Mouse Brain
Scientists have plotted the “wiring” of a mouse’s brain from a sample of roughly one cubic millimeter. The sample came from the area of the brain that processes visual input, a portion similar in construction to the human brain. They mapped nearly 100,000 neurons and over 500 million synapses. Stretched out, the connections would span over three miles, from an area the size of a grain of sand! As scientists probe deeper into natural processes, they consistently reveal the staggering complexity of God’s creation. The eye has long been a point of resistance to the theory of evolution. Irreducibly complex systems, defying the very idea of gradual development by needing every component in place to function at all, are the bane of evolutionists, as is the eye itself. There is no environmental factor that should induce an otherwise content single cell organism to adapt or produce a cell that happens to be sensitive to light at all.
Border Crisis
Problem solved? Cry as many might over rapid deportation, detention in a third country, or the use of the Alien Enemies Act, the results on the ground are dramatic. The first months of 2025 have seen a drop of over 90% in illegal border crossings when compared to the same period just one year ago. No one can deny the strain that trying to accommodate nearly 100,000 new arrivals each month was causing. While there has been much rhetoric about addressing the “root causes of irregular migration,” an overlooked item near the top of that list may have been the belief that you could get away with it! For years, those apprehended were released into the US with a court date for the distant future. The prospect of being sent to Honduras instead can’t be anything but a deterrent.
Powering Iran
With some of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, why would Iran need to purchase it from Russia? Sanctions led by the United States have been severe enough to prevent Iran from producing what it consumes. It also provides a needed outlet for Russia, whose supply has been heavily sanctioned by its western neighbors. Russia has also agreed to construct a new nuclear power facility in Iran. Both countries are under pressure to negotiate with the US or face an escalation as the new administration pushes for an end to the war in Ukraine and an agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Unspeakable Evil
Both members of a male homosexual couple have been sentenced to over a century in prison. They had adopted two boys; two years later they were arrested. A different individual was apprehended with child pornography, which led police to identify the children and intervene. It was discovered that the children had consistently endured unimaginable abuse including rape and forced prostitution. This was the twisted reality behind a rosy and flamboyant social media presence. To abuse and degrade a human being in that manner, especially one so vulnerable as a child in need of adoption, is unspeakably evil. The adoption of children by homosexuals was once a controversy in America. Since then, the “gay” movement has largely prevailed in its quest for recognition, despite being prohibited in scripture in no uncertain terms. The practice is still illegal in many of the more conservative countries such as Indonesia, which publicly canes those found guilty. Others try to limit its promotion or exposure, such as new propaganda laws in Russia or the banning of “pride month” in Hungary.
Tugging His Leash
New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was reminded of the fragility of his position on the day he took office. Coalition governments are a bit of a novelty to Americans unused to such wranglings. When no party wins an outright majority, a deal is struck between two or more of them to get over the 50% threshold needed to fill important roles such as Defense Minister. This is similar to the process in our own country where those nominated by the President are subject to Senate approval. However, in these coalitions the Prime Minister also has to be confirmed. The first round of voting is anonymous. Some members of Merz’s coalition chose to send him a message, with 18 actually voting against him.
It was a humiliation –– the first instance a head of government had failed to be confirmed in the first round since WW2. While he was confirmed in the second round, the message was heard loud and clear. The maneuvering to form this coalition and the removal of defense spending from debt limits has angered many who voted for this government as well as MPs in Merz’s CDU. They feel many promises from the campaign have already been broken, with both coalition partners polling worse than before the election. It was an embarassing moment for Merz, almost forcing him to cancel his first trips abroad as Chancellor. While many are openly looking to Germany for leadership in Europe, it was a reminder of how fragile many of its most important states are.
Mine
Critical minerals have been an urgent topic of discussion. They do not exist everywhere and much of the world has found itself in an alarming state of dependency on China, the chief producer and refiner of many rare materials which underpin modern energy and defense technologies. Having a secure supply is essential. This is at the heart of the rhetoric over Greenland’s autonomy, the mineral deal with Ukraine, and even the push for peace between the Congo and M23 (backed by Rwanda) who struggle for control of land that is rich in natural resources. In addition to diversifying our supply chain abroad, the US has tried to speed up the approval of domestic permits to mine for these sought after materials.
Extreme Measures
Despite their growing popularity, the German political party Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) has been officially branded an extremist organization by the country’s intelligence agency. There are definite political overtones and many have speculated about the designation being used to deny AfD members chairmanships of government committees and other positions the number of seats held usually entitle a party to. The temptation may be limited by public opinion as the AfD is polling even stronger now than at the last election.
Locked Down by Choice
A German couple living in Spain has purportedly been existing in virtual isolation since the height of COVID “stay home” mandates. Despite the passing of years, fear compelled them to maintain this severe and restrictive lifestyle. Reports allege their children were not even allowed to leave the home. The story came to light after the neighbors contacted authorities, charges have since been filed against the parents. “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
Gender Benders
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom has identified “gender” as biological sex at birth. The case prompting this decision regards constitutional protections for women in the workplace. While the UK still offers many official recognitions for those who pursue a transition to its illogical conclusion, they may not claim discrimination under those laws. This continues a trend of tethering the issue to reality rather than emotion, at least in regards to legal definitions, and ensuring fair competition. The Trump administration has not relented, continuing to pull federal funding from educational institutions who refuse to adopt this definition for athletic competition. The Department of Health and Human Services has also completed a massive review of all available studies, reports and medical statistics regarding the effectiveness of commonly prescribed treatments for gender dysphoria. It found that radical interventions like surgery, hormone therapy and puberty blockers did not equate to improved patient health or happiness over time.
