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Mexico is recovering from a wave of violence following Sunday’s killing of its most-wanted cartel boss, “El Mencho.”

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes headed up the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major U.S. supplier of fentanyl, meth, and cocaine. Mexican authorities followed one of El Mencho’s “lovers” to his hideout; the drug lord died in custody after being injured in a shootout. 

CJNG retaliated by blocking 250+ roads and burning cars across 20+ Mexican states. Over 70 people were killed in the operation and ensuing violence, including 25 Mexican National Guard members, “El Tuli” (the alleged mastermind of CJNG’s response), 30+ additional suspected cartel members, and others. 

As of yesterday, roadblocks were reportedly cleared, thousands of security forces deployed, and normal flight schedules resumed across tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Cozumel (see map).

Want to process how you can talk about violence and unrest with the kids in your life? Sign up here to get Decaf: The Pour Over for Families in your inbox tomorrow!

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Christians live as strangers and exiles in our home countries, whether that temporary home is peaceful, disorderly, or somewhere in between. Seek the good of the land you’re passing through while eagerly anticipating the coming of your permanent home. 

“This is what the LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce… Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.’” 
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

President Trump gave the country’s semiquincentennial progress report last night.

In his record-breaking 1 hour 47 minute State of the Union address, #47 touted lower inflation, a declining murder rate, his “peace through strength” foreign policy approach, ICE’s immigration crackdown, and much more (watch). Half the room stood and cheered (a lot).

The crowd at the Capitol, which featured the golden U.S. men’s hockey team, was light on Democrats—many of whom walked out or attended counterprogramming in protest. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) was removed for holding a sign that read “Black people aren’t apes!”

Dems tapped Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to deliver the rebuttal in English and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) en Español; they criticized President Trump’s handling of the economy, the Epstein files, ICE raids, and more.

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Verses to consider whether you’re feeling like the state of your own life is full of good news, hard news, or the confusing in-between… “The LORD—​the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth,  maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.” 
Exodus 34:6-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of the start of the Russia-Ukraine War. 

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion against Ukraine, starting the deadliest conflict in Europe since WWII. Since 2022, rough estimates suggest: 

Yesterday, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy praised his country for not raising “a white flag” and defending “the blue and yellow one.” Several E.U. leaders—in Kyiv for the anniversary—vowed to stand “unwaveringly with Ukraine… until peace is restored” and described the war as a “failure for Russia.” 

The Kremlin agreed (sort of), saying Russia’s “goals haven’t been fully achieved yet” and the invasion would continue.

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PRAY WITH US
How long, O Lord, will this stormy night stretch on? As this conflict drags on, our helplessness grows. But You have not changed. From You alone comes perfect peace. 

Bring Your kingdom’s peace here, as it is in heaven. Dismantle the suspicions that separate us. Provide for the war-torn; heal those wounded and grieving. Free the power hungry from hatred, cruelty, and revenge. Empower leaders with wisdom to negotiate creatively. Embolden Your Church to go courageously into the mess, proclaiming the gospel of peace. And in future days, when hard-fought, carefully woven reconciliation unravels again, turn our eyes to Your unending reign of peace. Amen.

Northeasterners are dreaming of a white… National Clam Chowder Day. This week, Winter Storm Hernando brought blizzard conditions to 40M+ people from Virginia to Maine (see pics). The nor'easter—which dumped a record-setting 37.9 inches of snow on Providence, Rhode Island—has left 600,000+ residents without power, canceled thousands of flights, and led several New England states to issue travel bans. 

Lord Peter Mandelson, the former U.K. ambassador to the U.S., was arrested Monday on suspicion of giving Jeffrey Epstein confidential govn’ament information. The longtime Labour Party figure, who was released on bail yesterday morning, denies wrongdoing and says he regrets his association with Epstein. Mandelson’s arrest further widens Epstein-related fallout in Britain following last week’s arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Anti-government protests have reignited across Iran. Demonstrations at universities began Saturday—the 40-day mark since thousands were killed in January’s protests over government repression and economic hardship. Tehran says it won’t “bow down” to pressure ahead of resuming nuclear negotiations with the U.S. Thursday. Meanwhile, the Middle East military buildup continues as Uncle Sam reportedly weighs striking Iran.

Recent homebuyers are Googling, “Should I refinance my mortgage?” On Monday, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.99%—the lowest rate since 2022—amid renewed tariff uncertainty, cooling inflation, and a less-than-impressive GDP report. The fluctuating factors led to a stock market sell-off, which brought Treasury yields down… and mortgage rates with them.

The Guthrie family is offering $1M for Nancy Guthrie’s return. In a video posted yesterday—24 days after her mother’s disappearance—Savannah Guthrie acknowledged Nancy “may already be gone” but that her family is “blowing on the embers of hope.” Investigators have received tens of thousands of tips since the search began, but no new breaks in the case have been announced.

Trying to live out 1 Corinthians 11:1 like...

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