Upshot: A Medicaid loophole that lives on

Also: Tariffs begin to bite

View in browser|nytimes.com May 8, 2025 Ruth Fremson/The New York Times G.O.P. Targets a Medicaid Loophole Used by 49 States to Grab Federal Money States have long used taxes on hospitals and nursing homes to increase federal matching funds. If Republicans end the tactic, red states could feel the most pain. By Margot Sanger-Katz and Sarah Kliff Feedback For suggestions on how we can improve this newsletter, write to theupshotnewsletter@nytimes.com. If you have a compelling data set you'd like us to pursue, send it to dear.upshot@nytimes.com. WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FROM UPSHOT AND FRIENDS Mark Abramson for The New York Times Companies Are Serving Notice: We're Raising Prices Because of Tariffs President Trump's trade policies are already starting to frustrate American consumers who have noticed higher prices in their shopping carts. By Madeleine Ngo The New York Times Chinese Imports Hit 2-Decade Low as Trump Tariffs Begin to Bite While imports can swing with seasonal shifts, President Trump's ratcheting up of U.S. tariffs on China has begun to cascade through supply chains, government data shows. By Karl Russell and Ana Swanson Cameron Pollack for The New York Times Colleges Know How Much You're Willing to Pay. Here's How. Schools turn to little-known consultants, owned by private equity firms, to find applicants and calculate scholarships. Here's how that affects the price you pay. By Ron Lieber IN CASE YOU MISSED IT The New York Times The Church Is More Global Than Ever. What Does That Mean for the Next Pope? Francis appointed most of the cardinals. But they may not choose another pope like him. By Samuel Granados, Jason Horowitz and Josh Holder Tierney L. Cross for The New York Times How Democrats Hope to Overcome a Daunting 2026 Senate Map Facing long odds to retake a majority, Senator Chuck Schumer and his allies are trying to think outside the box and recruit candidates who might be able to pull off upsets in red states. By Shane Goldmacher Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Upshot from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Upshot, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018