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ELECTION

Election Night

Polling locations folded up their cardboard partitions on the most expensive election in U.S. history last night.

So, who won?
Former President Trump declared “magnificent victory” early this morning after Fox News projected he had won the swing states of North Carolina, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. 

At the time of this email, most other networks say the race is “too early to call” but describe Trump as “on the brink” of victory. VP Harris has not publicly conceded the race.

Yesterday, both VP Harris and former President Trump made their final appeals in swing stages. Trump crisscrossed North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, while Harris zeroed in on Pennsylvania. Trump watched election night coverage from Mar-a-Lago; Harris watched from her alma mater, Howard University.

What are the next steps?
First, states will finish counting all remaining ballots (typically 100% done within a week). Then, the Electoral College will vote on December 17th, the results will be certified by Congress on January 6th, and #47 will be inaugurated on January 20th. 

What about non-presidential races?
Voters also bubbled in their ballots for 34 Senators, all 435 Representatives in the House, state and local positions, and special ballot measures. 

Some notable results:

• Republicans won control of the Senate after flipping seats in West Virginia and Ohio

• Sarah McBride (D-DE) became the first openly transgender person elected to Congress

• Florida rejected a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana

• Ballot measures expanding or enshrining abortion access passed in at least six states but failed in Florida

We’ll have more results on Friday.
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RADIATE HOPE
Elections often stir up fear, anxiety, and anger. We have an opportunity to radiate hope in Christ the King, who is unshaken by even the biggest world news. Shine Christ's light in the tense and angry corners of your community this week.

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” 

Matthew 5:14-16 (CSB) (read full passage)

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U.S. NEWS

Quincy Jones

The man known simply as Q has died at 91.

Perhaps best known for his work as the producer of the all-time best-selling-album, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, in 1982, Jones worked with a panoply of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Amy Winehouse, and Paul Simon—and even produced the 1964 hit “It’s My Party.” 

He wrote almost 40 movie scores and was instrumental in writing and producing “We Are the World” in 1985, while his own 1991 album Back on the Block won the Grammy for album of the year.

Tributes poured in from all over the world, including from Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, and Oprah Winfrey, who credited Jones for “discovering” her for her Oscar-nominated role in The Color Purple. Quincy had seven kids, including Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones.
 
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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
As we mourn the passing of a music legend, it’s an opportunity to consider that whenever we do anything creative, we are mirroring the First Creator, the one who made the heavens and the earth. 

“Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You, Lord, are the only God. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their stars, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and all the stars of heaven worship you.”
Nehemiah 9:5-6 (CSB) (read full passage)

Russia appears to be behind a foiled plot to start fires on North-America-bound planes. Two “incendiary devices”––electric massagers rigged to catch on fire––were ignited at DHL logistics hubs in Germany and England, sparking a multinational investigation. Lithuanian and Polish authorities, who collectively made five arrests this week, say the devices were a test of a larger Russian “sabotage campaign.”
 

Israel’s Prime Minister has fired his Defense Minister over a “crisis of trust.” Netanyahu said Yoav Gallant’s disagreements over military strategy in Gaza and Lebanon have led to “statements and actions that contradict” cabinet decisions. Foreign Minister Israel Katz will replace Gallant, who said his “life’s mission” will always be Israel’s security.
 

Meta’s plans for a new AI data center were halted––by rare bees. The tech giant’s deal with a nuclear plant for carbon-free energy was delayed due to environmental concerns over endangered bees found on-site. The new data center was intended to support Meta’s energy-hungry AI projects, which require far more power than traditional forms of computing.
 

“Our house is getting too small for our TV.” Manufacturers are rolling out more supersized 97-inch TVs (that’s over 8 feet, wider than a king-size bed) in time for the holidays. Sales of the XXL TVs are up tenfold so far this year as prices fall. Five years ago, Samsung’s 97-incher cost $99k; today, the price tag is $4K.
 

First-time homebuyers in 2024 are older and wiser wealthier than ever. Real-estate rookies had a median age of 38—up from 35 last year—and a household income of $97K, according to a new survey. A record number are using inheritances for down payments as rising housing prices and high mortgage rates price younger buyers out of the market.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

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Where We’re Giving
Somalia, through World Concern*

Somalia is caught in the crosshairs of natural disasters, global conflicts, widespread poverty, and disease outbreaks.   

East Africa is coming off its worst drought in 40 years, which has left tens of millions of people without access to clean water, killed millions of livestock, and decimated crops. Now, two in five children in Somalia suffer from acute malnutrition, and a cholera outbreak is spreading in some areas. 

Join us in partnering with World Concern to help get emergency nutrition packs, water, and hygiene products to those with the most need. Every $12 feeds a child for a month. We’re matching the first $1,000; just give through this link.

How Christians Are Exiting
With a kingdom mindset, thanks to The Signatry*

Christian business owners invest immeasurable time, energy, and prayer learning to integrate their faith and work. But what happens when you decide to sell your business?

There’s an overwhelming list of questions to answer…

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

• How can you minimize the tax burden? 

• What will life look like for you and your family afterward? 

• 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 walk through your own. Get your free copy of “3 Questions to Ask Before Selling Your Business” here.