I’m Liam Anderson, reporting out of Two Harbors with a look at what’s happening in national U.S. news — issues with staying power that touch us all.
Inflation Slows, But Prices Remain a Burden
Inflation in the U.S. has eased slightly, though costs are still well above levels many of us in Minnesota remember comfortably managing. From July 2025 to July 2026, headline inflation rose about 3.4% year-over-year; when excluding food and energy, core inflation was lower, closer to 2.5%.
Consumers saw energy prices peak earlier in the year—pushed up by global supply constraints and geopolitical tensions—then begin rolling back. Food costs continue creeping up, though more gradually. Despite the slowing, many households are still dealing with overheated housing costs, grocery bills, and fuel prices.
Federal Budget & Political Gridlock Looming
Congress faces another deadline to pass funding for the federal government, and partisan divides are broadening. While both parties publicly urge urgency, internal disagreements over spending priorities and negotiating leverage have delayed progress. If funding bills aren’t enacted by late September, there’s real risk of a federal shutdown.
Voting and Voting Rights Front and Center
In the months ahead, court rulings and new executive actions are expected to shape how Americans vote in midterm elections. A federal judge extended a block on a Postal Service rule that sought to limit mail ballots. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is pushing for restrictions on mail-in voting—especially in key states where ballots are already being mailed out. The legal push and counter-actions are intensifying.
Birthright Citizenship Under Judicial Review
President Trump issued an executive order aimed at curtailing birthright citizenship in cases of “birth tourism”—where non-citizen visitors travel to the U.S. to give birth. But a recent federal judge blocked that order, citing established Supreme Court precedent that affirmed the constitutional guarantee of citizenship for most born on U.S. soil. As the legal battle continues, the ruling stands for now.
Why It Matters for Two Harbors
What seems like Washington politics has impact here. Inflation influences grocery prices, heating bills, and construction costs in our community. Federal budget deals determine infrastructure funding, social services, and programs many residents rely on. Voting rights decisions affect who in our region can cast ballots easily and by mail, and how laws are applied during elections. Understanding these developments helps us stay informed and protect what’s important: equity, access, and community stability.
Stay tuned—these are fast-moving issues that will shape more than just headlines.