Are you going to Paris? If so, congratulations. Because when it comes to spending money, Your Survival Guy highly recommends you spend it somewhat foolishly in Paris. That doesn’t mean you break the bank. Some of the best ways to enjoy Paris are in a seat at a corner café table, simply watching life happen […]

Going to Paris? Spending Your Money Somewhat Foolishly
E.J. Smith

China’s economy grew slightly above expectations in the first quarter, supported mainly by strong infrastructure investment and a surge in exports, even as domestic demand remained weak, as reported by The New York Times. They write: China’s National Bureau of Statistics announced on Thursday that the country’s gross domestic product grew 1.3 percent from the […]

Beijing Leans on State Spending as Domestic Demand Weakens
Dick Young

Europe is facing a tightening jet fuel supply and is ramping up imports from the US and Nigeria to replace disrupted Middle East flows, reports Reuters. The shortfall is largely tied to the Iran conflict, which has constrained shipments through the Strait of Hormuz—a key source of Europe’s fuel. US exports have surged while Nigeria […]

US and Nigeria Fill Gap in Europe’s Jet Fuel Shortage
Dick Young

Repsol is set to regain control of its Venezuelan oil operations under a new deal aimed at boosting production, potentially tripling output within three years. The agreement includes payment guarantees to avoid past non-payment issues, but does not settle existing debt, reports the Financial Times. The move is part of broader efforts to revive Venezuela’s […]

Repsol Returns to Venezuela With Plan to Triple Oil Output
Young Research

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have announced the state’s first “pied-à-terre tax,” targeting luxury second homes valued over $5 million owned by non-residents. “New York City is the greatest city in the world, and the people who call it home should not be left carrying the burden alone. As Governor, I […]

Wealthy Second Homes in NYC Face New State Tax Plan
Young Research

It’s amazing what a little change in latitude does for the attitude. I hope you’re thinking about ways to spend your money foolishly. It sort of helps free the purse strings, if you will. Because you only live once, but based on the current economy, inflation, etc., you need to be able to pick through […]

Your Survival Guy’s RAGE Gauge: A Change in Latitude
E.J. Smith

Chris Wright marked the groundbreaking of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline, led by Williams Companies. The project will transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York City and Long Island, expanding capacity to serve the equivalent of 2.3 million homes. Set to be completed by 2027, the pipeline aims to lower energy costs, improve […]

Groundbreaking Marks Start of NESE Pipeline Project
Dick Young

Norfolk Southern says it has emerged stronger after years of disruptions—including the pandemic, derailments, and labor challenges—and is now positioning itself for growth through a proposed transcontinental rail merger, reports FreightWaves. CEO Mark George argues the deal could improve service, reduce transit times, and help rail win back freight from trucks, addressing long-standing industry issues […]

Rail Giant Rebounds, Pushes for Transcontinental Merger
Dick Young

A jury in New York found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly over major concert venues, siding with dozens of states in a major antitrust case, as reported by the Associated Press. The jury concluded their practices led to higher ticket prices, including an estimated $1.72 overcharge per ticket […]

Jury Finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster Ran Illegal Monopoly
Young Research

Allbirds, once valued at $4 billion as a popular sneaker brand, is pivoting entirely to artificial intelligence after selling its core business for $39 million. The New York Times reports they are rebranding as NewBird AI, and the company plans to invest in AI infrastructure, including GPUs, to support growing demand for computing power. The […]

Allbirds Rebrands as NewBird AI After $39M Sale
Young Research

How much can corporations save by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ? 3.99 percentage points on their state corporate income taxes. That’s exactly what KB Home, one of America’s largest builders, is doing now. KB Home announced a new corporate headquarters in Phoenix, writing: Beginning in spring 2027, KB Home will establish its […]

L.A. to Phoenix: 3.99%
E.J. Smith

Motor gasoline in the US is specially blended based on region and season to meet air quality rules set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. There are two main types: conventional gasoline (used in most areas) and cleaner but more expensive reformulated gasoline for high-smog regions. Formulas change between summer and winter—summer gasoline has lower […]

How EPA Rules Shape Gasoline Costs
Dick Young

The April 2026 Oil Market Report by the International Energy Agency (EIA) reports that global oil markets are facing major disruption due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, which have reduced supply and pushed prices higher. As a result, the IEA has downgraded its outlook, now expecting global oil demand to decline slightly […]

IEA Warns of Supply Shocks and Falling Demand in 2026
Dick Young

Idaho is seeking to become a national hub for nuclear energy development, with Governor Brad Little promoting the state as a candidate for a proposed federal nuclear innovation campus, according to the Idaho Statesman. Centered around Idaho National Laboratory, the plan aims to attract investment, jobs, and advanced nuclear projects. Supporting this effort, DOME—the world’s […]

Idaho Bids to Lead America’s Nuclear Future
Young Research

Amazon has reached a definitive agreement to acquire satellite firm Globalstar for $11.57 billion, a strategic move aimed at accelerating its competition with SpaceX’s Starlink, reports Reuters. The acquisition integrates Globalstar’s satellite fleet and valuable spectrum assets into Amazon’s Project Kuiper, significantly advancing the company’s timeline for launching direct-to-device services. While the deal preserves Globalstar’s existing […]

Amazon and Apple Align in $11.5B Satellite Mega-Merger
Young Research

You know, there’s nothing wrong with making money slowly, but there does come a point when saving til it hurts can be like a sickness. You just can’t break the habit, and now you’re in retirement, and you want to have a little fun. As Jimmy Buffett said to his fans during his concerts, “Remember, […]

Are You Spending Your Money Foolishly?
E.J. Smith

The US Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand rose 0.5% in March, continuing steady monthly increases after gains in February and January, reports the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, prices increased 4.0%, marking the largest annual rise since February 2023. The increase was driven primarily by a sharp 1.6% rise […]

PPI Climbs Modestly as Services Prices Hold Steady
Dick Young

Illinois Senate Bill 3444 (SB3444) would create an Artificial Intelligence Safety Act that regulates developers of large “frontier” AI models. It limits liability for certain AI-related harms unless developers acted intentionally or recklessly, and requires them to publish safety protocols and transparency reports. Wired writes: OpenAI is throwing its support behind an Illinois state bill that […]

New Bill Shields Firms From AI-Linked Mass Harm Liability
Young Research

Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM) is reforming its interconnection process to speed up the connection of new power generation and improve grid reliability amid rising electricity demand and costs. The organization has shifted to a “first-ready, first-served” model and cleared much of its backlog by requiring developers to meet stricter project milestones. PJM is also introducing […]

PJM Speeds Up Grid Connections Amid Rising Demand Pressure
Young Research

If providing the average investor access to so called “above average” products like private credit or equity, why, of all times, offer them up now? The low hanging fruit was picked clean long ago, as everyone with a business degree entered the field that is now in need of a liquidity event. Which is where […]

Private Equity Is the Next Big Thing Coming for YOU: Part XV
E.J. Smith