Policy & Law

Vermont, Other States Test 'Gentle Infill' as One Potential Tool to Tackle Housing Shortages

The zoning approach allows additional housing units on underutilized lots while preserving neighborhood character, but faces resistance from some local officials.

By James Callahan · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Canadian Woman Accused of Slapping Trump-Supporting Teen at Jersey Shore Turned Over to ICE

Kaitlyn Tracey, 33, faces state criminal charges in addition to federal immigration proceedings after incident during Fourth of July weekend.

By James Callahan · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

Moreno Introduces Immigration Bill Mirroring Reid's 1993 Proposal To Narrow Birthright Citizenship

The Ohio Republican is betting that Democrats will struggle to reject legislation once championed by their own former Senate leader.

By Eleanor Cross · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Suing Joe Biden Helped Fuel Ken Paxton's Rise

Texas Attorney General's aggressive litigation strategy against the Biden administration transformed him from a scandal-plagued state official into a national conservative figure, according to reporting on his political trajectory.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

Senate Republicans Unveil Sweeping Anti-Fraud Package Naming Legislation After Tim Walz

The WALZ Act would require federal payments as reimbursements after services are provided, projecting $240 billion in savings across COVID fraud, welfare violations, and foreign remittance abuse.

By Diane Park · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

CNBC Rankings Place Conservative States at Bottom for Quality of Life, Raising Debate Over Metrics

Tennessee ranked worst state by CNBC's methodology, which critics say penalizes family-oriented policies while supporters argue cost-of-living and migration patterns tell a different story.

By James Callahan · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Documents Reveal Prior Strangulation, Kidnapping Charges Against Immigration Lawyer Representing Clients in Fatal ICE Shooting

Hugo Balderas-Ibarra appeared alongside Democratic lawmakers at a press conference denouncing the shooting while out on bond for felony assault charges.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

European Broadcasting Union Faces Backlash Over New Guidelines on Female Athlete Coverage

The June guidelines, titled 'Raising the Bar,' discourage sexualized shots but have sparked debate over media freedom vs. athlete protection.

By Eleanor Cross · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 3 min read
Policy & Law

FCC Officials Accepted Pricey Kennedy Center Tickets From Paramount as Company Sought Merger Approvals

Ethics disclosure records show Commissioner Olivia Trusty received over $12,000 in gifts while Chair Brendan Carr attended a $125,000 private skybox with Paramount's CEO.

By Diane Park · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 4 min read
Policy & Law

Google's AI Search Features Pose 'Unacceptable Risk' to Children, Report Finds

Common Sense Media tested over 2,600 interactions and found Google's built-in search AI failed to recognize harmful behavior while completing all homework assignments.

By James Callahan · Wednesday, July 15, 2026 · 3 min read