The U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund, A Free Phone Plan, The Sinking Island, and More.
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The U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund
What is it and how does it work?
President Donald Trump recently signed an order to create a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). This is a huge decision that could change the country’s economy for the better. The goal of this fund is to invest in important areas like technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure. If managed correctly, it could help the economy grow, make the country stronger, and give America a bigger role in the world.
This idea has been discussed for years. Some experts have been saying for over a decade that the U.S. needs to focus on long-term investments instead of short-term financial moves that don’t create lasting value. Many believe that instead of relying on quick fixes like stimulus checks and stock market speculation, the government should invest in industries that will shape the future.
Now that the order is official, the U.S. Treasury and Commerce Departments have 90 days to figure out how the fund will work. They need to decide where the money will come from, how it will be managed, and how it will grow over time. Some possible ways to raise money include selling government assets, making money from tariffs, and working with private businesses. The most important thing is to make sure the fund is built for long-term success and isn’t controlled by politics.
The SWF could have a big impact on America’s economy. It would help create new jobs, support innovation, and make sure the country stays competitive. Instead of letting money go to waste on short-term spending or speculation, this fund would help build a stronger future for everyone.
One of the best parts about this plan is that regular American citizens will benefit directly. The government will keep a share of the profits from its investments, which means that as companies grow and succeed, the money will come back to the people. In addition to financial benefits, the SWF could also lead to major technological advancements that improve everyday life.
There is also talk that this fund could be used to buy TikTok. Trump has been discussing this with companies like Microsoft and possibly even Tesla CEO Elon Musk or Oracle’s chairman Larry Ellison. While it’s not certain yet, the creation of this fund makes a TikTok purchase more possible.
Over the next 12 months, the government will finalize how the SWF will work. If it’s done correctly, it could be a game-changer for America’s economy, helping the country grow and stay ahead in technology and innovation.
A Free Phone Plan?
That is right $0.
A new mobile service provider, Helium Mobile, just launched something that sounds too good to be true: a free phone plan.
The Helium Mobile Zero Plan, currently available through a waitlist, offers:
3 GB of data
300 text messages
100 minutes of talk time per month
And the price? $0. That’s right—completely free.
For comparison, the average U.S. phone bill in 2024 was $144/month, according to CNBC. Even cheaper carriers, like Mint Mobile or Republic Wireless, still cost around $77/month. So, how is Helium able to offer a free plan?
How Helium Keeps Costs Low
Unlike big carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, Helium operates as both a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on T-Mobile’s network and a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN). Instead of one company controlling everything, multiple people contribute to the network in exchange for blockchain rewards.
Helium users share their internet through small devices called Hotspots, earning cryptocurrency in return.
There are already 28,000+ Helium Hotspots across the U.S.
Users can also earn Cloud Points by sharing anonymous location data, referring friends, and more. Points can be used for gift cards, merchandise, and other rewards.
CEO Amir Haleem says the service is great for people who want to avoid traditional phone companies, earn rewards, or just save money.
Will It Last?
Many free phone plans have failed in the past, but Helium is a big name in blockchain technology. The company has partnerships with Trackpad (which tracks packages and pets) and Telefónica (a major global telecom company).
Helium’s free plan just launched this week, so it’s still too early to tell if it will survive. But for those looking for a great deal, free is free.
The Sinking Island
The indigenous Guna community, which has inhabited the island of Gardi Sugdub in Panama since the 19th century, has been forced to leave their home due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The island, just 400 meters long and 150 meters wide, faces an imminent threat, and scientists warn that it could become uninhabitable by 2050. In June of last year, most residents moved to a new mainland settlement called Isberyala, built with funds from the Panamanian government and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Although the relocation has been presented as a model for other communities affected by climate change, the transition has been difficult and has divided the inhabitants. While around 1,000 people have moved, about 100 have chosen to stay on the island, either due to a lack of space in the new settlement or because they do not believe climate change is a real threat. Delfino Davies, one of those who remained, says he prefers to live near the ocean and fears that Guna culture will be lost with the relocation. With determination, he states: "If the island sinks, I will sink with it." "People who lose their tradition lose their soul. The essence of our culture is on the islands," he affirms.
The new settlement features prefabricated houses, paved roads, and a modern school with access to computers, a library, and sports facilities. Children who still live on the island must travel daily to school in Isberyala. Despite the improvements, some essential services, such as drinking water and healthcare, still present challenges. Yanisela Vallarino expresses her nostalgia, saying: "I'm still not used to it. I miss my home." The construction of a hospital has been delayed due to a lack of funds, forcing residents to return to the island for medical care.
Community leader Tito López emphasizes that the identity and culture of the Guna will remain intact despite the relocation. Traditions such as the use of hammocks in funeral rituals and the teaching of "mola" textile art continue in Isberyala. Although the transition has been difficult, some residents hope that over time the entire community will reunite once again in their new home.
❤️ Cosas que nos encantan | ❤️ Things We Love
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