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WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a moderate 2.1% rate over the summer, slightly faster than first estimated. But many economists say they think growth is slowing sharply in the current quarter.

Vermont will receive $500,000 in federal funding to repair roads and bridges that have been damaged by heavy rain and flooding.

The CEO of FedEx Corp. came out swinging after a news report called into question the company’s track record on capital investments and tax payments in the wake of federal tax reform efforts.

Congressional leaders in Washington again have packed the final weeks of the year with major legislative items as the top transportation policymakers in the U.S. Senate urge passage of comprehensive highway legislation.

Buyers snapped up new U.S. homes over the past two months at the fastest pace in more than 12 years, adding to signs of sturdy housing demand amid lower prices and borrowing costs.

U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly fell for a fourth straight month as sentiment about current labor-market conditions eased, posing a challenge to retailers heading into the all-important holiday-shopping season.

Ports on the East Coast are enjoying an uptick in volume thanks to infrastructure improvements, expanded sea routes and the positive effects that the United States’ ongoing trade war with China are having for other countries, while these same factors are contributing to drop-offs for West Coast ports.

Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced an infrastructure plan worth 859 billion pesos ($44 billion) that includes highways, railways, ports and airports as well as investments in telecommunications, with most of the capital coming from the private sector.

Canadian National Railway and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference announced Nov. 26 the sides reached a tentative agreement to end the strike by 3,200 CN Rail conductors and yard crews.

The U.S. average retail price of diesel dipped 0.8 cent to $3.066 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported Nov. 25.