Today’s Highlights

Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates next week.

How the resurrected congestion pricing plan could die in the courts.

Congress nears deal on disaster aid, funding patch to avert pre-Christmas shutdown.

Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates next week

The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates by another quarter point at the end of its two-day meeting on Dec. 18. That would mark the third rate cut in a row – altogether shaving a full percentage point off the federal funds rate since September. So far, the central bank has moved slowly as they recalibrate policy after swiftly hiking rates when inflation hit a 40-year high. (CNBC)

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How the resurrected congestion pricing plan could die in the courts

E-ZPass readers and cameras are in place to start New York City’s congestion pricing program on Jan. 5. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who blocked the program just weeks before its original start in June, is on board this time. And the region’s mass transit system is still counting on the billions of dollars expected to be generated through new tolls to drive into the busiest parts of Manhattan. But it could still unravel at the last minute because of a flurry of legal challenges, including from the State of New Jersey. Plaintiffs in those cases have argued that the new tolls would be a financial burden for commuters, hurt small businesses, and shift traffic and pollution to other parts of the city and region. (The New York Times)

Congress nears deal on disaster aid, funding patch to avert pre-Christmas shutdown

Congressional leaders are closing in on a deal to fund the government into early next year, along with tens of billions of dollars in disaster aid, as they work to avoid a holiday shutdown. The burgeoning agreement comes after weeks of House and Senate leadership negotiations ahead of the Dec. 20 deadline. Text of the funding bill is expected over the weekend or early next week to allow both chambers to pass the measure before lawmakers leave town until January. The spending patch is expected to fund the government into March. (POLITICO)

Five soft skills of successful entrepreneurs and business owners

Entrepreneurs can benefit from a mix of innate skills like emotional intelligence and empathy, as well as learnable skills like leadership and communication. Here are the skills worth developing to improve your chances of success as an entrepreneur and business owner. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

SEE PHOTOS: NJ Chamber’s member holiday party features good cheer and great networking

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members and special guests celebrated the holiday season in style at Calandra’s Italian Village in Caldwell on Dec. 10. The 13th annual Chamber Member Holiday Party was attended by over 150 – and included nonstop networking and an abundance of delicious Italian cuisine. See pictures here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)

Walk to Washington – Feb. 6-7, 2025

Get a ticket. Get a sponsorship. Get a room. The Walk to Washington is back – with more networking

The Walk to Washington returns Feb. 6 & 7, with major enhancements. Following a 5-year hiatus, the 84th version of the iconic event will feature more networking – and fewer speeches. This unique affair consists of 900 N.J. leaders traveling to Washington D.C. on a chartered Amtrak train that picks up guests in Newark, Metropark, New Brunswick, Trenton, Philadelphia and Wilmington, Del. Sponsorship opportunities, event registration and information are here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)