

Guard your faith as a family––download this free guide today!

What We’re Craving
Not much*

Since taking Pendulum’s GLP-1 Probiotic, my cravings have been surprisingly… quieter. 

I’m not saying I’ve given up on sweets—cookie dough isn’t easily replaceable—and it’s not about avoiding my favorite foods. I’m just less likely to randomly raid the fridge because I feel more satisfied throughout the day. 

Pendulum’s GLP-1 Probiotic gives my gut the support it needs to naturally produce the “un-hunger” hormone. Formulated by some seriously smart scientists, it’s my little secret weapon against the hunger monster.

Try for yourself! Get 20% off your first month of Pendulum membership, discount automatically applied at checkout.

Elly Hamby | Partnerships Manager