Stories from May 31, 2025

Ernst draws groans at Iowa town hall after retort on Medicaid cuts, saying 'we all are going to die'
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is facing backlash after saying “we all are going to die” while talking about potential changes to Medicaid eligibility at a town hall in north-central Iowa.
Hamas says it is still reviewing a U.S. proposal for a Gaza ceasefire
Hamas says it is continuing to review a U.S. proposal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire plan, which has been approved by Israeli officials, won a cool initial reaction Thursday from the militant group.
Trump tells US steelworkers he’s going to double tariffs on foreign steel to 50%
President Donald Trump says he’s doubling the tariff rate on steel to 50%, a dramatic increase that could further push up prices for a metal used to make housing, autos and other goods.
Hazy skies ahead as temperatures climb
Hazy skies are ahead as temperatures climb, with wildfire smoke continuing to blanket much of the state. An air-quality alert remains in effect through Monday at 6 p.m. Temperatures will heat up over the weekend and into early next week, with highs in the 80s and 90s expected across the region.
Trump pardons drug kingpins even as he escalates U.S. drug war rhetoric
President Trump has promised to attack drug gangs and called for the death penalty for street dealers. But he has also pardoned more than 20 people serving time for serious drug crimes, some involving violence.
Trump nominates official with ties to antisemitic extremists to lead ethics agency
President Trump nominated Paul Ingrassia to lead the Office of Special Counsel, a government agency that enforces ethics law and protects whistleblowers, despite Ingrassia’s links to extremists.
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