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.
Government Shutdown Looms as Trump Meets with Congressional Leaders
President Trump agreed to meet with top lawmakers from both parties in a last-ditch bid to avoid a federal government shutdown.
U.S. Pledges $20 Billion Support to Argentina
The U.S. Treasury announced negotiations for a $20 billion swap line with Argentina's central bank.
Chair of a House committee on China demands urgent White House briefing on TikTok deal
Rep. John Moolenaar has requested an urgent briefing from the White House after Trump supported a deal giving Americans a majority stake in TikTok.
Trump’s workforce purge in DC leads to huge rise in homes for sale
A new report finds the Department of Government Efficiency’s remaking of the federal workforce has battered the Washington job market and put more households in the metropolitan area in financial distress.
H‑1B Overhaul: High‑Paid Foreign Workers Get Advantage in Selection System
The Trump administration has proposed a revamp of the H‑1B visa that would keep the lottery system but give extra weight to higher‑paid, higher‑skilled workers.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell Offers New Hints are More Rate Cuts
Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the current interest‑rate stance as “modestly restrictive” after the rate cut last week.
Poll: More Americans think companies benefit from legal immigration
A new poll finds U.S. adults are more likely than they were a year ago to think immigrants in the country legally benefit the economy. That comes as President Donald Trump's administration imposes new restrictions targeting legal pathways into the country. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey finds Americans are more likely than they were in March 2024 to say it’s a “major benefit” that people who come to the U.S. legally contribute to the economy and help American companies get the expertise of skilled workers. At the same time, perceptions of illegal immigration haven’t shifted meaningfully. Americans still see fewer benefits from people who come to the U.S. illegally.
Tylenol maker rebounds a day after unfounded claims about its safety
Shares of Tylenol maker Kenvue are bouncing back sharply before the opening bell a day after President Donald Trump promoted unproven and in some cases discredited ties between Tylenol, vaccines and autism. Trump told pregnant women not to use the painkiller around a dozen times during the White House news conference Monday. The drugmaker tumbled 7.5%. Shares have regained most of those losses early Tuesday in premarket trading.
Powell signals Federal Reserve to move slowly on interest rate cuts
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday signaled a cautious approach to future interest rate cuts, in sharp contrast with other Fed officials who have called for a more urgent approach. In remarks in Providence, Rhode Island, Powell noted that there are risks to both of the Fed’s goals of seeking maximum employment and stable prices. His approach is in sharp contrast to some members of the Fed’s rate-setting committee who are pushing for faster cuts.
