bread and circus

Bread and Circus Archive


Previous Editions

VA Extends Debtor Waiver Deadline to One Year

Executive action: VA extends debtor waiver window from 180 days to one year (effective Jan 26, 2026); no legislative, judicial, or economic activity reported yesterday.

Medicare Premiums and Deductibles Set to Rise Significantly in 2026

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on rising Medicare costs for 2026, reaffirming asylum claim procedures, pending congressional transparency on the Epstein case, and the Federal Reserve maintaining interest rates to balance inflation and growth.

BLM Reverts Alaska Drilling Rules, Easing Energy Development

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on executive actions advancing adoption awareness, deregulating airline passenger protections, streamlining maritime customs processes, and easing oil and gas drilling rules in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve.

White House Mandates AI-Driven Overhaul of Foster Care System

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on modernizing social services and regulatory rules, including a major executive order to improve foster care with AI tools, regulatory easing for businesses, minimal congressional action, and a global opinion report on South Africa’s international standing.

White House Declares November 2025 as Anti-Communism Week

The newsletter reports a single executive action: the President’s symbolic proclamation of Anti-Communism Week, highlighting ideological opposition to communism, with no legislative, judicial, or economic activity reported.

Supreme Court Weighs Limits on Presidential Tariff Authority

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included key executive nominations, a Supreme Court case on presidential tariff powers, and new global public opinion data showing strong concern and willingness to act on climate change.

White House Extends China Tariff Pause Through 2026

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included executive actions adjusting China trade tariffs, Supreme Court oral arguments on key procedural fairness issues, and new data on social media news influencers’ impact.

Trump nominates Michael Selig to lead Commodity Futures Commission

Yesterday’s U.S. government update highlights key executive branch nominations affecting financial and foreign policy leadership, alongside public opinion data revealing widespread dissatisfaction with both major parties ahead of the 2026 midterms.

CFPB Rolls Back Nonbank Reporting Rules, Fed Cuts Rates

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity featured CFPB rollbacks easing nonbank lender regulations and restoring judicial fairness in enforcement, alongside a modest Federal Reserve rate cut to support slower growth and persistent inflation.

HUD Delays Key HOME Program Rule to April 2026

HUD delayed parts of a new affordable housing rule, extending the compliance deadline by six months to ease implementation challenges; no other government activity occurred.

Trump Submits Broad Slate of Key Judicial and Security Nominees

On October 21, 2025, the executive branch submitted a slate of key judicial, law enforcement, and defense nominees to the Senate, signaling a focus on shaping federal legal and security leadership; no legislative, judicial, or economic activity occurred.

Trump Reaffirms Traditional Heritage Days with Dual Proclamations

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on the executive branch issuing presidential proclamations reaffirming traditional cultural observances tied to ethnic heritage and historical figures, with no legislative, judicial, or economic developments.

White House Nominates Ambassador as Fed Holds Rates Steady

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included a key diplomatic nomination and steady Federal Reserve interest rates amid persistent inflation, alongside new insights on children’s widespread screen use and parental concerns.

EPA Proposes Extended Deadlines for Hydrofluorocarbon Phaseout

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on a stalled federal funding process amid a partial shutdown, EPA proposals easing environmental deadlines, ongoing Senate work on nominations and defense funding, and public opinion on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

White House Orders AI-Driven Pediatric Cancer Research Expansion

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on executive actions advancing AI-driven pediatric cancer research, tightening export controls for security, easing firearm export rules, delaying disability air travel enforcement, and proposing financial swap regulation changes, alongside stable labor market data highlighting employment challenges for workers with health issues.

USDA Establishes Multi-Year Livestock Disaster Relief Program

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on a new USDA rule providing multi-year financial aid to livestock farmers affected by 2023-24 floods and wildfires, reflecting growing federal support for climate-related agricultural disaster relief.

U.S.-UK Pact Advances AI and Nuclear Collaboration

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on civic education during Constitution Week, a new U.S.-UK science and technology partnership, and EPA proposals to adjust renewable fuel standards for 2026–2027.

White House Establishes Emergency Board to Avert Rail Strike

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on executive actions addressing labor disputes, technology regulation delays, immigration fee changes, and economic data showing rising import/export prices amid shifting fuel costs.

Federal Task Force Launched to Combat Memphis Violent Crime

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on combating violent crime, disaster relief for farmers, improving federal management accountability, and reviewing postal service performance, alongside global public trust insights.

Federal Hiring Expanded and Foreign Tax Reporting Revised

Yesterday’s federal activity focused on executive branch rule changes: expanding the pool of qualified candidates for federal hiring to improve fairness and efficiency, and proposing new tax reporting rules for U.S. companies’ foreign earnings to enhance corporate accountability.

Department of Defense Reinstates “Department of War” Title

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity featured three executive orders emphasizing military symbolism, trade tariff adjustments tied to new agreements, and new tools to counter wrongful foreign detention of Americans, alongside steady but slow economic growth and Federal Reserve planning.

U.S. Tightens Military Export Controls While Flag Flies at Half-Staff

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included a presidential proclamation for national mourning, updated export controls on military tech, stable July job data with regional disparities, and rising partisan divides in trust toward federal law enforcement agencies.

EPA Finalizes Phased Hydrofluorocarbon Rules Through 2030

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity featured a key EPA regulatory update on hydrofluorocarbons, minimal congressional action, no judicial developments, and the Federal Reserve maintaining steady borrowing costs.

Federal Crackdown on Cashless Bail and Crime in Washington, D.C.

Yesterday’s U.S. government actions focused on toughening criminal justice policies, especially ending cashless bail and boosting law enforcement in D.C., alongside congressional moves honoring veterans and enhancing homebuyer privacy protections.

SBA Proposes Raising Small Business Size Limits for 263 Industries

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on updating small business size standards, clarifying Federal Reserve monetary policy goals, and revealing public views on voting methods, reflecting efforts to modernize economic and democratic frameworks.

White House Approves New Pedestrian Border Crossing in Texas

Yesterday’s government activity included a presidential permit for a new pedestrian border crossing, an EPA delay on chemical safety rules, steady Federal Reserve interest rates, and a Pew study on public trust in journalists.

White House Launches Task Force to Coordinate 2028 Olympics Planning

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on executive actions establishing a task force for the 2028 Olympics, regulatory updates to Medicare psychiatric payments and Diversity Visa rules, with minimal congressional and no judicial or economic activity.

U.S. Labor Market Shows Stability Amid Slow Job Growth

Yesterday saw no official government actions across executive, legislative, or judicial branches; economic data showed a stable but slow U.S. job market with modest wage growth and persistent unemployment.

U.S. Raises Tariffs on Canadian Goods to Combat Drug Trafficking

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on new executive orders reshaping trade tariffs to address security and economic concerns, reviving youth fitness initiatives, and nominating a key agency leader, alongside reports on rising labor costs and widespread online scams.

Senate Advances Telecom Cybersecurity Transparency Act

On July 28, 2025, the Senate advanced key legislation on cybersecurity and human rights, confirmed regulatory nominees, and accelerated government staffing amid partisan tensions, while the executive, judicial, and economic sectors saw no activity.

Government Withdraws Key Tax Rules Amid Rising Unemployment Trends

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included a presidential proclamation honoring the Secret Service’s 160th anniversary, withdrawal of proposed corporate tax regulations, and economic data showing rising unemployment and uneven job growth nationwide.

Congressional push to tighten immigration and expand rural internet access

Yesterday’s government activity focused on legislative advances in public safety, infrastructure, and immigration oversight; Supreme Court rulings on criminal justice and immigration law; and economic data revealing work-life patterns and voter shifts influencing the 2024 election outcome.

Army Corps to Reissue and Modify Waterway Permits by 2026

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on updating environmental permits, advancing natural resource and community-support legislation, issuing key Supreme Court rulings, and maintaining steady economic policies amid stable job markets and moderate inflation forecasts.

EPA Proposes Stricter Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026–2027

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included executive actions commemorating a historic event, EPA proposals tightening renewable fuel standards, Senate passage of digital currency regulation, key federal appointments, and federal troop deployment for immigration enforcement amid divided public opinion. Economic data showed mixed import-export price trends.

Trump halts Lower Snake River dam removal, shifts wildfire policy

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity featured executive actions reversing environmental policies and enhancing wildfire management, multiple Supreme Court rulings, and economic data showing slight producer price increases alongside evolving social trends on abortion and same-sex households.

New Federal Airline Rules to Enhance Wheelchair Passenger Safety

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on new airline rules for wheelchair users, tougher penalties for foreign-linked crimes, D.C. law enforcement and voting changes, partisan debates on national security and climate policy, and Pew studies revealing deep political divides in news trust and consumption.

FAA to Lift Supersonic Flight Ban Over U.S. Land Within 180 Days

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on advancing aviation and drone technology with new executive orders, tightening cybersecurity and Medicaid spending, passing a small business loan citizenship bill, and reporting steady job growth.

FinCEN Mandates Detailed Reporting on 850,000 Annual Home Sales

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included a new Treasury rule enhancing real estate transaction transparency, six Supreme Court opinions, and a Pew report revealing shifting public energy preferences amid evolving political dynamics.

Senate Advances GENIUS Act Amid Stablecoin Conflict Concerns

Yesterday’s government activity focused on regulatory clarifications, advancing digital currency legislation amid national security concerns, ongoing Ukraine support debates, and global trends toward broader same-sex marriage recognition.

House introduces 50 bills amid rising public demand for climate resilience

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity was minimal, with no executive actions and limited congressional sessions introducing numerous bills but no votes. Public opinion shows strong bipartisan support for government roles in climate resilience and growing acceptance of LGBTQ rights amid ongoing challenges.

Administration Proclaims Armed Forces Day Amid Economic Price Shifts

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity included presidential proclamations honoring military and cultural heritage, a Supreme Court opinion, a proposed tax rule on foreign earnings, and mixed import-export price trends signaling cautious economic adjustments.

CFPB Withdraws Data Broker Rule Amid Privacy Reassessment

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on privacy regulation reconsideration, contentious law enforcement policies, human rights oversight in foreign relations, Supreme Court citizenship litigation, and easing inflation pressures in producer prices.

Real Wages Rise 1.4% Amid Slowest Inflation Since 2021

Yesterday saw no official government actions across executive, legislative, or judicial branches. Economic data showed modest wage growth keeping pace with low inflation, with mixed price changes affecting households unevenly.

U.S. Lowers China Tariffs and Enforces Drug Price Caps

U.S. government actions yesterday focused on easing trade tensions with China, lowering drug prices, supporting law enforcement, advancing key Senate nominations and bills, and tightening rules to favor American-made products.

Senate Rejects EPA Pollution Rule Amid Regulatory Pushback

Congress engaged in contentious legislative actions on environmental rules, banking, education, and symbolic bills amid debates over infrastructure safety and budget cuts, while a global survey highlighted widespread spiritual beliefs.

White House Revises Tariffs to Incentivize Domestic Auto Production

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on executive actions adjusting trade tariffs to support domestic manufacturing, key Supreme Court rulings on Medicare funding and legal liability, and economic data showing a modest rise in unemployment amid steady job openings.

White House Orders Probe into Illegal Political Donations

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity focused on national security, critical resource development, and federal workforce reforms, alongside legislative groundwork on tech and consumer issues, with global free expression concerns highlighted.

March 2025 Job Market Reveals Growing Regional Disparities

Yesterday’s U.S. government activity was quiet, with no executive, legislative, or judicial actions reported. Economic data showed uneven job market shifts across states, highlighting regional disparities in employment trends.

Trump orders 180-day probe into critical minerals supply risks

Yesterday’s U.S. government actions focused on securing critical mineral supply chains, lowering drug prices, streamlining federal procurement and office space policies, enhancing Social Security fraud enforcement, and modernizing environmental permitting, alongside economic updates from the Federal Reserve and import/export price shifts.

Military Action Authorized to Secure U.S. Southern Border

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions, highlighting a presidential directive for military involvement in border security and a decrease in the Producer Price Index, indicating potential economic relief for families.

Congress Confirms New Chairman of Joint Chiefs

The newsletter summarizes U.S. government activities, highlighting key legislative actions on military leadership, energy standards, drug pricing, and voting rights, alongside economic indicators showing job growth and wage increases.

CFIUS Review of Nippon Steel's U.S. Acquisition Initiated

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, highlighting a review of foreign investments, legislative efforts for veterans, and a Supreme Court ruling on deportations.

U.S. Government Prioritizes Health and Safety Initiatives

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions from April 3, 2025, including presidential declarations on public health and safety, significant congressional votes on energy and military sales, and insights from a Pew Research report on public perceptions of AI.

Supreme Court Case Could Redefine U.S. Foreign Accountability

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government activities, including presidential nominations, a Supreme Court case on foreign accountability, and a decline in job openings, highlighting their interconnected impacts on policy and the economy.

U.S. Government Initiatives Aim to Boost Economic Growth

The newsletter summarizes recent U.S. government actions, including executive orders on consumer protection and investment, judicial cases on prisoners' rights and religious exemptions, and economic engagement trends.

Significant Policy Shifts in Labor and Education

The newsletter details key U.S. government actions from March 27, 2025, including executive orders affecting labor rights and education, and congressional resolutions on consumer protections.

U.S. Implements 25% Tariff on Imported Cars by 2025

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions across executive, legislative, and judicial branches, highlighting significant policy shifts, including new tariffs, regulatory changes, and Supreme Court rulings.

U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Venezuelan Oil Imports

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions, including new tariffs on Venezuelan oil imports and expanded telemedicine for opioid treatment. It also highlights legislative developments and Supreme Court cases.

Shift in Legal Support: $40 Million for Veterans

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions, including executive orders, legislative bills on opioid sanctions and Taiwan, Supreme Court rulings on accountability, and economic indicators showing rising unemployment.

Federal Actions Signal Shift in Education and Procurement

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions, including executive orders on procurement efficiency, mineral production, and the closure of the Department of Education. It also highlights economic indicators, noting mixed job trends across states.

Department of the Interior Delays Key Regulatory Rule

The newsletter summarizes U.S. government activities, highlighting a delay in a Department of the Interior rule, legislative inaction, and rising import prices, indicating economic pressures influencing policy discussions.

Trump's Executive Orders Signal Major Policy Shift

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government actions, including executive orders aimed at reducing federal oversight, significant legislative measures addressing the opioid crisis, and recent economic indicators.

Senate Advances Fentanyl Legislation Amid Crisis

The newsletter summarizes U.S. government activities, highlighting legislative actions on fentanyl and international stability, alongside economic indicators and teen mental health trends.

Modest Wage Growth Amid Rising Inflationary Pressures

Yesterday's newsletter highlights a lack of activity across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, while noting a modest increase in real average hourly earnings and mixed economic indicators, including a 2.8% annual rise in the Consumer Price Index.

Trump's Memo Targets Frivolous Lawsuits Against Government

The newsletter summarizes key U.S. government activities, including new presidential directives on litigation costs, nominations for government positions, and a decline in job openings, indicating a tightening labor market.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Faces Major Overhaul

The newsletter outlines key U.S. government activities, including the President's order modifying the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the establishment of a task force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It also highlights mixed economic indicators, with job growth and wage increases amid persistent unemployment challenges.