Emily Hallas

2 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | Emily Hallas

The first round of June’s Social Security payments, worth up to $5,108 for the highest-income earners who retire at age 70, will be distributed in three days. Here is all you need to know about June’s Social Security payments. Social Security payments typically begin on the second Wednesday of every month, and the following waves go out in the subsequent weeks. The distribution of payments depends on which day of the month a retiree was born.

2 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | Emily Hallas

July’s Supplemental Security Income payment, worth up to $967, will go out to millions of beneficiaries in 23 days. The next SSI payments are scheduled to be distributed on July 1. SSI payments are given to people living with debilitating disabilities that affect their income, according to the Social Security Administration. SSI payments and regular Social Security benefits aren’t connected. Those who receive Social Security payments do not automatically qualify for SSI payments, and vice versa.

3 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | Emily Hallas

Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL) is under fire for a since-deleted post saying a Sikh or Muslim should not be allowed to lead prayer in the House. It is a long-standing tradition in the House to introduce legislative sessions with prayer, with Congress members regularly inviting guest chaplains from their districts. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) asked Giani Surinder Singh, a Sikh cleric from New Jersey, to lead lawmakers in prayer Friday morning.

3 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | Emily Hallas

Russian officials mocked the feud between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, offering to protect the Tesla CEO, who once issued a “single combat” challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine. A falling out between the White House and Musk, a senior adviser and close friend to Trump for months, erupted on Thursday over the president’s sweeping “big, beautiful” tax cuts bill.

3 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | Emily Hallas

Florida authorities charged Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez with racketeering after he was arrested in connection with a sprawling criminal gambling operation in the Sunshine State. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) issued an executive order suspending Lopez from his position on Thursday after the sheriff was accused of being involved in a massive illegal gambling operation and public corruption scheme that generated over $21 million in profits.