Welcome to Curated Morning. A compendium of news, information, and stories that economic development professionals, community development leaders, and elected officials read every week to stay in touch with what is happening in our economy.

The Main Thing:

As the saying goes, you are the product of the seven people you spend the most time with. This concept is not one-sided. While these seven individuals are shaping your character, you are also shaping theirs. It's a powerful, reciprocal relationship.

The impact you have on the people around you is significant. We often underestimate the influence we have on people. To recognize your influence, pay attention to how your words and actions affect others. Whether it's a formal relationship, such as a supervisor and subordinate, or an informal relationship, such as family members, your influence can be seen in the way people respond to you and the changes they make in their behavior or attitudes.

This week's blog post looks into the profound impact your influence and character can have on those around you. Every action you take, no matter how small, in your professional life, be it in economic development, entrepreneurship, or as a C-suite executive, carries significant weight.

The recent podcast inspired me to write this week's post. I hope my words impact you.

Focus On Technology

The Power Play: How Tech Giants Are Rewriting the Rules of Infrastructure Location

Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash

Google just dropped $25 billion on data center and AI infrastructure across the Pennsylvania-based PJM Interconnection grid, joining a massive spending spree that's reshaping how and where digital infrastructure gets built. The tech giant committed over $3 billion specifically to modernizing Pennsylvania hydropower plants and launched an AI workforce training program, while also partnering with Westinghouse to develop AI-powered modular nuclear reactors. This investment comes alongside AWS's $20 billion Pennsylvania commitment and Blackstone's $25 billion pledge, creating an unprecedented concentration of digital infrastructure investment in one region that spans 13 states from Illinois to Virginia.

Why This Matters: Economic developers are witnessing a fundamental shift in site selection criteria that prioritizes energy co-location over traditional factors like proximity to population centers or transportation hubs. As Blackstone's president noted, the "special sauce" is placing data centers directly next to power sources rather than dealing with complex transmission infrastructure. This trend signals that communities with significant energy assets—whether renewable, nuclear, or fossil fuel—may have newfound competitive advantages in attracting billion-dollar tech investments. The multi-state PJM grid approach also demonstrates how regional collaboration around energy infrastructure can create compelling value propositions that individual communities couldn't achieve alone.

Take Action: Explore regional partnerships with neighboring communities that share power grid connections to create multi-jurisdictional investment packages attractive to hyperscale developers. Develop relationships with your local utility providers to understand transmission capacity, future generation plans, and opportunities for public-private partnerships around energy infrastructure. Inventory your region's existing power generation assets and assess their potential for data center co-location, including underutilized facilities that could be modernized or expanded.

Read Google Cloud pours more than $25B into domestic AI infrastructure by Matt Ashare in ConstructionDive here.

Going Backwards to Move Forward: How Gen Z's 'Dumb Tech' Rebellion Could Reshape Your Economy

Generation Z is staging a quiet revolution against smartphone addiction by embracing "dumbphones," analog devices, and Y2K-era technology in what experts are calling a "retrotech renaissance." Driven by digital fatigue and a desire to escape the algorithmic attention economy, young people are trading their iPhones for candy-bar Nokias, swapping apps for paper planners, and choosing film cameras over Instagram. This isn't just nostalgia—it's a strategic retreat from platforms that have shifted from social connection to entertainment marketplaces designed to capture every millisecond of human attention. While Meta's Zuckerberg admits social media is becoming less about friends and more about curated content, Gen Z has become the only generation whose social media usage has actually declined since 2021.

Why This Matters: This cultural shift signals emerging economic opportunities that forward-thinking communities shouldn't ignore. The retrotech movement represents more than consumer preference—it's reshaping workforce expectations, creating new manufacturing niches, and driving demand for businesses that prioritize human-scale experiences over digital optimization. Communities that understand this trend can position themselves as destinations for companies developing privacy-focused technology, businesses catering to digital minimalism, and employers seeking to attract talent that values work-life balance over constant connectivity.

Take Action: Survey local manufacturers about opportunities to produce or assemble simple electronic devices, retrotech accessories, or privacy-focused alternatives to mainstream technology products. Develop tourism marketing around "digital detox" experiences, highlighting natural areas, analog activities, and phone-free accommodations that appeal to burnout-weary travelers.

Establish workforce development programs that teach both high-tech skills and traditional crafts, positioning your community as a place where digital natives can find balance. Recruit retailers specializing in analog goods, vintage electronics, and "slow technology" to create unique shopping districts that stand out in an increasingly homogenized digital landscape.

Read Why Gen Z is ditching smartphones for dumbphones amid a retrotech renaissance by Kaif Shaikh in Interesting Engineering here.

The Apple Crystal Ball: What Cook's 'Most Exciting Roadmap Ever' Means for Your Economic Future

Tim Cook just declared Apple's current product pipeline the most exciting in company history, dropping tantalizing hints about AI-powered smart glasses, foldable iPhones, and revolutionary form factors that could arrive as early as 2026. Speaking at an all-hands meeting, Cook positioned AI as a transformative force comparable to the internet or smartphones, while fielding questions about everything from mixed-reality headsets building on the Vision Pro to cellular-enabled Macs powered by Apple's in-house modems. The tech giant is also rumored to be planning a massive $500 billion push for U.S. manufacturing, potentially enabling new device categories that could challenge the iPhone's dominance while expanding into smart homes and AI-enhanced health monitoring.

Why This Matters: Apple's roadmap reveals the next wave of technology infrastructure needs that smart communities can prepare for today. When the world's most valuable company signals major product shifts toward AI integration, wearable tech, and advanced manufacturing, it creates ripple effects throughout the entire supply chain ecosystem.

The focus on AI-enhanced devices also signals growing demand for specialized workforce skills, advanced materials, and precision manufacturing capabilities that go far beyond traditional electronics assembly.

Take Action: Audit your region's manufacturing capabilities and workforce to identify alignment opportunities with advanced electronics production, particularly precision components needed for foldable displays, mixed-reality devices, and AI processing hardware. Investigate your area's rare earth mineral resources or recycling capabilities, as next-generation devices will need sustainable supply chains for critical materials.

Finally, consider establishing "innovation districts" that could house the research, prototyping, and small-scale manufacturing operations that typically precede major tech product launches.

Read Tim Cook Teases Apple’s AI, Smart Glasses, and Foldable Roadmap by Mike Johnson in WebProNews (WPN) here.

Something You Should Read:

Why Your Feed Is Full of Hot Takes

Ever notice that the loudest people in online political debates — you know, like your crazy Uncle Norm who shares seventeen conspiracy theories before his morning coffee — aren't exactly the ones you'd trust to run a lemonade stand? I mean, Uncle Norm can't figure out how to unmute himself on Zoom, but somehow he's got the nuclear disarmament strategy all figured out.

Well, a new study covering the U.S. and seven Asian countries says there might be a scientific reason for that — and spoiler alert: it's not because these folks are just really, really passionate about democracy. Shocking, I know.

Researchers decided to poke around and see what actually drives people to post politically online. They looked at three things: two so-called "dark personality traits" — and yes, that's the actual scientific term, not just what your ex called you — psychopathy and narcissism, plus the fear of missing out, or as the kids call it, "FoMO." Because apparently we needed an acronym for "But what if someone is wrong on the internet and I'm not there to tell them?"

They also checked whether someone's cognitive ability — you know, basic problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the stuff they don't teach in YouTube University — changes the picture.

And here's what they found, folks: people high in psychopathy and those with intense FoMO are way more likely to jump into online political conversations across all cultures studied. It's like they see a comment section and think, "Finally! My moment to shine!" Narcissism matters too, but mainly in the U.S., the Philippines, and Thailand. So basically, narcissists are picky about their audiences — even our personality disorders have gone global.

But here's the kicker: higher cognitive ability was linked to less online political participation. Translation: the wiser you are, the more likely you are to see a Facebook political argument and think, "You know what? I'm gonna go organize my sock drawer instead."

And get this — higher cognitive ability also weakened the influence of FoMO and those dark traits. So basically, people who think more critically are less likely to charge into the comment section like it's Black Friday at Best Buy and the last iPhone is on sale.

In other words, a lot of online political chatter might be less about informed debate and more about impulsiveness, attention-seeking, and not wanting to miss out on the latest viral argument. It's like political discourse has become the intellectual equivalent of a reality TV show — lots of drama, very little substance, and everyone's fighting over who gets the most screen time.

The study raises some pretty important questions about the quality — not just the quantity — of political talk happening in our feeds. Because at this point, scrolling through political comments is like watching a nature documentary: fascinating from a distance, but you probably don't want to get too close to the wild animals.

The results of this study help me understand the inspiration for one of the most prodigious social media poster we all know…

You can read the complete study here.

Overheard:

"Presence has become the most strategic communication skill in business.”

Nancy Duarte, CEO of Duarte, Inc.

The Rabbit Hole:

Makin’ Bacon

I have to confess, I'm a bacon enthusiast. But not in the way you might think. I'm not into bacon-flavored ice cream or bacon in every dish. I simply adore the basic, perfectly cooked bacon. For me, it's all about that 'limp' or 'soft' texture, not the crispy, fried-to-death kind.

So, what's the secret to cooking the perfect bacon? My trusty cast iron pan (yes, she's a bit chatty) swears by its method, but there are other techniques to consider, like oven baking.

We could argue the merits of each. Food and Wine has done it for us in the article "We Tested 7 Ways to Make Bacon — One Was the Clear Winner" (by Adam Dolge). I'm not going to spoil it for you, but my cast-iron pan is pissed off (she's upset and don't ask me how I know she's a she).

And let's not even start on air fryers. They're not even in the same league as the cast iron pan and oven methods. Thank goodness they're out of the running.

An Artist Fairy Godmother

On a recent trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I had lunch with an old friend who runs one of the most prestigious performing Arts Centers in the Southwest United States. In our conversation, he reminded me that the 'Arts," performance and otherwise, are huge economic drivers in many economies.

I agreed with him; in fact, I have witnessed how the arts can not only drive economic activity but also generate large numbers of jobs in a community. I was part of several projects related to the Arts in the Midwest and upstate New York.

Sometimes these economic development projects are driven by the local government and arts agencies, sometimes they are not. In the video you can watch here, the impact on the arts is driven by a single individual who made sure that the building she owned in New York City is a nurturing home for artists of all sizes. They have a place they can call home, watched over by a very caring and loving 'mom.'

Watch the video about this New York artist's loft that I recently came across here.

Take a Bath

I recently came across an article that highlighted the diminishing ability of Americans to experience boredom. While it may seem like a positive trend, scientific research suggests that disconnecting from our electronically induced environment can be incredibly beneficial, empowering us with a newfound sense of control and enlightenment.

Think about it. Standing in line at the DMV, even at a long stop light, you see people (maybe including you) automatically reach for their 'smart' phones to see who has pinged them, what new TikTok (I thought that was going away--didn't Congressmake it illegal?), video some has posted or hoping a text form a long lost rich uncle just made them wealthy.

Disconnecting is important. I often try to sit silently and do nothing. It's ok to be bored. It's ok not to have the device in your hands all the time. It's 'old school.'

One way to disconnect and reset your brain function is a practice known as shinrin-yoku, which translates to 'forest-bathing.' This activity, rooted in Japanese culture, is more than just a walk in the woods. It has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost immune function. It's catching on in the United States, and it is one way to disconnect from our busy world.

There are certified guides in some parts of the United States that will take you on a meditative walk through the woods, but of course, you don't need one. Just find a natural environment, whether it's a forest, a park, or even a garden, and walk or sit, whatever works for you. The key is to be present and observe the natural world around you.

Pro tip: Leave your smartphone at home, or turn it off and commit not to use it.

Take a break from your devices this week. Embrace boredom and allow yourself to be rejuvenated. It will do you a world of good.

If you're interested in learning more, here's an article about the rejuvenating practice of forest bathing.

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