Day: July 11, 2026

Commentary: The New Critical National Security Fuel Is Electricity

American Greatness
nuclear plant

As NATO leaders debate the alliance’s future, a quiet strategic transformation deserves attention. In the 20th century, petroleum was the indispensable fuel of military power. In the 21st century, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and digital command systems depend on something equally fundamental: abundant, reliable electricity.

The race to build AI infrastructure is often framed as a competition for semiconductors and computing power. Yet they cannot exist without resilient electrical grids capable of supporting energy-intensive data centers, advanced manufacturing, and military command systems. Energy security has become national security.

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Music Spotlight: Spencer Hatcher

Bethany Bowman
Spencer Hatcher

Out of the 43 artists I interviewed at CRS this year, one who clearly stood out to me was Spencer Hatcher. Because he has a bluegrass background, a traditional country sound, and spades of charisma, I knew Hatcher was one to keep an eye on. With his second EP, Hot Weather, Cold Beer, just being released, it was the perfect time to do a full interview with the rising entertainer.

Hailing from Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Hatcher comes from a musical family. His mother and grandmother played piano, his dad played guitar, and his brother, Connor, currently plays bass guitar in his band. Everyone sang in church. Hatcher learned the mandolin at age eight but started singing at age four. By the time he turned 12, he started playing the banjo, “the instrument [he] really wanted to learn.” They started a family band. Hatcher’s older brother played guitar and mandolin, his younger brother picked up the bass, and his dad played the guitar.

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