DATA POINTS
- 4th – The rank of California’s economy on the global stage, surpassing Japan last week
- 5.9% – The percentage sales of previously owned homes fell in March, the worst since 2009
- 5/7/25 – The start of the conclave to elect the next Pope
- 67% – The percentage of Americans who are polite when talking to AI
- 257 – The number of athletes drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft
- $408,473 – The amount raised from the #SpeakYourMIND initiative ice bucket challenge
100 Days
This week, Donald Trump passed the noteworthy 100th day of his second term in the White House. The first 100 days are known for setting the tone and indicating the pace and priorities of an administration. This benchmark also serves as a measure of early effectiveness and the president’s ability to fulfill campaign promises.
President Trump’s first 3 months were marked by an increased number of executive orders (EO). In their respective first 100 days, President Trump signed 142 EOs, President Biden signed 42, President Obama signed 19, and President George W. Bush signed 12. For comparison, Obama signed 146 EOs in his entire first term.
Trump’s EOs ranged widely in scope. 46 were directed toward government overhaul and administration reframing, 39 were focused on foreign policy and national security, and 26 covered domestic policy and culture.
With 100 days behind him, President Trump has 1,359 days left to make a difference and accomplish his policy agenda.
Read More at the Washington Post
4 is the New 6:30
The 4 a.m. alarm used to be reserved for bakers and baristas. Now, it’s become a badge of honor for CEOs, content creators, moms, and everyone in between. People are finding that having a few extra hours in their day is creating new opportunities for personal, professional, and creative growth. It’s not just about hustle culture; it’s about creating uninterrupted time to invest in yourself before the world comes calling. Science supports it, too. According to the Sleep Foundation, early risers often experience improved mood and mental health. But the secret isn’t just waking up early; it’s going to bed early, too.
Not everyone needs a 4 a.m. start, but carving out intentional, distraction-free time? That’s a habit worth keeping, whether it’s at dawn or dusk.
Read More at The Wall Street Journal
Gen(Z)der Divide
In a somewhat surprising twist for a generation known for forming blocs, Gen Z – those born between 1997 and 2012 – is experiencing a significant gender gap. 53% of women aged 18 – 29 identify as Democrats, while only 35% of men in the same bracket do. 38% of young men call themselves Republican, while only 20% of young women follow suit. 29% of women identify as Liberals, while 28% of men identify as Conservatives. When it comes to supporting President Trump, 24% of Gen Z women approve, and 45% of men are on board. Similar approval ratings apply to Elon Musk. Young adults both agree on one thing, however. 50% of each believe that they think the country is headed in the wrong direction.
Young people spend more time online than other generations, often exposed to content creators, news, and information from social media algorithms tailored to their preferences, potentially playing into the same-age gender discrepancy.
Canada Sticks with Liberals
Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney and his Liberal Party will form a new government following Canada’s recent national elections. This win gives the Liberal Party its fourth consecutive term in power after Justin Trudeau stepped down from his post amid low approval ratings.
It was a close race. When Trudeau stepped down, Liberal Party approval ratings had plummeted, trailing the Conservative Party by nearly 30 percentage points. Carney has promised to fight against President Trump’s tariffs by diversifying Canada’s trade alliances with nations other than the U.S. He promised that Canada’s special relationship with the United States is as good as over. Only time will tell what this means.
Prime Minister Carney is expected to meet with President Trump to discuss economic ties and national security. Carney will also host leaders from the Group of 7 (The United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union) to attend a summit in Alberta to discuss their relationships moving forward.
Read More at the New York Times
Fashion for All
When JCPenney announced its collaboration with model and body-positivity advocate Ashley Graham for a new plus-size fashion line, it wasn’t just a marketing move—it was a bold statement: fashion should be for everyone.
Despite 68% of American women wearing a size 14 or above, less than 20% of apparel is made for them. That’s a large disconnect, but not surprising. For decades, fashion’s gatekeepers have underrepresented curvier bodies. Graham and JCPenney are challenging that norm with a fall collection that’s stylish, affordable, and accessible in-store and online.
JCPenney’s “Yes, JCPenney!” rebrand is a move to help the store feel more current and connect with today’s shoppers, blending its long history with a new focus on inclusivity and modern style. They’re not alone. Retailers like Old Navy and Target have also committed to size inclusivity. However, true inclusivity means more than extended sizes; it requires equal shelf space, visibility, and quality.
By bringing runway-inspired styles to the women who wear them most, JCPenney isn’t just meeting a need. They’re changing the game.
See you next week!
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