News and Prophecy Staff

Winter wildfires are nothing new to southern California and the Los Angeles basin. This area tends to be sunny and dry, attracting millions of people to make their homes in it—including many of the rich and famous, who have built luxurious homes in the hills. However, due in part to a very dry period and unusually high winds, this year’s fires are exceptionally destructive (BBC, January 7, 2025).

In a recent interview published by the New York Times, Jonathan Rauch—journalist, author, and fellow of the Brookings Institution—was asked for his thoughts on the impact of Christianity on American democracy (December 18, 2024). Rauch observed that the American founding fathers relied on the religious values of the people—in particular, the values the founders saw in Christianity—to help make the secular American Constitution work.

Haiti is not the only Caribbean nation where gangs are generating unrest and destruction. Trinidad and Tobago is also experiencing gang-induced unrest (Reuters, December 30, 2024). On December 30, the government proclaimed an official state of emergency, enabling it to launch a crackdown on gang activity. Government defense forces became de facto police officers with powers to conduct searches without a warrant.

Many mistakenly believe that to be healthier you must set aside hours every week to exercise in a certain way. However, research says otherwise.

Nigerians are struggling to afford food due to unemployment and inflation, relying on help from food distribution centers. In December, desperate crowds waiting outside food distribution centers in Ibadan, Okija, and the nation’s capital, Abuja, stampeded as the doors opened for business, killing dozens (Deutsche Welle, December 24, 2024). At least 67 people, including 35 children, died seeking food gifts as Christmas approached.