Inflation uptick comes at a bad time for Biden
Fresh inflation data and a subsequent stock market tumble have come at a bad time for President Biden and Democrats, who were just appearing to be getting comfortable framing the economy as an asset for their party’s pitch to voters in November. Tuesday provided a split screen that illustrated the problem Democrats face. Biden and scores of congressional and administration allies gathered at the White House to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, which Democrats argue will help lower the cost of health care, energy and prescription drugs. The event had b
Read MoreUS must help Ukraine retain its crucial gains, says ex-Zelensky press secretary
The former press secretary to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is stressing the need for sustained U.S. aid in an interview with The Hill — even as the nation presses forward with a counteroffensive that has the potential to reshape the conflict. Iuliia Mendel, Zelensky’s press secretary from 2019 to 2021, argued that crucial gains would be wiped away if the United States did not keep buttressing Ukraine against the Russian invasion masterminded by President Vladimir Putin. “We all know there is always fatigue from every war. People can always ask themselves ques
Read MoreNation warned to brace for a difficult flu season
Health experts are warning the nation to brace for what could be an exceptionally severe flu season this fall and winter, as more people who have not built up immunity over the last few years mix and mingle. There are two big reasons why more people could be vulnerable to the flu this year. The first is that with coronavirus restrictions such as the wearing of masks all but forgotten, people are more likely to come into contact with the flu virus this year than over the last two years. The second reason is that fewer people are likely to be immu
Read MoreWhite House: Tentative agreement reached to avoid national rail strike
President Biden early on Thursday said in a statement that railroad companies and unions representing their workers had reached an agreement to avoid a nationwide strike that could have had a severe impact on the economy. “The tentative agreement reached tonight is an important win for our economy and the American people,” Biden said in the statement. He went on to say that the agreement means, “These rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs: all hard-earned. The agreement is also a victory for railwa
Read MorePelosi confirms Manchin deal while downplaying clash with liberals
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) signaled Wednesday that she could back a side deal between Democratic leaders and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) if it is included in a Senate bill funding the government, setting up a potential clash with liberals in the debate over climate change. “If the Senate passes a CR, we have to keep government open,” Pelosi told The Hill, referring to a continuing resolution — a stopgap funding measure to prevent a shutdown. Pelosi may not have to deal with such a situation. Democrats need 10 Republican senators to back a CR to get i
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