DOL OIG launches probe into alleged H-1B/PERM fraud and wage-kickback coercion
DOL OIG launched a nationwide probe into alleged H-1B/PERM fraud and wage “kickback” coercion, plus a Hotline reporting push for workers and employers.
Local Headlines
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Supreme Court takes up Jouppi v. Alaska forfeiture fight over beer
The Supreme Court granted cert in Jouppi v. Alaska (No. 25-246) over a plane seizure tied to a six-pack of beer and the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause.
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Cleveland City Council approves 3-month pause on standalone data centers
Cleveland OH – City Council’s emergency ordinance took effect July 20, 2026, pausing permits for new standalone, principal-use data centers through Oct. 16.
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House passes $95B reconciliation framework for Iran war, farm aid, voting
House GOP passed H.Con.Res. 113 on July 22, 2026, 216–214, setting a $95B reconciliation path for Iran war, farm aid and election changes.
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Keystone Pipeline CWA settlement proposed: $26,867,789 penalty + $40M work
DOJ and EPA filed a proposed Clean Water Act consent decree over a Dec. 7, 2022 Keystone rupture in Kansas. Comments run July 15–Aug. 14.
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Gibsonia drivers: I-79 Exit 73 beam-work restrictions set for July 13–16
Gibsonia PA – PennDOT scheduled overnight lane reductions and ramp changes for the I-79/Route 910 Wexford (Exit 73) interchange nights July 13–16, 7 p.m.–6 a.m.
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I-77 South toll lanes: NC budget law requires local repayment unless CRTPO acts by Oct. 5
NC’s 2026 budget law adds a repayment trigger for local governments that voted to rescind I-77 South Express Lanes support—unless they reinstate by Oct. 5, 2026.
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Westerly water ban update: total outdoor ban lifted, odd/even schedule continues
Westerly lifted its “total” outdoor residential water ban, but odd/even watering rules remain until further notice for Westerly Water customers.
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Gas & Diesel Watch: Wichita Falls rises for Iowa Park drivers (Jul. 22)
Iowa Park TX Gas & Diesel Watch – Regular gas is $3.592/gal and diesel $4.726/gal in the Wichita Falls metro (AAA), up from yesterday and last week.
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OSHA proposes $343,797 after excavation collapse hospitalized worker—what to do next
OSHA proposed $343,797 after an Alvin, Texas excavation collapse hospitalized a worker. Here’s the 15-working-day enforcement timeline and dispute options.
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FDA revokes Orange B and proposes Citrus Red No. 2 revocation
FDA issued a final order for Orange B and proposed revoking Citrus Red No. 2; Orange B’s listing ends Sept. 8, 2026, and comments close Aug. 24, 2026.
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Bolingbrook residents testify as Illinois American Water’s ICC rate case moves forward—what the July 14 public forum means for bills
Bolingbrook residents and officials testified July 14 as the ICC advanced Illinois American Water’s P2026-0127 rate case; more hearings are set for August.
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Austin City Council to consider $320M battery storage agreement July 23
Austin City Council will consider authorizing battery storage up to 200 MW, with costs estimated not to exceed $320M via Austin Energy’s PSA.
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Decatur County Courthouse Window Bids Due July 24 in Leon
Leon IA: Decatur County courthouse window replacement sealed bids are due July 24, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (labor only); Board reviews July 27.
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Baltimore voters will weigh Question H: new Dept. of Water and Wastewater
Baltimore voters will weigh Question H on Nov. 3, 2026, creating a standalone Dept. of Water and Wastewater and shifting oversight from DPW—if approved.
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OPM suitability rule: post-appointment conduct changes take effect July 30
OPM’s final 5 CFR part 731 rule takes effect July 30, 2026, giving OPM a formal path for employee suitability actions based on post-appointment conduct.
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FTC Seeks Comment on Proposed AI ‘Suppression of Accuracy’ Policy—Deadline July 31
United States Technology Privacy and Federal Regulation – The FTC opened public comments on a proposed AI “suppression of accuracy” policy; deadline is July 31, 2026.
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EPA proposes extending PFOA/PFOS drinking-water deadlines to 2031—what changes
EPA’s proposal keeps April 2024 PFAS drinking-water limits for PFOA and PFOS but would let eligible systems request a two-year compliance extension to 2031.
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Cook Street–French Moore Blvd extension: comments due July 24 in Abingdon
Abingdon VA – VDOT held a Cook Street–French Moore Blvd design meeting July 14 at EO, but residents can still submit feedback by July 24.
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Baton Rouge zoning hearing July 22: 6 rezoning cases on Metropolitan Council agenda
Baton Rouge LA — The Metropolitan Council’s July 22, 2026 zoning hearing at 3:30 PM at City Hall covers six rezoning cases. Here’s how to speak.
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Washington DC robotaxi bill after July 13 hearing: 200-vehicle cap and VMT fee
Washington DC – After a July 13 hearing on the autonomous vehicle/robotaxi bill, DDOT and residents debated caps, a VMT fee, and workforce transition rules.
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Missouri AG seeks Johnston removal as Ray County prosecutor; judge enjoins her
Richmond MO – Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed a quo warranto petition to remove Ray County Prosecutor Camille Johnston, and a judge enjoined her.