Politics: 5 stories from this week

May 17, 2025

Here are some stories you might have missed this week, curated by Times editors and personalized for you.

Marty McGowan sitting on the steps of a staircase in his home.

Justin Cook for The New York Times

Why Are So Many Retirees Filing for Social Security Earlier?

An additional 276,000 people filed for Social Security benefits so far this fiscal year, up 13% from a year ago. Anxiety appears to be a driver.

By Tara Siegel Bernard

Gov. Gavin Newsom, wearing a navy blue Cal Fire jacket, stands outside a plane at a microphone with his left hand gesturing out.

Andri Tambunan for The New York Times

Newsom Proposes Scaling Back Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants in California

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to charge monthly premiums for undocumented immigrants and stop adding new enrollees to the program as soon as January.

By Laurel Rosenhall

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. behind a podium with the presidential seal, as Donald Trump looks on.

Eric Lee/The New York Times

Kennedy Swims in Washington Creek That Flows With Sewage and Bacteria

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, shared photos of himself and his grandchildren swimming in waters that handle sewer overflow.

By Chris Cameron

Representative Nicole Malliotakis conducts a television interview in the Capitol, as someone dressed as Mr. Monopoly stands nearby.

Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times

Why a $10,000 Deduction Is Blocking the G.O.P.'s $3.8 Trillion Tax Bill

House Republicans, mostly from New York, have gone to war with party leadership over their push to raise or abolish the $10,000 cap on the so-called SALT deduction.

By Benjamin Oreskes

Judge Hannah C. Dugan holds a microphone as people stand behind her and buildings can be seen in the distance.

Lee Matz/Milwaukee Independent, via Associated Press

Wisconsin Judge Indicted on Charges That She Helped Immigrant Evade Agents

Judge Hannah C. Dugan was accused of helping an undocumented immigrant elude federal agents who were waiting to arrest him outside her courtroom.

By Mitch Smith and Dan Simmons