Brookings Institution

Special tax carve-outs are highly discussed in Congress as lawmakers seek to address voters' affordability concerns ahead of midterms. Proposals covering areas like utility bills, health care, tips, and car loans are modeled after provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The trend has generated frustration among some conservatives regarding code clutter, while progressives worry about lost funding dollars; meanwhile, fiscal hawks raise concerns over shrinking the tax base.

Suzanne Maloney, vice president and director for foreign policy at The Brookings Institution, predicts continued volatility between the US and Iran in the coming months, regardless of a potential deal on the Strait of Hormuz. She attributes this volatility to Persian Gulf economics and notes that US weapons stockpile availability has influenced strategic decision-making.

US and Japan committed to further intervention to support the yen and prevent economic spillover. Japanese and American leaders described the action as a sign of alliance and friendship, while critics highlighted financial risks from the trade structure.

The Trump administration attributes a 3 million drop in Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment to fraud crackdowns, but experts argue rising premiums and deductibles are the primary cause. The Department of Health and Human Services claims 2.9 million fraudulent enrollments were removed, aligning with the enrollment decline, while critics dispute the report's assumptions and highlight unaffordable costs for consumers.

Millennials express online resistance to caring for aging Baby Boomers but increasingly shoulder unpaid caregiving duties due to financial and structural pressures. Data shows a 32% rise in family caregivers since 2011, with adult children comprising 40.7% of caregivers, while multigenerational households grow due to economic necessity. Smaller family sizes and geographic dispersion limit shared caregiving responsibilities.

China's largest memory chipmaker CXMT saw its shares surge 466% during its Shanghai IPO, achieving a market capitalization of $487 billion. The company, part of China's AI-driven tech self-sufficiency push, raised $8.6 billion and faces challenges from U.S. export restrictions limiting access to advanced chipmaking tools.

CXMT, China's largest memory chipmaker, saw its shares surge 472% on its Shanghai IPO, achieving a $487 billion market cap. The company raised $8.6 billion and is pivotal to China's AI development amid U.S. export controls, though it faces supply chain challenges.

CXMT, China's largest memory chipmaker, saw its shares surge 472% after its Shanghai IPO, achieving a market capitalization of over $487 billion. The company, founded in 2016 in Hefei, benefits from AI-driven demand and U.S. export controls, raising $8.6 billion in its listing. It competes with global firms like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology.

CXMT, China's largest memory chipmaker, saw its shares surge 472% on its Shanghai stock market debut, achieving a market capitalization of $487 billion. The company raised $8.6 billion in its IPO, driven by AI demand and China's push for technological self-sufficiency amid U.S. export restrictions.

A Chalkbeat analysis finds the median tuition gap between Indiana Choice Scholarship vouchers and private school costs in Indianapolis is $1,694 for the 2024-25 school year. The voucher program, now universal for all Indiana families, faces criticism for disproportionately benefiting wealthier households and leaving low-income families to cover significant tuition gaps, while supporters argue it expands educational choice.

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).

The article discusses the escalating U.S. war with Iran and increased hostilities, with NPR's Ailsa Chang speaking to Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution about the conflict's implications for the wider region.

NATO leaders met in Ankara, providing President Erdoğan a platform amid Turkey's growing strategic importance to Europe. The article discusses Turkey's complex ties with Europe and the US, potential EU-Ankara partnerships, and features interviews with experts Aslı Aydıntaşbaş and John Kampfner, who also explores global problem-solving models in his book.

The article discusses the debate within the Democratic Party over Biden's foreign policy legacy, contrasting views between strategic competition and restraint. It highlights Biden's shift from neoliberal globalization to domestic industrial strength and confrontational approaches toward China and Russia, as outlined by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

The article argues against Massachusetts Governor Healey joining a federal school voucher program proposed under the Trump administration's Project 2025, citing historical ties to segregation and risks to public education quality. It highlights tax-credit scholarships that favor private school funding over public schools, with no accountability for academic standards or special needs education.

President Trump's close relationship with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan has secured his attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey, potentially benefiting Turkey with defense-related agreements. Trump's support for Erdogan contrasts with his criticism of other NATO members, while Biden has maintained distance from Erdogan due to Turkey's democratic concerns.

President Trump's close relationship with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan led to his attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey, offering Ankara a strategic advantage. Trump's presence, secured through personal ties, avoids alliance disruption amid his criticism of other NATO members and hints at potential defense sales like F-35 jets. Contrastingly, President Biden maintained distance from Erdogan over concerns about Turkey's democratic backsliding.

President Trump's close relationship with Turkey's President Erdogan has secured his attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey, potentially benefiting Turkey with defense-related announcements. Trump's preference for strong leaders aligns with Erdogan, contrasting with Biden's approach, while Erdogan faces criticism for democratic backsliding and ties to Russia.

President Trump's close relationship with Turkish President Erdogan has secured his attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey, potentially leading to a defense deal involving F-35 fighter jets. This contrasts with Biden's administration, which distanced from Erdogan over democratic concerns.

President Trump's close relationship with Turkish President Erdogan secured the 2024 NATO summit in Turkey, with potential defense benefits for Turkey, including discussions on F-35 jets and jet engines. Trump praised Erdogan as a 'hell of a leader,' contrasting with Biden's administration, which distanced itself from Erdogan over democratic concerns and ties to Russia.

President Donald Trump's close relationship with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan secured his attendance at the NATO summit in Ankara, potentially leading to defense-related deals. Trump praised Erdogan and hinted at possible agreements on jet engines and F-35 fighter jets, contrasting with the Biden administration's distance from Turkey due to democratic concerns.

AI could reduce the U.S. deficit by $2.2 trillion by 2036 through productivity gains, but economists warn over half of these savings might be offset by AI-driven disruptions. A study by Brookings and the Federal Reserve highlights potential fiscal benefits from AI but cautions against compounding side effects, similar to the 1990s Internet boom's eroded gains.

Administrative assistants face job decline due to AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, but some are adapting by integrating AI to enhance productivity. Employment data shows a long-term decline in the profession, with projections indicating continued reduction except for medical roles. Workers like Deanna Danger use AI to automate tasks, improving efficiency.

Administrative assistants face declining employment due to AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, but some workers are adopting the technology to enhance efficiency. Deanna Danger, an executive assistant at Vanderbilt University, uses AI to automate tasks, reducing work time significantly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued job decline for the profession, except for medical secretaries.

Administrative assistants face declining employment and AI-driven job displacement, but some are adapting by using AI tools to enhance productivity. Employment data shows a drop from 3.5 million to 2.1 million roles since 2004, with women comprising nearly all workers in the field. Deanna Danger, an executive assistant, uses AI to automate tasks like meeting notes, improving efficiency.

Administrative assistants face job decline due to AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, with employment numbers dropping from 3.5 million in 2004 to 2.1 million in 2024. Some workers, like Deanna Danger, are adapting by integrating AI to enhance productivity, though the profession remains vulnerable to displacement. The workforce is predominantly female, with lower median pay and higher representation of older workers compared to the broader labor market.

Administrative assistants face a declining job outlook due to AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, though some professionals are adapting by integrating AI into their workflows. Employment data shows a significant drop from 3.5 million to 2.1 million workers since 2004, with continued decline projected except for medical roles. Deanna Danger, an executive assistant at Vanderbilt University, uses AI to streamline tasks like meeting notes.

The article discusses the shift from the American wealth pyramid model, as envisioned by Henry Luce's 'American Century,' to a more complex 'fat diamond' structure marked by global middle-class growth and economic stratification. It highlights the rise of the Asian middle class, the contraction of the global poor base, and the fracturing of the American middle class into distinct economic tiers.

The article discusses a divided outlook on Federal Reserve rate decisions, with Wall Street expecting hikes but contrarians like Andrew Hollenhorst predicting cuts due to weakening economic indicators. Key factors include shifting oil markets, revised GDP data, and a cooling labor market, while Kevin Warsh’s recent hawkish remarks contrast with Hollenhorst’s dovish stance.

The latest 'Toy Story 5' film highlights concerns about technology's impact on children's play and human connection, as toys observe kids absorbed in tablets and AI-generated content. Experts warn about AI's role in displacing imaginative play and reducing human interaction, with calls for better guardrails in children's media.

Black-owned businesses in Ohio increased payroll by 82% between 2017 and 2023, employing over 64,000 workers. While Cincinnati and Toledo saw significant growth in Black-owned businesses, Dayton and Youngstown experienced declines. The Health Policy Institute of Ohio and Brookings Institution highlighted structural barriers and policy challenges affecting Black business growth.

Americans are fleeing the U.S. at record rates due to political instability and rising costs, but Arvind Jain, co-founder of a $7.2 billion AI firm, argues the U.S. remains a land of opportunity for entrepreneurship. The U.S. recorded its first net negative migration in over 50 years in 2025, with up to 405,000 people leaving voluntarily.

The U.S. job market is showing signs of improvement with an average of 114,000 jobs added monthly in 2024, a notable increase compared to 10,000 jobs monthly in 2025. The previous hiring slowdown was linked to immigration enforcement under President Trump and fluctuating tariff policies, but recent job gains span sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and construction.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights hosted a 2026 virtual summit addressing risks of AI in perpetuating discrimination, emphasizing the need for guardrails in algorithmic use. Experts highlighted concerns about biased data in policing and called for equitable AI design in government and public services.

The US and Iran are nearing a preliminary framework agreement, but analysts from the Atlantic Council and Brookings Institution caution it is an initial step rather than a comprehensive deal. The agreement, likely a memorandum of understanding (MoU), would set principles for further negotiations and require sustained US leverage and European coordination.

Middle East experts Joel Rayburn and Suzanne Maloney discussed the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict with Amna Nawaz. Rayburn is a retired Army colonel at the Hudson Institute, and Maloney, who served in the State Department during the George W. Bush administration, is now at the Brookings Institution.

China's dominance in rare-earth magnet production threatens the U.S. drone industry's ability to scale manufacturing, as these magnets are critical for drone motors. The Pentagon's Drone Dominance Program aims to purchase 340,000 drones by 2028 but faces supply chain challenges due to reliance on Chinese imports. Alternatives like iron nitride magnets are highlighted as potential solutions.

The Trump administration has re-separated dozens of children from their families a second time, despite a legal settlement meant to prevent such actions. An 11-year-old boy, Ederson Galicia Alva, was separated from his mother twice, including once in 2018 under the first Trump administration's family separation policy and again in 2023, leading to legal challenges and federal court interventions.

Politico columnist Jonathan Martin discusses primary election results and key races to watch for the midterms. Dominic Erdozain explores patriotism amid polarization, and Robert Kagan, a Brookings Institution fellow, claims the U.S. has lost the war in Iran.

A Brookings Institution analysis reveals that over 40% of Ohio households, including 73% of single-parent households, cannot afford basic expenses like housing, food, and childcare. The affordability crisis, which predates recent inflation, disproportionately affects people of color, with 54.2% of Ohio families of color struggling to meet costs in 2024.