The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States, created by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 to regulate the economy and financial system across the nation. It supervises and conducts the nation’s monetary policy, financial institutions, payment systems, consumer protection, and community development. A key aspect of the reserve is its role as an independent government agency that can manage monetary policies—actions by the bank to manage economic goals such as in

With the start of every new year comes a slew of new laws that come into effect. Here are four that are the most impactful and significant within New York. Minimum wage will increase in 2026, from $16.50 to $17 an hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, and from $15.50 to $16 for other places in the state. Future increases will begin in 2027, annually increasing based on inflation. This comes amid widespread attention to New York’s affordability crisis, particula