Student loan defaults are rising after pandemic protections ended—what “default” means
AP reports a surge of federal student-loan borrowers entering default after pandemic protections ended. Here’s what “default” means for budgets.
United States
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States Sue to Block DHS/FEMA Grant Conditions Tied to Election Administration
More than 24 states sued over HSGP conditions tied to paper ballots, a 5% post-election manual audit, and SAVE citizenship checks—threatening a 20% holdback.
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Supreme Court to review whether Washington can regulate private ICE facility
GEO Group asked the Supreme Court on July 10, 2026 to challenge Washington’s HB 1470 health/safety rules for a private ICE site. Response due Aug. 17.
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PHMSA advisory bulletin targets DIMP risk evaluations—July 13 guidance
PHMSA’s July 13, 2026 advisory bulletin (Federal Register 2026-14071) urges gas distributors to tighten DIMP risk evaluations for threats and leaks.
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DOJ: Man pleads guilty after damaging Chabad-Lubavitch HQ entrance
DOJ says Dan Sohail pleaded guilty May 13, 2026, after ramming the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters entrance in Brooklyn on Jan. 28.
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GAO: IIJA/IRA $33.6B Pending, about $17.8B Canceled—Grant Timing Watch
July 22 GAO review finds EPA, DOT, Interior and NTIA obligated most IIJA/IRA funding—but left about $17.8B canceled and $33.6B pending.
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DOJ’s Trade Fraud Task Force Tops $1B—Recoveries, Charges, What’s Next
DOJ says its Trade Fraud Task Force hit $1B+ in recoveries, penalties, forfeitures, and charged losses since Aug. 2025. Here’s what to watch next.
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FDA asks infant formula makers to strengthen safeguards after botulism
United States Public Health and Disease Watch – On July 13, FDA asked formula makers for stronger supplier oversight after botulism cases; CDC shares safer prep steps.
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FAA warns thunderstorms could slow flights today—how U.S. travelers can check official airport status (July 23, 2026)
United States Severe Weather and Travel Disruptions – FAA’s July 23 report flags Atlanta, Charlotte, south Florida and Denver. Learn what to check before you go.
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GAO: Fraud-risk and improper-payment gaps persist in VA Community Care, Medicare Advantage
GAO says VA Community Care and Medicare Advantage still lack comprehensive fraud-risk assessments and controls, leaving FY2025 improper-payment estimates exposed.
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DOJ restarts targeted HSR “Second Request” reviews: deal-timeline impact
United States Evening Breaking National Update – DOJ returns to targeted HSR “Second Request” reviews with a model timing agreement to prioritize document production.
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HHS Final Rule Ends Title VI Disparate-Impact Liability; Appendix B Rescinded
United States Evening Courts and Rights Update — HHS OCR finalizes Title VI changes ending disparate-impact liability and rescinds Appendix B, shifting focus to intentional discrimination.
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DOJ S & K Towing settlement highlights SCRA court-order rule for vehicle liens
DOJ settlement dated July 14 resolves SCRA towing-storage lien allegations involving up to 148 vehicles and a $160,000 escrow fund for servicemembers.
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Judges allow Tennessee’s new Memphis map for Aug. 6 primary—what changes next
United States Evening Elections and Democracy Update – Judges denied a pause of Tennessee’s Memphis map for the Aug. 6 primary; the lawsuit continues.
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Groups Sue FDA Over Enforcement Guidance for Unauthorized Vapes, Nicotine Pouches
Groups sued FDA in U.S. District Court in Maryland on July 14 over May 8 enforcement-priorities guidance for unauthorized vapes and nicotine pouches.
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DOJ Updates Religious Liberty Guidance for Federal Agencies
July 23, 2026: DOJ updated religious-liberty guidance for federal agencies on employment accommodations, grants, contracting, rulemaking, and enforcement.
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DOJ ends case for Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women; consent decree terms end
United States Courts Rights and Legal Accountability – A July 23, 2026 final judgment ended the federal CRIPA consent-decree case over Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women.
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EPA proposes rescinding SDWA PFHxS/PFNA/GenX (HFPO-DA) and Hazard Index
EPA’s SDWA proposal would rescind PFHxS, PFNA, GenX (HFPO-DA) and a Hazard Index rule—plus related MCL/MCLG provisions. Comments closed July 20.
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Supreme Court denial of a stay of removal in Okky Ficrada Jaya’s case
Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan denied Okky Ficrada Jaya’s stay of removal on July 9, 2026 (No. 26A31). What that means for detainees.
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ED-OCR launches Title VI investigations into 5 medical schools: what to expect
United States Education and Civil Rights Policy: On July 22, OCR opened Title VI investigations into five medical schools. Here’s what happens next.
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Weekly jobless claims hit 187,000—lowest since 1969, DOL says
Weekly initial jobless claims fell to 187,000 for the week ending July 18. Here’s what the data measures—and what it doesn’t.
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Wholesale inflation fell in June as gasoline prices dropped: what PPI signals
United States Prices and Inflation Watch — June PPI fell 0.3%, led by gasoline. Here’s how producer-price changes can hit store costs later.