Q&A

Begin the week with patience and precision. Monday’s tone isn’t about momentum — it’s about awareness. When markets open cautiously, conservative investors should see it as an opportunity to reassess positions rather than chase movement. The focus should be on structure, not speed.

Here’s how to navigate the week wisely:

• Stay anchored in quality. Hold dividend-paying blue chips and high-grade bonds that can weather short-term volatility.

• Keep liquidity handy. Maintain enough cash or cash equivalents to act quickly if mid-week Fed minutes shift market sentiment.

• Avoid overreaction. Early-week dips or rallies rarely define long-term direction — don’t let emotion dictate trades.

• Watch policy signals. The tone from the Fed and inflation data will guide how much risk the market is willing to take later in the week.

• Revisit allocation goals. Make sure your portfolio reflects current realities: higher rates, slower growth, and tighter margins.

A cautious Monday isn’t a setback — it’s a reset. The best investors use quiet openings to prepare for the noise ahead.

The AI landscape is heavily dominated by large, well-funded players, which can make finding truly "early stage" startups with billion-dollar rivals difficult. The founders' political leanings are also rarely advertised, but sometimes surface through their projects or investors.

Here are a few companies and projects that are either newer, smaller, or have connections to figures who are openly part of the conservative or libertarian technology circles, particularly in their focus on "unbiased" or "free speech" AI alternatives:

Early-Stage & Alternative-Focus AI Projects

The Hidden Deal: Corporate Medium-Term Rentals (Real Estate Niche)

This investment involves a niche real estate strategy that provides significantly higher cash flow and lower risk than typical long-term rentals or volatile short-term rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo), but is rarely pursued by mainstream retail investors.

1. The Asset: Furnished Rentals (2–6 Month Terms)

Instead of renting a furnished property nightly (short-term) or unfurnished for a year (long-term), this strategy focuses on renting properties for medium-term corporate contracts (2 to 6 months).

• The Tenant:The renters are typically corporations, insurance companies, or healthcare organizations housing traveling professionals such as:
  • Travel nurses and doctors
  • Consultants on 3-month projects
  • Employees relocating for new jobs
  • Individuals displaced by insurance claims (fire, flood, etc.)

2. Why It's a "Hidden Deal" (Inaccessibility)

Most retail investors stick to traditional methods because they are easier to finance and manage. This niche is "hidden" for the following reasons:

• Too Short for Traditional Management: Traditional property managers are generally unwilling to handle the 2-to-6-month churn cycle, and it requires a unique marketing channel (often B2B corporate leasing sites, not Zillow).
• High Barrier to Entry (Execution): The investor must furnish the unit to a high standard, manage corporate invoicing, and handle a higher frequency of turnover (cleaning, minor repairs), which deters typical buy-and-hold landlords.
• Not a Public Market: There is no stock, REIT, or ETF to easily purchase to access this specific strategy. Success relies entirely on finding the right property in the right market and executing a specialized management and marketing strategy.

3. Why It's a "Great Deal" (High Returns/Lower Risk)

This niche offers a superior return profile compared to standard rentals:

Export to Sheets

This strategy offers high annualized returns (cash flow) while insulating the investor from the payment risks common to individual tenants and the regulatory volatility that plagues standard Airbnb/short-term rentals. It is a highly operational, niche strategy that requires specialized knowledge to find and execute successfully.

A common rule of thumb: the “25× expenses” / “4% rule”

One of the most widely used guidelines in retirement planning is:

• If you withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one, and then adjust that withdrawal upward each year for inflation, historically this has had a good chance of making your money last 30+ years (in U.S. market conditions).
  (This is often called the “4% rule.”)
• By that logic, you need a portfolio equal to about 25 × your annual retirement expenses (that are not covered by guaranteed income).
  (Because 100% / 4% = 25.)

So, for example, if after Social Security and other sources you still need $40,000 per year from your savings, then:  If $40,000 annual expenses x 25 = $1,000,000

That becomes a “minimum target” to aim for, to give yourself a decent chance of not running out of money.

According to USAFacts, in FY 2025 through August, customs duties (tariff + related import fees) are about $165.2 billion — which is ~136.7% higher than the same period in FY 2024.

Because it’s not just about Washington gridlock — it’s about confidence, credibility, and control. When the federal government shuts down, the flow of critical data stops, the fiscal narrative fractures, and the market’s sense of order is tested. For conservative investors who value fiscal discipline and predictable policy, this moment hits at the core of how capital behaves under uncertainty.

When a shutdown occurs:

• Data goes dark. Agencies like the Labor Department, Commerce Department, and Census Bureau halt major releases — meaning no jobs report, inflation update, or GDP revision. Without those guideposts, traders are forced to make moves based on assumptions and sentiment instead of verified information.

• Volatility spikes. The absence of reliable data widens bid-ask spreads and magnifies intraday swings. Rumors become catalysts; headlines move markets.

• Policy credibility erodes. A prolonged shutdown signals dysfunction — and that damages investor trust in Washington’s ability to manage fiscal and monetary alignment.

• Safe-havens get crowded. Investors often pivot toward Treasuries, the dollar, or gold, but even those moves can backfire if confidence falters or yields spike.

For conservative investors, the impact is philosophical as much as financial. The shutdown underscores the long-term need for spending restraint and fiscal clarity — but in the short term, it creates turbulence that punishes prudence. Markets start rewarding speculation rather than fundamentals, turning disciplined capital into collateral damage.

The deeper concern isn’t the pause in data — it’s the distortion of perception. When traders can’t measure the economy, they start guessing at it. And when politics replaces policy as the market driver, risk becomes emotional instead of analytical.

So, what’s the playbook?

• Stay patient. Avoid reactionary trading. Volatility fueled by rumor usually burns out faster than fundamentals shift.

• Hold liquidity. In uncertain tape, cash is optionality — it lets you act when others are forced to react.

• Focus on durability. Defensive sectors like energy, healthcare, and defense tend to hold up when political risk crowds the field.

• Remember history. Shutdowns are noisy but temporary; credibility and discipline always reprice higher once the lights turn back on.

In short, a government shutdown is a stress test — not of the economy’s strength, but of investors’ conviction. Conservative investors understand that chaos is cyclical, but discipline compounds.

The number of startup companies that open annually varies widely depending on the definition and whether the data is global or for a specific country.

Based on available statistics:

• Globally: Some sources estimate that approximately 50 million new startups are established every year worldwide.
• In the United States: Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows a surge in new business applications in recent years. For example, 5.5 million new businesses were started in 2023.

It's important to note:

• The term "startup" can be broad, and these figures may include all new business applications, not just high-growth, venture-backed tech startups.
• A significant percentage of new businesses, often cited as high as 90%, fail in the long run.

This question is good because it forces us to look past just politics and get down to the actual money stuff in my portfolio. I need to know how policy hits the bottom line.

The Upsides (Tailwinds) 📈

The core Republican playbook is usually good for business, and that's why I like it:

• Tax Cuts: I'm expecting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) to be extended, and maybe even more cuts. This directly puts more profit in companies' pockets, which should boost stock prices and corporate earnings. We need to know exactly how much of a boost to expect.
• Deregulation: Less red tape, especially for sectors like Energy and Financials, means lower operating costs and easier growth. For me, that means a direct positive for my investments in those areas.

The Downsides (Headwinds) 📉

But there are risks, too, and the question makes the experts address them:

• Tariffs = Inflation: I see tariffs as a way to protect American jobs, but I also know that hiking import taxes makes everything more expensive for consumers and businesses—that's inflation. That hurts growth.
• Deficit and Bonds: Massive, unfunded tax cuts mean the government has to borrow a ton of money. That huge deficit can drive up the interest rates on long-term Treasury bonds. Higher bond yields can make stocks look less attractive and raise borrowing costs for businesses.

Where to Put My Money (Sector Exposure) 🎯

The Q&A isn't just about the whole market; it helps me figure out specific trades:

• Clear Winners: The Energy sector looks strong with promises of "drill, baby, drill." And Defense stocks should do well if geopolitical tensions keep driving up military spending.
• The Mixed Bag: Tech is more complicated. I like the pro-AI and crypto talk, but social media and Big Tech could face a lot of regulatory scrutiny.

Basically, this question helps me make smart financial decisions instead of just emotional ones based on my party loyalty.

Quality Comparison

American-Made:

• Materials: Often plywood and solid wood (mid-to-high-end), more durable; budget lines may use MDF/particleboard.
• Construction: Sturdier joinery (dovetail, mortise-and-tenon), premium hardware (e.g., soft-close). Framed designs add strength.
• Durability: 15–30 years (mid/high-end); 5–10 years (budget).
• Standards: KCMA-certified, stricter U.S. regulations.
• Best For: Long-term use, traditional styles, humid kitchens.

Imported:

• Materials: Often MDF/particleboard (budget), less durable; high-end imports (e.g., European) use premium materials.
• Construction: RTA with cam-locks, weaker in budget lines; high-end imports rival domestic. Frameless for modern looks.
• Durability: 5–15 years (budget); 15–25 years (high-end).
• Standards: Vary—European brands meet high standards; budget Asian imports may lack certifications.
• Best For: Budget projects, modern designs, dry/low-use spaces.
• Verdict: Domestic cabinets excel in mid-to-high-end durability and materials (plywood vs. MDF). Imports offer value and style but vary widely; budget imports lag in longevity, while premium imports match domestic quality.

Price Comparison (20 Linear Feet, Post-25% Tariff)

• Key Insight: Pre-tariff, imports were 20–40% cheaper. The 25% tariff (adding $300–$2,000) narrows the gap. Budget imports remain cheaper; mid-range domestic options are now closer in price; high-end imports may cost as much or more than domestic.

1. Florida: The Sunshine Startup Powerhouse
Florida tops WalletHub's 2025 list for its explosive entrepreneurial ecosystem—second-highest startups per capita and the most adults (16%) actively starting businesses.

No state income tax saves founders thousands annually, while the 5.5% corporate rate is competitive. Miami's "Silicon Beach" draws tech and fintech, with $167 million in SSBCI loans for small biz in 2025.

Survival rates hit 80% past year one, fueled by tourism, aerospace incentives, and a 16% small business growth spurt.

Ideal for e-commerce or service-based companies eyeing Latin American markets.

2. Texas: No-Tax Titan for Scalers
Texas climbed to #4 in WalletHub (from #8 in 2024) thanks to zero state income or corporate taxes, slashing effective rates to under 1% for many.

Austin's "Silicon Hills" hosts Meta and Tesla relocations, with 52 Fortune 500 HQs driving talent pools in energy, logistics, and fintech.

Low filing fees ($300 LLC) and job creation incentives (e.g., Texas Enterprise Fund grants) make it bootstrap-friendly. In 2025, it's #1 for coworking spaces (280) and business support.

Drawback: Urban heat (literal and competitive).

3. Georgia: Logistical Launchpad with Tech Surge
Georgia's #2 WalletHub spot stems from its pro-business vibe: 5.75% corporate tax (8th-lowest) and quick-start programs for expansions.

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport accesses 80% of the U.S. market in 2 hours, perfect for logistics or e-com.

IT firms exploded to 24,000+ via 2025 tax incentives, with a skilled workforce from Georgia Tech.

Survival rates are solid at 78%, and low office rents ($18/sq ft) keep costs down.

4. North Carolina: Balanced Bet for Tech and Manufacturing
Forbes ranks it #5 for low LLC costs ($125) and a 77% survival rate, bolstered by a 2.25% corporate tax (down from 2.5% in 2025).

The Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) pumps out educated talent for biotech and AI, with incentives like the NC Rural Center grants.

CNBC's 2025 study praises its economy (#1 overall) and workforce quality.

Great for bootstrappers avoiding coastal premiums.

5. Utah: Affordable Innovation Hub
Utah's #3 WalletHub nod highlights low operational costs: 3rd-cheapest health premiums and top digital gov ranking for efficient filings.

"Silicon Slopes" (Salt Lake City/Provo) attracts VC ($1.2B in 2024) for software and health tech, with 2% job growth.

No major drawbacks beyond geography, but incentives like the Utah Fund of Funds ease funding.

Quick Tips for 2025

• For Incorporation Ease: If remote (no physical ops), Delaware or Wyoming shine for privacy/low fees ($90 LLC), but register as "foreign" in your operating state to avoid penalties.
• Industry Fit: Tech? California (#10 overall, but #1 VC at $81B). Logistics? Georgia/Texas.
• Watch Trends: With federal budget cuts looming, states like these offer trade war buffers via diversified economies.

Always consult a CPA for your specifics—taxes vary by entity (LLC vs. C-Corp).

Yes—but not always the way you think.

When Washington locks up the doors and furloughs workers, the market doesn’t always collapse. History shows that most shutdowns cause short-term jitters—a dip in confidence, a pause in federal spending, and a spike in media panic. But once the noise clears, stocks often rebound quickly, as markets recognize that shutdowns don’t usually derail long-term corporate earnings.

That said, this time around, the shutdown risk carries extra weight:

• Data Delays: Key economic reports (jobs, CPI, etc.) could be delayed, leaving investors flying blind. Markets hate uncertainty.
• Bond Market Pressure: Treasuries get tested when Washington can’t govern. Rising yields could spook equities.
• Sector Impacts: Defense, contractors, and companies tied to federal funding take a hit. Energy and industrials? Usually less affected.

So, will the shutdown tank the stock market? Probably not. But it will inject volatility and political theater. For Republican investors, that means staying disciplined—hold your convictions in strong sectors and use the dip to your advantage while the headlines scream chaos.

Corporations own a highly disproportionate share of homes in certain Sun Belt cities compared to the national average. While the national percentage of homes owned by institutional investors is a very small single-digit number, their ownership in specific Sun Belt markets is much higher. For example, some studies show that corporations own a significant portion of single-family rental homes in cities like:

• Atlanta: Up to 25% of the single-family rental homes.
• Jacksonville: Around 21% of the single-family rental homes.
• Charlotte: About 18% of the single-family rental homes.

Why Corporate Ownership is Concentrated in the Sun Belt 

This concentration is not accidental; it is a strategic business decision. Sun Belt cities, which are located across the southeastern and southwestern United States, offer several key advantages for corporate investors:

• Rapid Population Growth: These regions are experiencing a surge in population, which creates high demand for both for-sale and rental housing. The influx of new residents provides a steady stream of potential tenants.
• Favorable Regulations: Many Sun Belt states and cities have fewer restrictive zoning laws and building regulations compared to other parts of the country. This can make it easier and more cost-effective for investors to acquire properties and, in some cases, build new ones.
• Lower Property Taxes and Minimal Tenant Protections: Relative to other major metropolitan areas, some Sun Belt regions have lower property taxes and weaker tenant protection laws, which can lead to higher rental yields and fewer legal risks for corporate landlords.

Impact on the Housing Market 

The concentration of corporate ownership in Sun Belt cities has several consequences for the local housing market:

• Erosion of Starter Homes: Corporate investors often target middle-market or "starter" homes, as they provide a strong rental yield and are in high demand. This puts them in direct competition with first-time and middle-class homebuyers, who are often priced out by the all-cash offers that corporations can make.
• Increased Rent and Housing Costs: By removing homes from the for-sale market and using data-driven algorithms to maximize profits, corporate landlords contribute to rising rents and housing costs. This dynamic can exacerbate housing affordability issues for residents in these rapidly growing cities.
• Shift from Ownership to Renting: The high rate of corporate acquisitions can shift the housing market away from homeownership toward long-term renting. This change can have long-term consequences on household wealth, as building home equity is a primary way that many Americans accumulate wealth.

Why even consider alternatives when I’ve already got stocks and bonds?
Because markets don’t move in straight lines. Traditional portfolios are tied to Fed policy, tariffs, and election cycles. Alternatives — like private credit, real estate, commodities, and venture capital — often zig when equities zag. That hedge matters when Powell sounds cautious and inflation hangs around 3%.

What counts as an “alternative investment”?
Anything outside the public stock and bond markets. Think:

• Private credit & direct lending (gaining steam as banks pull back).
• Real estate & infrastructure (inflation-protected, cash flow heavy).
• Private equity / venture capital (higher risk, higher growth).
• Commodities & gold (insurance against inflation and geopolitical shocks).
• Collectibles / niche assets — art, farmland, even whiskey barrels — for those who like tangible plays.

What’s the Republican investor angle here?
Alternatives often align with America First themes: reshoring (private equity in manufacturing), energy dominance (oil & natural gas partnerships), and hard assets (land, agriculture). These are plays tied to real output, not just paper trading.

What’s the catch?
Liquidity and risk. Alternatives aren’t traded daily — your capital may be locked for years. Fees can bite, and valuations can be opaque. You need patience, access, and the stomach for less transparency.

So… should I?
If your portfolio is 100% public markets, you’re riding the Fed’s roller coaster with no seatbelt. A slice of alternatives (10–20%, depending on risk tolerance) can provide ballast, yield, and exposure to sectors mainstream Wall Street ignores. The key is to pick areas you believe in long-term — energy, defense, infrastructure, farmland — and commit.

The obvious deductions get plenty of attention, but true wealth builders know the real edge comes from maximizing the less-talked-about areas of the tax code. These aren’t gimmicks — they’re legitimate strategies written into law that allow individuals and families to keep more of what they earn, redirect that money into productive assets, and grow financial independence over time. Three stand out:

1. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

• Why it matters: HSAs are the only account that delivers triple tax benefits: contributions lower taxable income, growth is untaxed, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

• Wealth-building angle: Most people treat HSAs as “use it or lose it” accounts for medical bills, but savvy investors contribute the maximum each year and leave the funds invested in growth-oriented options. After 65, withdrawals for non-medical use are penalty-free (though taxed like an IRA). That transforms the HSA into a stealth retirement vehicle.

• Impact: By contributing consistently and letting the account grow tax-free, an HSA can quietly accumulate six figures over a career — money that compounds outside the government’s reach.

2. Home Office Deduction (Even for Side Hustles)

• Why it matters: This is one of the most misunderstood deductions. It’s not just for full-time business owners; anyone with 1099 income from consulting, freelancing, or even a small online venture may qualify.

• What you can deduct: A proportional share of your rent or mortgage, property taxes, utilities, internet, and even certain repairs. As long as the space is used exclusively and regularly for work, it counts.

• Wealth-building angle: Offsetting income with these deductions lowers your taxable burden and frees up capital that can be reinvested — whether that’s in retirement accounts, a brokerage portfolio, or paying down debt. Over time, the compounding effect of redirecting even modest savings can be substantial.

• Impact: For someone running a side business from home, the tax savings could easily cover an IRA contribution each year — essentially creating wealth out of thin air by reclaiming dollars otherwise lost to taxes.

3. Depreciation on Investment Property

• Why it matters: Real estate investors benefit from one of the most powerful wealth-building deductions: depreciation. Even though properties often rise in value, the IRS allows owners to deduct a portion each year for “wear and tear.”

• Bonus strategy: With cost segregation, investors can accelerate depreciation, taking larger deductions earlier in ownership when income may be higher and cash flow tighter.

• Wealth-building angle: This shields rental income from taxes, improves cash flow, and allows investors to reinvest more aggressively in new properties. Over decades, this compounds into serious portfolio growth.

• Impact: A single rental property could generate thousands in annual paper deductions, cutting tax liability while the property itself appreciates and rents rise.

For investors seeking early-stage U.S.-based startups that embody "America First" priorities—domestic innovation, job creation, and economic resilience—here are three standout companies actively raising $5M or less in September 2025. These startups align with conservative values like deregulation, self-reliance, and local market focus, while meeting rigorous criteria: strong teams with proven business pedigrees, deep industry experience, clear market acceptance, early customer traction, a launched MVP or product, and high profit margins (SaaS-like, 75-90%). Selected from recent funding data (e.g., Crunchbase, TechCrunch), these picks are in active seed rounds, emphasizing AI-driven efficiency in legaltech, proptech, and workforce optimization—sectors fueling American competitiveness.

Hiverge (Boston, MA – AI Workforce Optimization) 

Why watch: A DeepMind spinoff, Hiverge’s “Hive” platform auto-generates algorithms 15-32% more efficient than alternatives, powering U.S. enterprises in logistics and manufacturing. Its focus on workforce optimization supports domestic labor markets, aligning with "America First" goals of tech independence.

Criteria fit: 

Team pedigree: CEO Alhussein Fawzi (ex-Google DeepMind); CTO Bernardino Romera-Paredes (AlphaFold co-creator); advised by Jeff Dean (Google Chief Scientist).

Industry experience: 10+ years in AI at DeepMind, directly tackling enterprise ops.

Market acceptance: $5M seed (Sept 2025) from Flying Fish Ventures, Ahren—fast close reflects AI infra demand ($100B+ market).

Traction: Won Airbus Beluga Challenge (10,000x speed-up); pilots with Fortune 500.

Product: Hive platform live, optimizing AI training for U.S. firms.

Margins: 90%+ via API licensing.

Why "America First": Enhances U.S. corporate efficiency without foreign tech reliance; poised for $20M+ Series A by Q4.

Wexler AI (New York, NY – AI Litigation Tools) 

Why watch: Automates fact-checking for U.S. legal teams, processing millions of documents to cut case prep time by 70%. Strengthens American judicial systems, reducing reliance on costly, error-prone processes—a win for domestic legal sovereignty.

Criteria fit: 

Team pedigree: CEO Gregory Mostyn and Kush Madlani (serial legaltech angels); advised by ComplyAdvantage execs.

Industry experience: Mostyn’s dispute resolution expertise; team from Tractable/CreditKudos in compliance tech.

Market acceptance: $5.3M seed (Sept 2025) from Pear VC, Seedcamp; 70% U.S. users show strong legaltech pull.

Traction: 1M+ queries processed; 2x MoM growth; adopted by AM100 firms like Goodwin.

Product: Real-Time fact-checker platform fully launched.

Margins: 80-85% via SaaS subscriptions.

Why "America First": Bolsters U.S. courts with AI, targeting $50B market; on track for $5M ARR by year-end.

MagicDoor (San Francisco, CA – AI Proptech) 

Why watch: Streamlines short-term rental management for U.S. property owners, boosting local tourism and SMB revenue. Its AI-driven platform supports housing market growth, a cornerstone of American economic stability.

Criteria fit: 

Team pedigree: CEO Kasper Søgaard (ex-proptech product lead); backed by Motley Fool Ventures.

Industry experience: Søgaard’s 10+ years in property ops; team from institutional real estate.

Market acceptance: $4.5M oversubscribed seed (Sept 2025) from Okapi, Shadow Ventures—signals $200B proptech demand.

Traction: 5K+ U.S. hosts; 5x productivity gains reported.

Product: Full AI-native platform (listings, rent collection, maintenance).

Margins: 75-80% via transactional SaaS.

Why "America First": Fuels domestic real estate and tourism jobs; eyeing Zillow-like partnerships.

These startups shine for their lean execution, high-margin models, and alignment with U.S.-centric priorities like tech self-reliance and local economic growth.

Here are a few hidden gems (or under-the-radar names) that Republican investors might want to keep an eye on this week, plus what makes them interesting and what risks to watch. If you like, I can pull together a shortlist of small-caps fitting your “America First / energy + industrials” criteria.

What’s Driving Interest

Some themes that are creating opportunities:

• Domestic energy / nuclear / uranium: With recent policy moves to boost domestic uranium enrichment, defense projects, and energy independence, companies in that space are getting fresh attention. Investors
• Coal & traditional energy: Coal names are getting upgraded technically, and energy stocks are strong in part because of pro-energy, deregulation sentiment. Investors+1
• Small caps, industrials: Domestic producers (especially industrial/manufacturing companies) may benefit from tariffs, infrastructure spending, and incentives to “reshore” or enhance local production. Aberdeen Investments+3Global+3Morningstar+3

Stocks / Names to Watch

Here are a few names that look like possible hidden gems under current conditions. Not all are perfect fits, so assess risk carefully.

Other Names / Sectors to Consider

• Small-Cap Domestic Industrial / Manufacturing: Companies that manufacture tools, machinery, electrical components might benefit from reshoring, infrastructure bills, and a pro-industrial policy tilt.
• Defense Suppliers / Shipbuilding: As federal spending on defense or military readiness increases, suppliers of parts, naval propulsion, etc., may be under the radar.
• Building & Construction Materials: Firms supplying steel, concrete, heavy machinery could see upside if government or private infrastructure spending picks up.

Things to Watch / Catalysts This Week

To pick the winners, watch for:

• Earnings or guidance surprises from energy, coal, uranium companies.
• Tariff exemption news or court rulings that affect trade policy.
• Fed commentary or data (inflation, PCE/Core PCE) that could influence energy, industrial costs.
• Domestic infrastructure legislative moves, procurement contracts, defense / DOE announcements.