New developments as Israel-Iran ceasefire hits a week

House Republican leaders are scrambling to rally support among their own party members who are skeptical of President Trump’s massive domestic-policy bill. With key votes coming up later Wednesday, they’re trying to smooth over concerns from moderates and fiscal conservatives who aren’t thrilled with the Senate’s version of the tax-and-spending package.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another partisan fight—it’s about whether Trump’s own party can unite behind his agenda. If GOP leaders can’t bring critics on board, it could signal deeper fractures in the party or even stall major legislation. Either way, the outcome will shape how much political muscle Trump really has in Congress.

The House is gearing up for a key procedural vote that would allow final debate on Trump’s controversial tax-and-spending bill—but it’s already on shaky ground. Enough Republicans have signaled opposition to likely sink it, setting up a high-stakes showdown. Meanwhile, the bill itself (dubbed the "Big Beautiful Bill" by Trump) has sparked strong reactions, with supporters calling it a no-brainer and critics raising alarms.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just inside baseball—it’s a make-or-break moment for one of Trump’s signature legislative pushes. If the vote fails, it’s a major setback for his agenda and a sign of GOP infighting. Even if it passes, the bill’s contents (tax cuts, spending shifts) could ripple through wallets and government programs. Worth watching to see how much sway Trump still holds in his own party.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the former GOP presidential hopeful turned Ohio gubernatorial candidate, has pulled in a hefty $9.7 million in donations since jumping into the race four months ago. That’s a serious war chest for someone who only entered the state-level political scene earlier this year after ending his White House bid.

Editor’s Note: Money talks in politics, and Ramaswamy’s fundraising haul signals he’s a contender—or at least someone donors are willing to bet on. Whether this cash translates to voter support in Ohio’s crowded GOP field is the real question. It also hints at his staying power post-presidential campaign, showing he’s not fading from the political spotlight anytime soon.

House Republicans are scrambling to pass Trump’s major bill—dubbed the "big, beautiful bill"—but the vote has turned into a messy, drawn-out drama. Despite intense pressure from GOP leaders, holdouts are refusing to budge, forcing them to keep the vote open for over an hour while they twist arms behind the scenes.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just procedural gridlock—it’s a high-stakes test of Republican unity. If the bill stalls, it’s a bad look for Trump’s influence and could signal deeper fractures in the GOP. For voters, it’s a real-time glimpse at how messy lawmaking can get when party loyalty clashes with individual agendas.

Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus is sounding the alarm about a GOP-backed bill supported by Trump, warning it could hurt gamblers by slashing tax deductions on gambling losses. The bill would cap deductions at 90%, meaning players could only write off a fraction of their losses—a move Titus argues might push some toward unregulated gambling markets.

Editor’s Note: For Nevada, where gambling is a huge part of the economy, this isn’t just about taxes—it’s about whether casinos lose customers to shady offshore sites or underground betting. If high rollers can’t deduct most of their losses, they might take their money elsewhere, and that could ripple through the state’s tourism and tax revenue. Titus is framing it as a consumer protection issue, but critics might see it as defending a niche tax break. Either way, it’s another flashpoint in how policy shapes gambling culture.