American Enterprise Institute

The U.S. government appropriated $1 trillion for defense, with major spending items including $32.6 billion for “Other Procurement, Air Force” and $35.2 billion for "Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide." Critics note that the system is not set up to be transparent, creating a 'black box' regarding military funding decisions, which ProPublica plans to investigate.

ProPublica is examining U.S. military budgeting, spending, and contracting because issues like delays and cost overruns are often opaque to taxpayers. Experts are needed as Congress considers increasing the defense budget to a record $1.5 trillion next year. The investigation seeks to untangle how the Pentagon spends taxpayer money.

School districts nationwide are spending billions on AI educational tools but many feel overwhelmed by the choices and safety requirements. Experts note that the edtech market is moving faster than school districts can adapt, creating an informational asymmetry between providers and administrators. Some districts, such as Sumner County Schools in Tennessee, are conducting micro-pilots with specific AI tools to address student needs like reading scores.

School districts nationwide are struggling to decide which artificial intelligence tools to purchase and implement despite billions of dollars being at stake. The rapid pace of the AI industry creates an 'asymmetry' between what vendors know and what school districts understand. Some districts, like Sumner County Schools in Tennessee, are piloting specific tools to see if they can help teachers spot student understanding more quickly.

School districts nationwide are struggling with decisions on which AI tools to purchase, feeling overwhelmed by the fast-moving technology industry. Experts note an asymmetry between what providers know and what districts understand regarding safe investments. Despite billions of dollars at stake in the education technology market, some districts are piloting specialized tools, like Coursemojo, to identify real-time classroom needs.

School districts nationwide are challenged by the sheer array of artificial intelligence tools available for educational spending, leading some officials to feel overwhelmed despite billions of dollars at stake. Experts note an asymmetry between what tool providers know and what the school districts know, necessitating new mechanisms for safe vetting. Districts like Sumner County Schools and Allentown School District are conducting structured pilot programs and reviews to implement AI tools effectively.

The rise of Chinese open-weight AI models has reignited US debates about balancing safety, security risks with tech growth. Concerns include US firms relying on Chinese AI accused of copying American labs, leading to US sanctions threats and Chinese retaliation. An expert argues server ownership, not AI origin, determines safety risks, addressing data security fears.

US public investments in agriculture research peaked in 2002 and have declined by over 30% since, adjusted for inflation, while China's investments have increased significantly. A recent American Enterprise Institute study questions the implications of this decline for farmers and ranchers.

John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) discussed the Connected Vehicle Security Act at an event hosted by the American Enterprise Institute. The legislation aims to ban connected vehicles, software, and hardware linked to China due to concerns over data collection and national security risks.

The article critiques the FY 2027 U.S. defense budget of $1.5 trillion as being driven by an arbitrary target set by President Trump rather than strategic priorities. Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute highlights that the budget includes all three fighter jet programs (F-15s, F-35s, and sixth-generation fighters) without making tradeoffs, and contains large, vaguely defined line items like the $54 billion Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG).

Noncollege-educated men are increasingly moving back home and leaving the labor market due to rising rents, with 16% now living with parents compared to 8% of college-educated men. A study by Gabrielle Penrose links surging housing costs to declining male workforce participation, exacerbated by stagnant wages and automation. Noncollege-educated men face growing disadvantages as housing costs rise and job opportunities shrink.

Brig. Gen. Eric Widmar, senior legal counsel to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is resigning nearly a year before his term ends, citing personal reasons related to family demands. His departure follows a pattern of high-ranking military officials leaving under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raising concerns about leadership stability and military professionalism.

Louisiana's broadband expansion strategy, led by Governor Jeff Landry, is improving business competitiveness by addressing rural internet limitations. The state's efficient deployment efforts have attracted national recognition, including praise from the U.S. Senate and the American Enterprise Institute, while projected savings of $372 million over four years and GUMBO projects aim to connect thousands of businesses.

Chronic absenteeism remains a persistent crisis, with 22.6% of students in 44 states and DC being chronically absent in 2024-25, still higher than prepandemic levels. A report by the American Enterprise Institute highlights a 0.9 percentage point decline from 2023-24 but warns of long-term challenges, including a 48% increase in absenteeism among kindergartners compared to 2019.

The US is considering relocating military assets in the Middle East further west, potentially to Israel, following Iranian missile and drone strikes that caused significant damage to installations including the Fifth Fleet HQ in Bahrain. Estimates suggest $5 billion in damage across 11 US military sites, prompting internal discussions about restructuring the Gulf military posture.

President Trump claims Iran will agree to major weapons inspections to ensure 'Nuclear Honesty.' Heather Conley, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, stated Iran is being paid to open the Strait of Hormuz without concessions on its nuclear program.

Iowa passed a law requiring schools to notify parents and create attendance plans for chronically absent students, leading to a significant decline in absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism in Iowa fell from 21.6% in 2023-24 to 16% in 2024-25, outpacing the national decrease. The state also implemented data tracking tools and accountability measures under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Consumer price inflation reached 4.2% in May, a three-year high driven by energy price spikes linked to the Iran war. Core inflation, excluding food and fuel, was 2.9%, exceeding the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and reducing hopes for an interest rate cut.

Consumer price inflation rose to 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven by energy price spikes linked to the Iran war. Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) was 2.9%, with significant increases in apparel (4.8%) and transportation services (4.1%). The report dampened hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Consumer price inflation reached 4.2% in May, a three-year high driven by rising energy prices linked to the Iran war. The core inflation rate was 2.9%, with significant increases in fuel oil (58.9%) and gasoline (40.5%), dampening hopes for an interest rate cut.

Consumer price inflation reached 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven by energy price spikes linked to the Iran war. The core inflation rate was 2.9%, with significant increases in apparel and transportation costs. The report dampened hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Consumer price inflation reached 4.2% in May, a three-year high driven by energy price spikes linked to the Iran war. Core inflation was 2.9%, with significant increases in apparel and transportation costs. The war's economic costs have exceeded benefits from tax refunds under the Trump administration, according to Moody’s Analytics.

The film 'Pressure' depicts General Dwight Eisenhower's decision-making during the D-Day invasion planning. The article discusses political theories about voter behavior, including the 'capital versus the countryside' divide and how candidates' personalities influence non-incumbent elections. Analyst Michael Barone notes this divide replaces traditional partisan lines.

The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) schedule is unlikely to be affected by the New Glenn disaster, as it can still rely on the Falcon 9 rocket, according to Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute.

An obituary and tribute to Bob Woodson, a civil rights activist and founder of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (later renamed the Woodson Center), who died at age 89. The article examines his journey from poverty in Philadelphia through the civil rights movement and his later work combating what he viewed as harmful dependency-creating welfare policies.

Democrats outnumber Republicans 6-to-1 among commencement speakers at top U.S. colleges, with 86% of partisan speakers being Democratic or Democratic-leaning. The College Fix analyzed graduation ceremonies at elite universities across the country. Notable Republican speakers included Arthur Brooks and Dario Gil.

The article examines how the Iran War is affecting U.S.-China competition and strategic priorities in East Asia. It discusses how the conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure present both challenges and opportunities for American and Chinese leaders. Expert analysis from figures like Zack Cooper at the American Enterprise Institute explores differing interpretations of the war's implications.

The article warns that China could disrupt global markets by economically isolating Taiwan, leveraging its role as a critical semiconductor hub, similar to Iran's impact on the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest Beijing may use non-military strategies like supply chain disruption and market pressure to coerce Taiwan, rather than direct invasion.