HHS activates Defend the Spend system, evidence now required for ACF childcare payments to combat fraud
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a press statement released today, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, alongside Assistant Secretary Alex Adams who oversees the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced the immediate freeze of all federal child care payments to Minnesota and nationwide activation of the Defend the Spend system amid allegations of widespread fraud in child care […]
Key US-2 bridge near Skykomish set for full reopening Jan 4, restoring western access to Stevens Pass
SKYKOMISH — A key bridge on US-2 near Skykomish has been cleared of debris and deemed structurally sound, allowing the western section of the route to reopen from Monroe to Stevens Pass starting January 4, Governor Bob Ferguson and Washington State Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith announced Tuesday. Repairs along a 49-mile stretch of US-2 are […]
Federal judge allows sharing of immigrant Medicaid data with ICE
SAN FRANCISCO—A federal judge ruled Monday that states must share basic personal information, including citizenship status, about undocumented immigrants enrolled in Medicaid with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation efforts, but barred the exchange of sensitive health records. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria, partially upholds a President Donald J Trump’s […]
Boeing awarded $10.6B for Israeli Jets and B-52 upgrades
WASHINGTON — The Boeing Company secured two major contracts from the United States Air Force on Monday, totaling more than $10 billion, to supply advanced fighter jets to Israel and upgrade engines for the aging B-52 bomber fleet. The deals were announced the day President Donald J Trump was meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu […]
Washington secures $181 million in federal funds for rural health
BALTIMORE—Washington state has secured $181.3 million in federal funding for 2026 as part of a sweeping $50 billion initiative to bolster rural health care nationwide, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Monday, December 29. The award marks the first installment for Washington under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which will distribute $10 billion […]
