☕ FIRST CUP Saturday, April 5, 2026 | Cup of Culture
TODAY’S ORDER
We’re now six weeks into a war that was sold to us as fast and clean. This morning, one American service member is still missing somewhere in Iran — on the run for more than 36 hours — after an F-15 fighter jet and an A-10 attack plane were both lost to hostile fire Friday, with two search-and-rescue helicopters also hit during recovery efforts. The Washington Post One crew member was rescued, but the other has been “on the run for a day and a half — which is a very long time when being actively pursued behind enemy lines, in the mountains, limited communications and also possibly injured.” CNN Iran is offering rewards to civilians who find them. This is not a war that is winding down.
THE REST OF THE MENU
Trump issues a 48-hour ultimatum. Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday warning Iran that “time is running out” and that it has 48 hours before the U.S. will unleash “hell” if the Strait of Hormuz isn’t fully reopened. CBS News Iran has effectively blocked the strait since the war began, sending oil prices soaring — gas prices up 93 cents per gallon and U.S. crude oil up more than 70% since the start of the year. NBC News Iran’s response: all U.S. energy infrastructure in the region would be targeted if attacked.
The DHS shutdown limps toward a maybe. Congress is on recess until April 13, and GOP leaders have indicated there’s no plan to bring the House back early The Hill to pass a deal that might end the now record-breaking DHS shutdown. TSA agents have been calling out of work and quitting in large numbers CNBC — just in time for Passover and Easter travel. Republican dysfunction, meet the holiday weekend.
Striking near a nuclear plant. A strike reportedly hit the grounds of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. The IAEA confirmed that a security staff member was killed by a projectile fragment and a building on site was damaged. RFE/RL Russia announced it is evacuating nearly 200 of its staff from the plant. CNN Neither the U.S. nor Israel has confirmed involvement.
SOMETHING BREWING
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s president said the Iran war risks fueling inflation, making it harder for the Fed to cut interest rates this year CBS News — something millions of Americans were counting on. The war’s cost isn’t just being paid in lives. It’s showing up at the grocery store, the gas pump, and the mortgage payment.
THE TEMPERATURE
🌡️ Boiling. A missing American service member, a nuclear plant struck, a 48-hour countdown clock, and Congress on vacation. This week does not feel like “winding down.”
See you this afternoon!
Sean