A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from canceling nearly $56 million in housing counseling grants, suspending the September 30 deadline that would have caused the funds to lapse and return to the Treasury. The order keeps the money available while 10 nonprofit organizations challenge the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's decision, arguing the cancellations violated federal law and First Amendment protections. The administration says the grants supported organizations with diversity, equity and inclusion-focused agendas, as part of nearly $1 billion in spending rescissions (cancellations of previously approved funds). The lawsuit is scheduled to continue with responses from both sides by October 19.