BISBEE WIRE #110/news sources/Fair bldg no go/events/budget/ and mo, mo, mo
- 7 hours ago
- 24 min read
editor: fred miller April 12 2026 #110/April 2026 |
Hello, Well, it was more than a tempest in a teapot....the Restoration Museum withdrew their offer to gift their building to the city. I haven't talked to any of the principles, so don't really want to speculate. Maybe next issue I'll have more info. This issue was never about the value of the museum or the building to the community, and that seems to have gotten lost in the myriad back and forths. It was about the city's process-the half-assed deal, lack of basic and sound practices, and the deafness towards residents' and businesses' participation and suggestions. The Restoration Museum is an asset to Bisbee and should be helped in any way that they may need it. The good thing that is coming out of this is that Bisbee Forward and other individuals have stepped to offer to host a fund raiser and/or open house and to offer help with accounting or grants or in anyway they can. My two cents is to take advantage of the publicity, invite residents to come in free for one day a month in addition to an open house. Along those lines, I'll venture a prediction and say that this has the potential to be a very good summer in Bisbee for visitation. With airline prices sky high, gas prices increasing with no brakes, travelers will be going shorter distances, they will be going to less expensive places, and be eating less meals at fine dining restaurants, exploring So. Arizona more, and in the case of Maricopa and Pima counties, fleeing the heat. As the hi-falutin city economists say, travelers will be 'trading down'. Doesn't that sound as if mile high Bisbee is a primo destination and a trade up from the blandness of Phoenix? If I were still in business, I would be talking to other lodging businesses and putting some bucks up for a quick social media ad campaign up north. And hopefully the DMO (see below) will be hired and begin functioning in a couple of months...he said optimistically. It's budget time! See below for some notes about the budget and hopefully some changes in how the revenue from the bed tax could be used. Lastly, if you are involved in something and you need a bit of pub, send me a blurb for Wire events section. Thanks for reading. fred ...............AROUND TOWN................ THE BUDGET... ....is the most important document you likely will not look at. Pages of numbers, brief explanations of categories, and details of educated guesses of how much revenue the city will take in through taxes, enterprise funds, grants, and interest as well as projections of how much money each department will spend. But...this doc guides the city throughout the year. Funding allocations for the Pool, the Library, water systems, Senior Center, Police, Fire, and more are set during this period. If your fave doesn't get funds... Treasurer Keri Bagley assembles the document through departmental drafts about their expenses, as well as meetings with the city manager, mayor, and department heads. The draft is assembled into one document sent to council, and available to the public, one week before-this year April 7-a series of public meetings that will go through the document-often line by line. This year the meetings are scheduled for this coming Monday and Tuesday, April 13, 14, and added days if necessary. These work sessions are the only real time that residents and businesses can voice their opinions about what should be funded and how much the funding should be. Retired city manager, Steve Pauken, who served the past five years and for 13 years total in interrupted stints, has put his stamp on the process, for better and worse. Better for departmental budgeting, worse for tourism management. This year's budget is like treading water, a place holder, not much different than the last year budget due to an interim city manager, a mayor with a foot out the door, and uncertain revenue and expenditure projections. In the current fiscal year that ends June 30, 2026, revenue projections last year at this time (the informed guesses) were $10, 506,478 however actual revenue is projected to be $9,698,583, a deficit of $807,000. That deficit was because city sales taxes were down about $530,000, $40,000 less interest earned, and city hall expenditures of about $232,000. The transient room tax, aka bed tax, is only down by about $15k. As usual in the transient room, tax aka bed tax, fund budget, the operations of the visitor center takes precedence over marketing the city. Hopefully during the session, that fund budget will have some changes made. For instance, over the past many years, and contrary to voters mandates twice, the city has allocated more than 2/3rds of the budget towards the visitor center (directed to visitors already here) and less than 30% to marketing (attracting visitor to come here). That should be rectified with money added to advertising to make up for at least the past four years of being shorted. There are also some specific budget items like business travel, education and training, professional fees, gasoline, and operational expenses that are no longer needed because there will be a DMO. Those funds about $26,000 should be moved to advertising. There are questionable expenses such as $2300 for phones, and $2000 for internet that should be examined; surely a better deal can be gotten. And there is $29,899 budgeted for internal general fund services which seems a lot. In fact the entire way that general fund services (one department providing information and services to all the rest of the departments) operate should be a lot clearer and whatever 'formula' used to calculate it should be explained. There is also about $108,000 that was moved from the bed tax fund to the visitor center capitol improvement fund and that money should be returned to the bed tax because there is no need for 'capital improvements' for a visitor center. (This money was part of $400,000 that was going to be moved from the bed tax fund to the visitor center capital improvements fund in monthly increments of $ 33,333 in order to build a new visitor center at the burned out building at 30 Main. Cockamamie idea huh? ++++++++++ THE DMO As the city mulls over the applications for a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) a couple of things have emerged. Of the 10 applications received, all but one were marketing agencies not DMO's. Bisbee Forward was the only DMO and only local organization that applied. They very clearly had a better idea of what is needed for the city's marketing efforts. I wish their application were public so anybody can see the ideas and plans they have. Although Mayor Budge has publicly expressed antipathy toward the organization and its' members, I hope his animosity will not cloud his judgement when considering the best fit for our community. ++++++++++ HISTORY OF BISBEE; IT'S AN OLD BURG The Queen Mine tour just passed the 50th birthday. It opened on February 1, 1976 and more than one million people have taken the tour. This tidbit along with many other interesting facts about our town are on a Wikipedia page. It is worthwhile reading to dip into the history of our city. Go here The historic district has its' own wikipedia page. And this long article talks about the mine tour, "The Copper Queen Mine is more than a historic attraction; it demonstrates how a site once dominated by extractive activities can inform and inspire contemporary stewardship, watershed health, and regional resilience." ++++++++++ HELP WITH THE FEDS AVAILABLE A very valuable service is available to you the third Wednesday of each month 1:30-3:00 pm at the Copper Queen Library, 6 Main. Representative Adelita Grijalva’s staff will be there to help you if you have a problem concerning federal agencies.. Some of what you can get help with; social security, passports, citizenship, vets, IRS, education and more. Appointments are encouraged, 520 416-7680 or az07casework@mail.house.gov ++++++++++ COCHISE COLLEGE LIFELONG LEARNING CLASSES There are several classes that are opening in April. Go here for the catalog. Also if you have a skill, craft, areas of expertise, or hobby that you would like to teach/share with others, the college is looking for you. Go to the catalog for more info. ++++++++++ OWNER OF 28 MAIN GOT BURNED, WANTS SUIT REINSTATED Pamela Heiman is a trustee of a trust in her nameand is the owner of 28 Main damaged in the Fire in Old Bisbee on Valentine’s Day 2024, wants the Arizona Court of Appeals to reinstate her lawsuit against the City of Bisbee. The suit was dismissed last year. The jist of it seems to be that she thinks the city made a deal with the couple owning 30 Main, who were apparently responsible for the fire, to transfer the deed of that fire damaged structure to the city because of a lien the city had put on the couple for emergency measures the city undertook to save the structures. Ms. Heiman claims that since the city received a deed to the property it deprived her of gaining any recompense for her damaged building at 28 Main from the couple responsible for the fire. To be continued. From a longer article in the HR. ++++++++++ KBRP is going to be looking for a station manager or office manager by the end of the month. The wonderous Liz Vann is moving over to Cochise Harm Reduction for a full time gig with dough and bennies. Man, we gonna be missing that woman cause she has helped grow the station and given much of herself in service to our community radio. I really wish her well. If you are interested in this gig, let me know. We'll have the job parameters out soon. Ya gotta know how to work, multitask, deal with our wunnerful volunteers and listners. It really is an amazing opportunity to learn lots of stuff that will prove to be beneficial as you go about your life. ................EVENTS................ April 16... Science of Style, 5-8 pm Science Center 519 Melody Lane (during Pie & Sky) Pop Up upscale recycled clothes. April 17, 18...Alice in Bisbeeland April 19...Jacome Flamingo, 3 pm, Woman's Club, 7Ledge av. April 19...KBRP mixer, Electric Brewing, hwy 92 4-6 pm, meet the DJ's! April 20...Mile HIgh Music Fest, the Grand, April 22…Earth Day, Bisbee Science Center 514 Melody Lane April 22...Science of Style, 3-6 pm Science Center 519 Melody Lane (during Earth Day) Pop Up upscale recycled clothes. April 23...Mayor/council candidate and chili forum, 6-8 pm,Gay 90's in Naco, $10 April 26/May 3...Community Chorus Spring Concert, 3 pm, 24 Howell May 8...Copper Queen Library Ice Cream Social noon-3 pm @Science Center 519 Melody Lane May 8...Science of Style, Noon-3 pm Science Center 519 Melody Lane (during Libray ice cream social) Pop Up upscale recycled clothes. May 8...3rd Annual Film Festival, Bisbee Royale May 9...Shred IT is here...all your old tax returns, the private eye's report of you In flagrante delicto, your unfinished grad school thesis reminding you of failure, those bedroom photos, overdue library notices, school letters about your recalcitrant kid, divorce papers, unsent letters to trump, the surveys from the democratic party demanding immediate action, and more. Go to ACE parking lot 9-12. ..............CITY ELECTIONS............... There are five people asking to be your Mayor: Jon Waniak, Carl Stetter, Amy Burkert, Cesilia Garcia, Charles Flanagan. (Last issue I mentioned that Mel Sowid was also running for mayor. He is not, he will remain a Ward 2 council member. I mistakenly used an earlier draft of that blurb. Boo! Hiss!) There is one contested race in Ward II, Terry Priestly and Cynthia Conroy are asking to be your councilperson from Warren. There are beginnings of campaigning round town. Amy Burkert has a lil table at the Saturday Market every week introducing herself and talking bout whatever is on your mind, Terry Priestly has made some digital moves introducing himself. I haven't seen anything other than those two yet. But it is early yet only two months and a week before early voting begins. ...............GARDENING................ TOMATO GROWING TIPS Not sure you should take tomato tips from me, who has difficulty getting even a few tomatoes despite the huge number of plants, but these are from someone who is successful. Go here for the 12 tips article. >>>> NIEREMBERGIA IS A WONDERFUL PLANT... ...for borders, around rocks, or to fill smaller spaces. Also called cup flowers, they are a perennial in our area and often small starts will come up in the spring from the main plants. Blooms spring through fall.
These are some pics of how I use them around my yard.
..............RESOURCES............... TURN OFF AD TRACKING ON YOUR IPHONE You know they want your info so they can sell i t and resell it. Don't lettum! This is what to do if you have an iphone. "...opt out of app tracking across every app you download by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and toggling off Allow Apps to Request to Track. This means any app that tries to ask for your permission will be automatically blocked from asking and informed that you have requested not to be tracked. All apps (other than those you've given permission to track in the past) will be blocked from accessing your device's information used for advertising, according to Apple." Go here for the article in CNET ++++++++++ SCAN & SEND DOCS STRAIGHT FROM YOUR IPHONE If you need to scan a physical document and you are using an iphone, this handy feature will scan the doc, allow you to edit and crop as needed, save it for sending, and send it when you need to. Go here for the article. ++++++++++ NEWS SOURCES for the WIRE There are two contradictory trends, consolidation/bigness and proliferation/specialization occurring in the world of 'News' which includes print, radio, television, and streaming. This report summarization from Northwestern University's School of Journalism has the statistics about the effects of this monopolization; 50 million Americans have limited to no access to local news, the industry has now lost more than three-quarters of its jobs since 2005, digital readership is down, all federal support was stripped from NPR, PBS and their hundreds of member stations across the country which has dramatically increased the 'news desert' effect. This has resulted in local “news duplication” across multiple stations throughout the country resulting in a homogeneity of what people see, hear, and read. The developing response to that monopolist trend, has been the proliferation of enewsletters, podcasts, community radio, Again from Northwestern; more than 300 local news startups in the past five years across virtually every state, demonstrating a surge of entrepreneurship that has come along with a wave of philanthropic support. The vast majority of those startups, however, are in metro areas, leaving rural and less affluent areas further behind. Rapid consolidation in print, radio, TV and streaming that has accelerated during trump's reign. What used to be newspaper companies are now media companies. In 1983, approximately 50 companies controlled 90% of U.S. media. As of early 2026, experts note that nearly all major media is controlled by just six corporations. Those and more are controlled by billionaires; Ellisons father/son duo (paramount/CBS/Warner/Tik Tok), Bezos (Amazon, WA Post), Murdoch (Fox news/news corp/WSJ), Musk (X), Sulzberger (NYT), Zuckerberg (facebook/what's app) and several others whose name is not as well known. That's is why support for alternatives is so important. I periodically include these contacts as sources for news, including 'legacy' media, which still has useful investigative and fact driven information. (++ indicates those publications that provide the foundation for general and special understanding of news.) ++The Bisbee Observer (paid)…Go here for info ++City of Bisbee-to get advance notice of agendas and background on agenda items. Go here ++Herald Review, (paid)…Go here for info One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. COCHISE COUNTY ++Herald Review, (paid) …Go here for info Ground Party Papers free/paid….go here for info, written by Christian Sawyer who also writes extensively about water issues, lotsa off grid living stuff. ++Cochise Regional News free/paid…go here for info, a one person shop, Beau Hodei is an investigative reporter that focuses on the county but has other articles. Check out his take on rep. Gail Griffin, and an extensive piece on sheriff Mark Dannels. ++Cochise County Supervisors-to get advance notice of Agendas and background on agenda items go here ARIZONA ++Arizona Star, (paid)…go here for info ++Arizona Republic, (paid, but cheap)… go here for info ++Arizona Agenda (free/paid)… go here for info The best newsletter for keeping up with AZ politics. Their goal is simple: Help Arizonans better understand the state’s political scene and how the government works so they can make informed decisions and hold their leaders to account. They focus on the effects of political decisions and the people behind them. They have incorporated four other ‘newsletters that cover education, AI, Water. go here for info. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. ++Arizona Mirror (free/paid) … go here for info They are independent, but part of the States Newsroom, the largest nonprofit news organization in all 50 states dedicated to state coverage. Good coverage of the lege and issues. SOUTHERN ARIZONA Arizona Lumeria...free/paid go here for info. both English and Spanish. Border Chronicles...go here for info On-the-ground reporting, and analysis with context on the issues that matter at the U.S.-Mexico border. Done by two seasoned journalists. David Fitzsimmons(free)..go here for info Former Star cartoonist, adds a satirical twist on what is going on. ++Tucson Agenda free/paid … go here for info A sister publication to the Arizona Agenda, the focus is Tucson and So. AZ, occasionally will be pieces on Cochise county. THE LEGISLATURE ++The Legislature Weekly (free/donation) … go here for info. Melinda Merkel Iyer's invaluable weekly guide to bills being considered in the Arizona legislature (published from approximately December to May, covering the legislative session, and periodically when current events or issues affecting Arizona voters arise. go here to sign up. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. League of AZ cities and towns...go here for info Legislation tracking that affects cities. NATION/WORLD ++New York Times (paid) … go here for info. They usually have a running offer for cheap for newbies. It simply has the most comprehensive coverage of any outlet. They have a plethora of newsletters: In addition to the morning news, I regularly read The Athletic for sports; Money Ball for sports; Wirecutter for product reviews; Watching for tv/movie reviews; on Tech for ummm technology; and a few others irregularly. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. ++The Guardian (free/paid) … go here for info One of the larger comprehensive sources leaning progressive . One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. Huff Post (free) … go here for info teetering leaning progressive ++Washington Post (paid) … go here for info Despite the changes, still solid reporting continues. A wealth of DC info. The Daily Mail (free, moving toward paid) … go here for info Lotsa gossip, occasional new bits, leans rightward, a guilty read. INTERNATIONAL Financial Times...Go here for info , South China Morning Post...go here for info Kyiv Post go here for info Times of Israel go here for info
SPECIALIZED AND INFORMATIVE There are many other sources in addition to the above , some are news aggregators and some covering specific issues only such as climate change or the food industry. Many are free/paid and exist on reader subs and donations for their information so if you subscribe free and it is worthwhile, send them some dough. (++are the most pertinent to me, but all are useful) Ambrook Research...go here for info They focus on issues facing modern agriculture, often small farmers. Mixes data and story telling. ++BIG (free, paid) … go here for info The best weekly newsletter about what is happening on the politics of monopoly power on the federal level and in the US...sounds boring but is not. Under everything else read a small smattering of what he does. Invaluable. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. ++Bloomberg Businessweek (paid) … go here for info. Best source for keeping up with capitalism, expensive $149 p/y on sale ++Boondoggle...go here for info A focus on how corporations rip cities and states to pay for their relocation. CNET daily news (free) … go here for info Tech stuff with useful news. A good product review section ++Drop Site News...go here for info If you want to understand the nuances in middle east politics, and factual reporting-often on the ground-this is the place. The focus is on Iran, Gaza, middle east, although has other stuff also. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. First Draft (free/paid) … go here for info Disinformation and How to stop it. "...our mission is to protect communities from harmful misinformation. We work to empower society with the knowledge, understanding, and tools needed to outsmart false and misleading information." Food Dive...go here for info Industry newsletter tracking Corporate maneuvers in the food sector Heated (free) … go here for info A newsletter about effects of climate change ++Heather Cox Richardson (free/paid) Go here for info. She is an historian that puts current events in an historical context. Informative and insightful. Connects the dots from the past to the present. ++High Country News...Go here for info In depth environment news in western states, occasionally features impact of tribal/white land interactions. Of note, if you are interested in the geologic age/deep time of the western land told in a readable style, go here for this issue. ++Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (free) … go here for info One of the most informative and best sources for state and national economic news/policy/tax/budget issues.They reveal how taxes affect both public revenues and people of various levels of income and wealth. ++Mother Jones Daily (free/paid) … go here for info In depth research, a mag born in the sixties with investigative reporting, still going. Also a magazine. ++NewsGuard Reality Check...go here for info Illuminates and challenges the misinformation rampant online. New Lede free/paid…go here for info The focus is on environmental issues. This is an initiative of the Environmental Working Group that puts out the dirty dozen and several guides to best (least problematical chemicals) cosmetics and sunscreens. New Scientist Newsletter (free) … go here for info As the title indicates science in context. ++The New Yorker (free/paid) … go here for info One of the last magazines to publish long form investigative and deeply researched articles in addition to cultural observances, excellent writing, new writers, crosswords, cartoons and more Numlock News (paid) … go here for info Interesting tidbits from wildly diverse sources ++Oligarch Watch (free/paid)...go here for info Reports weekly on the billlionaires that run tech companies, what they are doing, AI projects, and increased economic ties to Saudi Arabia, Quatar, and Abu Dhabi. ++Open Secrets (free, paid) … go here for info The premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. Organic Bytes (free) … go here for info This newsletter and organization began as an outlet promoting organic and sustainable farming. After a period of disappearing into the ozone with virus conspiracies and anti-vaccination promotion, the founder died, and they are now refocusing on their initial mission with sound articles on regenerative farming and organic news. Political Playbook (free/paid)…go here for info Daily happenings in DC, who is doing what to whom. ++Popular Information (paid) … go here for info Politics/corporate donations/wrongdoing...one of the most informative newsletters. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. ++Reframing America with Antonia Scatton...go here for info She is very helpful in pointing out ways to change language/thinking to reframe how issues and politics are presented. One of the best newsletters to read because she can suggest ways to talk about things. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. Route Fifty (free) … go here for info Route Fifty connects the people and ideas advancing state, county and municipal government across the United States. Informative particularly in taxation issues. ++Steve Bannon, The War Room...go here for info an influential ‘populist’ fascist who battles with the 'institutional fascists' periodically and is worth keeping tabs on. A true believer hero. ++Strength in Numbers (free/paid) One of the best explainer of various polls. He draws insights from solid data and doesn't bullshit. One of the several 'must pay attention' to add to your list. ++The Intercept free/paid… go here for info founded by Glen Greenwald, they publish in-depth investigations and analysis focusing on politics, war, surveillance, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media, and more. The Liberal Patriot go here for info Centrist democrats with some good ideas The Markup (free) … go here for info The Markup is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates how powerful institutions are using technology to change our society. ++The Nation (paid) … go here for info The oldest lefty publication still going and still relevant. Also a magazine. ++Votebeat... go here for info This is one of the best of a number of sites that track election doings, they pay particular attention to 3 or 4 states, including Arizona. Wall Street Journal...go here for info They have a newsletter that I think is free, I get it, but am not paying for it. Worth a daily glance. ++ Wired (free/paid) … go here for info Mostly technology, and investigative articles about how tech is used, popular and geek. Also a magazine that usually is about $12 a year, worth it. If you find the Wire useful, donations help me offset the cost of news subscriptions, and allow me to have a limo driver, chef, and spa treatments in Sedona along with age reversal therapy for both Anita and I... in addition to buying good eggs, charlieparker's food, and a cookie at the Saturday Market. Please use the QR code for Zelle with my email bisbeewire@gmail.com or send a check made out to fred miller, 39 Hazzard, 85603. I would appreciate it, thank you.  ..............COCHISE COUNTY................ CROSBY TRIAL HEARING POSTPONED Supe Tom Crosby's trial hearing has been postponed again until May 1, and that likely means his actual trial will be pushed into next year. An investigator with the AG's office was dismissed, and although she had nothing to do with his case, Crosby seized on it to ask for the judge for more time. With the barrage of appeals, delays, and the like, it appears Mr. Crosby is not eager to have his day in court and defend himself against the two felonies he is charged with. ++++++++++ SUPES APPROVE DATA CENTER STANDARDS; ANTENORI KBRP INTERVIEW Go here for what was done by the supes. The vote was 3-0. There was significant opposition that proposed more stringent standards. Supe Frank Antenori was on our KBRP magazine and said that this is a first step and something that other counties in AZ had not done; developing standards for data centers before there is an application. It seems like a good step forward to put the horse before the cart. He made several other points that much of the infrastructure along I-10 is in place and that is why he thinks there will soon be an application for a data center. He also made an intelligent article for the necessity for economic development in the county, not necessarily data centers. He pointed out the static nature of the CC population, that the people moving into the county are over 60 and their spending/life habits are different than young people. Go here for the interview with Mike Thornton. ...............THE LEGE & STATE ................ SALT RIVER PROJECT ELECTIONS PRODUCE 'CLEAN ENERGY' MAJORITY Though two traditional SRP candidates hung onto the board's presidency and vice presidency, the “Clean Energy” candidates won a majority on the utility's power board and doubled their representation on the utility's advisory councils after the April 7 elections, according to the preliminary vote tallies. Turning Point, the radical right wing group, was active trying to convince voters to vote for extreme candidates. They lost most of the seats. They were also accused of 'bundling' votes, that is picking up numerous ballots and bringing the to the polls. That is illegal and something they accused other groups of doing in past elections. ++++++++++ ONE WALL IS NOT ENOUGH, DOUBLE WALLS ON THE ENTIRE ARIZONA SOUTHERN BORDER The Trump administration's plans for the southern border now include hundreds of miles of "secondary border wall" that would be built parallel to the primary wall, sealing off an "enforcement zone" in between. Those double walls could eventually run almost the entire length of Arizona’s 373-mile southern boundary, cutting through three national wildlife refuges, two National Park Service sites and the entire length of the Tohono O'odham Nation's 62-mile border with Mexico. For an example of what it will look like, go to Naco and check out the double wall that extends in both directions. According to the agency’s interactive, online “Smart Wall Map,” a breakdown of each proposed secondary barrier project, with its name, status, total length and approximate location can be seen. The cost is $46 billion that was in the giveaway to millionaires and billionaires bill last year. Go here for the article the the AZ Star.++++++++++ PROGRAMS THAT WILL BE REDUCED OR CUT ENTIRELY TO PAY FOR THE DOUBLE WALL The republican administration is engaged in a huge effort to shift spending away from social welfare and toward tax cuts, immigration enforcement and the military. Arizona republican reps are all for it. This is a small sampling of what will be cut from trump budget request for 26/27 released in April Source for info in this article here.
However there is a request for an increase in the military budget of $445 billion. An agency that has not passed an audit in 8 years. ...............EVERYTHING ELSE................ THE PROPAGANDA WAR The US and Iran are dueling in the internetosphere with AI slop propaganda; Iran is winning. Go here for this article that compares what is coming out of DC and Iran. ++++++++++ THE TRUMP THRONE... ...is the latest work from Secret Handshake, a guerrilla art group that has installed several pieces of artwork on the Mall protesting the Trump administration. A plaque on each side of the structure reads: a Throne Fit for a King. The message on the plaque continues: “In a time of unprecedented division, escalating conflict and economic turmoil, President Trump focused on what really mattered: Remodeling the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House. This, his crowning achievement is a bold reminder that the president isn’t just a bussinessman, he’s taking care of business. It stands as a tribute to an unwavering visionary who looked down, saw a problem, and painted it gold.” A roll of toilet paper with the words Secret Handshake printed on each sheet rested on a holder next to the toilet. Go here for the article.  ++++++++++ SYSCO FOOD OFFERS TO BUY RESTAURANT DEPOT Food distributor Sysco is buying Restaurant Depot for $29 billion. This deal is far worse than it appears, and could crush local restaurants across the board. Sysco is what is known as a “broadliner,” meaning it serves a “broad line” of food and food-related products to restaurants and catering businesses, from “meat and produce, to dairy and beverages, to janitorial supplies and paper goods.” It’s a concentrated space; Sysco has acquired 150 companies or lines of business since it was founded, and it controls 24% of the entire market. It uses rebates to lock in control over its customers, and is a “hidden reason” restaurants are getting worse. Restaurant Depot is a “cash-and-carry” marketplace that lets anyone buy at wholesale prices. It’s not a broadliner, but it allows restaurant owners to compare the prices they are getting from Sysco with an independent source. “If somebody wants to order something from Sysco and the price seems high, they can double-check it by popping into the cash and carry in their local market,” said Erika Polmar, the executive director of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. “Oftentimes that will result in a negotiation and a Sysco rep suddenly saying, ‘Okay, we can meet that price.’" monopoly news, go here and there's more from BIG That competition would disappear if Sysco’s buyout goes through. >>>>>More... Bed Bath & Beyond is buying the Container Store. >>>>>More... The FTC just settled with dating sites over secretly sending data to a facial recognition software firm. They promised not to do it again though. >>>>>More... Amazon will add a 3.5% fuel and logistics-related surcharge to fulfillment fees it charges third-party merchants, as the war in the Middle East, which began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran at the end of February, continues to drive up fuel costs. The fee will be applied to third-party sellers across Fulfillment by Amazon in the US and Canada beginning April 17, Amazon said in a note to sellers on Thursday. >>>>>More... Almost half of the US data centers planned for this year are expected to be delayed or canceled. One big reason is the shortage of electrical equipment, such as transformers, switchgear and batteries. They are needed not just for powering AI, but also for building out the grid that is seeing increased consumption from electric cars and heat pumps. US manufacturing capacity for these devices cannot keep up with demand, and the scarcity has caused data center builders to rely on imports. More on data centers.... Americans oppose building data centers in their communities by a margin of 65-24. That’s insane. Maine just became the first state to ban building them.That’s probably because 55% of Americans think that AI will do more harm than good, and just 34% think it’ll do more good than harm. That’s up from 44% and 38%, respectively, in April. So the distrust is spreading. Also, “when it comes to education, nearly two-thirds of Americans (64 percent) think AI will do more harm than good, while 27 percent think AI will do more good than harm." >>>>>More... Find out how much electricity rates have risen.Go here for electricty use map (In 85603 in five years rates have risen 38.2%; Also March rates in 85603 are $121; rates in Arizona rose 28.6% in five years; In CD-7 average bills are $91 p/m, in CD-6 they are $81 p/m, in cochise county average bill is $101.07 p/m ++++++++++ AMBULANCES, FIRE TRUCKS...PRIVATE EQUITY FIRMS RAKE FROM VITAL SERVICES The cost and delivery times of both ambulances and fire trucks have more than doubled in the past few years, all because of private equity firms taking huge profits. This article explains why Bisbee is waiting for their fire truck. Go here for the article in BIG .............. WORD............... Neurapathy...You've lost feeling in your extremities and you just don't care. Destingy....When life doesn't give you what you want Realiastic...A flexible view of reality Perfluncgtory....Taking a test you know you will fail Typochondriac...A person who is abnormally anxious about their spelling Entertrain...Letting the iPad raise your kids Damnesia...You can't remeber what the hell happened Girthright...Survival of the fattest Goofle...typo in the search engine googling the wrong thing. |
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