American think tank in Washington, D.C., nonpartisan and highly cited worldwide
The bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act has cleared major hurdles in both chambers, capping single-family home purchases by large investors at 350 units and removing a seven-year sell-off requirement. The measure aims to boost housing supply and affordability while streamlining environmental reviews and funding housing initiatives.
The new SNAP cost-sharing rules require states with high payment error rates to cover a portion of benefit costs starting in October 2027. Several states face bill totals in the billions, raising the possibility that some may withdraw from the program. The Trump-era changes aim to curb waste, while critics warn of deeper harm to vulnerable families.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the president can remove leaders of most independent federal agencies, overturning the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent, while carving out an exception for the Federal Reserve. The decisions leave Lisa Cook in place for now but open the door for presidents to exert new control over agencies such as the FTC, shifting regulatory power toward the White House.
A wave of new findings shows AI adoption is reshaping hiring and skill needs. High-intensity AI users are growing headcount, while AI-native firms are restructuring teams and boosting senior talent shares. Scottish businesses are adopting AI rapidly but face expertise and trust gaps. The evidence comes from Ramp/Revelio, Harvard/INSEAD, BCG, and national outlets.
President Donald Trump has overridden the NATO agenda at a summit in Ankara by pressing allies to boost defence spending, threatening trade with Spain, and floating withdrawal of US troops from Europe. He has also signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting Israeli and European alarm.
NATO leaders reaffirm an Article 5 commitment while European defence spending rises. Trump criticises allies over Iran war and defence budgets, threatening trade measures and debates over Greenland. Ukraine receives new aid and weapons deals are announced, but unity appears fragile as divisions persist.
Germany and France have stepped up cooperation on nuclear deterrence, with Berlin participating in a French-led exercise and reaffirming NATO commitments. The move signals deeper European defence self-reliance amid questions about U.S. security guarantees, while stressing that NATO’s umbrella remains intact.
China’s CXMT has raised about $8.6-9.8 billion in its STAR-market IPO, underscoring Beijing’s drive for tech self‑reliance. The stock surged on debut but faces headwinds from limited access to EUV tooling and ongoing competition from Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. Analysts say long-term success depends on closing technology gaps, not investor enthusiasm.
A coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention in late July has only temporarily strengthened the yen. The currency has given back roughly half the gains from the operation and is trading near ¥159–¥160 to the dollar as of mid-August. Analysts say the yield gap between U.S. and Japanese debt and Japan's domestic policy mix are keeping downward pressure on the yen.
Seniors face higher living costs as inflation persists. The government has not matched price increases fully, and analysts forecast a 3.6-3.8% COLA for 2027, lifting average payments but risking long-term funding if inflation remains elevated.
The United States debt has reached $40 trillion as long-term yields hit their highest since 2007, signaling rising borrowing costs. Analysts warn that higher rates could push up mortgage, auto, and consumer borrowing costs, while policymakers debate how to slow deficits and stabilize financing.
The Supreme Court has lifted one injunction that blocked parts of President Trump’s March executive order on mail‑in voting, allowing federal agencies to finalise rules. A separate nationwide injunction still bars the Postal Service from enforcing new mail‑ballot procedures for the Nov. 3 midterms while states and voting groups press fresh lawsuits.
A federal court has again blocked or paused a Trump-administration rule governing mail ballots weeks before the midterm elections, prompting renewed legal battles as states prepare to administer voting by mail.