White House ‘laser focused’ on affordability as Trump softens tariff strategy
President Donald Trump scales back tariff increases on furniture and cabinets as White House focuses on affordability messaging amid voter economic concerns.
POLITICS
Minnesota fraud cases, explained: How hundreds of millions allegedly slipped through state programs
Minnesota grapples with alleged fraud across state programs under Gov. Tim Walz, targeting COVID-19 food programs, housing subsidies and day care services.
Congress returns amid Venezuela operation; facing deadline to avert shutdow
Washington — Lawmakers return to Washington this week, staring down an end-of-month deadline to avert another government shutdown. The next funding fight comes fresh off a revolt from moderate Republicans over rising health care costs, and as the conflict with Venezuela and frustration with the Justice Department’s handling of the rollout of the Epstein files
Montana smokejumper aims to join 2026 blue wave Democrats are hoping for
If the hope among Democrats for a decisive blue wave in the 2026 midterms has a chance of coming to pass, the party would likely have to win difficult House contests in redder parts of the country. Montana’s 1st Congressional District may prove to be the test case for whether that can happen. Smokejumper Sam
Congress Returns From Holiday Recess—What to Know
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington on Dec. 21, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times WASHINGTON—Following the holiday break, Congress returns this week with a lot to do. At the top of the agenda is government funding that is needed to avert a shutdown on Jan. 30. We had a problem loading this article. Please enable
Trump Hints at Possible Military Operations in Colombia, Mexico, Expects Cuba’s Downfall
President Donald Trump listens during a ceremony for the presentation of the Mexican Border Defense Medal in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Dec. 15, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images President Donald Trump warned on Jan. 4 that drug traffickers in Colombia and Mexico could be facing action by the U.S. military,
Trump says U.S. is “in charge” of Venezuela, Maduro expected in court Monday
Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said the operation to capture Maduro is “clearly illegal under international law,” while pointing to broader implications. “Think of what Russia and China just learned,” Himes said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.” “Russia and China just learned that all you need to