U.S. public finance entities could see heightened "cyber reprisals" by Iran and its proxies amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East, with these attacks from state-sponsored actors, hacktivist groups, and lone wolves likely to become more frequent, Fitch Ratings warns.

Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton distills what he heard onstage and in the hallways at The Bond Buyer's 2026 National Outlook, from policy uncertainty and the muni tax exemption to AI's growing role and credit risk hotspots.

A recent report from The Bond Buyer found that data quality and accuracy was the top concern among AI skeptics in the industry.

NFMA "serves a lot of core functions," said Angela Kukoda, its 2026 chair.

If building out AI tools requires a big investment, "it sure helps to have the capital," said Justin Marlowe, a research professor in the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook said AI could boost productivity, but warned the transition may raise unemployment and force difficult tradeoffs between inflation and jobs.

A California lawmaker introduced legislation that would require data centers that use excessive amounts of energy to pay a surcharge to avoid rate hikes on residents.

Jeff Lipton compares The Bond Buyer's 2026 Predictions Report to his outlook series.

Financial advisory firm PFM is leveraging its modeling system Synario and partnering with DebtBook, a treasury market accounting software platform.

The development of powerful quantum computers has serious implications for how state and local governments protect sensitive information.

State lawmakers introduced bills to eliminate sales tax exemptions and tax credits for data centers and mandate public disclosure of water and electricity use.

In rural areas, "even modest rate increases can force low-income households to choose between water service and other basic necessities," Matt Odermann from the National Rural Water Association told senators Wednesday.

The Bond Buyer has launched a new AI-powered research experience designed to give subscribers an easy way to access our latest news and research while also offering a deep, comprehensive dive into our archives. 

Munichain says its product will simplify and vastly improve the ordering process.

The platform uses AI to provide users with an analysis of any municipal bond issuer by centralizing all data and delivering easy-to-understand results instantly, its developer said.

State tax policy is playing a role in the location of data centers which have turned into a lightning rod attracting debt financing, local opposition, and federal involvement.

Software as a service platform Adaje has acquired bond structuring software provider Munex and hired 25-year muni veteran Jon Sidman as its chief product officer.