Under the Surface

Elbert Phillips

Under the Surface explores the hidden stories behind today’s news and yesterday’s history—digging deeper into forgotten events, buried truths, and the moments that shaped our world.

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    📉 The Economic Fallout of California's Fast Food Wage Mandate

    The negative economic consequences of California’s AB 1228, a law that significantly increased the minimum wage for fast-food employees to $20 per hour. Critics argue that while the legislation intended to support workers, it instead triggered widespread job losses, business closures, and higher menu prices for consumers. The report highlights controversial legislative exemptions, specifically noting a "bread" carve-out that allegedly benefited a wealthy political donor connected to Governor Gavin Newsom. Furthermore, the source details how businesses responded to the mandate by reducing employee hours and accelerating the use of automated kiosks. Ultimately, the text characterizes the policy as an unsuccessful experiment that hindered industry growth compared to the rest of the country.

    12 min

  2. HACE 2 DÍAS

    🧐 Ignorant and Delusional: Why Madeline Pendleton’s Viral Takes Collapse Under Scrutiny

    A critical examination of influencer Madeline Pendleton, using her viral content to illustrate the potential dangers of political oversimplification on social media. The author argues that Pendleton’s advocacy for socialism relies on moral certainty and aesthetic appeal while ignoring historical failures, economic incentives, and the practical complexities of governance. By framing capitalism as inherently evil and socialism as a flawless moral choice, her videos are said to prioritize algorithmic engagement over rigorous intellectual honesty. The source suggests that this brand of digital activism creates a misleading narrative that dismisses legitimate dissent as bad faith. Ultimately, the critique serves as a warning against mistaking confident delivery for actual expertise in navigating the intricate realities of global economics.

    14 min

  3. HACE 2 DÍAS

    ⚖️ Minnesota Judge Faces Scrutiny After Overturning $7.2 Million Fraud Verdict

    A Minnesota judge has sparked significant controversy by overturning a unanimous jury verdict in a $7.2 million Medicaid fraud case. Legal professionals and politicians are scrutinizing Judge Sarah West’s decision to vacate the conviction of Abdifatah Yusuf, who was accused of using stolen public funds to support an opulent lifestyle. While the judge argued that circumstantial evidence failed to prove the defendant's direct knowledge of the scheme, critics contend that such a reversal is extraordinarily rare and undermines the judicial process. This ruling occurs amidst a broader wave of welfare fraud scandals in the state, prompting concerns regarding the accountability of public oversight. In response to the decision, the Minnesota Attorney General has filed an official appeal to reinstate the jury's original findings.

    11 min

  4. HACE 2 DÍAS

    🍔 In-N-Out Moves Headquarters from California to Tennessee

    In-N-Out Burger's decision to relocate its corporate headquarters from California to Tennessee by 2026. Company president Lynsi Snyder cites an increasingly difficult business climate and personal challenges regarding raising a family in California as primary reasons for the departure. The move is also fueled by lingering frustration over pandemic-era regulations, specifically state mandates requiring businesses to enforce vaccination checks. While the leadership is moving east, the chain plans to maintain its largest store presence in California and will only expand into neighboring Southern states reachable by their Texas distribution center. This strategic shift marks a significant geographical change for the West Coast brand despite its refusal to expand to the Atlantic coast.

    11 min

  5. 27/12/2025

    🛑 Maine Halts Payments to Gateway Charity Following Audit Fraud

    The state of Maine recently halted Medicaid payments to a Somali-run nonprofit, Gateway Community Services, following the discovery of over $1$ million in fraudulent billing. Audits revealed that the organization, established by Abdullahi Ali, improperly charged the government for interpreting services aimed at migrants over a twenty-one-month period. This action follows a history of financial discrepancies dating back to 2015 and a formal warning from federal lawmakers regarding potential welfare fraud. Investigations have also highlighted the charity's political connections to prominent local Democratic officials and strategists. While the organization's founder pursued political office in Somalia, Republican leaders in Maine pushed for accountability regarding the misuse of taxpayer funds. Consequently, the suspension serves as a significant crackdown on systemic mismanagement within the state's healthcare reimbursement system.

    12 min

  6. 27/12/2025

    🎭 Dolly Parton’s Surprising Defeat in Her Own Lookalike Contest

    A humorous anecdote where Dolly Parton famously failed to win a lookalike competition held at a drag show years ago. Encouraged by her stylist to participate, she exaggerated her features but ultimately failed to receive the audience applause needed to win. Beyond this funny memory, the text highlights Parton's perspective on the casting process for her new stage production, "Dolly: An Original Musical." She describes the surreal and emotional experience of watching various actresses portray different stages of her life on stage. Parton emphasizes that while replicating her iconic look is difficult, she holds immense respect for performers who embrace her persona. The piece concludes by noting her excitement for the show’s premiere in Nashville, which she chose as a filming location to remain close to her husband.

    11 min

  7. 27/12/2025

    🛩️ Pappy Boyington: The Legend of the Black Sheep Ace

    The life of Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, a highly decorated Marine Corps fighter ace who became a legendary figure during World War II. After flying with the "Flying Tigers" in China, Boyington returned to the Marines to lead the famous "Black Sheep" squadron, where he recorded 28 aerial victories. The text describes his harrowing experience as a Japanese prisoner of war and his subsequent receipt of the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross. Beyond his military record, the source covers his struggles with alcoholism, his success as an autobiographical author, and the television series inspired by his exploits. It also touches on his Native American heritage and the various memorials and airports established in his honor after his death.

    14 min

  8. 26/12/2025

    💥 Giant space objects collide in neighboring star system

    Astronomers have achieved a scientific milestone by capturing direct images of massive celestial collisions within the Fomalhaut star system. Utilizing data from the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers identified two distinct impact events, occurring in 2004 and 2023, which produced expanding clouds of reflective dust. These violent encounters involved planetesimals measuring at least 37 miles wide, offering a rare glimpse into the chaotic process of planetary formation. Interestingly, a bright spot previously thought to be an exoplanet is now believed to be the debris from one of these crashes. Because Fomalhaut is a relatively young star, studying these impacts provides a proxy for understanding the early history of our own solar system. This discovery highlights the dynamic nature of neighboring stars and the violent evolution required to create stable worlds.

    14 min
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Under the Surface explores the hidden stories behind today’s news and yesterday’s history—digging deeper into forgotten events, buried truths, and the moments that shaped our world.

Información

  • Creador
    Elbert Phillips
  • Años de actividad
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodios
    23
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
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