Jaewon Jang
In this week's biweekly national update, the Falconer covers government shutdown updates, tariffs and recent protests and movements in the U.S. The nationwide "No Kings" movement saw protests across the country in mid October.
President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy national federal security forces to cities such as Chicago, Portland and Los Angeles ignited a national debate over the limits of presidential power. The administration claims the deployments are necessary to address crime and civil unrest, but local officials and civil liberties advocates argue the moves violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the use of federal troops in domestic law enforcement.
Legal experts warn that these actions blur the line between national security and states’ rights, potentially setting a precedent for expanded executive control over local policing. Lawsuits challenging the deployment have already been filed, alleging unlawful federal interference in city governance. Supporters, however, argue that the administration is acting with authority to restore order in the jurisdiction, struggling with violence and unrest. The controversy creates enduring tension between federal power and local autonomy, a constitutional debate that continues to define American governance.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the United States economy, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis president Neel Kashkari cautioned this week that massive private investment in AI infrastructure could indirectly drive up interest rates. Speaking at the Star Tribune’s North Star Summit, Kashkari said he remains “skeptical” that AI is currently replacing large numbers of American workers and warned that rapid inflows to AI and data center projects could divert funds from other sectors such as housing and manufacturing.
While the Fed hinted at possible rate cuts to stabilize growth, a mid-fiscal year warranty arose. Kashkari noted that excessive monetary easing could spark renewed inflation if investment pressures remain high. His remarks come as AI-driven industries now account for nearly 40% of US GDP growth this year, according to recent economic analysis from The Financial Times, underscoring the nation’s reliance on artificial intelligence.