When you can enroll in Medicare, and what missing a deadline costs
Most people get Medicare at 65 during a seven-month initial enrollment window, and signing up late for Part B adds a permanent 10 percent penalty per year.
James Wellington
Social Security checks rise 2.8 percent in January 2026: what the COLA actually changes
The 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment announced in October 2025 raises the average retired-worker benefit by about $49 a month starting with January payments.
Asha VenkataswamyHow SNAP food benefits work, and who qualifies as of 2026
SNAP gives eligible households a monthly food benefit on an EBT card; most households must meet income limits set as a percentage of the federal poverty line.
Asha VenkataswamyWho qualifies for SNAP, and how to apply in 2026
SNAP eligibility runs on income and asset tests set by Washington but applied through your state; here's what the current federal rules say, what changed in 2026, and how the application actually works.
Asha VenkataswamyThe briefing
What changed, what the primary record says, and what remains uncertain.
How Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment works, and what the 2.8% increase means for 2026
Asha VenkataswamyHow Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment is calculated
Editorial StaffWhat is Login.gov, and why do some government websites require it?
James WellingtonHow the SBA's 7(a) loan program works, and what changed in July 2026
Henrik LarsenHow federal rulemaking works, and how to comment on a proposed rule
Valentina SokolovHow federal inspectors general work, and what happens to their findings
Alexandria LucasPrograms
When you can enroll in Medicare, and what missing a deadline costs
Most people get Medicare at 65 during a seven-month initial enrollment window, and signing up late for Part B adds a permanent 10 percent penalty per year.
James WellingtonHow SNAP food benefits work, and who qualifies as of 2026
Asha VenkataswamyWho qualifies for SNAP, and how to apply in 2026
Asha VenkataswamyCivictech
What is Login.gov, and why do some government websites require it?
James WellingtonAffairs
How federal rulemaking works, and how to comment on a proposed rule
August 12 · Valentina SokolovAccountability
How federal inspectors general work, and what happens to their findings
Inspectors general audit and investigate their own agencies, then report to both the agency head and Congress on a schedule set by statute. Here is the mechanism, the deadlines, and where to read the reports yourself.
Alexandria LucasPolicy News
Social Security checks rise 2.8 percent in January 2026: what the COLA actually changes
Asha VenkataswamyHow Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment works, and what the 2.8% increase means for 2026
Asha VenkataswamyHow Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment is calculated
Editorial StaffGovernment News
