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September 9, 2026

Dear Readers,

From political pressure in Washington to energy mandates in California, our latest articles examine the key forces reshaping public policy—and the consequences when politics gets in the way of sound judgment.

Alvaro Vargas Llosa reflects on the remarkable life and legacy of one of Latin America’s most courageous journalists, Plinio Apuleyo Mendoza.

Ivan Eland examines the growing rift between top U.S. military brass and the White House.

Caleb Petitt examines the political pressures facing independent agencies such as the BLS and Federal Reserve, and how those pressures can undermine public trust and fuel corruption.

Amid intense political debate over the rapid expansion of data centers, Alex and Kristin Tokarev highlight the often-overlooked tradeoffs surrounding them and warn against political overcorrection on either side.

Michael Makovi analyzes the California Energy Commission’s new mandate, arguing that it rests on flawed assumptions and leaves drivers with worse options.

Enjoy.

Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor

Top picks this week
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** Plinio Apuleyo Mendoza’s Journey ([link removed])
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** The legendary journalist who abandoned socialist zeal for classical liberal principles. ([link removed])
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** by Alvaro Vargas Llosa
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What sets Plinio apart is that, nearly alone among Latin American intellectuals, he had the courage to break with the left and advocate liberal democracy, the rule of law, free enterprise, and republican values.
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** What Does Government Cost You?
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See where your tax dollars go—and how government spending impacts your future.
Calculate My Results ([link removed])
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** Trump Iran War Outlook Faces Pushback from His Own Generals ([link removed])
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** A president’s refusal to concede error deepens a conflict even his generals want to end. ([link removed])
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** by Ivan Eland
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Trump, like any good investor, should at least admit his mistake to himself, cut his losses, and gracefully exit U.S. forces from the region.
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** Data Center Paradox ([link removed])
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** Data centers can lower costs, but states shouldn't waste tax subsidies on them. ([link removed])
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** by Alex Tokarev and Kristin Tokarev
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Current evidence suggests that data centers are neither the economic disaster their critics fear nor an automatic windfall for the communities that host them.
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** The Trump Administration’s Difficult Relationship with the Truth ([link removed])
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** by Caleb Petitt
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Access to information and the apolitical truth is necessary for people to form proper political governments.
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** Don’t Tread on Me: California’s New Eco-Tire Rules ([link removed])
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** California Energy Commission mandate fails where the rubber meets the road ([link removed])
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** by Michael Makovi
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We should expect the new regulations to result in higher prices and reduced traction and tread life in adverse weather.
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** FEATURED PODCAST
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** History of the Future | When Your Phone Becomes a General Warrant ([link removed])
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On the newest episode of our History of the Future podcast, hosts Jonathan Hofer and Caleb Petitt examine how modern geofence warrants are reviving a centuries-old conflict over government surveillance.
Listen Now ([link removed])
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