In a bold display of executive power, President Donald Trump has instructed the Justice Department to create a list of cities and states he deems non-compliant with federal immigration laws. This order marks Trump’s 142nd executive action in just 100 days, a staggering number that underscores his tenacity but also raises alarm bells over federal
Politics
In a move reminiscent of political chess played under a pervasive cloud of financial uncertainty, Washington state lawmakers emerged after a tumultuous session to approve a staggering $77.9 billion budget. The fiscal constraints of a $16 billion projected deficit loomed large, which was exacerbated by declining state revenue forecasts and anticipated cuts in federal support.
In a significant move against President Trump’s authoritarian approach to trade, Oregon has taken a brave step by joining eleven other states to file a lawsuit aimed at halting his overreaching tariffs. This lawsuit, spearheaded by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, underscores a critical constitutional principle: Congress, and not the executive branch, should maintain the
In recent discussions at the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) meeting, the air buzzed with anticipation as stakeholders awaited the potential transformations to the MSRB’s rate card. Scheduled on April 23 and 24, the quarterly board meeting unveiled a pivotal moment in the regulatory atmosphere of fiscal year 2025. As a self-regulatory entity overseeing the
In his provocative book, “The Inefficiency Of Municipal Tax Exemption,” Wall Street whistleblower Michael Lissack makes a case for dismantling the existing framework of municipal bonds by eliminating their tax-exempt status and replacing it with direct subsidies. At first glance, one might think that such drastic measures could streamline fiscal policy; however, Lissack falls into
The political arena in Oklahoma has taken a turn that’s as dramatic as it is disheartening. A feud has erupted between two high-profile Republican officials: State Treasurer Todd Russ and Attorney General Gentner Drummond. This conflict, which ignited over the state’s controversial social and environmental governance (ESG) laws, exemplifies a disturbing trend: the deterioration of
America’s transportation infrastructure is at a breaking point, and the traditional approach to funding it through gas taxes is quickly becoming obsolete. With a dramatic shift toward electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, gas taxes are plummeting as a reliable source of revenue. The number of states proposing legislation that bypasses antiquated funding methods underscores this urgent
The ongoing saga surrounding the transformation of New York’s Pennsylvania Station is a glaring testament to the complexities of intergovernmental power dynamics. With the Trump administration now firmly gripping the reins of this staggering $7 billion project, the move to oust the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a signal that political whims can overshadow the
As the world watches the unfolding saga of international trade, the promise of a 90-day pause in tariff increases offers little more than a mirage. We find ourselves on the brink of an economic confrontation with China, characterized by staggering tariffs—some soaring as high as 145%. This high-stakes environment involves not just the steel and
In a shocking move, the Ohio House has passed a budget provision that could fundamentally undermine the very fabric of public school financing in the state. This provision mandates that school districts must limit their carryover balances to 30% of their annual operating costs. Critics, including education policy experts and teachers’ unions, have expressed grave