President Trump advocates for a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates, aiming to save Americans billions, but faces opposition from the banking industry and lawmakers, with potential legislative support from some Republicans.
President Trump proposed a one-year cap of 10% on credit card interest rates, targeting a highly profitable banking sector, but industry groups warn this could significantly reduce credit availability and harm consumers, especially riskier borrowers. The move has sparked debate over the impact on banks' profitability and consumer access to credit, with potential adjustments including higher fees and reduced rewards. The proposal faces resistance from banking trade groups and lawmakers, amid ongoing discussions about regulating interest rates.
President Trump proposed a one-year cap of 10% on credit card interest rates starting January 2026, but the plan lacks details on implementation and congressional support, with critics arguing it is ineffective without legislative approval and warning it could reduce credit availability.
President Trump announced plans to temporarily cap credit card interest rates, but the legal authority for such a move is uncertain without congressional approval. Legislation proposing a 10% cap has been introduced in Congress, and the move is part of broader populist economic measures aimed at addressing high living costs. The average credit card rate is currently 22.3%, significantly higher than in 2013.
A notable number of Republican members of Congress defied President Trump by voting against his interests on key legislation, indicating a potential shift in party loyalty and increased resistance within the GOP.
Recent reports from Human Rights Watch and Justice warn that laws in England and Wales are increasingly restricting the right to protest, with new legislation criminalizing lawful protests, expanding police powers, and leading to arrests and harsh sentences for peaceful demonstrators. They call for a review and reversal of these laws to protect democratic rights, while the government emphasizes the importance of balancing public safety with protest rights.
Governor Mills announced she will allow 52 of 61 bills from the previous legislative session to become law, recalled seven bills for consideration, and vetoed one bill related to auto repair laws, reflecting careful review and her last legislative session as governor.
Democrats successfully removed a rider from a US appropriations bill that would have limited lawsuits against pesticide companies like Bayer, aiming to protect consumer rights and state warnings about pesticide risks, amidst industry lobbying and ongoing legal battles over glyphosate-based products.
The House Appropriations Committee released a bipartisan, bicameral three-bill package for FY2026 funding, focusing on energy, law enforcement, infrastructure, and resource management, emphasizing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and national security, with no poison pills and maintained legacy riders.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson supports exploring a new income tax, specifically a 9.9% tax on those earning over $1 million, aiming to overhaul the state's regressive tax system and fund public services, despite historical rejection and legal challenges.
The Senate is set to vote on a war powers measure regarding Trump's actions in Venezuela, which would require congressional approval for further military strikes. The vote tests Republican support for Trump's aggressive approach, amid mixed reactions from Democrats and some GOP members. Previous efforts to restrict Trump's military actions have largely failed, and the administration is preparing to brief lawmakers on its strategy.
Schools are increasingly facing issues with students using AI to create deepfake images, leading to legal actions and calls for updated policies. The rise of accessible AI tools has made it easier to produce realistic but fabricated images, causing emotional trauma for victims and prompting legislative responses across multiple states. Experts suggest schools and parents need to be more proactive in addressing and educating about deepfake dangers.
President Donald Trump vetoed two bipartisan bills, one supporting a Colorado water pipeline and the other aiding a Florida tribe's flood prevention, signaling potential conflicts with lawmakers and ongoing political disputes.
The U.S. Treasury has stopped producing pennies, leading to a shortage and prompting guidance for merchants to round transactions to the nearest five cents, while lawmakers call for legislation to provide legal safe harbors and ensure smooth cash circulation amid ongoing debates about penny recirculation and costs.
Michigan's minimum wage will increase from $12.48 to $13.73 in 2024, with plans to reach $15 by 2027, while tipped workers' wages will also rise, amid ongoing legal and legislative debates that have shaped these changes. The increases aim to benefit low-wage workers but pose challenges for some businesses, especially in the restaurant industry.