latest news in politics

PBS Navigates Federal Defunding via Surge in Public Support

PBS Navigates Federal Defunding via Surge in Public Support

Washington, Friday, 14 August 2026.
Despite losing $1.1 billion in federal funding and undergoing major operational cuts, PBS gained over one million new members, stabilizing its business model through grassroots public giving.

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Resume $400 Million White House Ballroom Construction

Trump Asks Supreme Court to Resume $400 Million White House Ballroom Construction

Washington, Friday, 14 August 2026.
The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court on August 14, 2026, seeking to resume construction on a $400 million White House ballroom, citing critical national security interests.

United States Imposes New Tariffs Up to 100 Percent on Foreign Drones

United States Imposes New Tariffs Up to 100 Percent on Foreign Drones

Washington, Friday, 14 August 2026.
President Trump signed a proclamation targeting foreign drone dominance, introducing tariffs up to 100 percent on imported equipment to eliminate security risks and incentivize domestic manufacturing.

Trump Calls on Senate to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent Nationwide

Trump Calls on Senate to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent Nationwide

Washington, Friday, 14 August 2026.
President Trump is pushing the Senate to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would end clock changes nationwide. However, concerns over late winter sunrises leave passage uncertain.

Nevada Judge Dismisses Case Against Republican Electors Over 2020 Election Charges

Nevada Judge Dismisses Case Against Republican Electors Over 2020 Election Charges

Las Vegas, Friday, 14 August 2026.
A Nevada judge dismissed criminal charges against six Republicans accused of submitting false 2020 election certificates, citing a lack of evidence that they intended to deceive state officials.

President Trump Orders U.S. Navy to Return to Steam Catapults

President Trump Orders U.S. Navy to Return to Steam Catapults

Washington, Friday, 14 August 2026.
President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to replace electromagnetic catapults with traditional steam systems on future aircraft carriers, a move experts warn will increase costs and delays.

Lawmakers Exclude Veterans Affairs Secretary From Major Policy Talks Following Stalled Reform Bill

Lawmakers Exclude Veterans Affairs Secretary From Major Policy Talks Following Stalled Reform Bill

Washington, Friday, 14 August 2026.
Tensions between Capitol Hill and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins reached a boiling point after lawmakers abruptly sidelined him from key legislative negotiations. The fallout follows the mid-July 2026 withdrawal of the ‘Take Care of America’s Veterans Act,’ a major proposal impacting 9 million veterans. While the bill aimed to expand private healthcare access and spousal benefits, it proposed controversial spending offsets, including reduced disability payments for conditions like sleep apnea and tinnitus. Collins initially supported the measure but subsequently expressed private reservations to individual members of Congress, frustrating House Republicans and prompting his exclusion from ongoing talks.

Kennedy Center Board Votes for Two-Year Closure to Conduct Major Repairs

Kennedy Center Board Votes for Two-Year Closure to Conduct Major Repairs

Washington, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
The Kennedy Center board voted to close the iconic venue for a two-year renovation, defying past legal blocks while reigniting disputes by adding Donald Trump’s name back to the facade.

New York City Launches Probe Into Popular Prediction Apps Over Deceptive Advertising

New York City Launches Probe Into Popular Prediction Apps Over Deceptive Advertising

New York, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
New York City leaders are investigating major prediction markets over alleged predatory advertising and fake trading promos, signaling rising local regulatory risks for the emerging event-trading industry.

Karoline Leavitt Steps Down as Press Secretary to Lead Republican Midterm Strategy

Karoline Leavitt Steps Down as Press Secretary to Lead Republican Midterm Strategy

Washington, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in history, will step down in August 2026 to focus on family and become a top midterm advisor for Republicans.