Things To Do In SW Florida

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will likely keep its key short-term interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, despite weeks of harsh criticism and demands from President Donald Trump that the Fed reduce borrowing costs.

After causing a sharp drop in financial markets two weeks ago by saying he could fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Trump subsequently backed off and said he had no intention of doing so. Still, he and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have said the Fed should cut rates.

They argue that inflation has steadily cooled and high borrowing costs are no longer needed to restrain price increases. The Fed sharply ramped up its short-term rate in 2022 and 2023 as pandemic-era inflation spiked.

Separately, Elon Musk, the head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, last Wednesday suggested that DOGE should look more closely at the Fed’s spending on its facilities.

The heightened scrutiny shows that even as the Trump administration backs off its threats to fire Powell, the Fed is still subject to unusually sharp political pressures, despite its status as an independent agency. read more

By Kevin Hardy, Stateline.org

Missouri Republicans may take their tax-cutting efforts to new heights this year as lawmakers consider exempting profits from the sale of stocks, bonds and real estate from state income taxes.

Part of a broader push to eliminate the state income tax altogether, legislation making its way through the Capitol would provide an unprecedented benefit to the wealthy by excluding capital gains, the long-term earnings from the sale of assets. If approved, tax experts say, the legislation would mark the first time a state with an income tax has eliminated capital gains tax.

The Republican sponsors say the move would make the state more attractive for businesses and families.

“This bill is intended to energize Missouri’s economy,” Republican Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins said upon introducing the measure.

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By Jeff Ostrowski, Bankrate.com

Homes are acutely unaffordable, a reality that’s pushing stressed-out buyers to consider fixer-uppers. While older homes might offer bargains upfront, there’s a catch: Aging properties saddle owners with maintenance costs that squeeze budgets and test patience. Homebuyers need nearly $117,000 in household income to afford a home, so buying an older one that needs work isn’t necessarily an ideal solution.

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How old are America’s homes?

America’s housing stock is graying. The median age of owner-occupied homes nationally climbed to 41 years old in 2023, up from 31 years in 2005, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Put another way, the typical American now lives in a home built in the early 1980s or before. read more

Basements are rare in Florida. A 6,200-square-foot basement with an 18-car underground garage reached by a cleverly disguised car elevator? Well … that’s a showstopper.

Such audacious design touches are why the National Association of Home Builders chose the 15,176-square-foot estate now under construction on Winter Park’s Lake Osceola as its showcase home for the 2026 International Builders’ Show.

Alair Homes Orlando is building the 43rd edition of the association’s centerpiece The New American Home, and the last in Orlando. The annual builder’s show will relocate permanently to Las Vegas in 2027.

The outdoor entertaining space features multiple fire elements lining the pool, a summer kitchen and a sunken living room with a fire pit. The owner will rebuild a small accessory building as a private, detached office in the backyard. (Rendering by Mills Design Group) courtesy of CNW Group/Alair Enterprises Ltd. The sloping lot presented a challenge to the design team because the retaining wall and infinity pool could not be more than 5 feet above grade. (Rendering by Mills Design Group) The infinity pool overlooks the deep yard and dock on Lake Osceola. (Rendering by Mills Design Group) The summer kitchen has a grill, smoker and covered dining area. (Rendering courtesy of Alair Homes Orlando) A separate 3-car garage with a second-story apartment will be placed in front of the main house on the narrow, .7-acre lot. The building will be adorned with a living wall and accented by a sculpture. (Rendering by Mills Design Group)