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Happy Monday!
Whether today is “back to reality” or “Christmas continued,” we hope you had an excellent Christmas and we’re glad to be back in your inbox.
(And we hope your Christmas didn’t have any devastating “batteries not included” moments.)
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Desmond Tutu
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U.S. NEWS
Kim Potter Convicted
Former police officer Kim Potter winced, but remained otherwise impassive as a judge read that she had been found guilty on two counts of manslaughter.
Potter, a 26-year veteran of the police force, says she confused her gun for her Taser during a traffic stop that escalated. She yelled “Taser, Taser, Taser” before firing a single bullet which struck and killed 20-year-old Daunte Wright last April. Her defense argued that it was a mistake not a crime, while simultaneously arguing deadly force would have been justified anyway.
The jury disagreed.
Crowds outside the courthouse cheered the verdict, saying “ the justice system has provided.” Others say Potter was unfairly convicted as part of a racial reckoning, and her conviction will make officers fearful of acting when needed.
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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
We live in a sinful, broken, and unfair world filled with death, regret, and anger. Even as we work towards peace and justice, we can take comfort knowing that all things will ultimately be made right through Christ.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (CSB)
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SPONSORED
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COVID-19
Omicron Rundown
There’s an unfortunate late contender for Word-of-the-Year... “Omicron.”
Yeah…
As London, New York, Florida, and many other places continue to see record case numbers, over 4,700 flights were cancelled worldwide over the Christmas weekend. Delta and United blamed COVID-related staffing shortages, which led to 870 cancellations in the U.S. alone.
Hoping to avoid airline-level staffing shortages in hospitals, the CDC now recommends that healthcare workers isolate for seven days (instead of ten) after testing positive for COVID-19— provided they’re symptom-free.
Any new cancellations?
Something that’s not COVID-symptom free: the sports world.
Four college football bowl games have already been cancelled and changes to College Football Playoff policies now allow for a new champion to be crowned without even playing if a team’s opponent has to forfeit due to COVID.
Any good news?
Of course.
While case counts are up, a study by the UK’s Health Security Agency says Omicron is 50-70% less likely to cause hospitalization compared to earlier variants. As with all Omicron studies, these results come with a Scrooge-like qualification that they’re “preliminary and highly uncertain.”
Both Pfizer and Merck are fighting back with new antiviral pills, which will be available at pharmacies for at-home COVID treatment. Merck’s pills reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 30%, and Pfizer’s reduced risks by 90%. Pfantastic!
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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
While cancelled plans and altered holiday routines are definitely an annoyance, Christians can use situations like these to practice generosity and love towards their neighbors. Reach out to your local church and see how you can help those in greater need.
“If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and 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?”
James 2:15-16 (CSB)
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The stock market hit a record high last Thursday (Christmas Eve Eve), bolstered by news of Omicron being milder than Delta, strong holiday shopping, and another week of unemployment claims staying around 200,000 - near the 50-year low.
It was a decade late and billions of dollars over budget… but the James Webb Space Telescope had a near-perfect launch last Wednesday and is expected to usher in a new era of space exploration and research. Webb will replace the Hubble Telescope and allow astronomers to look ever further into space and back in time.
Amazon, the nation's second-largest private employer, just made a deal with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The deal will make it easier for Amazon workers to organize and easier for the NLRB to sue Amazon over unfair labor practices.
Japanese scientists invented a lickable screen called Taste the TV. Now, we know you’re thinking “but I’m already able to lick my current screen.” True… but this new tech will spray a mix of flavor canisters to imitate the taste of what’s on screen, allowing you to sample a restaurant’s new dish, even from around the world.
Former California Governor and Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger donated $250,000 to purchase 25 tiny homes for veterans this Christmas. Veterans weren’t just getting help; they were also helping. Shawn Triplett, a Marine veteran, raised nearly $100,000 in GoFundMe donations to bring presents to tornado victims in Kentucky, delivering hand-wrapped gifts to ~1,200 families.
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What We’re Encouraging You To Check Out
Your Medi-Share pricing*
Traditional health insurance may be the best option for you and your family, or it may be simply the more expensive option that was chosen for you by default.
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And no, it’s not too late to switch, even if you just selected benefits at your work. So go check out your Medi-Share pricing.
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*This is a sponsored post
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