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U.S. NEWS

Vetoed and Commuted

President Biden is flexing his executive powers.

On Monday, he vetoed the JUDGES Act, a bipartisan bill to add 66 federal judges by 2035; it would have been the first major judiciary expansion since 1990. 

Biden called the bill “hastily put together” and criticized House Republicans for passing it only after the election (meaning Trump, not Harris, would appoint the first wave of new judges). Judicial leaders criticized the veto, saying the courts need help; federal caseloads have jumped 346% since 2004, with ~80,000 cases pending.

Also Monday, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 federal death row inmates, reducing their sentences to life without parole. Only three inmates—convicted of mass killings—remain on death row. Trump’s team called the move a “slap in the face” to victims’ families.  

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Being peaceable, gentle, and open to reason in the face of culturally hot topics is a sign of God’s wisdom in us. 

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” 
James 3:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

U.S. NEWS

Gaetz Report

The House Ethics Committee released its 42-page report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) Monday.

The report found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz paid women (and a 17-year-old girl) for “engaging in sexual activity” and used illegal drugs like ecstasy and cocaine while he was a U.S. Representative.

The committee, which has an equal number of Democrats and Republicans, secretly voted to release the report earlier this month, a rare move since Gaetz is no longer a Representative (he resigned after President-elect Trump nominated him for Attorney General). The committee determined that releasing the report—many details of which had already leaked—was in the public’s interest.

Gaetz, who was investigated but not charged by the DOJ, said he has an “embarrassing, though not criminal” past. He called the report a “sham,” decrying the lack of cross-examination of witnesses.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
We live in a world marred by sin. Even while we work to promote accountability and redemption here on earth, we can rest in the knowledge that a day is coming when sin will be impossible and regret a distant memory.

“For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King. He will save us.” 
Isaiah 33:22 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD NEWS

Christmas Crash

At least 38 are dead and dozens injured after a plane crash in Kazakhstan.

An Azerbaijan Airlines flight took off early Wednesday morning from Baku, Azerbaijan, heading to Grozny, Russia, with nearly 70 people on board. The plane reportedly changed course due to fog and attempted an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Cell phone footage appears to show the aircraft making a steep descent with its landing gear down before bursting into flames on impact.

Theories about the cause of the crash are swirling. A U.K. aviation security firm and Ukrainian officials have said holes in the plane’s tail section indicate that it was shot down by Russian air defense systems. Russian reports suggested the plane ran through a flock of birds before the crash. 

Azerbaijani officials said “all possible scenarios" are under investigation.

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Verse to consider when a sudden tragedy interrupts everyday life… “I was helpless, and [the LORD] saved me. Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For you, Lord, rescued me from death… I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”
Psalm 116:6-9(CSB) (read full passage)

Honda and Nissan are now in accord. The two Japanese car companies announced they are considering a merger that would create the world’s third-largest automaker (behind only Toyota and Volkswagen). The announcement follows news that Nissan will cut 20% of its manufacturing due to growing debt. As long as nothing goes rogue, Hond-issan could merge in the next six months.
 

Ukraine’s lights went dark on Christmas after Russia fired over 180 missiles and drones at its energy infrastructure. At least one person died, and power outages swept the country as Ukrainians sought shelter with sirens and explosions sounding overhead. Presidents Zelenskyy and Biden condemned the “inhumane” attack, while Russia said its goal of striking “critical” energy facilities was achieved.
 

A subway murder has renewed national conversations about crime and immigration. A still-unidentified woman—possibly experiencing homelessness—was sleeping on a parked train Sunday when a man boarded and set her clothes on fire, quickly killing her; bystanders filmed but didn’t intervene. The suspect, a previously deported Guatemalan who entered the country illegally, has been charged with murder and arson.
 

Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty again on Monday after being extradited from Pennsylvania to New York. Mangione, 26, faces state and federal charges—including first-degree murder, second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism, and multiple weapons charges—in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. The case has sparked debate over the insurance industry, with protestors outside the courthouse chanting “Free Luigi.”
 

Netflix unwrapped its first-ever NFL broadcasts on Christmas Day after shelling out $150M for the opportunity. Mariah Carey opened the Chiefs-Steelers game with her classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and later, Beyoncé spread some holiday halftime cheer during the Ravens-Texans game. The festive (and largely glitch-free) doubleheader was watched by a massive ⅓ of Netflix’s global subscribers.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The blob always wins…

Who We’re Breaking Bread a Sweat With
FaithFit*

I did a FaithFit workout and must say… It’s very well-named. My legs are jelly, but my main takeaway is how amazing Psalm 19:14 is.

Working out is often about vanity (six packs & such), and workout programs are often full of curse-laden music and self-shaming messages. It was refreshing and uplifting that the focus was on Christ, making good spiritual use of a 30-minute workout.

Join me in making 2025 a year of strengthening both body and faith. Invite God into your workout and get started with FaithFit.

Jason Woodruff | Founder

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