• We need to be praying for two missing climbers on Washington’s Mount Hood and their families.  Anthony Vietti and Katie Nolan have been missing since Friday.  The body of a third climber, Luke Gullberg, has been found.  Bad weather is keeping searchers off the mountain.

• There are two big recalls I want you to know about to keep your family safe.  The first is a recall of 800,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine for children.  The shots were distributed last month, and it is believed that the doses lost their strength during transport from France.  The second recall is for 50 million shades and roll up blinds made by Roman’s.  The Centers for Disease Control issued the recall because strings on the blinds can be a choking hazard.  The company has made a repair kit.  You can get it on line at windowcoverings.org, or calling 800-506-46-36.

• President Obama met with Senate Democrats yesterday, urging them to pass his nationalized health care bill, even though the public option and expansion of Medicare to age 55 had been pulled from the plan.  Moderates and independents are still concerned about funding for abortion and overall costs of the program.

• Around the Promise, a plan to allow deer hunting inside Newark city limits has been put on hold.  Newark Safety Director Roger Stollard told the Newark Advocate that a full time person would be required to help coordinate property owners and hunters, and that money did not exist for that person in the interim budget.

• The Maysville Ledger-Independent is reporting that supplies are low at the Lending a helping Hand food pantry in Lewis County.  Like other food pantries, the economy has reduced people’s ability to help.  If you can help, food donations can be dropped off at Ron’s IGA or the Chamber of Commerce in Vanceburg.

• In sports, the University of Cincinnati has a new football coach.  ESPN is reporting that Butch Jones from Central Michigan will be the next coach of the Bearcats.  Former coach Brian Kelly came to UC from Central Michigan.

• The Big 10 Conference has announced it is considering expanding.  Commissioner Jim Delany said the decision would take 12-18 months to make.

• And 10 Ohio State Buckeyes are reportedly considering making the early jump to the NFL.  Head coach Jim Tressel would not confirm who was considering the move, but did say all were junior starters.  That would be defensive ends Thaddeus Gibson and Cameron Heyward, linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, cornerbacks Chimdi Chekwa  and Devon Torrence, tailback Brandon Saine, wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher and offensive lineman Braynt Browning and Justin Boren.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Hosea 11:1:  When Israel was a child, I loved him and out of Egypt I called my son.
  

• President Obama has summoned all Senate Democrats and Independents to the White House for a meeting today on pushing through nationalized health care.  In what some see as a move to win over moderates, Democrats have reportedly dropped the public option and the expansion of Medicare to include people starting at age 55.

• It appears some of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay will be coming to Illinois.  The President is expected to announce today that some terror suspects will be moved to the Thomson Correctional Center, about 150 from Chicago.

• At the climate change conference in Coppenhagen, former Vice President Al Gore was forced to take back his claim that the polar ice cap would melt in 5 years, after the scientist Gore was basing his claim on denied the accuracy of the data.

• Around the Promise, the Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department is collecting monetary donations, clothing and toys for the Cooper family, who lost their trailer in a fire.  Their youngest son, 4 year old Landon, is in Shriners Hospital in Cincinnati with third degree burns over half of his body.  Maysville on line dot com has the full story.

• Chillicothe City Council approved two measures last night.  The first approved money to buy the former AEP building, which will house the municipal court.  The second allows the city to borrow money to renovate the building.  You can read more at Chillicothe Gazette dot com.

• The Newark Advocate is reporting that the Granville Board of Education has decided it will not look into oil and gas drilling on the Granville Intermediate School property.  The full story is at Newark Advocate dot com.

• Vaccinations against H1N1 will continue at both Rambo Memorial Health Center and the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department.  Appointments are required at the health department, and are already full for the week.  An update is at Zanesville Times Recorder dot com.

• On Monday Night Football, the Arizona Cardinals committed 7 turnovers, and the San Francisco 49ers took full advantage, winning 24-9.

• The latest ESPN/USA Today college basketball rankings have Kentucky moving up to third in the nation, behind Kansas and Texas.  Purdue & Syracuse round out the top 5.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Luke 1:26-27: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin  betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.  And the virgin’s name was Mary.

  
  
  

• The Senate was busy Sunday, passing a $1.1 trillion spending bill.  The bill is the compellation of the 2010 federal budget, totaling $3.6 trillion for fiscal 2010.

• The city of Houston has become the largest American city with a homosexual mayor.  Annise Parker was declared the winner in a runoff election on Saturday.

• Around the Promise, the Zanesville Times Recorder is reporting that the preliminary 2010 budget contains 5 layoffs, a sanitation rate increase, and cuts in spending.

• It was a day of swearing in for Heath Sunday.  The Newark Advocate says new Mayor Mark Johns, along with City Councilmen Brian Johnson and Doug Heffley were all sworn in. 

• Chillicothe City Council meets tonight, and at the top of the agenda, a possible vote on whether or not to purchase the former AEP building downtown.  Details are a Chillicothe Gazette.com.

• The Maysville Ledger Independent has a report that the Tom Browning Boys and Girls Club has been chosen to receive the proceeds from the 2010 Buffalo Trace Balloon Race, presented by Peoples Bank.

• In the NFL, Minnesota beat Cincinnati 30-10, and the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints both remain unbeaten with Sunday wins.  On Monday Night Football, Arizona meets San Francisco.

• In College basketball, Xavier and Cincinnati went to double overtime before the Musketeers pulled out an 83-79 win.  Xavier is now 6-3, Cincinnati 6-2.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
  
  

• The Senate is putting aside the debate on health care to take on a $12 billion spending bill.  Senator John McCain criticized the spending bill, which reportedly contains over 5000 earmarks or pet projects.

• The Senate may not be debating health care, but they are talking about it.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has expressed support for a Senate compromise on health care, where the government Office of Personnel Management would contract with private insurers to offer new low cost health plans, and allow some people aged 55-64 to get into Medicare early.

• There seems to be a crack in North Korea’s armor.  The government says it understands it needs to resume stalled international talks on ending its nuclear programs, and to work with the U.S.

• We need to be praying for the Christian Church in China.  The nation’s first so-called mega church, the Golden Lamp Church, was raided by police and closed.  The churches co-pastors are in jail, many worshippers were beaten and required hospitalization.  The church was built in the heart of coal country, and was designed to hold 50,000 worshippers.

• Around the Promise, H1N1 vaccinations will be available to the general public in Zanesville starting Monday.  Rambo memorial Health Center will accept walk-ins, while the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department  will give inoculations by appointment only.  The story is at Zanesville Times Recorder dot com.

• Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of two men who stole over $10,000 of loose diamonds from H.L. Art Jewelers in Newark on Monday.  You can see pictures and the complete story on line at Newark Advocate dot com.

• The Chillicothe Gazette is reporting that the Chillicothe and Ross county Public Library has voted to place a 1 mill, 5 year levy on the May ballot.  The levy would restore hours at county branches and reopen the North side branch.  You can read more at Chillicothe Gazette dot com.

• The Maysville Ledger Independent is reporting that more families than ever are in need of help this Christmas, and local charities are asking for your help to bridge the gap.  Toys for Tots needs more help with toys for 12-15 year olds and the Mason County Food Pantry is busier than ever.  Check out Maysville on line dot com to see how you can help.

• In sports, there was one cold game in the NFL last night.  The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their fifth straight game, 13-6, to the Cleveland Browns.  I’m shocked too.

• And ESPN is reporting that UC football coach Brian Kelly is the new coach at Notre Dame.  An official announcement is expected in South Bend today.  Offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn will coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl against Florida.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…the fulfillment of prophecy from Micah 5:2, it’s in Luke 2:4:  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.

  
  
  

• President Obama is in Oslow, Norway, to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.  He’s expected to use his acceptance speech to justify sending 30,000 American troops into Afghanistan.

• A compromise seems to have been reached for some Democrats in the health care debate.  The short version is that we can sign up for Government supervised coverage with current insurance carriers.  The plan would be sponsored by the federal employee health system, which covers members of Congress.  The flipside is that premiums would go up for younger Americans and the middle class to pay for it.  There is a lengthy story on what is emerging in the new plan at fox news dot com.

• Scientists are now scrambling to defend global warming data in the wake of leaked emails saying the data was hidden or changed.  It’s being called “climate gate”, and more than 1700 British scientists have been asked to sign an agreement defending the “integrity and honesty” of global warming research.

• Around the Promise, the wind is the story.  The Zanesville Times Recorder reports about 1300 residents of Perry, Morgan and Muskingum counties are without power.  The Newark Advocate says all power has been restored in Licking County,  AEP is reporting about 21,500 without power throughout Ohio, and 7000 in West Virginia. 

• The 2009 Rock for Tots event in Chillicothe raised a record amount to help 30 local charities that work with children.  You can read more on the Chillicothe Gazette’s website.

• In college basketball’s SEC/Big East challenge, 4th ranked Kentucky got 25 points from freshman John Wall as the Cats topped number 12 UConn 64-61.

• And a House subcommittee approved legislation Wednesday designed to force college football to switch to a playoff system instead of the current BCS system.  Like they have nothing else to do…

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Micah 5:2: But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, although you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me One who will be the ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
  
  

The news today is that we need your help!  The Promise is a listener supported station, we depend on the support of our listeners to sustain us.  About 65% of our budget is listener support, so your gift today is critical as we try to make up a deficit at the end of the year.

You can make a tax deductible gift today by calling 800-609-1049, or logging on to PromiseRadioNetwork.com!

• President Obama is planning on using money left over from the bank bailout in a jobs creation bill.  The President will reportedly outline his plan in a speech today, before he heads to Oslow to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

• The health care debate became contentious on the floor of the Senate Monday.  Majority leader Harry Reid compared Republicans who oppose health care reform to lawmakers who clung to slavery before the Civil War.  Republicans called the remarks unbelievable.  Meanwhile, a new public option seems to be emerging, where private insurers would offer coverage, but under the watchful eye of the Office of Personnel Management.  Senator Mark Begich of Alaska said the plan was the right thing to do because “it’s simple and the public can grasp it”.

• The first of 30,000 U.S. troops are being sent to Afghanistan.  Thousands more will be en route before Christmas.

• Experts now say that the H1N1 pandemic may not be as bad as they thought.  The second wave of vaccines are now coming to clinics around the country.
  

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reporting net farm income to be $57 billion in 2009, that’s $30 billion less than 2008.  But it’s still the 8th largest amount of income earned in U.S. farming.  You can find out more at Buckeye Ag dot com.

• Around the Promise, Heath City Council has decided that the new Licking County Building Code Enforcement Department will do both commercial and residential inspections in the city.  There’s more online at Newark advocate dot com.

• In Maysville, the second annual Santa Paws fund raiser benefiting the Humane Society of Buffalo Trace is Saturday.  You can read more at Maysville on line dot com.

• On Monday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers have a solid hold on the remaining playoff spot in the NFC after they beat the Baltimore Ravens 27-14.

• The Heisman Trophy will be awarded Saturday night.  The finalists have received their invitations, including Tim Tebow, being invited to his third ceremony.  He will be joined by Texas QB Colt McCoy, Alabama tailback Mark Ingram, Stanford running back Toby Gerhart and Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Luke 1:32-33: He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.  And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.
  
  

• The Obama administration is lowering it’s estimated cost of the bank bailout program by $200 billion, in a move that they think will make it easier to introduce a new jobs program . 
  
  
• Despite revelations that data used to support global warming were faked, a global UN conference on climate change will open today in Denmark.  President Obama is expected to attend the event at some point over the two week summit.

• Around the Promise, the Twilight Christmas Parade in Maysville was cold, but a lot of fun Friday.  Thank you everyone that came and yelled for us.   Special thanks to the French Quarter Inn for their hospitality once again.

• Fire investigators will be in Circleville Monday to try to determine the cause of Sunday afternoon’s fire at the Dragon Buffet Chinese restaurant.  No injuries were reported.

• Tons of football over the weekend.  UC won the Big East title in a dramatic 45-44 game, and  West Virginia topped Rutgers 24-21 in their finale.  With the regular season over, let the bowl championship games begin.  After beating Florida, Alabama moves on to meet Texas in Pasadena January 7 for the national title.  Undefeated UC has a date with Tim Tebow and Florida in the Sugar Bowl New Year’s Day.  Ohio State and Oregon tangle in the Rose Bowl, and number 4 TCU meets number 6 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, it’s the first time two unbeaten teams have met somewhere other than the national title game.

• In the NFL, the Bengals beat the Lions, the Steelers were stunned by the Raiders.  Indianpolis remained undefeated after beating Tennessee, and New Orleans had to go to overtime to beat Washington.

• It was good news and really bad news for Ohio State basketball over the weekend.  The good news is that OSU beat Eastern Michigan 111-60.  The really bad news is that Evan Turner will be out for the next 8 weeks after he broke bones in his back making a dunk.  Turner was able to walk off the court, but was immediately taken to the OSU Medical Center.

• And in the cardiac game of the weekend, UK beat North Carolina 68-66 Saturday.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.  And the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
  

• Fresh off a jobs summit in Washington, President Obama hits the road today, visiting Allentown, Pennsylvania to talk about how the White House can help create jobs.  He’s likely to get a cool reception.  Unemployment in the Lehigh Valley is at 9.8%, and business owners complain that they can’t get loans. 

• The president’s advisors are looking at unused Wall Street bailout money as a way to generate jobs.  Advisors are eyeing $70 billion from the bank bailout on jobs related legislation.

• Debate continues on nationalized health care in the Senate.  Facing disagreement within their own ranks, Democrats are working behind the scenes, trying to create a so-called public option that conservative Democrats and Independents can live with.  One compromise being discussed is the creation of a non-profit board to manage the public option instead of the government, and that option would be installed only in states that did not meet government criteria for affordability and access.

• The House has passed a bill to help warn people in mobile homes of impending storms.  The bill requires residents of manufactured and mobile homes to have emergency weather radios.  The bill will have to be approved by the Senate before it becomes law.

• Around the Promise, the power is back on in most of Granville after a thief stole copper ground wire from AEP power stations.  Thieves have been stealing copper from power stations nationwide because of it’s value.  Thieves take great risks in these thefts, and the wire could arc and electrocute them.

• The Chillicothe Gazette is reporting that the city Safety Services Committee is considering an ordinance to ban longbow, crossbow and compound bow use within city limits.  Laws are on the books restricting firearm use, but not bow use, according to city officials.

• There was NFL football last night…the Jets beat the Bills 19-13.

• The Ohio State Buckeyes now know who they will face in the Rose Bowl January 1st.  The Oregon ducks will be in Pasadena after they beat Oregon State 37-33.  Oregon hasn’t been in the Rose Bowl in 15 years.

• And Dale Earnhardt Jr. is NASCAR’S fan favorite driver according to an annual survey done by Chex and the National Motorsports Press Association.  It’s the seventh year in a row Junior has won the fan honor.

• In Maysville, tonight’s the Twilight Christmas Parade, and Joy and I will be there with the Promise van.  Look for us and say hi!

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…I Thess. 4:16-17: For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
  

• President Obama is holding a jobs summit in Washington today.  The President is expected to defend his handling of the economy, while some congressman are suggesting a second stimulus package aimed at job creation. 

• Cable giant Comcast is expected to shell out over $13 billion to gain a majority stake in NBC.  The sale includes NBC tv, Telemundo Spanish network, Universal Pictures and theme parks, and about 2 dozen cable channels, including Bravo and CNBC.

• Speaking of Bravo, apparently a Bravo camera crew followed White House party crashers Tareq and Michaele Salahi as they got ready for and attended a state dinner at the White House.  It appears they were auditioning for parts in a reality show on Bravo, and that they had attempted to get invitations through a friend who works at the Pentagon, but couldn’t get them.  Congress is beginning hearings on the security breach, but the Salahi’s have refused that invitation.  They may be subpoenaed.

• Around the Promise, lots of special events are going on to celebrate Christmas.  God’s Community Outreach in Chillicothe welcomes Imagine, a Christian Puppet Ministry on Sunday at 6 p.m.  Pastor Woody is also hosting the church’s New Year’s Eve Celebration at God’s Community Outreach.  A catered dinner starts at 6 p.m., with a service at 8.  Tickets are required for the New Year’s eve celebration.  You can find out more at 740-773-7729.

• In Newark, a boil advisory remains in effect for about 21 homes along Reddington Road from Green Meadow Drive to North 40th Street.  A broken water main has been repaired, but the boil advisory will remain in effect until the city finishes testing the water.

• Maysville’s Twilight Christmas Parade is tomorrow night, and the Ledger Independent says mum’s the word about who the grand marshall is.  Look for me in the Promise van in the parade.

• In college basketball, the ACC/Big 10 challenge ended with a big bang.  First, Wisconsin beat 5th ranked Duke 73-69.  Then Ohio State beat Florida State, and Illinois held off Clemson.  That gave the big 10 it’s first victory in the challenge.  Louisville won last night too, beating Stetson 80-48.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Hebrews 12:1-2: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  
  

• President Obama addressed the nation from the Military Academy at West Point last night.  He announced that he is ordering 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan to “finish the job”, while announcing that the U.S. will start pulling out in July 2011.  Republicans applauded the President’s move to add to the number of troops, but criticized the announcement of an exit strategy.  One lawmaker called it “telegraphing your punch”, and said it will encourage our enemies to lie low and wait for us to leave.

• Iran has released five british sailors who were seized when their racing yacht accidentally strayed into Iranian waters in the Persian Gulf.  Iran’s official news agency called their illegal entry into Iranian waters “a mistake”.

• The Senate debate over nationalized health care continues, with Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma telling lawmakers “…I have a message for you.  You’re going to die sooner”.  Democrats dismissed the comments as scare tactics.

• Since summer, I’ve shared with you about 17 year old Rifqa Barry of New Albany, who ran away from home after she converted from Islam to Christianity, and was afraid her father would kill her for converting.  Investigators have found no credible threats to Bary.  A Franklin County caseworker has outlined a plan that includes all parties sitting down and talking about their religious beliefs, and for Rifqa to tell her parents why she became a Christian.

• Around the Promise, the Newark Advocate is reporting that city employees won’t be receiving across the board increases in 2010.  Negotiations with the three unions resulted in a one year contract extension, meaning employees will be paid at 2009 rates.

• The Chillicothe Gazette has a story on voter recounts by the Ross County Board of Elections.  Several races were decided by the smallest of margins, including in Jefferson Township, where Fred Spriggs won election by one vote over Larry Jordan.

• The Maysville Ledger Independent has details on the installation of a new water main on West Second Street from Sutton to Old Germantown Road.  Construction is set to begin Monday, and will be completed in spring.

• In college hoops, UC had little problem with Texas Southern, winning 94-57.

• And Florida State coach Bobby Bowden made it official, announcing his retirement, effective after the Seminoles bowl game.  Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher will take over the reigns next season.

• Tiger Woods will be cited for reckless driving for his accident last week near his home.  Woods has withdrawn from the Chevron golf tournament this week, saying his injuries prevent him from playing.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Ps. 57:7: My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.  I will sing and give praise.

  
  

• Debate on nationalized health care began in the Senate Monday.  A report released by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office delivered mixed information, saying premiums would go up for workers not covered by health insurance at work, but that taxpayer subsides would lower those costs, and would have little if any effect on everyone else.  Democrats said the report showed how reform works, Republicans say it shows the opposite.

• President Obama will address cadets at West Point and us tonight.  The president will announce that up to 30,000 new troops are being ordered to Afghanistan, primarily to train Afghan police and army units to take over their own security from the U.S.  It’s being called a limited surge.

• Police in Washington state are continuing their search for Maurice Clemmons, the ex-con who is a suspect in the murder of four police officers Sunday morning.  Reports say Clemmons, who may be wounded, is being helped in his escape by friends and family.  Authorities are offering a $125,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Clemmons.

• Another American hero will be coming home soon.  Sgt. Brandon Islip had been missing since he and another soldier were caught in a fast current while recovering airdropped supplies in Afghanistan last month.  There will be a memorial service for Sgt. Islip and Sgt. Benjamin Sherman in the next few days. 

• Around the Promise, a grand jury in Athens, Ohio has indicted Athens Democratic Party chairman Susan Gwinn on two counts of election related bribery, after she allegedly offered money to OU students to come and vote on election day.

• In Maysville, the annual holiday parade is Friday night.  Look for Joy and I in the Promise van!

• On Monday Night Football, Drew Brees continues to make my fantasy football team look good, throwing 5 touchdown passes in a 38-17 win over New England.  The Saints join the Colts as the only two unbeaten teams at 11-0. 

• In college hoops, Kentucky had no problem with North Carolina-Charlotte, winning 94-57.  A tougher task looms on Saturday, when 11the ranked North Carolina comes to Rupp Arena.

• Notre Dame has fired head football coach Charlie Wiess.  No successor was named.

• After 34 years in coaching, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden is expected to announce his retirement this morning.  Bowden has won 388 games, second only to Penn State’s Joe Paterno.

• Tiger Woods has withdrawn from his own invitational tournament, the Chevron World Challenge, saying injuries from his accident last Friday prevent him from  playing. 

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Matt. 1:21: And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
  

• We need to pray for the families of four Lakewood, Washington police officers who were killed at a coffee shop Sunday morning.  Police have surrounded a Seattle home, trying to talk to ex-con Maurice Clemmons, described as a person of interest.
  
  
• We also need to pray for the family of Captain Michael Scott Speicher.  Captain Speicher was shot down over Iraq in 1991 during the first Gulf war.  His remains were found and identified earlier this year.
  
  
• Welcome to cyber Monday, the busiest on-line shopping day of the year.  On black Friday, early reports say we spent about $10.66 billion on after Thanksgiving bargains.  That’s about ½% more than last year.  On-line shopping was up on black Friday, and tv shopping was up too…QVC reported $32 million in sales on Black Friday, that’s a 60% increase over last year.
  
  
• The Senate is scheduled to begin debate on nationalized health care today, and debate begins with Democrats disagreeing about the content of the bill, with some democrats saying abortion provisions must be removed, others saying the so-called public option has to go for them to support it.
  
  
• Tiger Woods still hasn’t talked to police about the accident Friday that sent him to an Orlando hospital.  Woods posted a statement on his web site Sunday, saying the accident was his fault, that it has become embarrassing to him and his family.
  
  
• In the NFL, the Bengals improved to 8-3 with a 16-7 win over the Browns, and Baltimore beat Pittsburgh in overtime, 20-17.  The Indianapolis Colts remain undefeated with a 35-27 win over Houston.  The New Orleans Saints put their undefeated record on the line tonight against New England.
  
  
• In college football, Kentucky fell to Tennessee 30-24, OU beat Temple Saturday.  No changes atop the BCS standings.  Florida, Alabama, Texas, TCU and UC are the top 5.  Florida and Alabama will meet this weekend in the SEC Championship Game.  The BCS will announce who plays in what bowl game next Sunday.
  
  
• In college hoops over the weekend, Xavier beat Creighton then lost to Baylor at the Old Spice Classic.  Ohio State handled St. Francis of Pennsylvania 110-47.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Ps. 20:7: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses.  But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
  

• Fewer of us going over the river and through the woods this Thanksgiving according to AAA.  About 38 million of us plan to travel this year, compared to 58 in million in 2005, when the economy was better.  Of the 38 million who travel this weekend, about 33 million will go by car, because they say it’s cheaper overall.

• President Obama’s first budget for the federal government is bigger than any previous president’s.  In fiscal 2009, the government spent $3.52 trillion, plus a $1.4 trillion deficit.

• The latest Rasmussen Reports daily survey may reflect our frustration with the government.  President Obama’s approval rating is 45%, compared to 54% who disapprove with his performance.  That’s the lowest rating of the Obama presidency.

• Toyota is recalling about 110,000 2000-2003 model Tundra trucks.  The recall is because of excessive rust on the frame that may cause the spare tire to fall off while driving.  Only Toyota Tundra trucks sold in cold weather states are effected by the recall.  Both Ohio and Kentucky fall under the recall.

• Around the Promise, 56 new jobs will be in Muskingum County by next summer, when JCore moves into the Eastpointe Business park.  The Nevada firm will make Lightmaster systems and turbines for windmills.  The full story is at Zanesville times recorder dot com.
  At the Cancun classic, number 5 Kentucky beat Cleveland State 73-49.

• Evan Turner’s triple double led Ohio State past Lipscomb Tuesday 84-64.  Ohio State basketball coach Thad Matta announced that sophomore guard Walter Offutt has decided to leave Ohio State and transfer.  His has seen limited playing time this year. 

• At the Maui Invitational, Cincinnati advanced with a 69-57 win over Maryland.

• In baseball, Albert Pujohs was unanimously voted the National League’s Most Valuable Player.  It’s his third MVP award.

• And Pittsburgh Steelers fans can breathe a little easier.  Coach Mike Tomlin said he expects quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to play this weekend against Baltimore.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Psalm 50:14-15: Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High.  Call upon Me in the day of trouble.  I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
  
  

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing the largest recall of baby cribs in U.S. history today.  The recall is for cribs with dropdown sides.  The Commission says faulty hardware can detach and leave a space where a baby can get caught.  We don’t know yet what brands are in the recall.

• Astronauts at the international space station will begin packing today, and begin their trip home later in the day.

• President Obama will reportedly have his decision on his strategy on Afghanistan within days.  The commander in Afghanistan has asked for 40,000 new troops.

• A new survey from the National Association for Business Economists says the worst of the recession is over, but that unemployment will remain high into 2010.  They also believe the housing market will rebound next year.

• Around the Promise, the Zanesville Times Recorder is reporting that officer Mike Schiele will have a new partner at the first of the year.  Tino is the german shepherds name.  Officer Schiele’s first partner, Bosco, is still in therapy at OSU. 

• The Chillicothe Gazette has a story online about ways you can help others this Christmas.  There are toy drives in Ross County involving Dollar General, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Salvation Army, Maurice’s Fashion Retailers, and Toys for Tots.
  In college basketball Monday, UC moved to 3-0 with a 67-58 win over Vanderbilt, OU topped Lamar 71-46.

• On Monday Night Football, Tennessee beat Houston 20-17.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Ps. 95:2-3: Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.  For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods.
  
  

• The Senate passed a major procedural hurdle over the weekend, voting to open debate on its nationalized health care bill. But the measure is far from passed. Many democrats who voted to open debate say major changes have to be made before it is passed, while liberal democrats say too many concessions have already been made.
  
  
• The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the amount of radiation that leaked out at the Three Mile Island facility Saturday was small, and did not approach regulatory limits. Workers are being tested for radiation as a precaution. Officials say there is no public health risk.
  
  
• When a new baby is born, the father often feels so excited he wants to jump into space. Well, U.S. astronaut Randolph Bresnick did. Randolph had just finished his first space walk at the international space station when he got word that his second child, Abigail Mae Bresnik, was born at 11:04 Saturday night. Mom and NASA’s newest astronaut are doing fine.
  
  
• Around the Promise, Maysville and Aberdeen residents are going to get a treat later this week, when replicas of two of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Nina and the Pinta, will dock at the Limestone Landing in Maysville on Friday. The ships will stay until Dec. 5th. The ships have been traveling the Ohio River as part of an enhanced sailing museum. You can see the whole story at the Maysville-on line dot com.
  
  
• In Chillicothe, the annual downtown Christmas Open House was a big hit. The Chillicothe Gazette quoted business owners and shoppers as saying the event brings back childhood memories and a reminder of the unique shops downtown.
  
  
• Combine candy, a dentist in Heath, and our troops, and what do you get? You would think lots of cavities, but Dr. Steve Krendl of Hopewell Dental Care calls it Treats for Troops, and he collected more than 300 pounds of sweets for our soldiers. You can read more at Newark Advocate dot com.
  
  
• The Zanesville Times Recorder is reporting that come January, the residents of Philo will have 911 service provided by Community Ambulance instead of the volunteer EMS currently in the village. You can see more at Zanesville Times Recorder dot com.
  
  
• In sports, the Bengals took a hard loss to the Raiders, the Steelers were shocked by the Chiefs, while the Saints and Colts remained undefeated.
  
  
• Jimmie Johnson entered the history books, finishing fifth at Homestead, and clinching his fourth straight Sprint Cup Championship. Johnson joins Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Jeff Gordon as the only drivers to win more than three titles.
  
  
• Not much movement in the BCS top ten after Saturday’s games. Florida, Alabama, Texas and TCU are the top 4, followed by UC, Boise State and Georgia Tech. Oregon, Pitt, and Ohio State round out the top ten. Iowa is 11th, Penn State 13th.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word. Encouragement from the Word today is…Ephesians 5:20-21: giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.
  

• We need to pray for the family of Stephanie Spielman.  Stephanie lost her battle with breast cancer yesterday.  She survived four attacks of breast cancer, and with her husband Chris, created the Stephanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research.
  
  
• The first hurdle in the Senate debate over nationalized health care takes place today, with a procedural vote to put the bill up for debate on the Senate floor.  It’s considered by many to be a test vote on the bill itself.
  
  
• With health care looming, a new Fox News poll says President Obama’s approval rating is at a new low of 46%.  An equal number, 46%, do not approve of the President’s doing.  That’s better than congress.   The same poll showed 63% of Americans disapprove of the job Congress is doing, while only 26% approve.
  
  
• Oprah Winfrey is expected to announce on today’s show that she is retiring.  She will announce that the Oprah Winfrey Show will end in September of 2011, after more than 25 years on the air.
  
  
• Around the Promise, Newark schools are seeing fewer and fewer cases of the flu.  North Fork Superintendent Scott Hartley is quoted in the Newark Advocate on line that as of November 12, he had 12 students out with flu like symptoms.
  
  
• The Chillicothe Gazette is reporting that the Federal Government is giving an extra $4.4 million to help provide training and employment services for the hundreds of workers laid off at the Wilmington Air Park after DHL moved out.
  
  
• At the Coaches versus Cancer Classic, Ohio State fell to 4th ranked North Carolina 77-73.  Offense was the order of the night at Rupp Arena, Kentucky beat Sam Houston State 102-92. 
  
  
• There was one game in the NFL last night.  Miami climbed back in the playoff picture with a 24-17 win over Carolina.
  
  
• And Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants won his second straight Cy Young award.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…John 4:14: but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

• Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has been sworn in for a new five year term, promising to end corruption in a nation described as the second most corrupt in the world. 
  
  
• In South Korea, President Obama delivered another warning to Iran, saying U.S. has begun talks with allies about new sanctions because Tehran has continued to develop it’s nuclear program.
  
  
• The debate over nationalized health care is about to begin in the Senate.  Majority leader Harry Reid unveiled the Senate plan yesterday.  It’s estimated to cost $849 billion.  Minority leader Mitch McConnel of Kentucky described the plan as “higher premiums, tax increases and Medicare cuts to pay for more government.  The American people know that is not reform.”
  
  
• Around the Promise, the Zanesville Times Recorder reports that about 1500 pounds of pancake mix, 1600 pounds of sausage, 250 gallons of coffee, and 30 pounds of eggs were served up yesterday at the 50th annual Sertoma Community pancake Day at Secreast Auditorium.  Proceeds went to assist the hearing impaired and youth sport clubs.
  
  
• The Newark Advocate is reporting on line that the Route 161/37 expansion between Newark and Columbus is on schedule to open next year.  An ODOT spokesperson said they have received lots of calls asking when the route would open.   During construction, the speed limit remains 45 mph.
  
  
• The Ledger Independent in Maysville is reporting that the Maysville Utility Commission is looking at more rate increases to bring the city in compliance with the Clean Air Act.  Rate increases are to finance two sewer projects costing a combined $12.5 million.
  
  
• The North Terrace Church of Christ in Zanesville is having a fundraiser to help it’s Bible Bowl team travel to national competition.  Bob Evans on Maple Avenue will give 15% of proceeds from 4-10 p.m. tonight to the team, but you must have a special coupon to participate.  You can get the coupon at the churches website, ntcoc.org.
  
  
• And there’s a special Youth Service at the House of Praise in Lucasville November 25th.  The service starts at 7.  You can find out more at 740-493-3452.
  
  
• In college hoops, UC moved to 2-0 with a 92-68 win over Toledo.
  
  
• Major League Baseball has named Mike Scioscia of the Angels the American League Manager of the Year.  Jim Tracy of Colorado won the honor in the National League.  The NL will award it’s Cy Young Award today.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Matthew 18:20: For wherever two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them.

• President Obama finished his trip to China with a tour at the Great Wall.  He’s on his way to talks in South Korea, where the main topic is sure to be North Korea’s nuclear program.
  
  
• House Democrats are reportedly looking at a second stimulus bill as a temporary job producing measure, after acknowledging last year’s stimulus did little to prevent unemployment from crossing 10%.
  
  
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released it’s top safety picks for the year.  Ford, Subaru and Volkswagen got the most awards, most notable to me was the addition of the Ford Taurus to the list.  You can read more on line at www.iihs.org.
  
  
• The Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Ohio University in Athens is in hot water with the police and the university after allegations of hazing during initiations.  One student reported was hospitalized with broken bones and a chipped tooth.
  
  
• Heath City officials are considering their options for aesthetic improvements to the 2-mile median of Hebron Road.  The cost for the enhancements will be paid for in part by a state grant.
  
  
• In Chillicothe, the owner of the new Happy’s Sport Bar on North Bridge Street is asking for your help to find the people that broke in last week and stole big screen tvs.  Stephanie Nesser said the theft has caused postponement of the grand opening by a week or so.  You can see the story at the Gazette’s website.
  
  
• Olivia Patricia Thomas was thought to be the oldest living American, and the third oldest person in the world.  She passed away earlier this morning near Buffalo.  She was born June 29, 1895.
  
  
• The Cincinnati Bengals have signed running back Larry Johnson as a backup to Cedric Benson.  Johnson was released by the Kansas City Chiefs after alleged comments made about the staff.
  
  
• In college basketball, OU beat North Carolina A & T, Xavier beat Bowling Green 101-57, Michigan State held off Gonzaga, and top ranked Kansas survived Memphis 57-55.
  
  
• And Kansas City Royal’s ace Zack Greinke won the American League Cy Young award.  Greinke went 16-8, and had the lowest ERA in the American League.  The National League winner will be announced Thursday.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Matthew 20:26-28: Yet it shall not be so among you…but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.  And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

• President Obama wraps up his trip to China today.  The President held frank talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao about trade, the global economy, and human rights.  Both leaders spoke of a growing relationship between the two nations.
  
  
• A government task force is recommending a new direction for women, saying that they don’t need mammograms until they turn 50, and that self examinations do no good, and should not be taught.  The American Cancer Society challenged the findings, saying women should be taught self exams, and that mammograms should begin when a woman turns 40, and be done annually.
  
  
• The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops, Cardinal Francis George, wants the church to have a say in the health care debate.  He said church leaders have a duty to the nation and to God to raise moral concerns before they become political issues.
  
  
• In Newark, the Salvation Army broke ground on a new emergency shelter Monday.  The $2.6 million shelter will be connected to the current Salvation Army building at 250 East Main Street in Newark.  The story is on the Newark Advocate’s website.
  
  
• Congratulations to Mason County Middle School teacher Brian McDowell, he was recognized Monday as the Kentucky Science Teacher of the year by the state Board of Education.
  
  
• And congratulations to Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Trenas M. Weaver.  Trooper Weaver’s peers have voted him the Trooper of the year for the third year in a row.  He works out of the Zanesville post.
  
  
• On Monday Night Football, the Baltimore Ravens made short work of the Cleveland Browns, scoring all their points in the third quarter for a 16-0 win.
  
  
• In college basketball, Kentucky scored with less than a second left to beat Miami of Ohio 72-70.  UC held off Prairie View A & M 69-62.
  
  
• The Cincinnati Reds and catcher Ramon Hernandez have agreed to a one year, $3 million contract, with an option for 2011.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…John 5:24: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

• Two earthquakes struck the sea floor off the southern coast of California Sunday afternoon.  There are no reports of damage from the magnitude 4.5 and 3.6 quakes.
  
  
• There’s a proposal to put detainees from Guantanamo Bay at a maximum security prison in Illinois.  Governor Pat Quinn and Senator Dick Durbin see it as a chance to gain jobs, while Representative Mark Kirk, running for President Obama’s former senate seat, says the plan will make his state a terrorist target.
  
  
• Some of your neighbors might be up a bit early tomorrow morning, gazing into the clouds for a glimpse of the Leonid Meteor shower.  This year’s shower of dust from a passing comet should be most visible between 4:30 and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
  
  
• The latest BCS standings have Florida, Alabama and Texas still one, two and three, followed by TCU.  Cincinnati is 5th, Pitt 9th, Rose Bowl bound Ohio State 10th, Iowa 13th.
  
  
• The Bengals completed a season sweep of the Steelers in Pittsburgh Sunday, winning 18-12.  Cincinnati is now alone atop the AFC North.  The Saints and Colts both move to 9-0, the Saints holding off St. Louis 28-23, while the Colts beat the Patriots on a last second pass from Peyton Manning.
  
  
• Jimmie Johnson is one race away from claiming his 4th straight Sprint Cup Championship, after winning Sunday’s race in Phoenix.  Mark Martin is 108 points behind as the chase heads toward it’s climax this weekend at Homestead.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Proverbs 15:1: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

• In one of the biggest takeovers in history, the federal government is taking steps to seize $500 million in assets of a nonprofit Muslim organization long suspected to be controlled by Iran.  The seizures include four mosques and a Manhattan skyscraper.
  
  
• President Obama is reportedly losing his top attorney.  White House Counsel Greg Craig is reportedly stepping down after advising the President on many issues that have become difficult issues, including the closing of Guantanamo Bay and the release of Bush administration security documents.
  
  
• The Federal Reserve has announced new rules that require banks to get your permission before charging overdraft fees on ATM and debit card transactions.
  
  
• Ohio Representative Zack Space spoke in Newark yesterday, and admitted the health care bill passed by the house is not perfect, but in his view, to do nothing was not an option.  You can read more on the Newark Advocate’s website.
  
  
• The Chillicothe Gazette is reporting that all childbirth education classes at Adena Regional Medical Center have been canceled due to colds and flu.  Classes are canceled in both Chillicothe and Jackson.
  
  
• There was NFL football last night.  Jay Cutler threw five interceptions, the 49ers beat the Bears 10-6.
  
  
• Tiger’s on the prowl again.  Tiger Woods ended the second day of the Australian open with a 3 shot lead over American Jason Dufner.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Ps. 62:2: He only is my rock and my salvation, He is my defense.  I shall not be greatly moved.

• It’s Veteran’s Day, many government offices are closed today, some banks.  This day was created to honor our fallen veterans, and I thank God for them and their families this morning.  If you have or are serving in the military, I thank you for serving.
  
  
• President Obama will be meeting with his advisors today to continue to map a strategy in Afghanistan.  Some reports say 10-30,000 troops could be headed to the middle east.
  
  
• A massive blackout his Brazil and Paraguay, knocking out the lights in Rio De Janeriro and Sau Paulo.  The lights went out when the Itaipu dam stopped producing electricity.  Power was restored in two hours, storms around the dam may have caused the outage.
  
  
• A fire has burned about 70 acres in Ohio’s Wayne National Forest in Lawrence County.  The Zanesville Times Recorder is reported that no homes or structures are threatened.
  
  
• Pickerington attorney Mitchell Tallan has filed a class action lawsuit against the city of Heath and Redflex Traffic Systems on behalf of all who received citations from the cameras since April.  Tallan claims his and all citations were a violation of due process and an abuse of police powers.  He seeks reimbursement of all citations, including his. Details are in the Newark Advocate.
  
  
• In the Chillicothe Gazette, there’s a nice story about how school children said thank you to veterans in ceremonies in several school districts yesterday, ahead of today’s Veteran’s Day Parade in Chillicothe.
  
  
• The Maysville Ledger Independent is reporting that Mason County Fiscal Court has established a new ordinance for snow emergencies.  The three level snow emergencies now mirror that of other northern Kentucky counties, along with Brown and Adams Counties in Ohio, making it easier for motorists to know what to do in snowy conditions.
  
  
• There was one college football game last night.  Ohio University kicked a last minute field goal to beat Buffalo 27-24.
  
  
• And UC Coach Brian Kelly announced Tuesday that Zach Collaros will start Saturday against West Virginia, with Tony Pike expected to play as well for the first time since he hurt his non-throwing arm.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Phillipians 3:13-14:…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

• Tropical Storm Ida is lashing the gulf coast with heavy rain and 50 mile an hour winds.  Landfall is expected later this morning.  No mandatory evacuations have been ordered.
  
  
• Shots were exchanged between South and North Korean ships along their disputed sea border on Tuesday.  The North Korean ship reportedly received heavy damage before retreating.  It’s the first exchange of fire in seven years.  The clash comes as President Obama has decided to send a special envoy to North Korea for direct talks about their nuclear weapons program.
  
  
• A memorial service will be held at Fort Hood, Texas today for those killed in last week’s shootings.  The President is expected to attend the service.
  
  
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling about a million Maclaren single and double strollers sold by Target and Babies R Us since 1999 after reports children were hurt because of the hinges.  The company is offering  free repair kits to fix the problem.  You can find out more at www.cpsc.gov.
  
  
• Health departments in Ohio are now offering H1N1 vaccinations to all children 6 months to 18 years of age.  In Licking County, the health department is expanding the hours vaccinations are offered, and in Ross County, school based vaccination clinics opened Monday. 
  
  
• Investigators with Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Fire Marshal’s office were at the scene of two weekend fires at the former tobacco warehouse on Elizabeth Street.  The cause of the fires is still undetermined.  You can read more on line at maysvilleonline.com.
  
  
• On Monday Night Football, the Steelers staged a big second half comeback to take out the Broncos in Denver, 28-10. 
  
  
• In the opening games of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, Ohio State manhandled Alcorn State 100-60, and Jimmy Boeheim picked up his 800th career win as Syracuse beat Albany 75-43.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Phillipians 2:14-15: Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation…

• It was a busy weekend in Washington.  The House passed it’s version of nationalized health care, but only by a 220-215 vote.  The bill now moves to the Senate, where key Senators, including Joe Lieberman, called the plan unacceptable.
  
  
• We need to continue to pray for the families impacted by the shootings last week at Fort Hood, Texas.  Investigators are looking into reports that the suspected shooter, Major Nidal Hasan, attended the same mosque as two of the 9-11 terrorists.  The Senate is planning hearings on the attack as well.
  
  
• The gulf coast is bracing for it’s first hurricane of the season, hurricane Ida.  Ida could come ashore as early as tomorrow morning as a level 1 storm.  Hurricane warnings are posted from Pascagoula, Mississippi to Indian Pass, Florida.
  
  
• Fire investigators will be at the Knights of Columbus in Zanesville this morning.  The cause of a Sunday night fire in a storage shed behind the building is being labeled suspicious.
  
  
• Investigators in Maysville will also be back at the former tobacco warehouse on Elizabeth Street after fires on Friday and Sunday.  Firefighters responded to Sunday’s blaze while participating in the Veteran’s Day parade downtown.
  
  
• With Saturday’s win over Penn State, OSU moves to number 11 in the latest BCS standings.  The Nittany Lions fell to number 18.  Florida, Alabama and Texas hold the top three ranks, with TCU fourth, undefeated Cincinnati fifth.  Despite losing to Northwestern, Iowa is ranked 10th, one spot ahead of Ohio State.  The Buckeyes and Hawkeyes meet in Columbus Saturday.
  
  
• The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens for the second time this season, 17-7.  The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints both had to come from behind to remain the only undefeated teams in pro football.  On Monday Night Football, the Steelers play the Broncos.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Ps. 100:4: Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

• We need to pray for the families of the 13 soldiers who were killed and 30 that were wounded in yesterday’s shooting at Ft. Hood, Texas.  The suspected gunman, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, a military psychologist, was reportedly upset about the possibility of being deployed to Afghanistan.
  
  
• Thousands of conservatives gathered at the Capitol Thursday to call on lawmakers not to pass the President’s nationalized health care bill.  House Republican leader john Boehner of Ohio told the crowd, “This bill is the greatest threat to freedom that I have seen”.  Meanwhile, the House is scheduled to vote on the package Saturday.  The 10-year, $1.2 trillion package was endorsed Thursday by AARP and the American Medical Association.
  
  
• The government is scheduled to tell us how many of us are unemployed this month.  The unemployment rate is expected to be 9.9%.  Economists expect the rate to climb over 10% before jobs begin to appear next year.
  
  
• Despite voters rejection of red light cameras in Heath and Chillicothe, Zanesville Mayor Howard Zwelling said he is continuing work on legislation to use red light cameras in school zones, with the money from tickets going back to the schools.  He said it’s up to Law Director Scott Hillis to help determine what can and cannot be done.  The story is in the Zanesville Times Recorder on line.
  
  
• In Waverly, the Brown Company has informed the city that 264 employees will be laid off today.  The layoffs come as the company is about to be sold to Matcor.  Details are in Friday’s Chillicothe Gazette.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Romans 8:31: What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?

• The Senate has voted to provide additional jobless benefits to those out of work in states with high unemployment, including Kentucky and Ohio.  Those out of work could get up to 20 weeks of extra benefits.  The $24 billion bill also extended the first-time home buyer tax credit, and adds a tax credit for home buyers who have lived in an existing home at least five years.
  
  
• As the democrats health care bill moves through Congress, more about the bill is coming to light.  President Obama promised that people with high risk, pre-existing conditions like cancer, would get immediate coverage.  The current legislation carries a 6 month waiting period.  A policy expert from the American Cancer Society calls that “unacceptable”.
  
  
• The administration of Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear sparked a firestorm last week when it announced that the state Christmas tree would be called a “holiday” tree.  After a week of constant e mails and phone calls, the Governor’s office released a statement, saying it’s always been a Christmas tree to the governor, and it will be this year, too.
  
  
• Lots of Ohioans turned out to vote in the off-year elections.  Unofficial results show about 40% of eligible voters cast ballots Tuesday.  That’s the highest percentage since 2005.
  
  
• After voters overwhelmingly chose to end the use of red light camera enforcement in Chillicothe, Mayor Joe Sulzer issued an executive order to Police Chief Roger Moore to suspend the cameras.  In Heath, the traffic cameras are off as well, after voters rejected their use by 59 votes.
  
  
• In Maysville, the Ledger Independent is reporting on line that the Mason County Service Unit of the Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to help with their Kettle Drive that starts November 27th.
  
  
• And speaking of the 27th, the New York Yankees won their 27th World Series title last night, beating Philadelphia 7-3.  Hideki Matsui drove in six of those runs, and was named series MVP.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

• We need to pray for the families of 3 North Dakota college softball players who appear to have died when their jeep went into a pond.  Cell calls made by the girls helped authorities find them, but too late.  The accident is under investigation.
  
  
• Lots of issues on ballots across the country Tuesday.  Virginia and New Jersey both elected new republican governors, and Maine became the 31st state to reject homosexual marriage.
  
  
• In Ohio, voters approved Issue 1, extra pay for those serving in the military, Issue 2 passed, allowing the state to create an oversight board for Ohio agriculture, and Issue 3 passed, amending the Ohio constitution to allow for the construction of four casinos across the state.
  
  
• In Maysville, the Ledger-Independent is reporting that voters in Lewis and Carter counties now know who will be running to fill the Kentucky house seat vacated by Robin Webb.  Democrat Barry Webb will face off against Republican Jill York in a special election December 8th.  Across the river, voters in Aberdeen elected Jason Taft Phillips, Jerry Applegate, Jay Castle and Billie Eitel to city council.
  
  
• In Heath and Chillicothe, voters told their cities to take down the red light and speed cameras that had been in place since summer.  The Zanesville Times Recorder is reporting that the Muskingum County Library System Levy passed.
  
  
• There was one college football game last night, in the MAC, Bowling Green squeaked by Buffalo 30-29.  And game six of the World Series is at 7 tonight in New York.  The Yankees hold a 3 games to 2 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Rom. 8:26: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.  For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

• We need to pray for the families of those involved in a fire in Chillicothe last night.  The Gazette is reporting that one person died and three others were injured in the blaze on West 4th Street.
  
  
• It’s election day, with state and local issues on ballots.  Exercise your right, and vote today.
  
  
• As we go to the polls, Democrats are adding to their health care bill.  President Obama said his bill would not cost more than $900 billion over 10 years, but new spending added by democrats have taken the cost over $1.2 trillion over the same period.
  
  
• Ford Motors did not take any federal bailout money, and just reported it’s first profitable quarter in years, posting almost $1 billion in the black.  Ford officials say the company will now remain solidly profitable into 2011.
  
  
• Ohio officials say an additional 390,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine are on their way to health departments and hospitals around the state.  Most of the state’s first wave of vaccine has been used, so even this next round will be reserved for those most at risk.
  
  
• The Newark Advocate is reporting online that the Ohio EPA has found evidence of e coli contamination in Ramp Creek.  A complaint of an odor in the creek by a resident led to the sample being taken.  The city of Heath will also be investigating.
  
  
• The World Series will have a game 6, as the Phillies pulled out an 8-6 win.  Game 6 is in New York.
  
  
• On Monday night football, New Orleans remained unbeaten with a 35-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Prov. 14:21: He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.

• The primary challenger in Afghanistan’s presidential election has withdrawn and refused to participate in a runoff election, effectively handing current President Hamid Karzai a second five year term.  The elections in Afghanistan have been marked by fraud, causing the U.S. and the U.N. to try to negotiate a power sharing agreement between the men.
  
  
• Now that the Democrats have released their versions of nationalized health care in the House and Senate, the Republicans are preparing to introduce their version of reform.  The GOP plan will reportedly propose new limits on medical malpractice lawsuits and make it easier for individuals and small businesses to pool resources to purchase insurance.
  
  
• Tomorrow is election day.  While there are no major national elections this year, there are many state and local issues to vote on.  Do your homework on the issues, pray, and vote as you feel God is leading you.  Most local newspapers have on line voter’s guides to help you see what is on your ballot.
  
  
• In sports, the New York Yankees are one game away from another World Series championship.  The yanks beat the Phillies 7-4 to take a 3-1 lead. 
  
  
• In the NFL, the Browns lost to the Bears 30-6, and Bret Favre returned to Green Bay with the Minnesota Vikings, and beat his former team 38-26.  The Bengals were on their bye week.   On Monday Night Football, the undefeated New Orleans Saints host Atlanta.
  
  
• In the Sprint race for the cup, Jamie McMurray won the AMP Energy 500 at Talladega.  Jimmie Johnson came in sixth, and holds a 184 point lead over Mark Martin in the race for the cup.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

• The top story this morning is that Scott and the Promise morning show are at Bake N Brew in Newark!  Come see Scott, register to win a prize pack that includes tickets to the Gaither Concert in December, tickets to the Catacombs at Licking Co. Vineyard, tickets to The Gospel Celebration at the Midland in Newark this Sunday, a weekend away at Cut in the Hill Chalet, and alot more!  It's all to thank you for listening to the Promise!  Stop by Bake N Brew, get a cup of coffee and say hi!

• We need to pray for the two crewmembers of a Navy T-34 jet trainer that disappeared off the Texas gulf coast yesterday.  The Coast Guard is searching near Port Lavaca.
  
  
• The White House is disputing a report by the Associated Press that the government overstated jobs created or saved so far by President Obama’s stimulus plan.  The AP found evidence that jobs were counted multiple times, or that jobs reported as created or saved were already there.  The administration says updated figures will be posted at recovery.gov.
  
  
• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to formally release the House version of nationalized health care later today.  Her plan has the “public option”, and requires nearly all Americans to sign up for health care through their workplace, the government, or an exchange by 2013.  Medicaid would be expanded, and employers would be fined if they failed to offer health care to their employees.
  
  
• NASA successfully launched the Ares 1-X rocket Wednesday.  The Ares is considered to be the next generation of space travel.  NASA thinks this rocket will take men to the moon and beyond in a few years.
  
  
• The Newark Advocate is reporting online that the Licking County health Department will hold additional H1N1 vaccination clinics this week and early next.  The clinics will be for healthy children 2-5 years old, caregivers and household contacts of infants under 6 months old, children with underlying health issues ages 3-18, pregnant women, health care workers and EMS personnel.  The clinics are today from 8:30-10:30, Friday from 8:30-11:30, and Monday from 1:30-4:30 at the health department, 675 Price Road in Newark.
  
  
• Game One goes to the Phillies.  The defending World Series champs took game one over the Yankees 6-1, with game two tonight in New York.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Isaiah 53:5: But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

• The Islamic State of Iraq, a group tied to Al Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for two bombings in Baghdad yesterday that killed 155 people.  We need to be praying for the families of those impacted.
  
  
• The U.S. Senate is holding hearings today on climate change legislation.  Democrats were hoping to pass climate change legislation this year.  The United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has reportedly contacted Senate majority leader Harry Reid and told him it was urgent for the U.S. to show movement in the Senate on climate change legislation.
  
  
• The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction says 208 inmates that were sent back to prison for parole violations may have to be released.  The problem stems from the inmates original sentences, which did not specify the parole the inmates were imprisoned for violating.
  
  
• Max & Erma’s restaurants have filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Pittsburgh.  The chain has about 80 restaurants.
  
  
• The Zanesville Times-Recorder is reporting that Zanesville Police Officer Mike Schiele and Bosco, his K-9 companion, will be honored before Zanesville High School’s football game Friday night.  Bosco will be walking out with officer Schiele.  Bosco and officer Schiele were shot while serving a warrant earlier this year.
  
  
• In Heath, three people ticketed by red light cameras had their tickets dismissed after they were directed to the wrong court for appeals.  A judge ruled that Licking County Municipal court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the appeals.
  
  
• On Monday Night Football, the Eagles beat the Redskins 27-17.
  
  
• And the University of Michigan has announced that the NCAA will investigate accusations that football players were required to spend more time in practice than NCAA rules allow.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…I Pet. 3:14: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…

• Two powerful suicide bombs exploded in Baghdad this morning.  Over 150 are confirmed killed, over 400 wounded.
  
  
• Fox News is reporting that Senate Democrats could release their nationalized health care plan as early as today.  The plan reportedly includes the so-called “public option”, with an option for states to opt out if they chose.  The plan would fine employers that don’t provide insurance for their employees, and expand the Medicaid federal-state insurance program more of the poor.
  
  
• In Newark, those big red ‘X’s on unsafe structures will stay, despite concerns that they invite arson.  Officials say the markers are required by state law.
  
  
• In Chillicothe, voters will get to decide whether or not to have red light cameras in the city.  The state supreme court did not rule on Chillicothe’s petition to take the measure off the ballot because it was filed late.
  
  
• In Maysville, the Ledger Independent is reporting that the Mason County Health Department has received more H1N1 vaccines, but they are for chronically ill children only.
  
  
• In sports, it’s an east coast world series.  The Yankees beat the Angels last night to win the American League Championship.  They will meet the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the World Series Wednesday.
  
  
• In the NFL, the Bengals had no problem with the Chicago Bears, pulling off a 45-10 win.  The Steelers beat Minnesota 27-17, Cleveland fell to the Packers 31-3.
  
  
• The latest BCS standings put Florida, Alabama, and Texas as the top three college teams.  Iowa is ranked 4th, USC 5th.  UC is ranked 8th, Penn State 12th, Ohio State 17th.
  
  
• Denny Hamlin won the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Sunday.  Jimmie Johnson finished 2nd, helping him hang on to the points lead with only 4 races left in the Sprint chase for the cup.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Ps. 73:26: My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

• We need to continue to pray for the family of 7 year old Somer Thompson.  She disappeared while walking home from school Monday, and she was found dead in a landfill Wednesday.  Police have questioned over 155 sex offenders in the area looking for suspects.
  
  
• The nationalized health care debate has taken a new twist.  Now, some lawmakers are suggesting allowing states to opt-out of the so-called public option, an effort to appease some moderate democrats who do not favor the government entering the health care industry.
  
  
• A new poll by Pew research indicates we are cooling to the idea of global warning.  Just 57% of respondents said they think there is solid evidence the world is getting warmer, down 20% over the last 3 years.  The number of people who think that humans are causing global warming by pollution from power plants, factories and cars is down from 47% to 36%.
  
  
• Congress has approved a 3.4% pay increase for those serving in the military.
  
  
• The Zanesville Times-Recorder is reporting that the Zanesville metropolitan Housing Authority Board has voted to dismiss Executive Director Phillip Allen.  Allen was arrested at Port Columbus airport earlier this month.  Steve Randles, current president of the Zanesville Housing Development Corporation has been names interim director.
  
  
• The Newark Advocate is reporting that Newark schools will return to one-mile limit bussing in January.  The district will also change the starting times for all seven elementary schools at that time.
  
  
• In Chillicothe, if weather permits, construction workers plan to have the bike bridge crossing Ohio 104 done by the middle of next week.  The story is on the Chillicothe Gazette’s website.
  
  
• In Maysville, the Ledger Independent is remembering Rev. Daniel J. Saner, who died of cancer.  Rev. Saner was pastor of three parishes in Bracken County.
  
  
• In sports, there will be a game 6 in the American League Championship Series.  The Angels beat the Yankees 7-6, forcing a game 6 in New York Saturday night.
  
  
• This weekends Sprint Cup race is the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is encouragement in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Joshua 1: 9: Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage.  Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

• Scott's big news this morning is that he is at the French Quarter Inn in Maysville, Kentucky!  He's there to thank you for listening to the Promise, and he's got presents for you to say "thank you"!    Stop by for a fresh, hot cup of coffee, and register to win prizes including tickets to the upcoming Gaither concert, a weekend away at Cut in the Hill Chalet, an mp3 player, and Jim Tressel's "Winner's Manual for the Game of Life"!  Scott will have special guests all morning long too!  And remember, Scott will be in Newark and Zanesville next week!

• Scott's big news this morning is that he is at the Hampton Inn and Suites off of Bridge St. in Chillicothe!  He's there to thank you for listening to the Promise, and he's got presents for you to say "thank you"!  Scott's on the 3rd floor, in front of the fireplace.  Stop by for a fresh, hot cup of coffee, and register to win prizes including tickets to the upcoming Gaither concert, a weekend away at Cut in the Hill Chalet, an mp3 player, and Jim Tressel's "Winner's Manual for the Game of Life"!  Scott will have special guests all morning long too!  And remember, Scott will be in Maysville, Kentucky Wednesday morning!

• What began as a boy trapped in a runaway balloon is now apparently an elaborately staged hoax to get attention.  Richard and Mayumi Heene are likely facing felony charges for the fake event.  Officials in Fort Collins, Colorado think a media outlet may have helped stage the event.  The Heene’s three children will not face charges because of they are all under 10.
  
  
• President Obama has decided not to send more troops to Afghanistan until a credible government is in place.  A United Nations report should be released today, and it’s expected to show that widespread fraud occurred in the election, and that a runoff election should be held.
  
  
• On the Sunday talk shows, Congressional Democrats continued to insist that we have a so-called public option in nationalized health care, while the White House is saying that the public option is not necessary in the final bill.
  
  
• In sports, the first BCS rankings are out in college football, Florida is number 1, followed by Alabama, Texas, and Boise State.  UC is ranked fifth, Iowa 6th, Penn State 13th, Ohio State 19th, West Virginia 23rd.
  
  
• The magic ended for the Bengals Sunday, as they lost to Houston 28-17.  The Steelers had little trouble Sunday, beating the Browns 27-14.
  
  
• The Philadelphia Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the National League Championship Series Sunday by drubbing Los Angeles 11-0.  The American League Series plays it’s game three tonight, with the Yankees holding a 2-0 lead over the Angels.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…I Peter 1:15-16: But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written “Be holy, for I am holy”.

• A home made balloon that reportedly had a 6-year old Denver boy inside led police on a long chase yesterday afternoon.  When the balloon finally landed, there was no boy inside.  Falcon Heene was hiding in the attic of his Colorado home.  When his father asked him why he didn’t come out while they were searching for him, Falcon replied “You had said we did this for a show”.  The Heenes have appeared on the reality show Wifeswap twice, and Richard Heene is a storm chaser.
  
  
• Democratic Senator Max Baucus told reporters Thursday that when it comes time to vote, all democrats in the Senate will vote for nationalized health care.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said the final health care bill will contain the so-called public option.
  
  
• We need to pray for Captain Nicholas Giglio, the pilot of an F-16 fighter jet that went down off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina last night after a collision with another jet.  The Coast Guard is searching for Captain Giglio this morning.
  
  
• The Ohio Elections Commission will hear three complaints about false adds leveled against Truthpac, the group opposed to the ballot proposal that would bring casino gambling to Ohio.  The Commission has found probable cause that Truthpac made false statements in it’s adds against the casinos.
  
  
• The Morgan County, Ohio Sheriff’s Department is searching for 19-year old Christopher Lee Clark.  Clark escaped from the Morgan County jail yesterday.  He has been convicted of theft.  Clark is white, 6 feet tall, with short brown hair and blue eyes.  His trail was lost in Malta.  If you have information, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 740-962-4044.
  
  
• In sports, the UC Bearcats improved to 6-0 with a 34-17 win over South Florida last night.  Major league baseball kicked off the League Championship Series last night, with the Phillies beating the Dodgers 8-6.  The Yankees and Angels open their series tonight.  And Jimmie Johnson has won the pole at Lowe’s Motor Speedway for this weekend’s race at Charlotte.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Ps. 119:147: I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help.  I hope in Your word.

• We need to be praying for people around Pakistan this morning, where terrorists struck in 4 different places, killing 37.
  
  
• Democrats are meeting behind closed doors as they try to reconcile the number of nationalized health care bills that have been passed in the House and Senate.  Publicly, they continue to claim the health insurance industry is against competition, and complained about the amount of advertising the health insurance industry is doing against their legislation.
  
  
• The latest Fox News poll shows 78% of Americans think the national debt is so large it is hurting the future of our country, while 65% think the Obama administration is proposing more government spending than we can afford.  The poll also shows the President’s approval rating down to 50%, with 42% disapproving of Mr. Obama’s performance.
  
  
• In Granville, a consulting firm has re-tested groundwater at a site polluted by underground gas storage tanks, and has said the tanks pose no threat to well, wetlands, or Racoon Creek.  The story is in the Newark Advocate on line.
  
  
• In an effort to close a budget gap, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is planning to close Ohio’s first prisoner boot camp, Camp Reams,  along with one inmate unit at the Pickaway Correctional Institution in Orient.  Forty-one employees will be laid off, and 118 vacant positions will not be filled.
  
  
• And when Pure Prarie League plays at OUC in the Shoemaker Center on Friday and Saturday, they will hear 12-year old Holly Miller of Waverly as the opening act.  Holly won the honor when she won the Ohio’s Got Talent Contest at the Ross County Fair in August.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Romans 5:1: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

• The Senate Finance Committee has passed its version of nationalized health care.  Democrats are hailing the measure as having bipartisan support, after Maine Republican Olympia Snow voted for the measure.  It must now be reconciled with other versions of government run health care in the Senate and the House before any plan goes to President Obama. 
  
  
• We need to pray for folks in California, especially the mountainous areas recently scorched by wildfires.  Heavy rains have now caused mudslides, endangering dozens of homes and causing some evacuations.
  
  
• 6-year old Zachary Christie should be back in school today.  Zachary was facing a 45 day suspension for bringing his favorite camping tool, a knife-fork-spoon kit, to school to eat his lunch.  The Christina, Delaware school board voted to reduce the suspension at last night’s board meeting, and a spokeswoman for the district said changes to the district’s zero tolerance policy may by made in the next few months.
  
  
• A Florida judge has ruled that 17-year old Rifqa Bary must return to Ohio.  Rifqa fled to a Florida church after fearing she would be killed by her family for converting from Islam to Christianity.  The judge said that her case must be decided in Ohio.  Rifqa will return after certain documents are approved.  She will most likely be placed in foster care until her case is decided.  Her father told Fox news he has no intention of killing his daughter, and he just wants her back with the family.
  
  
• Ford is recalling more than 14 million Windstar minivans, along with other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models built between 1992 and 2003.  A faulty switch on the cruise control may start a fire.
  
  
• In sports, the University of Kentucky and former men’s basketball coach Billy Gillispie have settled their lawsuits over his firing earlier this year.  Gillispie will receive about $2.98 million.  UK said the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing, but reflected their desire to avoid further expense, controversy and litigation.

• We need to be praying for 24-year old Jaime L. Smart of Zanesville.  She was last seen Friday night.  She’s biracial, about 5 feet tall, and 105 pounds, and was last seen wearing gray pants and a light gray sweater.  If you see her, please call Zanesville police.
  
  
• President Obama is sending 13,000 more troops to Afghanistan.  Most of those are reported to be support troops; engineers, medical personnel, intelligence experts and MP’s.
  
  
• The day before the Senate finance committee is expected to vote on so-called health care reform, America’s Health Insurance Plans released a study that they say proves that so-called reform would raise premiums for most Americans.  Democrats pushed the report aside, calling it dishonest.
  
  
• The White House has upped the ante in it’s war of words with Fox News.  White House communications director Anita Dunn, on CNN, called Fox “a wing of the republican party”, and “let’s not pretend they’re a news network the way CNN is”.
  
  
• In Newark, Longaberger has called back 50 basket makers, and in Heath, police chief Tony Shepherd released a report to city officials showing that since the installation of traffic cameras, accidents on Ohio 79 through heath fell from 80 to 48.
  
  
• In Chillicothe, Glatfelter union workers have rejected a second contract offer, but chose to return to the bargaining table instead of taking a strike vote.
  
  
• In baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies won game four of their series with the Colorado Rockies, scoring three runs in the ninth inning for a 5-4 win.  The league championship series will begin Thursday for the National League, and Friday for the American.
  
  
• On Monday Night Football, the Miami Dolphins staged a 4th quarter charge to beat the New York Jets 31-27.
  
  
• CBS is reporting that Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are attacking Rush Limbaugh’s attempt to buy the St. Louis Rams, saying his record on race should remove him from consideration.  Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word. 
  
  
• Encouragement from the Word today is…Eph. 5:19-20: speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…

• All eyes are on the moon this morning.  NASA has deployed two spacecraft to crash into a crater on the south pole of the moon, looking of water.  The crash is expected to be visible from earth…if it wasn’t raining…and should happen about 731 this morning.  The idea is for the first craft to crash, causing a plume of debris that will extend about 6 miles above the moon.  The second craft will fly through the debris, collecting samples and beaming back data, before it too crashes.  Scientists say that if ice is confirmed on the lunar surface, it could lead to another manned mission to the moon.

• It’s official.  President Obama has been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”.

• Back at home, the House passed a defense policy bill that in addition to funding for the military, included expansion of so-called hate crimes legislation to include homosexuals and transgenders.  The Senate is considering similar legislation.

• Baseball divisional playoffs continued Thursday, with Colorado evening up their series with Philadelphia, while the Dodgers took a 2-0 lead in their series with St. Louis.  The Red Sox and Angels got their playoff started last night, the Angels coming away with a 5-0 win.  In college football last night, number 21 Nebraska beat number 24 Missouri 27-12.  When Ohio State takes on undefeated Wisconsin Saturday at the horseshoe, the buckeyes were missing at least 3 starting offensive lineman and safety Nate Oliver.  All were down with the flu.

• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word.  Encouragement from the Word today is…Luke 18:16-17: But Jesus called them to Him and said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.

• Two powerful earthquakes shook the Pacific Ocean last night, one about 1400 miles north of Australia, the other near the Philippine islands. No word yet on damage or injuries.
  
  
• We are getting our first real look at the nationalized health care bill making it’s way through the Senate Finance Committee. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says the plan will cost $829 billion over ten years, will trim $81 billion from the deficit over the same period compared to current government spending. Leading Republicans say the plan has billions in hidden taxes and fees that will result in increased premiums for many Americans. A vote in the committee could come as early as Friday.
  
  
• A new report out by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life says that one in four people in our world are muslim. That’s about 1.57 billion people. By comparison, the report says there are about 2.2 billion Christians.
  
  
• Health officials in Ohio say the state’s 61.500 H1N1 flu vaccines will be distribute this week to health departments and hospitals.
  
  
• Major league baseball got it’s divisional playoffs underway Wednesday. Reigning champion Philadelphia took game one from Colorado, the Dodgers beat St. Louis, and the Yankees came from behind to beat Minnesota. Boston opens it’s series with the Angels tonight in Anaheim.
  
  
• In the NFL, wide receiver Michael Crabtree has ended his holdout, signing a 6 year contract, with $17m guaranteed. The Cleveland Browns have traded wide receiver to the New York Jets for wide out Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Jason Trusnik and two draft picks.
  
  
• Remember, no matter what the news, there is hope in God’s Word. Encouragement from the Word today is…Phillipians 2:3: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.