Politics
All the latest news stories about politics, from elections and law-making to the subtle shifts that change our lives—and our finances
IRS Releases Updated Tax Brackets for 2026
The IRS has released updated federal income tax brackets and standard deductions for the 2026 tax year, which will apply to returns filed in 2027.
Fiscal Freeze: U.S. Federal Shutdown Drags On
With the government still unfunded, more than 4,000 federal workers received lay-off notices, and many services began to shutter.
Tariff Turmoil Continues Between U.S. and China
The trade dispute between China the United States took a sharp turn as President Donald Trump announced plans for a 100 % tariff on Chinese goods.
Firings of federal workers begin as White House seeks to pressure Democrats in government shutdown
The White House budget office says mass firings of federal workers have started in an attempt to exert more pressure on Democratic lawmakers as the government shutdown continues.
Trump suggests canceling Xi meeting and threatens more tariffs after China restricts key exports
President Donald Trump says “there seems to be no reason” to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping as part of an upcoming trip to South Korea after China restricted exports of rare earths needed for American industry. The Republican president suggested Friday he was looking at a “massive increase” of import taxes on Chinese products in response to Xi’s moves. Trump says one of the policies the U.S. is calculating is "a massive increase of Tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States." A monthslong calm on Wall Street was shattered, with U.S. stocks falling on the news. The Chinese Embassy in Washington hasn't responded to an Associated Press request for comment.
Fed minutes: Most officials supported further rate cuts as worries about jobs rose
Most members of the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate setting committee supported further reductions to its key interest rate this year, minutes from last month’s meeting showed.
IRS Furloughs Nearly Half Its Workforce
The IRS announced that nearly half of its workforce, approximately 34,000 employees, are being furloughed due to the ongoing government shutdown.
U.S. Government Shutdown Squeezes Main Street
Just a week into the U.S. federal government shutdown, small & mid-sized businesses that rely on federal contracts or regulatory approvals are already hurting.
Trump Pushes a “Deals Agenda” Ahead of Midterms
With midterm elections looming, the Trump administration is aggressively targeting deals across pharma, AI, energy, mining, and semiconductors.
Illinois Sues to Block Trump's National Guard Deployment to Chicago
Illinois leaders filed a lawsuit to stop President Trump from deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, calling it unlawful and dangerous.
Air Traffic Turmoil: Govt Shutdown Causes Staffing Struggle
The Federal Aviation Administration reported staffing issues causing flight delays at several airports, including Newark and Denver.
Govt Gridlock Goes Prime Time
The Federal Government shutdown continues as partisan divisions showed no sign of easing.
Lack of jobs data due to government shutdown muddies view of hiring
From Wall Street trading floors to the Federal Reserve to economists sipping coffee in their home offices, the first Friday morning of the month typically brings a quiet hush around 8:30 a.m. eastern, as everyone awaits the Labor Department’s monthly jobs report.
Supreme Court lets Lisa Cook remain as a Federal Reserve governor for now
The Supreme Court is allowing Lisa Cook to remain as a Federal Reserve governor for now.
Midnight Meltdown: Government Shuts Down After No Deals Reached
The U.S. government has officially shutdown as Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked over a funding deal, with both sides blaming each other publicly.
Trump Energy Department Bans Key Climate Change Terms
The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has circulated a memo forbidding staff from using words like “climate change."
California Breaks New Ground with A.I. Transparency Law
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the “Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act”.
