U.S. Department of Commerce adds 24 Chinese Companies to the Entity List for Helping Build Military Islands in the South China Sea

U.S. Department of Commerce adds 24 Chinese Companies to the Entity List for Helping Build Military Islands in the South China Sea | site |



(August 26, 2020} - - Today, August 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce published the following information:

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the Department of Commerce (Commerce) added 24 Chinese companies to the Entity List for their role in helping the Chinese military construct and militarize the internationally condemned artificial islands in the South China Sea. Despite protests from the United States and other countries, the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has been rapidly building the artificial islands since 2013, enabling the Communist Chinese Party’s (CCP) militarization of disputed outposts in the South China Sea to undermine the sovereign rights of U.S. partners in the region.

“The United States, China’s neighbors, and the international...

Agencies issue Statement providing Additional Information for certain Bank Secrecy Act Due Diligence Requirements | site |



(August 21, 2020) - - Today, August 21, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information:

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
National Credit Union Administration
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency


WASHINGTON—The Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today issued a joint statement clarifying that Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) due diligence requirements for customers who may be considered "politically exposed persons" (PEPs) should be commensurate with the risks posed by the PEP...

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides $100 Million in CARES ACT Funding to Native American Tribes to support Coronavirus Recovery Efforts | site |



(August 31, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published (today) the following information:

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson announced that HUD has awarded a total of $100 million to Tribes across the Nation as part of HUD’s Indian Community Development Block Grant Imminent Threat program (ICDBG-CARES). This funding helps address problems that pose an imminent threat to public health or safety of Tribal residents and will be used to help Tribes prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. See list of funding here.

“The Trump Administration is committed to helping families throughout Indian Country to access essential resources during the coronavirus outbreak,” said Secretary...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Extends Free Meals for Kids Through December 31, 2020 | site |



Summer meal programs can continue operating as funding allows


(August 31, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture published today (August 31, 2020) the following information:

(Washington, DC, August 31, 2020) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through as late as December 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months. This unprecedented move will help ensure – no matter what the situation is on-the-ground – children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA has been and continues to be committed to using the Congressionally appropriated funding that has been made available.

“As...

National Transportation Safety Board says First Officer, Captain Actions, Aviation Industry Practices, Led to Fatal Atlas Air Crash | site |



(July 14, 2020) - - Today, July 14, 2020, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published the following information:

WASHINGTON (July 14, 2020) — The National Transportation Safety Board determined during a public board meeting held Tuesday that Atlas Air flight 3591 crashed in Trinity Bay, Texas, because of the first officer’s inappropriate response to an inadvertent activation of the airplane’s go-around mode, resulting in his spatial disorientation that led him to place the airplane in a steep descent from which the crew did not recover.

The accident happened Feb. 23, 2019, when the Atlas Air Boeing 767 cargo jet entered a rapid descent from about 6,000 feet and impacted a marshy bay about 40 miles from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The captain, first...

National Transportation Safety Board says First Officer, Captain Actions, Aviation Industry Practices, Led to Fatal Atlas Air Crash | site |



(July 14, 2020) - - Today, July 14, 2020, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published the following information:

WASHINGTON (July 14, 2020) — The National Transportation Safety Board determined during a public board meeting held Tuesday that Atlas Air flight 3591 crashed in Trinity Bay, Texas, because of the first officer’s inappropriate response to an inadvertent activation of the airplane’s go-around mode, resulting in his spatial disorientation that led him to place the airplane in a steep descent from which the crew did not recover.

The accident happened Feb. 23, 2019, when the Atlas Air Boeing 767 cargo jet entered a rapid descent from about 6,000 feet and impacted a marshy bay about 40 miles from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The captain, first...

FDIC Proposes to Update Policy Statement on Minority Depository Institutions | site |




(August 21, 2020) - - Today. August 21, 2020, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation published the following information:

WASHINGTON—The Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today approved a new proposed Statement of Policy to enhance the agency’s efforts to encourage and preserve Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs). The proposed revisions would update, strengthen, and clarify the FDIC’s policies and procedures related to the agency’s existing MDI framework. The FDIC seeks public comment on the proposal over a 60-day period.

Specifically, the proposed revisions describe the initiatives the FDIC has taken and will take to promote the preservation of MDIs and enhance communication between the FDIC and these minority-owned and managed institutions. The proposed Statement of Policy would also define...

FDIC Proposes to Update Policy Statement on Minority Depository Institutions | site |




(August 21, 2020) - - Today. August 21, 2020, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation published the following information:

WASHINGTON—The Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today approved a new proposed Statement of Policy to enhance the agency’s efforts to encourage and preserve Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs). The proposed revisions would update, strengthen, and clarify the FDIC’s policies and procedures related to the agency’s existing MDI framework. The FDIC seeks public comment on the proposal over a 60-day period.

Specifically, the proposed revisions describe the initiatives the FDIC has taken and will take to promote the preservation of MDIs and enhance communication between the FDIC and these minority-owned and managed institutions. The proposed Statement of Policy would also define...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Charges Ponzi Scheme Targeting African Immigrants | site |




(August 28, 2020) - - Today, August 28, 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the following information:

Washington D.C., Aug. 28, 2020 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged two Maryland companies and their principals for a scheme that allegedly defrauded approximately 1,200 investors, many of them African immigrants, of more than $27 million.

According to the SEC’s complaint, Dennis Jali, John Frimpong, and Arley Johnson, directly and through their companies 1st Million LLC and The Smart Partners LLC, falsely told investors that their funds would be used by a team of skilled and licensed traders for foreign exchange and cryptocurrency trading, promising risk-free returns of between 6% and 42%. The complaint alleges that the defendants often targeted vulnerable African immigrants...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Charges Ponzi Scheme Targeting African Immigrants | site |




(August 28, 2020) - - Today, August 28, 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the following information:

Washington D.C., Aug. 28, 2020 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged two Maryland companies and their principals for a scheme that allegedly defrauded approximately 1,200 investors, many of them African immigrants, of more than $27 million.

According to the SEC’s complaint, Dennis Jali, John Frimpong, and Arley Johnson, directly and through their companies 1st Million LLC and The Smart Partners LLC, falsely told investors that their funds would be used by a team of skilled and licensed traders for foreign exchange and cryptocurrency trading, promising risk-free returns of between 6% and 42%. The complaint alleges that the defendants often targeted vulnerable African immigrants...

U.S. Department of Transportation modifies Order Regarding Chinese Carriers | site |



(August 18, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Transportation published today, August 18, 2020, the following information:

Today, the Department of Transportation issued an Order that to allow the four Chinese airlines currently performing scheduled passenger services to the United States to increase their services to eight weekly round-trip flights. This aggregate level of service is equivalent to the total number of flights now permitted by the Chinese aviation authorities for U.S. carriers. As of August 12, the two U.S. carriers currently operating scheduled passenger service in the U.S.-China passenger market, United Airlines (“United”) and Delta Air Lines (“Delta”), had qualified for additional flight frequencies pursuant to the terms of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (“CAAC”) Notice of March 26, 2020. Accordingly, United and Delta are...

U.S. Department of Transportation modifies Order Regarding Chinese Carriers | site |



(August 18, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Transportation published today, August 18, 2020, the following information:

Today, the Department of Transportation issued an Order that to allow the four Chinese airlines currently performing scheduled passenger services to the United States to increase their services to eight weekly round-trip flights. This aggregate level of service is equivalent to the total number of flights now permitted by the Chinese aviation authorities for U.S. carriers. As of August 12, the two U.S. carriers currently operating scheduled passenger service in the U.S.-China passenger market, United Airlines (“United”) and Delta Air Lines (“Delta”), had qualified for additional flight frequencies pursuant to the terms of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (“CAAC”) Notice of March 26, 2020. Accordingly, United and Delta are...

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services posts Guidance for Implementing New Testing Requirements in Nursing Homes and Labs | site |




(August 26, 2020) - - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published today (August 26, 2020) the following information:

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance for nursing homes and clinical laboratories to assist in enhancing their abilities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to nursing home residents and their front line staff.

Nursing homes are particularly vulnerable to the prevalence and spread of COVID-19. CMS continues to take proactive steps to enhance infection control policies, including practices that limit potential transmission, and prevent outbreaks within these facilities to protect residents. Today’s guidance requires all nursing homes to test all residents and staff for COVID-19. A new survey...

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services posts Guidance for Implementing New Testing Requirements in Nursing Homes and Labs | site |




(August 26, 2020) - - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published today (August 26, 2020) the following information:

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance for nursing homes and clinical laboratories to assist in enhancing their abilities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to nursing home residents and their front line staff.

Nursing homes are particularly vulnerable to the prevalence and spread of COVID-19. CMS continues to take proactive steps to enhance infection control policies, including practices that limit potential transmission, and prevent outbreaks within these facilities to protect residents. Today’s guidance requires all nursing homes to test all residents and staff for COVID-19. A new survey...

FHA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium for Homeowners through Year End | site |


Third extension will allow FHA-insured homeowners economically impacted by COVID-19 to focus on financial recovery


(August 27, 2020) - - Today, August 27, 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the following information:

WASHINGTON - Today, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced the third extension of its foreclosure and eviction moratorium through December 31, 2020, for homeowners with FHA-insured single family mortgages covered under the Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This extension provides an additional four months of housing security to homeowners, as they will not fear losing their homes as they work to recover financially from the adverse impacts of the pandemic. With this third extension, FHA has now provided more than nine months of foreclosure and eviction relief...

FHA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium for Homeowners through Year End | site |


Third extension will allow FHA-insured homeowners economically impacted by COVID-19 to focus on financial recovery


(August 27, 2020) - - Today, August 27, 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the following information:

WASHINGTON - Today, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced the third extension of its foreclosure and eviction moratorium through December 31, 2020, for homeowners with FHA-insured single family mortgages covered under the Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This extension provides an additional four months of housing security to homeowners, as they will not fear losing their homes as they work to recover financially from the adverse impacts of the pandemic. With this third extension, FHA has now provided more than nine months of foreclosure and eviction relief...

IRS says Deadline to Return Distributions to Retirement Accounts is Aug. 31 | site |




(August 24, 2020) - - Today, August 24, 2020, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds IRA owners, beneficiaries or workplace retirement plan participants who received a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) this year that they have until August 31 to rollover or repay the distribution to avoid paying taxes.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, waives RMDs during 2020 for IRAs and retirement plans, including for beneficiaries with inherited accounts. This waiver includes RMDs for individuals who turned age 70 ½ in 2019 and took their first RMD in 2020. Roth IRAs don't require withdrawals until after the death of the owner.

Individuals who took RMDs in 2020, including those who turned 70 ½ during 2019, have...

IRS says Deadline to Return Distributions to Retirement Accounts is Aug. 31 | site |




(August 24, 2020) - - Today, August 24, 2020, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds IRA owners, beneficiaries or workplace retirement plan participants who received a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) this year that they have until August 31 to rollover or repay the distribution to avoid paying taxes.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, waives RMDs during 2020 for IRAs and retirement plans, including for beneficiaries with inherited accounts. This waiver includes RMDs for individuals who turned age 70 ½ in 2019 and took their first RMD in 2020. Roth IRAs don't require withdrawals until after the death of the owner.

Individuals who took RMDs in 2020, including those who turned 70 ½ during 2019, have...

IRS takes New Steps to Ensure People with Children Receive $500 Economic Impact Payments | site |



(August 14, 2020) - - Today, August 14, 2020, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service continues to look for ways to help people who were unable to provide their information in time to receive Economic Impact Payments for their children. As part of that effort, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it will reopen the registration period for federal beneficiaries who didn't receive $500 per child payments earlier this year.

The IRS urges certain federal benefit recipients to use the IRS.gov Non-Filers tool starting August 15 through September 30 to enter information on their qualifying children to receive the supplemental $500 payments.

Those eligible to provide this information include people with qualifying children who receive Social Security...

IRS takes New Steps to Ensure People with Children Receive $500 Economic Impact Payments | site |



(August 14, 2020) - - Today, August 14, 2020, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service continues to look for ways to help people who were unable to provide their information in time to receive Economic Impact Payments for their children. As part of that effort, the Internal Revenue Service announced today it will reopen the registration period for federal beneficiaries who didn't receive $500 per child payments earlier this year.

The IRS urges certain federal benefit recipients to use the IRS.gov Non-Filers tool starting August 15 through September 30 to enter information on their qualifying children to receive the supplemental $500 payments.

Those eligible to provide this information include people with qualifying children who receive Social Security...

IRS says 159 million Economic Impact Payments Processed| site |



IRS says Low-income people and others who aren’t required to file tax returns can quickly register for payment with IRS Non-Filers tool


(June 3, 2020) - - Today (June 3, 2020), the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

WASHINGTON — With 159 million Economic Impact Payments processed, the Internal Revenue Service reminds many low-income Americans who don't usually file tax returns to register for a payment by October 15.

Millions of low-income people and others who aren't required to file a tax return may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment and can easily register for a payment by using the free Non-Filers tool, available only on IRS.gov. "IRS employees worked around the clock to deliver the Economic Impact Payments and new tools to help taxpayers in record time," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Even with ...

Agencies Issue Host State Loan-to-Deposit Ratios| site |


(June 2, 2020) - - Today (June 2, 2020), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) published the following information:

Joint Release

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Agencies Issue Host State Loan-to-Deposit Ratios

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency today issued the host state loan-to-deposit ratios that they will use to determine compliance with section 109 of the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994. These ratios replace the prior year's ratios, which were released on May 28, 2019. In general, section 109 prohibits a bank from establishing or acquiring a branch or branches outside of ...

U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo’s Meeting with Tiananmen Square Survivors| site |


(June 3, 2020) - - Today (June 3, 2020), U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus provided the following information:

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo was honored to meet yesterday with Wang Dan, Su Xiaokang, Liane Lee, and Henry Li – four of the thousands of brave participants in the heroic protests for democracy that were brutally put down by the Chinese Communist Party on June 4, 1989....

Statement of U.S. Secretary of State on the Release of Michael White| site |


(June 4, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of State released the follows statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: We are bringing another American home. Michael White, a U.S. Navy veteran who has been wrongfully jailed in Iran for nearly two years, has been released. He is now on his way back to the United States, where we look forward to reuniting him with his family. I commend U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook for negotiating Mr. White’s release with the Iranians. I thank the Swiss government and the work of our diplomats for facilitating this successful diplomacy. While we are pleased that Iran was constructive in this matter, there is more work to do. The United States will not rest until we bring every American detained in Iran and around the world back home to their loved ones. The United States continues to call for the release of U.S. cit...

U.S. Education Secretary DeVos Approves Second Wave of Perkins Career and Technical Education State Plans| site |



Plans detail how states will use federal investment to offer students multiple pathways to success


(May 29, 2020) - - Today (May 29, 2020), the U.S. Department of Education published the following information: WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today the Department of Education has approved nine additional career and technical education (CTE) state plans. Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming are the latest states to have their CTE plans approved under the new, bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21stCentury Act (Perkins V), which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 31, 2018. "Thanks to the president's leadership, the new career and technical education law gives local leaders the flexibility to make...

Statement of the G7 Finance Ministers on Debt Transparency and Sustainability| site |



(June 3, 2020) - - Today (June 3, 2020), the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the following information: WASHINGTON – We continue to work together to advance the international economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the poorest and most vulnerable countries. COVID-19 has exacerbated existing debt vulnerabilities in many low-income countries, highlighting the importance of debt sustainability and transparency to long-term financing for development. We welcome efforts of the international financial institutions (IFIs) to amplify their support for the most vulnerable countries. In this context, we are committed to implementing the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) agreed by the G20 and the Paris Club, by suspending official bilateral debt payments for the poorest countries to year-end 2020 and possibly longer, providing those countries fiscal ...

Federal Reserve Board announces an Expansion in the Number and Type of Entities Eligible to Directly use its Municipal Liquidity Facility| site |


(June 3, 2020) - - Today (June 3, 2020), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information: The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced an expansion in the number and type of entities eligible to directly use its Municipal Liquidity Facility (MLF). Under the new terms, all U.S. states will be able to have at least two cities or counties eligible to directly issue notes to the MLF regardless of population. Governors of each state will also be able to designate two issuers in their jurisdictions whose revenues are generally derived from operating government activities (such as public transit, airports, toll facilities, and utilities) to be eligible to directly use the facility. In addition to the expanded terms outlined above, the MLF continues to be directly open to U.S. states, th...

U.S. Department of Labor Awards nearly $24 Million in Grants for Job Corps Scholars Program for At-Risk Youth| site |



(May 28, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the awarding of 20 grants totaling nearly $24 million as part of the Job Corps Scholars Program, a new national demonstration project aimed at providing at-risk youth with job skills instruction, educational opportunities and individualized employment counseling. The grantees include accredited, two-year, public community colleges; accredited, public two- and four-year historically black colleges and universities (HBCU); and accredited tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCU) that will serve Job Corps-eligible youth and young adults from 16 to 24 years of age. "As we look towards defeating coronavirus and reopening our economy, the Job Corps Scholars Program provides an innova...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup May 28, 2020| site |



(May 28, 2020) - - Today (May 28, 2020), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published the following information:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the following actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the Stryker Sustainability Solutions (SSS) VHP N95 Respirator Decontamination System (RDS). This product uses vapor hydrogen peroxide (VHP) to decontaminate compatible N95 respirators that are, or potentially are, contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 or other pathogenic microorganisms for multiple-user reuse by healthcare personnel to prevent exposure to pathogenic biological airborne particulates when there are insufficient supplies of face-filtering respirators (FFRs) resulting from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. N95 respirators containing cellulose-based materials

...

National Transportation Safety Board calls for Renewed Road Safety Effort as Nation Reopens | site |


(May 18, 2020) - - Today (May 18, 2020), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published the following information: WASHINGTON (May 18, 2020) — The National Transportation Safety Board is calling on Americans to practice highway safety with the same sense of responsibility they applied to reducing the spread of the coronavirus when they take to the nation’s roads as the country continues to reopen. In a “normal” year, more than 36,000 Americans are killed on our roads. While it is too early to tell what will happen to highway crash and fatality trends in the year of the pandemic, the desire to return to normality will increase the number of drivers on the road and that increases risk for highway users. “The number of traffic fatalities was a crisis before the pandemic,” said Robert L. Sumwalt, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Boar...

Tenth Circuit Upholds FDIC Ownership of Tax Refunds in Cases of Failed Banks| site |



(May 27, 2020) - - Today (May 27, 2020), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) published the following information: WASHINGTON -- In a case remanded by the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit yesterday issued a favorable decision holding tax refunds generated by a failed bank belonged to the FDIC as receiver rather than the bankruptcy trustee for the failed bank's parent company. The dispute arose from the 2011 failure of United Western Bank in Denver, Colorado. Shortly after the failure, the Bank's parent company, United Western Bancorp, Inc., filed for bankruptcy. Both the FDIC as receiver for the Bank and the parent company's bankruptcy trustee, Simon Rodriquez, claimed ownership of the $4.1 million tax refund. The bankruptcy trustee filed suit in bankruptcy court and prevailed. The FDIC as receiver appealed and, after the bankrupt...

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System publishes Minutes of the Board's Discount Rate Meeting on April 29, 2020 | site |


(May 26, 2020) - - Today (May 26, 2020), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information:

The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday released the minutes of its interest rate meeting on April 29, 2020.

The minutes are attached.



Attachment (PDF)...

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Awards $15 Million to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic in Rural Tribal Communities| site |



(May 28, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $15 million to 52 Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, and other health services providers to Tribes across 20 states to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID-19 in rural tribal communities. “President Trump stands with Tribal nations across the country as they grapple with COVID-19 in rural communities,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Today’s funding gives Tribes critical support to build up their capacity for fighting COVID-19, boost testing capabilities, increase purchases of PPE, and hire and pay the personnel they need.” These awards ...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says United States Coronavirus (COVID-19) Death Toll Surpasses 100,000 | site |


May 28, 2020) - - Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the following information: Today the number of people in the United States who have died from COVID-19 surpassed 100,000. Families, friends, coworkers, loved ones and community members are grieving for each person who has been lost to this disease. Reaching the milestone of 100, 000 persons lost in such a short timeframe is a sobering development and a heart-breaking reminder of the horrible toll of this unprecedented pandemic. COVID-19 has touched families in every part of America – with communities across the country experiencing the pandemic in different ways. As many communities are strategically reopening, it is important for everyone to work together to continue efforts to prevent community spread of COVID-19. We ask that all Americans continue to follow t...

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Issues Agenda for May 27 Meeting of the Asset Management Advisory Committee | site |



(May 21, 2020) - - Today (May 21, 2020), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the following information: Washington D.C., May 21, 2020 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today released the agenda for the May 27 meeting of the Asset Management Advisory Committee (AMAC). AMAC was formed to provide the Commission with diverse perspectives on asset management and related advice and recommendations. The meeting will include a discussion of matters relating to AMAC’s subcommittees and to COVID-19 and the asset management industry. The meeting will be held by remote means and is open to the public. The meeting will be webcast live on SEC.gov and will be archived on the website for later viewing. Members of the public who wish to provide their views on the matters to be considered by AMAC may submit comments either ...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates COVID-19 Transmission Webpage to Clarify Information about Types of Spread| site |



(May 22, 2020) - - Today (May 22, 2020), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the following information:

CDC actively reviews our website to make sure the content is accessible and clear for all types of audiences. As a result of one such review, edits were made to the organization of the COVID-19 transmission page, including adding a headline in an attempt to clarify other types of spread beyond person to person. This change was intended to make it easier to read, and was not a result of any new science.

After media reports appeared that suggested a change in CDC’s view on transmissibility, it became clear that these edits were confusing. Therefore, we have once again edited the page to provide clarity. The primary and most important mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through ...

Federal Reserve Board extends the Application Period for Membership on the Community Advisory Council | site |



(May 26, 2020) - - Today, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information:

The Federal Reserve Board has extended until July 3, 2020, the application period for membership on the Community Advisory Council.

The application period has been extended in light of ongoing challenges for households and businesses caused by the COVID-19 emergency in order to provide additional opportunity for interested persons to submit their applications.

The Board's Federal Register notice is attached. Applications were originally due by June 5, 2020.


Federal Register notice: Solicitation of Applications for Membership on the Community Advisory Council Extension of Application Period (PDF)...

CMS NEWS ALERT May 19, 2020 | site |



(May 19, 2020) - - Today (May 19, 2020), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the following "CMS NEWS ALERT May 19, 2020":

As part of the ongoing White House Task Force efforts taken in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), following is a summary of recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) actions. To keep up with the important Task Force work being done in response to COVID-19, click here www.coronavirus.gov . For information specific to CMS, please visit the CMS News Room and Current Emergencies Website. CMS updates these resources on an ongoing basis throughout the day; the information below is current as of May 19, 2020 at 4:00 pm ET.

Trump Administration Issues Guidance to Ensure States Have a Plan in Place to Safely Reopen Nursing Homes

CMS announced new guidance for state and local officials to ensure the safe reopening of nursing...

Trump Administration Announces Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D to Provide Better Coverage and Increase Access for Medicare Beneficiaries| site |



May 22, 2020) - - Today (May 22, 2020), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the following information: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today finalized requirements that will increase access to telehealth for seniors in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, expand the types of supplemental benefits available for beneficiaries with an MA plan who have chronic diseases, provide support for more MA options for beneficiaries in rural communities, and expand access to MA for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Together, the changes advance President Trump’s Executive Orders on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nation’s Seniors and Advancing American Kidney Health as well as several of the CMS strategic initiatives. Due to the upcoming June 1, 2020, MA and Part D ...

Trump Administration Announces Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D to Provide Better Coverage and Increase Access for Medicare Beneficiaries | site | May 22, 2020) - - Today (May 22, 2020), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the following information: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today finalized requirements that will increase access to telehealth for seniors in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, expand the types of supplemental benefits available for beneficiaries with an MA plan who have chronic diseases, provide support for more MA options for beneficiaries in rural communities, and expand access to MA for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Together, the changes advance President Trump’s Executive Orders on Protecting and Improving Medicare for Our Nation’s Seniors and Advancing American Kidney Health as well as several of the CMS strategic initiatives. Due to the upcoming June 1, 2020, MA and Part D bid deadlines for t...

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Provides Promised Transparency for Coronavirus COVID-19 Antibody Tests| site |



(May 21, 2020) - - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published today (May 21, 2020) the following information:

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted a list of antibody tests that are being removed from the “notification list” of tests being offered under the Policy for Coronavirus Disease-2019 Tests During the Public Health Emergency. Antibody tests on this new removal list include those voluntarily withdrawn from the notification list by the test’s commercial manufacturer and those for which there is not a pending Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) request or issued EUA. FDA expects that the tests on the removal list will not be marketed or distributed. Antibody tests offered by commercial manufacturers as outlined under the policy, which was issued on March 16 and updated on May 4, continue to be located on...

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo’s Call with Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi| site |



(May 22, 2020) - - Today (May 22, 2020), Morgan Ortagus, Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson, provided the following information:

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to discuss Iraq’s economic crisis as well as the upcoming U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue. Secretary Pompeo urged Prime Minister Kadhimi to pursue real reforms as he works with international institutions to provide financial assistance to Iraq....

U.S. Education Secretary DeVos Approves First Wave of Perkins Career and Technical Education State Plans| site |



Plans detail how states will use federal investment to offer students multiple pathways to success


(May 22, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Education published the following information: WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today the Department of Education has approved six career and technical education (CTE) state plans. Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire are the first six states to have their CTE plans approved under the new, bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), which was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 31, 2018. "Thanks to the President's leadership, the new career and technical education law gives local leaders the flexibility to make investments in the highest impact areas of...

Brian P. Brooks to Become Acting Comptroller of the Currency| site |



(May 21, 2020) - - Today (May 21, 2020), the U.S. Department of the Treasury published the following information: WASHINGTON – Comptroller of the Currency Joseph M. Otting today announced that he will step down from office on May 29, 2020. As designated by Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin and pursuant to 12 USC 4, First Deputy Comptroller and Chief Operating Officer Brian P. Brooks will become Acting Comptroller of the Currency. “I am confident that Brian will lead the agency effectively during this challenging time,” said Secretary Mnuchin. “He recognizes the importance of a robust federal banking system to the health and strength of the nation’s economy and has the skills and experience to succeed in this important role.” Since joining the OCC on April 1, 2020 as Chief Operating Officer and designated First Deputy, Mr. Brooks has been involved in several important ...

IRS Nationwide Tax Forums go Virtual in 2020 | site |



Tax pros can choose from up to 30 webinars beginning in July


(May 21, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information: WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the 2020 IRS Nationwide Tax Forums will be held virtually in 2020 with a series of live-streamed webinars beginning this July. "Given restrictions on large gatherings and difficulties with travel, we've made the decision to present the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums in a virtual format this year," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said. "While we're unable to meet in person, tax professionals will still be able to choose from a wide variety of virtual seminars on tax law.Many will be able to fully satisfy their annual continuing education requirements by registering and attending." Held each summer for the past 30 years, the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums are the IRS's marquee ou...

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Announces 45-Day Compliance Deadline Extension for Providers| site |



(May 22, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published (today) the following information: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing a 45 day deadline extension for providers who are receiving payments from the Provider Relief Fund to accept the Terms and Conditions for Provider Relief Fund payments. This announcement means providers have now been granted 90 days from the date they received a payment to accept HHS Terms and Conditions or return the funds. HHS, alongside other federal agencies, has been working day and night to support local communities and has taken action to help our healthcare system respond quickly and effectively to this pandemic. The department has kept an open line of communication with our heroic frontline providers and is being responsive to their request for ad...

U.S. Department of Transportation Modernizes Hours of Service Rules to Improve Safety and Increase Flexibility for America’s Truckers| site |

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(May 14, 2020) - - Today (May 14, 2020), the U.S. Department of Transportation published the following information: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today published a final rule updating hours of service (HOS) rules to increase safety on America’s roadways by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. “America’s truckers are doing a heroic job keeping our supply chains open during this unprecedented time and these rules will provide ...

Treasury, IRS release Latest State-by-State Economic Impact Payment Figures for May 22, 2020 | site |



(May 22, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information: WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today released updated state-by-state figures for Economic Impact Payments reflecting the opening weeks of the program. "Economic Impact Payments have continued going out at a rapid rate to Americans across the country," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "We remind people to visit IRS.gov for the latest information, including answers to the most common questions we see surrounding the payments. We also continue to urge those who don't normally have a filing requirement, including those with little or no income, that they can quickly register for the payments on IRS.gov." Millions of people who do not typically file a tax return are eligible to receive these payments. Payments are automa...

U.S. Department of Labor Adopts Revised Enforcement Policies for Coronavirus| site |



(May 19, 2020) - - Today (May 19, 2020) the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information: WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted revised policies for enforcing OSHA's requirements with respect to coronavirus as economies reopen in states throughout the country. Throughout the course of the pandemic, understanding about the transmission and prevention of infection has improved. The government and the private sector have taken rapid and evolving measures to slow the virus's spread, protect employees, and adapt to new ways of doing business. Now, as states begin reopening their economies, OSHA has issued two revised enforcement policies to ensure employers are taking action to protect their employees. First, OSHA is increasing in-person inspections at all types of workplaces. The ...

IRS adds Phone Operators to answer Economic Impact Payment Questions | site |





(May 18, 2020) - - The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published (today) the following information: WASHINGTON — Today, the Internal Revenue Service is starting to add 3,500 telephone representatives to answer some of the most common questions about Economic Impact Payments. IRS telephone assistance and other services will remain limited, and answers for most of the common questions related to Economic Impact Payments are available on IRS.gov. The IRS anticipates bringing back additional assistors as state and local advisories permit. Answers for most Economic Impact Payment questions are available on the automated message for people who call the phone number provided in the letter (Notice 1444). Those who need additional assistance at the conclusion of the message will have the option of talking to a telephone representative....