In recent days, a high-profile controversy has cast a stark spotlight on the fragile independence of the Federal Reserve, revealing a disturbing trend of political intervention into what should be a neutral, expert-driven institution. President Donald Trump’s explicit threats to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook over alleged personal financial discrepancies exemplify a dangerous shift toward
Politics
San Antonio’s decision to proceed with the proposed downtown arena, despite significant concerns, reveals underlying issues with city leadership’s approach to economic development. The city council’s vote to move forward, bypassing an independent impact study, highlights a troubling willingness to act without thoroughly vetting the long-term consequences. In a political landscape often characterized by fiscal
In an era where infrastructure languishes under aging bridges, congested roads, and crumbling transit systems, the Biden administration’s recent push to leverage private capital offers both hope and skepticism. The new advisory board, appointed to explore innovative funding avenues, emphasizes boosting public-private partnerships (P3s) and channeling U.S. pension funds into infrastructure projects. While this strategy
In recent months, President Donald Trump has made it patently clear that his view of the Federal Reserve diverges sharply from its traditional role as an independent arbiter of monetary policy. Unlike past administrations that respected the autonomy of the central bank, Trump has consistently sought to influence the Fed’s interest rate decisions, framing the
Recent Senate approval of bipartisan appropriations bills for 2026 offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tumultuous fiscal landscape. However, this apparent advance in government funding is more a fleeting moment of cooperation than a sign of lasting stability. The legislative process remains fraught with partisan tensions and unresolved disputes, primarily over the allocation
In recent debates within Texas, the move to impose stricter restrictions on local governments’ ability to raise property taxes is gaining momentum. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 9, aims to lower the voter-approval tax rate multiplier from 3.5% to 2.5%, but beneath the surface lies a troubling trend: an oversimplified belief that reducing tax flexibility
The recent passage of a sweeping bipartisan housing bill by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs signals a remarkable departure from the typical gridlock and partisan posturing that has long plagued Washington. Officially dubbed the ROAD Act, this legislation aims to lift restrictions on housing credits, bonds, and rating incentives, in an
The alarming trend away from coal-dominated energy production signals more than just environmental progress; it exposes foundational vulnerabilities in local economies and the municipal bond market. As natural gas surges in importance, driven by technological innovations like fracking, the ripple effects are damaging communities that once depended heavily on coal. While many tout the environmental
The recent catastrophic floods in Texas, claiming over a hundred lives and inflicting billions in damages, have exposed more than just the state’s infrastructure vulnerabilities — they have laid bare the intricate and often conflicting priorities of political leadership. While immediate relief efforts dominate headlines, the political machinations surrounding tax restrictions, bond issuance, and fiscal
The recent survey by the National League of Cities paints a stark and unsettling picture of the financial future facing American cities. As the federal government’s infusion of pandemic relief and infrastructure investment begins to dry up, mayors across the nation confront an impending fiscal crisis that threatens local priorities and the stability of urban