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
Economy & Markets

500 Blank Ballots Found Near Renton Dumpster Spark Federal Investigation, Fraud Denial

Federal authorities have taken custody of election mail discovered by Washington State Republican Party chairman near a strip mall dumpster, though the origin and timing of the ballots remain under investigation.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, April 22, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

Lutnick Testifies Before Senate Panel on Commerce Department Budget Request

The White House is requesting $9.2 billion in discretionary funding, a $1.3 billion decrease from 2026 levels, amid fallout from the Supreme Court's tariff ruling.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, April 22, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

Taiwan Business Group Urges Beijing, Taipei to Keep Politics Out of Trade

The Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association called for both sides to separate economic activity from political tensions amid ongoing cross-strait disputes.

By Marcus Webb · Monday, April 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

U.S. Customs Launches Tariff Refund Portal as Businesses Await $166 Billion in Payouts

The first phase of refunds begins Monday, with approved claims taking 60 to 90 days to process.

By Marcus Webb · Sunday, April 19, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

Federal Judge Blocks Nexstar-Tegna Merger until Antitrust Lawsuit Is Resolved

Judge says eight Democratic attorneys general and DirecTV are likely to prevail in their bid to stop the $6.2 billion deal that would create the largest U.S. local TV broadcaster.

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

Newsom Administration Allegedly Knew of $2B California Budget Error for Months: Report

Legislative Analyst's Office flagged the pension calculation mistake in February, but it wasn't disclosed publicly until April.

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

The Sex Recession Hitting Gen Z and What's Quietly Killing Their Drive

Research shows roughly one in three men and one in five women aged 18-29 report having no sex in the past year, with experts pointing to multiple contributing factors.

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, April 18, 2026 · 3 min read