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WORLD NEWS

Ceasefire

The tenuous ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to begin Sunday. 

On Wednesday night, the U.S. announced that the anticipated deal was done, but yesterday, Israel delayed its approval, accusing Hamas of backtracking “to extort last-minute concessions.” Hamas denied the claim. 

Israel’s cabinet will convene tomorrow to vote on the ceasefire.

Under the agreement, the first six-week phase would see a ceasefire, 33 Hamas-held hostages released (including Americans), hundreds of life-sentenced Palestinian prisoners released, and partial IDF withdrawal from Gaza. Negotiations for the final ceasefire and hostage release would come sixteen days later. 

Fighting has raged on throughout final negotiations. Hamas says Israeli air strikes Wednesday and Thursday killed 75 people and endangered a hostage; Israel says it killed a terrorist who participated in the October 7th massacre. 

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for long-term peace, confident that God is able to spread across the globe the peace that he has given to those who trust him (Isaiah 26:3).

“Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.” 
Book of Common Prayer, page 654

POLITICS

Cabinet Confirmations

More than a dozen of President-elect Trump’s Cabinet picks have faced the Senate’s scrutiny this week.

Here’s a roundup of highlights: 

• Defense Secretary: Pete Hegseth denied misconduct allegations and pushed for a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon.

• Attorney General: Former FL Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized removing politics from the Department of Justice.

• Secretary of State: Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), interrupted by pro-Palestine protestors, said Ukraine might have to “make concessions.”

• Interior Secretary: Former Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND) will work toward American “energy dominance.”

One pick who won’t need a hearing is (current) FL Attorney General Ashley Moody, Governor DeSantis’s (R-FL) pick to take Rubio’s Senate seat.

Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, and with confirmations requiring only 51 votes, most of Trump's picks are expected to be confirmed comfortably soon after voting starts Monday. 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Politicians come and go. Whether they disappoint you today or satisfy you tomorrow, put your hope in the Lord, who has no term limit, who rules with compassion, and who executes justice perfectly.

“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)

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U.S. NEWS

Bye Bye, Red Dye

Ring Pops are headed back to the drawing board.

On Wednesday, the FDA announced that it’s banning Red Dye No. 3, the cherry-red synthetic coloring found in snacks, drinks, and drugs. The dye must be removed from food by mid-January 2027 and from ingested drugs by 2028.  

First approved in 1907, the petroleum-based dye has been linked to tumors in high-dose rat studies, though no direct human link has been found. Advocacy groups also cite studies linking synthetic dyes to ADHD and behavior issues in children. Red No. 3 has been banned from U.S. cosmetics since 1990 and is already restricted or banned in Australia, Japan, and the E.U.

What’s next for conversation hearts and candy corn? Companies will reformulate recipes, with some expected to adopt fruit-and-veggie-derived dyes already used by food brands abroad. 

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Verse to consider when picking out your next snack… “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 
1 Corinthians 10:31 CSB (read full passage)

President Biden said “farewell” to his presidency (and half-century-long political career) Wednesday, sharing his highlights from his Oval Office stint: job growth, lower prescription costs, and clean energy investments. In an 18-minute speech critics called “anything but unifying,” Biden warned against “the dangerous concentration of power” among “a very few, ultra-wealthy people” threatening democracy.
 

Firefighters in Southern California are getting a minor reprieve, with decreased winds and most red-flag fire risk warnings expiring Wednesday and Thursday. Increased humidity is helping, but significant rain isn’t expected soon, and a new wave of Santa Ana winds is possible next week. As of yesterday, the Palisades Fire was 27% contained, and the Eaton Fire was 55% contained. 
 

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court seemed open to upholding a Texas law that blocks minors from accessing online adult content. Texas’s law—similar to measures adopted in over a dozen states—requires age verification for explicit content, which free-speech advocates say threatens the privacy of adult users. Justices may kick the case back to a lower court to settle free-speech questions.
 

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested Wednesday after avoiding multiple summons for questioning and a weeks-long standoff at his home. Authorities are working to keep Yoon (charged with insurrection) detained; Yoon’s lawyers are challenging the legality of his arrest; and South Korea’s highest court is still deciding if they’ll permanently remove him from office.
 

Community-led rescue operations in South Africa have recovered at least 78 bodies and over 200 survivors from an abandoned mine. The miners, trapped since July, were illegally searching for gold. In November, authorities cut off several exits and supplies to force miners out, but most stayed due to weakness and fear of arrest. Officials attribute the deaths to starvation and dehydration.

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