The landscape of U.S. monetary policy is on the verge of further transformation as Federal Reserve officials grapple with the decision of potential interest rate cuts. Recent comments by Fed Governor Christopher Waller have illuminated a path where further easing of the federal funds rate might be possible. Waller’s perspective suggests that a reduction of
Politics
As Congress reconvenes for its final stretch of the 118th session, legislators will confront a whirlwind of pressing issues that demand immediate attention. With a government funding bill and national defense reauthorization on the agenda, the time sensitivity of these discussions cannot be understated. Set to conclude on December 20, this lame-duck session is a
In a striking move, Moody’s has downgraded the city of Manhattan, Kansas, from an Aa3 to an A1 rating amid challenges surrounding financial reporting and overall fiscal health. This decision, confirmed on a Friday announcement, underscores the increasing scrutiny on municipal finances, particularly as the pressing issues of transparency and governance come into sharp focus.
In a historic move, the Washington, D.C. City Council has allocated substantial funding aimed at rejuvenating the city’s sports venues and associated infrastructure. The approval includes a sizable $515 million investment for the renovation of Capital One Arena, the home ground for both the National Basketball Association’s Washington Wizards and the National Hockey League’s Washington
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is urgently advocating for Congress to allocate a minimum of $57.5 million in emergency appropriations to the Federal Transit Administration’s Public Transportation Emergency Relief program. This funding is aimed at helping transit agencies recover from the devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton. As climate change leads to an
The nomination of Scott Bessent as the future U.S. Treasury Secretary under President-elect Trump marks a pivotal moment for economic policy in the United States, especially concerning municipal bonds. Leaders in the municipal market are optimistic about Bessent’s expertise and experience, viewing them as crucial assets in navigating the complexities of tax policy affecting municipalities.
As climate change intensifies, municipalities across the United States are confronted with an urgent need to fortify their infrastructure against increasingly severe weather events. The expectation is that the municipal bond market will see significant growth over the next decade as states seek to fund climate-related projects. A recent Pew report elucidates this trend by
As the political landscape shifts in Washington, the debate surrounding tax policy remains a contentious issue, particularly with the impending transition of power within Congress. One prominent figure in this dialogue is Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who recently dismissed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 as a “scam of giant proportions.”
The ongoing negotiations between the Pinellas County Commission in Florida and the Tampa Bay Rays, a Major League Baseball team, have recently entered a contentious phase, marked by increased tensions and diverging interests. Certain factors, such as financial impetus, community expectations, and post-hurricane recovery efforts, complicate the potential for a new stadium and threaten the
In a significant move for U.S. transportation policy, President-elect Donald Trump has proposed Sean Duffy, a former Congressman and current Fox News host, for the role of Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Trump’s announcement, made through his Truth Social platform, highlights Duffy’s extensive experience in Congress and his commitment to enhancing the