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Sara Phillips

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Sara Phillips is a senior national politics reporter for Times Media Service, based in the Washington bureau. Phillips covers national politics and policy, including federal government decisions and how those decisions affect Americans across the country. Phillips holds a master's degree in public policy and grew up in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Stories by Sara Phillips

14 stories

  1. August 2026

    3 stories: 3 explainers

  2. Thu

    Explainer · Politics · Washington DC

    Trump has not chosen Karoline Leavitt’s replacement as names circulate for White House press secretary

    The public faces a transition in presidential communications as Karoline Leavitt prepares to exit her White House press secretary role in August.

  3. Sun

    Explainer · Travel · Florida

    Celebrity Cruises raises daily gratuities by $1.50, prompting passenger backlash

  4. Sat

    Explainer · Politics · New York City

    What New York City’s delivery-tip rules did — and what Mamdani can claim

  5. July 2026

    4 stories: 3 explainers, 1 news story

  6. Tue

    Explainer · Business and Finance · San Francisco, California

    Former Netflix executive alleges ketamine disclosure at retreat cost him a $1.1 million job

    Former executive Kevin Baillie sues Netflix, alleging he was fired in April 2026 from his $1.1M job after disclosing medical ketamine therapy.

  7. Wed

    Explainer · Arts and Entertainment · United States

    What Terrible’s reopening of Primm Valley Casino means for the border-town resort corridor

  8. Sun

    Explainer · Business and Finance · United States

    Why KFC became KFC — and why the rumors still won’t die

  9. Sat

    News: Travel · United States

    Walt Disney World guest dies after cardiac emergency on ‘It’s a Small World,’ Florida report says

  10. June 2026

    4 stories: 1 explainer, 3 news stories

  11. Sat

    News: Travel · United States

    Viral Alberta bear encounter puts hiking safety back in focus for travelers

  12. Thu

    Explainer · Travel · United States

    How a teen’s 50-star flag ended up over state capitols across the country

    Tour US state capitols where Bob Heft's original 50-star flag was flown from 1960 to 1962 after adoption by the Eisenhower administration.

  13. Thu

    News: Politics · United States

    Senate rejects Kaine Iran war powers resolution after Trump presses Republicans

  14. Mon

    News: Politics · United States

    McConnell hospitalized in Washington, office says he is receiving ‘excellent care’

  15. November 2025

    1 story: 1 news story

  16. Sun

    News: Business and Finance · United States

    Social Security COLA 2026: 2.8% Benefit Increase Announced

  17. October 2025

    1 story: 1 news story

  18. Sun

    News: Business and Finance · United States

    Government Shutdown May Delay 2026 Social Security COLA Announcement

  19. July 2025

    1 story: 1 news story

  20. Sat

    News: Business and Finance · United States

    Social Security COLA Estimates for 2026 Compared to Past Years