Economy & Markets

DOJ Sues Virginia Over Laws Restricting Federal Agents as Mask, Immigration Disputes Escalate

The lawsuit targets two Spanberger-signed measures set to take effect July 1 that the DOJ says violate the Supremacy Clause and threaten officer safety.

By Marcus Webb · Friday, June 12, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

Federal Government Will Pay North Dakota $28 Million to Settle Dakota Access Pipeline Protest Policing Lawsuit

The settlement resolves a years-long dispute over law enforcement costs during 2016-2017 demonstrations that involved 761 arrests and 178 agencies.

By Marcus Webb · Thursday, June 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

NYC Budget Chief Briefs Democratic Socialists on City Finances, Raising Ethics Questions

Sherif Soliman told DSA members at a closed-door June 1 event that he has 'the power of the purse,' prompting debate over use of public office for political outreach.

By Marcus Webb · Wednesday, June 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

China Approves Brain Implant Ahead of Neuralink, Marking First Commercial Use Outside U.S.

Neuracle Technology's NEO device received regulatory clearance through China's national health insurance system while competing companies like Synchron raised $200 million in late 2025.

By Marcus Webb · Monday, June 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

Federal Safety Database Missing Dozens of Transdev Crash Records, Investigation Finds

A ProPublica and WBUR investigation found 60 fatal crashes linked to the Boston school bus contractor over a decade, but only 18 appear in FMCSA records.

By Marcus Webb · Monday, June 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

Treasury Plans to Use Iranian Assets for Gulf Allies' Reconstruction

The plan comes as the U.S.-Iran war passes the three-month mark and oil prices rise due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway.

By Marcus Webb · Sunday, June 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

Trader Joe's Receipt Settlement Deadline Approaches for Qualifying Shoppers

Qualifying customers who shopped at affected stores during a five-month period in 2019 may be eligible for an estimated $102.45 payment from the $7.4 million class action settlement.

By Marcus Webb · Sunday, June 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

U.S. Mortgage Rates Are Staying High — and the Federal Reserve Can Do Little About It

The 30-year rate hit 6.48% this week, leaving homebuyers with few options despite pressure from President Trump on the central bank to cut borrowing costs.

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, June 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Economy & Markets

U.S. Mortgage Rates Stay Above 6% as Fed Influence Remains Limited

The 30-year rate reached 6.48% on June 4, leaving homebuyers facing elevated borrowing costs despite the central bank's recent rate cuts.

By Marcus Webb · Saturday, June 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Economy & Markets

U.S. Employers Add 172,000 Jobs in May as Labor Market Shows Resilience Amid Iran War Costs

The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% while hiring has now exceeded 100,000 jobs for three consecutive months, according to the Labor Department report.

By Marcus Webb · Friday, June 5, 2026 · 4 min read