Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Antifa Funding Riots 2-4-26

Yes, following a September 2025 executive order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, the Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively investigating funding sources for Antifa-linked, anti-ICE, and anti-immigration enforcement activities. The investigation targets violent riots and efforts to dismantle,, {Link: The White House (.gov).  

Investigation Scope: The DOJ and FBI are focusing on funding,, The Guardian.

Targeted Actions: Investigations include, The Washington PostYouTube, The Guardian.

Targeted Groups: Investigations are aimed at, The Washington Post, Reuters, The Guardian.

Context: These measures follow increased, PBS surrounding, YouTube

The administration is specifically targeting, The White House (.gov). 

Yes, the Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ), under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is actively investigating the funding and organization behind anti-ICE protests and riots, which officials have connected to Antifa networks. The investigation is described as a "whole-of-government" approach. 

Investigation Details

Ongoing Probes: The FBI is currently investigating the sources of funding and organization behind violent anti-ICE protests across the country. Officials note that identical signs and coordinated efforts suggest organized, rather than spontaneous, demonstrations.

DOJ Directive: In January 2026, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum directing all federal law enforcement agencies to review and transmit all intelligence related to potential domestic terrorism by individuals or groups "aligned" with Antifa to the FBI.

Prior Actions: In September 2025, President Trump signed an executive order designating Antifa a "domestic terrorist organization" and ordered federal agencies to use all authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle their operations, including targeting their funding sources and those providing "material support".

Key Figures: FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau is actively "chasing down" individuals involved in organizing and funding these activities.

Specific Incident: The investigation includes examining an attack on an ICE facility in Texas where a police officer was shot, an incident for which terrorism-related charges were brought against individuals accused of belonging to an "Antifa Cell".

Focus on Funding: Research groups are assisting the administration in tracing the money to non-profit organizations and foundations that they claim are part of a "protest industrial complex" or "Riot Inc," which has allegedly received over $100 million from various investors. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+trump%27s+doj+investigating+antifa+funding+of+ice+riots+in+2026+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Starter Homes 2-4-26

As of early 2026, states with high rates of new construction and specific policy initiatives targeting, or likely to increase, the supply of starter homes include Idaho, Texas, Florida, Utah, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These states are largely focused on increasing density, reducing minimum lot sizes, and fostering rapid development to meet demand.  

Here is a breakdown of states and regions focused on building starter homes in 2026:

Top States for New Construction (2026)

Idaho: Ranked as the hottest real estate market for 2026, featuring the highest rate of new home builds in the country (91 per 10,000 people).

Texas: Continues to lead in total building permits and, alongside Florida, is experiencing a significant increase in new home supply, which is beginning to bring prices down in some areas.

Utah: A major push is underway to build 35,000 new starter homes by late 2028, with 2026 legislation focused on allowing smaller lots and "Utah First Homes" projects.

The Carolinas (NC & SC): Rank high in new, relatively affordable, per-capita construction.

Arizona: Top-ranked for new construction permits per 1,000 residents. 

States with Legislative "Starter Home" Reforms

Several states are actively changing zoning laws to allow for smaller, more affordable homes in 2026: 

Utah: HB 184 encourages the construction of homes on smaller lots and modular housing.

Florida: Advancing legislation (Senate Bill 948) to restrict local government authority over land-use, specifically to enable more, smaller starter homes.

Texas & Maine: Passed legislation reducing minimum lot sizes to foster smaller, more affordable housing options.

Massachusetts: Considering a, 2026 ballot initiative to allow single-family homes on lots as small as 5,000 square feet. 

Key Trends Driving 2026 Construction

"Small lot" zoning: Reforms are aimed at reducing mandatory minimum lot sizes to make projects financially viable for builders.

Sun Belt Growth: Rapid development continues in the South and West due to migration, with a focus on suburban, single-family homes in states like Georgia and Tennessee.

Modular Homes: Gaining momentum in states like Utah as a faster, cheaper, factory-built alternative. 

Top Cities for First-Time Buyers in 2026

While the above are state-level trends, Realtor.com's 2026 analysis identifies specific cities where affordability makes first-time, or starter home, purchases more likely: 

Rochester, NY

Harrisburg, PA

Granite City, IL

Birmingham, AL

North Little Rock, AR

Syracuse, NY

Baltimore, MD

St. Louis Park, MN

Pittsburgh, PA

Ohio (various locations) 

In 2026, several states are leading in starter home construction through targeted legislation and high per-capita build rates. The most prominent activity is occurring in the following states: 

Utah: Governor Spencer Cox has set a "moonshot" goal to build 35,000 starter homes by 2028. In early 2026, the state introduced House Bill 184, which encourages building on smaller lots and allows modular home regulations to lower costs.

Florida: Lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 948 in 2026, which aims to prohibit restrictive land development rules that currently stifle the construction of smaller starter homes.

Indiana: Similar to Florida, Indiana's House Bill 1001 was approved in early 2026 to reduce regulations and make it easier to build entry-level homes on smaller urban lots.

Massachustts: A 2026 ballot initiative is under consideration to allow single-family homes on lots as small as 5,000 square feet, specifically aimed at increasing starter home inventory.

Texas: Texas continues to be a national leader in total housing permits, with legislative efforts focused on reducing lot sizes and increasing the density of "single-stair" multi-unit buildings to create affordable options.

Idaho: Ranked as the hottest real estate market entering 2026, 

Idaho leads the country in new builds per capita, with approximately 91 new homes per 10,000 residents. 

According to Realtor.com's 2026 forecasts, specific cities in New

York (Rochester), Pennsylvania (Harrisburg), Ohio, and Alabama

 are also highlighted as top markets for first-time buyers due to relatively high builder activity and affordability. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+states+are+building+starter+homes+in+2026+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Trailer Homes 2-4-26

Based on data through late 2025, multi-section (double-wide) manufactured home shipments have shown growth, with some months in 2025 experiencing an 11.1% year-to-date increase. While final, total annual sales numbers for all of 2025 are still being finalized into early 2026, the industry has seen a strong, consistent demand, with the seasonally adjusted annual rate of total manufactured home shipments (single and double-wide) reaching over 110,000 units by April 2025.  

Key 2025 Double-Wide Market Data

Shipment Growth: Through April 2025, multi-section (double-wide) shipments increased by 11.1% year-to-date, indicating a strong market share for larger, multi-section homes.

Production Trends: While total manufactured housing production saw a decrease in late summer 2025 (e.g., 8,696 homes in August 2025), the demand for multi-section homes remained a core part of the market.

Texas Market Example: In Texas alone, "multi-section" (double-wide) home sales reached 8,559 units for 2025 as of November 2025, representing a 10.3% increase over the same period in 2024.

Price Points: As of April 2025, the average sales price for new double-wide homes was approximately $145,700 to $152,900.

Overall Industry Growth: The total industry saw a significant rebound in 2024 (103,314 units) and continued this momentum into 2025, with industry capacity and demand for affordable, high-quality manufactured housing rising, especially in the Sunbelt. 

Note: The term "double-wide" is generally referred to as "multi-section" in industry shipment reports. 

Total national sales for double-wide (multi-section) manufactured homes in 2025 have not yet been finalized, but current industry data through November 2025 indicates a significant year-over-year growth in this segment. 

Shipment Growth: While single-section home shipments declined by approximately 4.6% year-to-date, multi-section (double-wide) shipments rose by 3.0% through November 2025.

Monthly Performance: As of April 2025, multi-section shipments showed an even stronger gain of 11.1% year-to-date. By August, this year-to-date growth settled at 6.0%.

Texas Market Leader: In Texas, the nation's leading market, 8,559 multi-section homes were titled through November 2025, representing a 10.3% increase from the previous year.

Production Totals: Total industry production for all HUD Code homes reached 70,749 units by August 2025.

Pricing: The average sales price for a new double-wide home reached approximately $158,100 by July 2025.

For the most up-to-date final figures, you can check the U.S. Census Bureau's Manufactured Housing Survey or the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) economic reports. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+double+wide+trailers+were+sold+in+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Trailer Size 2-4-26

In 2025, typical double-wide trailers range from 1,000 to 2,500 square feet, with common models often falling around 1,500 to 2,300 square feet. They are generally 20–36 feet wide and 32–90 feet long, providing 2–4+ bedrooms and 2–3 bathrooms, offering a similar, spacious, and modern living alternative to site-built homes.  

Key Details on 2025 Double-Wide Sizes:

Size Ranges: While common ranges are 1,000–2,300 sq ft, some models can extend to over 2,500 sq ft, with mobilehomeslaredo.com highlighting options between 1,000 and 2,500 square feet, and HomeGuide noting 1,500–2,500 sq ft.

Dimensions: Common dimensions are 20–36 feet wide and 32–90 feet long, with popular models often measuring 28 feet wide by 56–60 feet long.

Specific Models: 2025 models from Clayton Homes range from 840 sq ft (smaller options) to over 2,280 sq ft for larger models (e.g., Fusion 32B or The Leahy).

Typical Features: They offer a 3–5 bedroom, 2–3 bath layout and are often favored for their open floor plans, as noted by mobilehomeslaredo.com and sparkhomestexas.com

In 2025, double-wide manufactured homes typically range from 1,000 to 2,400 square feet. While smaller models can start as low as 747 square feet, the most common size for new builds is approximately 1,600 square feet, balancing living space with transportation efficiency. 

Typical 2025 Double-Wide Dimensions

Width: Usually 20 to 36 feet after installation.

Length: Generally 40 to 80 feet, though some special models reach up to 90 feet.

Common Footprint: A popular industry standard is 28 feet wide by 56–60 feet long. 

Size by Bedroom Count

Current 2025 floor plans from major manufacturers like Clayton Homes often follow these size brackets: 

2 Bedrooms: Approximately 1,000–1,200 sq. ft. (e.g., 24' x 44' or 28' x 40').

3 Bedrooms: Typically 1,300–1,800 sq. ft. (e.g., 28' x 52' or 28' x 60').

4+ Bedrooms: Usually 2,000–2,400 sq. ft. (e.g., 32' x 72' or 32' x 76'). 

Industry Pricing Trends (2025)

For those planning a purchase, completed 2025 double-wides are averaging between $110,000 and $160,000 for the home itself. Total move-in ready costs (including site prep and foundation) are currently running between $80 and $160 per square foot.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+square+feet+in+a+double+wide+trailer

Comments

In the 1960s, it was common for newly married couples to buy a Trailor, pay it off and use the proceeds to make a downpayment on a single- family home. It was also common for Retirees to sell their single-family homes in the north and purchase a Trailer in the south.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Health Insurance Earnings 2-3-26

In 2026, the top-earning health insurance companies in the US, based on projected revenue and market dominance, are led by UnitedHealth Group, with revenues projected between $450-$455 billion. Other top earners include Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), Centene Corporation, CVS Health (Aetna), and Kaiser Permanente.  

Here are the top-earning and largest health insurance companies in the US for 2026:

United Health Group: Projected to remain the industry leader with massive revenue, offering extensive employer and global plans.

Elevance Health (formerly Anthem): A dominant player with strong financial outlooks, particularly in Blue

Cross Blue Shield-associated plans.

Centene Corporation: A major player, particularly in government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and the ACA Marketplace.

CVS Health (Aetna) A leading insurer with a major pharmacy benefit management (PBM) arm.

Kaiser Permanente: Known for its integrated care model and high revenue, particularly in individual and family plans.

Humana: A major competitor, particularly noted for its Medicare-focused coverage.

Cigna Health Group: A top earner with a strong focus on international employees and employer-based plans.

Health Care Service Corporation: A significant operator of Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. 

Other notable top contenders for 2026 include Molina Healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare focus), Oscar Health (digital experience), and Blue Shield of California. 

In 2026, the US health insurance market continues to be dominated by a few massive conglomerates. These companies generate revenue through a combination of insurance premiums, pharmacy benefit management (PBM), and direct healthcare services. 

Top Earning Health Insurance Companies (2026 Projections)

The following companies are the largest by revenue based on early 2026 guidance and 2025 year-end performance:

UnitedHealth Group (UnitedHealthcare): Remains the largest health insurer in the US. For 2026, the company expects full-year revenue to be greater than $439 billion.

CVS Health (Aetna): A massive integrated healthcare company. Its revenue, which includes Aetna's insurance business and its pharmacy services, exceeded $350 billion in 2025.

The Cigna Group: A major global player that projects significant earnings growth. In late 2025, its trailing twelve-month revenue was reported at approximately $268 billion.

Elevance Health (formerly Anthem): Expects a slight decline in 2026 operating revenue to just under $197.6 billion, primarily due to shifts in Medicaid enrollment.

Centene Corporation: A leader in government-sponsored programs (Medicaid/Medicare). Its TTM revenue reached roughly $155.6 billion as of early 2026.

Humana: Heavily focused on Medicare Advantage. It maintains a strong position with over $110 billion in annual premium income.

Kaiser Permanente: A major non-profit integrated managed care consortium. It reported approximately $94 billion in direct written premiums. 

Key Market Drivers for 2026

Enrollment Shifts: Major insurers like Elevance Health are anticipating lower operating revenues due to fewer enrollments in Medicaid units.

Medicare Advantage: This sector remains a primary revenue driver, though proposed 2027 Medicare rates have already begun to impact stock valuations and long-term planning for 2026.

Consolidation: The top 10 insurers now control the vast majority of the commercial and Medicare Advantage markets, with many metro areas being highly concentrated. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+are+the+top+earning+health+insurance+companies+in+the+us+2026+google

Comments

The top 10 health insurers are projected to earn a total of $1.6142 trillion in 2026.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

 

 

Medicaid Subsidies 2-3-26

Cost shifting has not been entirely replaced by Medicaid subsidies in the U.S., but the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its Medicaid expansions have significantly reduced the need for cost shifting in many states by expanding coverage and lowering uncompensated care. However, cost-shifting dynamics are re-emerging due to proposed federal cuts, the expiration of pandemic-era subsidies, and the remaining 10 states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion.  

Key Findings on the Relationship Between Cost Shifting and Medicaid

Medicaid Expansion Reduced Cost Shifting: In states that adopted Medicaid expansion, uncompensated care costs for hospitals dropped significantly (nearly 25% in some studies), as more patients gained coverage, reducing the "hidden tax" shifted to private insurance.

Expansion Limits Cost Shifting: The ACA provided subsidized marketplace plans and Medicaid, which together covered millions, easing the financial burden on hospitals, particularly in rural areas.

Proposed Cuts May Re-introduce Cost Shifting: Proposed 2025-2026 federal budget cuts to Medicaid threaten to shift costs back to states and providers. If Medicaid expansion is weakened, hospitals are projected to face a $14.3 billion increase in uncompensated care, which may lead to higher prices for private insurance (cost shifting).

Regional Disparities: In states that did not expand Medicaid (e.g., Texas, Florida), providers continue to rely on higher private payer rates to cover the uninsured.

Expiration of Subsidies: The expiration of enhanced ACA marketplace subsidies at the end of 2025 is expected to raise premiums and reduce coverage, likely increasing the uncompensated care burden on hospitals. 

Conclusion


While Medicaid expansion is highly effective at reducing the necessity for cost shifting, it is a policy, not a permanent replacement. The mechanism of cost shifting persists in non-expansion states and may return in expansion states if federal funding is reduced or if coverage gains are reversed.
 

"Cost shifting"—the practice of charging private payers more to offset low public reimbursement—has not been replaced by Medicaid subsidies. In fact, current shifts in federal policy are expected to intensify the need for cost shifting in 2026. 

The Role of Medicaid Subsidies

Medicaid and ACA subsidies are intended to reduce "uncompensated care" (charity care) rather than replace the mechanism of cost shifting. 

Medicaid Expansion: By reducing the number of uninsured patients, expansion lowers hospital charity care costs. However, because Medicaid often pays less than the actual cost of care, high Medicaid volume can create new "shortfalls" that hospitals may still try to shift to private insurers.

Reduced Charity Care: All 13 states with charity care costs below 1.0% of operating expenses are Medicaid expansion states.

Contradicting Data: Some research suggests that when public payments drop, commercial rates actually follow them down rather than rising to compensate, calling the extent of "cost shifting" into question. 

Recent Policy Changes (2025–2026)

The healthcare landscape is currently moving toward increased cost shifting due to the expiration of federal supports: 

Expiration of Enhanced Subsidies: Enhanced ACA premium subsidies expired at the end of 2025. Millions of Americans now face premium increases of 25%–30%, and many may become uninsured, increasing the burden of uncompensated care on hospitals once again.

Medicaid "Unwinding": As pandemic-era continuous enrollment ended, millions were disenrolled from Medicaid. This shift back to uninsured status is a primary driver of projected premium increases for those with private insurance.

Federal Funding Cuts: Legislation passed in late 2025 (such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) includes substantial cuts to Medicaid funding, which experts warn will shift costs directly back to states and providers. 

Current Outlook

Rather than being replaced, cost shifting remains a central point of contention. 

Private Payer Impact: Insurance premiums for 2026 are expected to rise significantly due to "cost-shifting associated with the dramatic increase in the uninsured population".

State Burden: Federal cuts are forcing states to consider reducing provider reimbursement rates, which typically triggers more aggressive cost shifting by hospitals to maintain their margins. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=has+cost+shifting+been+replaced+by+medicaid+subsidies+in+us+google

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Healthcare Cost Reduction 2-3-26

As of January 2026, President Trump has proposed "The Great Healthcare Plan," a legislative framework aiming to reduce costs through direct-to-consumer subsidies, significant drug pricing reforms, enhanced price transparency, and restricting pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices. The plan seeks to replace insurer-based subsidies with direct payments, enforce "most-favored-nation" drug pricing to lower costs, and expand over-the-counter medication access.  

Key components of the 2026 plan include:

Direct-to-Consumer Subsidies: Shifting federal funds directly to individuals for purchasing insurance, rather than to insurers.

Drug Price Reduction: Implementing a "most-favored-nation" model, aiming to match US drug prices with the lowest price paid in other nations, with claims of potential 300%–500% reductions for some drugs.

PBM Reform: Ending "kickbacks" paid by pharmacy benefit managers to middlemen to reduce insurance premiums.

Price Transparency: Requiring providers and insurers in Medicare/Medicaid to "plainly" post prices, coverage, and denial rates for consumers.

Over-the-Counter Access: Accelerating the availability of more prescription drugs as over-the-counter options. 

The plan aims to reduce common ACA plan premiums by over 10%. While some elements, such as funding cost-sharing reductions, are projected to save taxpayers $36 billion over a decade, analysts note that separating healthier individuals from the ACA exchange could potentially raise costs for sicker, remaining enrollees. The proposal also includes the creation of a TrumpRx.gov website for direct prescription sales. 

As of January 2026, President Trump has unveiled a framework titled "The Great Healthcare Plan" aimed at reducing costs through drug pricing reform, insurance transparency, and direct consumer subsidies. 

His plan to lower healthcare costs includes:

1. Prescription Drug Reforms 

Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Pricing: The plan calls for Congress to codify "Most-Favored-Nation" deals, which benchmark U.S. drug prices to the lowest prices paid by peer nations.

TrumpRx: A direct-to-consumer platform (launched via TrumpRx.gov) that offers discounted cash prices for certain medications.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Expansion: Moving more prescription drugs (such as certain gastric ulcer and high-dose NSAID medications) to OTC status to increase competition and reduce doctor visit costs. 

2. Insurance & Premium Adjustments

Direct Subsidies: Replacing standard government payments to insurance companies with direct federal subsidies to consumers, potentially through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing individuals to purchase the plan of their choice.

Funding Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Reinstating federal funding for CSRs, which help low-income enrollees with out-of-pocket costs. This is intended to lower silver-level plan premiums by an estimated 10%.

PBM Reform: Ending "kickbacks" paid by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to brokerage middlemen to reduce hidden costs in the insurance market. 

3. Price Transparency & Accountability

"Plain English" Standards: Requiring insurers to publish rate and coverage comparisons in simple language rather than industry jargon.

Financial Transparency: Mandating that insurance companies publicly post their overhead costs, profits, and the percentage of claims they reject.

Public Pricing: Any provider or insurer accepting Medicare or Medicaid must prominently post their pricing and fees at their place of business to help patients shop for care. 

4. Expanded Plan Eligibility

Catastrophic Plan Expansion: In 2026, eligibility for lower-premium Catastrophic plans has been expanded via hardship exemptions to include those who do not qualify for other Marketplace savings due to income.

HSA Integration: As of 2026, more Marketplace plans, including all Bronze and Catastrophic plans, are compatible with Health Savings Accounts. 

These resources explain President Trump's proposed framework for reducing healthcare costs in 2026, covering aspects like drug pricing, insurance subsidies, and transparency mandates.

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+trump%27s+plan+to+lower+healthcare+costs+2026+google

Comments

Treatment of serious illnesses has advanced and cost reductions are underway. This includes preventive measures to reduce morbidity through weight control. It also includes implementation of higher productivity strategies by doctors and hospitals.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader