QUOTE OF THE DAY
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
C.S. Lewis
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POLITICS
Censured
The House voted largely along party lines to censure Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) for tweeting an animated video of him killing fellow Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) with a sword.
A censure has happened only 24 times in House history and includes:
- one part public shaming (standing in the center of the House floor while a condemning statement is read)
- one part practical punishment (removal from all committee assignments)
Democrats say the tweet, and Goshar’s decision to downplay its significance instead of apologize, are at best highly inappropriate and at worst dangerous.
Republicans are more split: two voted to censure; Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said it was an “abuse of power” by democrats; and still others condemned the tweet but called removing committee assignments a slippery slope.
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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
This vote again highlights the deep divide in our country today. Remember, we represent Christ well when we are kind to people we believe are wrong, going out of our way to serve and care for them. This is what it means to “love your enemies.”
“But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.”
Luke 6:35 (CSB)
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U.S. NEWS
One Hundred Thousand
The U.S. passed another grim milestone (and this time, it’s not related to COVID). For the first time ever, drug-related deaths topped 100,000 over a 12-month period.
And once again, Fentanyl is the drug most to blame. The extremely potent synthetic opioid accounted for 75% of the deaths.
Public health experts say the pandemic intensified the opioid epidemic by isolating people working to stay sober and making treatment more difficult.
The 29% rise in deaths due to opioids and methamphetamines wasn’t evenly distributed: Vermont and West Virginia saw by far the largest rise in overdoses at 70% and 62% respectively. Only four states saw overall decreases in overdose-related deaths; South Dakota led that pack with a 19.8% drop.
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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
News like this reminds us that we live in a world broken by sin. As Christians, we have the privilege of knowing this isn’t our home, and we can take comfort that all things will ultimately be made right by Jesus.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” - Matthew 5:4 (CSB)
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SPONSORED
Let's Split the Bill
Have you ever stared at a $2,000 per night Airbnb listing thinking to yourself, “You know, if I got 14 other people to come with me, this would be doable!” Well, that’s essentially what Medi-Share is… with a few tweaks.
Instead of an Airbnb, it’s your healthcare costs; instead of 14 friends, it’s 400,000 fellow Christians; and instead of you having to make things happen, it’s Medi-Share taking care of everything. (No, seriously, their concierge-style approach is part of why they have a 98% satisfaction rate.)
If you want to lower your health care costs, take some time to see if Medi-Share is right for you!*
*Editor's Note: Health Care Sharing is not the best option for everyone, but is an excellent option for many. Take the time to research if it’s right for you & your family.
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COVID-19
FDA Authorization
Two new options for fighting COVID are headed to the FDA for approval.
Tuesday, Pfizer submitted an emergency authorization application for its COVID-19 pill, Paxlovid. The FDA’s thumbs up is one of the last hurdles for a new drug. Pfizer has potential manufacturers on standby and the Biden Administration plans to drop a cool $5 billion on 10 million doses.
Also in the FDA’s inbox: Moderna’s submission for emergency authorization of their COVID vaccine booster. Authorization of the booster for all individuals over the age of 18 is expected by the end of the week.
Speaking of vaccines, following a statement from the U.S. fifth circuit court, OSHA is pumping the brakes on enforcing the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate for large companies. The White House has until Monday to respond.
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Staples Center, the iconic Los Angeles sports arena that is home to the Lakers, Clippers, Sparks, and Kings, is being renamed “Crypto.com Arena”. At $700 million (over 20 years), it’s one of the most expensive naming-rights deals of all time, but what’s that these days… 6 bitcoin? 7 bitcoin?
Jacob Chansley, the self-proclaimed “QAnon shaman” (that shirtless guy with Viking horns), was sentenced to 3 years and 5 months in prison for his actions during the January 6th Capitol riot. Chansley pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing a proceeding of Congress and has called his behavior “wrong” and “indefensible.”
Who killed Malcolm X? Two of the three men convicted of killing the civil rights leader have been exonerated after a Netflix documentary sparked renewed interest in the case. The men, 83-year-old Muhammad Aziz and the late Khalil Islam, had insisted on their innocence ever since the 1965 killing.
Apple is launching a DIY repair program early next year that will sell parts and instruct iCustomers on how to fix their devices (like batteries and screens) without voiding warranties. Apple has historically been very against repairs happening outside their stores, but is facing growing regulatory pressure on consumers’ “right to repair.”
In a major blow to the makers of receipt paper, CVS will close 900 stores over the next three years (about 10% of its U.S. locations). The pharmacy wants to make its remaining locations “healthcare destinations” and focus more on its online business. |
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What We’re Using
Don Pablo Ceramic Pour Over Coffee Set*
I used to get up, turn on the coffee pot, and listen to it splutter out some mediocre coffee while I made breakfast. If I was lucky, I’d go back for a second cup kept warmed burned by the machine.
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Matt Whipple | Writer
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What We’re Using
The Dwell App*.
Dwell is an audio-first Bible app that I’ve absolutely fallen in love with. I’m currently listening to Philippians, with Austin narrating the CSB translation, and music in the background (which I’m surprised how much I like)... but all those things are customizable. They’ve done an excellent job with every detail and made it easier for me to “get in the zone” and have a fruitful time in the Word.
I also love their sleep playlists, which are a bit calmer and more valuable to fall asleep to than reruns of The Office…
It’s well worth checking out. Follow our link to get 7 days free + 25% off.
Jason Woodruff | Editor
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*This is a sponsored post
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