We can build infrastructure and habitat at the same time

Source: Niskanen Center
by Grace Olson

“Severe weather events now cause billions in damages annually, while electricity demand is on the rise — driven by economic growth and the expansion of artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Building resilient, modern infrastructure will be essential for maintaining global competitiveness, ensuring affordability and reliability, and supporting a growing domestic economy. Yet even as our capacity to build the economic and technical infrastructure we need has stalled, we are also losing much of the natural infrastructure we depend on.” (02/26/26)

https://www.niskanencenter.org/we-can-build-infrastructure-and-habitat-at-the-same-time

Thomas L. Knapp

With Its Tariff Ruling, SCOTUS Shows It’s Possible to Take Away Trump’s Toys

Source: Foreign Policy In Focus
by John Feffer

“The Supreme Court’s decision is clear. The president did not have the authority to impose most of his tariffs. President Donald Trump argued that, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, his actions were justified because of a national emergency caused by a foreign threat. In the 6-3 ruling, the court said that, on the contrary, that act provides Congress with that authority, which hadn’t delegated it to the president. The tariffs left standing are largely by sector: cars, semiconductors, steel. Trump, like the infamous honey badger, don’t care. The president immediately insulted the six justices who ruled against him, calling them ‘disloyal’, ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘lapdogs… for the radical left Democrats’. Then he turned around and reimposed a global 15% tariff rate.” (02/26/26)

https://fpif.org/the-silver-lining-behind-trumps-tariff-tantrum/

Steve Trinward

France’s Engie to buy UK power grid from Hong Kong conglomerate for $14 billion

Source: Reuters

“French utility Engie will buy electricity distributor UK Power Networks for 10.5 billion pounds ($14.2 billion) in a bid to expand its power business, the company said on Wednesday as it reported flat full-year earnings and revised upward its outlook for the coming years. The deal, due to close in mid-2026, is expected to boost per-share earnings from the first year, the company said. UK Power Networks is owned by Hong Kong-listed CK Infrastructure Holdings (1038.HK), opens new tab (CKI). … UK Power Networks operates 192,000 km (119, 300 miles) of power lines serving 8.5 million customers across London and the southeast and eastern parts of England.” (02/26/26)

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/engie-raises-its-financial-targets-2026-2028-2026-02-25/

Thomas L. Knapp

Japan’s Economic Plan

Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Jake Scott

“In the wake of Japan’s early general election on February 8, 2026, much of the commentary has focused on two major aspects: the landslide victory of Sanae Takaichi’s Jiyū-Minshutō (Liberal Democrat Party, LDP) of 316 seats; and LDP’s hardline shift against immigration and foreign workers. Underdiscussed, however, are the likely impacts the election outcome has on Japan’s economic fortunes.” (02/26/26)

https://fee.org/articles/japans-economic-plan/

Thomas L. Knapp