NEWS OF THE DAY: U.S. economy grew at a 6.5% rate last quarter, missing expectationsCourtney Brown, Axios, July 29, 2021 The U.S. economy grew at an annualized 6.5% rate last quarter, the government said Thursday — slower than the 8.4% economists expected. Why it matters: It came as the economy made strides toward further reopening, vaccinations rolled out and government … read more

NEWS OF THE DAY: Bipartisan group reaches agreement on $1.2 trillion “hard” infrastructure billAlayna Treen, Axios, July 28, 2021 After weeks of long nights and endless Zoom calls, a bipartisan group of senatorsfinally reached a deal on “the major issues” in their $1.2 trillion “hard” infrastructure package, GOP senators involved in the talks announced Wednesday. Why it matters: It could be … read more

NEWS OF THE DAY: Review of federal oil, gas leasing program being ‘finalized internally – HaalandReuters, July 27, 2021 A highly anticipated review by the Interior Department of the federal oil and gas leasing program is undergoing final internal review and should be released “very soon,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland told a Senate hearing on Tuesday. President Joe Biden announced … read more