Geopolitics
It has been reported that Congress recently conducted a drill to simulate the replacement of lawmakers following a hypothetical mass casualty event. A proposed constitutional amendment, backed by Representatives Derek Kilmer, Brad Wenstrup, William Timmons, and Emanuel Cleaver II, would allow state governors to appoint replacements from a pre-selected list without requiring a vote from constituents. This “continuity amendment” aims to ensure swift legislative functionality in the face of potential crises. Concurrently, the United Nations’ “Summit of the Future” discussed protocols for a global response to catastrophic events, including the establishment of an “Emergency Platform” to manage day-to-day operations during such crises. The summit also addressed the goal of protecting 30% of the world’s land and oceans.
Economy
Financial markets have seen movements, with silver prices reaching their highest levels for 2024, outperforming gold. Analysts suggest this trend could signal a broader bullish phase for precious metals. Meanwhile, the stock market remains largely stagnant, crude oil prices are on the decline, and Bitcoin holds steady at $63,000. In a related development, OpenAI founder Sam Altman has proposed the construction of massive data centers to support advanced AI development, a plan that would require substantial power resources. This proposal has raised concerns about potential rolling blackouts in the mid-Atlantic region due to increased power demand.
In Canada, the government has decided to scale back its efforts to implement a central bank digital currency (CBDC) following significant public opposition. A survey revealed that 86% of respondents were against the concept, citing distrust stemming from the government’s actions during the 2022 trucker protests. Similar sentiments have led to pauses in CBDC initiatives in Australia and Colombia.
Politics
Former CDC Director Robert Redfield has publicly supported Donald Trump, stating that Trump is the only person capable of restoring American health. This endorsement was noted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been a vocal critic of Redfield. Kennedy recounted his surprise at Redfield’s support and their subsequent meeting, where Redfield reportedly acknowledged that Kennedy “got everything right” in his criticisms.
Meanwhile, the debate over property taxes in Texas continues. Some argue that property taxes are not progressive, while others contend that rising property valuations disproportionately impact those on fixed incomes, such as retirees. This issue is particularly pronounced in rapidly appreciating areas like Austin, where long-term residents struggle to manage increasing tax burdens.
Energy
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized the need for small modular reactors to power the growing number of AI data centers. In a recent CNBC appearance, Granholm highlighted the significant investments in clean energy since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, noting that power demand could increase by 15% within the next decade due to AI and new manufacturing activities. She pointed out that hyperscalers, companies operating large data centers, are committed to clean energy and are exploring partnerships to colocate data centers with small modular reactors.
Sources
Congress Proposes “Continuity Amendment” Amid UN’s Controversial Emergency Platform Plans
A constitutional amendment is being proposed by these four congressman to make all elected officials choose 5 people who can be picked by their state’s governor if they are killed, without any vote from constituents.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Unheeded Financial Warnings: The Pre-9/11 Insider Trading Mystery
“On Sept. 6 and 7, option bets that United Airlines stock would fall outnumbered bets it would rise by 12-to-1. Exchanges were closed on Sept. 8 and 9 for the weekend. The last trading session before the attack was Sept. 10, and on that day, option bets that American Airlines stock would fall outnumbered bets it would rise by 6-to-1.”
Source | Submitted by Disruptor13
Energy Secretary Granholm Backs Small Modular Reactors to Power AI Data Centers
“We are going to need more power. I’m telling you, we are adding that power. We’re adding record amounts of clean power.”
Source | Submitted by nickythec
Former CDC Director Redfield Endorses Trump, Admits RFK Jr. “Got Everything Right”
“You got everything right.”
Source | Submitted by SChags
by mike-from-jersey 
