Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating
PASADENA, California, April 18 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating
To conserve power, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed to turn off one of the science instruments on the most distant spacecraft ever built.
On April 17, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California sent commands to shut down an instrument aboard Voyager 1 called the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment, or LECP. The nuclear-powered spacecraft is running low on power, and
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PASADENA, California, April 18 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Shuts Off Instrument on Voyager 1 to Keep Spacecraft Operating
To conserve power, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed to turn off one of the science instruments on the most distant spacecraft ever built.
On April 17, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California sent commands to shut down an instrument aboard Voyager 1 called the Low-energy Charged Particles experiment, or LECP. The nuclear-powered spacecraft is running low on power, andturning off the LECP is considered the best way to keep humanity's first interstellar explorer going.
The LECP has been operating almost without interruption since Voyager 1 launched in 1977 -- almost 49 years. It measures low-energy charged particles, including ions, electrons, and cosmic rays originating from our solar system and galaxy. It has provided critical data about the structure of the interstellar medium, detecting pressure fronts and regions of varying particle density in the space beyond our heliosphere. The twin Voyagers are the only spacecraft that are far enough from Earth to provide this information.
The choice of which instrument to turn off next wasn't made in the heat of the moment. Years ago, the Voyager science and engineering teams sat down together and agreed on the order in which they would shut off parts of the spacecraft while ensuring the mission can continue to conduct its unique science. Of the 10 identical sets of instruments that each spacecraft carries, seven have been shut off so far. For Voyager 1, the LECP was next on that list. The team shut off the LECP on Voyager 2 in March 2025.
For more details, go to the Voyager blog (https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/voyager/2026/04/17/nasa-shuts-off-instrument-on-voyager-1-to-keep-spacecraft-operating/) on science.nasa.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-shuts-off-instrument-on-voyager-1-to-keep-spacecraft-operating/
MDBs Heads Deepen Collaboration to Support Countries Through Heightened Global Uncertainty
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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MDBs Heads Deepen Collaboration to Support Countries Through Heightened Global Uncertainty
In a period of heightened global uncertainty, including the evolving situation in the Middle East, the Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) today underscored the importance of close cooperation to support stability, safeguarding development progress, and responding to mounting pressures in their member economies.
"MDBs are working more closely than ever to support our members
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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MDBs Heads Deepen Collaboration to Support Countries Through Heightened Global Uncertainty
In a period of heightened global uncertainty, including the evolving situation in the Middle East, the Heads of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) today underscored the importance of close cooperation to support stability, safeguarding development progress, and responding to mounting pressures in their member economies.
"MDBs are working more closely than ever to support our membersand clients through a complex and evolving global environment," said Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank and current Chair of the MDB Heads Group. "By combining our financial strength, knowledge, and partnerships, we are helping countries manage immediate pressures while building resilience for the future."
MDB Heads - meeting today on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings - noted that the impacts of current global developments are already being felt through higher energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and tighter financial conditions. The Heads emphasized MDBs' readiness to deploy timely and effective support to help countries and clients manage risks, maintain macroeconomic stability, and protect vulnerable populations.
Against this backdrop, MDB Heads reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen collaboration and deliver impact at scale, with a strong focus on private sector development, job creation, infrastructure, and long-term sustainable growth in line with their respective mandates, strategies, and operational focuses.
Fostering private sector development and job creation
The Heads emphasized the importance of strengthening efforts to mobilize private finance and expand financing capacity, including through originate-to-distribute/share approaches that enable MDBs to create bankable opportunities and crowd in private capital at scale. They agreed to establish a working group to take this work forward. They recognized the importance of increasing transparency of credit risks in emerging markets through the Global Emerging Markets (GEMs) consortium, scaling up local currency financing, including through the development of domestic financial markets to help mitigate exchange rate risks; and disciplined use of blended finance. The Heads further agreed to closer collaboration on a common approach to measuring the impact of MDB operations on creating more and better jobs to lift households out of poverty, improve social cohesion and reduce vulnerability.
Strengthening MDB collaboration in key areas for growth and resilience
MDBs are strengthening collaboration on critical minerals - working together to support diversified, resilient, and responsible supply chains to underpin energy security, digital transformation, job creation, and value addition in their countries of operation. MDBs also launched Water Forward - a global initiative to advance investable, scalable water systems that drive jobs, prosperity, food security, and resilience. MDB Heads said they will continue joint efforts on other priority areas, including artificial intelligence.
Improving the effectiveness of MDBs as a system
MDB Heads reaffirmed their commitment to working more effectively as a system, including through a sharper focus on quality and value. They agreed on a common framework on Value for Money in procurement to ensure the quality and sustainability of MDB-financed projects, which each bank will refine to its own operational context. They also highlighted progress in the use of mutual reliance frameworks to ensure seamless joint financing of MDB projects.
The Heads of MDBs Group includes the African Development Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Council of Europe Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank Group, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank, and the World Bank Group. The International Monetary Fund also participates in the Heads discussions.
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/mdbs-heads-deepen-collaboration-support-countries-through-heightened-global-uncertainty
IDB Group Accelerates Support for Argentina With Record Financing for 2026
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group Accelerates Support for Argentina With Record Financing for 2026
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) plans to accelerate its support for Argentina with record financing that could exceed $7.2 billion in 2026.
The IDB foresees more than $5 billion in sovereign operations with the public sector, including project financing and a $550 million guarantee, which will complement guarantees offered by other multilateral organizations.
IDB Invest, the IDB Group's private-sector
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group Accelerates Support for Argentina With Record Financing for 2026
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) plans to accelerate its support for Argentina with record financing that could exceed $7.2 billion in 2026.
The IDB foresees more than $5 billion in sovereign operations with the public sector, including project financing and a $550 million guarantee, which will complement guarantees offered by other multilateral organizations.
IDB Invest, the IDB Group's private-sectorarm, projects mobilizing around $2.2 billion in investments.
This proposed package represents a significant increase from 2025, when approximately $5 billion in operations was approved.
"The government and the people of Argentina have made a major effort to stabilize their economy and advance reforms for growth. The IDB Group is supporting this process with greater scale and a focus on results: backing reforms, mobilizing private investment, and developing the infrastructure needed to sustain growth," said IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn.
In 2026, the IDB Group will expand its support for Argentina through a program that combines second generation structural reforms, strategic investments in the provinces, and private sector financing.
IDB Invest will prioritize operations to strengthen social and productive infrastructure, expand access to health services, boost the digital economy, and increase financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). It will also support sustainable projects in agribusiness and export-oriented manufacturing, as well as investments to improve energy reliability and develop value chains for critical minerals, including lithium.
Among the planned sovereign operations, the focus will be on strengthening fiscal management, including improving the quality of public spending and modernizing tax administration. The program will also reinforce citizen security and the justice system, and expand access to essential services such as energy, health, and social protection.
All planned operations are subject to approval by the respective boards of the IDB Group.
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-group-accelerates-support-argentina-record-financing-2026
SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the May 18 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning July 22, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Idaho counties of Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham,
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WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the May 18 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning July 22, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Idaho counties of Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham,Bonneville, Caribou, and Franklin, as well as the Wyoming county of Lincoln.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs - including faith-based organizations - impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than May 18. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/04/17/sba-relief-still-available-idaho-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
Readout of the Seventh MDBs & Credit Rating Agencies Roundtable
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Readout of the Seventh MDBs & Credit Rating Agencies Roundtable
Since 2023, Chief Financial Officers and Chief Risk Officers from multilateral development banks and other development finance institutions (MDBs) have held ongoing dialogue with credit rating agencies. Most recently, they convened for a seventh roundtable with senior representatives from S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Ratings, and Fitch Ratings.
The objective of the roundtable was to deepen mutual understanding and inform rating methodologies
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Readout of the Seventh MDBs & Credit Rating Agencies Roundtable
Since 2023, Chief Financial Officers and Chief Risk Officers from multilateral development banks and other development finance institutions (MDBs) have held ongoing dialogue with credit rating agencies. Most recently, they convened for a seventh roundtable with senior representatives from S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Ratings, and Fitch Ratings.
The objective of the roundtable was to deepen mutual understanding and inform rating methodologiesthat appropriately reflect the distinctive financial structures, policy mandates, and risk management frameworks of MDBs.
Key areas of discussion:
Progress on Capital Adequacy Framework reforms
Participants reviewed progress in implementing the recommendations of the Capital Adequacy Framework Review. Most of the 17 recommendations have now been incorporated into MDB operations, capital planning, and risk management practices. Ongoing monitoring continues under the MDB Roadmap, supported by the MDB Global Risk and Finance Forum (GRaFF). Recent CAF-related deliverables--including the MDB-CRA engagement publication, the 2025 MDB Comparison Report, and the continued expansion of the Global Emerging Markets (GEMs) database--were highlighted as important contributions to transparency and understanding of MDB business models.
Methodological topics with Credit Rating Agencies
MDBs and CRAs discussed selected methodology topics and exchanged views on how ratings incorporate empirical evidence and MDB balance-sheet dynamics. Key themes included:
* The treatment of local currency lending, noting evidence of differentiated risk characteristics (incl. market risk) relative to foreign currency lending exposures;
* Asset performance metrics, with a focus on avoiding double counting of risk where credit impairment is recognized through loan loss provisions; and
* Agency specific topics, including hybrid capital instruments and the treatment of preferred creditor status within rating frameworks.
The growing role of risk transfer tools
MDBs underscored the increasing importance of significant risk transfer tools--such as guarantees, insurance, exposure exchange agreements, and securitizations--for capital optimization, risk management, and private capital mobilization. Participants emphasized the need for clearer rating methodologies to support the broader and more programmatic use of these instruments, while recognizing MDBs' strong historical credit performance.
Global Emerging Markets Risk Database Consortium (GEMs): Strengthening data and analytics
Participants discussed recent developments at GEMs, including the onboarding of a new service provider to enhance data access, consistency, and analytical capabilities. High quality, long term risk data was recognized as a cornerstone of evidence based engagement with credit rating agencies and of improved external assessment of MDB risk profiles.
Engagement on Moody's methodology review
The roundtable included a dedicated session with Moody's Ratings on its proposed revisions to the methodology for MDBs and other supranationals. MDBs presented the key elements of the joint response to the Request for Comment, submitted by fifteen MDBs on March 30, 2026.
Overall, MDBs welcomed the move toward a more risk adjusted and forward looking framework, including greater recognition of balance sheet optimization, risk transfer mechanisms, and new forms of capital and credit enhancement. MDBs also provided targeted feedback on calibration, preferred creditor status, the use of qualitative overlays, and the treatment of concentration, asset performance, and liquidity. This input aimed to enhance predictability and comparability, while better aligning outcomes with observed MDB loss experience and preserving analytical rigor.
Looking ahead
This meeting marked the first MDB-CRA roundtable of 2026 and the seventh overall since the dialogue began. Participants reaffirmed the value of continued, structured, and data driven engagement. The next roundtable is expected to take place in April 2027, continuing to support the evolution of rating methodologies in line with MDB mandates, financial strength, and long term development objectives.
Participants in the roundtable included:
MDBs and development finance institutions:
1. Asian Development Bank (ADB)
2. African Development Bank (AfDB)
3. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
4. Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTD)
5. Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI)
6. Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF)
7. Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
8. Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)
9. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
10. European Investment Bank (EIB)
11. European Stability Mechanism (ESM)
12. Fondo Latinoamericano de Reservas (FLAR)
13. FONPLATA Development Bank
14. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
15. Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
16. IDB Invest
17. International Finance Corporation (IFC)
18. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
19. Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
20. Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)
21. OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund)
22. World Bank
Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs):
1. Standard & Poor's Global Ratings
2. Moody's Ratings
3. Fitch Ratings
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Sobre el BID
El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID), miembro del Grupo BID, tiene como objetivo mejorar vidas en America Latina y el Caribe. Fundado en 1959, el Banco trabaja con el sector publico de la region para disenar y facilitar soluciones innovadoras que generen impacto para el desarrollo sostenible e inclusivo. Mediante el financiamiento, la experiencia tecnica y el conocimiento, el BID promueve el crecimiento y el bienestar en 26 paises. Visita nuestro sitio web: https://www.iadb.org/es.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/readout-seventh-mdbs-credit-rating-agencies-roundtable
MDB Common Approach to Measuring Jobs Outcomes
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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MDB Common Approach to Measuring Jobs Outcomes
The following Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) have agreed to closer collaboration on a common approach to measuring the impact of our operations on creating more and better jobs. To achieve this, we will deepen coordination and partnership across countries, MDBs, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
The work will be iterative and refined by MDBs based on lessons learned, individual mandates, and latest best practice. This process will
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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MDB Common Approach to Measuring Jobs Outcomes
The following Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) have agreed to closer collaboration on a common approach to measuring the impact of our operations on creating more and better jobs. To achieve this, we will deepen coordination and partnership across countries, MDBs, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
The work will be iterative and refined by MDBs based on lessons learned, individual mandates, and latest best practice. This process willalso be informed by dialogue with stakeholders, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), to ensure that discussions reflect the quality of jobs created.
Our goal is to advance our collective understanding of the best pathways for job creation and workers' earnings in each region and context, to help drive growth and improve livelihoods in our countries of operation. Creating more and better jobs lifts households out of poverty, improves social cohesion and reduces vulnerability. The quality of jobs is an essential dimension of this effort. Our collaboration will help support better policy dialogue and stronger project design, to deliver more and better jobs.
AfDB: African Development Bank
ADB: Asian Development Bank
AIIB: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
CDB: Caribbean Development Bank
CEB: Council of Europe Development Bank
EBRD: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
EIB: European Investment Bank
IDB Group: Inter-American Development Bank Group
IsDB: Islamic Development Bank
NDB: New Development Bank
WBG: World Bank Group
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/mdb-common-approach-measuring-jobs-outcomes
EPA Issues Title V Permitting Guidance to Ensure Certainty for American Businesses and Alleviate Permitting Backlogs
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Title V Permitting Guidance to Ensure Certainty for American Businesses and Alleviate Permitting Backlogs
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance to streamline the Clean Air Act (CAA) title V operating permit renewal process, a move which will provide certainty for businesses operating across the country. The guidance reaffirms EPA's long-term position that the agency's state, local, and Tribal air permitting partners do not need to require
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Issues Title V Permitting Guidance to Ensure Certainty for American Businesses and Alleviate Permitting Backlogs
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance to streamline the Clean Air Act (CAA) title V operating permit renewal process, a move which will provide certainty for businesses operating across the country. The guidance reaffirms EPA's long-term position that the agency's state, local, and Tribal air permitting partners do not need to requireor be provided additional information from the original title V application to meet CAA requirements when an entity is renewing an unchanged permit. Through the cutting of burdensome and unnecessary red tape, EPA's permitting partners will be able to focus time and resources on permits with substantive changes, ultimately alleviating permitting backlogs and creating renewed efficiency.
"This guidance provides clarity that EPA's permitting partners can focus and streamline their review efforts on what matters most, new permits and changing permits. The days of unnecessary red tape slowing down the permitting review process are over," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Aaron Szabo. "EPA is committed to making the permitting process more efficient and prioritizing cooperative federalism, all while maintaining environmental protections and statutory obligations under the Clean Air Act."
Under the CAA, applicable stationary sources are required to obtain operating permits, known as title V permits, from the source's respective air permitting authority. These operating permits must compile all applicable air quality requirements into a single, comprehensive permit and be renewed periodically, even if there are no significant changes to operations or requirements. EPA's guidance clarifies that if a permit's terms are unchanged, then there is minimal information that needs to be submitted under federal law for the permit's renewal. This includes allowing applicants to essentially re-submit prior applications with an updated date, as well as cross-reference or incorporate material from previous applications. Additionally, EPA's guidance encourages permitting authorities to focus the "Statement of Basis"-a requirement for all draft permits-on explaining new permit requirements instead of the legal and technical basis of every permit term. Today's announcement will provide EPA's air permitting partners with flexibility and applicable stationary source owners with more certainty that permit renewal applications should not hold up progress when conditions have not changed. EPA has long supported streamlining title V renewal permit applications, and this guidance reaffirms prior communications on title V renewals.
The flexibilities identified in this guidance do not impact permitting authorities' ability and discretion to request supplemental information necessary to implement and ensure compliance with other applicable requirements, or to determine the applicability of such requirements.
To read EPA's new guidance, please visit: Title V Operating Permit Policy and Guidance Document Index.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issues-title-v-permitting-guidance-ensure-certainty-american-businesses-and
