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WORLD NEWS

Stepping Down, Eh?

Canada’s embattled Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he’s stepping down as leader of the country’s Liberal Party after over a decade at the helm.

Trudeau, who became PM in 2015 and won re-election twice, resigned amid months of internal party turmoil, parliamentary gridlock, and plummeting voter support. Post-COVID inflation, housing crises, and criticism of his immigration policies have contributed to his declining popularity; he also faced trade tensions, including tariff threats from the incoming Trump administration.

The Liberal Party will meet today to determine next steps. Trudeau’s successor will have little time to prepare for the election (required to happen by October), with the Conservative Party currently miles kilometers ahead in the polls. Parliament will remain “prorogued” (translation: “paused”) until March 24, and Trudeau will remain in office until a successor is tapped.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Governments and ruling parties may change, but the mission of every Christian remains the same: love God and love others. 

“Jesus answered, ‘The most important [commandment] is “Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other command greater than these.’” 
Mark 12:29-31 (CSB) (read full passage)

WEATHER

Record Chill

Winter Storm Blair took at least ten lives this week in her icy trip across the U.S.

The system, propelled by a polar vortex—an area of cold air that typically encircles the Arctic—put more than 60 million Americans under winter storm warnings and brought record snowfall to areas across the Plains and Midatlantic, with some areas receiving 18+ inches in a single day. 

Road conditions were deadly, runways closed (disrupting about 6,000 flights), and power went out for nearly 350,000 customers from Illinois to Kentucky. As of Tuesday, seven states had declared states of emergency. Unusually cold temps will linger for the rest of the week as power companies race to turn the heat back on. 

Meanwhile, America’s southern half is trading flip-flops for boots in preparation for Winter Storm Cora. 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Massive weather events remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. But Christians can look forward to an eternity where there’s renewal not just for people but for creation itself. 

“For the creation was subjected to futility ​— ​not willingly, but because of him who subjected it ​— ​in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.” 
Romans 8:20-21 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

Going Out with a Ban(g)

In one of its final acts before Inauguration Day, the Biden administration has issued a ban on offshore drilling across large swaths of U.S. coasts. 

The move bans new oil drilling across roughly 625 million acres of ocean (most of which isn’t viable for drilling) but doesn’t affect current oil and gas development in banned areas. 

Because of a 2019 court ruling, a reversal by President-elect Trump—who’s been vocal about reversing Biden’s environmental policies—would likely require an act of Congress (literally). 

As another parting act, President Biden signed a proclamation yesterday to establish two Native American tribal lands in California as national monuments, prohibiting drilling and mining in the protected areas and moving the administration toward its conservation goal of protecting 30% of U.S. land and seas by 2030. 

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Verse to consider when balancing the health of the earth with the needs of humanity… “Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.… [He] took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it.” 
Genesis 2:7, 15 (CSB) (read full passage)

Congress tied a bow on election season Monday, certifying President-elect Trump’s win with VP (and president of the Senate) Harris presiding. Trump’s seeking closure in the courtroom too; Tuesday, he appealed to have his hush money conviction thrown out after the New York trial judge rejected Trump’s request to delay Friday’s sentencing (but indicated Trump won’t receive jail time).
 

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook Tibet yesterday morning, leveling homes and leaving at least 126 dead and nearly 200 injured. The remote, autonomous region of China near the Nepalese border (a frequent stop for Mount Everest hopefuls) may experience multiple aftershocks in the coming days. Emergency responders are still assessing the extent of the damage.
 

Louisiana has confirmed the first human death from H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. The patient, who was over 65 years old and reportedly had underlying medical conditions, was hospitalized with the flu after exposure to a backyard flock. Health officials confirmed their investigation found no other human cases linked to this patient’s infection.
 

The Biden Administration is steeling itself for a legal fight after blocking the $15B sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese-owned Nippon Steel on Friday. The White House says the Japanese acquisition of the second-largest domestic steel producer would threaten national security; the two companies sued in response, claiming Biden exerted “undue influence to advance his political agenda.”
 

Meta says fact-checkers are “out” in 2025. Yesterday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta will change moderation policies and “work with President Trump” to protect “free expression.” Facebook, Instagram, and Threads’ algorithms won’t hide political content, with platforms replacing the fact-checking program with “community notes” (like on X) to “remove the concern that biased employees are overly censoring content.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Just a guy balancing some rocks…

What We’re Subscribed To
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How We’re Growing in Studying Scripture
With Sweeter than Honey*

If you’re craving soul-satisfying sustenance instead of momentary delights, Sweeter than Honey may be the perfect Bible study for you. 

Gretchen Saffles and Maggie Combs teach you how to study God’s Word and apply it through three key principles: gather knowledge, digest the big ideas, and grow in godliness. This 7-session study equips you to deepen your relationship with God through Scripture––learning how to engage with the Bible, build trust, and grow in intimacy with Him.  

Perfect for individuals and groups, Sweeter than Honey will inspire you to delight in God’s words (Psalm 119:103) and be transformed by it. Available wherever books and Bible studies are sold!