These are some of the stories we’ve been following this week.

Los Angeles, California. From Pixabay.

  • A new specialized EB-5 redeployment fund will help alleviate some of the issues that crop up due to the backlog of  the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
  • Rules governing hydraulic fracturing operations will be argued in a Colorado courtroom. The rules are aimed at protecting water sources, but the White House does not have any plans to implement the rules.
  • An executive with TransCanada, the company attempting to build the Keystone XL pipeline, said it’s not clear yet if the project will ever be completed.
  • Seattle’s minimum wage currently does not include some workers with disabilities. City officials plan on closing the loophole so that all workers will be subjected to the higher minimum wage.
  • Illinois is considering a special task force focused on investigating and reporting on tax assessments, appeals, and property tax policies across the state.
  • One group wants Victoria Island in Canada to convert its railroad tracks into walking and biking paths.
  • Cryptocurrencies could soon be facing a crackdown by U.S. officials. Analysts predict capital raising in Europe could see a boost as a result.
  • Fairbanks, Alaska will pay for cleaning up chemicals left behind by a dry cleaner at a local mall.
  • Los Angeles County has been in the middle of a real estate boom, and property values are on the rise for the seventh straight year because of it.