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WORLD NEWS

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

A deal to wind down the war in Gaza is reportedly close.

After a year of stop-and-start talks mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, representatives from Hamas accepted a draft agreement for a six-week ceasefire deal yesterday; Israel’s negotiators also said it’s ready to close the deal. Now, it’s up to leadership on both sides.

Under the plan, Hamas releases 33 “humanitarian” hostages (women, the ill, the elderly) while Israel partially withdraws from Gaza and releases hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations will then begin for the release of remaining hostages (about 60, at least 34 of whom are presumed dead) and a permanent ceasefire, with Israel’s military moving into “buffer zones” in Israeli border towns. 

Negotiators hope they can wrap up before the inauguration of President-elect Trump, whose Mideast envoy has already joined talks.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
The gospel is scandalous because God’s heart is for everyone—terrorists, prisoners, prime ministers and presidents, and those who passionately disagree with you about what justice looks like—to know him. He sacrificed his Son because he loves his enemies. Ask him to help you love yours.

“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another.” 
1 John 4:8-11 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLITICS

Released Reports

The DOJ released two special counsel reports this week.

Monday, Special Counsel David Weiss’s final report on his investigation into Hunter Biden’s federal tax and gun charges was released. In it, Weiss defended his decision to prosecute the President’s son—which President Biden called a “miscarriage of justice”—saying the six-year probe was “thorough” and “impartial.” Hunter was convicted in both cases but pardoned by President Biden in December. 

Yesterday, the DOJ released part of former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s final report on his two-year investigation into President-elect Trump, a 174-page document alleging Trump obstructed 2020 election results. The report—which Trump’s lawyers called a “politically motivated attack”—said that the DOJ had sufficient evidence to “sustain a conviction at trial” had Trump not won reelection in November.

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Verse to consider whether you think justice won out or fell short… “Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.”
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

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U.S. NEWS

California Fires Update

Winds continue to worsen LA County’s wildfire crisis.

The National Weather Service extended the area’s extreme fire danger warning through today, citing the potential for 70+ mph Santa Ana winds. So far, 25 people have been confirmed dead, and 23 remain missing. Currently, 92,000 residents remain under evacuation orders, and 90,000 are in warning zones as international support arrives, including firefighters from Mexico, Canada, and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, LA’s District Attorney warned businesses and landlords against illegal price gouging, promising prosecution for violators. He also cautioned residents to avoid scams targeting insurance claims and government benefits. 

Homeowners filed lawsuits Monday against Southern California Edison, accusing the utility company of failing to de-energize equipment during red flag warnings. The CEO of SCE’s parent company said investigations are underway.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Prayer is powerful and effective. Pray for God to move in power in the midst of the suffering and the massive recovery effort. If you’re able to do more, check out the giving opportunities we’ve shared on our Instagram.

“[If] one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,’ but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.”
James 2:16-17 (CSB) (read full passage)

The White House announced student loan cancellation for more than 150,000 borrowers on Monday. In 2023, SCOTUS struck down Biden’s new federal forgiveness program; now, the administration is expanding existing debt-forgiveness programs, with this latest wave targeting borrowers with disabilities, public servants, and students from schools that “cheated” borrowers. Biden-administration forgiveness now totals $4.2B for 5M+ Americans.
 

North Korea’s ramping up military activities. South Korea says its neighbor launched its second missile test of the year on Tuesday: “several short-range ballistic missiles” landing in the Sea of Japan. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, growing evidence suggests North Korean “suicide soldiers” are killing themselves to avoid capture. Ukraine says 3,000 of the 11,000 soldiers deployed from Pyongyang have been killed.
 

A Kentucky federal judge has ruled the Department of Education’s recent Title IX changes unconstitutional. The new policy—which adds protections to transgender students—has already been challenged (judges have halted the changes in 26 states, and many states have sued the department). The judge claims the updated policy “would turn Title IX on its head by redefining ‘sex’ to include ‘gender identity.’”
 

Macy, Kohl, and Joann have had better days. Macy's, Kohl's, and Joann Fabrics announced store closures amid ongoing financial struggles. Macy’s will shutter 66 locations by May as part of its profitability strategy; Kohl’s will close 27 stores by April after 11 consecutive quarters of fiscal Ls; and Joann’s is buttoning up the liquidation of six locations after its 2024 bankruptcy.
 

China is reportedly considering a contingency plan for Elon Musk to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations if SCOTUS upholds the looming divest-or-ban law. TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, dismissed the claim as “pure fiction.” Meanwhile, U.S. scrollers, bracing for the app’s potential demise, are flocking to RedNote, another Chinese-owned social media platform often dubbed “China’s TikTok.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Check out the Morpheus Hotel, an architectural wonder…

How We’re Hydrating in 2025
With LMNT* (as always)

I’m all about building good habits, especially this time of year.  After too many Christmas treats, I’m focused on things that actually make me feel better––starting with hydration. Enter LMNT, my salty obsession.

My new thing is rewarding myself for a workout well done with an LMNT stick pack. But don’t worry––it’s just as great even if you skipped your workout (for the 15th time this year, no judgment). LMNT delivers all the sodium, magnesium, and potassium your body needs with zero sugar. 

Bonus: the flavors are so delicious, they actually make me want to drink more water.

Emily Hansen | Well-Hydrated Partnerships Manager

What We’re Recommending
The Life Recovery Bible*

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Whether you’re in a dark valley or walking with someone through theirs, the Bible is a companion that brings recovery and restoration. The Life Recovery Bible is packed with practical notes, helps, and themes that are fully integrated with the twelve-step program and point you back to your Creator, who alone is the source of freedom, hope, and victory.

Join millions of believers who have chosen the Life Recovery Bible, available in multiple translations and editions. Discover more here, and find guidance, support, and hope.