Gimmick or giveback? Even some Trump supporters don't expect to get $5,000 checks after midterms

The offering of government checks has become a go-to tactic for Trump when he faces a political jam. He’s previously endorsed $2,000 in dividends from tariff revenues and large refunds from spending cuts achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency, neither of which materialized. The latest example could reveal how much voters still trust Trump as they decide control of Congress in the midterm elections on Nov. 3. Get Starting PointA guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter EmailStaunch supporters such as Lucy Martinez, the president of a Republican women’s club who attended a recent Trump rally in Texas, said there’s no doubt in their minds. “I think that I will get the $5,000,” she said. Out of all the presidents, Trump is someone “who kept his promises to his people and all the United States.”Trump has dished out payments as elections approachHowever, many voters are already embittered by his economic leadership. His critics see a president who failed to tame inflation and keep America out of overseas conflicts, and whose agenda has fueled higher prices as the war with Iran appears to be at a stalemate.

Published: October 20, 2026 at 10:56a.m. EDTWASHINGTON — U. S. President Donald Trump is hoping that US$5,000 cheques can juice Republican turnout in November’s midterm elections — but even some of his devoted fans are doubting that government payouts would arrive. “I mean, I guess it’s good for some people. I really don’t care,” said Jamie Alvarez, who attended Trump’s recent Alaska rally in a red, white and blue outfit. ”I don’t feel like your vote should be bought. I feel like you should vote for who you feel is going to do the best job.”Joseph Eatherton was attending that same rally and said he was “not sure if it’s necessary.” When asked whether Trump could deliver on the promised money, he said, “I don’t know, and I hate being an armchair quarterback.”The offering of government cheques has become a go-to tactic for Trump when he faces a political jam. He’s previously endorsed $2,000 in dividends from tariff revenues and large refunds from spending cuts achieved by the Department of Government Efficiency, neither of which materialized. The latest example could reveal how much voters still trust Trump as they decide control of Congress in the midterm elections on Nov. 3.

LOS ANGELES -- The "Dancing with the Stars" theme for week 6 is the always popular, fan favorite "Dedication Night. "Each celebrity dedicates their performances to people and places that have made a lasting impact on their lives. It's a tissue-filled episode, with emotions running high. Former pro and two-time mirror ball champ Kym Johnson joined Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli at the judge's table. A familiar face was missing from the ballroom: dancing pro Val Chmerkovskiy, who was suspended for one week after posting "an inappropriate remark" on social media after week 5's "Super Bowl Night. " Chmerkovskiy released an apology. But for this week, Alan Bersten filled in and danced with Jenna Dewan. Here's a rundown of the night's scores, from highest to lowest:Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov: Contemporary to "Breathe Me" by Sia, dedicated to Amber's sister, Brooke. Kym was blown away by the raw emotion, vulnerability and athleticism of the routine. Bruno called it an emotional tour de force and absolutely brilliant. Carrie Ann thanked them for using the platform to send an important message to the world.

Junior Emma Cormier (left) netted three goals against Old Rochester and a penalty stroke against Uxbridge. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe StaffHere are the notable performances this past week from high school field hockey players competing in Eastern Mass. conferences/leagues. Emma Cormier, Somerset Berkley — With three goals against Old Rochester on Monday and a key penalty stroke goal in Saturday’s 5-5 draw with Uxbridge, the junior was impactful for the No. 9 Blue Raiders. Audrey Heath, Swampscott — The senior scored six goals over three games: a hat trick against Saugus (5-1 win), two goals against Danvers in a 3-3 tie, and a goal vs. Peabody in a 9-1 romp. Abbey Pompei, King Philip — A third-quarter goal by the senior proved to be the game-winner for the No. 10 Warriors in a 2-1 victory, the program’s first over Franklin since 2018. Halle Tisbert, Andover — The junior had five goals for the No. 8 Golden Warriors, including a hat trick Monday in a 5-1 Merrimack Valley Conference win over Chelmsford.

Sandwich (15-0-0), the only unbeaten/untied team in this week’s Globe Top 20 field hockey poll, surges to the No. 1 ranking, up from No. 3. At 4.68708 points, the Division 3 Blue Knights have the highest power ranking across all four MIAA divisions. Franklin (13-1-1), dealt its first loss Monday to King Philip in a nonleague game, drops to second, and Belmont (12-0-1) remains third. Lincoln-Sudbury (10-0-1), still atop the D1 rankings, holds at No. 4, Watertown (13-1-1) stays at No. 5, and Dover-Sherborn (12-1-1) remains at No. 6. Canton (13-2-0) and Andover (12-2-0) switched positions to No. 7 and No. 8 after Canton’s 3-1 win over No. 18 Attleboro (8-5-1) and 4-2 win over No. 11 King Philip (11-3-0). Somerset Berkley (11-1-1), which tied juggernaut Uxbridge, 5-5, is ninth, and KP 11th, followed by Acton-Boxborough (10-3-1) and Milton (9-0-2). Walpole drops to 13th after absorbing its third loss. Cohasset, No. 1 in Division 4, is 19th. Records based on scores reported to the Globe. The Globe’s Top 20 field hockey pollThe Globe poll as of Oct. 21, 2026. Teams were selected by the Globe sports staff. Inaaya Omer can be reached at inaaya.omer@globe.com. Girls' rugby

“Sadie’s family had three siblings, and I coached all of them,” Beaton said, recalling Clarkin’s older sisters, Lily and Zoe. “There is always that one kid where you say, ‘Oh gosh, I can’t not coach them in their senior year.’ ” So for Sadie Clarkin and the rest of the seniors, Beaton let that annual thought to leave the sidelines dissipate. She’s glad she did. On Saturday, Sandwich did something they had not done in Beaton’s tenure, which dates back to 1999: beat three-time defending Division 1 champion Walpole, which it did 3-0. Get Varsity NewsYour weekly look at the top high school sports stories. Enter EmailIn her 27th season, Sandwich coach Kelsy Beaton is at home on the sideline. "I love being around the kids, and I love all the little intricacies of coaching. "EVAN WALSH“Having coached as long as I have, I had never beaten or tied them until last year when we tied them,” Beaton said. “Then this year, we beat them. So I feel bad because I do really like [Walpole coach Jen Quinn] and respect their program completely, but for us, that was just a huge win.”Ranked No.