WASHINGTON – U.S. homebuilders sharply curtailed the pace of construction in June as housing starts plummeted 12.3 percent. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that housing starts fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million from 1.34 million in May. June’s pace of construction was the lowest since September 2017.Housing starts plunged 35.8 percent in the Midwest and declined less severely in the Northeast, South and West. Permits, an indicator of upcoming construction, also declined 2.2 percent in June from the previous month. Still, the drop-off in housing starts might only reflect the volatile nature of the government’s monthly construction report, rather than the beginning of a downward trend. For the first half of 2018, a steady job market and a shortage of existing homes for sale has bolstered housing starts. New home construction has climbed 7.8 percent year-to-date. Homebuilders are also relatively confident that the expansion will continue. … [Read more...] about U.S. housing starts tumbled 12.3 percent in June
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US housing starts tumbled 12.3 percent in June
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. homebuilders sharply curtailed the pace of construction in June as housing starts plummeted 12.3 percent.The Commerce Department said Wednesday that housing starts fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million from 1.34 million in May. June's pace of construction was the lowest since September 2017.Housing starts plunged 35.8 percent in the Midwest and declined less severely in the Northeast, South and West.Permits, an indicator of upcoming construction, also declined 2.2 percent in June from the previous month.Still, the drop-off in housing starts might only reflect the volatile nature of the government's monthly construction report, rather than the beginning of a downward trend.For the first half of 2018, a steady job market and a shortage of existing homes for sale has bolstered housing starts. New home construction has climbed 7.8 percent year-to-date.Homebuilders are also relatively confident that the expansion will continue. The National … [Read more...] about US housing starts tumbled 12.3 percent in June
It’s Michael Mania for the Cincinnati Reds as Lorenzen’s grand slam caps at 12-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers
John Fay Cincinnati Enquirer Published 1:02 p.m. UTC Jul 1, 2018 Michael Mania has reached fever pitch in Redsland. Michael Lorenzen hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the seventh inning to break open the game in a 12-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers before a crowd of 24,640 on a steamy day at Great American Ball Park. It was Lorenzen's second home run in many days third in three at-bats and his fifth of his career. It was first Reds' pinch-hit grand slam since Chris Heisey did it April 13, 2014. "You guys ever seen anything like this Lorenzen stuff?" catcher Tucker Barnhart asked. "I promise you hitting is not that easy." Lorenzen, a center fielder/closer in college, considers himself a baseball, not a pitcher. But even the best baseball players don't have stretches like this. "It's a surreal feeling for sure," Lorenzen said. "I'm seeing the ball really well right now. Yeah, I say it every time. I love this game. I love everything about it. When you're playing … [Read more...] about It’s Michael Mania for the Cincinnati Reds as Lorenzen’s grand slam caps at 12-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers
MBTA: North-South Rail May Cost $12.3 Billion
Building a rail link between North and South station could cost at least $12.3 billion, double the initial highest amount expected, according to a draft study by the MBTA. A study by the agency published last summer estimated that the rail link would cost between $4 billion and $6 billion. The latest study by the agency found that the cost could range between $12.3 billion to $21.5 billion. The cost of the project, which would include burying commuter rail trains and Amtrak lines beneath Boston and offering enhanced service options, is reportedly comparable to the Big Dig tunnels. In 2012, state officials said the Big Dig cost $24.3 billion, the State House News Service reports. Mexico's Win Against Germany May Have Prompted Artificial Earthquake Should the project go through, the new stations would be 115-195 feet deep, which would be deeper than the most subterranean MBTA station, according to the study. Commuter rail ridership is expected to grow to 150,000 by … [Read more...] about MBTA: North-South Rail May Cost $12.3 Billion
The cost to connect Boston’s North and South stations? At least $12.3 billion
The cheapest version of a rail link between North and South station would run about $12.3 billion, and a more extensive version could cost about $21.5 billion, according to a draft study by the MBTA. The T's analysis, pursued with the consultant Arup, dwarfs the figures in a study publicized last summer by Harvard Kennedy School students estimating the rail link would cost between $4 billion and $6 billion. Burying commuter rail trains and Amtrak lines deep beneath downtown Boston would approach the tab for demolishing the Central Artery overpasses and building the Big Dig tunnels. In 2012, state officials tallied up the Big Dig costs to $24.3 billion. MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez has so far reserved judgment on whether the North-South Rail Link would be a worthwhile pursuit, telling reporters he is looking forward to seeing the results of a study looking at the future of the commuter rail. The study, which will be the subject of a public meeting Thursday and publicized in draft … [Read more...] about The cost to connect Boston’s North and South stations? At least $12.3 billion