The world’s 100 largest arms manufacturers experienced a 5.9% revenue increase in 2024, reaching a record $679 billion, fueled by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and global military spending. European and U.S. companies led the growth, with European arms revenue rising by 13% due to demand related to the war in Ukraine and U.S. revenue up 3.8%. While revenue increased in the Middle East and Russia, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to issues in the Chinese arms industry.
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Amtrak experienced a record-breaking fiscal year 2025, with 34.5 million customer trips, a 5.1% increase over the previous year, and $2.7 billion in adjusted ticket revenue. Total operating revenue reached $3.9 billion, a 9.1% increase, accompanied by a 15.1% rise in unaudited adjusted operating earnings. Key achievements included launching new services like Mardi Gras Service and Borealis, record-high on-time performance for Northeast Regional trains, and a significant $5.5 billion in capital investments for infrastructure upgrades and accessibility enhancements.
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Albuquerque, New Mexico, is using over $2 million in cannabis tax revenue to fund a $4.02 million basic income pilot program. This program provides 80 families in low-performing school districts with $750 monthly payments and financial counseling. The initiative aims to address wealth inequality and mitigate the harms of past cannabis criminalization, prioritizing marginalized communities. While proponents cite potential benefits like improved housing and mental health, critics view such programs as socialistic and potentially disincentivizing work. The city council emphasizes the need for measurable outcomes to evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
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John Q. Hosedrinker