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Warner Bros. Discovery’s bidding war is getting a reboot.

After giving a scathing review of Netflix's $82.7B deal with the Bros., Paramount Skydance went around Warner Bros.’ board Monday and presented a $108.4B hostile takeover bid to shareholders for the whole entertainment enchilada: WB Studios, HBO Max, and its cable networks. 

Paramount’s offer—reportedly backed by Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, Middle Eastern government-run funds, and Oracle founder Larry Ellison—would give stakeholders $30 per share, $2.25 more than Netflix’s deal. 

Paramount has accused Warner’s board of playing favorites with Netflix. Netflix argues its plan to spin off WBD’s cable networks into a separate company makes its offer worth more than Paramount’s counter. 

Warner Bros. is expected to cast its new owner within 10 business days. 

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Verse to consider when the negotiations in your own home get heated… “If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:1-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

Uncle Sam is giving American farmers a little seed money.

On Monday, the Trump admin announced a $12B aid package for farmers, aiming to help those plowed over by blooming costs and withering export markets. Soybean and sorghum producers—who export nearly half of their crop to China—were hit hard this year when China imposed retaliatory tariffs in its trade war with Trump. Most of the aid, funded by tariff revenue, will be sown as a one-time payment.

The package aims to give farmers “certainty” and cull consumer frustration over rising food prices, but many farmers say well-watered markets—not government aid—will keep their storehouses full.

Meanwhile, in China, the harvest is plentiful. The trade surplus (watch Oscar explain here) in the World’s Factory topped a record $1T, underscoring a thriving export market despite Uncle Sam’s pressure.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether your storehouses are full or empty this Christmas season, remember to keep your focus on the Giver—not the gifts—and imitate Him by exercising your generosity muscles.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:9 (CSB) (read full passage)

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SCOTUS appears poised to expand presidential power over independent agencies.

On Monday, justices heard a case about President Trump’s removal of FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, one of a dozen officials fired from independent agencies created to be insulated from political influence. A majority signaled they may curb or overturn a 1935 precedent limiting presidents from firing these agency leaders over policy differences.

Conservative justices seemed sympathetic to the argument that independent agencies in the executive branch (like the FTC) raise “constitutional problems” by giving “unaccountable” unelected leaders significant power. Liberal justices voiced concerns about giving a president “unchecked power” to replace experts that Congress meant to be outside political pressures.   

Both sides of the bench note that the FTC ruling (expected by June) won’t automatically affect other agencies—including the Federal Reserve, which faces a similar case next month.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
When stories raise questions about who has power and how much they have, Christians remember that our hope isn’t in perfect systems but in a powerful King who rules with justice, humility, wisdom, and peace. We’re called to pray that our leaders use their power in the same way.

“Almighty God, our heavenly Father, send down on those who hold public office the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”  
Book of Common Prayer, page 655

President Trump’s former personal lawyer, Alina Habba, has resigned from her post as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after a federal appeals court ruled her appointment unlawful. Habba said she stepped down “to protect the stability and integrity of the office,” but insisted the fight isn’t over. She’ll remain at the Justice Department as a senior adviser for U.S. Attorneys.

Japan was rocked by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake Monday, injuring more than 30 people. The ‘quake prompted evacuations, train cancellations, and a tsunami warning for Japan’s northeast coast (though waves crested at just over 2 feet). Around 2,700 homes remain without power, and authorities have warned residents of a possible “megaquake” in the next week.

The Golden Globes announced one nomination after another on Monday. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another leads all films with 9 noms, and The White Lotus tops the TV list with six. Celebs will gather on January 11 to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press at the 83rd Globes hosted by Nikki Glaser.

Australia’s youth said “after a while, crocodile” to social media this week. Wednesday at midnight, the world’s first child social media ban went into effect Down Under, blocking blokes under age 16 from accessing 10 major platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Platforms that don’t keep the youths from scrolling could face fines of up to $49.5M AUD ($33M USD).

Ukraine is sending its redlined peace plan back to Uncle Sam. President Zelenskyy again ruled out ceding any eastern territory to Russia—a key concession in the U.S.’s peace proposal, which is reportedly down to 20 points from 28. Russia’s President Putin reiterated that the Donbas region is Russia’s “historic territory” and key to Kremlin war aims.

Taking chasing your tail to the next level…

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