More states tighten voting rules ahead of midterm elections
Nine states passed voting restrictions this year, though studies show noncitizen voting is extremely rare and some laws are already facing legal challenges.
National
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25 Democratic-led states sue Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements
Twenty-five states plus DC say the feds sprung the new rule on them months into implementation, with an August 31 deadline they call unworkable and face penalties for missing.
Flouting Trump policy, federal judges are freeing immigrants from mandatory detention
A one-day sample of habeas cases found judges granted release or bond hearings 142 times versus 36 denials, with the Supreme Court set to rule on the policy next year.
Feds encourage public housing authorities to impose work rules, time limits
Housing advocates warn work requirements will burden people already working, as HUD finalizes rules affecting over 100 authorities nationwide.
Voting rights advocates score three legal victories but remain on alert against election threats
Supreme Court upholds mail ballot grace periods as Trump and the RNC pursue new legal challenges targeting overseas and noncitizen voters.
Trump’s sharpened focus on investigating elections raises fears of midterm meddling
Trump personally directed federal prosecutors to investigate California's election, court records show, as the Justice Department pursues 30 lawsuits over voter rolls ahead of November midterms.
Advocates laud Moreno-Warren Social Security proposal
Experts praise the bipartisan payroll tax cap proposal but warn it alone won't prevent insolvency in 2032, when Ohio retirees face losing $487 monthly.
Federal health agency cancels most of its teen pregnancy prevention grants
HHS canceled $68 million in teen pregnancy prevention grants two years early, citing misalignment with agency priorities—a move that prompted legal action during Trump's first term.
Changes to immigration program for domestic violence victims impede safety, advocates say
Trump administration tightened VAWA rules in December, requiring stricter proof of marriage and abuse, leaving survivors with limited documentation at risk.
US Supreme Court deals blow to Trump, ruling states can accept ballots after Election Day
The 5-4 ruling, with Barrett writing for the majority, rejects Trump administration arguments that federal law requires ballots to arrive by Election Day.
Protesters in D.C. rally for priorities to counter Trump’s 250th anniversary programming
Hundreds of activists rallied Saturday to counter Trump's 250th anniversary programming, pushing a $25 minimum wage, gun control, voting rights, and Palestinian statehood.
Former Trump adviser John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling sensitive documents
Bolton kept classified information in a personal diary shared with family members, while his attorney contrasts his plea with Trump's refusal to accept accountability for similar charges.
Police use of artificial intelligence grows as rules lag behind
Civil liberties advocates warn AI tools could amplify surveillance and introduce hidden biases, even as most states lack consistent regulations on police use of the technology.
Women’s prison population, correctional costs projected to grow through 2035
Women prisoners cost 25-75% more to incarcerate than men, with national spending projected to jump from $23-26 billion to $30-34 billion by 2035.
GOP dreams of another big budget bill dashed by Trump demands for SAVE America Act
Trump's push for a voter ID bill is fracturing GOP plans for a broader budget package, with Senate Republicans saying the measure lacks the 60 votes needed to pass.
Narrowed Education Department definition of ‘professional’ degrees stopped in federal court
Judge Howell blocked the narrower definition one week before July 1 rollout, siding with nursing, teaching, and social work groups challenging stricter loan caps.
States show their stuff: The Great American State Fair opens in D.C.
Gov. DeWine showcased Ohio's pavilion while the Trump administration's Freedom 250 fair stretched nearly a mile across the National Mall.
Public universities face escalating involvement from state lawmakers
Republican lawmakers in five states have passed laws stripping faculty senates of power, with Texas professors already fired over curriculum and ideology disputes.
Minimum wages will rise in more than 20 cities, states in July
Federal minimum wage has been frozen at $7.25 since 2009, but 88 jurisdictions are raising rates this year as small business owners and workers' advocates clash over impact.
Trump order limiting voting by mail halted by federal court
Judge Talwani ruled Trump lacked constitutional authority to require states to submit mail voter lists to the Postal Service or compile citizenship data.
