ED approves Arkansas’ Returning Education waiver and Title I-A changes
On July 7, ED approved Arkansas’ “Returning Education to the States” waiver package, including a Title I-A plan amendment and Ed-Flex—plus a civil-rights disclaimer.
Local Headlines
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White House launches GOLD EAGLE cybersecurity clearinghouse: what changes now
White House launched “GOLD EAGLE” on July 14, tying it to EO 14409 and aiming to speed coordinated vulnerability patching for critical systems.
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BGE asks Maryland regulators for a $156 million electric rate hike—what it could mean for Baltimore bills and when you can weigh in
Baltimore residents on BGE electric service: the utility filed a Maryland PSC base-rate case (Case 9888) seeking about $156.1M and ~$8/month—rates are frozen.
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NYC Council Approves Land-Use for Nearly 3,250 Homes—Monitor Point & Dewitt Clinton Park North
NYC Council’s July 16, 2026 approvals pave the way for nearly 3,250 homes—more than half affordable. What to watch next for Monitor Point and Dewitt Clinton Park North.
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Virginia Beach EPS (Styrofoam) food-container ban fully in effect: what changes
Virginia Beach EPS/Styrofoam food-container ban is fully in effect July 1, 2026. Here’s what prepared-food vendors must change—and how exemptions work.
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Eau Claire schedules 2027 property revaluation: key Sept 2026 dates
Eau Claire set Sept. 3 assessment notices for some owners, with Open Book Sept. 14–15 and Board of Review Sept. 22—here’s how it works.
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Pittsburgh expands Central Northside RPPP Area “HH” and funds “Safe Passages”
Pittsburgh City Council passed July 7 rules expanding Central Northside RPPP Area “HH” and signed July 8 funding up to $250,000 for Safe Passages.
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Greenfield-area gas & diesel update: AAA Indianapolis metro averages move (July 21, 2026)
Greenfield IN Gas & Diesel Watch – AAA Indianapolis metro proxy: regular $3.323 (down from $3.338), diesel $5.046 (up from $5.042) July 21.
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Eleventh Circuit Leaves Injunction Blocking Florida “Stop W.O.K.E.” Classroom Limits
On July 7, 2026, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed a preliminary injunction. Florida public universities must keep the enjoined “training/instruction” limits blocked while the case continues.
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Higher Wages Won’t Crash the Economy
The American economy already produces enough value to pay working people substantially more. A more balanced division of corporate income would reduce some profit margins, executive awards and shareholder distributions, but it would not require eliminating profits or capital returns. It would move the economy closer to the arrangement that prevailed before the shareholder-first model became dominant.
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FHFA proposes overhaul to Duty to Serve Underserved Markets—comments due July 24, 2026
United States Fresh Federal Documents and Draft Reports – FHFA proposes replacing its Duty to Serve rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Comments due July 24, 2026.
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DOJ Title VI findings on UC San Diego med admissions: “hardship” proxy concerns
On July 20, 2026, DOJ’s Civil Rights Division says UC San Diego med used race-linked “hardship” questions to shape interview invitations. Here’s what to watch next.
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Atlanta BZA July 9, 2026 docket: Ellsworth height/yard, McDonough parking
Atlanta’s BZA agenda for July 9, 2026 highlights multi-family height/yard requests on Ellsworth Industrial Blvd and parking relief at 668 McDonough Blvd SE.
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Port Washington Board of Public Works to Consider Data Center Well Permits
Port Washington’s Board of Public Works will take up “well permits for the data center” at its July 14 meeting, tied to Vantage’s Lighthouse project.
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Harris County FY 2027 budget hearings July 13–16: what’s next for tax rate
Harris County Commissioners Court held FY 2027 budget hearings July 13–16. Here’s what departments asked for—and the July 30 and Aug. 6 tax-rate steps.
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Maple Plain families: Anonymous school threat reporting starts July 1, 2026—Orono deadlines
Minnesota’s anonymous school threat reporting law took effect July 1, 2026. Orono ISD 278 must adopt policy by June 30, 2027—and have a system by July 1, 2028.
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White House tightens defense-supply-chain waivers for critical materials (2027 update)
United States White House and Federal Power Watch – EO signed July 20 pauses most defense-supply-chain waivers from Jan. 1, 2027 without accepted mitigation plans.
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OPM shakeups: GAO warns office cuts and capacity loss raise federal HR risk
United States Federal Watchdogs and Public Spending – GAO says OPM cut headcount 35% and eliminated 10 offices, raising operational risk amid missing documentation.
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Aurora water conservation: Stage 2 drought rules could tighten soon
Aurora is already in Stage 1 drought rules—two watering days weekly and no outdoor non-drip watering 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Stage 2 could cut it to one day.
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Pittsburgh Council vote set on lead dust sample contract for rentals
Pittsburgh PA – City Council will consider Resolution 2026-0540 authorizing Batta Environmental for lead dust sample materials and analysis.
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Redwood City rent-control/eviction limits measure heads to Nov. 2026 ballot: analysis
Redwood City CA: July 7 vote sent a citizen rent-control and just-cause eviction measure to the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot; city analysis estimates $5M-$11M admin costs.
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Raleigh weighs teen curfew after July 4 takeovers—drafting steps, Aug. 18
Raleigh NC – After July 4 violence tied to youth “takeovers,” City Council directed the City Attorney and police to draft a curfew for ages 17 and under.