Read Time: 5 min 34 sec | Listen to Podcast

WORLD NEWS

Escalation

The U.S. is ramping up its war on drugs.

Friday, War Secretary Hegseth ordered the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group—comprised of the world’s largest aircraft carrier and three destroyers—to the Caribbean to “bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt” criminal organizations. The carrier was redirected from the Mediterranean, bringing along dozens of fighter jets. 

The move follows several recent lethal U.S. airstrikes on suspected smuggling boats. It also turns up the pressure on Venezuela’s authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro; in response to the deployment, Venezuela’s Defense Minister said the country is conducting military drills to guard its coast against possible U.S. “covert operations.”

Meanwhile, the Trump admin sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro and family, accusing them of enabling drug cartels, as Washington claims Colombian cocaine production has exploded “to the highest rate in decades.”

__

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Christians should be committed to praying for world leaders to be wise and to work towards peaceful resolutions, while simultaneously placing our hope in God, not government.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

POLTICS

Ad-versity

A contentious commercial that ran during the World Series has the U.S. and Canada in a trade pickle. 

An ad by the Ontario government featured clips from a 1987 radio address by then-President Ronald Reagan, saying that “over the long run,” tariffs “hurt every American worker and consumer.” Thursday, President Trump canceled trade negotiations with Canada over the ad. Ontario leaders promised to pause the commercial to resume talks… but still aired the ad during Friday’s game to “initiate a conversation” about the “impact of tariffs.” 

Uncle Sam thought it was a swing and a miss. Saturday, Trump announced an additional 10% tariff on Canadian goods, saying, “That’s dirty playing—but I can play dirtier.”

Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan Foundation is calling foul. The org’s lawyering up, claiming Canada “misrepresented” Reagan and used his speech without permission.

__

Verse to consider whether you’re interacting with your international neighbors or your next-door neighbors… “Jesus answered, ‘The most important 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 chapter)

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Gut Goals

Scientists from Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Berkeley, and Stanford walked into a lab… and instead of making a bad joke, they improved gut health forever. 

Meet Pendulum’s Akkermansia muciniphila probiotic—the first live version available in the U.S. 

It’s a total gut game-changer, strengthening your gut lining, boosting digestion and metabolism, and naturally increasing GLP-1 production.* In other words, it helps your body do what God designed it to do.

Get in on the gut glow-up. As a TPO reader, you save 20% on your first Pendulum membership order! (Bonus: you can use HSA/FSA funds!)

*Based on preclinical studies. This product is not intended for weight loss

Curious how we choose sponsors?  Learn more  |  Advertise with us

WORLD NEWS

Heisters Nabbed

Police have reportedly arrested two men in connection with last week’s brazen midmorning Louvre heist targeting France’s crown jewels.

Last Sunday, a hooded quartet took less than eight minutes to enter the world’s most-visited museum through a window, steal jewels worth an estimated $102M (plus incalculable historical value), and escape on scooters. Then Saturday night, police arrested two suspects, one of whom was about to board a plane to Algeria. 

According to a Parisian newspaper, officials ID’ed the men—both in their 30s and known for past robberies—through DNA found at the scene. Cops believe they were hired to pull off the job.

Prosecutors haven’t confirmed the arrest details or whether the jewels had been recovered, saying leaked details “can only hinder” the race to find other suspects, the operation’s mastermind, and the heisters’ haul.

__

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Imitating our just and merciful Father, followers of Christ root for justice while retaining love for all parties—both the accused and the accusers—desiring restoration, not revenge.

“The LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.” 
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

Inflation’s still inflatin’… but not as much as expected. A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics—released 10 days late due to the government shutdown—showed that inflation reached 3% in September (up from 2.9% in August). Gas prices (a 4.1% jump) were the biggest contributor. Though beef prices continue to moooove on up, overall food prices rose just 0.2%.
 

New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal mortgage-fraud charges in Virginia. She accused the Trump Admin of turning the justice system into a “tool of revenge” after President Trump reportedly pressed the DOJ to bring the case. Prosecutors say she misrepresented details on a Norfolk, VA, home loan to get better financial terms.
 

A mystery now-identified donor picked up the Pentagon’s tab. Thursday night, President Trump announced a $130M gift from a “patriot” and “friend” would go toward troops’ pay during the shutdown. The giver has been identified by the NYT as “reclusive” billionaire Timothy Mellon, a major Trump backer. Legal experts warn the donation could violate the Antideficiency Act, which bars using unappropriated funds.
 

The Caribbean is bracing for Hurricane Melissa. The storm strengthened to a Category 4 yesterday, putting Jamaica under a hurricane warning and parts of Cuba and Haiti under a watch. Melissa is expected to bring days of “catastrophic” flooding and winds and could be Jamaica’s strongest in 35+ years, potentially reaching a Category 5 before making landfall later today.
 

President Trump is dancing into a six-day trade tour through Asia (see #47’s moves). First up in Malaysia, he presided over a peace deal ceremony between Cambodia and Thailand before signing trade and critical minerals agreements with the three countries. After a meeting with Japan’s new PM later this week, Trump will negotiate tariffs with China’s President Xi in South Korea.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

In honor of the World Series… Here’s glow-in-the-dark baseball.

What We’re Not Forgetting to Pack
LMNT* 

I recently went on vacation with my wife, Hannah, and in the airport, she grabbed my arm and stopped me in my tracks: “Ugh! I knew I forgot something!”

It wasn’t her phone, passport, or wallet… it was Raspberry LMNT. Seriously.

At first, I rolled my eyes and thanked her for the great ad content she just gave us, but she was genuinely upset. She normally has one every day, loving the flavor and science-backed ratio of electrolytes (that means lots of salt and zero sugar).

It didn’t ruin our kid-free vacation, but you better believe she won’t forget it again! Pack wisely. TPO readers get a free 8-pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase. 

Jason Woodruff | Founder

Who’s Helping Us House Hunt
A brother/sister in Christ from the Christian Real Estate Network*

Buying or selling a home isn’t just another “add to cart” during your late-night scroll—it’s one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And you’re going to want a trustworthy Realtor® along for the ride. That’s why we love Christian Real Estate Network. 

They’re a network of vetted agents who bring godly counsel, help you wisely steward the resources God has given you, and pray for God’s leading and provision throughout the process. It’s invaluable to partner with someone who’s not only knowledgeable on the home-buying process but also views your move as a ministry. 

Connecting is free… find your Christian Realtor® today!