DOE Opens $147 Million Phase II Funding Round for Small Businesses
DOE opened about $147 million in FY25 Phase II SBIR/STTR opportunities, while foreign-risk and cybersecurity reviews raise the stakes for applicants.
United States
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USDA’s Farm Safety-Net Deadline Is Aug. 31: What to Review
Eligible landowners have until Aug. 31, 2026, to review possible base-acre increases that could affect future ARC and PLC eligibility.
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Lidl recalls one lot of wok spice mix over Salmonella risk
Lidl recalled one lot of Vitasia Chinese Style Asian Style Wok Spice Mix sold in 10 states and Washington, D.C., after testing found potential Salmonella contamination.
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GAO Questions DOGE’s Reported $110 Billion in Savings
A GAO audit found major gaps in DOGE’s $110 billion Wall of Receipts, including a $1.7 billion contract claim where no reduction occurred.
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Lake Powell cool-water release withheld over hydropower concerns
Reclamation will skip a 2026 cool-water release from Lake Powell, protecting hydropower while warm river temperatures raise risks for native fish.
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GAO finds process failures in federal watchdog oversight panel
A GAO audit found missed deadlines, incomplete records and weak oversight in the federal panel that reviews allegations against inspectors general.
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Supreme Court case could test religious schools’ access to public preschool funds
A pending Supreme Court case over Colorado’s preschool program could clarify when states may require religious providers to follow public-funding rules.
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Immigration courts are moving faster as deportation orders rise
EOIR data show a shrinking immigration-court backlog alongside rising removal and in-absentia orders as hearings accelerate and preparation time narrows.
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Education Department widens school-rights investigations
Federal officials opened investigations in Washington and Colorado and sought updated state policy information, but announced no new July violation findings or funding cuts.
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National volunteer strategy puts nonprofit infrastructure first
Points of Light wants to double U.S. volunteering by 2035, but its roadmap says nonprofits need stronger systems, staff and technology to sustain service.
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New Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Insurance Rules Change Roof and Condo Coverage
New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules allow actual-cash-value roof coverage and higher condo deductibles, but owners may face larger bills after a loss.
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States Face a New Federal Cost Burden for Administering SNAP
A USDA proposal would codify a 25% federal share of ordinary SNAP administrative costs in fiscal 2027, shifting an estimated $16.9 billion to states.
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California Insurers Plan More Wildfire-Risk Home Coverage
California regulators say 11 insurers will expand or stay active, but homeowners still face high premiums, deductibles and heavy FAIR Plan reliance.
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Employer compensation rose faster than wages in latest U.S. data
Federal data show U.S. employer compensation rose 3.4% over the year, while wages grew 3.2% and benefit costs increased 3.8% through June.
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CMS links 50 Medicaid providers to $203.3 million in enforcement
CMS says 50 high-risk Medicaid providers were tied to $203.3 million in payments subject to federal or state action, not necessarily proven fraud or recovered cash.
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DOJ watchdog says FBI recommendations on interviews are marked resolved
DOJ OIG records mark all three recommendations from a January review of FBI security-clearance interviews as resolved, but details of the changes remain limited.
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National-park fee rules put tour operators on the hook
A $100 nonresident fee applies at 11 major parks, requiring tour operators to count passengers, manage named passes and prepay charges before arrival.
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Judge Signals Skepticism in Anthropic’s Pentagon Challenge
At a July 30 hearing, Judge Rita Lin questioned the Pentagon’s evidence in Anthropic’s supply-chain case. No final ruling has been issued.
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FCC’s ABC Fight Raises a Broader Question About Broadcast Oversight
The FCC says licensed broadcasters owe duties to the public. ABC argues scrutiny of its stations and The View could pressure journalism and speech.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Will Leave at Month’s End
Karoline Leavitt will leave the White House press secretary post at the end of August, citing family demands. Trump says she will remain an outside adviser.
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Grand Canyon Historic-Property Comment Deadline Is Aug. 15
Public comments close Aug. 15 on a draft Grand Canyon agreement that would guide historic-property review during future fire-management work.
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U.S. Factory Orders Rose Slightly in June as Demand Stayed Uneven
June durable-goods orders rose 0.3%, while stronger business-equipment shipments pointed to continued investment amid uneven factory demand.