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Weather: Sunny, with a high near 81. Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
- Daily weather briefing from the National Weather Service in Jacksonville here.
- Drought conditions here. (What is the Keetch-Byram drought index?).
- Check today’s tides in Daytona Beach (a few minutes off from Flagler Beach) here.
- Tropical cyclone activity here, and even more details here.
Today at a Glance:
The Palm Coast City Council meets in workshop at 9 a.m. at City Hall. For agendas, minutes, and audio access to the meetings, go here. For meeting agendas, audio and video, go here.
The Community Traffic Safety Team led by Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance meets at 9 a.m. in the third-floor Commissioner Conference Room at the Government Services Building, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell. You may also join virtually by computer, mobile app or room device. Click here to join the meeting. Meeting ID: 276 236 998 121 Passcode: CyEKoW [Download Teams | Join on the web]
The Flagler County School Board meets in a closed-door session at 12:30 p.m. at the Government Services Building, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, to discuss collective bargaining strategy.
The Flagler County School Board meets at 3 p.m. in workshop to go over the items on its upcoming school board meeting two weeks hence. The board meets in the training room on the third floor of the Government Services Building, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell. Board meeting documents are available here.
The Flagler County Planning Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Government Services Building, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell. See board documents, including agendas and background materials, here. Watch the meeting or past meetings here.
Matanzas Golf Club development: A 6 p.m. neighborhood meeting is scheduled at the Indian Trails Middle School cafeteria, Rooms 511 and 512, 5505 Belle Terre Parkway, hosted by the developer of the Matanzas Golf Club, now Matanzas GC Palm Coast, regarding the developer’s application to amend the planned development and allow for houses on Tract 3 and amend allowed uses on Tract 8.
The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board holds its regular monthly meeting at its Palatka headquarters. The public is invited to attend and to offer in-person comment on Board agenda items. Note: meeting start times vary from month to month. Check here to verify the time. A livestream will also be available for members of the public to observe the meeting online. Governing Board Room, 4049 Reid St., Palatka. Click this link to access the streaming broadcast. The live video feed begins approximately five minutes before the scheduled meeting time. Meeting agendas are available online here.
Weekly Chess Club for Teens, Ages 10-18, at the Flagler County Public Library: Do you enjoy Chess, trying out new moves, or even like some friendly competition? Come visit the Flagler County Public Library at the Teen Spot every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for Chess Club. Everyone is welcome, for beginners who want to learn how to play all the way to advanced players. For more information contact the Youth Service department 386-446-6763 ext. 3714 or email us at [email protected]
Flagler Beach United Methodist Church Food Pantry: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church‘s food pantry is open today from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 1500 S. Daytona Ave, Flagler Beach. The church’s mission is to provide nourishment and support in a welcoming, respectful environment. To find us, please turn at the corner of 15 Street and S. Daytona Ave, pull into the grass parking area and enter the green door.
Tuesday Book Talk at Flagler Beach Public Library, 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., at the library, 315 South 7th Street, Flagler Beach. Free. Tuesday Book Talk is an hour-long gathering inviting readers to discuss a variety of books. Rather than choosing a single book club title each month, the Book Talk is designed to let readers share information about books they find interesting. It’s a great way to be introduced to different subjects, titles and authors. For more information check out the Guidelines on the Library page at cityofflaglerbeach.com or call the Library at (386) 517-2030. Please come prepared with information about the book you’d like to introduce, starting with title, author and year of publication. You might highlight a few select quotes or read an excerpt for the group and describe why the subject/characters/ideas/style were so interesting to you. Share the things that made you want to talk about the book in the first place and the essence of what made it memorable to you.
The Flagler Beach Library Writers’ Group meets at 4 p.m. at the library, 315 South Seventh Street, Flagler Beach.
“Godspell,” Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine. 7:30 p.m., except Sunday, 2 p.m. Godspell is a vibrant, contemporary musical inspired by the Gospel of Matthew. Framed as a group of strangers who come together to form a joyful community, the show blends storytelling, comedy, and song to explore themes of love, compassion, forgiveness, and faith. Through energetic ensemble numbers and heartfelt moments, the characters share parables that illuminate timeless moral lessons, culminating in a moving portrayal of sacrifice, hope, and the enduring power of unity.
Random Acts of Insanity Standup Comedy, 8 p.m. at Cinematique Theater, 242 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach. General admission is $8.50. Every Tuesday and on the first Saturday of every month the Random Acts of Insanity Comedy Improv Troupe specializes in performing fast-paced improvised comedy.
Free Tax Preparation Services in Flagler County: The AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide provides free tax preparation services at six locations in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Flagler County through April 15, but you must make an appointment first and fill out paperwork. To do both, go here.
Editorial Notebook: The surprise is that it took so long for Ubu Roi to take himself for Christ, or God, or the Trinity (if we are to be redundant). It didn’t stay up on his crude sociopath platform, but long enough for laggards like me to catch it once I read of the aberrance of the hour, that one being his insults at Pope Benedict, after taking credit for Benedict’s election: “He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.” Then he claimed the pope “likes crime,” and is “very liberal,” as if that were an insult. Then he put up the image of himself as god. He claimed he was a doctor. He claimed he was a doctor in the image. He claimed he was a doctor while accepting a McDonald’s food delivery at the Oval Office. “Does he actually think this?” Riley Gaines, the influencer and critic of transgender rights, posted on social media, according to The Times. She added, “God shall not be mocked.” The Times continued: “David Brody, an evangelical journalist with the Christian Broadcasting Network, called on Mr. Trump to take down the image. ‘This goes too far. It crosses the line,’ Mr. Brody wrote on social media. ‘A supporter can back the mission AND reject this simultaneously.'” Really, Mr. Brody, you think this, after 11 years of pussy-grabbing by Ubu Roi, only this is what crossed the line? Not even the war? Not even threatening the destruction of Persian civilization? That’s Mephistopheles-infested maga for you.
The Live Calendar is a compendium of local and regional political, civic and cultural events. You can input your own calendar events directly onto the site as you wish them to appear (pending approval of course). To include your event in the Live Calendar, please fill out this form.
May 2026
Flagler Beach Farmers Market
Coffee With Flagler Beach Commission Chair Scott Spradley
Palm Coast Spring Arts Festival
Grace Community Food Pantry on Education Way
Second Saturday Plant Sale at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Caleb Hathaway on Antebellum Flagler: A Palm Coast Historical Society Lecture
American Association of University Women (AAUW) Meeting
Gamble Jam at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
‘The Curious Savage” at Daytona Playhouse
ESL Bible Studies for Intermediate and Advanced Students
Grace Community Food Pantry on Education Way
Palm Coast Farmers’ Market at European Village
‘The Curious Savage” at Daytona Playhouse
Al-Anon Family Groups
For the full calendar, go here.
Giving helpful advice ahead of peace talks in Alaska, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested on Monday that Donald J. Trump offer Vladimir Putin “full sovereignty” over the state of Florida. “If you are considering some kind of ‘land swap’ for peace, Florida should be on the table,” Zelenskyy …
–From The Borowitz Report.
Jim says
Trump now says that gas prices could go higher between now and the midterms. He also said “if they rise, they rise”. That’s the 4-D chess mentality on display.
Iran has made a mockery of Trump and his “negotiaters”, including JD Vance This is ludicrous. Only the die-hard weak minded amongst us can listen to this garbage and think he’s in control and has a plan. Many, if not most,Americans are now looking at serious cost issues at least through the rest of the year. And prices will climb dramatically as higher fuel costs start hitting groceries and everything else we all need.
What do you call someone who promises one thing but does the opposite? A liar.
And Trump posted an AI picture of him dressed as Christ healing a prone figure yesterday. When criticized by both sides, he removed it saying it showed him as a doctor. Sure. Same guy who sent out that lovely Easter post. Same guy that has taken to criticism of the Pope because he’s had the temerity to speak out against war.
Trump is a soulless, narcissistic little boy who is only interested in what benefits him and doesn’t care about any of the people who voted for him. It’s obvious to anyone that just looks. What he is doing is not “making America great again “, Just the opposite.
Ed P says
Hello Jim,
Will it be a winning strategic move for Iran to hold the world economy hostage or will it be the largest blunder possible?
Their leverage is being minimized by blocking their respective ports because their economy fails without commerce, or food. It may take days, maybe weeks.
Our pump price has not yet peaked, it will drift upward for another few weeks and we could touch $5.00. Painful, yes.
Do you believe continued negotiations would have proved to solve the nuclear/terrorism problems? If, yes, pray tell… 47 years seems long enough.
Given the Iranian communications’ total blackout, armchair critics haven’t really witnessed the shear devastation of Epic Furry.
It’s a bit early to align with Iran and count America out. I would point to your own prior comments on Venezuela.
Is the rationale of hoping that Trump stumbles and can’t negotiate a winning solution just to prevent Trump/Netanyahu from strengthening their individual political status?
Do you feel that would be worth it? Are you willing to take a disastrous loss for a political win?
I have never wished, prayed, or even thought of any American failure for any political win. That is difficult to justify.
If I’m wrong, I’m sure someone will tell me.
Pogo says
Zelenskyy is busy saving the world, and isn’t “American born” — but Leo 2028 has nice ring to it.
Dennis C Rathsam says
WINNING!!!!!! my ass! The only thing IRAN is winning is a path toward extinction!
Pierre Tristam says
What does that mean to you, Dennis, and if that means what you say it means, are you OK with 95 million people being annihilated, 99.99 percent of whom have zero to do with nukes, Hormuz or making you feel like Rambo? Are you that immoral? Or is it redundant to ask such a question to a magazoid?
sherrrrry says
“magazoid”. . . I love it!
Keenan Hreib says
Some may be afraid to say it, but the vast majority of THINKING people trust IRAN over the U.S. Dennis. Trump and his “war hungry” liars that started this war in the first place, have done it while Iran negotiates and they pull the rug. We are now the biggest PARIAH in the world! Thanks to ISRAEL and Trump.
Ed P says
Hello Keenan,
Anyone with any intellectual honesty or world views beyond their front door absolutely does not “trust” the Iranian regime more than the United States.
The only reason you or others would entertain such thought is because your hatred of Trump is greater than your patriotism.
However, railing against American success and prosperity for political gain and declaring the Iranian Regime victorious is now acceptable and the biggest tool in the left’s political tool box.
It has been stated multiple times on this board, “ there is a sickness that has befallen upon us”
We simply see different symptoms and who is “sick”.
If the Iranian conflicts is resolved positively and benefits the world, will anyone from the left admit they were wrong?
(Rhetorical, no need to answer)
Skibum says
Ed P, how the hell does your brain manufacture such nonsense??? America wasn’t attacked or even in danger of being attacked by Iran! The idiot in the WH started this asinine war for no reason, without any thought regarding the consequences of his actions. Even in light of many current and former military and intelligence officials saying everyone always knew that if attacked, Iran would retaliate by blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
Well, everyone except the brain dead asshole in the WH, who thinks nobody could possibly have predicted exactly what Iran did in fact do. Now he wants to be seen as the one who brought both sides together and is responsible for his latest lie that he is a peacemaker?! As was said by others over and over, a person who hoses down a fire he started is NOT a fireman, he is just an arsonist with a hose.
Ed P says
Hello Skibum,
I believe my perceptions appear different from yours is because of our individual “thought filters”. We approach practically everything differently. I monetize, rationalize, keep an eye on the long term, but stay tethered to reality. Maybe I’m more tolerant and open to listen to opposing views.
No one has original thoughts.
We debate from different zip codes.
I will concede your opinion, but feel you voluntarily choose not to understand how my brain manufactures nonsense, rather than being unable to comprehend.
Anger and hatred do not exist in my world. Name calling and hyperbolic swearing isn’t in my vocabulary.
You have your style, I have mine.
Keenan Hreib says
Besides the DUMPSTER FIRE Trump and Israel started in Iran? How is our economy ED? Where is our healthcare going ED? It already sucks and it’s getting worse! Why does Trump want 200 billion dollars for a war he says he’s winning ED? YOU HAVE TO BE INTELLECTUAL FIRST ED, THEN YOU CAN BE HONEST.
Ed P says
Hello Keenan,
Every administration’s economy trails from their predecessor’s. We’ve been mired in government shut downs and still in one now. Military action is expensive. I concur.
There have been lots of economic headwinds. Not all Trump self imposed. Some are.
Given that the world order deck is being reshuffled via tariffs and military action, the major economic sea change requires time before declaring failure or victory.
The stock market is a leading indicator and given all of the above, is doing surprisingly well. Main Street usually follows Wall Street. The changes in federal regulations, tax codes, and re-shoring of industry should be a stimulus. Especially if interest rates decrease. Don’t forget about Ai technology.
The socialist left demanding $20-$30 dollar an hour minimum wages, free everything, and taxing the wealthy is a failing concept.
Check out L.A. or Oakland California minimum wage. Investigate their failures and the coming attractions.
The government has a spending problem not a tax collection issue.
We will reach the $40 trillion debt mark this year. Have not had an actual congressional budget in 30 years. Currently spending $2 trillion more than total revenue collected. Interest alone is $1 trillion.
The problem reaches far beyond Trump.
Being intellectual isn’t the problem, possibly you not being tethered to reality is.
Admission of a problem is the first step toward a solution. “Houston, we have a problem”
Laurel says
Yes, he lost me at “…grab ’em by the pussy” and mocking a man with palsey. How in the hell anyone got past that is a study in psychology.
So what will it be now? He’s joking. He’s a real gut buster while leading this country. He’s a doctor for healing the liberals. The left put up the post. The liberals should have respected he took the post down. He’s right, the Pope is woke.
Face it folks, the boy ain’t right, bless his black heart.
BillC says
Properly, it’s Dr. Jesus Christ M.D. Show some respect!
Ray W. says
According to a July 22, 2025, Stanford University Precourt Institute for Energy paper, China controlled at that time “95% of the global supply of battery-grade graphite.”
According to another source, China now controls production of as much as 79% of the world’s mined natural graphite supply and some 90% of the world’s synthetic graphite supply, both supplies being precursors to battery-grade graphite.
In response to a Chinese government policy of exporting battery-grade graphite at low prices, a policy that has forestalled some $10 billion in “announced U.S. production investments from reaching production at scale”, the authors of the Stanford paper reported that earlier in July 2025 the Department of Commerce had raised the existing tariff on Chinese exports of battery-grade graphite into the U.S. market from 62.5% to 160%.
Per a more recent Interesting Engineering story, North Carolina State University (NCSU) researchers collaborated with National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) researchers to develop a less expensive way to refine battery-grade graphite that avoids entirely the use of natural mined graphite or petroleum-derived synthetic graphite. The new refinery process uses biomass. Biomass, in the context of the story, is defined as “forestry or agricultural waste.”
Traditionally, either raw mined natural graphite or petroleum-derived synthetic graphite is refined into battery-grade graphite through a three-step process. The stories use the term “refined” because the process is essentially the same as refining crude oil into fuels and other petrochemical products.
The newly developed biomass refining process reduces the traditional refining process from three steps to two steps.
The reporter described the traditional refining method of transforming either natural or synthetic graphite into battery-grade graphite. Graphite of either type is refined into a form of tar, which is then heated in a “delayed coker” process to 932 degrees F. Byproducts of the “delayed coker” process are next “calcined” at 1,832 degrees F. Finally, heating the calcined material to 5,432 degrees F produces refined battery-grade graphite.
The new process involves placing biomass, obtained either from forest byproducts or from farm waste, into an oxygen-free reactor. By way of “fast pyrolysis”, the biomass is then refined into bio-oil. The bio-oil can then either be further refined into fuel or further refined into battery-grade graphite.
If graphite is the choice, then, using iron as a catalyze, the bio-oil is heated to between 1,832 and 2,732 degrees F to produce battery-grade graphite. The traditional third step of heating partially refined graphite to 5,432 degrees F to make battery-grade graphite is avoided in the new process, which lowers the overall cost of producing battery-grade graphite.
According to the story, the NLR team is constructing a “pilot-scale” delayed coker refinery to convert “pyrolysis oil” into either fuel or battery-grade graphite. If the choice is graphite, the battery-grade product will initially be used to make stationary battery energy storage systems (BESS).
According to a Department of Energy study, each year American “delayed coker” refineries could convert as much as one billion tons of biomass into 100 million tons of battery-grade graphite.
Make of this what you will.
Me?
Yet more American innovation in action. Ingenuity abounds.
If battery-grade graphite really can be produced at scale at a cost competitive with or less than the cost charged for Chinese battery-grade graphite, without having to mine natural graphite or to refine synthetic graphite from crude oil, then American energy dependence on foreign products would be lessened. Simple as that. If anyone can profit from the new technology, it might as well be Americans. Reduce demand for mined or synthetic graphite. Reduce reliance on imported Chinese battery-grade graphite. Reduce the production cost of battery energy storage systems. In my book, win, win, win.
Some who still believe that fossil fuels are king may disagree.
Ray W. says
According to a story by The Daily Beast, the Big Bend region of Texas consists of 517 miles of borderland.
In early January 2026, DHS leadership announced that all 517 miles of Big Bend borderland would be walled. More recent reporting has it that 175 miles of borderland are to be walled. Other reporting has Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks responding to Texas Governor Greg Abbott with a promise to not build border wall in either the Big Bend Ranch State Park or the Big Bend National Park.
Make of this what you will.
Me?
I have no idea why wall plans are in such flux. The reporter suggests that bi-partisan local interests are pushing back. That Texas’ governor is involved suggests that the reporter may be correct.
Ron says
This is a propaganda news outlet. They are not pro America.
They think their comments or drawings actually mean something.
God Bless the USA and our President. We are winning and all you haters with no common sense no it!
Sherry says
Well ron. . . apparently you are a part of the Maga “brain trust” that needs to go back to elementary school, or take night classes in order to communicate properly. Learning the meaning of words and how to spell them is vital, if you desire any credibility at all.
If you do not like award winning Flaglerlive, why are you here? The right-winged propaganda BS on Fox entertainment or Newsmax may fit your agenda much better.
Keenan Hreib says
Listen RON, if killing American citizens and calling them Domestic terrorists, or bombing a country without warning in the middle of a supposed negotiation? Pardoning 1,575 January 6th terrorists that stormed the capital and beat the shit out of the Capital Police? No law and order there RON. Being mentioned in The Epstein Files more often than Jesus was in the Bible… This and a list of crimes so long that the MAFIA would be impressed.
You are part of the problem RON, because none of this is in line with the America we say we are.
Sherry says
Thank You Keenan!
Ray W. says
Politico reported last September that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told NBC viewers that in the fourth quarter of 2025 the American economy would “substantially accelerate.”
At around the same time, Secretary Bessent told a FOX News audience, per an MSNBC audience that the American economy was “really going to pick up in the fourth quarter.”
In early 2026, the initial estimate of fourth quarter GDP issued; 1.4% GDP growth. In the first revision of the original estimate, the 1.4% growth figure was reduced to 0.7%. More recently, the normal second revision has fourth quarter GDP growth at 0.5%.
The initial estimate of first quarter GDP drops on April 30, 2026.
Meanwhile, after the initial fourth quarter GDP estimate of 1.4% growth came out, Peter Navarro, a White House trade and economic advisor, appeared on FOX News to announce that the U.S. economy was “perfect.”
A week or so later, Vice President Vance said to FOX News viewers that the American economy was in a “Trump boom.”
Make of this what you will.
Me?
As an aside, Secretary Bessent stated today at a Semafor event that he would understand if the Fed Open Market Committee were to vote to hold steady the Fed’s current lending rates, on a “wait and see” basis, at its upcoming April meeting.
Ed P says
Hello Ray W,
Can you admit government shut downs or acknowledge a war tends to change forecasts?
The actual GDP/economic numbers may even appear better than they are because of the additional tax refunds being pumped into the economy. It’s actually worse than we see.
If the Iranian conflict isn’t resolved before the 60-100 billion dollars of incremental refund dollars is spent, and gas remains closer to $5.00,
then you’ll really have something to rejoice over.???
But, what happens if resolution comes sooner than later. The entire Gulf region places economic pressure on the Iranian regime and their 47 year reign of terror evaporates?
The possible economic acceleration in that region, along with billions in reconstruction might ignite an economic boon never witnessed in the region. The spill over will benefit the United States.
But alas, always the half empty glass….
DMFinFlorida says
Perhaps Dennis should consider donating his brain to science after his demise. I’d like to know WTF goes on in that head. LOL I think his presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons aren’t firing on all cylinders.
Skibum says
What goes on in his head? I think the obvious conclusion must be air hockey.
Laurel says
Just a sparkplug short of reality.
James says
https://flaglerlive.com/wp-content/uploads/trump-christ.jpg
Gee, I didn’t know Alex Ross was a fan of Trump.
Just surprised.
FYI…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Ross#Bibliography
Skibum says
This shit has gotten so real that now bats are using the term “trumpshit crazy”!
Sherry says
A MUST READ! Meanwhile China just may be building in “spyware” in the tiny high tech components used in the devices inside our homes:. This from The Hill:
A new report is warning that Chinese-produced cellular modules, tiny components that are inside smart home devices, present a significant national security risk for the United States.
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) report, first shared with The Hill, found that two Chinese firms, Quectel and Fibocom, control nearly half the global market for cellular modules.
This creates both espionage and sabotage risks, the report said, as it could provide a backdoor for China to deactivate the modules, which are used in households and businesses.
Ports, hospitals, power grids, cranes and transportation networks rely on cellular modules. Theoretically, these modules can shut down their host devices and also collect large amounts of data since their manufacturers maintain remote access to provide firmware and software updates, the report said.
The modules are found in doorbells, refrigerators and thermostats, among other devices.
“If Beijing consolidated control of U.S.-based modules, it could disrupt an American military mobilization in response to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Or, amid a crisis, Beijing could hold Washington hostage by threatening to cause massive economic disruption,” FDD’s Mark Montgomery, the senior director of FDD’s Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation and Jack Burnham wrote in the 6-page report.
“Dispensing with cellular modules is not an option. They are essential to automation and will be critical to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into real-world environments, bridging the gap between frontier models and the factory floor,” the authors wrote. “The challenge ahead for the United States is how to stop and reverse the proliferation of Chinese modules. These risks are hypothetical so far, but their cumulative effects could be catastrophic.”
Cellular modules may pose cybersecurity risks as they are a necessary part of router systems that connect to a 4G or 5G network in case WI-FI goes out.
Because China’s national security law permits the government to have access to firms’ data to aid its surveillance efforts, China could theoretically have access to large portion of Americans’ information while “positioning Beijing along key connectivity nodes that may be used to track specific individuals or identify broad patterns,” the report said.
“The first concern is that cellular modules embedded in Wi Fi modems could have access to the information that’s passing through that modem, and then once they have that information, because cellular modules are connected back to the manufacturer in China, that information that is collected by that cellular module could then be accessed by the CCP,” Burnham, a senior research analyst at FDD’s China Program, said in an interview with The Hill on Wednesday.
Quectel and Fibocom, while they face competition from Western companies, still control almost 45 percent of the market, according to FDD.
Previous congressional investigations have alleged that Quectel is part of China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy and that Quectel allegedly maintains links to China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system, which provides People’s Liberation Army (PLA) messaging and high-accuracy positioning to boost precision-guided missile capabilities.
Because of its connections, the Pentagon designated Quectel as a “Chinese military company” operating in the U.S.
“The concern is that, because the U.S. military relies on secure critical infrastructure, China’s hold over cellular modules might be used to either disable or sabotage these types of critical infrastructure systems that allow the U.S. to project military power abroad,” Burnham said in an interview.
The report proposed three recommendations: Congress should compel the Pentagon to perform an audit of its infrastructure to track down potential embedded Chinese cellular modules, Congress should ban the Pentagon from procuring Chinese cellular modules and the Federal Communications Commission should place Chinese cellular module manufacturers on its Covered List, barring its authorization or sale in the U.S.
“As Chinese firms aim to consolidate their hold over this critical market, the U.S. government has a limited opening to safeguard defense-critical operations and promote secure supply chains by enacting procurement bans and limiting adversaries’ market access,” the authors wrote in the report.
Ed P says
Can you imagine the Chineses confusion when spying on a vast cross section of the population utilizing smart home devices?
The division in the United States is so vast, the nonsensical information gleaned will provide useless intel and leave them scratching their heads. No one can understand the rhetoric.
Fear not.
Sherry says
AGAIN. . . trump tax breaks favor the wealthy and large companies . . . who often pay ZERO taxes! This from Politico:
The company founded and formerly run by Energy Secretary Chris Wright paid no federal corporate income taxes last year, according to its regulatory filings, and actually got more than $10 million back from the IRS.
Liberty Energy, the oil field services company Wright founded in 2011 but left last year to join the Trump administration, was among several energy companies included in a report issued Tuesday by the nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy naming 88 companies that together made more than $105 billion before taxes last year but paid no federal corporate income taxes.
Liberty recorded net income before taxes of $193 million last year but received more than $10 million back in tax benefits, according to its latest annual financial disclosure. The company paid $33 million in federal taxes for the 2024 tax year after making a net income of $403 million before taxes.
Liberty did not answer questions about its tax position. Wright left his role as CEO of the company once he was confirmed to the Cabinet post on Feb. 3, 2025. ITEP’s report did not mention Wright or his position in the Trump administration.
The White House referred questions to the Energy Department, which stressed that Wright is in compliance with the law.
“Upon Senate confirmation, Secretary Wright immediately resigned from board positions and began divesting assets that could appear to present a conflict of interest,” the statement said. “This included divesting all his Liberty Energy shares. This process concluded in March 2025.”
No one has accused Liberty and the other companies of having done anything illegal. But Liberty and other companies having no tax liabilities while posting millions of dollars in profit comes as many Americans who filed their own tax returns have so far not reaped benefits as big as Republicans in Congress and the White House promised when they passed the One Beautiful Bill Act.
Voters are also coping with rising prices for gasoline and other goods because of the White House’s war with Iran. The price of a gallon of regular gasoline cost an average of $4.10 on Wednesday, according to AAA, nearly a dollar higher than the price last year.
ITEP says the report shows that the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are reducing the tax burden of big companies with last year’s megabill and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“What we’re seeing in this most recent year is corporate tax avoidance on steroids,” said Matt Gardner, an ITEP senior fellow and author of the report. “It’s no secret that large, profitable American corporations have avoided paying full freight for decades, but that trend has been turbocharged by the Trump administration’s 2017 and 2025 corporate tax cuts.”
The Trump administration has touted its efforts to lower federal taxes, and today issued a statement proclaiming that “Americans Are Keeping More of What They Earn.” But critics have said both of Trump’s major tax packages direct the biggest breaks to large companies and wealthy taxpayers, with fewer benefits for those with lower incomes.
Other energy companies on ITEP’s list include natural gas exporter Cheniere Energy, utility Duke Energy, natural gas producer EQT, and oil field services company Halliburton. None responded to requests for comment. Liberty referred questions to the annual report it filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Here comes Maga and their BS Excuses!
Ed P says
Hello Sherry,
Specifically ACCELERATED DEPRECIATION is your answer.
Nothing illegal, nefarious or unfair.
You continually conflate tax issues and demonstrate why the gullible general public gobbles up vilification of successful people.
Congress is responsible for tax statutes.
Capital investments that qualify for the accelerated depreciation is critical for growth, especially in the energy sector.
Tax breaks:
Just to be clear, an additional estimated 80-100 billion incremental dollars will be refunded to tax payers, of which over 66% goes to working families. These same families only pay 35% of total taxes. It makes the math almost impossible to give them more than 2/3 back.
Gas prices:
Also where were you 4 years ago when gas prices exploded under Biden/Harris.
Here’s a fact:
You are intolerant to anything Trump.
Laurel says
By keeping us, as a nation, divided, we are less likely to fight back while they rob us blind.
Sherry says
For those of you who think Israel can do no wrong:
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Hajar and Rashid Hathaleen have always walked to school from their neighborhood on the outskirts of Umm al-Khair. But when classes resumed this week for the first time since the Iran war began, coiled barbed wire blocked the Palestinian siblings’ path to the village center.
Israeli settlers had installed it overnight, according to video that Palestinian residents provided to The Associated Press. Palestinians say the improvised fence is just the latest attempt by settlers to expand control in part of the occupied West Bank where state-backed demolitions, arson and vandalism regularly occur and settler violence, at times lethal, is rarely prosecuted.
The villagers’ plight was covered in the 2024 Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” but the publicity has done little to stem the bloodshed or curb land grabs. They say Israel has used the cover of the Iran war to tighten its grip over the territory, as settler attacks surge and the military imposes additional wartime restrictions on movement, citing security.
Ed P says
Observation coming into focus
Don’t look to Josh Shapiro or JB Pritzker as viable in 2028.
The lefts anti-semitism won’t allow it.
I’m smiling just fantasizing about the resistances 2028 bench.
Keenan Hreib says
THE BIGGEST ANTI-SEMITE ON EARTH RIGHT NOW IS BENJAMIN NETANYAHU ED.
BIG FONT IN HOPES THST SOME OF THIS REALITY WILL SINK IN ED.
Ed P says
Hello Keenan,
I had to take a beat, but I think you are suggesting any antisemitism is because of him and justified????
Would you be so bold as to suggest bigotry or racism is then someone’s fault? Other than the racist or bigot, of course.
Once we move beyond your what aboutism.
How does your antisemitic comment align with 2 solid political candidates potentially being disqualified because of their ethnoreligion?
Care to engage?
Keenan Hreib says
The fact that you called me Anti- Semetic speaks to the level of self inflicted ignorance you pocess.
The United States and Israel have bombed 6 countries in the last 12 months. Who does that? Netanyahu defines ANTI-SEMITISM by going scorched earth on Gaza and killing every Palestinian in sight. Killing every Palestinian in sight in a country you have OCCUPIED as an open air prison since 1967. Netanyahu has been protested by millions of Jews that like me and so many others, know the actions in Gaza make Israel less safe than ever. Netanyahu is a Zionist, as well as a RELIGIOUS ZEALOT that thinks the bible gives him the right to continue to call Jews the “CHOSEN PEOPLE”and initiate ” THE GREATER ISRAEL” plan. A plan and opportunity best brokered by our tax dollars, an IMBECILE in the White House, as well as probable compromising information on Donald Trump. Not hyperbole!! The world was forced to wake up! America and Israel have caused all of this from 1948 to the pinnacle of now.
Ed P says
Hello Keenan,
I’m perplexed.
Your post above appears to supports my observations.
Most interpretations of antisemitism refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hostility toward Jewish people.
It’s contrary to believe a member of any marginal group holds enough status to be guilty of racism, bigotry or anything if they are part of that marginalization.
Our analysis appears to be on different planes.
Keenan Hreib says
No Ed it doesn’t. NETANYAHU is a ZIONIST. ZIONISM is a movement that became more popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Very different than the tenants of Judaism. One a religion and one a movement, are at odds all the time. ZIONISM is an extremely racist movement. Very exclusionary and exclusive. It’s what the IDF and Benjamin Netanyahu stand for. I have never been a hater, but what i do hate is bullies. Israel is the most destabalizing state in the Middle East. The vast majority of the world is awake to the fact that the U.S. has helped guide this bully for 78 years and you don’t like it.
Keenan Hreib says
One more thing ED. ANTISEMITISM is not because of NETANYAHU, but his actions all over the world are by definition ANT- SEMETIC, because he makes Israel less and less safe. No regard for even his own people. Emboldened by his own ambition that is backed by U.S. tax dollars. I will add that in terms of religion….. Religion has no bussiness shaping any countries policy anywhere. I fucking hate it when candidates are screened for what religion they are as they are asked if they are a friend to Israel. That should scare the shit out of anyone!! I wont’t judge anyone for being affiliated with a “ORGANIZED RELIGION”, but there is no place for it in terms of shaping the way this “so called FREE COUNTRY” is run. We have been doing this for years!!!! If your not with the PROGRAM on Israel you’ll be out faster than shit through a goose. Don’t forget these are the chosen people. That’s what greed and religious zealotry will get you. Endless wars. Wars at the behest of a country our government covets more than our own.
Ed P says
Hello Keenan,
We took the scenic route to arrive at your response about religion and politics.
My Pritzker/Shapiro observation was based more on the pit/trap that the Democratic Party has fallen into because the majority will see it one dimensional- as a problem.
Kamala passed on Shapiro. Ever wonder why?
Laurel says
Keep going, Sherry. You are clearly making an impact!👍
Sherry says
Good Morning Laurel!
Yeah, ole Maga has a hard time with facts. LOL! So fun just making them chase their tails. . . LOL! I guess you could call that the Maga Spin. Just take those lies, then wash, rinse repeat!