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Wal-Mart Drops Part-Time Employee Insurance Benefits to Meet Obama's Affordable Care Act Mandates
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., that nation's largest private employer, announced Tuesday that it will manage the rising costs of employee health care by cutting benefits for more of its part-time employees. The Arkansas-based business is just one of many across the nation that has been forced to make drastic changes in answer to the mandates of the Affordable Care Act.

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FBI Seeks Public’s Help in Identifying Masked American ISIS Jihadist in Video
The FBI is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a masked militant - believed to be an American - seen in an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria propaganda video released in September. The man speaks in both Arabic and English as he presides over a group of prisoners who can be seen in the background digging their own graves.

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Ebola Fears Heightened after Outbreak in Spain – Obama Assures Chances of US Outbreak Low
The government in Spain came under fire today amid reports that a female nurse's assistant, who was infected with the Ebola virus, may have had contact with up to 50 people. The woman, who has not been identified, is reported to be in stable condition.
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U.N. Urges Resolution between Israel and Lebanon after Hezbollah Bomb Attacks
Israel responded to an explosion on the Lebanese border by firing into Southern Lebanon late Tuesday. A detonated bomb earlier in the day left two Israel Defense Forces soldiers wounded. An initial report from IDF claims that the explosion was caused by a device that was "planted with the intention of attacking IDF soldiers." A second explosion occurred 30 minutes later with no injuries or damages reported.

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Supreme Court Sidesteps Gay Marriage Ruling; America Isn't Ready For Forced Legalization, Says Tony Perkins
On its first day back in session on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court managed to blindside those on both sides of the issue by handing down a non-decision on homosexual marriage. Essentially, the justices' refusal to hear each case paved the way for homosexual marriage in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as in other states with similar bans in the fourth, seventh and tenth circuits.

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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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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.

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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.
