“With the U.S. Federal Reserve preparing to raise interest rates this year and the world’s largest economy picking up speed, the greenback last year rose against all 16 of its major rivals, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and ABN Amro Bank NV are among those predicting the dollar will rise to parity with the euro …

“Russia’s latest and most serious foreign adventure in Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea took place when the price of oil was still over $100 a barrel. But as the oil price fell Russia has not (so far) become any friendlier to the West nor to its neighbours. ” See More . . . Source: http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2015/01/oil-price-and-russian-politicsBy: The Economist

“FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said on Sunday his agency is working to regulate drones throughout the country to ensure the safety of all aircraft.” See More . . . Source: http://www.politico.com/story/2014/11/drones-future-faa-michael-huerta-113214.htmlBy: Jennifer Shutt (Web producer at POLITICO)

“On a recent Wednesday, after the streetcar extended its hours to cater to a German cruise ship full of 1,200 passengers, HART got a glimpse of what expanded service would look like. Ridership surged more than 300 percent, with ridership jumping to 1,700 people from the Wednesday average of 575.” See More . . . Source: http://www.tampabay.com/news/transportation/masstransit/breathing-new-life-into-tampas-streetcar-will-take-money-effort/2214174By: CAITLIN JOHNSTON, TIMES …

“Google is working on sensors to detect road signs and other vehicles, and software that analyzes all the data. The small, bulbous cars without steering wheels or pedals are being tested at a Google facility in California.” See More . . . Source: http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2015/01/17/google-expects-public-in-driverless-cars-in-2-to-5-years/ By: CBS Detroit

“Musk is tonight hosting a SpaceX event in Seattle, where the company is opening a new office. The talk will mostly be about SpaceX’s plans for hiring aerospace and software engineers in the Pacific Northwest to boost the company’s rocket-building efforts. But he’ll also use the talk to announce his newest idea, which would launch a vast network of communication …

“The challenges raised in the Tampa ferry planning process are familiar to those trying to upgrade commercial and day-to-day transportation options around the country. The twin goals of developing cleaner transportation options without damaging the environment force planners to consider numerous questions about alternative transportation systems, including how they will be paid for, who will use them, how frequently they …

“The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization, a transportation policy-making board for the county and its three incorporated cities, will discuss FDOT’s five-year plan Tuesday during its regular board meeting. The MPO staff is recommending that its board back the plan, but it does question a few of its priorities.” See More . . . Source: http://tbo.com/news/business/five-year-transportation-plan-goes-before-planning-organization-20150105/ By: Yvette C. Hammett …