Congress Seeks Skadden Records Over Intel Deal, Ethics Concerns
Three lawmakers asked Skadden for records by August 4 about its Trump administration agreement, federal work and advice to Intel in a Commerce stake deal.
National
-
-
Federal Medicaid deferrals pressure California and Minnesota
HHS is holding more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments while California and Minnesota document claims flagged for review, with providers facing added scrutiny.
-
U.S. factories expand, but orders and supply costs remain uneven
U.S. manufacturing expanded for a seventh month in July, but slower deliveries, higher input prices and weaker June shipments show the recovery remains uneven.
-
CPSC plans nationwide overhaul of product-injury tracking
The CPSC is modernizing its 1970s-era injury system to broaden hospital coverage, speed hazard detection and build in stronger privacy safeguards.
-
USPS Watchdog Finds Vetting Gaps Despite Screening Improvements
A July 28 USPS watchdog audit found screening records for 96% of sampled recent hires but unresolved gaps in investigations, rehires and discipline.
-
Zoox wins federal approval to charge for rides in robotaxis
NHTSA cleared Zoox to seek paid rides in steering-wheel-free robotaxis, but the temporary approval is capped and still requires state and local permissions.
-
DOE Drafts National Transmission Needs Study as Electricity Demand Rises
A DOE draft identifies transmission needs tied to data centers, manufacturing and electrification. Public comments are due September 7, 2026.
-
DOE opens $65.5 million oil and gas technology competition
DOE is seeking applications for up to 16 cost-shared oil and gas technology projects, with full proposals due September 22, 2026.
-
What the FTC’s Kochava order means for location-data privacy
A June 25 court filing restricts Kochava’s handling of sensitive location data and requires specific consent, deletion, access and supplier safeguards.
-
Immigration courts are issuing more in-absentia removal orders
Immigration courts are clearing cases faster, but missed hearings and in-absentia removal orders are rising, putting asylum claims and due process at issue.
-
Graduate loan caps are in effect. Colleges now decide what students pay
Federal graduate-loan caps took effect July 1, while colleges weigh lower limits, institutional aid and private credit to cover remaining education costs.
-
What changed in federal religious-liberty policy—and what remains a proposal
A July 23 DOJ memorandum updates executive-branch guidance, while 12 broader Religious Liberty Commission recommendations remain proposals.
-
VA caregiver protections extended through 2028 for legacy families
A VA rule protects a defined group of longtime veteran caregivers from reassessment-based stipend cuts through September 30, 2028, with exceptions.
-
Fed says credit-card balances are rising as borrowing costs stay high
Federal Reserve data show credit-card and auto-loan balances are picking up, while high interest rates and delinquency risks weigh more heavily on vulnerable households.
-
Maryland lawmakers advance redistricting amendment—not a new 2026 map
Maryland lawmakers are advancing a constitutional redistricting amendment, but Maryland’s existing congressional map remains in place for the 2026 election.
-
Senate funding framework would extend deadline to Dec. 11
Senate leaders’ proposed funding framework would keep agencies operating through Dec. 11, but Congress has not approved the measure and the House has a different bill.
-
USDA forecasts higher 2026 grocery prices, led by beef and produce
USDA projects grocery prices will rise 2.7% in 2026, with beef, vegetables and sweets outpacing the average while egg prices are expected to fall.
-
Attorney and SCOTUSblog co-founder sentenced to six years for tax fraud
Thomas Goldstein was sentenced to 72 months in prison after a February jury conviction on tax offenses and false mortgage statements.
-
What the 32-trains-an-hour Penn Station study means for riders
A federal study says targeted Penn Station upgrades could raise modeled peak capacity, but no new service, faster trips or schedule changes have been set.
-
Federal appeals court keeps Trump voter-list order blocked in 23 states
The First Circuit left key voter-list and mail-ballot provisions blocked in 23 states and Washington, D.C., as the Supreme Court weighs the administration’s request.
-
White House orders warning signs outside Smithsonian history museum
A July 24 executive order directs temporary signs and exhibits outside the Smithsonian history museum, but does not itself change the museum’s interior displays.
-
Consumers Kept Spending in June as Saving Rate Fell to 2.7%
U.S. households increased inflation-adjusted spending in June, but slower income growth, lower saving and persistent inflation raised questions about resilience.