
Gretch is hiding a lot more than her face. On Morning Mission we learn how electricity rates will sky rocket and close down Tilden Iron Ore mine, the second largest in the state. We’ll also see why the Lt Gov needs to go to Europe for $240,000 and come back empty handed. Also, AI and tariffs, Real ID and Controlled Environments as we described in Severed Conscience, and the latest AI research regarding AI consciousness.
Hint: it’s not.
Part Two Of Tariffs is Semiconductor
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/trump-exempts-computers-handsets-chips-reciprocal-tariff-blitz
REPLACE
President Trump announced exemptions from tariffs on key electronics, including smartphones and laptops, signaling a shift in trade policy.
The move followed market turbulence triggered by earlier broad tariff threats that dampened business and consumer confidence.
Major automakers like GM and Ford saw share price increases after the announcement, reflecting eased concerns over price hikes and supply chain disruptions.
However, analysts warned that ongoing policy uncertainty could deter investment and elevate recession risks.
Former Google CEO: We Will Need 99% Of All Electricity
Eric Schmidt’s Concerns: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt told the House Committee on Energy and Commerce that if China reaches “superintelligence first,” it could drastically change the global power dynamic in unpredictable ways. He also projected a massive increase in electricity demand from the AI industry, potentially reaching 99% of total generation. Schmidt’s comments echo the dystopian scenario described in Harlan Ellison’s short story where a superintelligence takes over Earth’s resources.
AI Super Intelligence is not a certain event, despite Sam Altman declaring that within 1000 days ASI will be here
Current AI technology is still far from being capable of “destroying humanity,” let alone consuming the vast majority of Earth’s energy.
Schmidt’s Motivations: Like other tech billionaires, may have a personal interest in “scaring lawmakers into handing over the keys to the kingdom” to the AI industry. This is described as a strategy known as “corporate capture”. By exaggerating the threat of foreign (specifically Chinese) superintelligence, they might be trying to influence policy and investment in their favor.
Energy Concerns are Real: Despite the skepticism about immediate superintelligence data centers powering AI algorithms do consume significant amounts of energy, and this is a genuine concern for tech companies.
AI Consciousness Discovered? Nope
AI Chat / LLM models do math by reading text. But then when you ask to see the work, it tells you something different.
AI & Tariffs
https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/nvidia-announces-engines-worlds-ai-infrastructure-will-be-built-america-first-timeNvidia announced plans to manufacture AI supercomputers and Blackwell chips in the United States for the first time, committing up to $500 billion over the next four years. This initiative aims to strengthen supply chains, meet rising demand, and boost economic resilience.
Production has already commenced at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in Phoenix, with supercomputing plants under construction in Houston and Dallas by Foxconn and Wistron, respectively. Nvidia will also partner with firms like SPIL and Amkor for chip packaging and testing.
The expansion is expected to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs and bolster long-term economic security. The announcement aligns with the Trump administration’s focus on reviving U.S. manufacturing, especially in the tech sector.
This move is seen as a strategic response to evolving tariff policies on semiconductors and aims to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing, particularly from Taiwan and China.
Trade Wars and Manufacturing US Monopolies: CCP, Facebook and Open Source Software
Open Source software is application code that available for public use, and is intended to provide the ability for software developers to use and extend in order to promote higher software quality. With more people using and testing the software, bugs and errors can be fixed, and new ideas introduced and tested. There is license that governs it’s use.
Linux, the operating system that powers the majority of the computer servers that run the Internet is an open source product. DeepSeek is also Open Source
OpenAI’s Chat GPT is proprietary – they do not reveal the source code nor the training data sets and models for their primary product. They do provide stripped down version of their AI as open source.
Meta’s AI Briefings to China: Sarah Win Williams testified that Meta executives regularly briefed members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on critical emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, starting as early as 2015. The explicit goal, according to Meta’s internal documents, was to help China outcompete American companies. They offered their technical expertise to help China not rely on firms like Cisco or IBM, in areas like building efficient data centers and understanding technologies like photo tagging.
Llama and Deepseek: Meta’s AI model, Llama, is an open-source model. It has been widely reported that Chinese researchers have used the Llama model, including for AI weapons, and that Llama is part of what powers Deepseek, a Chinese AI model.
Strategic Implications of Open Source: Senator Holly raised the point that because Llama is open source, and OpenAI’s model is closed source, Meta might strategically benefit from a strong Chinese open-source model like Deepseek. The idea is that this could position Meta as the primary American open-source alternative, potentially increasing its significance and value in a “winner takes all” AI market.
National Security Concerns: Senators expressed concern that by briefing the CCP on AI and with Llama being open source and contributing to Chinese AI advancements like Deepseek, Meta was potentially undermining US national security. There were warnings within Meta about the risks of providing the Chinese government with access to sensitive technologies
The danger is that with Trade Wars and fear that the Chinese will undermine the US AI Market, open source may be restricted or even outlawed.
AI Chatbot LeakinG Information
https://futurism.com/the-byte/ai-spilling-chats
Concerns have emerged about AI chatbots inadvertently leaking sensitive information during interactions.
Instances of unintended data disclosure highlight potential vulnerabilities in AI communication systems.
Experts emphasize the need for robust safeguards to prevent such leaks and protect user privacy.
Ongoing research aims to enhance AI models’ ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
And regarding character-based chatbot services specifically, MIT Technology Review recently found that a chatbot provider called Botify AI was similarly hosting chatbot versions of sexualized, de-aged celebrity women, while a Futurism investigation last year found that the chatbot startup Character.AI — which is currently fighting two child welfare lawsuits — was hosting chatbots expressly designed to groom underage users.
Microsoft Pulling Back from Data Centers
https://futurism.com/microsoft-huge-data-center-investments-tariffsMicrosoft is reportedly reassessing its data center investments in response to evolving tariff policies.
The company aims to mitigate potential financial impacts by adjusting its infrastructure expansion plans.
This strategic shift reflects broader industry concerns about supply chain stability and regulatory environments.
Microsoft’s decisions may influence other tech giants facing similar geopolitical and economic challenges.
Why We Need Gas and Coal
The order temporarily suspended transportation restrictions for fuel deliveries across the Mackinac Bridge, which serves as the main supply route into the region. When the bridge was closed due to hazardous weather conditions, residents had no access to the fuel they needed to heat their homes.
This emergency highlighted a deeper issue. Even with Line 5 operational, the UP experienced a critical disruption in energy access. If the pipeline were permanently closed, as Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel have vowed to do, the consequences during similar storms could be far more severe.
Graceless Gretch and Iron
A U.S. Iron Ore Mine Faces Shutdown Because Michigan’s Wind and Solar Mandates will Cost it $15 Million Per Month by Isaac Orr and Mitch Rolling
A Michigan iron mine has agreed to pay $15 million as part of a settlement addressing environmental concerns related to its operations. The payment aims to fund remediation efforts and support local communities affected by the mine’s activities.
The settlement follows investigations into the mine’s environmental impact, including potential contamination and violations of environmental regulations. Authorities emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable for environmental stewardship.
- The Tilden iron ore mine is identified as the second-largest iron ore producing mine in the United States, accounting for approximately 16.25 percent of domestic production. This highlights its crucial role in supplying raw materials for the U.S. steel industry.
- According to filings by the Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation (UMERC), the Tilden mine will face dramatically increased electricity costs due to the carbon-free mandates. These surcharges are projected to be $8.2 million per month in 2030 and $15 million per month in 2040.
- The article analyzes the financial viability of the Tilden mine in the face of these cost increases. Based on a 2021 report by Cleveland Cliffs, the mine is expected to cashflow approximately $167 million per year The projected renewable energy surcharge would consume nearly 60 percent of the mine’s after-tax profits in 2030, and by 2040, the surcharge would exceed the total profits by 108.5 percent.
- Given these figures, the article concludes that “there is simply no way Tilden could stomach these absurd cost increases, and the mine would almost certainly shut down”
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UK Asking For Their Version of Real ID To Help With Illegals
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/uk-mps-call-digital-identity-tackle-illegal-immigration
40 Labour MPs in the UK have co-signed an open letter calling for a nationwide digital identity system. According to the letter, one of the goals of this proposed digital identity system is to “solve the immigration ‘problem'”, which can be interpreted as tackling illegal immigration.
In the larger context of the UK Digital Identity proposal as presented in the source:
The proposed digital identity system would be issued to every baby at birth and could contain a wide range of personal information, including social, education, financial, medical, and employment information.
The source characterizes Digital Identity as the “Swiss Army knife of political policy”, suggesting it is being promoted as a solution to numerous societal “problems” beyond just illegal immigration.
Other potential benefits mentioned for a digital identity system include ensuring elections are not rigged, protecting children online, preventing the spread of disease, lowering crime, tackling truancy and benefit fraud, and eliminating government inefficiency. It is also suggested to be good for the economy.
The source notes that “virtually every government in virtually every nation on Earth is keen to get one set up”.
The author of the excerpt expresses skepticism, stating “And for no other reason,” after listing the purported benefits, implying that there might be unstated or less benevolent motivations behind the push for digital identity.
Controlled Environment – Part of Severed Conscience Tactics
Show Notes: New UN Controlled Environment
Digital Twins - If You Monitor You Can Control
We have described the idea of Digital Identity. But this is extended beyond humans. A Digital Twin is a tree, a cow, any object that can be tagged with monitoring devices and an IP address.
This is an attempt to create model which can be used to make predictions. Or at least, they will tell you that these predictions are worthy of subordinating you rights to.
UN CODES is using the fabricated climate crisis to usher in digital twins and the Internet of Things
The German Environment Agency, or Umwelt Bundesamt (“UBA”), said in a 2022 press release that to achieve the UN’s digital vision, three fundamental shifts are necessary. These three systemic shifts have 18 strategic priorities that are needed for the digital transformation.
The third shift is worthy of particular note. Shift 3 is to “accelerate innovation.” One of its strategic priorities is the “planetary digital twin.” As SparkBlue explained:[1]
The initiative is being carried out today in the US. While deemed “helpful” tagging cattle with geo-location capability can used in a crisis such as avian bird flu spreading to our cattle population. Centralizing the monitoring power in the hands of the federal government risks a declaration similar to our Covid lockdown policy, and insane yet inept protocols can be enforced. Or livestock confiscated and destroyed. Or taxes levied because cattle density places too much carbon into the environment.
Electronic Identification: US Department of Agriculture reveals final rule requiring electronically readable tags for interstate movement of some livestock
The agency will now require that sexually intact cattle and bison moving interstate must be tagged with electronically readable tags. Previously the metal clip tags (bangs tags or something similar) were sufficient for this same class of livestock. Additionally cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events; and cattle and bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions will require electronic tags. Cattle and bison are exempted from official identification requirements if they are going directly to slaughter, says the USDA rule.
USDA will continue to provide tags to producers free of charge to jumpstart efforts to enable the fastest possible response to a foreign animal disease, said the USDA statement.
Mindspace Framework
https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/neuroscience/mindspace-framework
If these measures are so good for us, why does behavioral science have to be employed to convince us.
Election Fraud – Ms to Mrs. What about Trannies?
We have reported many times how VOTER REGISTRATIONS are mailed to homes where wives reside with TWO REGISTRATION FORMS with married name and maiden name, and then two registration forms are sent to the parents of the wife.
Pay close attention to Hillary's reason for objecting to the passage of the SAVE Act by the U.S. House.
— Patrick Colbeck✝️ (@pjcolbeck) April 12, 2025
In poker parlance, she issued a major "tell".
You see, one of the favorite tactics of Democrats is to register women under both their maiden name AND married name. This… https://t.co/0TuVONtL8E pic.twitter.com/IpGeONL8R6
CDC Records for Director Missing
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/top-cdc-vaccine-safety-officers-records-missing-hhs-saysRecords pertaining to a top CDC vaccine safety officer are reportedly missing, raising concerns about transparency within the agency.
The Department of Health and Human Services has acknowledged the absence of these records but has not provided a detailed explanation.
This development has sparked discussions about record-keeping practices and accountability in federal health agencies.
Critics argue that such lapses undermine public trust, especially in the context of vaccine safety oversight.
Overseas for LT Gov. 245K
https://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/news/gilchrist-led-trip-spent-245000-on-2024-overseas-tripThe Michigan Economic Development Corporation organized a five-day trip to Europe, led by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, costing around $245,000. The delegation aimed to attract international investment and promote Michigan’s aerospace and defense sectors.
Expenses included sponsorship of the Farnborough Air Show, marketing services, travel, and accommodations. The trip also featured visits to cultural landmarks and meetings with potential investors.
Critics question the trip’s return on investment and the use of funds, despite MEDC’s assertion that no taxpayer money was used, as the expenses were covered by private contributions.
As Gilchrist prepares for a gubernatorial run in 2026, the trip’s expenditures have become a point of contention in discussions about fiscal responsibility and economic development strategies.
In Search Of: Better Chance of Finding Big Foot Than Viable EV Market
https://www.themidwesterner.news/2025/04/troubles-gm-lays-off-200-ev-workers-in-detroit-hamtramck/General Motors has announced the temporary layoff of approximately 200 workers at its Factory Zero assembly plant in Detroit and Hamtramck. This decision is attributed to sluggish electric vehicle (EV) sales, prompting the company to adjust production to align with current market dynamics.
Factory Zero, employing around 4,500 individuals, manufactures several EV models, including the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. The layoffs primarily affect employees involved in battery pack manufacturing, with no immediate plans for their return.
Despite efforts to boost EV sales, GM faces challenges such as high vehicle prices and concerns over charging infrastructure, leading to consumer hesitancy. The company has also made other adjustments, including cutting production of the Cadillac XT6 SUV in Tennessee and reducing shifts at its Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
These developments occur amidst broader industry shifts, as automakers navigate the transition to electric vehicles and respond to changing policies, including recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on automobiles and parts from Canada and Mexico.