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U.S. NEWS

Cabinet Assembly

President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks are keeping D.C. on its toes.

On Wednesday, Trump tapped Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to be Attorney General––head of the Justice Department––saying the congressman will “end Weaponized Government.” 

Gaetz is a divisive figure within the Republican party; Speaker Johnson (R-LA) called him an “accomplished attorney,” while Senator Murkowski (R-AK) said he wasn’t “a serious nomination.” Gaetz resigned from the House following the nomination, ending an Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. His confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate isn’t certain.

Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence—veteran and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat-turned-Republican––and Health and Human Services Secretary nominee RFK Jr. also face an uncertain Senate confirmation. Trump’s now-official pick for Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), is expected to be confirmed easily. 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Political appointments often leave some hopeful and others uneasy. But our ultimate hope lies in the Lord, who rules with perfect justice, compassion, and wisdom—and His term never ends.

“But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for judgment. And he judges the world with righteousness; he executes judgment on the nations with fairness. The Lord is a refuge for the persecuted, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you because you have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord.”
Psalm 9:7–10 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLITICS

On The Hill

Lawmakers are suiting up for the 119th Congress, where power has shifted to the GOP.

Although nine state races are outstanding, Republicans have clinched the 218 seats needed for a majority in the House of Representatives. The GOP’s narrow majority faces an even slimmer future since President-elect Trump swiped three reps for his cabinet; they’ll be replaced through special elections once they officially leave the House.

As some states wrap up counting, Pennsylvania announced a mandatory (but unlikely to change the winner) recount in its tight senate race between incumbent Senator Bob Casey Jr. (D) and first-count winner David McCormick (R).

With solidified majorities, both chambers have chosen their top elephants. Senate Republicans elected John Thune (R-SD) Majority Leader while House Republicans re-chose Mike Johnson (R-LA)––he’ll need 218 votes in January to formally retain the Speaker’s gavel.

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Verse to consider whether you revere rising leaders or would rather have literally anyone else in the top spot… “My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I wither away like grass. But you, Lord, are enthroned forever; your fame endures to all generations.” 
Psalm 102:11–12 (CSB) (read full passage)

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ECONOMY

Bad and Good

Inflation hit a speed bump after six months of cooling.

The consumer price index (aka, inflation) rose from 2.4% in September to 2.6% in October thanks to stubbornly high housing costs. Wall Street expected the increase, and economists seem unconcerned; inflation has been on a slow-but-steady decline since peaking at 9.1% in June 2022.

Spirit Airlines’ turbulent times may take longer to smooth. Its stock plummeted 59% Wednesday after news broke Tuesday that the debt-laden airline was preparing to file for bankruptcy protection. Spirit stock is down 90% year to date. 

At least Mickey’s happy. Disney stock jumped 9% yesterday morning after the House of Mouse reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings, bolstered by streaming growth and record-setting summer performances by Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Inflation goes up, and inflation goes down, but one thing is certain: God will remain in control and always provide for you. In the midst of uncertainty on Earth, set your hope on the abundance we will enjoy with Christ when he comes.

“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)

President Biden and President-elect Trump buried the hatchet for 29 seconds of on-camera civility in the Oval Office Wednesday. The pair discussed their commitment to a peaceful transfer of power in front of a roaring fireplace and some roaring press before entering a two-hour closed-door meeting with their chiefs of staff.
 

Amazon is taking a page from Temu and Shein with Amazon Haul, a new online storefront offering a broad selection of items under $20. Launched Wednesday, the mobile-only shop features everything from gadgets to clothes, with free delivery on orders over $25. Products are shipped from Amazon’s China warehouse to your doorstep in 1-2 days weeks.
 

We’re about to see if there’s any rust on Iron Mike. Tonight, 58-year-old Mike Tyson will fight 27-year-old YouTuber (and boxer) Jake Paul at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fight is airing live on we-do-live-events-too Netflix. Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987-1990; tonight is his first professional fight in 19 years.
 

It’s time to rewatch The Office… People Magazine just named John Krasinski 2024’s sexiest man alive. Crush-worthy paper salesman Jim Halpert became one of Hollywood’s top filmmakers following the box-office success of A Quiet Place, which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in. Krasinski’s wife, actress Emily Blunt, is making plans to wallpaper the house with the magazine cover.
 

It was a (literal) rude awakening Wednesday morning for Shayne Coplan; the 26-year-old founder/CEO of Polymarket had his NYC home raided at 6 am. While he wasn’t arrested, the FBI did seize his phone and electronics. Polymarket is an offshore, crypto-fueled prediction market that gained notoriety for taking massive bets—totaling over $3.6 billion—on the 2024 presidential election.

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How Christians Are Selling Their Businesses
With a kingdom mindset, thanks to The Signatry*

Good stewards. We all want to be them… but what does that look like for Christian business owners to sell after investing immeasurable time, energy, and prayer?

The questions can feel endless…

• How do you know you’re ready to sell?  

• How can you minimize the tax bite? 

• What’s next for you and your family? 

• Where is God in this conversation?

The Signatry has walked alongside many entrepreneurs as they’ve navigated a business exit, and they’ve crafted a useful resource to help you exit well, too. Get your free copy of “3 Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Business” here.