US Economic Activities Slows Q2 2026: The Complexity of Economic Growth: Technology, Trade, and Market Structure

The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released its July 30, 2026, advance estimate for second-quarter GDP. This report highlights some of the underlying economic anomalies we have discussed in previous conversations. GDP growth has slowed over the past three months. This could be a temporary adjustment, and growth could accelerate again, but some of the weaknesses that were not immediately visible during periods of strong economic performance may now be becoming clearer.

(Illustrative Only)

Jack and Jill went
up the hill to fetch
some start-up capital. 
Neither of them fell down.

Remember when small
farms run by families
were common? Overconcentration.

Jack thinks of ways to
help investors and help 
young people. 

Start-up and Investor
Hedge Funds

One factor affecting GDP growth was an increase in imports, which reduced the overall GDP calculation. At the same time, investment in artificial intelligence and related technologies remains strong. However, it is important to recognize that these investments may create short-term increases in economic activity, while their larger impact depends on whether they improve productivity, efficiency, innovation, and business competitiveness over time. It increases adaptations and reduces transactional drag.

Infrastructure and technology investments alone do not guarantee economic success. The types of companies that emerge, the policies that guide economic activity, and the ability of businesses to effectively use new technologies and data infrastructure all influence whether these investments generate long-term benefits. It is what they do to enhance the business environment that counts. This is why maintaining a healthy balance among large, medium, and small businesses is important. A diverse business ecosystem allows companies to exchange ideas, resources, and innovation while creating flexibility within the economic cycle.

This also raises questions about excessive market concentration. When companies become too large through mergers and acquisitions, competition can decline, potentially reducing innovation and limiting opportunities for new businesses (Doesn't seem related does it? Keep reading the blog and we will make a connection at some point.) Courts and policymakers may need to carefully consider whether certain consolidations strengthen the economy or weaken competitive markets. You have to think beyond the immediate transaction and that takes a little abstract thinking. Incentives and pressure should not be part of decisions.

BEA Source

These ideas are possibilities for discussion, not definitive explanations. Its ok and welcome to have varying opinions. An opinion may change with new information or may adjust based on other's opinons (i.e. freedom of speech). You don't even have to believe an opinion to entertain it. Different perspectives may identify other causes, and economic analysis requires examining evidence from multiple viewpoints. The important point is to evaluate arguments based on logic, data, and long-term economic impacts.

Inflation also remains a concern. Although interest rates were not raised recently, inflation continues to remain elevated compared with long-term targets. Moving forward, important economic priorities include encouraging new business creation, attracting investment, strengthening domestic production capacity, maximizing human capital and developing industries domestically (i.e. not jumping overseas because it saves a few pennies on the dollar.).

Building a resilient economy requires thoughtful decisions that support long-term economic health. Over-concentration, limited competition, and dependence on external sources may create vulnerabilities. If current trends continue, these factors could help explain why the economy may appear strong in some areas while not operating at its full potential.

Ultimately, these are opportunities for discussion and analysis. There may be many reasons why a slow down may occur ranging from supply chain to short term fluctuations. Different economists will say different things and it is ok for you to generate a different opinion and change it later. Consider the evidence, evaluate different explanations, and develop your own perspective on what factors will shape the future strength and competitiveness of the economy. You have every right to your opinion as anyone else. 

What do you think would help to improve the economy? Think of two good ideas as an exercise in solidifying your own thoughts. 

U.S. Economic Growth Slows in Second Quarter 2026 as Consumer Spending Remains Strong

• The U.S. economy expanded at a 1.5% annualized rate in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) advance estimate. This represented a slowdown from the 2.1% growth recorded in the first quarter.
• Consumer spending remained a major driver of economic activity, increasing at a 3.2% annualized rate. Strong household demand helped offset weakness in other areas of the economy.
• Business investment contributed positively to growth, particularly through increased spending related to artificial intelligence infrastructure, technology equipment, and productivity-enhancing investments.
• Net exports and trade activity reduced overall GDP growth, as higher imports acted as a drag on the headline GDP figure. This demonstrates how global supply chains and trade flows influence domestic economic measurements.
• Inflation remained a concern, with price pressures continuing above the Federal Reserve’s long-term target. Economic growth remained positive, but policymakers face a challenge balancing inflation control with maintaining expansion.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2026, July 30). GDP (Advance Estimate), 2nd Quarter 2026. U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/gdp-advance-estimate-2nd-quarter-2026

Hunker Junker Chronicles: "Dude, Your Car is SicK": Mechanics That Listen To You and Your Sick Car Symptoms Save You Money

There's something special about restoring an old car. New cars are great, but let's be honest—they're expensive. You pay a premium for the latest technology, higher insurance costs, and, for the most part, years of trouble-free driving. Cheaper gas mileage is a bonus as well. 

(Illusrative Only)

A surfer guy telling
someone "Dude Your is
Sick!" 
For stuffy corporate types
sick means "cool" or "awesome"
in surfer or beach language.

The mechanic
is making money 
fixing unrelated things.

Classic cars are different. They require more work, but they have personality. They have history. They have style that you just don't find in today's vehicles.

I have a 1985 Buick Riviera, and people comment on it all the time. In fact, I probably get more compliments on that car than many people do on a brand-new luxury vehicle. A friend of mine had a Mercedes-Benz. He loved it, but eventually returned it because it was so expensive to own. Every once in a while someone would compliment it. My Riviera? I hear something almost every day or every other day.

The other day I was at a gas station in Gladstone before heading out to lifeguard. I try to help whenever I can because there's a real shortage of lifeguards in the area. A guy pulled up next to me with an old pickup truck towing a beautiful boat. He had that surfer vibe about him, and for a second I felt like I was back in San Diego. He looked over and said, "Dude, you have such a sick car!"

For those who don't speak surfer, "sick" means really cool.

That made my day.

Now, having a "sick" car doesn't mean it never gets sick. Classic cars need attention.

The Riviera is still a work in progress. I've removed the rust from the hood and other areas and covered everything with gray primer. It actually isn't far from the original color. Most people don't know its paint-primer. I stopped doing body work until I was confident the mechanical systems were in good shape. There's no point in having a beautiful car that can't reliably get down the road.

So far I've rebuilt much of the front end, repaired the starter issue, completed brake work, and even replaced the vinyl Landau top. My first attempt wasn't perfect, but that's how restoration works—you learn by doing. I'll probably redo it using sail canvas after another classic car owner shared some helpful advice.

That's one of the things I enjoy most about the classic car community. Owners are always willing to share what they've learned. It's very similar to the boating community. Everyone helps each other solve problems and preserve these older machines.

The latest issue has been a shimmy around 55 miles per hour.

One lesson I've learned is to choose your mechanic carefully.

I had one shop look at the car after I explained exactly what I thought was happening. I suspected the starter was failing from the occassional need to turn it over 10X, and in addition I asked them to check the brake calipers because I thought one might be sticking. I also mentioned that, in the worst-case scenario, it could be something like an axle (Seems more like the caliper at the moment.).

Instead, they told me the starter was fine—which it clearly wasn't, because it continued clicking until it eventually failed—and they sold me a new set of tires to end the shimmy.

Now, to be fair, the tires were twelve years old, so replacing them wasn't a bad idea. But I didn't believe they were causing the vibration, and replacing them didn't solve the problem. They had most of the tread on them still.

After wasting nearly two months waiting for appointments and repairs, I took the car to another shop that specializes in brakes. I simply asked them to swap out a rim so I could eliminate a bent rim as the cause. When they removed the wheel, they immediately noticed the lug nuts were unusually hot.

That pointed directly toward a sticking brake caliper.

Had that been diagnosed properly the first time, I could have saved weeks of waiting, unnecessary expense, and a lot of frustration.

Not every mechanic is the same. Some are excellent diagnosticians who listen carefully and take the time to find the real problem. They may charge a little more, but in the long run they often save you money because they fix the right issue the first time. They want to understand the symptoms.

Once this brake issue is resolved, the Riviera should finally be mechanically sound. I'll drop it off for repairs while I'm out in California, and hopefully when I return all the squeaks, vibrations, and brake issues will be gone.

Then comes the fun part—the bodywork.

After that, I'll repaint it and start adding a few modern upgrades. One advantage of the 1985 Riviera is that it was already ahead of its time. It came with air conditioning, climate control, power windows, and several luxury features that were impressive for the mid-1980s.

The one thing it's still missing is a great sound system.

Once the restoration is farther along, I'll be installing a high-quality surround sound audio system. It'll still look like a classic on the outside but have some modern comforts on the inside. I might even put in an automatic starter way way down the road.

That's really why the restoration and restomod industry continues to grow. People love preserving the style and character of older vehicles while upgrading the parts that make them safer, more reliable, and more enjoyable to drive.

Sometimes an old car may get a little "sick," but with the right repairs and a little patience, it becomes something that stands out in a world full of look-alike vehicles. Sick or "sick" its all good. To the beach...

Classic Car Restoration and Restomod Services Market to Reach USD 14.4 Billion by 2036 as Premium Custom Builds and Modernized Vintage Vehicles Gain Popularity

• The global classic car restoration and restomod services market is projected to reach USD 14.4 billion by 2036, driven by increasing consumer demand for restoring vintage vehicles while incorporating modern performance, safety, and comfort features.
• Restomod projects are becoming increasingly popular because they combine the classic appearance of vintage automobiles with contemporary technologies such as upgraded engines, improved suspensions, modern electronics, and enhanced reliability.
• Growth is supported by rising disposable incomes, expanding collector communities, and increased participation in classic car events, auctions, and enthusiast organizations that fuel demand for restoration services.
• Specialized restoration shops are investing in advanced manufacturing techniques, digital design tools, and custom fabrication capabilities to meet growing demand for premium, personalized vehicle builds.
• North America and Europe remain leading markets due to their strong automotive heritage, established restoration industries, and large populations of classic vehicle owners seeking both authentic restorations and customized restomod conversions.

ACCESSWIRE. (2026, May 12). Classic car restoration and restomod services market to reach USD 14.4 billion by 2036 as premium custom builds and modernized vintage vehicles gain popularity. Morningstar. https://www.morningstar.com/news/accesswire/1166153msn/classic-car-restoration-and-restomod-services-market-to-reach-usd-144-billion-by-2036-as-premium-custom-builds-and-modernized-vintage-vehicles-gain-popularity

 

Flowers Support Compassion and Help Protect the Environment (Photography)

Can print most pictures
up to poster size  $50.
Review My Gallery
for other works. 
Email me if
interested. muradabel@gmail.com

Flowers are more than just beautiful decorations—they serve an important purpose. Spending time in nature has been shown to help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, and flowers add beauty, color, and a feeling of connection to our surroundings.

Beyond their beauty, flowers play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. They support pollinators, contribute to air and water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, and help maintain the balance of the natural environment. In other words, flowers are not simply something pretty to admire; they are the result of hundreds of thousands of years of natural development and play an essential role in sustaining planet life.

As an amateur photographer, I enjoy capturing the beauty of flowers and nature. The photos you see here are available as prints in a variety of sizes. Most prints, including poster-sized options, are around $50. If you're looking for a specific size or have a custom request, just let me know.

Photography is a hobby that I truly enjoy, and I hope these images bring you as much enjoyment as they have brought me while creating them.

Can print most pictures
up to poster size  $50.
Review My Gallery
for other works. 
Email me if
interested. muradabel@gmail.com

Health and Ecology: How Flowers and Nature Support Well-Being

• Exposure to flowers and natural environments has been associated with reduced stress, improved mood, and greater emotional well-being, contributing to overall mental health.
• Healthy ecosystems support clean air, clean water, pollination, and biodiversity, all of which are essential for human health and food security.
• Flowers and plants can positively influence daily routines by creating calming environments, encouraging relaxation, and promoting positive social interactions.
• Ecological health recognizes that human health is closely connected to environmental conditions, including air quality, water quality, and habitat conservation.
  
• Protecting natural ecosystems benefits both people and wildlife by reducing environmental risks, supporting pollinators, and maintaining resilient communities.

Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts. (n.d.). Health & ecology. https://www.cmlflowers.com/usrf.cfm?funfacts=health_ecology&campaign=cml

Can print most pictures
up to poster size  $50.
Review My Gallery
for other works. 
Email me if
interested. muradabel@gmail.com

The Allegory of the Clan: The Cost of Corruption and Hate Through Compacency in Values

(Illustrative Only)

From a learning 
perspective all democracies
must put the best and brightest
in positions of authority, maintain
checks n balances on corruption
and/or hate, as well as
encourage togetherness
in purpose and shared values.

Thommas Jefferson, 
  "When once a Republic is corrupted,
there is no possibility of remedying
 any of the growing evils
but by removing the corruption
and restoring its lost principles."

We can continue exploring the concept of hate through a philosophical thought experiment called the “Allegory of the Clan,” modeled after Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.” This modern adaptation examines how hate, corruption, and distorted beliefs can influence institutions and create economic and social consequences. Sometimes they are immediate and other times issues continue to bubble forward over and over even if they don't seem directly connected at first sight.

At its core, the model explores the cost of corruption when individuals become primarily self-interested and fail to uplift the values, rules, responsibilities, and principles that are expected within societies. When people are placed in positions of trust—where they are expected to protect rights, resources, and institutions—but instead use those positions for personal or group gain, they create a cost that is transferred to everyone else. A type of unwritten tax.

Most people within a society want to do the right thing. However, they operate within systems shaped by leadership, policies, incentives, and organizational structures. The difference between what a system is designed to accomplish and what actually happens can become significant when even a minority of individuals misuse their authority or don't have an experienced rounded view of the rest of society (i.e. tunnel vision and ideological blindness). Good people are worth their weight in gold....but they don't compromise what is sancrosanct for that gold. In some philosphical and religious traditions wealth is a moral test. The same can likely be said for the willingness to uphold certain values. 

The Allegory of the Clan is not necessarily intended to represent any specific group, organization, or historical event. Instead, it is a broad philosophical framework for examining how hate and corruption can develop within any society where not corrected could be a sign of a deeper thought process of decision makers. The risks presented by domestic or foreign inspired ideologies through general narratives that distort perceptual lenses. It makes the unacceptable...acceptable. By looking at examples and research, we can better understand the underlying mechanisms that allow these problems to occur. We never want to get to a point where people say, "They are incapable of justice or the preservation of our generational values."

Within the hypothetical story, corruption is well known by a number of officials and a judge but it was still normalized to protect in-group members (When judges feel aligned to ideologies they limit independence and fair treatment.). Certain individuals spread hate, manipulate vulnerable populations, exploit children and the elderly, use group pressure and coordinated bullying, and influence officials who misuse public resources to target others. The goal of the corrupt behavior in a system is not simply personal benefit but the preservation of a closed structure and a distorted world view where helpful dissent is discouraged and accountability is avoided. It can go on for weeks, years, decades and generations if not stopped or adjusted. The rationalization are many but the fulfillment of their oaths and social contracts little.

Eventually, victims emerge, and the individuals responsible are identified. Many times it makes little difference because they were already known by insiders who were negligent in duty. Perpetrators have been immunized, protected, incentivized and encouraged despite hundreds, thousands, or millions of people who have concerns over the how this happens. When accountability is weak and consequences are limited, the burden often falls back on those who were harmed and on the rest of society. Victims and society in wide terms may struggle to rebuild trust, recover lost opportunities, or receive meaningful justice (Long-term trust trends will help in perspective taking.). Not only do the victims lose but it also shows a lack of concern over all of society that has come to expect certain values. It becomes weaker and everyone loses. Good stewards of public resources would not tolerate misuse or misalignment of institutional resources. The unqualified  do. More victims may come forward but the technicalities sometimes supercede the spirit of justice. It's easy when checks n balances are intentionally few. It is not a new problem but a growing one much like a cancer.

When these situations involve racial, religious, cultural, or ideological discrimination, the damage extends beyond individual victims.  It moves into the collective conscious where it perculates and gets attached to other dark ills that lower broad trust. A society that fails to protect freedom, encourage open discussion, and maintain checks and balances risks creating an environment where narratives replace evidence and power becomes more important than the purpose on which these roles were created; including the foundations and the legacy given to the next generation. Transactions slow down and human capital is wasted.

The broader economic consequences are significant. When people reduce trust in institutions, innovation declines, cooperation decreases, money and influence concentrate, and good ideas may never emerge because individuals fear retaliation for challenging established perceptions even though it may be an improvement. Free, fair and just societies can blossom through increased knowledge sharing and innovation ( In theory and history they can when matched with technological advances create Renaissances.). Despite the benefits of engagement, employees may remain silent because they worry about losing their jobs, damaging relationships, or becoming targets themselves. Freedom of speach declines and adaptability with it. It begins to lose its competitive position. This doesn't seem to be of particular concern to those who engage in and protect hate and corruption.

Healthy societies require mechanisms that reward integrity, protect those who speak up, and remove individuals who abuse positions of responsibility. The goal is not perfection, because every system will have failures, but rather the ability to recognize problems, correct them, and support those working to improve the system. In an ideal society and that is why no matter how good we are we should continue to reach for the next rung. Each generation must reach or it changes permanently.  Preserve the essential values so as to create a line of continuity. Don't ever break that line. There is a difference between a mistake that is corrected, repeated mistakes through negligence, and intentional mistakes through intent to harm. Some short-sighted judges may struggle to see that.

This is why democratic systems—and any system anywhere on the planet where leaders are selected—depend on choosing capable, ethical, and responsible individuals rather than simply the most connected or influential. Those who can't or won't uphold certain values should not be in positions of authority. They are not the best and brightest. People who rise through relationships alone may prioritize maintaining those relationships and being mouth pieces over serving the promises they stated to a broader society (They call this lip service.). When that happens, certain groups may benefit while others carry the costs. It chips at the foundations but the perpetrators care not because they do not carry those values nor any of the deterence that would have came from appropriate checks-n-balances (The good news is that the vast majority do carry those values.).

A society is much larger and longer-lasting than any single ideology, generation, culture, race, or religion. It evolves over time through cooperation, adaptation, and the continuous improvement of institutions. The purpose of a healthy social structure is not to preserve one group’s dominance, but to create an environment where people can contribute, challenge ideas, and build a better future together. Reward who is good, encourage a higher moral conscious and focus on the needs of the next generation. Praise who is doing good and vote out those who are doing wrong. The next generation will inheret our legacy whether pro-democracy or something else; written or unwritten. or not? What do you think? Feel free to propose alternative options. Its philosophy. It is meant to get you to think, not come to a conclusion. The greater or lower responsibilities of society. Be kind, be thoughtful, be purposeful in your vote.

*The Allegory of the Clan is for philosophical learning purposes and should be taken with a grain of salt. There is no right or wrong answer or conclusoin provided. 

Economic Costs of Hate Crimes

• The estimated baseline annual economic cost of hate crimes is approximately $3.4 billion, including $3.388 billion associated with crimes against individuals and $7.7 million related to property damage.
• In 2019, researchers estimated 236,163 nonfatal hate crime incidents, 51 fatal hate crime victims, and 2,911 property-related hate crime incidents.
• When including all incidents that victims believed were motivated by hate (506,310 nonfatal incidents), the estimated economic impact nearly doubles, exceeding $6.77 billion.
• Adjusting for significant underreporting and misclassification increases the estimated costs of fatal and property-related hate crimes to more than $828 million, raising the total estimated economic impact above $3.71 billion.
• The report emphasizes that these figures represent a lower-bound estimate because they do not fully capture broader costs, including community fear, changes in behavior, reduced productivity, and security investments by targeted groups.

Martell, M. E. (2023). Economic costs of hate crimes. Bard Center for the Study of Hate. https://www.bard.edu/news/bard-center-for-the-study-of-hate-releases-new-publication-on-the-economic-costs-of-hate-crimes-2023-03-14

Federal Reserve Maintains Rates While Signaling Inflation Risks July 2026

The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC), a group of the nation's leading economists and policymakers, decided to keep the federal funds interest rate at 3.50% to 3.75%. For consumers, that means borrowing costs, such as credit card interest rates, are unlikely to increase immediately.

At the same time, the Fed noted that inflationary pressures remain elevated, driven in part by supply-side challenges. One long-term solution is to continue strengthening the nation's manufacturing and innovation base. Supporting domestic businesses of all sizes—small, medium, and large—helps create a more resilient economy by transforming raw materials and other inputs into higher-value products. That, in turn, promotes economic development, creates jobs, and strengthens the overall economy.

Not everyone on the Committee agreed with holding rates steady. Several members favored raising interest rates, signaling that they remain concerned about persistent inflation. If inflation continues to run above the Fed's target, additional rate increases remain a possibility. Ultimately, future decisions will depend on incoming economic data and the Committee's assessment of economic conditions.

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady at July 2026 FOMC Meeting

• The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to maintain the federal funds target range at 3.50%–3.75%, citing its dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices.
• The Committee reported that the U.S. economy continues to expand at a solid pace, with steady job growth and an unemployment rate that has remained relatively stable.
• Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, largely due to ongoing supply-side pressures, including elevated energy prices.
• Three FOMC members dissented, preferring a 0.25 percentage-point increase in interest rates, reflecting differing views on how aggressively to address inflation.
• The Fed emphasized that future policy decisions will continue to depend on incoming economic data and evolving risks to the economic outlook.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2026, July 29). Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement. https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20260729a.htm

Dive Fishing Adventures: Location Scouting, Underwater Plants and Fish Habitate

(Illustrative Only)

A guy spear fishing
and bringing a pole.
I integrated the
pole and the 
spear for multi
fish purpose. 
One you can spear, 
but if it is restricted you
can unhook
the line and fake
bait.

One of the best parts about spear fishing is that every trip turns into a scouting mission. Every few days, when I get the chance, I head to a new spot to see what's under the surface. So far, I haven't had a single wasted trip. Even when I don't come home with dinner, I come home with information.

The first location was easy to access, but fish were about as common as free parking a big city (In Esky we don't have that problem. San Diego parking is a little more tricky.). My conclusion? The good stuff is probably farther offshore, so that spot stays on the "come back later" list.

The second location was full of bass. Unfortunately, you can't spear bass in Michigan, but after a little research I learned you can catch them with a hook while you're in the water. Suddenly my "failed" scouting trip became a successful fishing reconnaissance mission. Now I know exactly where they're hanging out.

The third spot looked promising from shore, but underwater it was pretty quiet. There were a few anglers fishing farther out, which makes me think the fish are simply holding in deeper water—or maybe they were all at a fish convention that day.

My latest adventure was the most interesting. It looks like there were old docks or breakwaters there decades ago because underwater I found what looked like square built up gravel foundations and artificial structures. I wasn't in full spear-fishing mode—I was mostly snorkeling with my spear and fishing rod "just in case" something impressive swam by.

After making sure I stayed more than 150 feet from the nearby docks (regulations below), I explored the area and found plenty of fish...they just had better real estate than I did. Bigger fish disappeared into deep pockets filled with weeds, algae, old wood, and enough underwater junk to snag just about everything except the fish. It was like trying to hunt in an underwater junkyard.

After I realized
you can remove the 
time stamp
I may have new ways of taking
photography. 

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame (depends on frame.)
or Unframed. I try
and donate a significant
percentage to charity.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page. You may
also send the amount and 
size you want with $50
for any photo to
PayPal Photography
You can send me a message
to the right or
contact me at
muradabel@gmail.com
for questions or
special requests. 

The snorkeling itself wasn't worth repeating because the algae made visibility terrible, but as a fishing spot? Absolutely. Between this location and the bass hotspot, I've now got two excellent places to cast a line (Spearfishing might not be great but casting a line would work.).

Next on the list are a couple of new locations farther down the shoreline where there aren't any docks to worry about. Every trip adds another piece to the puzzle, and eventually those puzzle pieces turn into a reliable map of where the fish actually live.

The next project is getting my inflatable dinghy back into service. It currently has about ten holes, which technically makes it more of a sponge than a boat. I haven't decided whether to repair it or surrender and buy a new one. After fixing my e-bike and installing an extender, the dinghy is next in line for rehabilitation.

Once it's patched, inflated, registered, and hopefully capable of floating, it'll let me reach areas that are impossible to access from shore. Sometimes the biggest challenge isn't finding fish—it's simply finding a way to get to them. Every trip teaches me something new, and that's what makes the adventure worthwhile...even if the fish occasionally seem determined to keep all the secrets to themselves.

Note: Stay up-to-date on regulations and read them yourself. Some species are open year round, some are not, some can be speared, some must be caught with hook & line, some are in season and some are not, and you must know the difference and know it for yourself. I did some of the background work but am slow and hesitate until I'm sure I understand. For now I'm mostly just exploring different places and If I come across something I can take then I will do so with caution. Being in the water is more important than the fish but if I can be in the water, get some exercise in and fish then I'm having a good morning. Just after coffee. 🏊☕🐟

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame (depends on frame.)
or Unframed. I try
and donate a significant
percentage to charity.
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page. You may
also send the amount and 
size you want with $50
for any photo to
PayPal Photography
You can send me a message
to the right or
contact me at
muradabel@gmail.com
for questions or
special requests. 

btw. the mesh backpack bag worked great and I forgot I had it on. The one I got has very bright colors to help highlight me to boats and others. 

eRegulations Bow and Spear Fishing Michigan

Inland Trout and Salmon Regulations map

A Citizen's Guide for the Identification, Mapping and Management of the Common Rooted Aquatic Plants of Michigan Lakes

• Explains the ecological importance of aquatic plants, including their role in improving water quality, providing fish and wildlife habitat, stabilizing sediments, and supporting healthy lake ecosystems.
• Provides identification keys, photographs, and descriptions of common rooted aquatic plants found in Michigan lakes, helping readers distinguish native species from invasive or nuisance plants.
• Describes methods for collecting plant samples and mapping aquatic vegetation to better understand plant distribution and guide management decisions.
• Discusses integrated management strategies, including prevention, mechanical removal, biological control, herbicides, and the importance of obtaining appropriate permits before treatment.
• Emphasizes that successful aquatic plant management requires balancing recreational use with ecological health through long-term planning, citizen involvement, and professional guidance.

Wandell, H. D., & Wolfson, L. G. (2007). A citizen's guide for the identification, mapping and management of the common rooted aquatic plants of Michigan lakes (2nd ed., Water Quality Series WQ-55). Michigan State University Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/guide_for_the_identification_mapping_and_management_of_aquatic_plants_of_mi

Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting 7/21/2026: Cryptocurrency, Budgets, Technology and Communications

 This county meeting covered a lot of ground, but a few issues stood out.

The biggest discussion was about data centers and cryptocurrency mining. These companies are looking for places with plenty of freshwater and cooler climates, but residents raised concerns about water use, environmental impacts, and whether the jobs created are worth the trade-offs. To give the county more time to study the issue, commissioners approved a one-year moratorium.

The board also discussed taxes and the FY2027 budget. The budget is balanced, but it's tight, leaving little room for unexpected expenses or major projects.

Other topics included pension costs, 911 system upgrades, upcoming elections, public defender services, airport improvements, and parks. While they may not grab headlines, investments in infrastructure, technology, and recreation all play a role in attracting businesses, supporting tourism, and improving quality of life.

Overall, it was a productive meeting with several important approvals and plenty of long-term planning. The highlights are summarized below. Let me know if there are any changes or adjustments.

Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Mining

• Strong public support for a one-year moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency mining.
• Residents raised concerns about:
  • Water consumption and protection of local aquifers.
  • Environmental impacts and pollution.
  • Increased electricity demand and infrastructure costs.
  • Noise and zoning regulations.
  • Limited long-term employment benefits after construction.
  • Need for greater transparency and public education before permitting projects.
• Board unanimously approved the moratorium.

Headlee Rollback (Property Tax Proposal)

• Public urged commissioners not to pursue a tax increase.
• Discussion centered on:
  • Maintaining a business-friendly tax climate.
  • Encouraging housing and economic development.
  • FY2027 budget being balanced without the rollback.
  • Lack of funding for future capital improvements.
  • Potential cost of delaying the proposal due to a future special election.

FY2027 Budget

• Proposed budget is balanced across all county funds.
• Public hearing scheduled before final adoption.
• Commissioners noted:
  • No budget deficit.
  • Very limited funding for future capital projects.
  • Departments have already reviewed proposed budgets.

MERS Defined Benefit Pension

• Board approved moving forward with evaluating withdrawal from the MERS defined benefit system.
• Goals include:
  • Lower long-term pension costs.
  • Greater county control over pension investments.
  • Improved budget predictability.
  • No reduction in employee pension benefits.
  • Continued stakeholder communication before implementation.

Emergency Management and Storm Recovery

• Tornado confirmed at Fuller Park.
• Hundreds of trees damaged or destroyed.
• No injuries reported.
• Roads reopened quickly.
• Insurance claims planned for damaged county property.
• New playground equipment was not damaged.

911 Communications

• New cloud-based CAD system scheduled for implementation.
• Discussion about delaying dispatch facility relocation until after CAD implementation to reduce costs.
• Approved:
  • Hiring specialized legal counsel for the county's 911 plan.
  • Purchase of a replacement radio repeater for approximately $10,000.

Elections

• Early voting begins July 25 and runs through August 2.
• Election equipment testing completed successfully.
• Poll worker training underway across the county.

Regional Public Defender Office (MIDC)

• Proposal to create a regional indigent defense office with Iron and Dickinson Counties.
• Expected benefits:
  • Better attorney recruitment.
  • Shared administrative costs.
  • Improved compliance with state indigent defense standards.
  • Reduced burden on county administration.

Airport and Infrastructure

• Approved:
  • Airport fuel tank painting contract.
  • Airport rescue/firefighting turnout gear purchase.
• Airport Board appointment deferred pending review of representation requirements.

Planning Commission

• Appointment deferred.
• Commissioners requested a review of township and district representation before filling the vacancy.

Opioid Settlement Funds

• Approved exploring a regional Upper Peninsula opioid coalition to improve funding opportunities.
• Approved creating a paid recording secretary position funded with opioid settlement administrative funds.
• Grant applications for local organizations are now open.

Parks and Recreation

• Approved filling a seasonal parks clerk position.
• Discussed:
  • Safer trail connection at Pioneer Trail Park.
  • Potential land purchase near Fuller Park, though commissioners questioned the asking price.

Technology Improvements

• County recognized the IT Director for obtaining state-funded courtroom technology upgrades.
• Delta County became the first county in Michigan to receive the upgraded courtroom video conferencing equipment through the program.

Public Comments

• Citizens praised the county's work on pension reform.
• District Court judicial candidate Andrew Hayes discussed:
  • Creating a mental health court.
  • Expanding attorney recruitment.
  • Supporting treatment-focused alternatives to incarceration.

Major Board Actions Approved

• One-year data center and cryptocurrency mining moratorium.
• Emergency disaster declaration.
• Airport improvement contracts.
• Replacement 911 communications repeater.
• Specialized 911 legal services.
• Evaluation of MERS pension transition.
• Seasonal and custodial hiring requests.
• Exploration of a regional opioid funding partnership.