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POLITICS

(Second) First 100 Days

It’s been 101 days since President Trump (re)took office.

How he’s doing depends on who you ask: 90% of Republicans approve while just 4% of Democrats give a thumbs up—that’s the largest partisan split on record. 

Both sides agree that Trump 2.0 hit the ground running, reshaping multiple areas:

• Government Workforce: At least 130,000 federal employees have been fired or laid off

• Economy: Almost all products face at least a 10% tariff 

• Immigration: There’s been a sharp drop in border crossings (chart) 

• Private Institutions: The White House has pressured private organizations that receive federal funding or business (think: universities and law firms) to change certain policies/practices

Generally, supporters say Trump’s early actions are helping “return America to her former greatness” while critics say the president is recklessly challenging the Constitution’s limits.

(We’re also covering this story tomorrow in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)

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Verse to consider whether your last 100 days have been filled with more victories or losses… “In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:12-13 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Powered Down

A massive power outage struck Spain, Portugal, and part of France on Monday, grinding daily life to a halt for over 60 million people. 

The blackout hit just around noon local time, knocking out traffic lights, airports, trains, metro systems, ATMs, and hospitals—bringing major cities like Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona to a standstill.

Power was almost fully restored by yesterday morning—with schools reopening, traffic easing, and public transport sputtering back to life—but the cause of one of Europe’s most severe blackouts largely remains a mystery. Authorities initially suspected a cyberattack but later ruled it out; Portugal’s grid operator has suggested a “rare atmospheric phenomenon” may have caused high-voltage power lines to oscillate and break.

The European Commission has promised a “thorough investigation,” and Spain has promised to take “all necessary measures” to prevent another blackout.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The fragility of manmade systems reminds us of God’s steadiness. Our true security isn’t found in any infrastructure of this world but in Christ and the promise of the Kingdom to come.  

“‘For I will create new heavens and a new earth… The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle, but the serpent’s food will be dust! They will not do what is evil or destroy on my entire holy mountain,’ says the LORD.” 
Isaiah 65:17, 25 (CSB) (read full passage)

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As is common in hardship, children are suffering disproportionately. 

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WORLD NEWS

Election Mond-eh

Canadians took to the polls Monday, electing to keep the Liberal Party in power.

In March, the Liberal Party held elections to replace its party leader, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned amid declining approval. Former central banker—and political novice—Mark Carney earned the spot but still needed to call a general election to garner widespread support and a “strong, positive mandate to deal with President Trump.”

Monday, Carney’s Liberal Party won the most seats, meaning he’ll remain Prime Minister (no new business cards!). 

In his acceptance speech, Carney stressed his priority of pushing back against Uncle Sam. A cornerstone of his campaign was navigating the trade war and resisting Trump’s calls for Canada to become the 51st state, saying #47 is “trying to break us so he can own us,” which will “never happen.”

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Leadership changes and trade wars may feel major, but will you remember them in 1,000 years? Viewing the events of our lives from an eternal perspective doesn’t mean we stop caring, but it reminds us to keep our focus on Christ at the center of all things. 

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming.”  
2 Peter 3:10-12 (CSB) (read full passage)

Sanctuary cities are going on Trump’s list. On Monday, the president signed an executive order directing his Attorney General and Homeland Security Secretary to identify “sanctuary jurisdictions” within a month; those that make the list could lose federal funds or face lawsuits if they “obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws.” Sanctuary mayors say targeting cities based on political leadership is illegal.
 

The Washington Commanders are returning… to Washington. The NFL team is trading its Maryland home for a $3.7B complex, funded partly by the city of D.C. The new stadium will sit on the old RFK stadium site, hold 65,000 fans under an all-weather dome, and anchor a new entertainment district. Expect football, concerts, and overpriced snacks to kick off fall 2030.
 

The small town of Chatham, Illinois, is in mourning after a car drove through the building of an after-school camp, killing four people aged 4 to 18 and injuring several others. The driver was apprehended by police and taken to the hospital for evaluation, but police say the attack was not targeted; the crash’s cause is still under investigation.
 

Three U.S. citizen children—including a 4-year-old with stage 4 cancer—were taken to Honduras after their mothers were deported last week. Critics say these children were removed from the country without due process, while White House officials claim the mothers voluntarily brought their children with them. A federal judge will review the removals’ legality on May 16.
 

Nine years after Kim Kardashian’s Paris hotel robbery during Fashion Week, ten suspects face trial. Masked as police, they allegedly tied Kardashian up with zip ties and duct tape and stole over $9M worth of jewelry at gunpoint, including a $4M diamond ring from her then-husband, Kanye West. Two confessed; eight maintain innocence. Charges include armed robbery and kidnapping.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

The odd magic of sand bubbler crabs…

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