University of Iowa slapped with lawsuit from private partner in energy P3

A 50-year lease of the University of Iowa's utility system has soured less than three years into the deal, as the consortium filed a lawsuit over the university's alleged lack of payments and other contract violations. The public-private partnership between the university and a consortium of firms dubbed the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative LLC was one of the first of its kind when it was first inked in December 2019.

Check out our latest Rising Stars and the inaugural class of Muni Hall of Famers.

Arizona's launch last year of the most expansive school choice voucher program in the nation, which has proven to be costlier than expected, may be inspiring other states to follow suit with Iowa and Utah already enacting laws.? Katie Hobbs, Arizona's new Democratic governor, called for the repeal of a 2022 law signed by Republican predecessor Doug Ducey that made nearly $7,000-per-child vouchers available to all, including those attending home-based or private schools.

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While the market still expects the Federal Reserve to pivot and cut interest rates this year, analysts firmly believe it will stick to its higher, longer narrative on rates. It will be a "hike and hold scenario," according to Tony Welch, chief investment officer at SignatureFD. “The Fed will take what the market gives it."

If you missed any of our ESG Week coverage, make sure to check our ESG special section which has all the articles, the podcast and a taped version of the Leaders event.

Chicago's fiscal progress on structural balance and pensions drew rating upgrades and high-grade investors to recent bond deals but easing the longer term strains of pensions will require state intervention, Mayor Lori Lightfoot told a business crowd at the City Club with a month to go in her reelection campaign.

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A proposal requiring voter approval for large government debt expenditures in Maine garnered enough petition signatures to put it on the ballot, almost two months after public power campaigners who want to supplant the state’s investor-owned electric utilities were able to do the same.

Watch the acceptance speeches and look at some of the photos from our Deal of the Year event in New York City.?

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board held its quarterly meeting last week, discussing several important topics without taking or announcing any concrete actions.?

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