|
|
|
|
President Biden faces the defining moment of his domestic agenda today when Congress decides the fate of his infrastructure budget initiatives. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Battle lines drawn in today's infrastructure bill showdown Following an exciting weekend of football, Monday features a political turf war in Washington as Congress considers a pair of high-stakes spending measures. And there are parallels between politics and the pigskin as Democrats and Republicans clash on Capitol Hill. The Dems are on offense and face a huge fourth-and-goal situation with their two plans -- a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation measure to address numerous pet projects. But an internal debate over whether to pass both, one or neither spending bill is akin to a team choosing between going for a touchdown or kicking a field goal -- or risk fumbling at the goal line. The GOP's defensive strategy plays into that choice, forcing the Dems to fight among themselves in a desperate bid to reach paydirt. SEE HOW THE GAME WILL PLAY OUT TODAY IN CONGRESS
Debt ceiling divide threatens to derail Democrats' plans Speaking of games of political football, the debt ceiling has become a partisan issue and a power play for the minority party -- in this case the Republicans -- as the clock ticks down on a deal for a continuing resolution. The GOP could pull the floor out from under the Dems' infrastructure bills by withholding support for raising the debt ceiling. Before Dems can make their cases for the combined $4.7 trillion in spending, they have to push through a continuing resolution with no GOP support. They have the votes to do so but leave themselves open to claims of tax-and-spend Democrats. It's hypocritical for Republicans, who voted in favor of stimulus bills but now refuse to pay for them, but that's how they play hard ball on Capitol Hill. SEE HOW THE DEBT CEILING HAS BECOME WEAPONIZED
Inflation nation: Why a little bit can be good for the economy Americans have been bombarded with inflationary fears during the pandemic. The 5.4% jump in the annual inflation rate in June was the highest in 13 years, and supply chain shortages and the flood of stimulus dollars into the economy have exacerbated the problem. But much like a glass of wine with dinner, sometimes a little bit of something bad can be a good thing. While the Federal Reserve is continuing efforts to control inflation, analysts say price increases in moderation can actually spur growth and optimism in the economy. HERE ARE SOME TIPS ABOUT HOW TO COPE WITH INFLATION
|
|
 |
Markets
| DJIA | 34,798.00 | 0.10% |
| S&P 500 | 4,455.48 | 0.15% |
| Nasdaq Composite | 15,047.70 | -0.03% |
| Japan: Nikkei 225 | 30,248.67 | 0.00% |
| UK: FTSE 100 | 7,051.48 | -0.38% |
| Crude Oil Futures | 74.90 | 1.24% |
| Gold Futures | 1,758.50 | 0.39% |
| Yen | 110.57 | -0.16% |
| Euro | 1.17 | 0.02% | | * As of market close |
|
|
 |
Trump hints at run in state weighing charges
Former president Donald Trump held a rally in Georgia over the weekend and once again dropped strong hints that he is considering a 2024 run to reclaim his old job. The next time he visits the Peach State may be to answer to criminal charges, including solicitation to commit election fraud. A new report found substantial evidence to charge Trump in his pressure campaign to steal the 2020 Georgia election. Trump's call to the state's attorney general asking him to "find 14,000 votes" and his calls to throw out the results via the courts my result in charges being filed against him. And Georgia isn't the only place where Trump could face legal issues. FIND OUT WHAT CRIMINAL CHARGES TRUMP COULD BE FACING
|
|
|
|
Laundrie still on the lam as FBI closes in
It's been 10 days since law enforcement officials began actively searching for Brian Laundrie, and so far they have little to show for it. The 23-year-old fugitive, who is a suspect in the murder of late fiance Gabby Petito, has sent authorities on a wild goose chase through the Florida swamps. Laundrie's friends are weighing in on his whereabouts and his ability to live off the grid for long periods of time without food and shelter. “He's out in the wilderness, I promise you,†a friend said. "If he’s alive, he’s out there, camping out...he lived in the Appalachians by himself for months.†How long he can hide remains to be seen, but the FBI won't stop seeking. SEE WHERE THE FBI IS FOCUSING ITS SEARCH FOR LAUNDRIE
|
|
CDC says trick-or-treating OK with limits
Trick or treat! If you miss hearing that chant at your door from costume-clad children, you are in the luck this year, albeit in smaller numbers. That's the word from the CDC about trick-or-treating this Halloween. After many kids were across the country were forbidden from the annual door-to-door candy crush last year, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Sunday that children can go trick or treating this Halloween as long as they stay in small groups in outdoor settings. While mask-wearing is more of a fashion statement than a health measure, it too is advised. FIND OUT HOW COVID HAS SEEN A MAJOR SURGE AMONG KIDS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haunted (White) House
The White House has traditionally been decorated for most holidays, but Halloween wasn't among them until this first lady did so in what year? Friday's answer: According to 2020 data, the world's most popular liquor brand is Moutai, a Chinese baijiu that is distilled from fermented sorghum. SEND YOUR ANSWER HERE TO SHOW OFF YOUR KNOWLEDGE
|
|
Spread the word
There's no better way to start your day than by waking up with Fast Start, except perhaps sharing it with friends. Spread the word by forwarding today's copy to your crew and tell them to let us know you sent them. HERE'S THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOUR FRIENDS WILL NEED
|
|
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here.
|
|
IBTimes will always protect your security and privacy. Please read our detailed Privacy Policy. Please do not reply to this email. Click here to adjust your notification preferences or unsubscribe.Â
© Copyright 2021 IBTimes LLC. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
