OPM Announces 2022 Health, Dental, and Vision Program Premiums

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Announces 2022 Health, Dental, and Vision Program Premiums | site |



Federal Benefits Open Season begins November 8


(Information contained in U.S. Office of Personnel Management press release dated: September 29, 2021)

Washington, DC - - The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced today the 2022 plans and premiums for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). OPM manages the health insurance enrollment for 8.2 million people, making the FEHB program the largest employer-sponsored program in the world. In the midst of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, OPM and the federal benefits carriers have worked closely to negotiate benefits and rates for the 2022 plan year. OPM continues to focus on offering quality health, dental, and vision benefits that are affordable to the...

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] offers Top Safety Tips for Early Holiday Shoppers Amid Reports of Expected Toy Shortage | site |



2020 Data Show 9 Deaths and Nearly 150,000 ER-Treated Injuries with Children’s Toys


(Information contained in U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC] press release dated: September 28, 2021)

Washington, D.C. - - Toy manufacturers are warning of potential supply-chain delays and global shipping issues due to COVID-19. Concerns about a possible toy shortage this holiday, are prompting many Americans to start their holiday shopping early.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing its holiday toy buying tips early this year, urging shoppers to review these safety tips BEFORE hitting the stores in person, or shopping online.

A new report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that in 2020, there were nine deaths...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to Allow Fully Vaccinated Travelers from Canada and Mexico to Enter U.S. at Land Borders and Ferry Crossings | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release dated: October 12, 2021) Washington - - Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health experts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will amend Title 19 regulations to allow non-essential travelers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have appropriate documentation to enter the United States via land and ferry ports of entry (POEs) across the U.S. border. “In alignment with the new international air travel system that will be implemented in November, we will begin allowing travelers from Mexico and Canada who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to enter t...

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Completes Sixty-Day Assessment of Order under 42 U.S.C. 265 | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention press release dated: October 2, 2021) On August 2, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order under Sections 362 and 365 of the Public Health Service Act, and associated implementing regulations, that temporarily suspended the right to introduce certain noncitizens into the United States based on the Director’s determination that introduction of such noncitizens, regardless of their country of origin, migrating through Canada and Mexico into the United States creates a serious danger of the introduction of COVID-19 into the United States, and the danger is so increased by the introduction of such noncitizens that a temporary suspension is necessary to protect the public health. Unaccompanied noncitizen ...

U.S. Internal Revenue Service launches new Webpage to assist Taxpayers with Refunds subject to Joint Committee on Taxation Review | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: September 22, 2021)

Washington - - The IRS today introduced a new webpage that provides information to taxpayers whose large refunds are subject to further review by the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT or Joint Committee). By law, when taxpayers claim a federal tax refund or credit of more than $2 million ($5 million for a C corporation), the IRS must review the refund or credit and provide a report to the JCT, a non-partisan committee of the U.S. Congress. Refunds subject to this review are known as “Joint Committee Refund Cases.” Taxpayers can now find answers to most questions about Joint Committee case reviews and links to additional resources at ...

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Announces New Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Milestone
| site |



In Less Than Two Months, One Million Borrowers Apply for Direct Forgiveness through Agency’s PPP Portal 

Administrator Guzman highlights new Direct Forgiveness Portal and other innovations as critical to accelerating reviews and approvals


(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration press release dated: September 22, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reached a major milestone today as its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal recorded its one millionth PPP loan forgiveness application for borrowers seeking forgiveness for loans of $150,000 or less. “We are committed to delivering against the promise of forgiveness for our eligible PPP borrowers. Our innovative direct forgiveness portal is helping our PPP borrowe...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas’s Meeting with Haitian Ambassador to the United States Edmond | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: September 29, 2021) Washington - - Yesterday, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas met with Haitian Ambassador to the United States Bocchit Edmond to discuss our nations’ continued cooperation. “I appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with Ambassador Edmond about our shared commitment to ensuring that Haitian migrants are treated with dignity and respect,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “I look forward to continuing to work with the government of Haiti and other partners throughout the hemisphere as we work toward safe, orderly, and humane management of migration in the region.” Secretary Mayorkas thanked the Government of Haiti for supporting the safe return and re-integration of Haitian nationals...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Intent to Establish an Equity Commission, Solicits Nominations for Membership | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture press release dated: September 24, 2021)

Washington, September 24, 2021 - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will establish an Equity Commission and is requesting nominations for membership on the Equity Commission Advisory Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture. The Notice represents an important step towards implementing President Biden’s commitment to create an Equity Commission and the American Rescue Plan Act provision that directs USDA to "address historical discrimination and disparities in the agriculture sector… [through] one or more equity commissions to address racial equity issues within USDA and its programs." “USDA is committed to advancing equity throughout our Departm...

U.S. Department of Transportation Fines United Airlines for Violating Tarmac Delay Rule | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: September 24, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today fined United Airlines $1.9 million for violating federal statutes and the Department’s rule prohibiting long tarmac delays. The airline was also ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations. This is the largest fine issued by the Department for tarmac delay violations. An extensive investigation by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that between December 2015 and February 2021, United allowed twenty domestic flights and five international flights at various airports throughout the United States to remain on the tarmac for a lengthy period of time without providing passengers an opportuni...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Charges Webcast Host for alleged Role in Market Manipulation Scheme | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: October 1, 2021) Washington, D.C., Oct. 1, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Mark Melnick, the host of a stock trading webcast, for spreading more than 100 false rumors about public companies in order to generate illicit profits. The SEC previously charged Barton Ross for his role in this scheme. According to the complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on September 30, 2021, Melnick received advance notice of companies about which another scheme participant planned to spread false rumors, and then shared the companies’ names with subscribers to his online trading room. Melnick advised the subscribers that he had taken positions in the ...

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, September 21-22, 2021 | site |




(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: October 13, 2021)

The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday released the attached minutes of the Committee meeting held on September 21–22, 2021.

The minutes for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee ordinarily are made available three weeks after the day of the policy decision and subsequently are published in the Board’s Annual Report. The descriptions of economic and financial conditions contained in these minutes are based solely on the information that was available to the Committee at the time of the meeting.

FOMC minutes can be viewed on the Board’s website at http://www.federalreserve.gov/moneta...ccalendars.htm Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee September 21–22, 2...

Federal Reserve Board and Federal Open Market Committee release Economic Projections from the September 21-22 FOMC Meeting | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: September 22, 2021)

The attached tables and charts released on Wednesday summarize the economic projections made by Federal Open Market Committee participants in conjunction with the September 21-22 meeting.

Projections | Accessible Materials...

Remarks of Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to the 10th Americas Spectrum Management Conference | site |



(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] speech release dated: October 12, 2021)

Remarks of Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to the 10th Americas Spectrum Management Conference

October 12, 2021

Good morning! It’s great to join you for the tenth Americas Spectrum Management Conference. That’s a big milestone, especially because with wireless, there just seems to be something about the power of ten. Every ten years a new wireless technology changes everything—from first generation analog networks all the way up to today’s fifth generation broadband networks. So ten is a big deal and a good time to think about what comes next.

Now this is my first time addressing this conference as Acting Chairwoman, and...

Starting Oct. 28, new $67 User Fee applies to Estate Tax Closing Letters | site |



IRS reminds executors of free transcript option


(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: September 27, 2021)

Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service announced today that starting Oct. 28, a new $67 user fee will apply to any estate that requests a closing letter for its federal estate tax return.

The new user fee was authorized under final regulations, TD 9957, available today in the Federal Register. Closing letter requests must be made using Pay.gov. The IRS will provide further procedural details before the user fee goes into effect. By law, federal agencies are required to charge a user fee to cover the cost of providing certain services to the public that confer a special benefit to the recipient. Moreover, agencies must review these fees every two years to determine whether the...

Remarks by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen at the Countdown Summit | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release remarks dated: October 12, 2021)

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen at the Countdown Summit

October 12, 2021

As prepared for delivery: Hello, everyone. I’m Janet Yellen, the United States Treasury Secretary. I want to thank Vice President Gore for the invitation and for his many years of leadership on this issue. We’re now three weeks out on the road to Glasgow, and it’s a road crowded with many different travelers. A generation ago, the road, so to speak, was a much lonelier place, deserted by comparison. There was a cohort of environmental activists and government officials, like Vice President Gore, who cared deeply about climate change, but it was nothing like the broad cross-se...

Social Security Announces 5.9 Percent Benefit Increase for 2022 | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Social Security Administration press release dated: October 13, 2021) Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 5.9 percent in 2022, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2022. Increased payments to approximately 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2021. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits). The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the incre...

Federal Reserve issues Federal Open Market Committee Statement | site |



(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: September 22, 2021) The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time, thereby promoting its maximum employment and price stability goals. With progress on vaccinations and strong policy support, indicators of economic activity and employment have continued to strengthen. The sectors most adversely affected by the pandemic have improved in recent months, but the rise in COVID-19 cases has slowed their recovery. Inflation is elevated, largely reflecting transitory factors. Overall financial conditions remain accommodative, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy and the flow of credit to U.S. households and businesses. The path of the economy continues to depend on the course o...

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue Rule Protecting Tenants facing Evictions for Non-payment of Rent in HUD-assisted Properties | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: October 6, 2021)

Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday announced that it will publish a rule that prohibits the eviction of tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent from HUD-subsidized public housing and certain properties with project-based rental assistance without providing a 30-day notice period that includes information about available federal emergency rental assistance. The interim rule, which will be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, October 7, provides that when there is a national emergency-such as the COVID-19 pandemic-and federal money is allocated to help tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, the HUD Secreta...

U.S. Internal Revenue Service announces 2022 Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Grants | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: October 12, 2021) Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service recently awarded over $41 million in Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grants to organizations that provide free federal tax return preparation. This year, the IRS awarded grants to 34 TCE and 300 VITA applicants. The IRS received 379 applications requesting over $70 million. The TCE program, established in 1978, provides free tax counseling and federal return preparation to individuals who are age 60 or older. Volunteers receive training and technical assistance to provide assistance at community locations across the nation. The VITA program, created in 1969, assists underserved communities, such as low- and moder...

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Sued by EEOC for Race Discrimination | site |



African American Worker Endured Co-Worker’s Repeated Use of Racial Slur, Federal Agency Charges



(Information contained in U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] press release dated: October 8, 2021) Tacoma, Wash. - - Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington (KFHPW) violated federal law when it tolerated repeated use of a racial slur over the objections of an African American employee at its Tacoma Medical Center, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit. According to the EEOC’s suit, for several months, Darlene Hayden, an African American laboratory assistant, endured a co-worker’s use of racial slurs. On the first occasion, Hayden informed her non-Black co-worker that the term, a version of the N-word, was offensive and discriminatory, and the co-worker apologized. However, when the co-wo...

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to CEOs and Business Leaders at the White House on Debt Limit | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release remarks dated: October 6, 2021)

Remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen to CEOs and Business Leaders at the White House on Debt Limit

October 6, 2021

As prepared for delivery I want to thank business and community leaders for joining us here today. I wish we could be meeting to discuss another topic, like finding solutions to climate change or how to better invest in the future of our economy. But the urgency of the debt limit situation demands immediate attention. I want to be clear about my position. First, this is an urgent matter which must be resolved immediately. Treasury is on the cusp of exhausting its extraordinary measures if Congress has not acted to raise or suspe...

Oct. 15 Deadline approaches for Taxpayers who Requested Extensions to File 2020 Tax Returns | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: September 16, 2021)

Washington - - The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers about the upcoming October 15 due date to file 2020 tax returns. People who asked for an extension should file on or before the extension deadline to avoid the penalty for filing late. Electronic filing options, such as IRS Free File, are still available.

Although October 15 is the last day for most people to file, some taxpayers may have more time. They include:

• Members of the military and others serving in a combat zone. They typically have 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.
• Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas who already had valid extensions. For details, see

...

U.S. Department of Education Announces 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: September 21, 2021)

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Secretary Cardona will make the announcement during his Return to School Road Trip, where he will visit an awardee school, Walter R. Sundling Jr. High School, in Palatine, Illinois. "This year's cohort of honorees demonstrates what is possible when committed educators and school leaders create vibrant, welcoming, and affirming school cultures where rich teaching and learning can flourish," said Secretary Cardona. "I commend this school and all our Blue Ribbon honorees for working to keep students healthy and safe wh...

U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership on the Debt Limit | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: September 8, 2021)


September 8, 2021 - -Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen sent a letter to Congressional leadership regarding the debt limit.

The full text of the letter and also available below.

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Speaker

U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Dear Madam Speaker:

I am writing to follow up on my previous letters regarding the debt limit and to provide additional information regarding the Treasury Department’s ability to continue to finance the government in the absence of Congressional action to address the debt limit. After th...

FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel announces Members of Revitalized Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council | site |



Restructured Membership Adds New Federal Expertise, Public Interest Participation, and Diversity to Focus on 5G Network Security and Reliability


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: September 14, 2021)

Washington, September 14, 2021 - - FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced the appointment of members to the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council. The recently reestablished CSRIC will focus primarily on improving 5G network security and hold its first public meeting on September 22. “The FCC’s CSRIC is one of the nation’s most impactful cybersecurity partnerships,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “But in recent years this public-private collaboration has faced criticism t...

New Resource Details Evidence-Based Strategies to Address Impact of Lost Instructional Time by Using American Rescue Plan Funding | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 31, 2021)

Students across the country continue to return to in-person learning after more than a year of varied access to the educational opportunities they need to succeed. For example, some estimates show that 3 million students have either been consistently absent from or have not been actively participating in remote learning since the beginning of the pandemic. Today, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) released “Strategies for Using American Rescue Plan Funding to Address the Impact of Lost Instructional Time,” a resource to support educators as they implement, refine, and work to continuously improve their strategies for supporting students. We know that across the country...

Secretary of the Treasury Yellen, Attorney General Garland and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Fudge Sent Letter to Governors, Mayors and State Courts Urging Use of Emergency Rental Assistance Over Eviction | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: August 27, 2021)

Washington - - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen, Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice Merrick B. Garland, and Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge sent a letter to state and local government leaders addressing the eviction moratorium.

The full text of the letter is available here and below. Governors, Mayors, County Executives, and Chief Justices/State Court Administrators: We are writing to request your urgent help preventing unnecessary evictions during the pandemic. Our bottom line is this: No one should ...

U.S. State of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's Statement on Removal of Robert E. Lee Monument | site |




(Information contained in U.S. State of Virginia, Office of the Governor, press release dated: September 8, 2021)

Richmond, Virginia - - Governor Ralph Northam issued the following statement after the Robert E. Lee Monument was officially removed.

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“After 133 years, the statue of Robert E. Lee has finally come down—the last Confederate statue on Monument Avenue, and the largest in the South. The public monuments reflect the story we choose to tell about who we are as a people. It is time to display history as history, and use the public memorials to honor the full and inclusive truth of who we are today and in the future.”

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The Lee statue was erected in 1890, a generation after the Civil War, during a time in which southern states were working to reinforce white supremacist systems and structures...

American Federation of Teachers Supports Liz Shuler as Next AFL-CIO President | site |



(Information contained in American Federation of Teachers [AFT] press release dated: August 16, 2021) Washington - - American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the follow statement: “Liz Shuler offers both strength and stability to our movement. As the largest member of the federation, the AFT is proud to support Liz to fulfill the remainder of Richard Trumka’s term as AFL-CIO president. “The labor movement sits at the center of nearly every policy and action that affects the lives of the American people: their jobs, their safety, their families and their voice in our communities and our democracy. Liz has demonstrated that she understands that impact and will fight for a better life for workers and their families. She thinks big but never misses a detail, she builds consensus, and she leads with great kindness a...

Liz Shuler Elected AFL-CIO President | site |



Fred Redmond Tapped as Secretary-Treasurer, Forming Historic Leadership Team


(Information contained in AFL-CIO press release dated: August 20, 2021) The AFL-CIO Executive Council today elected Liz Shuler, a visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the number two office. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO. The election of Shuler and Redmond comes after the unexpected and untimely passing of Richard Trumka, who served as AFL-CIO presi...

U.S. Social Security Board of Trustees: Combined Trust Funds Projected Depletion One Year Sooner Than Last Year | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Social Security Administration press release dated: August 31, 2021) The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time. The OASI Trust Fund is projected to become depleted in 2033, one year sooner than last year’s estimate, with 76 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund is estimated to become depleted in 2057, eight years earlier than last year’s estimate, with 91 percent of benefits still payable. In the 2021 Annual Report...

The National Catholic Bioethics Center discusses Public Policy | site |


August 27, 2021

The National Catholic Bioethics Center discusses public policy. Some of its observations are available in the Bioethics Public Policy Report: August 27, 2021,

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Right to Life Michigan asks Supreme Court to Overturn Roe v. Wade | site |



(Information contained in the Right To Life of Michigan press release dated: July 30, 2021)

Lansing, MI - - Yesterday, Right to Life of Michigan filed an amicus curiae brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court will likely hear oral arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case in the fall.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “In 1972, Michigan voters determined our state’s law protecting unborn children should stand. Just weeks later, their vote was overturned by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Democracy is threatened every time unelected judges overstep their bounds and overturn legitimate election results.”

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization involves a Mississippi law banning abortions...

Federal Communications Commission seeks Comments on Competitive Access to Broadband in Apartment and Office Buildings | site |



Tees Up Questions on Revenue Sharing Agreements Between Building Owners and Providers, and on Exclusive Wiring and Marketing Arrangements


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: September 7, 2021) Washington, September 7, 2021 - - he Federal Communications Commission today announced it is inviting a new round of comments in a proceeding examining competitive access to broadband in apartment and office buildings. The new call for comments aims to better understand how the Commission can promote increased competition, consumer choice, and lower prices for Americans living and working in these buildings. “Across the country throughout the pandemic, the need for more and better broadband access has never been clearer,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessi...

U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Opens Investigations in Five States Regarding Prohibitions of Universal Indoor Masking | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 30, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened directed investigations in five states exploring whether statewide prohibitions on universal indoor masking discriminate against students with disabilities who are at heightened risk for severe illness from COVID-19 by preventing them from safely accessing in-person education. "The Department has heard from parents from across the country – particularly parents of students with disabilities and with underlying medical conditions – about how state bans on universal indoor masking are putting their children at risk and preventing them from accessing in-person learning equally," said...

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration August 26, 2021 Consumer Alert: Consumer Alert: Ford Issues Recall for 2021 Ford F-150 Vehicles | site |



Do Not Drive Recommended in Some Cases


(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] press release dated: August 27, 2021) August 26, 2021 | Washington, DC - - Ford Motor Company is issuing a recall on Model Year 2021 Ford F-150 vehicles manufactured with the Super Cab body style. The front seat belt webbing may be incorrectly routed. A misrouted seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Approximately 16,430 vehicles manufactured from January 2 through May 27, 2021, are affected. The Regular Cab and Crew Cab body styles use a different seat belt assembly and are not part of this recall. Vehicle owners should either call Ford’s toll-free line (866-436-7332) or contact a local Ford...

U.S. Treasury Department Announces Seven Additional Policies to Encourage State and Local Governments to Expedite Emergency Rental Assistance | site |




Latest Treasury Data Shows Continued Progress; About 1 Million Payments Made by State and Localities as of July 31


(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: August 25, 2021) New data on program performance demonstrates steady improvement in delivering Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) to eligible households – particularly among state and local agencies that adopted the recommendations in Treasury’s prior guidance. Even with these improvements, many grantees need to do more to urgently accelerate efforts to prevent harmful evictions of vulnerable families. To help grantees continue to expedite assistance, today Treasury is announcing additional policies – including measures to reduce processing delays by providing even more explic...

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defence Andrii Taran | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Defense [DOD] press release dated: August 31, 2021)

Today, August 31, 2021, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following information: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister of Defence Andrii Taran to reaffirm the strategic defense partnership between the United States and Ukraine. Secretary Austin reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He condemned Russia’s continued occupation of Crimea and perpetuation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. With President Biden’s approval of a new $60 million package for additional Javelin anti-armor syste...

U.S. Small Business Administration Announces Key Staff | site |




Nearly 40 Biden-Harris Administration appointees named to serve the 30 million small businesses across the nation



(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: August 18, 2021) Washington - - Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced its senior leadership team and key Biden-Harris Administration appointees. This experienced group of staffers will join thousands of SBA career servants working tirelessly to deliver recovery funding to millions of small businesses and rebuild the engine of our nation's economy. In April, Antwaun Griffin was named Chief of Staff, playing a critical role in executing Administrator Guzman's priorities as the agency provides a historic $1 trillion in economic relief to America's entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits. "The Biden-Ha...

Federal Communications Commission acts to provide relief in Areas affected by Hurricane Ida | site |




Agency Extends Certain Regulatory and Filing Deadlines to Assist Consumers, Licensees and Communications Providers Affected by the Storm


(Information contained in Federal Communications Commission [FCC] press release dated: September 3, 2021) Washington, September 3, 2021 - - The Federal Communications Commission today took a series of actions to extend deadlines and waive rules to assist consumers, licensees and communications providers in Louisiana and Mississippi impacted by Hurricane Ida. “The FCC is working around the clock in coordination with government partners and industry to support the restoration of vital communications services after the destruction of Hurricane Ida,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Today, we’re extending deadlines for our universal servi...

Federal and State Financial Regulatory Agencies issue Interagency Statement on Supervisory Practices regarding Financial Institutions affected by Hurricane Ida | site |



Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Conference of State Bank Supervisors
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
National Credit Union Administration
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: August 30, 2021) The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration, and the state regulators, collectively the agencies, recognize the serious impact of Hurricane Ida on the customers and operations of many financial institutions and will provide appropriate regulatory assistance to affected institutions subject to their super...

IRS: Tax Relief now available to Victims of Hurricane Ida; Oct. 15 Deadline, other Dates extended to Jan. 3 | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: August 31, 2021)

Washington - - Victims of Hurricane Ida that began on August 26 now have until January 3, 2022, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

The IRS is offering this relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as qualifying for individual or public assistance. Currently this includes the entire state of Louisiana, but taxpayers in Ida-impacted localities designated by FEMA in neighboring states will automatically receive the same filing and payment relief. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov. "During this difficult time, the I...

U.S. Statement Condemning the Recent Houthi Attack Against Saudi Arabia | site |





(Information contained in U.S. Department of State press release dated: August 31, 2021)


Today, August 31, 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued the following statement: The United States strongly condemns the recent Houthi attack against Saudi Arabia that struck the civilian airport in Abha, wounding eight civilians and damaging a commercial airliner. Since the beginning of the year, Saudi Arabia has endured more than 240 attacks from the Houthis, who have endangered the Saudi people alongside more than 70,000 U.S. citizens residing in Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have also intensified their attacks inside of Yemen in recent weeks, particularly their offensive on Marib. This costly, stalemated offensive is exacerbating Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The Houthi attacks are perpetuating the conflict, prolonging the sufferin...

U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Serve as Lead Federal Agency Coordinating Efforts to Resettle Vulnerable Afghans | site |



Secretary Mayorkas Announces Robert J. Fenton, Jr. as Senior Response Official


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security [DHS] press release dated: August 29, 2021) Washington - - President Biden has directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to have his department serve as the lead agency coordinating ongoing efforts across the federal government to resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked on behalf of the United States.  Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced that Robert J. Fenton, Jr. will lead the interagency Unified Coordination Group. The Unified Coordination Group will report directly to Secretary Mayorkas and will include a broad range of services throughout the resettlement process, from initial immigration processing, COVID-19 te...

Federal Emergency Management Agency Urges Mid-Atlantic Residents to Prepare for Tropical Depression Ida | site |


(Information contained in Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] press release dated: August 31, 2021) Philadelphia - - Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana on Sunday afternoon with devastating consequence. Ida has been downgraded to a tropical storm but will continue to bring life-threatening flash, urban and river flooding to communities throughout the mid-Atlantic over the coming days. Tropical Storm Ida is expected to bring three to six inches of rainfall to the Ohio Valley, southern/central Appalachians, and Mid-Atlantic today through Wednesday. A few areas could see higher amounts. Portions of our region have received several inches of rainfall over the past two weeks from weather systems including but not limited to Fred and Henri, which have primed soils and rivers for additional w...

SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman Statement on meeting with President Biden, Cabinet Officials, Private Sector Leaders to Discuss Strengthening Cybersecurity for America’s Small Business Economy | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: August 26, 2021) Washington - - Today, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman released the following statement after participating in a meeting with President Joseph R. Biden, other members of his Cabinet and national security team, and private sector and education leaders to discuss how to improve our nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure for its 31 million small businesses. “As businesses and individuals face more prevalent and sophisticated cyber threats, we must take decisive action to confront this ever-growing challenge. President Biden has prioritized this critical issue that affects both...

SEC Requests Information and Comment on Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Digital Engagement Practices, Related Tools and Methods, and Regulatory Considerations and Potential Approaches; Information and Comments on Investment Adviser Use of Technology | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release dated: August 27, 2021) Washington D.C., Aug. 27, 2021 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it is requesting information and public comment on matters related to the use of digital engagement practices by broker-dealers and investment advisers. These tools include behavioral prompts, differential marketing, game-like features (commonly referred to as gamification), and other design elements or features designed to engage with retail investors on digital platforms (e.g., websites, portals, and applications), as well as the analytical and technological tools and m...

U.S. Internal Revenue Service Security Summit warns Tax Pros to watch for tell-tale Signs of Identity Theft | site |



(Information contained in U.S. Internal Revenue Service [IRS] press release dated: August 17, 2021)


Washington - - With identity thieves continuing to target the tax community, Internal Revenue Service Security Summit partners today urged tax professionals to learn the signs of data theft so they can react quickly to protect clients. The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry – working together as the Security Summit – reminded tax professionals that they should contact the IRS immediately when there's an identity theft issue while also contacting insurance or cybersecurity experts to assist them with determining the cause and extent of the loss. "There are tell-tale signs of identity theft that tax pros can easily miss," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Identity...

Photo Release: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge Travels the Country to Amplify Build Back Better Agenda | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] press release dated: August 20, 2021)

Washington - - Throughout the summer, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge traveled around the country to amplify the Biden-Harris administration’s Build Back Better agenda. Secretary Fudge visited multiple cities across the U.S. to discuss the investments in housing construction and rehabilitation, economic development, and community revitalization in the Build Back Better agenda. Secretary Fudge was joined by various leaders at the state, local, and federal levels.

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Alexandria, Virginia August 13, 2021

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Extended Closed School Discharge Will Provide 115K Borrowers from ITT Technical Institute More Than $1.1B in Loan Forgiveness | site |




(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release dated: August 26, 2021) Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced it will make $1.1 billion in closed school discharges available to an additional 115,000 borrowers who attended the now-defunct ITT Technical Institute (ITT). This decision is based on a new review of the problems leading up to ITT's closure. These borrowers did not complete their degree or credential and left ITT on or after March 31, 2008. The Department estimates that 43 percent of these borrowers are currently in default. Today's action brings the total amount of loan discharges approved by the Department since January 2021 to $9.5 billion, affecting over 563,000 borrowers. This action extends relief to borrowers whose atte...