Politics Election category, Page 6
Long-sought Pa. tax credit for some workers to be ready for filing season
A new tax credit for lower-income workers in Pennsylvania will be ready for tax time this spring, Gov. Josh Shapiro ‘s administration said, calling it the most significant tax change for the state’s working class in over half a century. The new program — called the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit...
Meet Clay Higgins, the only House Republican to vote against releasing the Epstein files
U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., was the lone House member to vote against a bill that would force the Justice Department to release its files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “I have been a principled ‘NO’ on this bill from the beginning. What was wrong with the bill...
Southwestern Pa.’s congressional delegation unanimously supports Epstein files bill
Southwestern Pennsylvania’s four members of the U.S. House all voted Tuesday afternoon in favor of a bill that would force the Justice Department to release its files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The U.S. Senate later agreed by unanimous consent to approve the bill. The procedural move does...
Federal judges block Texas from using its new U.S. House map in 2026 midterms
A federal court on Tuesday blocked Texas from using a redrawn U.S. House map that touched off a nationwide redistricting battle and is a major piece of President Donald Trump’s efforts to preserve a slim Republican majority ahead of the 2026 elections. The ruling is a blow to Trump’s rush...
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers steps down from public commitments after Epstein emails
BOSTON — Larry Summers, the former president of Harvard University who once served as U.S. treasury secretary, says he will step back from public commitments after the release of emails showing he maintained a friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein long after the financier pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from an...
Trump administration to divert billions of dollars from homeless housing programs
The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to divert billions of dollars in homelessness funding earmarked for permanent housing, a decision state and local officials warn could push thousands of formerly homeless Californians back to the street. The plans redirect the funds toward shorter-term housing and outreach efforts, prioritizing...
Trump dismisses US intelligence that Saudi prince was likely aware of 2018 killing of journalist
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed U.S. intelligence findings that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman likely had some culpability in the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi as Trump warmly welcomed the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia on his first White House visit in seven...
Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, and Trump agrees to sign bill
WASHINGTON — The House and Senate acted decisively Tuesday to pass a bill to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a remarkable display of approval for an effort that had struggled for months to overcome opposition from President Donald Trump...
Trump hails McDonald’s Extra Value Meals in affordability pitch
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump argued his administration was making process on lowering prices as he faces new political headwinds, pushing back on criticism from Democrats who blame his tariffs for high costs. Trump touted economic policies he said have drawn trillions in new investments to fuel private-sector job growth...
Sen. John Fetterman returns to D.C. after hospitalization, speaks at conference for Jewish leaders
Sen. John Fetterman is back to work after recovering from a fall that required hospitalization. Fetterman, D-Braddock, was hospitalized last week following a fall after he experienced a heart issue, an unnamed spokesperson announced Thursday. On Saturday, Fetterman shared a selfie after being released from the hospital with a coffee...
New analysis shows more U.S. consumers are falling behind on their utility bills
WASHINGTON — More people are falling behind on paying their bills to keep on the lights and heat their homes, according to a new analysis of consumer data — a warning sign for the U.S. economy and another political headache for President Donald Trump. Past due balances to utility companies...
Voter support for Trump remains a wildcard as Pa. approaches major election for governor
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Democrats feel confident they’ll prevail in next year’s gubernatorial race after recent election wins they believe...
Foreign enrollment at U.S. colleges holds steady, for now, despite Trump’s visa crackdown
WASHINGTON — Foreign students enrolled at U.S. colleges in strong numbers this fall despite fears that a Trump administration crackdown would trigger a nosedive, yet there are signs of turbulence as fewer new, first-time students arrived from other countries, according to a new report. Overall, U.S. campuses saw a 1%...
Trump defends Tucker Carlson after interview with activist known for his antisemitic views
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump on Sunday brushed aside concerns about conservative commentator Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with a far-right activist known for his antisemitic views, which has caused a schism within the Republican Party. Trump defended Carlson, saying the former Fox News host has “said good...
Trump plans to meet with Mamdani, says he’ll ‘work something out’ with New York City’s mayor-elect
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump indicated Sunday that he plans to meet with New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and said they’ll “work something out,” in what could be a detente for the Republican president and Democratic political star who have cast each other as political foils....
Indiana lawmaker who opposed Trump’s redistricting push is victim of a swatting
An Indiana lawmaker who resisted President Donald Trump’s push to have Republicans redraw the state’s congressional boundaries was the victim of a swatting call Sunday that brought sheriff’s deputies to his home. The call, in which someone reported a fake emergency at the Terre Haute home of state Sen. Greg...
In reversal, Trump says House Republicans should vote to release Epstein filesVideo
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said House Republicans should vote to release the files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a startling reversal after previously fighting the proposal as a growing number of those in his own party supported it. “We have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on...
Marjorie Taylor Greene says she regrets ‘toxic politics’ as split with Trump widensVideo
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has drawn headlines with bruising exchanges at the U.S. Capitol and town halls. She has a history of transphobic, racist and xenophobic comments. She has even indicated support for executing prominent Democrats. But Sunday, the Georgia Republican said she regrets that sort of rhetoric and...
Finland’s president urges Europe to hold its nerve as he warns no ceasefire likely soon in Ukraine
HALVALA, Finland — A ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely before the spring and European allies need to keep up support despite a corruption scandal that has engulfed Kyiv, President Alexander Stubb of Finland told The Associated Press. Europe, meanwhile, will require ”sisu,” a Finnish word meaning endurance, resilience and grit,...
MAGA rift grows as Trump feuds with Greene before key 2026 midterm elections
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — When President Donald Trump addressed Congress earlier this year, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was there holding an American flag and wearing a red baseball cap that said “Trump was right about everything.” After the speech, he gave her a kiss and she beamed. Trump was...
At Trump’s urging, Bondi says U.S. will investigate Epstein’s ties to Clinton and other political foes
NEW YORK — Acceding to President Donald Trump’s demands, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday that she has ordered a top federal prosecutor to investigate sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to Trump political foes, including former President Bill Clinton. Bondi posted on X that she was assigning Manhattan U.S....
Trump, like Biden before him, finds there’s no quick fix on inflation
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s problems with fixing the high cost of living might be giving voters a feeling of déjà vu. Just like the president who came before him, Trump is trying to sell the country on his plans to create factory jobs. The Republican wants to lower prescription...
Trump cuts ties with Marjorie Taylor Greene, once among his top MAGA-world defenders
President Donald Trump has publicly called it quits with one of his most stalwart MAGA-world supporters, calling Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene “‘Wacky’ Marjorie” and saying he would endorse a challenger against her in next year’s midterms “if the right person runs.” The dismissal of Greene — once the epitome of...
Pa.’s independent home care workers get pay raise in state budget but agencies miss out
Pennsylvania lawmakers granted $21 million in additional funding to a sliver of in-home caregivers in the state budget passed Wednesday. Workers directly hired by the people they care for will see their per-hour state payments rise to more than $15 from $13.51, an increase that could make a small dent...
Sen. John Fetterman hospitalized after fall near Braddock home
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman was hospitalized Thursday after suffering facial injuries in a fall while walking near his Braddock home, according to his office. Fetterman was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital “out of an abundance of caution,” his office posted on the X social media platform. “During an early morning...
