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- Floods Claim 6 Lives, WhatsApp Subscription & U.S. Tax Code
Floods Claim 6 Lives, WhatsApp Subscription & U.S. Tax Code

The U.S. is facing a critical crossroads in research and development (R&D) funding due to a tax code that hinders rather than stimulates innovation. Notably:
• Section 174 amendment has made it more costly for businesses to deduct R&D expenses annually.
• Bipartisan legislation is on the table: The American Innovation and Jobs Act aims to restore annual R&D expensing.
• This change is crucial as it has transformed a 100% deduction into an 89% deduction due to amortization.
The decline in R&D investment leads to slower economic growth and fewer jobs. Despite a significant drop in U.S. manufacturing employment—from 31% in the 1970s to 11% today—manufacturers are pushing for greater innovation to cater to a booming economy.
By aligning tax policies to support R&D, the U.S. can revitalize its manufacturing sector, ensuring that American companies remain competitive globally. It’s time to reform the tax code and unleash the full potential of U.S. manufacturing!

Trump's Bold Move: Targeting Deportations in Democratic Strongholds Sparks New Immigration Showdown!
In a dramatic move, President Trump is ramping up immigration enforcement, directing ICE to prioritize deportations in Democratic-led cities.
This announcement comes on the heels of widespread protests against his immigration policies in urban centers like Los Angeles and Chicago. Key points include:
• Target Cities: President Trump has named cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as focal points for detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants.
• Mass Deportation Goals: Trump aims for the "largest Mass Deportation Program in History," with a target of 3,000 arrests per day.
• Industry Impact: The administration has decided to halt arrests in certain sectors, including agriculture and hospitality, acknowledging the potential backlash from industries reliant on immigrant labor.
As protests swell, Trump remains steadfast, posting updates from the G7 summit in Canada, all while tensions rise over his administration’s aggressive stance on immigration.

In a devastating series of flash floods that struck northern West Virginia, at least six lives have been lost, including a young child.
The torrential rains poured down 2.5 to 4 inches in just 30 minutes, catching residents off guard and leading to widespread destruction.
Key highlights:
• Rescue crews are actively searching for several missing individuals.
• Severe infrastructural damage has occurred, affecting roads and bridges.
• Emergency responders completed 19 swift water rescues amidst the chaos.
• Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to exercise caution.
Local officials reported unprecedented flooding, causing vehicles to be swept away and residents stranded. As the search for the missing continues, heavy rains forecasted for the region raise further concerns for community safety.
In this challenging time, officials emphasize staying off the roads and supporting one another through the crisis.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is set to impact your wallet, as electricity bills could significantly increase due to soaring demand for energy-hungry data centers. Here are some eye-opening highlights:
• New Jersey residents may see their utility bills soar up to 20% starting in June 2025, primarily driven by data centers.
• A report forecasts a 16% increase in electricity demand by 2029, mainly due to the surge in AI and cloud computing.
• AI tasks consume 10 times more electricity than standard internet searches, amplifying the issue.
• Data centers, which require substantial energy not just for operation but also for cooling, are projected to need an additional 18 gigawatts of power by 2030.
As utilities scramble to keep up with this unprecedented demand, everyday households will feel the pinch, with the potential for further reliability issues in the power grid. Buckle up, as the AI revolution promises to change more than just technology!

In a significant diplomatic move, the U.S. State Department has instructed its embassies worldwide to clarify that America is "not involved" in Israel's recent strikes on Iran.
This directive highlights the U.S. commitment to a peaceful resolution regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, emphasizing the importance of protecting American citizens abroad.
Key takeaways from the cable include:
• Emphasis on Non-Involvement: The U.S. did not support Israel's actions against Iran.
• Diplomatic Resolution Commitment: The U.S. is focused on negotiating solutions to nuclear tensions.
• Safety of Americans Priority: Protecting U.S. citizens and assets is paramount.
• U.S. Military Posture: Forces remain defensive amid ongoing Iranian threats.
As tensions rise, President Trump has warned Iran to think twice before retaliating, signaling unwavering support for Israel and a readiness to defend U.S. interests with full military strength.
Amidst this turmoil, previously scheduled nuclear talks have been halted as Iran refuses negotiations while facing attacks.

WhatsApp is shaking things up with exciting new features that promise to transform user interaction on its platform. The messaging giant, owned by Meta, is set to introduce a subscription model and ad placements in its "Updates" tab. Here’s what to expect:
• Subscription Model: Channel admins can offer exclusive content to followers for a monthly fee, allowing them to monetize their engagement.
• Ad Integration: Ads will be added to the tab, enabling users to directly message brands they’re interested in—facilitating seamless customer service.
• Widespread Reach: This rollout aims to engage WhatsApp's massive daily user base of 1.5 billion while ensuring the "Chats" tab remains ad-free and secure.
With these innovative changes, WhatsApp is stepping up its game, making business interactions more user-friendly while keeping content fresh and exciting! Expect these updates in the coming months.

Millions of Americans are feeling the sting as the U.S. government resumes student loan collections, leading to sharp declines in credit scores.
Key highlights include:
• Over 2.2 million borrowers experienced a drop of 100 points or more.
• A 90-day lapse in payments now leads to reporting delinquency to credit bureaus, impacting scores dramatically.
• Consumers are prioritizing essential expenses over loan payments, complicating financial decisions.
• Affected individuals, like Kat Hanchon and Dom Holmes, illustrate the troubling reality of missed notifications and unmanageable payment expectations.
With tougher approval processes for loans and housing looming, many worry about their future financial stability.
Experts predict significant ripples through the economy as borrower's struggles redefine their payment priorities.
As credit scores serve as vital social indicators, the pressure mounts—especially for younger generations seeking to build their lives amidst this financial upheaval.
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