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U.S. NEWS

National Guard Shooting

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot at close range while on patrol in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday—Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died on Thanksgiving, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in “critical condition.”

The suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national, reportedly “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing.” A motive is not known. He had no criminal history and immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 when American troops withdrew from Afghanistan under a special program for Afghans who helped U.S. forces. He was part of an elite counterterrorism unit operated by the CIA.

Following the attack, President Trump pledged to “permanently pause migration from all third-world countries,” and the U.S. halted all asylum decisions. Defense Secretary Hegseth also said that 500 additional National Guard members would be deployed to the nation’s capital. 

Curious about how the National Guard works? Recap with this TPO Explains article. And help us decide what to cover in this week’s TPO Explains through this form.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
We live in a world marred by sin. Even as we work to promote accountability and redemption here on earth, we can rest in the knowledge that a day is coming when sin will be impossible and regret a distant memory.

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Hong Kong Fire

A massive, multi-building fire in Hong Kong has killed at least 146 people, with many still missing and thousands left homeless. It’s Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades.

The fire started Wednesday afternoon at a first-floor apartment in the Wang Fuk Court complex—an under-renovation public housing block with ~4,800 mostly low-income residents—when construction netting outside the building caught fire.

Other highly flammable construction materials (think: styrofoam, bamboo scaffolding) helped the fire rapidly spread to seven of the complex’s eight towers (see how it spread), taking nearly two days and ~2,000 firefighters to put out.

As authorities investigate the fire’s cause, at least eight people—including engineers and contractors overseeing the renovations—have been arrested on corruption and negligence charges related to the fire. Three others have been arrested for manslaughter.

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PRAY WITH US
Heavenly Father, our hearts are hurting for Hong Kong. Great Comforter, You are well-acquainted with our deepest griefs; be near to those who are mourning. Faithful Rescuer, bring home those who are still missing. God Who Provides, protect and care for those who’ve lost everything. Wise Counselor, give knowledge and discernment to first responders, investigators, leaders, and authorities. Amen.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

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POLITICS

Autopen Cancellations

On Friday, President Trump announced that he is canceling all Executive Orders signed via autopen while President Biden was in office.  

Presidents have been going mechanical for their John Hancocks since Truman but primarily for unofficial/commemorative things (think: letters or memorabilia). A George W-era DOJ opinion says autopens are valid for legislation if the president authorizes it, but Trump claims Biden was “not involved in the autopen process” and that staffers used it without his knowledge to sign executive orders and pardons. 

Former President Biden has previously insisted he authorized everything signed with his Go Go Gadget pen.

It is unclear how many of Biden’s 162 executive orders were signed via autopen (Trump says 92%), but policies potentially headed to the Trash folder include environmental justice actions, prescription drug cost measures, and limits on AI development and use.

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Verse to consider whether you’re signing executive orders or signing Christmas cards… “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable ​— ​if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy ​— ​dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 (CSB) (read full passage)

I’m dreaming of a white… Thanksgiving? Some Midwesterners got extra time with family this weekend as winter storms dumped snow, freezing rain, and frigid temps across the Heartland, disrupting homeward travel plans. Chicagoland airports alone canceled over 1,000 flights over the weekend (watch the misery map track the storm), while a 45-car pileup in Indiana shut down I-70 for hours. 
 

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s chief of staff resigned Friday after his home was raided in connection with a $100M embezzlement scandal that continues to shake Kyiv. Though no charges have been filed, his exit removes Ukraine’s lead peace negotiator and a close presidential adviser, tightening pressure on Zelenskyy as corruption questions threaten to complicate ongoing peace talks.
 

An FDA memo claims that at least 10 children died “because of receiving” a COVID vaccine. Vinay Prasad, director of the agency’s vaccine division, didn’t detail the circumstances of the deaths, but he said the FDA will raise the bar for vaccine approvals and revisit kids’ recommended shot schedules. Some public health officials criticized Prasad for scaring people without showing his work.
 

President Trump said Saturday that Venezuelan airspace should be considered “closed.” Uncle Sam’s been stacking his Caribbean military presence to deter drug smuggling and pressure action from Venezuela’s President Maduro—who the U.S. says is illegitimate and heads a drug cartel now designated as a foreign terrorist organization. Venezuela condemned Trump’s “colonialist threat” as a violation of its sovereignty.
 

Solar flares gave Airbus a Thanksgiving headache. Friday, the European manufacturer recalled 6,000 of its A320 planes after finding a flight-control glitch caused by the sun’s outbursts. Thousands of holiday travelers were stranded across America as American, Delta, and United updated hundreds of planes’ software between flights; but Transportation Secretary Duffy said quick work meant “minimal disruptions.”

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

You too can achieve great things…

What We’re Perusing This Christmas
Holman’s Gift Guide*

Whether you’re shopping for a curious kid, a lifelong learner, or someone who “has everything,” Holman’s Gift Guide has you covered.

Make Christmas meaningful with gifts that point to Christ. The Explorer Bible for Kids invites children to dive into God’s Word, while She Reads Truth and He Reads Truth Bibles make a perfect his-and-hers pair for daily study. The Oswald Chambers Bible blends devotion and Scripture, and the Grace Bible Collection helps families with dyslexia and other reading challenges see God’s truth clearly.

Shop all of these favorites and more in the Holman Gift Guide!

What We’re Hearing
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It’s time to rejoin the conversation. Check out hear.com’s Horizon IX hearing aids and start your no-risk trial today.

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