Student loan defaults trigger paycheck garnishment as Trump admin ends COVID-era pause

The Trump administration announced a significant change to the H-1B visa program, replacing the longstanding lottery system with a new approach that prioritizes skilled and higher-paid foreign workers. This decision, made by the Department of Homeland Security, aims to streamline the visa allocation process and ensure that the most qualified candidates are selected.

The Trump administration is recalling approximately 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and senior embassy positions across at least 29 countries, a move aimed at aligning diplomatic personnel with President Trump's agenda. This decision reflects a broader strategy to ensure that U.S. foreign service officers support the administration's policies.

The Trump administration has rolled back a Biden-era policy that mandated the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide abortion services, arguing that the directive contravened congressional restrictions on taxpayer funding for elective abortions. This decision marks a significant shift in the administration's stance on reproductive health services for veterans.

The U.S. has deployed a significant number of special-operations aircraft, troops, and equipment to the Caribbean, enhancing its military options regarding Venezuela. This move is part of the Trump administration's ongoing strategy to increase pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's regime amid escalating tensions.

The Education Department is set to begin garnishing the wages of borrowers who have defaulted on their student loans, a process that was initially expected to start in the summer but was delayed due to a government shutdown. This decision marks a significant shift as the department resumes actions that were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An American veteran has dedicated years to assist an Afghan interpreter in securing a visa to enter the United States, following a strong bond formed during their time together in Afghanistan. However, recent visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration have cast doubt on their potential reunion, leaving the interpreter's future uncertain.

The U.S. economy has shown robust growth as Americans continue to spend, with recent data released after a government shutdown highlighting this trend. This economic performance is significant as it comes at a time when the economy is a focal point for voters and the Trump administration.