Student-loan defaults surged as borrowers face new repayment rules
Federal data show about 9 million borrowers in default, while AP finds roughly 9.5 million. New plans offer options, but default risks remain.
National
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NLRB certifies Hachette workers’ union after 388-130 vote
The NLRB certified Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035 for a defined Hachette unit, starting preparation for first-contract bargaining.
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Supreme Court removes ceiling on coordinated party spending
The June 30 ruling lets parties spend without the former caps alongside federal candidates, but direct contribution limits and disclosure rules remain.
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Federal deficit reaches $1.4 trillion through June as funding fight nears
CBO estimates the federal deficit reached $1.4 trillion through June as senators unveiled a proposal to keep agencies funded through Dec. 11.
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FDA links recalled lettuce supplier to 1,947-case Cyclospora outbreak
The FDA says recalled iceberg lettuce reached food-service customers in 28 states as a Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell exposures remains ongoing.
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DOJ watchdog says DEA medical-registration controls leave gaps
A DOJ inspector-general audit found gaps in DEA renewal reviews, practitioner investigations and verification of required opioid-treatment training.
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FAA Extends O’Hare Flight Limits Through October 2027
The FAA will keep Chicago O’Hare’s 2,708-daily-operation limit in place through October 30, 2027, as construction continues at the major hub.
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Seventh Circuit upholds Illinois assault-weapons ban as Supreme Court review looms
A divided Seventh Circuit restored Illinois’ assault-weapons restrictions, leaving the law enforceable as the Supreme Court prepares to hear related cases.
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Senate funding deal puts federal grant control at center of fight
A proposed Senate stopgap could avert a shutdown and delay political review of competitive grants, but the deadline, final text and House response remain unsettled.
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Paramount-Warner merger delayed as antitrust case heads toward trial
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery will remain separate as 12 states challenge the proposed merger, delaying any closing or integration into 2027.
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Schedule Policy/Career puts presidential control against civil-service protections
OPM’s July 23 guidance makes Schedule Policy/Career operational, while a pending lawsuit challenges whether it weakens protections Congress created.
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Trump Order Targets Smithsonian’s Public Space With New Signs
Executive Order 14416 directs agencies to pursue signs and temporary exhibits near the National Museum of American History, but not to take over its galleries.
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SEC and Big Ten Back College Sports Bill as Senate Deadline Nears
The SEC and Big Ten now support a revised college-sports bill, reviving its Senate prospects while major questions about payments and enforcement remain.
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Dodgers Acquire Tarik Skubal From Tigers Before MLB Deadline
The Dodgers acquired two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from Detroit for three prospects as MLB’s Aug. 3 deadline approaches.
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Toyota, Lexus and Subaru EV Recall Notices Begin Mailing Monday
NHTSA says notices for 20,991 Toyota, Lexus and Subaru EVs are expected to begin mailing August 3 after a recall over possible loss of drive power.
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U.S. Visa Services Shift From 25 African Posts to Regional Hubs
Routine U.S. visa processing moved from 25 African posts to regional hubs on August 1, adding travel and planning requirements for many applicants.
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Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Ends After 2026
CMS will end a temporary Medicare Part D premium stabilization program after 2026. Some seniors could pay more in 2027, but final plan prices come in September.
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NCAA Division I Age-Based Eligibility Rule Takes Effect Aug. 1
A new NCAA Division I eligibility clock began Aug. 1, 2026, changing how athletes, families and schools plan college sports participation.
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NTSB Finds Overweight Flights and FAA Oversight Failures in Alaska Crash
The NTSB says severe icing, airspeed management, overweight operations and inadequate FAA oversight contributed to the 2025 Bering Air crash that killed 10.
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Lidl Expands Eridanous Cookie Recall to 10 Jurisdictions
Lidl expanded its Eridanous cookie recall to 10 jurisdictions over missing English allergen labels. Shoppers should check UPCs and avoid affected boxes.
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U.S. Gas Prices Ease Slightly as Diesel Climbs Above $5.36
AAA’s latest national averages show regular gasoline easing slightly while diesel rises, adding pressure to freight, farms, contractors and household budgets.
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Ninth Circuit Limits Expanded No-Bond Immigration Detention Policy
A 2-1 Ninth Circuit ruling gives covered detainees a chance to seek bond hearings, but it does not guarantee release or apply automatically nationwide.