Economy & Markets

Federal Agents Execute Search Warrants in Minnesota Fraud Investigation of Childcare Programs

The searches target publicly funded social programs as the Trump administration investigates up to $9 billion in potential fraud tied to Minnesota-run initiatives since 2018.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, April 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

UAE Departure from OPEC Adds to Oil Market Uncertainty Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

The announcement comes as the critical shipping chokepoint remains largely blocked, cutting off roughly 20 percent of global oil and gas supplies.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, April 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

Powell Could Remain at Fed Despite Looming End of Chair Term

While his chairmanship ends May 15, Powell's underlying governor term runs through 2028, potentially allowing him to stay under a Trump administration.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, April 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

McMahon Faces Senate Questions on Trump Budget Plan for Shuttered Education Department

The administration is requesting $76.5 billion for fiscal 2027, a $2.3 billion decrease from current levels as most department functions have been transferred to other agencies.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, April 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

Sen. Thom Tillis Drops Blockade of Kevin Warsh's Nomination to Lead Federal Reserve

The North Carolina Republican said he received assurances from the Justice Department that it would not use investigations as a weapon against Fed independence.

By Marcus Webb · Sunday, April 26, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

Tillis Says He Will Support Warsh's Fed Confirmation After DOJ Closes Powell Investigation

The North Carolina senator had withheld support for the nominee until the criminal probe into Chair Powell was resolved.

By Marcus Webb · Sunday, April 26, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

Treasury Department Announces IRS Overhaul to Target Shadow Nonprofit Networks

New Form 990 requirements would increase disclosure for fiscal sponsorship arrangements, grants and contracts amid ongoing investigations into progressive donor networks.

By Marcus Webb · Friday, April 24, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

Federal Judge Dismisses Laura Loomer's Defamation Suit Against Bill Maher

U.S. District Judge James Moody ruled Maher was clearly joking when he suggested Loomer had an affair with Donald Trump, saying a reasonable viewer would understand it was humor rather than a factual claim.

By Marcus Webb · Thursday, April 23, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

Senate Republicans Launch Budget Reconciliation to Fund ICE, DHS Agencies

The $70 billion reconciliation package aims to fund immigration enforcement for 3.5 years as part of effort to end partial DHS shutdown.

By Marcus Webb · Thursday, April 23, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

U.S. Drains Critical Missile Stockpiles in Iran War as Yearslong Rebuild Looms

CSIS analysis estimates U.S. used over 850 Tomahawk missiles and more than half of Patriot interceptors during 39-day campaign, prompting $70B FY27 munitions request.

By Marcus Webb · Thursday, April 23, 2026 · 4 min read