The Lede

Mortgage Orb, Dec. 28, 2018--Patrick BarnardFaced with fierce criticism for its decision, including from the Mortgage Bankers Association, FEMA on Friday reversed course, saying in a statement that "all NFIP insurers have been directed to resume normal operations immediately and advised that the program will be considered operational since December 21, 2018 without interruption."

Washington Post, Dec. 27, 2018--Kathy OrtonThis holiday season has brought good news for anyone looking to buy a house or refinance a mortgage.

The Mortgage Leader, Jan. 1, 2018New Fed Mortgage, a retail lender licensed to do business in all New England states except Vermont, will acquire Commonwealth Mortgage LLC early in 2019. Commonwealth Mortgage is a direct to consumer or internet lender.

Urban Institute, Dec. 27, 2018--Sheryl PardoKey issues being monitored by Urban Institute include affordable housing, government regulation under the Trump Administration, the new Congress and alternative credit scoring methodologies.

National Mortgage News, Dec. 28, 2018Reporters and analysts look at key issues shaping the real estate finance industry in 2019.

Wall Street Journal, Jan. 1, 2019--Yuka Hayashi (subscription)The credit-reporting industry has largely escaped new oversight from Washington following the 2017 hack of Equifax Inc. that exposed the personal information of millions of Americans. That could change in 2019 when Democrats take over the House.

National Mortgage Professional, Dec. 31, 2018--Phil HallWells Fargo reached an agreement with the attorneys general of all 50 states and the District of Columbia to pay $575 million in settling charges of violating state consumer protection laws.