Senate Democrats in Washington are advocating for new taxes to address a looming $16 billion budget shortfall, as revealed in a leaked email sent by Sen. Noel Frame (D-Seattle). The email, sent shortly after Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement of the shortfall, outlines additional taxes beyond those proposed by Inslee, which include a new wealth tax, a temporary 20% business surcharge, and an increase in business and occupation (B&O) tax rates.
Maine Governor Janet Mills signed an executive order on Friday to create a task force dedicated to examining the opportunities and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) for the state’s residents, economy, and institutions.
Shoplifting incidents in the U.S. surged 93% in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels, with retailers experiencing a 90% rise in monetary losses, according to a new study by the National Retail Federation (NRF).
The Federal Reserve made its third consecutive interest rate cut on Wednesday, reducing its benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point. The move, widely anticipated by investors and financial markets, brings the federal funds rate to a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent. Since beginning its rate cuts in September, the Fed has now lowered rates by a total of 100 basis points, or one percentage point.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pushed back against "false media narratives" about illegal immigration, following a report highlighting the state's economic growth.
