US Politics

The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a violent Mexican fuel-theft cartel and its imprisoned leader under the Trump administration’s crackdown on cartels that fund operations through stolen oil and gas. The measures block assets under U.S. jurisdiction and bar American individuals and entities from doing business with the designated group and its leader. The action aims to disrupt the cartel’s financial networks, limit access to the U.S. financial system and weaken revenue streams derived from illegal oil and gas theft, as part of wider cross-border efforts against organized crime.

Rep. Jamie Raskin plans to introduce a bill requiring major White House renovation and construction projects to undergo formal federal-style review. The proposal responds to past projects, such as President Trump’s ballroom, that drew attention for limited oversight. The measure would apply existing federal standards on planning, spending, and preservation to future large-scale work at the executive mansion. Lawmakers are examining how to balance security needs and privacy with transparency and congressional notification.

President Donald Trump offered condolences Sunday for victims of violent attacks at Brown University and in Australia and praised first responders. He also turned attention to the ongoing health care debate in Congress, where lawmakers continued to struggle over proposed changes to federal health care law. Republicans worked to build support within their ranks as Democrats warned of possible coverage losses and higher costs. Congressional committees prepared for a full week of health care negotiations and briefings while authorities in the United States and Australia continued investigations into the recent attacks.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has launched a new statewide fraud prevention program following the $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal. The initiative focuses on stronger oversight of public funds, cross-agency data sharing, and early detection of suspicious activity. State agencies plan to tighten grant screening, enhance staff training, and improve coordination on fraud investigations. Lawmakers, federal officials, and child nutrition advocates are tracking how the changes affect accountability and access to meal programs for children across Minnesota.

House Republicans have introduced a new health care plan in the U.S. House, with a vote planned for next week. The proposal does not include an extension of the expiring Affordable Care Act premium tax credits that currently lower insurance premiums for many marketplace enrollees. Lawmakers, policy analysts, and consumers are watching the legislation as its progress could affect coverage costs, enrollment decisions, and broader federal health policy debates. The plan’s final shape and the future of the ACA subsidies depend on negotiations in both chambers of Congress.

House Democrats on the Oversight Committee released nearly 90 photographs from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate on Friday, including images of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew and other prominent figures. The photos, drawn from a cache of more than 95,000 images, were published without detailed captions and with redactions to protect potential victims. The release comes as the Justice Department faces a court-ordered deadline to disclose Epstein case files that lawmakers from both parties say could reveal more about Epstein’s associates and activities.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to honor members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team, known for the “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union, during a bill-signing ceremony at the White House on Friday. The administration has not yet released details of the legislation tied to the event. Former players and staff from the Lake Placid gold medal team are expected to attend the Washington, D.C. ceremony, which will include formal remarks and the signing of a bill into law.