
Politics
All the latest news stories about politics, from elections and law-making to the subtle shifts that change our lives—and our finances


U.S. to Phase Out Most Paper Checks for Federal Benefits
The federal government will begin phasing out paper checks for Social Security and other federal payments by September 30th.

Fed Cuts Rates, Signals Two More Late This Year
The Federal Reserve approved a 25‐basis‐point rate cut, bringing its benchmark rate target to 4.%‑4.25%, with a vote of 11 to 1.

Jerry quits Ben & Jerry’s, saying it has stifled his voice on issues
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield is leaving the ice cream brand after 47 years. He says the freedom the company used to have to speak up on social issues has been stifled

Federal Reserve cuts key rate by quarter-point, signals two more cuts
The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market. The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, had kept their rate unchanged this year as they evaluated the impact of tariffs, tighter immigration enforcement, and other Trump administration policies on inflation and the economy. The only dissenter was Stephen Miran, the recent Trump-appointee.

FDA Cracks Down on Telehealth Firms for 'Misleading' Weight‑Loss Drug Claims
The FDA has issued over 100 warning letters to drug makers and online health firms, including Hims & Hers, for promoting compounded versions of popular GLP‑1's.

Fed convenes meeting to set interest rates amid controversy over Gov’s
After a late-night vote and last-minute ruling, the Federal Reserve began a key meeting on interest rate policy Tuesday with both a new Trump administration appointee and an official the White House has targeted for removal.

FDA takes aim at Hims & Hers, weight loss drugs in new advertising blitz
The Trump administration has issued its first warnings to online services that offer unofficial versions of popular drugs like the blockbuster obesity treatment Wegovy.

Treasury Chief Says U.S. Trade Deal with China is Nearing
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that a U.S./China trade agreement is within reach, with talks growing “more and more productive”.

Trump Sues The New York Times for $15 Billion
President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times alleging the outlet has repeatedly spread falsehoods about him.

Trump Calls for End to Quarterly Earnings Reports
President Donald Trump proposed that U.S. companies shift from quarterly to semiannual earnings reporting, claiming it would reduce costs.

Albania’s prime minister appoints an AI-generated ‘minister’ to tackle corruption
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama says his new Cabinet will include an artificial intelligence “minister” in charge of fighting corruption. The AI, named Diella, will oversee public funding projects and combat corruption in public tenders. Diella was launched earlier this year as a virtual assistant on the government's public service platform. Corruption has been a persistent issue in Albania since 1990. Rama's Socialist Party won a fourth consecutive term in May. It aims to deliver EU membership for Albania in five years, but the opposition Democratic Party remains skeptical.

Trump admin requests emergency ruling to remove Cook from Fed board
The Trump administration has asked an appeals court to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s board of governors by Monday, before the central bank’s next vote on interest rates. Trump sought to fire Cook Aug. 25, but a federal judge ruled late Tuesday that the removal was illegal and reinstated her to the Fed’s board.

Trump administration appeals ruling blocking firing of Fed Governor
President Donald Trump's administration is appealing a ruling blocking him from immediately firing Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook as he seeks more control over the traditionally independent board. The notice of appeal was filed Wednesday, hours after U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb handed down the ruling. The White House insists the Republican president had the right to fire Cook over mortgage fraud allegations involving properties in Michigan and Georgia from before she joined the Fed. Cook's lawsuit denies the allegations and says the firing was unlawful. The case could soon reach the Supreme Court, which has allowed Trump to fire members of other independent agencies but suggested that power has limitations at the Fed.

Chief justice lets Trump remove member of Federal Trade Commission for now
Chief Justice John Roberts has let President Donald Trump remove a member of the Federal Trade Commission, the latest in a string of high-profile firings allowed for now by the Supreme Court.

RFK Jr. Defends Vaccine Claims in Heated Senate Hearing
During a tense Senate hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doubled down on debunked claims about mRNA vaccine safety.

Trump to Rebrand Pentagon As 'Department of War'
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

Florida to End All Vaccine Mandates, Including for Schoolchildren
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo announced the state's plan to eliminate all vaccine mandates, including those required for schoolchildren.
