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Bring Your Own Power

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Senate stalled the Ratepayer Protection Act, which aimed to make major tech companies bear the costs of grid upgrades they trigger. While the bill passed the House overwhelmingly, it failed to gain sufficient support in the Senate. The debate highlights political divisions over rising energy costs and the impact of data centers on utility bills.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Economy / Economy & Policy / Government / Politics / Politics

The Hike Nobody in the White House Wanted

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years, targeting a range of 3.75%-4.00%, with expectations for another hike by year’s end. This hike reflects a strong economy rather than a failing one, although some inflation pressures relate to current administration policies. The next FOMC meeting is critical, coinciding with the election season.

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3 - Investigations / Artificial Intelligence / Artificial Intelligence / Business / China / Economy / Economy & Policy / Energy / Energy / Government / Government / Intelligence & National Security / International / National Security / National Security & Defense / National Security & Governance / National Security & Systems Failures / Technology / Technology

China Is Building Humanoid Robots. America Is Fighting Over the Data Centers That Power AI.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

China is advancing humanoid robot production, aiming to exceed 100,000 units by 2026, despite existing challenges in functionality and commercial demand. Meanwhile, the U.S. faces infrastructure fights over AI data centers, with growing public opposition and regulatory actions. Efficient development and energy resources are crucial for maintaining competitive advantages in robotics and AI.

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2 - Analysis / Business / Business / Business & Markets / Business Growth / Dead Reckoning / Economy / Economy & Policy / Jobs

The Private Sector Grew. Government Shrank. The Headline Blurred Both.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, primarily due to a 53,000 decrease in local government employment, particularly in education. However, private payrolls rose by 30,000. This complex picture indicates a cooling labor market, with misleading headline statistics overshadowing the nuances of private sector growth and labor force participation decline.

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The Access Tax: How America Privatized the Cost of Belonging

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. sports, legal, and healthcare systems increasingly burden families financially, as seen in soccer and custody costs. While Europe typically subsidizes these expenses, the U.S. places the financial risk on households, leading to barriers based on socioeconomic status. This structural inequity permeates various sectors, reflecting deeper systemic issues.

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The Federal Government Will Ground You for Unpaid Child Support. It Has No Answer for Stolen Parenting Time.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Trump administration has activated a policy allowing passport revocation for parents owing over $2,500 in child support, impacting both responsible and negligent parents alike. This enforcement does not account for circumstances like ongoing custody battles, potentially harming parents who are fighting for access to their children rather than abandoning them.

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2 - Analysis / Economy & Policy / Food / Government / Government / Policy / Public Health

The Rotisserie Chicken You Can’t Buy

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Washington’s ban on soda purchases with SNAP benefits highlights a flawed approach to food assistance. While advocates argue against subsidizing unhealthy options, the ban fails to address the core issues facing low-income individuals, such as insufficient budgets and the prohibition of nutritious hot foods. This policy shift overlooks the deeper systemic problems in food accessibility.

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2 - Analysis / Economy / Economy & Policy / Economy & Trade / Government

They Promised Factories. They Got Mexico.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article critiques the effectiveness of Trump’s tariffs intended to reshore American manufacturing. Instead of recovering jobs, U.S. companies like Whirlpool are downsizing domestic operations while expanding abroad. Surveys reveal manufacturers favor foreign production, contradicting the administration’s claims, which raises concerns about the future of American jobs and economic stability.

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2 - Analysis / Economy / Economy & Policy / Economy & Trade / Government

The Court Killed the Trade War. Now What?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court invalidated Trump’s trade war tariffs, stating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act did not authorize such actions. This ruling revealed a lack of legal foundation for Trump’s tariff regime, leading to significant job losses and financial uncertainty. The replacement strategy faces impending expiration and political scrutiny during the 2026 elections.

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Economy / Economy & Policy / Government

When the Super Bowl Becomes a Tax Trap

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl victory was overshadowed by California’s jock tax, costing him $71,000 in bonuses. This tax, levied on athletes playing within the state, highlights a broader problem of how punitive taxation affects high earners. Critics argue it discourages success and reinforces a negative perception of achievement in California.

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