Political News
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FCC Chairman Ajit Pai refuses to talk to lawmakers about phone tracking during shutdown1/15/2019
The former Verizon attorney declined to participate in an emergency investigation into carriers’ handling of location data
Lawmakers and a member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are calling for an emergency investigation into cell phone carriers’ practice of sell… continue readingBy Amy Martyn
A new bill would give federal workers financial relief and protection during the shutdown1/10/2019
Government workers would be given safe harbor on everything from rent to student loans
The U.S. government’s shutdown has created havoc with travel and even raised concerns about IRS refund checks going out.One of the biggest concerns was… continue readingBy Gary Guthrie
FDA stops routine inspections of food amid shutdown1/10/2019
Without paychecks, FDA workers were unable to investigate high risk food this week
Entrepreneurs, now is the time to open your discount seafood and cheese shop. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that it has stopped inspecting fo… continue readingBy Amy Martyn
Trump taking steps to send out IRS refunds in spite of government shutdown1/9/2019
Whether the administration can legally do that is in question
The federal government shutdown is in its third week and if you aren’t a government employee, maybe you haven’t been affected that much.But now we’re g… continue readingBy Mark Huffman
Government shutdown wreaks havoc with travel1/8/2019
Airports, national parks, and others take a $100 million hit per day
If you’re planning a winter getaway to one of the U.S.’ national parks, you might want to double-check whether the park is actually open or not.The U.S… continue readingBy Gary Guthrie
House Democrats pass package aimed at ending partial government shutdown1/4/2019
On their first day, the new Democratic House majority made a move to reopen the government
On Thursday, House Democrats passed a legislative package in a bid to end the partial government shutdown, which has been going on for two weeks as of Frid… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
FCC confirms two new commissioners1/4/2019
The new additions bring the total to three Republicans and two Democrats
Late on Wednesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed two new FCC commissioners -- Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks -- for full five-year terms.The new addition… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
FCC to halt most operations on Thursday if government shutdown continues1/2/2019
The agency is prepared to initiate an ‘orderly shutdown’ later this week
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said in a statement on Monday that it’s prepared to shutter most of its operations by midday on Thursday if the… continue readingBy Sarah D. Young
December, 2018
No end in sight for government shutdown12/28/2018
The White House and congressional Democrats are digging in
Trump mulling executive order to bar usage of Huawei and ZTE equipment12/28/2018
The order would represent the Trump administration’s latest effort to cut Huawei and ZTE out of the U.S. market
States seek to block new rules that could limit access to birth control12/27/2018
Fourteen attorneys general have filed for a preliminary injunction to stop the rules from taking effect
Congressional committee calls Mick Mulvaney to testify about consumer concerns12/21/2018
The tug-of-war over controlling vs. championing consumer interests begins again
Congress votes to free hemp from Drug Enforcement Agency’s grip12/13/2018
The new Farm Bill would remove hemp from the Controlled Substances Act to make way for more cultivation
Facebook is ‘looking into’ why it deleted post from an ex-manager who says the platform censors black people12/7/2018
Mark Luckie wrote that Facebook fails its black customers and black employees
November, 2018
Facebook goes into damage control in wake of New York Times article11/16/2018
The company denies allegations that it failed to react to Russian meddling
Voters in Missouri and Arkansas raise the minimum wage11/8/2018
The issue drew both Republican and Democratic votes
Facebook pulls more accounts hours before midterms11/6/2018
The accounts were linked to ‘coordinated inauthentic behavior'
October, 2018
Consumers found to be skeptical of online photos10/15/2018
A study shows that the majority of consumers can tell when a photo has been photoshopped
September, 2018
New tariffs on China take effect today9/24/2018
$200 billion in Chinese imports will likely cost more
Congress heads off latest shutdown threat9/19/2018
Lawmakers still have work to do before the Oct. 1 deadline
U.S. border officials warn that people who invest in legal weed could get banned from country9/14/2018
Canada recently legalized marijuana, but United States officials say they won’t recognize the law
Congress races to head off a government shutdown9/13/2018
Both sides of the aisle are working feverishly to find the money necessary to keep the government running
Mick Mulvaney expresses financial and ‘moral’ concerns over student loan debt9/13/2018
The CFPB acting director says many students don’t think enough about how they’ll pay their loans back
August, 2018
CFPB student loan ombudsman quits8/28/2018
Blistering resignation letter charges Trump administration with abandoning consumers
Sen. Elizabeth Warren unveils new bill to reshape capitalism8/16/2018
The bill would redistribute wealth and give more power to workers
FCC blocked from ending Tribal internet subsidy8/14/2018
Apples court rules the agency likely to lose its court case
Consumer agency ending routine audits of lenders8/13/2018
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will only act on consumer complaints
West Virginia to introduce mobile phone voting for midterm elections8/7/2018
State residents serving overseas will be the first to test out the new technology
July, 2018
Facebook finds groups trying to influence midterm elections7/31/2018
The social media site removes pages for 'inauthentic' behavior
Trump threatens government shutdown over wall funding7/31/2018
Most Washington insiders discount that possibility
Companies facing tariffs say they'll pass on the higher costs7/30/2018
Consumers are likely to pay for the trade war
Trump tweets displeasure over FCC’s blocking of the Sinclair-Tribune merger7/26/2018
He says the combined companies would be a 'great and much-needed conservative voice'
Auto insurers say tariff on auto parts would raise policy premiums7/19/2018
Industry groups are warning of tariffs' unintended consequences
FCC votes to change consumer complaint process7/13/2018
The Commission’s only Democrat calls the rule change ‘bonkers’
Senate approves symbolic resolution for bigger role in tariff decisions7/12/2018
Lawmakers want more say on tariffs imposed in the name of national security
FCC rule change could require $225 payment to lodge formal complaints against companies7/11/2018
Democrats say the proposal could stifle consumer voices
California malls scan shoppers’ license plates and send data to ICE contractor7/11/2018
A shopping center chain in California works with a license plate-reading company that counts ICE among its clients
Trump administration publishes list of tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods7/11/2018
The proposed tariffs will undergo a public comment period before taking effect
China says the U.S. has launched the ‘largest trade war in economic history’7/6/2018
The country has retaliated with tariffs of its own
U.S. Chamber of Commerce launches campaign opposing Trump’s trade tariffs7/3/2018
The group says the new tariffs could hurt every state economically
How trade wars can lead to recessions7/2/2018
Canada's new tariffs on U.S. goods suggest things are heating up
June, 2018
Oklahomans vote to legalize medical marijuana6/29/2018
The measure would make the state one of the least restrictive in the nation for people seeking cannabis treatment
Some passengers learn too late that Greyhound gives easy access to law enforcement6/28/2018
Border Patrol sightings and drug cases give a glimpse into Greyhound’s relationship with police agencies
Automakers say Trump’s proposed tariffs are likely to harm consumers6/28/2018
Car companies say the legislation could raise prices and eliminate hundreds of thousands of jobs
Federal judge finds Consumer Financial Protection Bureau unconstitutional6/22/2018
But the ruling will likely have a limited effect
Canada becomes second nation on Earth to legalize and regulate marijuana6/21/2018
Advocates are now pushing lawmakers to pardon people convicted of marijuana possession
Chinese investment in the United States has plummeted 92 percent this year6/20/2018
Mounting tensions and increased regulation are affecting deals for both countries
Supreme Court delays judgments on two partisan gerrymandering cases6/18/2018
The decision leaves the status quo in place until next term
Trump set to name a replacement for Mick Mulvaney at CFPB6/18/2018
Consumer groups don't seem to like her any better
Trump announces 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods6/15/2018
China says the U.S. has declared a trade war
Voters to decide if California should be split into three states6/13/2018
The proposal will be on the November ballot
Supreme Court upholds Ohio's voter purge law6/12/2018
Democrats challenged the law as voter suppression
CFPB dissolves current advisory committee6/7/2018
Members say they were fired, CFPB says the board is being 'reconstituted'
Outgoing Starbucks chairman says Democrats should be more centrist and go after ‘entitlements’6/7/2018
Howard Schultz has hinted at political ambitions, but experts say his position may not be popular with voters
Mexico imposes tariffs on U.S. pork exports6/6/2018
Oddly, the result may be lower prices for American consumers
Members of CFPB Advisory Board chastise the agency's leadership6/5/2018
Eleven members say the agency has gone from helping consumers to helping businesses
U.K. government clears way for 21st Century Fox to bid on Sky broadcast network6/5/2018
The British satellite broadcaster has been the focus of a recent bidding war
May, 2018
U.S., China call a truce in trade war5/21/2018
Prices of many consumer products should remain stable
CFPB eliminates student loan office5/10/2018
Consumer advocates accuse the acting director of trying to make the agency less effective
April, 2018
Consumers may lose access to government bank complaint database4/25/2018
The CFPB Acting Director says the agency should not be running a 'Yelp for banks'
Supreme Court gives an important patent review procedure a thumbs-up4/25/2018
The process is designed to keep patent trolls at bay and the cost of protecting a patent in check
Court hears suit to remove Mick Mulvaney as acting head of the CFPB4/13/2018
The former acting director claims she was illegally removed
CFPB director urges Congress to change the agency's structure4/12/2018
Mick Mulvaney says the consumer agency should be run by a bipartisan commission
Bank of America won't lend to 'assault rifle' manufacturers4/11/2018
The decision is similar to an action taken by Citigroup
Trump signs executive order pushing work requirements for public assistance4/11/2018
The order focuses on strengthening work requirements to help the poor achieve economic mobility
Consumers likely to pay for trade war with China4/4/2018
Tariff costs usually get added to the retail price
CFPB director asks Congress to reduce the agency’s power4/3/2018
Critics charge Mick Mulvaney with pursuing a radical agenda
March, 2018
Spending bill lacks funds to stabilize health insurance market3/26/2018
As a result, Affordable Care Act premiums will surge in October
Remington files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy3/26/2018
Despite financial and legal difficulties, the company plans to keep making guns
Citigroup places some restrictions on gun sales for retail clients3/23/2018
The decision is the first by a major bank to take a stance in the gun control debate
Congress poised to pass $1.3 trillion budget3/22/2018
The measure would avert a government shutdown at midnight on Friday
Businesses taking the lead in emerging gun control debate3/1/2018
The recent Florida high school shooting may represent a sea change
February, 2018
Democrats and Republicans agree on two-year budget deal2/8/2018
Budget increases deficit with new military and domestic spending
Congress reportedly close to two-year budget deal2/7/2018
The proposed agreement would avert another government shutdown
January, 2018
State of the Union speech promises increased prosperity1/31/2018
Trump lists economic accomplishments, says more to come
Senate votes to end government shutdown1/22/2018
Passing the bill will fund the government another three weeks
Democrats and Republicans at odds as government shutdown looms1/19/2018
Both parties blame each other
How consumers could be affected by a government shutdown1/18/2018
The government's spending authority ends Friday at midnight
RIP: The regulations that Trump killed in 20171/4/2018
Large and small, the Trump administration ended hundreds of regulations this year. It is not easy to list all of them, so here are twenty
October, 2017
Senate votes to block lawsuits against financial services firms10/25/2017
Consumers will now have to resolve disputes with banks through arbitration only
September, 2017
Two firms that won border wall contracts were previously convicted of defrauding the U.S. government9/18/2017
A third company admitted in court filings to subcontracting an undocumented worker
August, 2017
Younger generations overtake Baby Boomers in voting numbers8/1/2017
A study shows that Millennials and Gen Xers accounted for nearly 70 million votes in 2016
July, 2017
Does President Trump's online conduct warrant a Twitter ban?7/20/2017
Twitter executives say they strive to treat all users equally when it comes to abuse
June, 2017
Consumer groups line up to bash Treasury Department report6/13/2017
The report recommends rolling back many of the reforms in the Dodd-Frank Act
Treasury report expected to be harshly critical of consumer agency6/12/2017
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is targeted for disassembly and disposal
House passes bill loosening regulation of financial sector6/9/2017
The measure repeals many of the reforms passed after the 2008 financial meltdown
May, 2017
Groups say Trump budget would hit consumers hard5/23/2017
Spending blueprint slashes food stamps, Medicaid, and CDC budget
Consumer groups descend on Washington to fight protection rollbacks5/9/2017
The consumer activists are particularly concerned by efforts to weaken the CFPB
House panel votes to reduce bank regulations5/5/2017
The unraveling of the Obama administration continues in Congress
Study suggests worries about impact of 'fake news' are overblown5/5/2017
Resarchers found internet users aren't swayed by made-up stories
April, 2017
Trump's tax plan cuts rates, removes some deductions4/26/2017
The plan would eliminate the deduction for state and local taxes
How would a government shutdown affect you?4/26/2017
You might have to wait longer for your tax refund and possibily change vacation plans
Texas mayor who stoked 'Sharia Law' fears may be tapped for HUD post4/5/2017
Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne suggested without evidence that radicalized Muslims were committing human rights violations
March, 2017
Justice Department changes its tune on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau3/20/2017
Times have changed since the last time it filed arguments on the matter
Reporters often banned from public meetings even though it's unconstitutional3/1/2017
Last week's White House event became notorious but locking out reporters is common
February, 2017
Sears, Kmart dump Trump Home items, citing lagging sales2/13/2017
The move follows Nordstrom's cancellation of Ivanka Trump's clothing line-up last week
There's growing concern about a trade war with China2/9/2017
President Trump is being urged to carefully consider the consequences
Steve Forbes labels border adjustment tax idea 'crazy'2/8/2017
Says it will cost U.S. consumers $100 billion a year
Trade associations oppose Trump's blocking of new hazmat rules2/8/2017
Not every industry wants to overturn every regulation
January, 2017
Tech sector condemns Trump border closings1/30/2017
Tech company leaders offer jobs, housing, and other aid to those affected by Trump's action
Trump promises to do a 'big number' on Dodd-Frank1/30/2017
The consumer protection measure stifles business, hurts consumers, he argues
Private prison industry sees big leap in stock price under Trump administration1/26/2017
For-profit prisons stand to gain from Trump's immigration policies
Trump names new acting chair of the FTC1/26/2017
Maureen Ohlhausen, a Republican, has been on the commission since 2012
State attorneys general defend Consumer Financial Protection Bureau1/25/2017
AGs from 17 states have filed a motion defending the bureau against its attackers
Trump Administration: Day One1/20/2017
No more promises, a new administration begins. What happens next?
FTC chairwoman Edith Ramirez resigns1/13/2017
Top appointees are leaving their posts as the Obama Administration winds down
December, 2016
GOP group releases hit list of 200 rules, regs it wants to deep six12/16/2016
The rules on safety, health, environmental, and financial issues have been "devastating," House Freedom Caucus says
November, 2016
Realtors, immigration lawyers, may benefit from Trump victory11/11/2016
But Clinton voters contemplating Canada may not find a welcome mat
Transportation projects may get underway in the Trump Era11/10/2016
Infrastructure upgrades, airline protectionism may be high on the new administration's agenda
What a Trump presidency may mean for your pocketbook11/9/2016
What kind of change will the 'change candidate' bring?
Ride-sharing companies offer special deals for election day11/7/2016
Uber, Lyft, and Zipcar are all giving discounts to travelers making their way to vote
October, 2016
How to immigrate to Canada10/31/2016
Either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump supporters may find this helpful
May, 2016
Trump backs higher taxes for top earners5/9/2016
Publicly backs away from 25% tax bracket for top income producers
March, 2016
Trump healthcare policy has elements to delight and horrify both parties3/3/2016
Candidate would allow consumers to deduct healthcare premiums from taxes
October, 2015
Clinton vows to take action on gun violence10/5/2015
Study finds gun ownership declining, political influence of the gun lobby possibly waning