School integration grants could require proof of illegal discrimination
A new US legal opinion would narrow federal school integration funding. We examine the teaching support at stake and the unresolved position of existing awards.
Living standards
FAA ground stop halts US departures, but refunds do not cover every cost
Passengers across the United States were unable to depart on Friday after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a nationwide ground stop. US rules protect the right to a refund when a flight is canceled or badly delayed, but getting the fare back does not settle the cost of waiting.
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Shoplifting pilot targets repeat offenders as staff report threats and assaults
England’s new repeat-offender pilot aims to reduce harm in stores. Worker testimony and crime figures show why safety needs more than a theft count.
Global Talent visa: false evidence can put your right to stay at risk
A BBC investigation exposes false arts credentials. UK rules show why applicants can face consequences even when an adviser supplied evidence without their knowledge.
AI property photos: buyers are protected before they make an offer
AI property photos have raised concerns about wasted viewings. Our review finds that buyer protection and Rightmove rules go further than adding an AI label.
Microsoft outage disrupts patient referrals while hospitals keep appointments
Patients are being asked to call care teams during the Microsoft outage. NHS notices show why open hospitals do not mean every referral or message is getting through.
Student loan freeze will take more from graduates as their pay rises
Plan 2 graduates will keep a frozen repayment threshold from April 2027. Our calculations show the cost compared with letting it rise, while Plan 5 borrowers get relief.
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Water & energy
Access to water and energy, water quality, costs and who is responsible.
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Migration & asylum
Immigration status, accommodation, rights and oversight of migration and asylum policy.
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Enforcement & rights
Government powers, oversight and the protection of rights during enforcement and detention.
More to explore
RFK Jr. faces a new inquiry over his Samoa vaccine claims
A new inquiry concerns RFK Jr.’s Samoa testimony. His original proposal linked medical-record technology with investigating possible vaccine harm.
Childhood criminal records could stop appearing in some job checks
England and Wales are consulting on childhood criminal records. Some lifelong job-check disclosures would end, but waiting periods and safety checks would remain.
EU border errors leave travelers proving they came home
Missing EU exit records have wrongly flagged British travelers as overstayers. Correction rights exist, but official guidance warns fixes may not be immediate.
PIP reform plans raise fears for young people already in work
Reported PIP reform plans raise concerns for young disabled people. The current payment can help with extra living costs even when someone works or studies.
BMI can miss obesity. England’s NHS weight-loss drug rules still use it
New BMI research supports broader health assessment. England’s NHS weight-loss drug criteria still set separate limits on access.
H-1B extensions could face fresh checks even when the job is unchanged
H-1B extensions could lose the weight of an earlier approval. We compare the proposal with existing checks and its evidence.
Service charge reform gives council flat owners a longer wait for annual reports
Service charge reform has different start dates. Council and housing-association flat owners wait longer for new standard reports.
CoreWeave’s AI boom depends on power still to come
CoreWeave’s results distinguish active power from contracted capacity. Our comparison shows why delivery matters for the wider AI buildout.
DWP bank checks can reach people who do not claim benefits
DWP bank checks can include people receiving benefits for someone else. The rules explain what happens to their data.
HMRC’s draft powers could reach the makers of your tax software
HMRC’s draft digital tax powers explicitly add software creators to those who can be required to help. Existing limits still matter.
Bank of England raised rates to 4%. Mortgage offers had already jumped
Bank of England figures show selected mortgage offers rose before its latest rate decision. The timing matters for borrowers.
SNAP benefits proposal could make savings a barrier to food aid
A SNAP benefits proposal would expose more households to savings limits. We explain the consequences.
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Decisions about public life are decisions about people. We examine who benefits, who carries the risk and whether those with power are held to account.
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