UI claims dip for late June: initial filings fall, insured rate steady
United States Jobs and Hiring Watch – New DOL/ETA weekly unemployment insurance data show initial claims edged down for June 27, while the insured rate stayed at 1.2%.
Federal Policy
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United States: EEOC rescinds 1979 affirmative action guidance (July 6, 2026)
United States Fresh Federal Documents and Draft Reports – EEOC rescinded its 1979 “Affirmative Action Appropriate Under Title VII” guidance and CM-607.
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Religious Liberty Commission Draft Report: Public Comments Due July 13
DOJ says the Religious Liberty Commission delivered a draft report with 12 recommendations to the President. Public comments close July 13.
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HHS-OIG denies New York Medicaid fraud unit’s recertification
HHS-OIG denied recertification of New York’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and suspended federal funding through Sept. 30 after saying the unit lagged similar states in criminal fraud cases. ([oig.hhs.gov](https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/medicaid-fraud-control-units/11727/NY_MFCU.pdf))
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States, universities push for more time on OMB grant rewrite before July 13
States, universities and Senate Democrats are pressing OMB over a proposed federal grants rewrite ahead of the July 13 comment deadline. ([govinfo.gov](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-05-29/pdf/2026-10817.pdf))
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EPA proposes new drinking-water monitoring rule for 30 contaminants, leaves microplastics out for now
United States Energy Environment and Federal Rules – EPA’s proposed UCMR 6 would collect national drinking-water data on 30 contaminants; microplastics are excluded for now because EPA says the method isn’t ready.
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Education Department finalizes earnings test that could block federal loans for low-earning programs
The Education Department finalized a national earnings rule for college programs. STATS will phase in over time, with most provisions effective July 1, 2027 and the first earnings test calculated in early 2027. ([ed.gov](https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-issues-final-rule-hold-all-colleges-and-universities-accountable-low-earning-programs))