While many UK brands – from Poundland to Hobbycraft – are disappearing from the high street, there’s one retailer bucking the trend with a major investment.

This week, Matalan announced plans to spend £25 million on a multi-year transformation project — which could mean a store coming to your local area soon.

As part of this overhaul strategy, the fashion and homeware chain aims to expand its 230-strong national footprint, opening 10 new sites in the next 12 months along with a further 20 to 40 by 2030.

At present, no information has been shared on their locations, but ‘key regions’ being looked at are London, Essex, Hampshire and Northern Ireland.

A number of existing shops will also be revamped, with upgrades including modernised layouts, more accessible fitting rooms, and improved self-service checkouts in larger stores.

According to Matalan, the investment is already paying off, as recently refurbished stores in Croydon, Linwood, Bristol Filton, and Dumfries have led to ‘a significant increase in sales, ahead of expectations’.

‘Matalan storefronts have been a fixture of UK communities for 40 years, so it is only right that bricks-and-mortar retail remains at the centre of our transformation programme,’ commented property director James Dorling.

However, since we live in an increasingly online world, e-commerce is part of the offering too. And although the company is remaining tight-lipped on details, it has confirmed shoppers can expect a new app and a refreshed loyalty programme, whereby members receive exclusive deals and rewards.

Dorling added: ‘This investment marks a step-change in our strategy, creating a better, more seamless shopping experience for our loyal existing customers, while also introducing the Matalan brand to new consumers.’

It comes a year after the brand committed £35 million to cutting the prices of more than 700 products.

Giving the likes of Primark a run for their money, products across Matalan’srange was discounted by an average of 15% — with £1 off men’s jeans, £2.50 off women’s hoodies, and £3 off bedding sets.

Then chief executive Jo Whitfield said in a statement: ‘We’ve unlocked efficiencies at a time when inflation and input costs are starting to fall, enabling us to pass these savings on directly to our customers.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

From council tax to the weekly shop, the financial burden of living alone as a single person can really take a toll.

But now, new figures have confirmed the true scale of the so-called ‘singles tax’.

This term refers to the additional costs someone faces when they can’t split them with a partner, having to shoulder the rent or mortgage, household bills, and everything else by themselves.

In 2025, food alone as a single person denotes an extra spend of up to £1,600, which is pretty shocking.

For those renting solo in London though, it’s especially difficult, with the annual singles tax meaning a whopping £19,152 more spent on housing alone.

Incorporating other lifestyle costs – like not splitting a food shop or a hotel room at a wedding – increases the statistic, from UK Debt Expert, to £20,565.

Oxford isn’t much better either; the tax for renting alone here comes in at £13,071, rising to £14,368 when considering other costs that smug, coupled-up friends can save on.

Up in Edinburgh, things are marginally better at £11,393, while the figure for Cambridge sits at £11,192, followed by Crawley at £11,179.

All in all, this reveals the stark reality that this is all money single people lose out on purely because they’re not in a relationship.

Unfortunately, without a major societal shift, singledom likely won’t be getting cheaper any time soon. However, there are a couple of ways you can save while living alone.

How to save money while living alone as a single person

Firstly, you’ll want to take advantage of the council tax discount. Local authorities bill as though at least two people share each home together – but if you’re living alone, who’s picking up the other half? For this reason, single-person households in England, Scotland and Wales are entitled to a 25% discount.

This might not scratch the surface of how expensive solo living can be – and arguably, the discount should be 50% – but it’ll shave a few pennies off.

While a 12,000-strong petition was presented to the UK government under Rishi Sunak in February 2024 asking for the discount to be increased, these suggestions were squashed – and Keir Starmer sadly hasn’t shown any signs of taking it on.

Over on the r/Frugal Subreddit, single people shared other tips they swear by for keeping costs down.

One user, @Roots_on_up, recommended buying food in large quantities, batch-cooking, and making sure to save some for the freezer, explaining: ‘It’s cheap and if you have food on hand, you won’t be tempted to go out as much’.

Another solo saver, @outspokentrauma, learned to make the most of being home alone by ‘keeping lights off and the AC/heat low’, while @Sunny_and_lucky88 suggested ‘looking into other income streams’ like evening shift work and side hustles.

‘If you don’t have any dependents, now is the time to earn!’ they added.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

If you’re one of the 83 million Brits with a mobile phone contract, Martin Lewis claims you may be the victim of a ‘dodgy trick’ used by certain networks.

In the latest edition of his Money Saving Expert (MSE) newsletter, the financial guru warns: ‘People are often shocked by the huge savings reported into my TV show on mobiles. Yet it’s often as they’ve fallen for the same catch, and it’s one everyone needs be aware of.’

According to Martin, many sign up to all-in-one deals with higher bills to pay for the new phone on top of the monthly tariff.

‘Yet once the contract ends and the handset’s cost is repaid, some firms – often the big ones – disgracefully don’t drop the cost,’ he explains. ‘So you pay the same amount each month, even though the vast bulk of the cost was handset repayment.’

Although he argues this ‘should be banned’, it unfortunately isn’t.

And as a result, it’s vital you ‘self-police’ to avoid being overcharged, as well as checking on any vulnerable people you know.

MSE estimates that around 14 million people are ‘out of contract and being ripped off’ — and could save £100s with a simple check.

Your provider is required to send you an out-of-contract notification at the end of your term, but if you’re not sure if you’ve missed this, a free Ofcom service makes it easy to find out.

All you need to do is text INFO to 85075 and you’ll receive an automatic response from your phone company with further details.

To confirm you’re free to go elsewhere, MSE says: ‘You’re looking to see something along the lines of “a £0 early termination/cancellation charge”.’

If so, you can then shop around for a better price, whether that’s with a new network or by negotiating with your current one.

As long as you’re happy with your handset, a Sim-only plan will likely cut your monthly costs — especially since ‘data’s dirt-cheap right now’, with providers offering 35GB data, unlimited UK calls and texts, and free EU roaming for as little as £3 a month.

Check comparison sites for the best available deals (MSE’s ‘cheap mobile finder’ also helps you work out how much data you actually need) and either make the switch or use these as a haggling tool, asking your existing network to beat or match the price others are offering.

The same advice applies if you want to upgrade your handset. Just make sure to sell or trade in the old one, and don’t forget to consider refurbished models as they can be cheaper.

And even if you’re still locked into a contract, all is not lost. Make note of when it ends – perhaps set yourself a calendar reminder – and you can take action as soon as possible, ensuring you never pay more than absolutely necessary.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

California filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department on Monday after officials demanded that the state’s public high schools confirm they will bar transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports.

The state said in its lawsuit that the Justice Department had “no right to make such a demand” and cited “no authority which would allow them to issue or enforce the Certification Demand Letter” to each local education agency.

California defended the laws that have come into question, which allow athletes to participate in sports “consistent with” their gender identity and doesn’t violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The lawsuit said the state’s bylaws “do not classify or discriminate based on ’biological sex,’ do not require schools to ‘depriv[e] [cisgender] female students of athletic opportunities and benefits on the basis of their sex,’ and do not effectuate any differential treatment on the basis of sex.

“Instead, allowing athletic participation consistent with students’ gender identity is substantially related to the important government interests of affording all students the benefits of an inclusive school environment, including participation in school sports, and preventing the serious harms that transgender students would suffer from a discriminatory, exclusionary policy,” the lawsuit added.

The state requested an injunction from the demand letter.

Last week, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital that public school districts must “certify in writing” by June 9 that they will not abide by the California Interscholastic Federation’s gender identity rules.

“Knowingly depriving female students of athletic opportunities and benefits on the basis of their sex would constitute unconstitutional sex discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause,” Dhillon wrote in the letter.

RILEY GAINES TALKS PUBLIC’S REACTION TO SIMONE BILES’ PERSONAL ATTACK: ‘ALMOST FEEL BAD FOR HER’

The California Interscholastic Federation governs public and private high school sports in the state and has a bylaw that requires its members to recognize gender identity in sports.

All students should be able to participate in school sports “in a manner that is consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on a student’s records,” the bylaw states.

Dhillon, a former California-based conservative attorney, said the certifications she is seeking from the public school districts will “ensure compliance” with Title IX and help them to “avoid legal liability.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement the lawsuit was filed “in anticipation of imminent legal retaliation against California’s school systems” failing to adhere to Dhillon’s demand, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“The President and his Administration are demanding that California school districts break the law and violate the Constitution — or face legal retaliation. They’re demanding that our schools discriminate against the students in their care and deny their constitutionally protected rights,” Bonta wrote. “As we’ve proven time and again in court, just because the President disagrees with a law, that doesn’t make it any less of one.”

The Justice Department had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.

The DOJ previously filed a lawsuit against Maine after the state repeatedly thumbed its nose at President Donald Trump’s executive order to keep males out of girls’ and women’s sports.

The Justice Department accused Maine of “openly and defiantly flouting federal anti-discrimination law by enforcing policies that require girls to compete against boys in athletic competitions designated exclusively for girls.”

The latest chapter in California between the state and the Trump administration came days after transgender athlete AB Hernandez won state championships in the girls’ division.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Police in New York City arrested 24 anti-ICE protesters on Monday afternoon after they refused to leave Trump Tower in Manhattan during a demonstration inside.

The demonstrators chanted “Bring Them Back,” while they occupied the lobby of the building. They also read the names of the illegal immigrants who were deported to the CECOT maximum security prison in El Salvador.

Video shot by Fox News showed dozens of NYPD officers entering Trump Tower armed with plastic ties hanging from their belts.

DOZENS OF ANTI-ICE RIOTERS ARRESTED IN LA AS TRUMP SENDS IN NATIONAL GUARD TO QUELL VIOLENCE

In another video, protesters sitting in a circle were warned to leave the building or face arrest. Once the officers approached the protesters, they were told they were subject to arrest.

Police then used plastic ties to detain two dozen protesters from the lobby of the building. The protesters were restrained and then escorted outside and placed into police vans.

It was not immediately clear what–if any–charges the protesters will face.

On Monday, there appeared to be two sets of protesters in The Big Apple. One group attempted to block traffic while the other gathered outside the courts in Lower Manhattan and chanted, “No ICE, No KKK, No Fascist USA.”

ICE SWEEPS THROUGH LA BUSINESSES AS LOCAL DEMOCRATS CRY FOUL OVER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS

Anti-ICE protests began to spread across the country on Monday in response to an eruption of violent protests across Los Angeles, which has now entered its fourth day.

The protests in Los Angeles took off on Friday after ICE agents conducted operations across the city, resulting in about 45 people being arrested across several locations, including two Home Depot stores, a store in the fashion district and a doughnut shop.

Among those arrested was 49-year-old Cuong Chanh Phan, an illegal alien from Vietnam with a criminal history that includes a conviction for second-degree murder.

TRUMP DHS ISSUES WARNING AFTER ANTI-ICE PROTESTERS ATTEMPT TO DISRUPT ARREST

Phan was convicted of shooting up a high school graduation party after a dispute, killing an 18-year-old and a 15-year-old. Seven others were injured in the incident, according to DHS.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin questioned in a statement on Sunday why California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democratic officials “care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens.”

The comment came as Democratic lawmakers denounced President Trump’s order to have the National Guard respond to the protests, which had turned violent.

Images and videos of the protests on Sunday showed protesters blowing up vehicles, throwing rocks at law enforcement officials and taking over a highway.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., was optimistic on Friday that former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk would be targeting Republicans instead of Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections after his feud with President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Semafor, Khanna said that he spoke to some of the Tesla CEO’s “senior confidants” about whether Musk would be interested in supporting Democratic candidates in 2026. Based on Musk’s recent attacks against the Trump administration and his history of supporting Democrats, Khanna believed a change could be possible.

“Having Elon speak out against the irrational tariff policy, against the deficit-exploding Trump bill, and the anti-science and anti-immigrant agenda can help check Trump’s unconstitutional administration,” Khanna said. “I look forward to Elon turning his fire against MAGA Republicans instead of Democrats in 2026.”

BOOKER WON’T ACCEPT MONEY FROM ELON MUSK FOR CAMPAIGN, BUT URGES HIM TO ‘SOUND THE ALARM’ ON TRUMP-BACKED BILL

Khanna made similar comments to Politico on Wednesday where he implored the party to start trying to embrace Musk after he broke ranks with Trump.

“We should ultimately be trying to convince him that the Democratic Party has more of the values that he agrees with,” Khanna said. “A commitment to science funding, a commitment to clean technology, a commitment to seeing international students like him.”

Fox News Digital reached out to a Musk spokesperson for a comment.

While Democrats have largely framed Musk as a political enemy because of his support for Trump, Khanna has been a notable exception, calling for “bipartisan cooperation” with DOGE’s efforts to cut federal spending prior to Trump taking office for the second time..

Not every progressive has encouraged reaching out to Musk ahead of the midterms. On CNN Sunday, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., told “State of the Union” host Dana Bash that he didn’t believe Democrats should work with the “right-wing extremist.”

ELON MUSK BIOGRAPHER BELIEVES BILLIONAIRE IS ‘FRUSTRATED’ AS HE EXITS DOGE

“Musk has evolved over the years. My understanding is he actually voted for Obama in 2008. But over the years, he has developed into a right-wing extremist,” Sanders said.

While Musk and Trump traded harsh barbs last week over Trump’s massive tax and spending package, Musk has since shown signs of reconciling with the Trump administration on social media.

On Sunday, Musk shared a Truth Social post from Trump regarding the Los Angeles riots that broke out on Friday. He also re-posted one of Vice President JD Vance’s posts on X about the riots, signaling approval of the administration’s handling of the situation.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Rashad McCants is a former McDonald’s All-American who continued his basketball career at the University of North Carolina, where he established himself as one of the Tar Heels’ all-time greats, winning a National Championship in 2005 and twice being named an All-American. His collegiate success led to him being selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft, 14th overall.

Following an NBA career that saw him average 10 points per game between stops in Minnesota and Sacramento, McCants became the first-ever pick in Ice Cube’s Big3 league. His team won the league’s inaugural championship and McCants was named championship game MVP.

On Monday, McCants, who previously wrote a book on the exploitation of student athletes – Plantation Eduction: The Exploitation of the Modern-Day Athlete-Student, joined OutKick exclusively on Monday to talk NBA Finals, Bill Belichick’s fit at UNC, playing alongside Kevin Garnett, the NCAA Transfer Portal and more.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Anthony Farris: With the NBA Finals currently tied at one game a piece between Oklahoma City and Indiana, who do you have coming out as the eventual winner and in how many games?

Rashad McCants: I have Indiana in seven (games) because (head coach) Rick Carlisle’s not going to allow certain things to happen where (the Pacers) don’t have an opportunity to win, like you saw in Game One. I think OKC’s lack of experience will have them put in situations where they’ll compromise games and I think that alone will allow Indiana to creep in. And the (Indiana) fanbase can propel a new story to the front of the tabloids instead of OKC doing so by having the MVP (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander).

Farris: If you’re starting a team today, do you do so with SGA or Tyrese Haliburton? 

McCants: There’s preference on what type of team you want to build. But right now, if I’m a winner, and I want a team with chemistry, I’m gonna pick Haliburton because he distributes the ball. He shares the sugar, makes sure everyone gets involved. And he’s not afraid to take the last shot. That has nothing to do with Shai, it just has everything to do with the advantages of Haliburton being a team-oriented guy.

THUNDER STRIKE BACK AS SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER DOMINATES GAME 2 TO EVEN NBA FINALS AGAINST PACERS

Farris: You played your first two NBA seasons with Kevin Garnett on the Timberwolves. What was that experience like? 

McCants: My experience with him was completely different than everyone else’s because I got to see the raw element of who he is in downtime when he’s not wearing the mask and he’s not performing. A lot of people can say through their experiences, “this is how he is,” “this is how he’s that.” But if he hasn’t let you through the door to let you see who he is, you’d see that he’s just a fun dude. He likes to do everything that everyone else likes to do, but he’s very competitive, very intense and very funny. So if you get past a lot of those little areas where he can scare you or intimidate you, you’ll find that he’s just a funny ass dude that’s cool as hell…

Farris: As hard a worker as everyone says?

McCants: Absolutely. He understands the dynamics of details similar to Kobe. I think having Kev as my mentor and vet, felt like I had Kobe Bryant as the same type of guy. I knew they were cut from the same type of cloth, both being my heroes. It was not a drop-off at all when it came to competitiveness, details, footwork, all of those things. 

Farris: You played against Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Arenas, others. Who was the best you played against during your NBA career?

McCants: Kobe Bryant was the best. I was a big student of his. But when it comes down to just talent..it’s hard to guard a chess master. (He was) like Bobby Fischer. He was just one of those guys you had to prepare two-to-three days ahead for. Outside of him, probably Vince Carter.

…Just that era period. You talk about shooting guards and small forwards, from Paul Pierce to Tracy McGrady to Ray Allen to Dwyane Wade to Michael Redd, we had to see a lot of (star) guys, so it’s hard to just pinpoint one or two guys. But then again, it’s actually really, really easy because there was one guy that was better than all of those guys – Kobe.

Farris: Switching over to college athletics, what are your thoughts on the transfer portal? Do you think it’s a good thing?

McCants: Whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, there’s just no structure to it. …I think it can be a good thing if it’s done right and if kids are not entitled to just show up and do nothing and demand things. There has to be a contractual obligation. For you to get this money, you’ve gotta show up and go to practice, you’ve got to be attentive. There are things now: boundaries, restrictions. It’s not just that you can make money, and you act like you’re a millionaire, you don’t have to come and perform. In my book I talk about performance-based requirements and academic-based requirements. If you’re here for basketball, you gotta do all these things before you transfer. If you’re Caleb Love and you wanna leave North Carolina and go to Arizona, alright, did you fulfill all your requirements?

Farris: When you were at UNC, was Michael Jordan ever around and were there open communication lines?

McCants: He came by. It was Michael Jordan so we didn’t have access to him like that (laughing), but he definitely came by to practices to say hello. He’d come back and say hello to everybody and bet us to shoot from halfcourt and keep it movin.

Farris: Who was winning that?

McCants: Me, of course.

Farris: So you beat Jordan?

McCants: Well, I hit (the shot attempt) first.

Farris: How are you feeling, as a Tar Heel, with A) having Bill Belichick as the school’s football coach? And B) with everything that surrounds him right now?
McCants: (laughing) I like Belichick a lot. I think the UNC move was a good move for him. But I think with his morale and everything around him now, (his girlfriend Jordon Hudson) and everything, it’s just controversy waiting to happen. It’s more pressure on him than ever before, because if he doesn’t win, it’s the distractions that around him and he’s not really focused. And if he does win, this is maybe a little bit too easy. You came down to the college ranks to dominate. I love the fact that he’s in North Carolina to give some prestige back (to the program). Mack Brown tried. It’s an opportunity for him to build something. But Belichick, I just think…he’s gonna be a man. He’s gonna be a man and do what you wanna do. I’m not gonna tell him not to do it. You know, we all want to do it but you gotta have enough money to do it. And if you don’t, you don’t. Cool. But salute to Bill. He’s having fun. He’s living his life. 

Farris: One last question. Ice Cube’s Big3 returns this weekend. You won a championship in the league’s first season. How big of an adjustment is it going from playing 5-on-5 full court to 3-on-3 half court?

McCants: When you talk about preparation for it and the half court and the difference, you play a lot harder because you can get exposed a lot quicker. There’s not a lot of help (defense). With 5-on-5 you’ve got a lot of extra help with two extra guys on the court. You can cut the court (angles) off and kind of rest a little bit. But 3-on3, as soon as a shot goes up, somebody gets the rebound, and you can throw it to (a player at) the three point line and shoot it (immediately). So everyone’s constantly running around. You have to be in (good) cardio (shape). It’s not what everyone thinks it is. It’s definitely harder than 5-on-5.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

President Trump’s relationship with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, which appeared to publicly blow up last week as the two feuded in public, took a softer tone on Monday when Musk responded to a clip of the president on X. 

“We had a great relationship and I wish him well — very well, actually,” Trump said on Monday in a clip that was posted by conservative influencer ALX. 

Musk responded to that post with a heart emoji on Monday evening.

Earlier in the day, Fox News Digital reported that the public spat between the two billionaires appeared to be losing steam after Musk seemingly issued support from Trump’s handling of the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.

TIMELINE: INSIDE THE EVOLVING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRUMP AND MUSK FROM FIRST TERM TO THIS WEEK’S FALLOUT

“Governor Gavin Newscum and ‘Mayor’ Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they’ve done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots,” Trump said late Sunday in the post Musk shared. “These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists.”

Additionally, Musk also re-posted one of Vice President JD Vance’s posts on X about the riots.

“This moment calls for decisive leadership,” Vance said, sharing a screenshot of a post from Trump about how his administration would address the riots. “The president will not tolerate rioting and violence.” 

Musk also appeared to post a self-deprecating joke about himself on X on Sunday which many interpreted to be a veiled reference to the fallout with Trump.

“It’s outrageous how much character assassination has been directed at me, especially by me!” Musk posted.

While speaking with reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said that he was “very disappointed” by Musk’s vocal criticisms of the bill. The president claimed that Musk knew what was in the bill and “had no problem” with it until the EV incentives had to be cut.

On X, Musk called that assessment “false.”

Trump turned to social media to criticize Musk, who he appointed to find ways to cut $2 trillion after forming the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

TRUMP WARNS OF ‘SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES’ IF ELON MUSK FUNDS DEMOCRATS

“Elon was ‘wearing thin,’ I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY!” Trump said in one post.

In another post, Trump said, “I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago. This is one of the Greatest Bills ever presented to Congress. It’s a Record Cut in Expenses, $1.6 Trillion Dollars, and the Biggest Tax Cut ever given.”

“If this Bill doesn’t pass, there will be a 68% tax increase, and things far worse than that. I didn’t create this mess, I’m just here to FIX IT. This puts our Country on a Path of Greatness. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

At one point, Musk referenced late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in relation to Trump as part of the larger tirade in a comment that several Republicans told Fox News Digital went “too far.”

Musk deleted that post days later. 

Other posts from Musk included a claim that Trump would not have won the election without his help while accusing Trump of “ingratitude.” In another post, Musk suggested that Trump should be impeached and replaced by Vice President Vance. 

Trump told Fox News on Friday that he isn’t interested in talking to Musk, adding that “Elon’s totally lost it.”

Trump also said to Fox News’ Bret Baier that he isn’t worried about Musk’s suggestion to form a new political party, citing favorable polls and strong support from Republicans on Capitol Hill.

Fox News Digital’s Diana Stancy contributed to this report

Washington is stocked with power players. The president. White House officials. Cabinet secretaries. U.S. Representatives. Senators. Powerful aides. Lobbyists. Journalists.

But how about baseball players?

Democrats and Republicans convene Wednesday night at Nats Park just blocks from the Capitol for the annual Congressional game.

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: LAWMAKERS TAKE TO THE FIELD IN STRANGE SPECTACLE OF ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME

Since 1909, Democrats and Republicans have traded in conference committees for mound visits.

The Congressional Record for scorecards.

And parliamentarians for umpires.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, is a former Atlanta Braves farmhand. He gets his squad out on the practice diamond nearly every morning when lawmakers are in session at 5:45.

“We’ve been working out since March 1,” said Williams. “I think we’re as good as we were last year.”

However, he noted that springtime rain limited practice time. And, an injury might beset the GOP squad.

House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Blake Moore, R-Utah, started in center field for Republicans last year. Moore is one of the best overall athletes for either team. Moore won the high school Heisman Trophy in 1997. However, Moore injured his collar bone diving to make a save as a goalie in the Congressional soccer game a few weeks ago.

Yes, there’s a Congressional soccer game, too. And flag football game. And basketball game. And hockey game.

And voters sometimes wonder why nothing ever gets done in Washington?

UNDER THE DOME AND ON THE DIAMOND

Anyway, Moore says his clavicle has healed. Ironically, he can golf. But can’t play baseball. And can’t reach up to put away the dishes in the cupboard after dinner.

“That goes over really well with my wife,” said Moore.

A penalty for playing soccer?

“I fined him $500,” said Williams – we believe jokingly.

Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, played right field last year. He moves to center field in place of Moore Wednesday night. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., patrols right field for Republicans.

Stutzman returned to Congress this year after an eight-year hiatus. Stutzman played in six games before, hitting .083. Stutzman used to pitch for the GOP. But his services out of the bullpen probably aren’t necessary. After all, Stutzman might not match up to other Hoosier State hurlers like Tommy John and Don Larsen. On the mound, Stutzman sports an 0-2 record with a 14.44 ERA in the Congressional contest.

That said, Williams does have a potential newcomer who can throw: Freshman Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., is a rookie and a fireballer. 

“He’s my Ryne Duren,” said Williams of Harrigan.

To the uninitiated, Duren was a flamethrowing all-star in the 1950s and ‘60s – mostly with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. Duren wore Coke-bottle glasses. The line “Oh say can you see” during “The Star-Spangled Banner” took on a little more meaning for opposing hitters when Duren was on the mound with his fastball.

Williams says Harrigan can bring it. But his control needs work.

THE TRAGEDY OF PETER EDWARD ROSE

Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., enters her third year as the Democrats’ skipper. She’s the first woman to manage the team.

Women first played in the game in 1993. Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., along with former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and current Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., broke the gender barrier. Both Lincoln and Cantwell played as House Members. Sanchez appeared in 11 games and is one of the best women to suit up. She hit .455, going 5-11 with two walks.

Sanchez bleeds Dodger blue. She historically wears a Fernando Valenzuela jersey while managing. Valenzuela was one of the most iconic Dodgers of all time, capturing the 1981 Cy Young Award with his screwball as “Fernandomania” seized southern California. Valenzuela died last fall.

But Sanchez used to pull for the “California” Angels – now the Los Angeles Angels. Sanchez switched her allegiance from the Halos to the Dodgers after the Angels let Nolan Ryan escape to the Houston Astros in late 1979.

One wonders how Sanchez would have felt if she were a New York Mets fan back when they traded Ryan to the Angels?

TRUMP’S SPENDING BILL HEADS TO SENATE WHERE REPUBLICANS PLAN STRATEGIC ADJUSTMENTS TO KEY PROVISIONS

Sanchez’s success at the plate hasn’t followed her into the Democrats’ dugout. Republicans have captured the last four contests – including the two which Sanchez managed. Republicans pounded the Democrats last year, 31-11. The GOP topped the Democrats 16-6 in 2023. There was no game in 2020 due to the pandemic. So the Democrats haven’t won since 2019. Republicans hold a 38-23 advantage in the “modern” era of the game. They began playing the Congressional game in 1909. But late House Speaker Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, halted the game because it became too violent.

There was a legendary collision at home plate in the 1956 game. Late Rep. Charles Curtis, R-Mo., was catching for the GOP. Rep. Olin “Tiger” Teague, D-Texas, steamrolled Curtis at the plate. Teague is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. But Teague buried Curtis at home in that game. Orderlies hauled Curtis off the old Griffith Stadium field on a stretcher.

Lawmakers resumed the game in 1962.

Sanchez is buoyed by at least four new freshmen – or rookies – on her club. Reps. Dave Min, D-Calif., Derek Tran, D-Calif., John Mannion, D-N.Y., and Johnny Olszewski, D-Md.

“Our principal weakness has been not a lot of depth to our bullpen. And this year we’ve got a couple of freshmen that can throw. So we’re hoping that with those additions, we can do a lot better this year,” said Sanchez.

Expect Mannion to work in relief.

REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS STAND FIRM AGAINST MUSK’S ‘KILL THE BILL’ ASSAULT ON TRUMP’S AGENDA

Like most Major League clubs, the Democrats need pitching.

“We had a great run for a little while when Cedric Richmond was on the mound,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., who pitches, catches and plays infield for the Democrats.

Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., is one of the greatest players in Congressional Baseball Game history. He pitched in college. He threw 80-mph-plus to stymie fellow lawmakers. Richmond boasted an 8-0 record and a miniscule 2.64 ERA.

But Richmond left Congress to work for former President Biden in 2021. The Democrats haven’t been formidable since.

Heading into Wednesday’s contest, Sanchez teased that her goal with the Republicans in the game is “making them cry.”

“But we come together and do something good for the area,” added Sanchez, noting the $2 million the game raises for children’s charities in the DC area.

But she concedes, “there’s always trash talk.”

HOUSE REPUBLICANS PUSH FOR SPENDING CANCELLATIONS AS ELON MUSK AND CONSERVATIVES DEMAND DEEPER BUDGET CUTS

So Democrats try to escape from their slump. The Democrats haven’t won under Sanchez. But they’re oh-fer since House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., took over in 2023.

“It’s my expectation that the Democratic comeback is going to begin in 2025 at the Congressional Baseball Game,” said Jeffries last week.

But the Brooklyn Democrat said the same thing two years ago.

“I think this is the year for the big, Democratic comeback,” said Jeffries in June 2023.

So, I questioned Jeffries in the Capitol corridors late last week.

“You realize since you’ve been the Minority Leader that the Republicans have defeated the Democrats by a combined score of 47 to 1?” asked yours truly.

“I also realize that my record as an active member of the Congressional Baseball Game team, I believe, was 9-1,” replied Jeffries.

But is that because of Jeffries? Or Cedric Richmond?

Statistics are paramount in baseball. Whether you’re scoring at home. Or using the Congressional Budget Office. Jeffries is 1-6 hitting in his nine games on the Democratic squad. That’s good for a .167 average. Well below the Mendoza Line. But he did swipe seven bases.

And this year, Democrats will again try to steal a win against a talented Republican club.

Gametime at 7pm ET on FS1 Wednesday. Yours truly will be on the call alongside colleague Kevin Corke.

The Department of Health and Human Services dismissed all the members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Monday.

The committee’s job was to decide and “make recommendations” related to the necessity and use of vaccines, according to an HHS news release.

All the current members of the committee were brought in under the Biden administration, and 13 of them were put on the committee last year. HHS said it would take until 2028 for most of the members to be replaced if they served their full term.

RFK JR’S HHS TO END ROUTINE COVID VACCINE GUIDANCE FOR CHILDREN, PREGNANT WOMEN: REPORT

Public debate about vaccines, especially whether government or workplaces should mandate them, escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the criticism and skepticism fell on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which ACIP advises.

“Today we are prioritizing the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda,” Secretary Robert F. Kennedy said in a statement on Monday. “The public must know that unbiased science—evaluated through a transparent process and insulated from conflicts of interest—guides the recommendations of our health agencies.”

The HHS release noted that the next meeting for the committee will be June 25-27 in Atlanta, and the committee will have new people that are “currently under consideration.”

CDC EYES NARROWER COVID-19 VACCINE GUIDANCE AHEAD OF 2025-2026 SEASON

“A clean sweep is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science,” Kennedy continued. “ACIP’s new members will prioritize public health and evidence-based medicine. The Committee will no longer function as a rubber stamp for industry profit-taking agendas. The entire world once looked to American health regulators for guidance, inspiration, scientific impartiality, and unimpeachable integrity. Public trust has eroded. Only through radical transparency and gold standard science, will we earn it back.”

HHS cited an executive order from President Donald Trump saying that changes were needed in how the federal government plays a role in science and health.

“Unfortunately, the Federal Government has contributed to this loss of trust. In several notable cases, executive departments and agencies (agencies) have used or promoted scientific information in a highly misleading manner,” the order stated.

MILLIONS SPENT BY BIDEN ON COVID ‘VACCINE HESITANCY’ CAMPAIGN SLASHED BY TRUMP NIH: REPORT

“For example, under the prior Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued COVID-19 guidance on reopening schools that incorporated edits by the American Federation of Teachers and was understood to discourage in-person learning,” the order, signed on May 23, continued.  

“This guidance’s restrictive and burdensome reopening conditions led many schools to remain at least partially closed, resulting in substantial negative effects on educational outcomes — even though the best available scientific evidence showed that children were unlikely to transmit or suffer serious illness or death from the virus, and that opening schools with reasonable mitigation measures would have only minor effects on transmission,” it added.

Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate to lead the department in February after Trump nominated him.