This week's current events:

• Reports have come out asserting that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson wants to pass a bill providing aid to Ukraine, but is restricted by his right flank
• The Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding access to the abortion pill Mifepristone
• A new Reuters report indicates the December update to U.S. sanctions on Russia have been effective in delaying oil payments
• A company in Tennessee have found clear evidence of violations of child labor laws
• The U.N. has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, after the U.S. abstained from a vote
• Joe Biden released his 2025 budget - what's in it?

Our deep dive this week is on permitting, specifically for energy projects. We examine permitting requirements at the local, state, interstate, and the federal level. Permitting is one of the biggest obstacles in the way of the transition to a green economy, adding years to any major clean energy or transmission project. We hope to understand how it works so that it might reveal ideas for helpful reform.