As the 118th Congress approaches its conclusion, lawmakers are preparing to return to Capitol Hill for a significant lame-duck session. This period, expected to wrap up on December 20, bears great importance due to the pressing need for government funding, national defense authorization, and potential disaster relief measures. These critical issues, however, overshadow more specific
Politics
Recent financial struggles have resulted in a significant downgrade of Manhattan, Kansas’s credit rating by Moody’s Ratings Agency. Initially rated at Aa3, the city now finds itself at A1, with warnings that further downgrades are possible. This alarming shift comes on the heels of long-standing issues surrounding the city’s financial audits—specifically, a tardy annual audit
In a significant development for the District of Columbia, the City Council has approved financial backing for a grand renovation of the Capital One Arena, alongside a firm commitment to upgrade the neighboring baseball stadium. This $515 million initiative stands as a crucial step for economic enhancement, spearheaded by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser who emphasizes
In recent months, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has been raising increasing alarms about the pressing need for congressional intervention to support transit agencies. After devastating hurricanes, notably Helene and Milton, many public transportation systems across the United States are left reeling. APTA is advocating for a substantial emergency appropriation of $57.5 million directed
The recent nomination of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary by President-elect Trump has sent ripples throughout the municipal bond market and beyond. Observers within the financial community are both optimistic and apprehensive, recognizing the profound implications his appointment will hold for tax policy and fiscal strategy. With a background steeped in financial markets, Bessent’s track
As climate change continues to escalate, the pressure on municipal infrastructures increases dramatically, obligating states to devise innovative financing strategies. This transformation is exemplified by a recent brief from the Pew Charitable Trusts that highlights how states are mobilizing funding to address climate-resilient infrastructure needs. A significant shift in public policy is taking place in
As the American political landscape braces itself for a new Congress, the discussion surrounding tax policy has surged to the forefront, particularly as it pertains to the legacy of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). In a recent subcommittee hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts
The ongoing saga between the Pinellas County Commission and the Tampa Bay Rays has reached new heights of tension, highlighting a complex relationship fraught with financial complications and local sentiment. As the Rays push for a financing deal critical to building a new stadium, the commission recently opted to delay a crucial vote on $312
The announcement of Sean Duffy, a former Congressman and current Fox News host, as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Transportation has stirred interest across both political aisles. With a wealth of experience from his years in Congress, Duffy’s appointment could signal a transformative period for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). His mission,
As the Biden administration celebrates the third anniversary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), it does so with a resounding announcement of $3.4 billion in new grants earmarked for vital transportation projects across the United States. This substantial financial commitment signifies not only a celebratory milestone but also a firm determination to ensure