$15 Billion Steel Mill Likely Very Good for the Economy

National development requires both economic and social development. This discussion focuses on economic development and the proposed large steel mill in Iowa.

Steel is a foundational industry that supports many other industries, including mining, technology, construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Producing steel domestically can strengthen these supply chains and support greater economic security and development. It may also open new markets if competitive.

This is not an argument for or against a specific policy. Rather, it recognizes that producing certain essential materials domestically can provide long-term benefits. Over time, increased steel production could support other businesses, reduce supply-chain risks, and contribute to GDP growth as new plants become fully operational and compete more effectively with international producers.

Maybe it sparks other mills in the area as infrastructure improves (Maybe we should get one in MI.).

There is plenty of room to agree and disagree.

$15 Billion Steel Mill Planned for Iowa

• President Donald Trump announced plans for Mesabi Metallics to build a $15 billion steel mill in Lee County, Iowa, which the White House describes as potentially the largest steel plant in the United States.
• The project is expected to create about 1,750 permanent jobs paying approximately $49 per hour, along with roughly 6,000 construction jobs.
• Steelmaking is expected to begin in 2030, with the first phase projected to produce 7.5 million tons of steel annually using iron ore from a Minnesota mine owned by Mesabi Metallics.
• Trump connected the investment to his 50% tariffs on foreign steel, while critics have raised concerns that tariffs can increase costs, particularly for industries such as agriculture.
• Iowa lawmakers may consider an incentive package for the project. State officials have emphasized economic development and jobs, while some lawmakers have called for transparency and careful consideration of the costs to taxpayers.

Opsahl, R. (2026, September 28). President Donald Trump announces $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. Iowa Capital Dispatch. https://iowacapita

Consumer Confidence in US Economy Drops-Businesses and Investors Seem Optimistic

 Consumer confidence has declined significantly, suggesting that consumers are less optimistic about their future and their financial expectations. This is interesting because in other reports businesses and some economic indicators appear more optimistic.

If roughly 70% of the U.S. economy is driven by consumer spending, we have to ask whether there is a growing difference between how businesses view the economy and how average consumers experience it. Some other data show that wealthier consumers are making more purchases and driving more of the consumer market could support this possibility.

We may be seeing two different views of the economy. If more of the gains from GDP are going to investors and business owners while workers receive less of the benefit, that could help explain the divide. This is only a possible explanation, however, and we need more data before drawing conclusions. (Remember...we are theorizing.)

The larger question is whether our economic systems and decision-making processes are addressing these differences effectively. Another possibility is encouraging more small-business development, particularly in communities. A stronger base of small businesses could help rebuild local economies, keep more wealth in communities, and potentially encourage innovation and human-capital development. 

Perhaps we need to reorient some policies to maximize broad based development (broad based capitalism versus concentrated capitalism). (In theory...feel free to reject.)

This is simply one way of looking at the situation. It may not be correct, and tomorrow I might have a different opinion. Its ok if you do too because it means your thoughtful and have congnitive flexibility (related in some ways to strategic thinking). The important thing is to keep looking at the evidence and asking questions about what the numbers are really telling us. Eventually the economic story will be told. 

Consumer Confidence and the U.S. Economy

• The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey measures consumer attitudes about current business and labor-market conditions and expectations for the months ahead.
• In August 2026, the Consumer Confidence Index declined 0.8 points to 89.4, compared with 90.2 in July.
• The Present Situation Index increased 6.8 points to 121.2, indicating that consumers viewed current economic and labor-market conditions more favorably.
• The Expectations Index declined 5.8 points to 68.2, reflecting greater concern about future business conditions, employment opportunities, and household income.
• The survey provides useful information for businesses and policymakers because it tracks consumer buying intentions and expectations regarding inflation, interest rates, and other economic conditions across demographic and geographic groups.

The Conference Board. (2026, August 25). US consumer confidence edged down slightly in August. https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence/

Delta County MI Board of Commissioners Special Meeting (9/28/2026): Bathrooms, Laundry Grant

 A meeting on campgrouds. We like recreation around here. 

(Illustrative Only)
Laundry and bathrooms
are appreciated.

Meeting Call & Opening

• Special meeting held September 28, 2026, called by on September 23.

• Proceedings opened with prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call.

• Commissioners Maelner, Williams, and Jensen present; Commissioner Kelly excused.

• Agenda approved as written; no written communications, committee reports, or initial public comments.

MDNRTF Grant Revision (PTP Campground Bath House)

• Application score review was low (285 points); target score is around 350+ points.

• Design adjustments proposed: add 36 sq ft for ADA/Universal accessibility (laundry room & bathroom), add a rain garden, install interpretive signage, and include building demolition points.

• Local match increased from 25% to 30% ($172,000 local contribution, up $40,000, partly offset by in-kind maintenance labor).

• Total project cost is $572,000; grant request remains $400,000.

• Board voted unanimously to rescind the old resolution and adopt the revised resolution reflecting the 30% match.

Adjournment & Upcoming Dates

• Public and commissioner comment periods closed with no additions.

• Scheduled meetings: Finance (Oct 1 at 9:00 AM), Regular Board (Oct 6 at 5:15 PM), Statutory Meeting (Oct 13 at 5:15 PM).

• Meeting adjourned.

When Courts Serve A Narrow Perception of Freedom- Equal Protection Ignored (Allegory of the Clan)

 Those of us who believe in the Enlightenment principles that helped shape the nation also believe that human rights and civil rights are essential to a free society. Many of these principles developed because early Americans experienced discrimination based on their religious beliefs. Over time, the country has continued to develop its understanding of equality, liberty, and human dignity. Imperfectly yes, developing nevertheless.

We now recognize that every person has value. People should not be segregated, targeted, enslaved, or denied their basic rights because of who they are. Yet discrimination, abuse of authority, violence against, and misuse of laws can still occur. Individuals may use institutions to promote religious hatred, racial hatred, personal interests, help their friends, or foster particular ideologies. Coordination leads to organized extremism.

This becomes especially concerning when there are inadequate checks and balances. Imagine ordinary people—retirees, workers, or community members—talking about allegations that officials knew about misconduct but failed to address it.  Complaints about bullying, abuse of authority, sexual misconduct, open hate, targetings or other improper behavior are repeatedly ignored, public trust can suffer. 

The same concern applies when people believe that court decisions or other official actions are influenced by personal relationships, favoritism, or other improper considerations. Courts and government institutions need meaningful safeguards to prevent those problems and to ensure that everyone receives equal treatment under the law.

We can debate what government institutions should do, but checks and balances have to work in practice, not just exist on paper. Public institutions have a responsibility to serve the entire population rather than a select group of friends, associates, or powerful interests.

That is why these principles remain important. Regardless of a person's wealth, position, connections, or influence, no individual should have unchecked authority over others. Institutions should protect constitutional rights, apply the law fairly, and serve the public as a whole.

The philosophical, hypothetical Allegory of the Clan learning story shows us the danger when moral conscience or fathfulness to oaths/public professions are not part of the decision making process. A lack of checks and balances and desire to foster justice a type of intentional justice undermining criminality. Take this allegory with a grain of salt for learning  purposes. 

No such thing as repeated mistakes.

Equal Protection Prophylaxis

Examines how courts can prevent unequal government treatment before discrimination occurs.

Government discretion can create opportunities for selective or unequal enforcement.

Constitutional protections sometimes require officials to follow clearer standards.

The article discusses examples involving free speech, searches, and due process.

Clear standards can make government actions easier for courts to review.

Nachmany, E. (2024). Equal protection prophylaxis. Harvard Law Review, 138, 632. https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-138/equal-protection-prophylaxis/⁠

2026 Survey Indicates nearly 70% of Americans Get Together With Others Once or Twice a Month

We need to socialize more. At least it seems to something we should do more of. Studies indicate that people are not socializing as much as they used to, and that can have an impact on our communities and our well-being.

That’s why we have social clubs. That’s why we talk to people. That’s why we get out of the house. I know plenty of people who rarely go anywhere, don’t participate in many activities, and don’t socialize very much. Some enjoy that but I think it can be limiting.

(Illustrative Only)

I’m pretty social. I like meeting people, getting out of the house, and doing something almost every day. When you work remotely, you really have to make an effort to get out and interact with people. The other side of being a digital nomad is to keep your social life healthy. 

So, get involved in your community. Volunteer. Join a club. Go to an event. Talk to your neighbors. Become part of the fabric of your community. You may find that socializing not only benefits you, but also helps strengthen your neighborhood and community as a whole.

Social Connection in America: Findings and Insights

• Social Connection in America is a 25-year national research initiative led through a partnership between RAND and The Connection Institute, designed to measure social connection, loneliness, and community participation over time.
• The 2026 survey found that social disconnection remains widespread: nearly 70% of Americans reported getting together with people they care about only once or twice a month or less.
• About four in ten Americans report moderate to severe loneliness, indicating that loneliness is not limited to a small segment of the population.
• Community participation is also limited. Recent findings point to low participation in clubs, organizations, volunteering, and religious activities, suggesting fewer opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction.
• The research emphasizes that neighborhoods and communities can provide important opportunities for belonging and connection. The long-term survey is intended to give community leaders and policymakers consistent data for understanding and strengthening social connection.

Social Connection in America. (2026). Findings & insights. https://socialconnectioninamerica.org/findings-and-insights

The Simple Value of Making Fresh Juice: Local Economy and Better Health

 Let’s talk about the value of juice. And no, I’m not talking about the modern trend of turning every piece of food in the refrigerator into a liquid. I’m just talking about good old-fashioned juice made from fresh fruit you picked up from a farm or the local grocery store.

Fresh juice simply tastes fresher. There’s something about squeezing an orange and drinking it shortly afterward that makes the stuff sitting on the grocery shelf for who-knows-how-long seem a little less exciting. Fresh juice is best consumed fairly quickly—within a day or two—because there are no magical preservatives keeping it around forever.

(Illustrative Only)
Yep just 10 more
to go to get my
little glass full.🙃

Around here
we have apples,
berries, and a few
others. Oranges
are more tropical.

Support your local
farmers by
buying local.

It can also be a good way to get vitamins and nutrients from fruit without relying on the high-sugar drinks we sometimes hand to kids and then proudly call “healthy.” If the ingredient list looks like it was written by a chemistry professor, maybe we should rethink the definition of healthy.

There’s also a bigger economic argument here. Encouraging more of our food supply to come from local and regional sources can benefit both food security and rural economies. Big companies have an important role in producing and distributing food, but having more local growers—and making it easier for them to get their products onto store shelves—can create more choices and keep more economic activity in the community.

And there is a simple physical benefit: fresher food is, well, fresher.

Of course, there is a downside. Fresh fruit can be expensive, especially something like oranges. You might spend four dollars on four oranges and end up with only a cup or a cup and a half of juice. At that point, you have to decide whether that cup of fresh juice is worth four bucks. For some people, absolutely. For others, that's a lot of orange squeezing for a small glass.

Buying directly from a farm, picking your own fruit, or buying locally when prices are reasonable can make more sense. And if you have enough fruit, you can always move beyond juice into pies, jams, canning, or whatever other food-preservation adventure you decide to undertake.

Even the peels can have a second life. Orange peels can be used in various household ways or added to compost and garden systems rather than immediately heading for the trash.

So, yes, fresh juicing can be a little expensive and a little messy. But there is something satisfying about squeezing a few oranges in the morning and having fresh juice with breakfast. You don't need to make 47 gallons of it. Make enough for a day or two, drink it fresh, and enjoy one of the simpler pleasures in life.

Sometimes the good life is not complicated. Sometimes it's just an orange, a little elbow grease, and a glass.

I have a fitness trainer license, yoga instructor license, coach, and engage in sports so if you need a little fitness trainer virtual help just let me know. 

A couple of articles, 

Juicing: Good or Bad?

How to Squeeze the Most Nutrition Out of Your Juice

H.R. 10419: SMILE for Veterans Act

Veterans are people who have served their country, often with great dedication and sacrifice. That service is separate from the policy decisions made in the legislative sector of goverment. The individual veteran served their people, and veterans should not return home without access to the support they need.

The proposed SMILE for Veterans Act is one example of legislation focused on supporting veterans, particularly through access to dental care after they are done serving.

The proposal includes a three-year pilot program. At this point, it is simply something to be aware of and to follow as the legislative process develops. Raising awareness about programs that may benefit veterans is an important first step. It is up to you to decide if you support this or other legislation.

H.R. 10419: SMILE for Veterans Act

• H.R. 10419, introduced September 16, 2026, would establish a three-year pilot program to improve access to community-based dental care for veterans living in rural areas.
• The Department of Veterans Affairs would work with community providers, including rural clinics, nonprofit organizations, dental schools, private practices, and mobile dental units, to provide services outside traditional VA facilities.
• Eligible services would include dental examinations, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, periodontal treatment, and other necessary outpatient dental care; cosmetic procedures would not be covered.
• The pilot would operate in at least 10 rural locations across at least five states, with outreach intended to help veterans learn about available services and locate participating providers.
• The bill authorizes $5 million for fiscal year 2027 and $20 million annually for fiscal years 2028–2030. As of September 27, 2026, it has been introduced and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs; it has not yet received a floor vote.

Congress, House of Representatives. (2026, September 16). Supporting Mobile and Integrated Local Examinations for Veterans Act (H.R. 10419, 119th Cong.). GovInfo. https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr10419ih