Federal grant rule delayed until December as nonprofits get more time
A new law blocks OMB from finalizing its proposed federal grant rules through Dec. 11, giving nonprofits more planning time but no permanent answer.
Federal Policy
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Trump administration weighs redirecting child-care aid to stay-at-home parents
A still-unreleased plan could redirect some federal child-care aid to certain stay-at-home parents, raising legal, funding and eligibility questions.
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ACF awards $7.3 million to 10 states for foster-care prevention systems
Ten states will use one-time federal grants to build provider, referral and reimbursement systems for family-support services before foster-care removal.
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2026 Park Fee Changes: What September 17 Visitors Need to Know
The next federal fee-free date is September 17, but 2026 rules limit free admission to U.S. citizens and residents and add fees at 11 major parks.
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Twenty States Sue Over Trump Rules Narrowing Species Protections
Twenty states and D.C. sued over Endangered Species Act changes affecting habitat harm, threatened-species protections and critical-habitat decisions.
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Head Start proposal would shift preschool rules toward states
HHS wants to replace detailed Head Start standards with a streamlined rule, but no changes are immediate and public comments are due October 6.
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IRS proposes status declaration for refundable portions of four credits
A nonfinal IRS proposal would require some taxpayers to attest to their immigration status before receiving the refundable portion of four tax credits.
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20 States and D.C. Sue Over Trump ESA Rollback
Twenty states and D.C. sued over three Endangered Species Act rule changes, creating uncertainty for federal permits, habitat reviews and development projects.
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Child care aid waitlists leave families waiting across much of U.S.
An AP analysis found child care assistance waitlists in 23 states and the District of Columbia, while other states turned away applicants.
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Education Department makes evidence-based literacy a 2026 priority
The Education Department is steering existing grants, research and teacher training toward evidence-based literacy as reading performance remains weak.
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VA records-sharing order sets deadlines for faster benefits access
A new executive order requires VA and the Department of War to share service records faster, but promised time savings depend on implementation.
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ICE arrests reached a second-term high of 49,571 in July
ICE arrests hit 49,571 in July, the highest monthly total of Trump’s second term, as community arrests and state-local partnerships grew.
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VA launches $29 million aid program for homeless veterans
A new VA program may provide eligible homeless veterans with food, shelter help, technology and transportation, but clinicians must approve aid case by case.
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AI Companies Warn U.S. Infrastructure Has Little Time to Prepare for AI-Driven Hacks
More than 100 organizations are urging faster cyber defenses as federal programs take shape, but funding, access and measurable protections remain unclear.
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Federal Government Opens a New Cybersecurity Lane for U.S. Startups
A White House memorandum could give vetted cybersecurity firms a federally supervised role against foreign cybercrime groups, but major legal and financial questions remain.
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Federal officials move to speed historic-preservation reviews as tribes warn of weaker protections
Interior issued an order to speed Section 106 reviews while a separate ACHP rewrite remains under review, drawing objections from four national Tribal organizations.
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NIH Tightens Workplace-Investigation Rules for Funded Institutions
A new NIH notice requires funded institutions to finish certain workplace-conduct investigations after senior researchers leave and report discipline within 30 days.
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GAO says FEMA staffing cuts may weaken disaster readiness
A federal watchdog says FEMA lost 4,321 employees in fiscal 2025 without analyzing the staffing and skills needed for major or overlapping disasters.
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New Federal Student Loan Plans Are Available. What Borrowers Need to Check Before September 30
Federal student loan repayment changed July 1. Borrowers should review their plan, SAVE notice, projected payment and auto-pay status before key deadlines.
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HHS proposes looser Head Start rules and a 5% cost cap
HHS would replace most Head Start rules, shift more decisions to states and cut the regulatory cost cap to 5%. Current standards remain in effect for now.
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Treasury, IRS propose status test for four refundable tax credits
A proposed Treasury and IRS rule would limit the refundable portion of four tax credits by immigration status, but it is not final and comments are due Oct. 5.
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DHS proposes $103,265 fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions
DHS proposed a $103,265 fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions. The plan is not final, would add to existing costs and faces a September 24 deadline.