News

Last week, European Union leaders met to discuss the rapidly changing scene on the continent and how to respond (Politico, February 12, 2026). Pressured by the cratering economies of multiple EU nations and the need to take charge of their own security, EU leaders seem to have concluded that a two-speed or multi-speed Europe is necessary to the bloc’s survival.

Have you noticed a proliferation of swearing? Political candidates and elected officials are “dropping F-bombs” (obscenities) increasingly without fear of public disapproval. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has regulations prohibiting obscenity and profanity on TV and radio, but the broadcast moderators today must be busier than ever “bleeping” out the cursing. What does the Bible have to say about profanity?

Germany and France have had an on-again, off-again relationship for decades. Recently, that relationship has soured. Germany sees France as undermining “the landmark Mercosur trade deal with South America, which the Germans have long wanted in order to promote industrial exports. Germany is also considering pulling out of a €100 billion joint fighter-jet program over disputes with the French” (Politico, January 23, 2026).

On Tuesday, January 27, the Doomsday Clock of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was adjusted from 89 seconds to midnight to only 85 seconds—the closest it has ever been since these scientists first began reporting their opinion in 1947. This tool is used to represent how close they believe mankind is to destroying the world—the closer to midnight, the higher they believe the risk.

Tattoos are increasingly becoming commonplace, and a growing number of people spend thousands of dollars to obtain tattoo “sleeves”—covering an entire arm or leg with tattoos. Aside from an apparently small risk of infection from the needle and maybe a mild allergic reaction to the ink, tattoos are thought to be relatively harmless. But are they?