QUICK OVERVIEW: The US is under major reform, cutting out unnecessary parts left and right, loopholes getting thrown out the window. 

[hider=Trade & Commerce] The US has now begun its initiative in bringing back companies to the US. Tax breaks are being offered to multiple companies that open up offices and factories within the US. Plans are also in the works for a more comprehensive small business grants program.

Another move for infrastructure is the re-opening of several mines across the countries. With a new [url=http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-pilot-plant-converts-carbon-dioxide-into-bricks/]carbon conversion[/url] technology, it can actually filter out a lot of escaping smoke from plenty of these plants, reducing the carbon footprint by up to an estimated 20%. The environmentalists have been soothed as a result.
Trade is going well otherwise. [/hider]
[hider=Public Services] The Under Five Percent Initiative is going well enough, with the move to healthier foods a hit with over 90% of parents. About 16% of kids are complaining, but only 10% actively dislike the change, and only 5% actively hate the change. More polls are being collected, but it seems that it is working well. The physical education move is also working well, and there’s a plan to offer specialized curriculums for some students who wish to practice in a certain sport.
Unfortunately, more than a few individuals do not want to comply with getting fit, an online community that seems to reinforce bad behavior by claiming that it’s ‘genetic’ and that ‘it’s impossible to lose weight’. For all that freedom of speech may apply, it’s being considered to have a warning implemented that says that some of the information may possibly be untrue. Until then, they’re going to leave it alone.
Lastly, some old apartments that are condemned are being considered as candidates to be remodeled and become state-provided housing. [/hider]
[hider=Taxes]With the tearing down of the tax system, there have been 7 arrests for corruption and about 3 more for embezzlement. It’s terrifying exactly how broken the system is. Accountants are being hired by the dozen to help fix the system, along with some lawyers to catch any legalese loopholes left behind. The first change was implemented for the system, which is the remodeling of the 1040 form, which now is just an online system that gets you to pay the exact amount, and cuts out tax refunds. An estimated 10 million will be saved by this.
Taxes have been raised for upper and middle class, but only slightly. The real tax raise is in product tax, specifically on unhealthy foods and drugs. Drugs being marijuana. The president is forcing congress to move marijuana from Schedule 1, and legalizing it. Even though it’s being taxed to high heavens, most people are pleased.
Taxes are doing fine otherwise [/hider]
[hider=Military] The military reform is also opening a few eyes and removing rose-tinted glasses. Wage reform is going on, and plenty positions are being removed to prevent paper-moving and bureaucracy.
The terrorist group hasn’t made any moves recently, but everyone is being kept on their toes.
Lastly, the US is creating a new research plan that, along with Australia and Canada, will create modern battleships. It’s being considered to use the ships as a testbed for thorium reactors. [/hider]
[hider=Immigration and Emigration] With the budget increase, the TSA is also going under reform, cutting out quite a lot of jobs and automating them. The new system of entry is being tried in Chicago, and consists of a long corridor where you scan your thumb, passport and visa, and smile at the camera, and you’re outside. Travellers are extremely pleased with a system, though fear-mongers are worrying about how this may just be putting everyone on a database (of course it does). The next places for implementation will be New York, San Franciso, and Washington D.C.
The naturalization process is also being revamped, and is similar to the Chicago corridor, though a whole lot more thorough. There’s also a plan in the making to allow naturalization if you join the U.S. Military. By joining, you would serve in the Army or Navy for a number of years, and by the end of it you’ll get a passport and check, and be sent on your way. [/hider]
[hider=Ebola] A team of doctors and a collection of troops are being dropped down to take care of the Ebola outbreak. They’re going to assist the French, and set up a hospital where they’ll try new drugs and treatments on Ebola. In case anyone is worried that human testing might be a problem, these experimental treatments will only be distributed if the patients themselves sign a waiver and give permission. [/hider]