Religious Liberty Commission Comments Expose a Church-State Split
A federal commission is reviewing comments on a draft report that seeks broader religious protections while raising questions about church-state neutrality.
Local Headlines
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Judge blocks DOJ subpoena for Fulton election-worker data tied to Union City
A federal judge rejected a Justice Department subpoena for personal data on Fulton County 2020 election workers, a ruling tied to the county’s Union City elections hub.
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Boise smoke advisory prohibits outdoor burning in Ada County
An Idaho DEQ smoke advisory covers Ada County, prohibiting outdoor burning as wildfire haze affects Boise and the Treasure Valley. Here is what residents should do.
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Timken Belts closure puts 283 Springfield jobs on a near-term timeline
Timken’s planned Springfield closure affects 283 workers, but separations are scheduled in waves from July through December. The Job Center offers free help.
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Orlando budget faces possible hiring freeze if tax amendment passes
Orlando is weighing hiring freezes, delayed projects and service changes as officials prepare for possible revenue losses from a November tax amendment.
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Greensboro JetZero seeks up to $3 billion in federal financing
JetZero and EXIM signed a preliminary letter to explore up to $3 billion for Greensboro’s planned aerospace campus; the letter is not a funding approval.
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Judge Temporarily Pauses USCIS Work-Permit Restrictions for Asylum Seekers and TPS Holders
A Massachusetts federal judge temporarily paused four USCIS actions affecting some asylum seekers and TPS holders, while leaving the $100 annual fee in place.
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New Federal Loan Limits Are Now in Effect for Graduate Students and Parents
Federal loan limits changed July 1 for graduate students, professional programs and Parent PLUS borrowers. Some continuing students may keep older rules.
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Fed warns inflation is rising again ahead of July rate meeting
The Federal Reserve says inflation accelerated as energy, food and tariff pressures weigh on households before its July 28-29 policy meeting.
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Ocean Shores Elementary Tsunami Refuge Project Enters Bidding
North Beach School District is seeking bids for an elevated tsunami refuge at Ocean Shores Elementary after identifying up to $8.178 million in grant funding.
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After Flanders Road Closure, Westborough Drivers Face More I-495 Changes
The July 18 Flanders Road closure is over, but MassDOT says ramp changes, lane shifts and overnight work continue near the Westborough-Hopkinton interchange.
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Buffalo Chippewa traffic limits are in effect as 21-and-over rule remains a proposal
Weekend vehicle and parking restrictions are in effect on Buffalo’s Chippewa Street, while a proposed 21-and-over access rule remains under review.
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Chicago Fire stadium TIF package draws West Loop backlash over $287M
Chicago approved about $424.9 million in TIF-backed public infrastructure for The 78, while West Loop officials question a planned transfer of up to $287 million.
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Gas prices are above $4. What it could mean for groceries and school costs
Gas prices are above $4 nationally as crude oil tops $100, adding pressure to household budgets and raising questions about grocery and school costs.
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June State Jobs Data Show an Uneven Labor Market
June state data show an uneven labor market: Texas led payroll gains, West Virginia lost jobs, and unemployment rates moved differently across the country.
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June CPI Fell as Gasoline Dropped, but Groceries Stayed Higher
U.S. consumer prices fell in June as energy costs dropped, but grocery and electricity prices remained above year-earlier levels, limiting relief for many households.
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Worcester sewer overflow prompts Lake Quinsigamond restrictions
Worcester, MA — A July 24 sanitary sewer overflow sent about 15,000 gallons of untreated wastewater toward Lake Quinsigamond, prompting swimming and fishing restrictions.
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Wauchula Opens Bidding for $325,000 Airport Rotating Beacon and Tower
Wauchula is seeking bids for a new airport rotating beacon and tower, but the project remains in bidding and permitting with no contractor award confirmed.
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Raleigh Youth Curfew Is Still Only a Draft. What Happens Aug. 18?
Raleigh is drafting a possible youth curfew after July 4 violence, but no permanent rule is in effect before the City Council’s Aug. 18 discussion.
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Lake Oswego-area gas edges up to $4.73; diesel reaches $5.56
AAA’s July 26 Portland-Vancouver metro check puts regular gas at $4.734 and diesel at $5.556, with both higher than last week but below last month.
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California sues Turlock over delayed housing plan before August hearings
A state lawsuit puts Turlock’s overdue Housing Element and unfinished rezoning under court scrutiny as the city prepares for August public hearings.
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White House science blueprint puts AI, industry and missions at center
A new White House science blueprint calls for more AI-driven research, flexible grants and industry partnerships, but agencies and Congress must still act.