Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
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USDA Economic Research Service: 'Rural America at a Glance: 2025 Edition'
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service issued the following Economic Information Bulletin on January 20, 2026, entitled "Rural America at a Glance: 2025 Edition."
Here are excerpts:
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The U.S.'s nonmetro population increased from 2023 to 2024 resulting from positive net migration, continuing the trend that began in 2021. Nonmetro counties with recreation-dependent economies in particular experienced growth from net migration. Overall, the economic indicators suggest that nonmetro areas have rebounded from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service issued the following Economic Information Bulletin on January 20, 2026, entitled "Rural America at a Glance: 2025 Edition."
Here are excerpts:
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The U.S.'s nonmetro population increased from 2023 to 2024 resulting from positive net migration, continuing the trend that began in 2021. Nonmetro counties with recreation-dependent economies in particular experienced growth from net migration. Overall, the economic indicators suggest that nonmetro areas have rebounded from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemiceconomy (2020-23) with poverty and employment rates reaching prepandemic levels in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In conjunction, there has been recent growth in real median household income, albeit to a lesser degree than the growth experienced during the economic expansion that preceded the pandemic.
However, income and poverty levels were not uniform across rural America. For instance, an historical north-south divide in relative income and poverty levels remains. Further, nonmetro area employment by industry varied by both growth and shares. For example manufacturing employment in nonmetro areas decreased from 2023 to 2024, continuing a long-term trend of decline, yet the industry continues to be one of the leading employers in rural America.
Manufacturing's share of aggregate nonmetro employment was second only to the healthcare and social assistance industry, which experienced growth from 2023 to 2024, continuing an upward trend of employment in that industry. Also, the share of nonmetro counties with low levels of debt to income (DTI) exceeded the share with high levels of DTI in 2024, extending a trend that began after the Great Recession. The low DTI counties were widespread, but particularly concentrated in the Great Plains, whereas there was no distinct spatial pattern for high DTI counties. Taken together, the indicators presented in this report suggest a balance of growth and stability in rural America.
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View the full text here: https://ers.usda.gov/sites/default/files/_laserfiche/publications/113657/EIB-295.pdf?v=95523
Treasury, IRS Issue Proposed Regulations on the Clean Fuel Production Credit Under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service issued the following news on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations on the clean fuel production credit under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations for domestic producers of clean transportation fuel to determine their eligibility for and calculate the clean fuel production credit under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The new law made important changes to what is often referred to as the 45Z credit.
The
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service issued the following news on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations on the clean fuel production credit under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued proposed regulations for domestic producers of clean transportation fuel to determine their eligibility for and calculate the clean fuel production credit under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. The new law made important changes to what is often referred to as the 45Z credit.
Theclean fuel production credit provides businesses an income tax credit for clean transportation fuel produced domestically after Dec. 31, 2024, and sold by Dec. 31, 2029. To claim the credit, taxpayers must be registered with the IRS using Form 637, Application for Registration (For Certain Excise Tax Activities) at the time of production.
The proposed regulations provide guidance on the determination of clean fuel production credits, emissions rates, and certification and registration requirements. They provide further certainty and clarity for taxpayers and address key issues raised by stakeholders.
What's new under the OBBB
Today's guidance also proposes rules to implement certain OBBB changes to the clean fuel production credit. OBBB changed the clean fuel production credit to:
* Extend the credit to Dec. 31, 2029;
* Limit feedstocks to those grown or produced in the US, Mexico, or Canada;
* Add prohibited foreign entity restrictions;
* Broaden sale attribution for fuel sold through related intermediaries;
* Eliminate the special rate for sustainable aviation fuel;
* Add an anti-abuse provision to prevent double crediting;
* Prohibit negative emissions rates except for fuels derived from animal manure;
* Require feedstock-specific emissions rates for fuels derived from animal manure; and
* Exclude indirect land use changes from emissions rates.
Treasury and IRS invite public comments
Treasury and IRS welcome comments and requests to speak at the public hearing on these proposed regulations. Commenters are encouraged to use the Federal e-Rulemaking portal to submit comments (indicate "IRS" and "REG-121244-23"). A public hearing has been scheduled as described in the "Comments and Public Hearing" section. Paper submissions should be sent to: CC:PA:01:PR (REG-121244-23), Room 5503, Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044.
For more information, see One, Big, Beautiful Bill Provisions on IRS.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/treasury-irs-issue-proposed-regulations-on-the-clean-fuel-production-credit-under-the-one-big-beautiful-bill
Ocala Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Double Robbery
TAMPA, Florida, Feb. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
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Ocala Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Double Robbery
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Ocala, FL - Danny Anzardo (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The court also ordered Anzardo to forfeit the stolen jewelry seized from Anzardo at the time of his arrest. Anzardo pleaded guilty
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TAMPA, Florida, Feb. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
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Ocala Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Double Robbery
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Ocala, FL - Danny Anzardo (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The court also ordered Anzardo to forfeit the stolen jewelry seized from Anzardo at the time of his arrest. Anzardo pleaded guiltyon September 19, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Anzardo robbed two Ocala establishments on October 29, 2024-a retail store and a local jewelry business located at the Paddock Mall. During the first robbery, Anzardo pointed a firearm at the cashier, demanding money from the cash register. Anzardo took approximately $88 from the cash register and fled. A few hours later, Anzardo robbed the jewelry store. Anzardo implied to the victim that he had a firearm inside his backpack and threatened to kill the victim. Anzardo stole more than $13,000 in jewelry from the store.
Anzardo was arrested the following day and confessed to both robberies. He admitted that he used a firearm during the first robbery and that he disposed of it in a lake before he robbed the jewelry store. Anzardo told officers he traded some of the jewelry for drugs, but officers were able to recover two necklaces and two charms that Anzardo still had in his vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ocala Police Department, and the Marion County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/ocala-man-sentenced-over-10-years-federal-prison-double-robbery
National Center for Health Statistics: 'Mortality in the United States, 2024'
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following data brief (No. 548) in January 2026 entitled "Mortality in the United States, 2024" under the National Center for Health Statistics.
Here are excerpts:
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Key findings
Data from the National Vital Statistics System
* Life expectancy for the U.S. population was 79.0 years in 2024, an increase of 0.6 year from 2023.
* The age-adjusted death rate decreased 3.8% from 750.5 deaths per 100,000 U.S. standard population in 2023 to 722.1 in 2024.
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following data brief (No. 548) in January 2026 entitled "Mortality in the United States, 2024" under the National Center for Health Statistics.
Here are excerpts:
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Key findings
Data from the National Vital Statistics System
* Life expectancy for the U.S. population was 79.0 years in 2024, an increase of 0.6 year from 2023.
* The age-adjusted death rate decreased 3.8% from 750.5 deaths per 100,000 U.S. standard population in 2023 to 722.1 in 2024.
*Age-specific death rates decreased from 2023 to 2024 for all age groups 1 year and older except for the 5-14 age group.
* Suicide replaced COVID-19 as the 10th leading cause of death, and heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries remained the top 3 leading causes in 2024.
* The infant mortality rate did not change significantly from 2023 (560.2 infant deaths per 100,000 live births) to 2024 (552.5).
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View full data brief at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db548.pdf
National Center for Health Statistics: 'Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 2023-2024'
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following data brief (No. 549) in January 2026 entitled "Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 2023-2024" under the National Center for Health Statistics.
Here are excerpts:
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Key findings
Data from the National Vital Statistics System
* The age-adjusted drug overdose death rate decreased between 2022 and 2024, with the largest decrease, 26.2%, occurring from 2023 to 2024, from 31.3 deaths per 100,000 standard population to 23.1.
* From 2023 to 2024,
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following data brief (No. 549) in January 2026 entitled "Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 2023-2024" under the National Center for Health Statistics.
Here are excerpts:
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Key findings
Data from the National Vital Statistics System
* The age-adjusted drug overdose death rate decreased between 2022 and 2024, with the largest decrease, 26.2%, occurring from 2023 to 2024, from 31.3 deaths per 100,000 standard population to 23.1.
* From 2023 to 2024,rates of drug overdose deaths declined for all age groups, with the largest decreases occurring for younger age groups.
* From 2023 to 2024, rates declined for each race and Hispanic-origin group, with the largest decreases occurring for Black non-Hispanic people.
* Between 2023 and 2024, the drug overdose death rate involving synthetic opioids other than methadone decreased by 35.6% (from 22.2 to 14.3).
* Between 2023 and 2024, the rates of drug overdose deaths involving psychostimulants with abuse potential and cocaine both declined.
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View full data brief at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db549.pdf
Former Anesthesiology Resident Sentenced for Stealing and Using Narcotic Pain Medicine While on Duty
SEATTLE, Washington, Feb. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington posted the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Former anesthesiology resident sentenced for stealing and using narcotic pain medicine while on duty
Defendant diverted medications over the course of one year while working in the UW Medical System
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A 36-year-old former anesthesiology resident at Seattle Children's Hospital and Harborview and University of Washington Medical Centers was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to one year of supervised release including 200
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SEATTLE, Washington, Feb. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington posted the following news release on Feb. 2, 2026:
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Former anesthesiology resident sentenced for stealing and using narcotic pain medicine while on duty
Defendant diverted medications over the course of one year while working in the UW Medical System
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A 36-year-old former anesthesiology resident at Seattle Children's Hospital and Harborview and University of Washington Medical Centers was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to one year of supervised release including 200hours of community service for diverting narcotic pain medication to his own use while treating patients, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Andrew Voegel-Podadera, of Seattle, was arrested in June 2025 and charged with obtaining controlled substances by fraud. Voegel-Podadera pleaded guilty in October 2025, admitting he secretly took fentanyl, hydromorphone, and other medications over the course of a year while working in the UW Medicine system. He sometimes used the diverted substances while still at the hospital, meaning he was under the influence of potent narcotics while treating patients.
At today's sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said, "This was a serious offense... the consequences of which could have been more serious and tragic."
"This defendant was entrusted with caring for patients, including young and vulnerable patients," said U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. "It is chilling to think that he took powerful narcotics while a tiny baby needed his full and unimpaired attention. This case should serve as a message that nobody is above the law and healthcare professionals will be held accountable when they divert narcotics and put patients in harm's way."
According to records filed in the case, between 2022 and 2024, Voegel-Podadera worked as a resident anesthesiologist. He did rotations at Seattle Children's Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the UW Medical Center. On December 27, 2024, Voegel-Podadera saw three patients at Children's - the youngest was just 11-days old. From the beginning of his shift, Voegel-Podadera began stealing and using pain medications that were meant for patients. He consumed fentanyl and hydromorphone and then returned the vials to the pharmacy with saline in them, claiming it was "wastage."
Fortunately, the attending physician found his behavior odd and reported it to others at Children's. Ultimately, Voegel-Podadera admitted stealing and taking drugs while on duty as far back as January 2024.
In asking that Voegel-Podadera do prison time, prosecutors wrote to the court, "Anesthesiologists administer precise doses of potent medications and perform delicate procedures like intubations.... Voegel-Podadera's behavior put [his patients] at risk. An intoxicated doctor is far more likely to make mistakes, and mistakes in this setting can be costly."
"Dr. Voegel-Podadera selfishly diverted powerful pain medication away from patients, including young children and infants, while he worked as an anesthesiologist at Seattle Children's Hospital," said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. "Dr. Voegel-Podadera violated both his oath and the law. We are proud that DEA and our partners could stop him from endangering young patients. DEA remains unwavering in our commitment to saving American lives."
"The diversion of controlled substances by medical professionals is a serious breach of public trust and patient safety," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. "The defendant's actions not only violated federal law but also placed vulnerable pediatric patients at risk. The FDA is committed to protecting the integrity of our healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive the safe and effective medications they deserve."
Voegel-Podadera's attorney said the consequences for the former physician have been significant: he was terminated from the anesthesiology training program, had to surrender his DEA registration that allowed him to prescribe medications, and has had his medical license surrendered for at least five years.
Speaking to the court Voegel-Podadera said he wished he had sought help for his addiction earlier. He has been speaking to groups of medical residents about the danger of addiction.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI).
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Kopczynski and Amanda McDowell.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/former-anesthesiology-resident-sentenced-stealing-and-using-narcotic-pain-medicine
Energy Department Announces Members of the Office of Science Advisory Committee, Strengthening Gold Standard Science in America
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Energy Department Announces Members of the Office of Science Advisory Committee, Strengthening Gold Standard Science in America
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the chair and members of the newly established Office of Science Advisory Committee (SCAC), a unified advisory body that will provide independent advice on complex scientific and technical challenges across the Department's Office of Science.
Today's announcement advances the Department's implementation of
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Energy Department Announces Members of the Office of Science Advisory Committee, Strengthening Gold Standard Science in America
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the chair and members of the newly established Office of Science Advisory Committee (SCAC), a unified advisory body that will provide independent advice on complex scientific and technical challenges across the Department's Office of Science.
Today's announcement advances the Department's implementation ofPresident Trump's Executive Order Restoring Gold Standard Science as the cornerstone of federal research--ensuring that the Department and its National Laboratory systems' science is collaborative, transparent, and guided by evidence to rebuild public trust in science. As DOE modernizes and strengthens its scientific enterprise, SCAC will provide expert input to help inform priorities, improve coordination, and address cross-cutting research challenges across the Office of Science.
"The establishment of SCAC underscores the Department's commitment to scientific integrity and the power of partnership," said DOE Under Secretary for Science Dario Gil. "By bringing together leading minds from diverse institutions, we're forging a collaborative framework that will not only enhance our scientific endeavors but also accelerate the translation of fundamental research into tangible benefits for the American people. This committee exemplifies how shared vision and collective expertise are essential for navigating the complex scientific landscape of today and tomorrow."
Members of SCAC, appointed by Under Secretary Gil, represent the full breadth of Office of Science research, drawing expertise from leaders across academia, industry, science philanthropy, and the Department's National Laboratories. The Committee will help the Office of Science adapt to a rapidly evolving research landscape and address interdisciplinary challenges in a streamlined and flexible manner. It will also provide advice on initiatives that are priorities for the entire Office, including the Genesis Mission, scientific discovery, fusion energy, and quantum science.
SCAC will be chaired by Persis Drell, professor of materials science and engineering and physics at Stanford University, provost emerita of Stanford, and director emerita of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
The Committee will adopt the core functions of the Office of Science's six former discretionary advisory committees. Any current charged responsibilities of these former committees will transfer to SCAC, providing a single, coordinated source of independent expert advice. A full list of the 21 SCAC members is available here (https://science.osti.gov/About/Federal-Advisory-Committee/SCAC/Membership).
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Original text here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-members-office-science-advisory-committee-strengthening-gold
