White House halts $18 billion in New York infrastructure funding

Economists are breathing a sigh of relief as the White House has withdrawn its controversial nomination of EJ Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Critics had raised concerns about Antoni's qualifications and perceived partisanship, which could have undermined the agency's credibility. This decision is significant as it helps maintain the integrity of economic data, which is crucial for informed policy-making and public trust.

The U.S. government has decided to pause transit funding for New York, a move seen as a jab at Democrats amid ongoing shutdown negotiations. This decision could significantly impact public transportation in the city, affecting millions of commuters who rely on these services daily. The funding halt raises concerns about the future of transit projects and the overall infrastructure in New York, highlighting the political tensions that can influence essential services.

The Trump administration is intensifying its battle against New York as the government shutdown looms, following through on previous threats. This move is significant as it highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state governments, particularly regarding funding and policy disagreements. The implications of this standoff could affect millions of residents and the state's economy, making it a critical issue to watch.

The $500 billion Stargate AI project is drawing attention from key stakeholders in the technology sector. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize artificial intelligence, attracting significant investments and partnerships. Understanding the players involved and their motivations is crucial, as it could shape the future of AI development and its applications across various industries.

Fermi Inc., an energy real estate investment trust, has seen its shares soar 28% above the initial public offering price after raising $682.5 million in its US listing. This significant increase not only highlights investor confidence in the energy sector but also marks a successful entry into the public market for Fermi, which could pave the way for future growth and investment opportunities in renewable energy.

In a thought-provoking piece, columnist Greg Ip discusses how President Trump's approach to drug pricing is starting to resemble the ideas put forth by democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who is running for mayor of New York. This convergence of capitalist and socialist principles raises important questions about the future of economic policy and healthcare in America, highlighting the ongoing debate over how best to balance profit and public welfare.

In a troubling turn of events, President Trump has overseen a third government shutdown, which could lead to the firing of thousands of federal workers and the closure of government offices. Despite his statement expressing a desire to avoid the shutdown, negotiations fell through before the midnight deadline. This situation not only affects the livelihoods of many employees but also disrupts essential government services, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving bipartisan agreements.

In a recent discussion, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown shared insights on the team's commercial partnerships and the overall business landscape of motorsport. Speaking with Bloomberg's Matt Miller and Dani Burger in New York, Brown highlighted the importance of strategic collaborations in enhancing the team's valuation and competitiveness. This conversation sheds light on how commercial dynamics play a crucial role in the success of racing teams, making it relevant for fans and stakeholders alike.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, seeking nearly $34 million in funding that was frozen for transit projects. This legal action highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over transportation funding, which is crucial for maintaining and improving public transit systems. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact New York's transit infrastructure and its ability to serve millions of commuters.

Brookfield Asset Management has successfully raised over $4 billion for its fourth infrastructure debt fund, marking a significant milestone in its investment strategy. This funding is crucial as it enables the firm to support various infrastructure projects, which can lead to economic growth and job creation. The strong interest from investors highlights confidence in Brookfield's approach and the potential returns from infrastructure investments.

The US government has shut down due to a failure between Republicans and Democrats to reach an agreement on a spending bill, leading to a halt in funding. This situation is significant as it affects numerous government services and employees, highlighting the ongoing political divide and the challenges in governance. The implications of this shutdown could ripple through the economy and impact citizens relying on government services.

In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination of his ally EJ Antoni to lead the statistics agency, alongside the decision to drop Brian Quintenz's bid for chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This shift raises questions about the future direction of these agencies and reflects the ongoing challenges Trump faces in securing key appointments. The implications of these withdrawals could affect policy-making and regulatory oversight in critical economic sectors.

In a recent announcement, former President Trump stated that he plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade relations, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by soybean farmers in the U.S. This meeting is significant as it could lead to improved trade agreements and support for American farmers who have been affected by tariffs and trade tensions. By promising aid to soybean farmers, Trump aims to alleviate some of the economic pressures they face, which could resonate positively with rural voters ahead of future elections.

Fitch Ratings has stated that a potential US government shutdown is unlikely to impact sovereign credit ratings in the near term. This is significant because it suggests that despite political uncertainties, the financial stability of the US remains intact, which can reassure investors and maintain confidence in the economy.

US financial regulators are beginning to shut down operations as federal funding has run out, raising concerns about the stability of the financial system. This situation is critical as it could lead to disruptions in oversight and enforcement, potentially impacting markets and consumer confidence. The implications of these shutdowns could ripple through the economy, affecting everything from banking to investments.

WAFD Inc has officially changed the name of its subsidiary to WaFd Bank, a move that reflects its commitment to enhancing brand recognition and customer engagement. This rebranding is significant as it aligns the bank more closely with its mission and values, potentially attracting new customers and strengthening its market position.

The latest ADP payrolls report reveals troubling news for the job market, showing that employers outside the government cut 32,000 more jobs than they added, with a significant downward revision for August, indicating a loss of 3,000 jobs. This decline in job growth is concerning as it suggests a weakening labor market, which could have broader implications for the economy. While stocks seem to be unaffected by the looming government shutdown, the sinking bond yields reflect investor anxiety about the economic outlook.

In October 2025, we've identified the best long-term care insurance companies, highlighting top choices like New York Life and Mutual of Omaha. This is important for individuals planning for their future healthcare needs, as selecting the right insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security.