Mar 27, 2019

Trump's Federal Reserve pick owes the IRS $75K in unpaid taxes

Conservative economist Stephen Moore. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

Stephen Moore, the conservative economist who President Trump intends to nominate for a seat on the Federal Reserve Board, owes the U.S. government more than $75,000 in unpaid taxes, Bloomberg reports.

Details: According to a January 2018 court filing by the federal government, Moore reportedly has not paid $75,328 in taxes incurred in 2014. Moore told the Guardian in a statement that he was “eager to reach an agreement” with authorities, but has been frustrated by the bureaucratic process. "For several years I have been working through a dispute with the IRS, attempting to be returned what my attorneys and accountant believe were tax overpayments of tens of thousands of dollars," Moore said.

Go deeper

Rashaan Ayesh

U.S. and Taliban announce first step in Afghanistan peace process

Photo: Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty Images

The State Department confirmed Friday morning the U.S. and Taliban have "reached an understanding" that starts a 7-day "reduction of violence" to be followed by a signed U.S.-Taliban agreement.

Why it matters: The Afghanistan war is the longest war in U.S. history. President Trump has previously pulled out of talks at the last minute, only to restart them.

Go deeperUpdated 10 mins ago - World

Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Margaret Talev

Bloomberg's debate backfire could boost Bernie

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Mike Bloomberg got into the 2020 race to stop Bernie Sanders and socialism. If he doesn't bounce back from this week's debate, he may seal the deal for both.

Why it matters: Bloomberg’s own campaign has warned that Sanders could lock up the nomination in mere weeks, thanks to rivals spitting the opposition vote. But Bloomberg’s own spending makes it harder for other rivals to cut through — and virtually assures he sucks up significant delegates.

Go deeper12 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Bob Herman

Surprise billing may be about to get worse

Illustration: Lazaro Gamio/Axios

The problem of surprise medical billing — which Congress failed to solve last year — is about to get worse, thanks to a feud between an insurance giant and a company that employs thousands of doctors.

The big picture Parents who have babies in intensive care, women with high-risk pregnancies and people who need anesthesia could receive unexpected bills in the mail as a result of the fight between Mednax, the physician-staffing firm, and UnitedHealth Group.

Go deeper2 hours ago - Health