President Joe Biden is pushing for higher taxes on the wealthy as Trump-era cuts expire. A fast-moving wildfire in New Mexico forces evacuations. And an executive action is being announced to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation.
Here’s what you need to know today.
Biden is calling for an end to Trump-era tax cuts and raising taxes on the wealthy
The impending expiration of large parts of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts has President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump – and members of their parties in Congress – are divided over whether to extend it. Biden said he wants to raise taxes on the wealthy if he is elected this fall. Trump has promised even deeper cuts when he returns to the White House.
The scheduled expiration date isn’t until late 2025, meaning the outcome will be determined by whoever ultimately controls the White House and Congress. Yet both candidates raise the subject during the campaign.
Biden has promised to end tax breaks for incomes above $400,000, while pledging not to raise taxes on those who earn less. And many liberals in Congress see the expiration date as an opportunity. Sen. Elizabeth Warren called 2025 an opportunity to “reflect our nation’s values by raising taxes on the wealthy.”
Meanwhile, Trump has touted his 2017 tax cuts during his campaign, promising to pass “the largest tax cut” — something many Republicans are eager to see.
This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. To register here to receive it in your inbox.
Trump is also floating the idea of ending taxes on money earned from tips — but so far it’s unclear whether the talking point will materialize as a serious policy plan. Plus some influential Republicans said they were skeptical of the idea.
However, Biden’s goal of reversing tax cuts for people with incomes above $400,000 will be easier said than done, and a concrete policy proposal has not yet been developed. Read the full story here.
Even more tax news:
Fast-moving wildfire forces evacuation of New Mexico village
Residents of Ruidoso, New Mexico, were told yesterday to evacuate immediately after a wildfire was discovered west of the city, officials said. As of last night, the South Fork fire on the Mescalero Reservation west of the village had grown to an estimated 5,252 acres and was zero percent contained, officials said. Here’s what we know.
In California, firefighters have increased their inclusion of the Post Fire, north of Los Angeles. And from the Midwest to the East Coast, a heatwave which is expected to last until Friday, will affect millions of people.
Biden announces protections for undocumented spouses of US citizens
The Biden administration is taking executive action to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens — a move that would protect about 500,000 immigrants from deportation. The White House announced its election year policy this morning, stating it as: “new action to keep families together.” The move comes after pushes from immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers and after President Joe Biden courted Latino voters in key battleground states.
Lawmakers have been briefed on the plan and at least some have been invited to the White House for the announcement, sources said.
“This is the biggest since DACA,” said a source familiar with the matter, an immigration advocate, adding that it was a smart political move by the Biden administration. Foreshadowing the likely battle to come over the policy, the White House was keen to emphasize that it has been cracking down on unlawful border crossings and working to dismantle human smuggling networks.
Pastor who advised Trump admits he ‘failed morally’ after child abuse allegations
A Texas megachurch pastor who served as a spiritual adviser to former President Donald Trump has admitted a “moral failure” 40 years after a woman accused him of repeatedly abusing her as a child. The woman, Cindy Clemishire, described to NBC News her first encounter with the Rev. Robert Morris when he stayed with her family on Christmas night 1982. She was twelve; he was 21. It was the first of several similar encounters that would span the next four½ years, said Clemishire, now 54.
Clemishire’s allegations were made public on Friday. Morris acknowledged in a statement the next day what he called “inappropriate sexual conduct with a young lady” when he was in his 20s. The statement seemingly confirmed the timeline Clemishire described, and Morris said he confessed to church elders at the time and asked for forgiveness. Morris has not been charged with a crime.
Morris is now senior pastor at Gateway Church, one of the largest megachurches in the country, but his reach and influence extend far beyond that role. Senior investigative journalist Mike Hixenbaugh explains his ties to the Trump presidency and spoke with Clemishire about the allegations against Morris.
Boston Celtics defeated Dallas Mavericks for the NBA title
The Boston Celtics are NBA champions for the first time in more than fifteen years. Jayson Tatum And Jaylen Brown led the team to a 106-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks last night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, earning them the 2024 title. The result marked the Celtics’ 18th championship, breaking the tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history.
The team had the best NBA regular season record at 64–18 and had one of the worst offenses in league history. It also had a No. 2 defense. Read more about the Celtics’ victory.
Politics in brief
Today’s primaries: Representative Bob Good, chairman of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, is hoping to prevail in the Republican House primary for Virginia’s 5th District despite opposition from Trump and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. And in Oklahoma, Republican Representative Tom Colean Appropriations Committee leader who has drawn criticism from his own party faces a primary opponent accused of actually being a Texan. Here are other key races to watch.
Cop robbed: A Secret Service agent was robbed at gunpoint during Biden’s campaign trip to California, authorities said.
Want more political news? Sign up for From the Politics Desk and receive exclusive reporting and analysis in your inbox every weekday evening. Subscribe here.
Personnel choice: Small joys in Gaza despite displacement and loss
In much of the world, sharing content on social media can feel like a seamless part of everyday life. For content creators in Gaza, it’s a laborious process that, according to 19-year-old Medo Halimy, costs him “about $3, which is a lot here.” But it’s important for Halimy and others who upload vlogs to social media to show a different perspective what life is like in a war zone. There are football matches, chores and trips to secure food – and of course these vloggers are not immune to the realities of life in a war zone. One expert put it simply: “These are still people trying to live a life.” — Elizabeth Robinson, newsletter editor
▼ NBC Select: Online shopping, simplified
When shopping for a mattress, consider choosing firmness over softness if you have back pain, chiropractors advise. See seven mattresses they recommend for a good night’s sleep. And no bed is complete without a soft set cotton sheets.
Register with De Selection newsletter for practical product reviews, expert shopping tips and a weekly overview of the best offers and sales.
Thanks for reading today’s Morning Review. Today’s newsletter was put together for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If you are a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can register here.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
