U.S. amicus in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy urges clearer Free Exercise test
On July 2, the U.S. filed an amicus in St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy (No. 25-581), urging clearer Free Exercise rules for “universal preschool.”
United States
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FTC proposes $35M settlement with Hopper over hidden travel-app fees—what’s next
FTC proposes a $35 million settlement in FTC v. Hopper, accusing hidden “Tip” and “VIP Support” fees; here’s what the order would require next.
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House Appropriations advances FY 2027 Defense bill toward full vote at $1.072T
United States Congress and Budget Watch – The House Appropriations Committee advanced its FY 2027 Defense bill, setting up a topline dispute over domestic cuts.
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ED–DOJ partnership announced June 30 to escalate FERPA parental-access enforcement
On June 30, ED said it began a DOJ partnership to enforce FERPA parental access to education records after Kansas City, Kansas findings.
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Wildfire smoke across the U.S.: How to use AirNow and health guidance
Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles and make air feel “clear but unhealthy.” Here’s how to check NOAA smoke tracking, NWS health alerts, and AirNow’s AQI actions.
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Berkeley Lab’s “Energy Market Value Tool” shows 2025 transmission link value
LBNL’s Energy Market Value Tool lets stakeholders explore 2025 transmission “value” patterns by link set. Here’s what Stage 1 shows.
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DOJ proposes CWA settlement over 2022 Keystone rupture in Kansas: $26,867,789
DOJ filed a consent decree July 10, 2026 over a 2022 Keystone rupture in Kansas, seeking $26,867,789 penalty, about $40M prevention, and $3,080,000 restoration.
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GAO: Interior’s FWS Lacks Project Performance Goals for IRA Refuge Spending
GAO says FWS obligated 99.6% of a $125M IRA refuge-restoration pot but didn’t set project-level performance goals to measure results; recommendations remain open.
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DOJ Proposes Tunney Act Decree on Willow Bridge Rental Pricing Data Use
DOJ’s proposed Tunney Act decree would restrict Willow Bridge’s use of competitors’ sensitive rental-pricing data and bar RealPage meeting participation.
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DOJ election-monitor letters for Aug. 4—East Lansing disputes July 24 deadline
United States Evening Elections and Democracy Update – DOJ asks East Lansing for HAVA records by July 24; city disputes and monitors are planned for Aug. 4.
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law after Trump says he won’t sign it—here’s what changes for housing costs and construction
United States Evening White House and Congress Update – Trump didn’t sign; the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law July 11. Here’s what changes for HUD.
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Supreme Court declines to review Doe v. Hochul: Title VII accommodations
SCOTUS turned away Doe v. Hochul on June 29, 2026, leaving a Title VII religious-accommodation dispute for healthcare workers in place—no new national rule.
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Supreme Court declines to pause source-disclosure contempt fines for Herridge
July 2, 2026: The Supreme Court denied a stay in Catherine Herridge’s reporter-source contempt fight, keeping the enforcement timeline moving.
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EPA proposes opt-in PFAS compliance extension—hearing July 7, comments due July 20
EPA’s proposed opt-in PFAS compliance extension keeps PFOA/PFOS limits at 4 ppt, but could extend eligible systems’ compliance to April 26, 2031. Comments due July 20.
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Supreme Court greenlights turning back asylum seekers at border ports—what it means
June 25, 2026 Supreme Court decision in Mullin v. Al Otro Lado limits “inspection-before-processing” arguments for asylum seekers turned back at ports of entry.
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DOJ ends McNair race/national-origin quotas: what changes for 2027–28
United States Education and Civil Rights Policy – DOJ says McNair reserved seats by race/national origin; settlement requires new 2027–28 admissions rules.
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FTC and states’ Deere right-to-repair settlement: what changes for independent farm repair
FTC and states secured a Deere right-to-repair settlement. Deere must share diagnostic repair software resources with farmers and independents for 10 years.
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Freddie Mac PMMS: 30-year fixed averages 6.49% (week ending July 9)
Freddie Mac’s PMMS for the week ending July 9 shows the 30-year fixed averaging 6.49% (up from 6.43%)—plus the 15-year move and what to watch next.
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IRS Working Families Tax Cuts Updated July 1: How 2025 Filing May Change
IRS updated Working Families Tax Cuts guidance July 1, 2026. If you filed for 2025, some changes may be retroactive—review eligibility and W-4.
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Supreme Court blocks Trump from firing Fed Lisa Cook—for now
On June 29, 2026, SCOTUS denied a stay keeping Fed Gov. Lisa Cook in office while her removal challenge continues—requiring notice and a chance to respond.
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GAO Spotlights 988 Lifeline Capacity Gaps—Deadlines for Text/Chat Service
United States Fresh Federal Documents and Draft Reports – GAO’s July 1, 2026 review finds 988 performance varies by calls vs. text/chat, with 2026–2027 targets ahead.
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DOJ subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One security story: what’s next
DOJ has reportedly subpoenaed New York Times journalists tied to Air Force One security reporting, seeking grand-jury testimony in Manhattan next Wednesday.