Restaurant prices are rising more slowly than groceries. What that means for diners
Restaurant prices remain higher than groceries year over year, but grocery inflation has run faster in 2026. The gap varies by restaurant type and region.
United States
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DOJ watchdog flags FBI safeguards still awaiting full verification
A DOJ watchdog found FBI interview questions could sweep in protected activity. The FBI agreed to safeguards, but the OIG has not verified full implementation.
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FAA restores Boeing authority to certify new 737 MAX and 787 jets
The FAA restored Boeing’s authority to issue final airworthiness certificates for new 737 MAX and 787 jets, while keeping inspections and audits in place.
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Fifth Circuit blocks key Texas online-safety mandate
A divided Fifth Circuit kept Texas from enforcing a broad monitoring mandate for minors against platform groups, while leaving other H.B. 18 rules separate.
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House Passes Stock-Trading Restrictions; Senate Path Unclear
The House passed H.R. 7008 on July 22. The GOP-led bill would restrict new stock purchases by lawmakers and require advance notice before covered sales.
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Federal judge keeps Trump administration bound by records law during appeal
A June 30 order leaves the Trump administration under a Presidential Records Act injunction while the Justice Department challenges the law’s constitutionality.
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Hirshhorn loans bring contemporary art to 51 museums nationwide
The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn is preparing free, multiyear loans to 51 museums, including LSU in Baton Rouge, with first installations expected by December 2026.
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NCAA’s new transfer penalties target ‘ghost transfers’ in Division I
A new NCAA rule puts Division I schools and coaches at risk of automatic penalties when they add or use four-year transfers outside the portal process.
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Section 702 expired in June. Why surveillance continues
Section 702 lapsed on June 12, but existing court certifications may remain in effect as Congress debates reauthorization, FBI searches and privacy safeguards.
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NCAA Baseball Challenge Proposal Still Awaits Approval
The NCAA is considering technology-assisted reviews for called balls and strikes in college baseball, but approval, limits and rollout details remain unsettled.
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NASA’s Roman Space Telescope enters final countdown for Aug. 30 launch
NASA has completed fueling and solar-panel inspections on the Roman Space Telescope ahead of a targeted Aug. 30 Falcon Heavy launch from Florida.
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Trump says U.S.-Iran talks will begin as Tehran disputes claim
Trump says talks with Iran will begin Monday after strikes were delayed, but Tehran says its Oman discussions concern Strait of Hormuz navigation.
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Federal indictment accuses 11 in Texas rail-container deaths
A federal indictment accuses 11 people of using freight trains to smuggle seven migrants through Texas, where prosecutors say all seven died.
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Spokane-area wildfires destroy 600 structures and force 60,000 to evacuate
Spokane-area wildfires had forced about 60,000 people to evacuate and destroyed at least 600 structures by August 3, disrupting shelter, schools and courts.
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UPS raises 2026 outlook as delivery demand and fuel costs come into focus
UPS raised its 2026 outlook after stronger second-quarter revenue, but restructuring costs and workforce reductions remain central to the company’s plans.
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How to apply for the State Department’s commemorative Patriot Passport
The State Department is offering 250,000 commemorative Patriot Passports through required in-person appointments, with events beginning August 8, 2026.
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Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool closure extended through Aug. 10
The National Park Service extended the Reflecting Pool closure through Aug. 10, but some surrounding areas may reopen sooner as equipment is removed.
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Wes Moore Takes NGA Chair With Service, Federalism Agenda
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore now leads the governors’ association as states prepare for fights over federal authority, elections, workforce policy and health.
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DOL’s Project Firewall Expands H-1B Scrutiny for Employers
The Labor Department says Project Firewall has produced nearly 200 H-1B investigations, increasing the compliance burden for employers and recruiters.
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New 50% Canada tariffs are due Aug. 19. What to watch
New 50% duties on selected Canadian vehicles, alcohol and dairy are scheduled for Aug. 19. Importers and shoppers should watch classifications, prices and talks.
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U.S. Venture Capital Sets Record Pace in First Half of 2026
U.S. companies raised $412.7 billion in venture capital through June 30, but mega-rounds and artificial intelligence captured most of the surge.
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Verizon plans to sell 274 stores ahead of Aug. 16 transition
Verizon plans to sell 274 company-owned stores and eliminate about 500 corporate jobs. Most locations are expected to remain open under new owners.