Amazon Layoffs, Paramount Job Cuts, U.S.-China Trade Deal, Louvre Heist Suspects, Trump Japan Visit

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Summarized Transcript: 

Good morning, everyone. It is October 28, 2025. Here are the stories we’re praying about today:

1. Amazon Layoffs

Amazon will cut up to 30,000 corporate jobs—nearly 10% of its workforce—starting October 28, 2025, to reduce expenses after overhiring during the pandemic, Reuters reported. The layoffs precede the company’s quarterly earnings report on October 30. The move aims to streamline operations amid economic pressures. Affected employees will receive support as Amazon restructures.

2. Paramount Skydance Layoffs

Likewise, Paramount Skydance will lay off 1,000 employees starting tomorrow, October 29, as part of a plan to cut 2,000 jobs to save $2 billion, following the $8.4 billion merger of Skydance Media and Paramount Global in August. CEO David Ellison is driving the cost-cutting restructuring. The layoffs mark the first major overhaul for the new Hollywood giant. Impacted workers face uncertainty as the company streamlines.

3. U.S.-China Trade Framework

Yesterday, U.S. and Chinese economic officials, led by Scott Bessent and Chinese counterparts, agreed on a trade framework to delay China’s rare earth mineral export controls and avoid new U.S. tariffs. Described as “candid” and “substantial,” the deal aims to ease trade tensions. President Trump expressed optimism about the agreement’s potential. Both nations seek to stabilize economic relations.

4. Louvre Crown Jewels Heist Suspects

On October 19, 2025, thieves stole eight objects worth 88 million euros from France’s Crown Jewels in the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, using a basket lift and ladder in an eight-minute raid. Two suspects in their 30s were arrested, one at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Empress Eugénie’s emerald crown was recovered damaged but repairable. The Louvre reopened as 100 investigators continue the probe.

5. Trump’s Japan Visit

President Trump has begun a busy Asia trip in Japan, meeting ultraconservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, addressing U.S. troops, and engaging business leaders. Takaichi, newly elected, aims to build ties with Trump to ease trade tensions. Japan proposed buying a fleet of American Ford F-150 trucks to strengthen economic relations. The visit underscores U.S.-Japan strategic and trade discussions.

So let’s pray…

Heavenly Father,

We first lift up the thousands facing job losses at Amazon and Paramount Skydance. We pray for Your provision and new opportunities. Grant them strength and hope amidst economic uncertainty.

Lord, bless the U.S.-China trade negotiations, guiding leaders like Bessent to foster agreements that promote fairness and stability for communities on both sides.

For the Louvre heist, we ask for restoration of what was lost and wisdom for investigators to bring justice swiftly and peacefully.

As President Trump visits Japan to build ties with Prime Minister Takaichi, we pray for fruitful discussions that strengthen peace and cooperation, reflecting Your heart for unity among nations.

We pray all these things, in your name, Jesus

Amen.

Thank you for listening to News on Knees, a community prayer podcast by Story King Media. 

If you want to join the movement, I’m calling all believers, anyone who wants to pray for the world, their country, their region, a specific societal issue. Using something as simple as the voice memo app on your phone, record a 1–2 minute prayer and email it to: 

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2. No Personal Requests. Prayers should be about societal issues that are either global, country, state, or region-specific.

Sources: 

1. Amazon Layoffs
2. Paramount Skydance Layoffs 
3. U.S.-China Trade Framework 
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