US Politics

Trump visits affected communities; health care stalemate deepens in Congress

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.

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US calls out China for aggressive actions vs Filipino fishermen in disputed water

The United States condemned the China Coast Guard for using water cannons and cutting anchor lines against Filipino fishermen near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, an incident that injured three crew members and damaged a Philippine fishing vessel. US officials, including State Department deputy spokesperson Thomas Pigott and Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, said the actions endangered lives, threatened livelihoods, and undermined regional stability. The Philippine Coast Guard released video of the encounter, assisted the injured fishers, and asserted the country’s sovereign rights in its claimed maritime zones amid ongoing tensions with China.

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Gov. Walz sets new plan in motion to prevent fraud statewide

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.

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House GOP health care proposal revealed, vote scheduled

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.

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Democrats unveil photos of Trump, Clinton, Andrew at Epstein estate

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.

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Trump to pay tribute to ‘Miracle on Ice’ squad

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.

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Elon Musk rules out repeating DOGE experience

Elon Musk said in a recent interview that he would likely not repeat his role leading the Trump-era Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). About six months after stepping down, Musk reflected on the demands and challenges of overseeing a federal cost-cutting mission. His remarks highlight the complexity of reforming government spending and the limits of private-sector approaches in public administration. The news report details Musk’s comments, the goals of DOGE, the reaction it drew, and the broader context of efforts to streamline U.S. federal operations.

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Eileen Higgins ends 30-year drought with Miami mayoral win

Eileen Higgins wins the Miami mayoral runoff with 59% of the vote, defeating former city manager Emilio Gonzalez and ending a 30-year absence of Democrats in the office. The new mayor pledges to focus on housing affordability, climate resilience, and rebuilding public trust at City Hall, with plans for infrastructure upgrades, transparency measures, and expanded affordable housing efforts as Miami confronts rising costs, sea level threats, and ongoing development pressures.

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Trump unveils $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers

President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers aimed at offsetting losses tied to tariffs and trade tensions, particularly with China. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will administer the program through direct payments, commodity purchases and trade promotion efforts, focusing on producers of soybeans, corn, pork, dairy and other key crops. Farmers, lawmakers and analysts are examining eligibility rules, timing and potential effects on exports, prices and rural economies as the federal government rolls out this temporary relief measure.

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