July 4 gas prices are easing, but holiday drivers still face a costly weekend
United States Prices and Inflation Watch – Gasoline is cheaper than late spring, but 72.2 million July 4 travelers still face a costly fill-up.
Local Headlines
-
-
U.S. consumers kept spending in May, but inflation stayed sticky above 4%
United States Small Business and Main Street Economy – May spending rose 0.7% and the PCE price index was 4.1% higher than a year ago, keeping pressure on Main Street budgets and Fed watchers.
-
Scottsdale police plan July 4 DUI enforcement over holiday weekend
Scottsdale Police says DUI enforcement will run during evening hours from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, with East Valley partners and a simple message: plan a sober ride.
-
Virginia Beach water rates rise July 1 as FY 2027 fee changes take effect
Virginia Beach, VA – The city’s FY 2027 fee changes took effect July 1, lifting water service and usage charges while leaving sanitary sewer unchanged.
-
Supreme Court lets states count late mail ballots, preserving grace periods
United States Fast Follow on Elections and Democracy – The Supreme Court said states may keep counting postmarked mail ballots that arrive after Election Day, preserving grace periods in states that already use them. ([supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1260_g3cn.pdf))
-
U.S. judge blocks subpoenas for transgender-care records at New York hospitals
A Manhattan federal judge temporarily blocked Justice Department subpoenas for sensitive transgender-care records at New York hospitals and set a July 8 hearing on whether to extend the order.
-
Supreme Court keeps Lisa Cook at the Fed, but broadens removal power
United States Fresh Federal Documents and Draft Reports – The Court kept Lisa Cook at the Fed for now while sharply weakening job protections at many other federal agencies.
-
Nashville Council set for July 7 hearing on data-center rules and moratorium
Metro Council will hear two data-center bills Tuesday, while the mayor’s separate condemnation move near the Nashville Zoo adds another layer to the dispute.
-
Tipp City July 4 event at Kyle Park includes food trucks, music, fireworks
Kyle Park’s July 4 event starts with food trucks at 5:30 p.m., live music at 6, fireworks at 10, and a Sunday rain date in Tipp City, OH.
-
New Orleans opens grants for commissary kitchens and green training
New Orleans LA – The city opened two grant rounds on June 29: one for Orleans Parish commissary kitchens and one for green infrastructure workforce training providers.
-
Trump blocks bipartisan housing bill in SAVE Act standoff
Congress passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with broad bipartisan support. But the White House tied a signing to the SAVE Act fight, delaying action.
-
White House sets October deadline for post-quantum cryptography plans
United States White House and Federal Power Watch – OMB’s June 24 memo gives agencies 120 days to submit PQC migration plans, while 2030, 2031 and 2035 milestones are now on the clock.
-
Americans split on school prayer as new ED guidance follows Pew poll
A Pew survey (fielded April 6–12, 2026) finds more support for voluntary, student-led school religious expression than for teacher-led prayer—especially if participation is required.
-
Fort Wayne asks for questions on proposed homeless resource center
Fort Wayne residents have until 9 a.m. Thursday, July 9, to submit questions on the proposed Anchor Resource Center before answers are posted July 14.
-
Essence Fest fills New Orleans as renewal talks continue
New Orleans LA – Essence Fest is drawing heavy crowds, hotel demand and downtown traffic over the July 4 weekend as city leaders and organizers negotiate what comes next.
-
Carrizo Springs water rehab still under review; 71.367M gal leaks/year
Carrizo Springs’ Water System Rehabilitation and Expansion Project remains “under review.” City and federal documents cite 71.367M gal/yr leaks and $25M+ costs.
-
San Diego phases in SB 79, changing where transit-area apartments can start first
San Diego’s SB 79 rollout began July 1, but only about 24% of eligible areas are active now. The city is using maps and a Transit Village Plan to decide where the law applies next.
-
House clears 12 FY2027 bills, but shutdown risk is still alive
The House Appropriations Committee says it moved all 12 FY2027 bills through committee on June 25. But the September 30 deadline and Senate pace still matter.
-
HHS-OIG denies New York Medicaid fraud unit’s recertification
HHS-OIG denied recertification of New York’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and suspended federal funding through Sept. 30 after saying the unit lagged similar states in criminal fraud cases. ([oig.hhs.gov](https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/medicaid-fraud-control-units/11727/NY_MFCU.pdf))
-
Homestead wastewater plan points to a 12 MGD expansion
Homestead FL – A draft city plan would expand the wastewater treatment facility to 12 MGD, reduce long-term reliance on Miami-Dade treatment, and map work from 2026 to 2034.
-
Laredo issues animal health advisory after nearby screwworm case
After a nearby Nuevo Laredo screwworm case, Laredo officials are inspecting stray animals more closely and urging pet owners to check wounds.
-
Kyiv strike kills at least 30 as Russia’s attack draws UN ceasefire appeal
World Global Priority Scan – A July 2 Russian drone-and-missile strike on Kyiv killed at least 30 people, damaged about 130 buildings, and drew a UN call for an immediate ceasefire. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/world-news/russia-bombards-kyiv-in-deadliest-strike-this-year-killing-at-least-27-people-4774603))