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POLITICS

Cloudy with a Chance of Layoffs

Federal workforce trims continue. 

Tuesday, the Department of Education laid off roughly a third of its ~3,500 employees, the “first step” towards shutting down the Department (which would require Congress) and transferring educational oversight to the states. Secretary McMahon said the overhaul wouldn’t impact those benefitting from the Department’s outward-facing programs (like financial aid and special education), but critics have concerns over the effectiveness of a “barebones” staff, and the lawsuits have begun rolling in. 

Meanwhile, more than 1,000 layoffs are forecasted for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the nation’s weather, ocean, and fisheries agency cuts 10% of its workforce. 

The news comes as two federal district judges ruled yesterday that multiple federal agencies unjustly fired thousands of employees and must reinstate them; the decision will likely be appealed.

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
When discussing divisive topics like layoffs, remember that both your position and your posture reflect on Christ. That means humbly loving and caring for those who have lost jobs, government authorities, and people who passionately disagree with you on this topic. 

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them… But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.” 
Luke 6:32, 35 (CSB) (read full passage)

ECONOMY

Whiskey Business

While prices and unemployment chill, trade tensions are staying heated.

February’s inflation eased to 2.8%, down from January’s 3%, beating economists’ expectations. Egg prices continued their rise—up 59% over the past year due to avian flu and supply shortages—and shelter costs rose 4.2%, their slowest pace since 2021. U.S. unemployment claims also dropped last week, indicating Uncle Sam’s labor market is still hangin’ on.

The S&P 500, still rattled by trade tensions, dipped into correction territory yesterday—down 10% from its peak on February 19th.

On the trade front, Canada slapped a 25% tariff on U.S. steel, and the E.U. raised tariffs on American agricultural products. President Trump has threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol unless the E.U. lifts its 50% tariff on whiskey.

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Verse to consider whether eggs cost more than a car or less than a pack of gum…“Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.”
Proverbs 11:28 (CSB) (read full passage)

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WORLD NEWS

Island Independence?

Santa’s neighbors held elections Tuesday. 

Greenland, Denmark’s self-governing, not-so-green island just 950 miles from the North Pole, has been trekking toward independence since 2009. President Trump recently expressed interest in owning the island because of its strategic location (key for national security) and its wealth of rare-earth minerals (key for all kinds of tech production).

Four of the five main parties on the Arctic island want to give Copenhagen the cold shoulder, but they disagree on timelines. The Demokraatit party—a center-right party that favors a more gradual approach to independence—emerged as the unexpected victor of Tuesday’s vote.

Greenland’s Demokraatit party leaders must now form a governing coalition, which may include the second-place Naleraq party—a group that favors fast-tracking independence and is warmer toward Trump.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Just as many Americans view the outcomes of foreign elections with a certain level of detachment, Christians are called to hold earthly political outcomes loosely because our true citizenship is in heaven. When political news makes you angry or anxious, check your grip. 

“Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.”
1 Peter 2:11-12 (CSB) (read full passage)

A government shutdown is seeming less likely. Yesterday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced he’ll support the Republicans’ spending bill, saying he’s worried a shutdown would allow President Trump to take “much more power.” Republicans need seven Democrats to join them to avoid a shutdown tonight; it’s unclear where the votes will fall.
 

Ceasefire… almost? Yesterday, President Putin said Russia agrees in principle with the White House-proposed 30-day ceasefire—already backed by Ukraine—but insisted it must address the conflict’s “root causes” and ensure “enduring peace.” He also stressed the need for monitoring potential violations of the deal. Putin’s remarks came just hours after Trump’s envoy arrived in Moscow for ceasefire talks.
 

A Saudi-owned game company just made a rare catch. Niantic, maker of the augmented reality mobile game Pokémon GO, just sold its game division to Saudi-owned Scopely for $3.5B—one of the largest video game acquisitions ever. Critics accuse Niantic of gathering the location data of GO’s 90M monthly users to sell without consent.
 

A Columbia University student remains in ICE custody after being detained for leading pro-Palestinian protests, which the State Department deemed “adversarial” to national security. Lawyers for the Syrian-born Algerian citizen—who’s in the U.S. legally—argue he was exercising his First Amendment rights. He hasn’t been formally charged with a crime, and a judge paused his deportation while his case is pending.
 

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Us still adjusting to the time change…

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Señor Nate Wells | Head of Business