FEC sets Aug. 20 deadline for PAC and party committees’ monthly reports
Monthly-filing political action committees and party committees must submit reports covering activity through July 31 by Aug. 20, the Federal Election Commission says.
National
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CBO estimates federal deficit reached $1.4 trillion through first nine months of fiscal 2026
The Congressional Budget Office says the federal deficit was $35 billion higher than during the same period last year, as outlays grew faster than revenues.
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U.S. Restaurant Sales Reach $102.5 Billion in June as Traffic Remains Weak and Costs Squeeze Margins
Restaurant sales rose slightly in June, but weak customer traffic and elevated food and labor costs continue to pressure operators across the United States.
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Federal appeals court keeps Trump mail-voting restrictions blocked in 23 states
The First Circuit declined to lift an injunction against key parts of President Donald Trump’s mail-voting executive order as litigation continues ahead of the November 2026 midterms.
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Hollywood actors ratify four-year contract covering studios and streaming services
SAG-AFTRA members overwhelmingly approved a four-year contract with Hollywood studios and streaming services, including protections involving AI-generated synthetic actors.
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30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.69%, highest level in more than a year
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for a fifth consecutive week on Aug. 6, adding to affordability pressure for prospective homebuyers as economic growth slows.
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NCAA’s New Division I Age-Based Eligibility System Takes Effect for Fall 2026 Athletes
The NCAA’s new Division I eligibility framework took effect Aug. 1, creating a five-year, five-season model for athletes enrolling in fall 2026 and later while leaving separate transfer, roster and revenue-sharing rules unchanged.
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NFL deadline sets August 6 contract and trade restrictions for unsigned drafted rookies
NFL rules impose trade and signing restrictions on any 2026 drafted rookie who remains unsigned after August 6, affecting negotiations and roster planning across all 32 clubs.
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USDOT announces $1.73 billion for 127 transportation projects nationwide
The U.S. Department of Transportation says FY2026 BUILD grants will support 127 roadway, bridge, transit, rail, maritime and aviation projects across 52 states, territories and the District of Columbia.
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DOJ charges five men in alleged plot to attack UFC event at White House
Federal prosecutors announced charges against five men on June 16, alleging they planned to attack and kill government officials and others attending UFC Freedom 250. A later DOJ update said eight individuals had been charged in connection with the alleged planning.
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MLB’s 2026 trade deadline passed Aug. 3. Here’s what changes next
Major League Baseball’s 2026 trade deadline ended ordinary trades of players on 40-man rosters, but waivers and some minor-league transactions remain possible.
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VA sets Aug. 22 electronic health record rollout for Indiana facilities
Indiana VA medical centers and clinics will transition to the Federal Electronic Health Record on Aug. 22, with temporary limits on online scheduling, messaging and prescription services.
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U.S. jobs report due Friday as markets and policymakers await fresh test of labor-market strength
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its Employment Situation report for July 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time Friday, providing the latest national readings on employment, unemployment and wages.
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U.S. labor productivity rose 1.4% in the second quarter as unit labor costs increased 1.3%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its preliminary second-quarter 2026 Productivity and Costs report on Aug. 6, offering a new measure of U.S. output, labor productivity and unit labor costs.
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Justice Department Seeks Role in Lawsuit Targeting xAI-Related Mississippi Data Center
The Justice Department has asked to intervene in a Clean Air Act lawsuit involving an xAI-related artificial-intelligence facility in Southaven, Mississippi, and wants the case dismissed. A federal hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.
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Writers Guild sues to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
The Writers Guild of America filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop Paramount Skydance’s proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
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Trump presses Senate to cancel August recess as SAVE America Act fight threatens legislative calendar
President Donald Trump urged Senate leaders to cancel or delay the August recess to advance the SAVE America Act, but the election bill faces a 60-vote threshold and competing priorities.
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DOT finalizes airline passenger-protection rule for nationwide aviation system
The Department of Transportation lists a new final rule that expands the federal framework governing airline consumer protection and civil rights. The exact obligations and implementation dates still require review of the Federal Register text.
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Alibaba and Alipay US agree to $600 million resolution over alleged illegal-drug sales
The Justice Department says Alibaba Group and AUS Merchant Services, formerly Alipay US, entered non-prosecution agreements over alleged sales and imports of illegal pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, listed chemicals and pill presses.
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FDA revises evidence in multistate cyclospora outbreak investigation as Taco Bell lettuce link remains unresolved
A Taylor Farms lettuce sample initially reported as positive for cyclospora was later described as a false positive, but the FDA remained focused on the supplier as investigators searched for the source of illnesses linked in reporting to Taco Bell locations.
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CBO Estimates $1.2 Trillion Federal Deficit Through First Eight Months of Fiscal 2026
The Congressional Budget Office says the federal deficit reached an estimated $1.2 trillion through the first eight months of fiscal 2026, with revenues rising faster than outlays compared with the same period last year.
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Missouri election chief rejects petition seeking public vote on Trump-backed congressional districts
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected a petition seeking a public vote on the state’s congressional districts, but a court could still order the referendum onto the ballot before the 2026 elections.