Washington
Trump’s $90 Medicare rebate rolls out, but millions aren’t eligible. Critics see a political stunt
WASHINGTON | President Donald Trump says his administration will make one-time payments of $90 per person to help more than 20 million Medicare enrollees pay for their Part B premiums. It will cost about $2 billion. Less than one-third of all Medicare recipients are eligible for the payments, which are expected to be sent out […]
As Democrats eye big midterm wins, Republicans look to turn the tables in some House districts
WASHINGTON | The midterm elections might look ominous for President Donald Trump, but there are places where his Republican Party could turn the tables on Democrats if it can peel off a few key wins in key congressional races. National organizations are pumping money behind candidates that Republicans hope can provide bright spots. Here’s a […]
A replica Oval Office near the White House just got a new Trump makeover. Gold flourishes abound
WASHINGTON | It’s glitzier. And there’s way more gold. The People’s House museum exhibit has overhauled its replica Oval Office for visitors to experience President Donald Trump’s second-term design choices. Gleaming vases, golden-hued swirling onlays, two dozen portraits in heavy gilded frames and knickknacks crowding nearly every available surface: the same rococo flourishes that Trump […]
A new Supreme Court term begins with cases on climate change, immigration and gun rights
WASHINGTON | The Supreme Court’s new term begins Monday with cases on climate change, religious rights and President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration high on the agenda. Here’s a look at what’s in store: Climate change The high court is starting its term with a major climate change case. The justices will hear an appeal […]
Rural MAHA followers say Trump hasn’t improved health of their communities, an AP-KFF poll finds
WASHINGTON | About half of rural voters identify with Make America Healthy Again, a sprawling political movement championed by the Trump administration, but most said President Donald Trump’s healthcare policies have not benefited their communities, according to a new poll from The Associated Press in partnership with KFF. About 8 in 10 rural voters — […]
Supreme Court grants review of Trump administration’s mandatory detention policy for immigrants
WASHINGTON | The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to review a Trump administration policy denying bond hearings for immigrants as the government carries out a sweeping crackdown. The justices will consider whether immigrants who have been living in the U.S. have a right to a hearing to determine if they should remain detained while challenging […]
US economy grew a solid 2.2% in the second quarter, government says, upgrading previous estimate
WASHINGTON | The U.S. economy grew at a solid 2.2% pace from April through June as consumer spending and business investment came in strong. Growth in gross domestic product — the nation’s output of a goods and services — decelerated from a 2.5% pace from January through March, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. The second-quarter […]
Trump will unveil $54 billion in South Korean investment in Alaska, site of a tight Senate race
WASHINGTON | President Donald Trump is expected to announce on Wednesday plans for South Korea to invest roughly $54 billion in a project to export natural gas from Alaska, a proposal long backed by Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who’s in a competitive reelection contest there. The investment would mark the second time this week that […]
Second prosecutor resigns from Justice Department ‘grand conspiracy’ probe targeting Trump foes
WASHINGTON | A lawyer who backed President Donald Trump’s false 2020 election claims has resigned from a Justice Department investigation into whether former government officials conspired against the Republican president, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday. Kurt Olsen’s resignation from the so-called “grand conspiracy” probe represents further turmoil in a meandering investigation […]
Trump administration uses rare authority to claw back nearly $1B in spending approved by Congress
WASHINGTON | President Donald Trump is canceling nearly $1 billion in spending approved by Congress, the White House announced on Friday, using a rare and contested power to axe funding for immigrant services and diversity-focused initiatives. Trump’s Office of Management and Budget described the funding cut as focused on “the most harmful government spending.” Most […]