Today, China is trying to slow the pace of data center development across the country, including in states across the nation like Georgia, Virginia and Arkansas. This is because the U.S. is locked in an AI arms race with China and the winner of this high-stakes AI competition may well dominate the global economy and enjoy military supremacy.
Raising awareness of this threat to our national security, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton recently urged the Department of Justice to investigate Beijing’s efforts to block data centers in America by working through U.S. nonprofits.
With that in mind, it’s important to call attention to two well-known partner organizations in Arkansas, called the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association (AAEA) and the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF). These self-described “sister organizations” split activities between a trade association that does lobbying (AAEA) and a non-profit “educational” affiliate that conducts research and offers public instruction (AAEF). In reality, the division is just on paper – the organizations share an Executive Director, corporate Board members, and an address.
These groups are notable given their high-profile work on a variety of energy issues in Arkansas that often conflict with data center construction. Notably, the AAEA helped to lead the opposition against legislation that was essential for the construction of data centers in Arkansas.
With their vocal opposition to this data center law in mind, I do think it is worth pointing out how AAEF funds its energy policy work in Arkansas.
Between 2019 and 2024, AAEF received grants of at least $1.3 million from a group called the U.S. Energy Foundation – that’s at least 69% of AAEF’s total grant funding during that period.
But the origins of this U.S. Energy Foundation are under scrutiny. Prior to 2019, the group was known simply as the Energy Foundation (EF) and EF had a variety of well-documented ties to the Chinese Communist Party. In 2019, EF split into the aforementioned U.S. Energy Foundation and Energy Foundation China (EFC). Also, much like AAEF and AAEA, the Energy Foundation split seems to be performative. According to a report from a reputable conservative think tank, from 2019 through 2022, both entities shared office space in San Francisco. The latest data found that both continued sharing personnel and six EFC employees were being compensated by the U.S. Energy Foundation.
Even more concerning is that EFC’s leadership still has ties to senior Communist Party officials, and it has been criticized for supporting energy policies in the U.S. that benefit China. Transparency groups have raised alarm bells and, last July, the Kansas Attorney General alleged that EFC plays a “central role” in “China’s ongoing asymmetric campaign against the United States…” and called on the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an investigation into EFC.
Finally, as someone who has closely studied China’s long-term goals to achieve global domination, I cannot stress enough that Beijing’s efforts to influence public policy in the U.S. are a legitimate threat. Therefore, it’s fair to point out China’s investment in AAEF and Arkansans and ask: “is this just a coincidence or does China have an agenda to thwart data center construction that puts our national security at risk?” In fact, residents of all states where China is funding anti-data center propaganda should be asking that same question.
Gregory Kiley is an Air Force veteran and a former professional staff member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
