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Congress Hashes Out $1 Trillion Spending Bill at Expense of Pensioners
Congress may have a $1 trillion spending bill to keep the government funded before Thursday’s deadline. However, one provision in the bill could leave retirees receiving pensions out in the cold and affect millions of workers.

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MIT Economist Jonathan Gruber Apologizes For Demeaning Obamacare Comments
Massachusetts Institute of Technology economist Jonathan Gruber has apologized to Congress for his “offending” remarks about the federal health-care law, which were captured on video. However, he still defended the federal health-care law widely referred to as Obamacare.

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Angelina Jolie’s Film 'Unbroken' Causes Outrage In Japan
Japanese nationalists are outraged at the depiction of the torture used against Olympic runner and Christian Louis Zamperini in the film Unbroken, labeling director Angelina Jolie as a racist and "demon."

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Preview: James Bond 'Spectre' Movie Begins Production, Scheduled For 2015 Release
The 24th James Bond film, entitled "Spectre," has left fans of the iconic British secret agent excited, despite the fact production has only started this week at Pinewood Studios in London.

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'Storm of the Decade' Makes Landfall In San Francisco Bay Area, California
California may be in the midst of a long-term drought, but the northern part of the state could be walloped with a strong, wet storm. Although it will primarily hit the San Francisco Bay Area, other parts of California will see rainy and blizzard conditions as well.

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Qatar Evangelical Alliance breaks ground on worship center, witnessing Christ in a Muslim nation
A worship center for evangelical churches has commenced construction in Qatar, marking a significant spiritual milestone in the history of evangelicals in the country.

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Hong Kong's deadliest fire in a Century: churches mobilize and pray to support the community
On 26 November, a severe level‑five fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Early reports said at least 13 people died and 23 were injured. Local churches mobilize to support the community and pray.

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Faith and freedom: USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler shares insights on China’s religious landscape
As China continues to update its religious regulations, changes in the country’s faith environment and space for religious practice have drawn increased global attention. In this interview, USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler responds to questions about religious policy, human rights, and faith, offering her perspectives on China’s current situation and sharing words of support and encouragement for Christians facing challenges.

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U.S. Congressional hearing highlights religious freedom challenges facing Chinese Christians and other faith communities
A recent U.S. congressional hearing cast a spotlight on religious freedom conditions in China, with witnesses sharing firsthand accounts of pressure faced by Christian, Muslim, and Tibetan Buddhist communities.

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Christians gather in Hong Kong to pray for victims of Tai Po Hong Fu Court fire
More than 1,000 Christians gathered in Hong Kong on Dec. 5 for a united prayer service commemorating the victims of the five-alarm fire that devastated Hong Fu Court in Tai Po on Nov. 26, destroying thousands of homes and killing 159 people.
