Federal FOIA Backlog Rose 27% as Record Demand Hit Agencies
Federal agencies received a record 1.7 million FOIA requests in FY 2025, but the backlog rose 27% and nearly half of processed cases closed administratively.
United States
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White House AI framework reportedly excludes open-weight models
The White House’s voluntary AI review plan reportedly covers closed frontier models, leaving open-weight systems outside a process whose details remain private.
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BIA ruling puts focus on $102 annual asylum fee deadlines
The FY 2026 asylum fee is $102. A July 24 BIA ruling says missed deadlines can end an asylum claim while leaving withholding and CAT claims for review.
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AmeriCorps awards $387 million for 35,000 expected service roles
AmeriCorps awarded more than $387 million to 260 organizations, with grants expected to support over 35,000 service roles and expand community programs.
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New Housing Data Due August 18: What Renters and Buyers Should Watch
The Census Bureau will release July housing data August 18. June’s numbers and weaker builder confidence offer clues—but not a forecast.
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New Public-Charge Rule Broadens Immigration Officers’ Discretion
A DHS rule taking effect September 18 broadens public-charge reviews, raising uncertainty for immigrant and mixed-status families that use benefits.
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Cash App settlement adds new pressure on payment apps over fraud protection
A 46-state settlement requires Cash App to expand live support, fraud safeguards and unauthorized-transfer investigations while separating state payments from consumer redress.
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U.S. Median Weekly Earnings Reached $1,251 in Q2 2026
Median weekly earnings rose 4.6% for full-time U.S. wage and salary workers in the second quarter, but major pay differences remained across worker groups.
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What the Supreme Court’s Mississippi Mail-Ballot Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld Mississippi’s five-business-day grace period for eligible absentee ballots, but states still set their own mail-voting deadlines.
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CBO Projects $33.6 Trillion in Health Insurance Subsidies by 2036
CBO projects $33.6 trillion in federal health insurance subsidies through 2036, while the uninsured population rises from 30 million to 37 million.
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Leisure and hospitality jobs fell in June as seasonal hiring slowed
Leisure and hospitality employment fell by 61,000 in June, but BLS said seasonal hiring was weaker than usual—not that hotel demand had collapsed.
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FBI assigns 260 staffers to Georgia 2020 election records probe
An FBI memo obtained by AP describes a nationwide surge of 260 analysts and specialists reviewing Fulton County records, but it does not establish fraud or charges.
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PROMISE Act would push Congress toward a Social Security plan
The bipartisan PROMISE Act would set a process and deadlines for a long-term Social Security plan, but would not change benefits or taxes now.
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Nexstar-Tegna merger faces new test over local TV control
A dispute over Nexstar executives on Tegna’s board is testing the merger’s court-ordered separation and could shape local news, fees and viewers’ choices.
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Jay Clayton Takes Over as Intelligence Chief After Senate Vote
Jay Clayton has taken over as national intelligence director after a 51-47 Senate vote, ending Bill Pulte’s temporary tenure and beginning a new oversight test.
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Federal preservation rules face a proposed rewrite
The preservation council advanced a proposed rewrite of federal review rules, but nothing changes yet as the draft undergoes OIRA review before public comments.
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June inflation fell, but groceries and shelter still rose
June CPI fell 0.4% as energy and gasoline prices dropped, but groceries and shelter rose, leaving households with a higher overall price level.
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GAO: Federal Programs Still Lack Data to Show What Works
A July GAO assessment says many federal programs track spending and services but lack the goals and outcome data needed to show whether they work.
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Federal bills target private-equity control of youth sports
Two bills introduced May 13 would restrict defined private-equity practices in youth sports, including stay-to-play rules and hidden fees, but neither is law.
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Indiana VA facilities set for Aug. 22 electronic-records switch
Three Indiana VA medical centers and associated clinics are scheduled to switch systems Aug. 22, temporarily limiting online appointments, messages and refills.
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WNBA’s New Labor Deal Resets Pay, Rosters and Revenue Sharing
The WNBA’s signed seven-year CBA lifts the 2026 salary cap to $7 million and links future player compensation to league and team revenue growth.
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White House science report puts AI at center of federal research
A White House science report sets a 90-day planning clock for AI-focused research, but funding, grant rules and implementation still depend on agencies and Congress.