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Los Angeles Times
16 minutes ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
‘Beautiful' or ‘Ugly,' Trump's big bill shapes the battle for House control in 2026 midterms
WASHINGTON — Debate over President Trump's sweeping budget-and-policy package is over on Capitol Hill. Now the argument goes national. From the Central Valley of California to Midwestern battlegrounds and suburban districts of the northeast, the new law already is shaping the 2026 midterm battle for control of the House of Representatives. The outcome will set the tone for Trump's final two years in the Oval Office. Democrats need a net gain of three House seats to break the GOP's chokehold on Washington and reestablish a power center to counter Trump. There's added pressure to flip the House given that midterm Senate contests are concentrated in Republican-leaning states, making it harder for Democrats to reclaim that chamber. As Republicans see it, they've now delivered broad tax cuts, an unprecedented investment in immigration enforcement and new restraints on social safety net programs. Democrats see a law that rolls back health insurance access and raises costs for middle-class Americans while cutting taxes mostly for the rich, curtailing green energy initiatives and restricting some workers' organizing rights. 'It represents the broken promise they made to the American people,' said Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Washington Democrat who chairs the party's House campaign arm. 'We're going to continue to hold Republicans accountable for this vote.' Whether voters see it that way will be determined on a district-by-district level, but the battle will be more intense in some places than others. Among the 435 House districts, only 69 contests were decided by less than 10 percentage points in the 2024 general election. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has so far identified 26 Democratic-held seats it must defend vigorously, along with 35 GOP-held seats it believes could be ripe to flip. Republicans' campaign arm, the National Republican Congressional Committee, has so far listed 18 GOP incumbents as priorities, plus two districts opened by retirements. There are a historically low number of so-called crossover districts: Only 13 Democrats represent districts Trump carried in 2024, while just three Republicans serve districts Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris carried. Both committees are busy recruiting challengers and open-seat candidates and more retirements could come, so the competitive map will evolve. Still, there are clusters of districts guaranteed to influence the national result. California, despite its clear lean to Democrats statewide, has at least nine House districts expected to be up for grabs: three in the Central Valley and six in southern California. Six are held by Democrats, three by the GOP. Pennsylvania features four districts that have been among the closest national House races for several consecutive cycles. They include a suburban Philadelphia seat represented by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, one of just two House Republicans to vote against Trump's bill and one of the three GOP lawmakers from a district Harris won. Fitzpatrick cited the Medicaid cuts. Vice President JD Vance plans on Wednesday to be in Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan's northwest Pennsylvania district to tout the GOP package. Bresnahan's seat is a top Democratic target. Iowa and Wisconsin, meanwhile, feature four contiguous GOP-held districts in farm-heavy regions where voters could be swayed by fallout from Trump's tariffs. Beyond bumper-sticker labels – Trump's preferred 'Big Beautiful Bill' versus Democrats' 'Big Ugly Bill' retort – the 900-page law is, in fact, an array of policies with varying impact. Democrats hammer Medicaid and food assistance cuts, some timed to take full effect only after the 2026 midterms, along with Republicans' refusal to extend tax credits to some people who obtained health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034 if the bill became law; 3 million more would not qualify for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits. 'Folks will die here in Louisiana and in other parts of the country,' House Minority Leader Jeffries warned last week during a town hall in Republican Speaker Mike Johnson's home state of Louisiana. Jeffries singled out vulnerable Republicans like California Rep. David Valadao, who represents a heavily agricultural Central Valley district where more than half the population is eligible for the joint state-federal insurance program. California allows immigrants with legal status and those who are undocumented to qualify for Medicaid, so not all Medicaid recipients are voters. But the program helps finance the overall health care system, including nursing homes and hospitals. Republicans highlight the law's tightened work requirements for Medicaid enrollees. They argue it's a popular provision that will strengthen the program. 'I voted for this bill because it does preserve the Medicaid program for its intended recipients — children, pregnant women, the disabled, and elderly,' Valadao said. 'I know how important the program is for my constituents.' The law includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. It makes permanent existing rates and brackets approved during Trump's first term. Republicans and their allies have hammered vulnerable Democrats for 'raising costs' on American households by opposing the bill. GOP campaign aides point to the popularity of individual provisions: boosting the $2,000 child tax credit to $2,200 (some families at lower income levels would not get the full credit), new deductions on tip and overtime income and auto loans; and a new deduction for older adults earning less than $75,000 a year. 'Everyone will have more take home pay. They'll have more jobs and opportunity,' Johnson said in a Fox News Sunday interview. 'The economy will be doing better and we'll be able to point to that as the obvious result of what we did.' Democrats note that the biggest beneficiaries of Trump's tax code are wealthy Americans and corporations. Pairing that with safety net cuts, Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz concluded, 'The cruelty is the point.' Immigration, meanwhile, was Trump's strongest issue in 2024. NRCC aides say that will continue with the new law's investments in immigration enforcement. Democrats believe the Trump administration has overplayed its hand with its push for mass deportation. The president is a titanic variable. Democrats point to 2018, when they notched a 40-seat net gain in House seats to take control away from the GOP. This year, Democrats have enjoyed a double-digit swing in special elections around the country when compared to 2024 presidential results. Similar trends emerged in 2017 after Trump's 2016 victory. Democrats say that reflects voter discontent with Trump once he's actually in charge. Republicans answer that Trump's job approval remains higher at this point than in 2017. But the GOP's effort is further complicated by ongoing realignments: Since Trump's emergence, Democrats have gained affluent white voters -– like those in suburban swing districts -– while Trump has drawn more working-class voters across racial and ethnic groups. But Republicans face a stiffer challenge of replicating Trump's coalition in a midterm election without him on the ballot. Democrats, meanwhile, must corral voters who are not a threat to vote for Republicans but could stay home. Jeffries said he's determined not to let that happen: 'We're going to do everything we can until we end this national nightmare.' Barrow, Cooper and Brook write for the Associated Press. Cooper reported from Phoenix. Brook reported from New Orleans. AP reporters Michael Blood in Los Angeles and Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pa., contributed to this report.
Miami Herald
16 minutes ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Miami Herald report on Alligator Alcatraz confirms what we suspected
When the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times published a list Sunday of more than 700 detainees held at the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility in South Florida, it confirmed what many have suspected all along: Despite political claims to the contrary, many of the migrants being detained have no U.S. criminal convictions or pending charges. According to the list, published by the Herald/Times in an urgently needed act of watchdog journalism, more than 250 of the detainees have immigration violations but no criminal convictions or charges in the U.S. Some are asylum seekers. Others arrived under humanitarian parole, or thought they were here with permission awaiting the result of ongoing legal cases. In other words, the portrayals by President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others that this detention center in the Everglades is a necessary tool for detaining 'vicious' people and 'deranged psychopaths' is a gross overstatement, underscoring the reasons that due process is so important. No doubt there are some bad characters in the bunch. A third of the detainees on the list, which fluctuates as the population of the detention center changes, have various criminal convictions, the Herald/Times reported, with charges ranging from attempted murder and illegal re-entry to traffic violations. Hundreds of others only have pending charges. But overall, the idea that more than a third of those being held had no pending U.S. charges or convictions should be chilling to Americans. Just how indiscriminate has the U.S. immigration system become? Democratic and Republican members of Congress from Florida and state legislators were given a guided tour of the camp on Saturday, after several Democrats were initially turned away during an unannounced visit earlier in the week. Those on the tour came away with varying conclusions on the conditions, ranging from some Democrats characterizing it as an abomination while some Republicans said the air-conditioned facility meets all prison standards. Conditions aside, the list published by the Herald offers some concrete information on who is being held at the detention center that cuts through the rhetoric surrounding Alligator Alcatraz, which is being run by Florida — the president's home state — and paid for by taxpayers. As Walter Jara, the nephew of a 56-year-old Nicaraguan man taken to the facility following a traffic stop in Palm Beach County, told the Herald: 'That place is supposedly for the worst criminals in the U.S.' The list indicates that his uncle, Denis Alcides Solis Morales, has immigration violations but makes no mention of convictions or pending criminal charges. Jara said his uncle came to the U.S. legally in 2023 under a humanitarian parole program, and has a pending asylum case. Are those people so dangerous that they should be housed in a place called Alligator Alcatraz? DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin insisted to reporters that the absence of a criminal charge in the U.S. doesn't mean migrants have done nothing wrong. She said in a statement that some are 'actually terrorists, human rights abusers, gangsters and more' who 'just don't have a rap sheet in the U.S.' And, she added, 'every single one of these individuals committed a crime when they came into this country illegally.' Trump was elected promising to deport illegal immigrants who committed crimes. Once in office, he revoked Temporary Protected Status ( TPS) and humanitarian parole from thousands of people from places like Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti, effectively creating a whole new class of people without legal status. According to polls, Americans overwhelmingly support deporting immigrants with violent criminal records. But the Herald/Times findings reveal a broader dragnet at work — one that ensnares farm workers, people stopped for traffic violations and those who simply attend their immigration hearings. In our state, they are being rounded up with the same zeal used for violent offenders. If we are holding undocumented people in an isolated camp who have no charges or convictions in the U.S., that's a moral and legal failure. Click here to send the letter.
Economist
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- Economist
What if America's red states are about to lose their cheap-housing advantage?
United States | Peak exodus Photograph: Getty Images Jul 14th 2025 | Atlanta and San Francisco | 5 min read W hy do so many Americans move from blue states to red ones? Ron DeSantis, Florida's governor, crows that 'a collapse in the quality of life' in blue states is making residents flee. During a debate in 2023, he taunted California's governor, Gavin Newsom, for his state's street crime, woke schools and public defecation by homeless people—he even held up a 'poop map' of San Francisco for the cameras. 'They actually at one point ran out of u -Hauls in the state of California because so many people were leaving,' he gloated. We're looking for writers to cover politics and public policy The nationalisation of politics finally comes for America's least-populous state Professional gamblers get beaten by the odds A dispatch from the elevator bank of the 12th floor of 26 Federal Plaza His administration cannot shake rumours of a cover-up—in part because MAGA types enthusiastically endorsed it
New York Post
21 minutes ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
What does ‘green living' look like in the summer?
Most Americans want to reduce their environmental impact, and many are taking it a step further by practicing green living this summer, according to a recent survey. In the poll of 2,000 American adults, three-quarters (75%) said they want to reduce the negative effects of their lifestyle and purchases on Mother Earth. Seasonality may have some influence here, as 64% of those admitted it's easier to be eco-friendly during the summertime. 4 Most Americans want to reduce their environmental impact, and many are taking it a step further by practicing green living this summer, according to a recent survey. Drobot Dean – But even still, almost seven in 10 (69%) are adopting green living this season and shaping their habits and routines to be as sustainable and eco-conscious as possible. For many, green living just looks like recycling (78%) and creating less trash (66%). Sixty-four percent are also working to conserve water, and 58% are using less electricity. Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by the study also found that most (87%) feel it's important to be environmentally responsible during the summer to reduce waste and pollution, given the number of events, holidays, and parties during the season. And based on respondents' tips for green living, the survey found that sustainability isn't complicated. Many shared advice that centered on conscious consumption and taking a 'less is more' approach to shopping. A number of respondents make a point to compost their food waste and avoid plastic packaging when shopping. Other eco-friendly tips include 'Carry a reusable kit — a water bottle, shopping bag, and utensil set everywhere you go,' 'Incorporate new habits into your lifestyle and they become normal,' and 'Turn the water off when you brush your teeth.' Respondents summarized how easy it is to live green by saying, 'Just be conscious of every little thing you do. You never know when you will be able to do something in a more sustainable manner' and simply 'Buy produce that is not packed in a bag of plastic.' 4 Seasonality may have some influence here, as 64% of those admitted it's easier to be eco-friendly during the summertime. Syda Productions – And this summer, many (29%) are grocery shopping for items with minimal packaging, along with foods that are quick and easy to prepare (64%). Nutrient-density (44%) is also important to people when grocery shopping, along with taking home hydrating foods (35%). Top summer grocery haul items from the survey include high-protein selections like chicken (74%) and eggs (68%), along with hydration-rich foods like watermelon (68%), greens (66%), and tomatoes (63%). 'There's a handful of considerations people have when grocery shopping during the summertime and, at times, it can feel overwhelming,' said Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications at 'Many people are balancing rising grocery prices and their needs for healthy, sustainable, and hydrating foods. Eating watermelon can check all these boxes since it's affordable, nutrient-dense, hydrating, and uses minimal or no plastic packaging.' In the survey, respondents were asked about their health goals, and the study found that consuming more healthy foods (78%) and drinking more water (76%) are adults' top wellness priorities. And for respondents with kids (61%), their biggest health goals for their kids are also improving their hydration (50%) and healthy food intake (47%). So it's no surprise that nearly a third of adults (31%) confessed they're typically dehydrated on any given summer day, and more than a fifth of parents (22%) admitted they struggle to get their kids to drink enough water. To help with this, the majority of parents surveyed (66%) divulged that they feed their kids water-rich foods during the summertime to 'sneak' some hydration in. And the most popular hydrating foods respondents enjoy on summer days are watermelon (74%), strawberries (54%), oranges (46%), and cucumber (46%). This corresponds nicely with both survey respondents and their kids' favorite summertime fruit being watermelon (60% and 51% respectively). 'If you're struggling to stay hydrated during the heat of the summer, try eating some watermelon,' said Barlow. 'Or if you just want a cool, refreshing snack, watermelon is perfect for that too.' 4 Many respondents make a point to compost their food waste and avoid plastic packaging when shopping. Kitreel – TOP GREEN LIVING SUMMER HABITS Recycling (78%) Creating less trash and waste (66%) Conserving water (64%) Using less electricity (58%) Driving less in general (56%) Walking whenever possible (56%) Buying locally made/grown products (51%) Shopping less in general (44%) Buying secondhand products (36%) Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters GREEN LIVING TIPS 'Build a compost pile out of anything organic that you would otherwise throw away.' 'I buy fewer things but choose high-quality, sustainable options.' 'Carry a reusable kit — a water bottle, shopping bag, and utensil set everywhere you go.' 'Just be conscious of every little thing you do. You never know when you will be able to do something in a more sustainable manner.' 'Incorporate new habits into your lifestyle, and they become normal. We compost, recycle, buy secondhand, and conserve resources. Turn the water off when you brush your teeth!' 'I try my best to buy produce that is not packed or sacked in a bag of plastic.' 'Turn off the lights, take shorter showers, recycle whenever possible, and buy items at thrift stores.' 'Going paperless with bills.' 4 'Build a compost pile out of anything organic that you would otherwise throw away,' is a tip experts say to follow for green living.' Daisy Daisy – FAVORITE HYDRATING SUMMER FOODS Watermelon (74%) Strawberries (54%) Oranges (46%) Cucumber (46%) Pineapple (42%) Cantaloupe (42%) Peaches (41%) Lettuce (37%) Tomatoes (37%) Honeydew melon (30%) Celery (22%) Bell peppers (20%) Zucchini (14%) Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 17 and June 23, 2025.
Hindustan Times
25 minutes ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Tomato prices in US: What to expect amid Trump's 21% tariff on Mexican imports
Americans are bracing for a steep rise in tomato prices due to new tariffs on Mexican imports, directly impacting locals, restaurants and food businesses. According to CNN, a roughly three-decade-old US-Mexico trade agreement could give way to 20.9% tariffs on the majority of tomatoes imported from Mexico. In US, shoppers were paying about $1.70 per pound for field-grown tomatoes as of May 2025(Bloomberg) Several farm groups across the United States, as well as Republican lawmakers, have sounded the alarm over the nearly 21% tariff, which goes into effect on Monday, July 14. This severely impacts fresh tomato imports from the neighboring country and threatens the North American supply chain, which provides billions of pounds of tomatoes to consumers each year, Fox Business reported. How could Trump's tariffs on Mexico affect tomato prices in US? This is being seen as the latest example of the Donald Trump administration's chaotic tariff policy that has shaken up global trade in recent times, leaving many international businesses uncertain about their future plans. Also Read: Trump Says 200% Pharma Tariffs Are Coming. Wall Street Shrugs. The latest issue is related to the termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement. The trade pact was first signed in 1996 and later updated in 2019. Under this agreement, anti-dumping duties were paused in exchange for Mexican exporters agreeing to price minimums, per Fox Business. The US Commerce Department announced in April this year that it had decided to withdraw from the agreement. The reason given was the pact's failure to protect domestic US growers from artificially low-priced imports. As of May 2025, consumers in the US were paying $1.70 per pound for field-grown tomatoes, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Timothy Richards, a professor of agribusiness at Arizona State University, stated that Americans can expect a price rise of nearly 10%, while demand will fall by 5% due to the new tariffs, CNN reported. The US Department of Agriculture has listed the US as the top market for Mexican tomato exports. In a report last month, the administration found that the tariffs could lead to a drop in tomato imports and higher prices. Also Read: Trump assassination attempt: 5 major questions still unanswered in 2025 Bob Spencer, owner of Florida-based West Coast Tomato, told Fox Business that they were 'not afraid of competition with Mexico,' but warned the country could have a 'monopoly' if things continue under the agreement. FAQs: 1. How much is a tomato in the USA? Shoppers were paying about $1.70 per pound for field-grown tomatoes as of May 2025, per CNN. 2. Why are tomato prices up? This is due to the 20.9% tariffs on most Mexican tomato imports, which are expected to replace the US-Mexico trade agreement. 3. Who is the largest producer of tomatoes in the US? California remains the largest producer of tomatoes in the country. 4. What is a good price for a bushel of tomatoes? A pound of tomatoes cost $1.70 in May this year.
