July Was the Hottest Month Ever Recorded in the Lower 48, NOAA Says
NOAA data shows July 2026 set a Lower 48 heat record, with unusually warm nights raising health concerns as drought and seasonal heat risks persist.
United States
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Why Lower Wholesale Power Prices May Not Mean Cheaper Summer Electric Bills
Wholesale power prices are forecast to fall nationally in summer 2026, but higher retail rates and heavier air-conditioning use could raise household bills.
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Federal FOIA Requests Hit Record 1.7 Million as Backlog Rises 27%
Federal agencies processed a record number of FOIA requests in fiscal 2025, but unresolved requests and appeals grew faster, according to new figures.
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FTC RentGrow settlement raises questions about tenant-screening data
A proposed $2.25 million RentGrow settlement highlights alleged tenant-screening errors and gives renters a federal checklist for challenging inaccurate reports.
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DoDEA history course puts Christianity and neutrality in focus
A new military-school history course uses a Christian-centered textbook, prompting scrutiny over how federally operated public schools teach religion and history.
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Supreme Court petitions put immigration bond hearings on a fast track
Two pending Supreme Court petitions could determine whether some immigrants detained inside the U.S. can receive individualized bond hearings, but no nationwide rule has changed.
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SAVE borrowers face 90-day clock as notices continue nationwide
August 15 ends Edfinancial’s notice window, not every borrower’s deadline. SAVE borrowers generally get 90 days from the date on their servicer notice.
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Nonprofits watch proposed federal grant rules after 496,769 comments
OMB’s proposed grant-rule overhaul could add senior appointee review and termination powers for some awards, but it is not final or effective yet.
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CMS Delays Medicaid HCBS Advisory Enforcement Until 2029
CMS will not anticipate enforcement against states missing Medicaid HCBS advisory deadlines until 2029, delaying public input on rates and access.
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July Home Sales Fell as Rates and Prices Kept Buyers Back
Existing-home sales fell 1.7% in July as mortgage rates near 6.7%, rising prices and limited inventory continued to pressure buyers nationwide.
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Head Start overhaul could loosen standards for 700,000 children
A proposed Head Start overhaul could shift more decisions to states and local programs, but current federal standards remain in effect for now.
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CFPB’s future remains unsettled after court pauses layoff case
A July 10 court pause leaves the CFPB’s proposed layoffs and legal status unresolved while Senate action and consumer complaint access remain in focus.
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Federal workforce cuts leave a measurable mark on U.S. employment
OPM reports a 271,566 net federal workforce decline through June 2026, while GAO found departures far outpaced hiring at 22 major agencies.
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U.S. Extends Jones Act Waiver for Selected Cargoes
A 90-day extension lets qualifying foreign-flagged ships move selected fuel, fertilizer and agricultural cargoes between U.S. ports from Aug. 17.
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IRS reminds Southeast Georgia taxpayers of Aug. 20 deadline
Southeast Georgia wildfire victims have until Aug. 20 to file and pay certain federal taxes, while a new law may preserve more time to claim refunds.
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SNAP retailers face new USDA stocking standards by Nov. 4
Many inventory-based SNAP retailers must stock 28 qualifying staple-food varieties by Nov. 4, while SNAP shoppers can still buy accessory foods.
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US-Iran Talks Stall as Hormuz Dispute Widens Mediation Effort
U.S.-Iran talks have stalled over how to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while expanded outreach to Europe adds pressure to Oman-led diplomacy.
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FAA’s New Air-Traffic Software Is Due for Initial Operations This Fall
The FAA’s new FMDS and SMART systems are designed to spot congestion earlier and improve weather routing, but results will come only after launch.
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Federal Circuit appeal could decide access to IEEPA tariff refunds
A Federal Circuit appeal tests whether non-suing importers can receive refunds for invalidated IEEPA duties or must pursue individual court claims.
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Brazil opens reciprocity process after new U.S. tariffs
Brazil has opened a formal reciprocity process after new U.S. tariffs, but no counter-tariffs are in force as consultations with Washington begin.
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Hollywood’s New SAG-AFTRA Contract Puts AI and Streaming Rules to the Test
SAG-AFTRA’s contract is now in force, raising minimums and adding AI, streaming, benefit and digital-replica rules for film and TV work.
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Todd Blanche sworn in after narrow Senate confirmation
Todd Blanche was sworn in as attorney general after a 50-49 Senate vote, putting Trump’s former lawyer atop DOJ as scrutiny of its independence intensifies.