Welcome to Sunday in a Sip. It's March 9th, 2025 Daylight Saving Times starts today. Did you remember spring forward? That’s ok because tomorrow in National Nap Day.

So curl up, unwind, let your brain take the lead, Grab your Sunday in a Sip blanket

Pour yourself a cup, get comfortable, and let Sunday in a Sip be your perfect weekend ritual. A little reading, a little coffee, and maybe even a well-earned nap, because the best stories aren’t just read, they’re experienced.

FIRES

This week started with Winter Wildfires in the Carolinas. A state of emergency was declared in the Carolinas as winter wildfires forced evacuations near Myrtle Beach.

The fire prompted evacuations in several neighborhoods, including Avalon, Spring Lake, Walker Woods, and Waterford, as it threatened numerous homes. Firefighters worked diligently to protect residential structures. The Firefighters are amazing and also have the tools a resources, and leadership. Neighbors came with cookies, and water for the firefighters thanking them and giving them the moral support. The community has shown resilience, and support systems are in place.

The cause of the wildfire was traced to a backyard fire pit in the Covington Lakes subdivision. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency and issued a statewide burning ban to mitigate further risks. Covington Drive Fire is over 50% contained, with firefighting efforts ongoing to fully extinguish the remaining hotspots.

President Address

President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, delivering a speech that lasted 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it the longest address to a joint session of Congress in at least 61 years. During his address President Trump announced an executive order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge," honoring the memory of 12-year-old Houston native Jocelyn Nungaray.

Jocelyn tragically lost her life on June 17, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Two Venezuelan nationals, Franklin Jose Pena Ramos and Johan Jose Rangel Martinez, both of whom had entered the U.S. illegally, were charged with her murder.

The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1963, spans approximately 34,000 acres along the Gulf Coast near Galveston Bay. It serves as a habitat for migratory birds and offers recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. President Trump highlighted Jocelyn's affection for animals and nature during the announcement, stating, "She loved animals so much, she loved nature."

This renaming serves as a poignant tribute to Jocelyn's life and passions, ensuring her memory endures within a place she cherished.

Economy

Gold Price $2,911.17
Oil Price $67.04 per barrel WTI

A resilient labor market, with 151,000 jobs added in February. Again, our government has deceived us. Building up our economy with federal jobs in prior months. More than 62,000 federal employees across 17 different agencies were supposedly laid off. It's important to note that some agencies have reversed layoffs, and some sub-agencies within these departments, such as the IRS, FAA, and TSA, have also experienced significant layoffs. The IRS had 6,700 layoffs. The FAA layoff number is 400, and the TSA is 200. Some numbers could not be reported where the agencies held their reporting of them. Here is a list of the agencies affected and the number of layoffs where I was able to confirm where publicly published, they just don’t add up.

  1. United States Agency for International Development (USAID) - 9,700

  2. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - 5,200

  3. Department of Commerce (DOC) - 500

  4. Department of Defense (DOD) - 5,400

  5. Department of Education (ED) - NOT REPORTED

  6. Department of Energy (DOE) - 2,000

  7. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) - 5,200

  8. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - 2,000

  9. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - 4,000

  10. Department of Justice (DOJ) - NOT REPORTED

  11. Department of Labor (DOL) - NOT REPORTED

  12. Department of State (DOS) - 1,500 State Department officials accepted buyout packages

  13. Department of the Interior (DOI) - 2,300

  14. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) - See IRS numbers

  15. Department of Transportation (DOT) - See FAA numbers

  16. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - 1,000

  17. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - 388

  18. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - 1,200

  19. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - 70

  20. U.S. Digital Service (USDS) - 50

  21. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) - 73

  22. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - 800

BIG DRUG DEAL

Walgreens is making a bold move to go private in a $10 billion deal, signaling a shift in its strategy. The company aims to streamline operations and focus on innovation in the face of industry changes. With this massive acquisition, Walgreens hopes to reinvent itself for the future of retail healthcare.

Iowa Ends Civil Rights Protections for Transgender People

In a historic and controversial move, Iowa has become the first state to repeal civil rights protections for transgender individuals.

Pour Over Life

I have a secret to share, something so simple, yet so rare, it might just change your life. It’s the ability to be genuinely happy for someone else. You know, that feeling where you’re not envious, suspicious, or clouded with the bitter tinge of "Why not me?"

Instead, it’s pure joy for their joy. Not everyone has mastered this, but it’s a game-changer when you do. It’s the true mark of empathy. Don’t get me wrong, being happy for others isn’t about turning yourself into some self-sacrificing martyr. It’s about having the emotional maturity to step aside, take a deep breath, and cheer someone on, even when their success doesn’t directly benefit you. It’s about giving without expecting anything in return.

When someone gets that promotion, finds true love, or hits the jackpot in life, it’s easy to look inward, feeling like the universe has somehow skipped you over. But happiness for them is the ticket to your own peace. You’d be amazed at what happens when you celebrate others.

It’s as though the universe just opens up a little wider for you. You’re not stuck in the "me-first" mentality that can turn you into a jealous wreck. Instead, you cultivate a contagious positivity. A simple compliment, a congratulatory text, or a thoughtful gesture can lift someone’s spirits higher than any self-centered comparison ever could.

Think about it—when you lift others up, it comes back to you in spades. People feel good around you. They want to be around you.

And that? That’s the real magic.

You’ve got to realize that helping others feel good about themselves isn’t about weakness. I feel it’s the ultimate strength. Giving from a place of positivity and genuine empathy is a gift that benefits everyone involved. And this isn’t some pie-in-the-sky idea.

This is real, tangible happiness. A practice of empathy that can break the chains of bitterness, jealousy, and negativity that keep us stuck in a loop of unhappiness. It’s the simple act of caring enough to be happy for someone else, no strings attached.

That’s the kind of energy that creates connections, forges bonds and makes the world feel just a little bit warmer. So next time you hear about someone’s success, try this,,

Instead of sizing up the situation and feeling like you’re missing out, stop and celebrate them. Be truly happy for them, and see what happens. You might just find yourself a little bit happier, too. It’s like a boomerang of joy. And who doesn’t need more of that? Let’s get real people. Being happy for others isn’t just good for them. It’s good for you, too.

Can you think of a moment when you truly celebrated someone else's success? How did it make you feel, and how did it impact your own happiness?

Get your mug and show your support Sunday in a sip, Look at the Sunday in a sip mug gallery and start collecting today.

Spring is Here

Yes cuddle and help support Sunday in a sip with this beautiful blanket offered in three different sizes. Celebrating Spring 2025. Start your day cozy or end it in comfort with the Spring Blossoms 2025 Plush Blanket—exclusively available in the Sunday in a Sip online store.

Thank you.

And if this sparked your interest, hit❤️, and follow for more.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your day today. Embrace the sunrise, chase your dreams, and make today the day you turn possibilities into realities.

Let’s Drink Together

Grab your favorite hot beverage and join me in keeping Sunday in a Sip thriving. Your financial support—no matter the amount—fuels the heart and soul of this weekly inspiration. Together, we can lift Sundays to new heights, turning quiet moments into something extraordinary. Every sip, every contribution, makes a difference. Let’s make it happen—together.

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