OTTAWA — Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is once again finding himself at the center of controversy after he made an appearance in what appeared to be blackface again. Trudeau maintains, however, that the black pigment on his face is just ash from all the wildfire smoke.

"Stop laughing, guys, this is just ashes and stuff! I definitely didn't spread a large amount of it on my face in solidarity with BIPOC men and womxn," said the stammering Prime Minister. "I would never do something like that, because I'm not a racist. I'm an anti-racist. Word to your mother."

Critics contested that even though thousands of Canadian citizens are affected by the wildfires tearing through the countryside, only Trudeau's face seems to be constantly covered in large amounts of black soot. "He's even wearing a large afro wig for some reason," said conservative Pierre Poilievre. "I'm not sure what that has to do with the fires."

"My critics are being ridiculous. My beautiful dark complexion is simply an unfortunate coincidence," said Trudeau. "Namaste."

At publishing time, Trudeau had donned a turban for additional protection from the flames.

Grisham Public Library in Fallbrook, California is making waves with its fun, inclusive Satan story hour.