NFL preseason opens with Hall of Fame Game as league sets key 2026-27 dates
The NFL’s 2026 preseason began Aug. 6 with Arizona facing Carolina, while the league’s new calendar sets roster, trade and meeting deadlines.
National
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July jobs report: payrolls fell 23,000 and unemployment edged down to 4.1%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its July 2026 Employment Situation report on Aug. 7, providing the scheduled national update on employment, unemployment and labor-force conditions. The available source materials confirm the release but do not include the report’s headline figures.
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GAO Says Federal Inspectors General Complaint System Needs Stronger Oversight
A Government Accountability Office review found that the federal Integrity Committee needs stronger oversight and policy controls to ensure complaints against inspectors general are handled consistently.
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HHS pauses more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota during fraud reviews
Federal health officials paused more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota while reviewing high-risk claims, including California in-home-care claims.
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Supreme Court strikes down federal limits on coordinated party spending ahead of 2026 midterms
The Supreme Court ruled that federal limits on coordinated spending by political parties and candidates violate the First Amendment. The FEC updated the limits for the 2026 election cycle.
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Federal appeals court ruling reportedly blocks Trump mail-voting restrictions in 23 states
A reported July 25 federal appeals court decision would block enforcement of Trump administration mail-voting restrictions in 23 states, but the court, case and injunction details remain unconfirmed.
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White House Orders Agencies to Strengthen Domestic Defense-Material Supply Chains
A July 20 executive order directs federal agencies to expand domestic acquisition of critical defense materials, but its effects on contracts and production remain unsettled.
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USDOT shifts Washington Union Station overhaul toward a faster, lower-cost project
The Transportation Department is changing the framework for Washington Union Station, citing a prior $10 billion, 10-year approach and committing $24 million while pursuing a public-private partnership.
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Western heat wave keeps wildfire danger high as Washington declares emergency
An extended heat wave is bringing record or near-record temperatures and heightened wildfire danger across parts of the Western United States.
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AppLovin shares fall 19.7% after mixed second-quarter results
AppLovin shares fell 19.7% after the AI and digital-advertising company reported mixed second-quarter results and a revenue shortfall relative to expectations.
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Social Security moves toward ending paper benefit checks in 2026
The Social Security Administration says it plans to complete the transition to electronic payments during 2026. Recipients who still receive paper checks should arrange direct deposit or another electronic payment method, while exceptions and Treasury procedures may apply.
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CMS proposes broad Medicare payment and accountable-care overhaul
The proposed changes would make accountable-care organizations easier to join and shift clinicians away from traditional MIPS reporting. Comments are due Sept. 14, 2026.
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Trump presses Senate to cancel August recess over proof-of-citizenship voting bill
President Donald Trump urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep senators in Washington until Congress passes the SAVE America Act or ends the legislative filibuster.
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Twenty-Four Attorneys General and Two Governors Sue Over Federal Conditions on Emergency Funds
A multistate coalition is challenging FEMA and DHS conditions tied to billions of dollars in emergency and disaster funding, including requirements involving immigration enforcement and election administration.
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USPTO Adds Real-Party Disclosure Requirement for Ex Parte Patent Reexamination Requests
The USPTO has published a notice requiring identification of all real parties in interest behind third-party requests for ex parte patent reexamination, a change that could affect patent disputes nationwide.
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USDA Opens Review for Farmers Seeking More ARC and PLC Base Acres
Eligible landowners can ask USDA to increase the base acres tied to federal farm-safety-net programs during a review period running June 1 through Aug. 31, 2026.
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CPSC tells consumers to stop using Lakkzoom immersion water heaters after fire hazard warning
The Consumer Product Safety Commission warned on July 22, 2026, that Lakkzoom 12-inch immersion water heaters can ignite within minutes when partially or completely out of water.
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Architect of the Capitol OIG Posts Investigation Into Alleged Personal Use of Government Contractor
The Architect of the Capitol Office of Inspector General listed a July 13 investigation on Oversight.gov, but the available record does not identify a subject, contractor, dollar amount or final finding.
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NHTSA warns owners of 462,869 Kia Tellurides to park outside before recall repair
A recall covering 2020–2024 Kia Tellurides involves a power-seat motor that can overheat and catch fire. Owners are being told to park outside and away from buildings until a no-cost repair is completed.
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EPA proposal would let drinking-water systems seek two-year extension for PFOA and PFOS limits
The proposed federal rule would preserve the existing PFOA and PFOS limits while allowing eligible public water systems to request up to two additional years to comply.
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FERC Orders Six Regional Grid Operators to Defend or Reform Large-Load Rules
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing how data centers, manufacturers and other major electricity users connect to the interstate grid.
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Justice Department Resumes Targeted Review of Reportable Mergers
The Justice Department says it has resumed a targeted Hart-Scott-Rodino review process that focuses resources on mergers raising substantial competitive concerns, while preserving scrutiny of potentially anticompetitive deals.