Judge sanctions Trump lawyers in IRS case over improper-purpose fund
On July 13, 2026, Judge Kathleen Williams sanctioned Trump’s lawyers in a dismissed IRS case, finding “improper purpose” and limiting use of the “settlement” terms.
United States
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Appropriators question Supreme Court FY 2027 budget on security, IT and staffing
House Appropriations’ July 14 hearing—and a parallel Senate panel—pressed the Supreme Court’s FY 2027 budget on threats, cybersecurity, and staffing tradeoffs.
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DOJ files 2 Mississippi civil complaints tied to 2026 takedown—CSA claims
On July 17, 2026, DOJ’s Southern District of Mississippi filed civil complaints alleging CSA recordkeeping failures at a Brookhaven pharmacy and a Missouri clinic.
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DOJ files first Alien Terrorist Removal Court petition; July 22 deadline set
DOJ filed the first “Alien Terrorist Removal Court” petition under 8 U.S.C. §1531; the judge set a July 22 deadline for a supplemental filing.
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DOJ sues Maryland over in-state tuition for undocumented students: what next
On July 16, DOJ sued Maryland over in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, seeking to block enforcement while the case proceeds.
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DOJ settlement ends alleged race quotas at Jersey City McNair—2027–28 admissions
DOJ says Jersey City’s McNair magnet used quota seats tied to race or national origin. What changes for 2027–2028.
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United States: EPA Finalizes Denka RCRA Settlement for Chloroprene Waste
EPA finalized a $996,703 RCRA settlement with Denka’s LaPlace, Louisiana facility to require cleanup of chloroprene residual waste and enforce restart controls.
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Supreme Court strikes down coordinated party spending limits: what changes
United States Evening Elections and Democracy Update: The Supreme Court struck down federal caps on party-coordinated spending on June 30, 2026—what it means for 2026.
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CDC updates Title 42-style Ebola entry suspension: July 13 order & July 31 comments
CDC’s July 13 order keeps Ebola entry limits for people linked to DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan; comments due July 31. Ends Aug. 12 at 4:59 p.m. EDT.
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Supreme Court docket in Hershey v. City of Bossier City: amicus surge, Aug. 17 deadline
Hershey v. City of Bossier City (No. 25-1389): amicus briefs poured in July 14–16, as the justices weigh qualified-immunity limits; respondents’ brief is due Aug. 17.
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5th Circuit ends desegregation oversight for Concordia Parish schools (July 14, 2026)
A July 14, 2026 Fifth Circuit mandamus ruling told a Louisiana district judge to vacate orders and stop evidentiary hearings after a Rule 41 dismissal.
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ED seeks comments on proposed IDR form changes (RAP option; due Aug. 7, 2026)
United States Education and Civil Rights Policy – ED/FSA seeks public comment on a proposed IDR Plan Request form update, due Aug. 7, 2026.
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EPA’s final PCWP air-toxin rule takes effect July 6—what manufacturers must do
United States Midday Congress and Agency Update — EPA’s final PCWP NESHAP amendments took effect July 6, tightening MACT limits and compliance monitoring.
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FCC Denies Digitalsystem’s Section 214 Authority in China-Control Case
FCC denied Digitalsystem’s international Section 214 bid in an order released July 7, 2026—citing China-linked control, U.S. record access, and cyber risks.
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Gas and diesel price update: EIA and AAA show pump costs ticking up
EIA’s latest retail survey puts regular gas at $3.855 and on-highway diesel at $4.796 (week ended July 13). AAA as of July 19 also rose.
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SBA’s July 4 guidance lets some firms stack 7(a) + 504 loans up to $10M
Effective July 4, 2026, SBA Policy Notice 5000-879058 clarifies how outstanding 7(a) balances affect 504 limits—plus the 7(a)-first sequencing.
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Mortgage rates hit 6.55% near-year high—what it means for homebuyers
Freddie Mac says the 30-year fixed mortgage benchmark rose to 6.55% for the week ending July 16, up from 6.49%—an affordability hit for buyers.
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Esrati v. FEC: “meaningful” contributor disclosure must be usable (July 13)
Esrati opposes the FEC’s July 6 motion to dismiss in No. 26-1498, arguing FEC public disclosure isn’t “meaningful” because contributor ID isn’t usable.
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988 lifeline capacity: GAO finds volume up, but answer rates vary by method
GAO’s July 1 report shows 988 call, text, and chat volume rose from 2022 to Sept. 2025, but answer rates—and wait times—differ by method.
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Supreme Court declines Title VII vaccine-exemption case in Doe v. Hochul
Supreme Court denied cert June 29, 2026 in Doe v. Hochul, leaving in place lower-court rules for Title VII religious-exemption claims in healthcare.
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SSA OIG flags FY2025 SSI payment-integrity reporting gaps—what follows next
United States Federal Watchdogs and Public Spending – SSA’s inspector general says SSA met most PIIA FY2025 payment-integrity rules, but missed two SSI thresholds.
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DOJ opens FY26 Tribal Access Program for NCIC—deadlines and TAP-LIGHT vs TAP-FULL
DOJ opened FY26 TAP applications July 13–Aug. 31, 2026 (midnight). Selections are planned for September; eligible Tribes apply for TAP-LIGHT or TAP-FULL.