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Johnson backs ban on lawmakers dating Hill staff

House Speaker Mike Johnson backs expanding the prohibition on romantic or sexual relationships between lawmakers and Capitol Hill staff as part of broader efforts to tighten House workplace rules amid ongoing misconduct scandals. A bipartisan task force is weighing a broader package of recommendations, including a potential ban on relationships with staff outside a member’s office, citing power imbalances and the need for rules similar to corporate America.

8 sources

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Trump admin pauses $1B Medicaid payments California Minnesota

The current Trump administration is pausing and freezing over $1 billion in federal Medicaid funding for California and Minnesota amid fraud concerns, demanding documentation to prove legitimacy of the payments. Health officials cite audits identifying fraud-prone services and say funds will remain deferred until the states substantiate claims and provide required receipts, part of a broader crackdown on healthcare fraud.

7 sources

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Pentagon explores Cuban military options, CBS reports

U.S. military planners have explored possible actions against Cuba, including an Army-led air assault by the 101st Airborne, but officials say these are planning exercises with no decision by the Trump administration; Washington is meanwhile increasing political, economic, and diplomatic pressure on the Cuban regime, tightening sanctions on GAESA and state entities.

12 sources

ICE Pauses Most Vehicle Stops Nationwide

ICE has ordered a nationwide halt on most vehicle stops in immigration enforcement, with exceptions only for the most egregious criminal targets, following fatal shootings in Maine and Texas. The temporary policy change could significantly constrain ICE operations and is described as a training measure, potentially affecting how arrests are initially pursued.

32 sources