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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - DECEMBER 18, 2024
For the next two weeks, the Intersect will be on break for Christmas and New Years as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and ring in the New Year. We will be back on January 8th, 2025.
In this week's Intersect, read about:
ABC Agrees to Give $15 Million To Donald Trump’s Presidential Library to Settle Defamation Lawsuit
“ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million toward Donald Trump’s presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos’ inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll.” Read more at Associated Press.
THINK.
- Back in March, while interviewing Congresswoman Nancy Mace, George Stephanopoulos asserted that President Trump was found “liable for rape.” This statement was broadcast to millions of Americans on live television and was likely shared millions of times on social media as well.
- This settlement agreement underscores why the American people have reason to question the credibility of the mainstream media and its celebrity personalities. At the time of the interview, Stephanopoulos had access to the court’s verdict which does not find President-elect Trump liable for rape. Therefore, at best, Stephanopoulos recklessly misspoke and, at worst, deliberately attempted to portray the former President as a convicted rapist.
- ABC News must pay the entire $15 million to an account managed by the President-elect’s law firm within 10 days. In addition, they must pay $1 million of President-elect Trump’s legal fees.
PRAY.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for being a God of perfect justice. We pray that Your justice will continue to be done on earth as it is in heaven, and that You would raise up leaders and servants who walk in integrity, courage, and righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACT.
In today’s media-saturated world, discerning truth from bias can feel overwhelming and almost impossible, but My Faith Votes’ article “11 Tips for Discerning the News” offers practical steps to navigate it with wisdom. This resource equips Christians to approach news consumption with a biblical lens. Dive into these tips and learn how to discern truth, avoid manipulation, and honor God in how you engage with current events.
Veteran Daniel Penny Is Acquitted in NYC Subway Chokehold Case Over Jordan Neely’s Death
“A Marine veteran who used a chokehold on an agitated subway rider was acquitted on Monday in a death that became a prism for differing views about public safety, valor and vigilantism. A Manhattan jury cleared Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely ’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week because the jury deadlocked on that count.” Read more at Associated Press.
THINK.
- All of this began back in May 2023 when Daniel Penny—a 26-year-old Marine veteran—stopped Jordan Neely from harming fellow passengers on a New York subway after Neely threatened several people. In an exclusive interview with Judge Jeannine Pirro on Fox Nation, Penny said he was in a position to help and would not have been able to live with himself if he didn’t step in.
- Penny was facing two charges—criminally negligent homicide which carried a prison sentence of up to five years and a manslaughter charge which carried a sentence of up to fifteen years.
- This past weekend, Penny joined Vice President-elect JD Vance, President-elect Trump, and others from the incoming administration at the famous Army-Navy game. What an incredible turnaround for Penny—going from fighting for his future in a New York courtroom to watching football alongside the incoming President.
PRAY.
For over a year, Daniel Penny has been fighting for his future. Now that he is a free man, please keep him in prayer as he seeks what comes next. Also, remember to pray for Jordan Neely’s family as they grieve his loss and continue to move forward.
ACT.
If you would like to better understand how the United States’ justice system works and discover how you can make a difference, download My Faith Votes’ Understanding the Justice System resource. This invaluable digital resource breaks down the structure and role of the justice system and equips you with practical ways to engage and uphold justice in your community.
Biden Admin Quietly Clears Away Border Wall Parts for Auction Ahead of Trump’s Second Term
“The Biden administration is reportedly spending its final weeks quietly clearing away unused southern border wall materials to put up for auction — a move characterized by some lawmakers as an apparent ploy to sabotage President-elect Donald Trump’s goal to secure the US-Mexico border.” Read more at New York Post.
THINK.
- According to a border patrol agent communicating with Daily Wire, "The goal is to move all of [the border wall materials] off the border before Christmas." These materials are allegedly still usable and have been sitting along the border unused since the Biden administration took over in 2021.
- Texas’ Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick says Texas has a plan to buy the border wall materials and give them to Trump’s administration when he takes office in January, telling Laura Ingraham that he has one billion dollars to work with.
- In a press conference on Monday, President Trump said, “I'm asking today, Joe Biden, to please stop selling the wall…. It's very expensive, and now it's about double the price of what it would have been six years ago. And the (Biden) administration is trying to sell it for five cents on the dollar ‒ knowing that we're getting ready to put it up. And what they're doing is really an act ‒ it's almost a criminal act.”
PRAY.
Lord, we ask for Your protection over our nation’s borders. Grant our leaders wisdom to ensure safety and peace for Americans and the immigrants genuinely seeking asylum in our great nation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ACT.
Immigration is a complex issue that will not be departing from the news cycle anytime soon. As Christians, how should we approach it? Tim Barton, president of WallBuilders, offers a biblical perspective on immigration in this message. Listen here and share it with your friends and family!
Pro-Veterans Group Lays Wreaths on Millions of Fallen Soldiers' Gravestones Before Christmas
“A pro-veterans group is laying over 3 million wreaths across fallen soldiers' gravestones before Christmas, continuing the group's long tradition.” Read more at Just The News.
THINK.
- Since the 1990s, thousands of evergreen wreaths adorned with simple red bows have been placed on the graves of our nation’s fallen soldiers each Christmas season. According to Wreaths Across America’s website, “For over a decade, this annual tribute went on quietly and privately. Everything changed in 2005, when a photo of the stones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated around the internet. Suddenly, the homespun tribute from a small town in downeast Maine was receiving national attention."
- This year, Wreaths Across America—and thousands upon thousands of volunteers—will be going to more than 4,900 locations to honor over 3 million men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
- It is easy to focus solely on ourselves during Christmas—our wants and our traditions. Yet, millions of families across the country are still grieving the loss of loved ones who gave their lives in service to our nation. This Christmas, let us not get so wrapped up in the presents, food, and traditions that we forget these families and the sacrifice of their loved ones.
PRAY.
Lord, thank you for the millions of men and women who selflessly sacrificed their lives so that we might live in a free nation. This Christmas, be near to their families who are still mourning their loved ones. Amen.
ACT.
One 12-year-old boy’s trip to our nation’s capital ultimately led him to start a movement years later. To read Wreaths Across America’s origin story, visit their website here.
My Faith Votes— is a ministry that motivates, equips, and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. An estimated 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, fail to vote in presidential elections. My Faith Votes is on a mission to change this statistic by helping Christians act on their faith and vote in every election. When we pray unceasingly for our nation, think biblically about the issues, and vote consistently in every election the impact of Christians taking action from the local to the state and federal level will be unprecedented.
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