Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
Strong March Jobs Report Signals Accelerating Momentum Under President Trump
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The White House posted the following news on April 3, 2026:
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Strong March Jobs Report Signals Accelerating Momentum Under President Trump
"The March jobs report blew out expectations with strong construction job growth and a surge in manufacturing job creation as trillions of dollars in investments begin to materialize. America remains on a solid economic trajectory thanks to President Trump's proven agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, tariffs, and energy dominance. Americans can rest assured that after the short-term disruptions of Operation Epic Fury are behind us,
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WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The White House posted the following news on April 3, 2026:
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Strong March Jobs Report Signals Accelerating Momentum Under President Trump
"The March jobs report blew out expectations with strong construction job growth and a surge in manufacturing job creation as trillions of dollars in investments begin to materialize. America remains on a solid economic trajectory thanks to President Trump's proven agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, tariffs, and energy dominance. Americans can rest assured that after the short-term disruptions of Operation Epic Fury are behind us,America's economic resurgence is set to only accelerate." -- White House Spokesman Kush Desai
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Here's what you need to know about the March jobs report:
* It crushed expectations -- again. The economy added 178,000 new jobs in March -- nearly triple the number economists had forecasted -- delivering yet another powerful validation of President Trump's pro-growth agenda and demonstrating the resilience of the American labor market under his leadership.
* Manufacturing is roaring back under President Trump. The sector added 15,000 new jobs added in March, capping off the first quarter of 2026 with the first positive manufacturing job growth in three years -- a decisive reversal from the Biden-era decline. In fact, every major indicator now points toward sustained expansion as President Trump's tariffs and pro-manufacturing policies take hold.
* Construction is surging. Another 26,000 construction jobs were added in March, propelled by strong gains in specialty trades and residential building.
* Job growth is accelerating in 2026. The economy has added an average of 68,000 jobs per month so far this year -- a clear improvement over 2025 and significantly outperforming economists' expectations.
* Wages are rising for American workers. Private sector weekly earnings have climbed 3.9% over the past year, delivering real gains for American workers.
* We are right-sizing government and unleashing the private sector. The federal workforce has been reduced to its smallest level since 1966 -- representing the lowest share of the total labor force in over a century -- as the Trump Administration fuels even stronger private sector job growth.
* Prime-age workers are re-entering the labor force. Women aged 25-54 hit a record-high labor force participation rate in March, while prime-age male participation remains near its highest level since 2009.
Under President Trump's leadership, America's economy is once again proving its unmatched strength and potential. With pro-growth policies firmly in place, the best days for American workers, manufacturers, and families are still ahead.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/04/strong-march-jobs-report-signals-accelerating-momentum-under-president-trump/
Secretary of State Rubio Issues Statement on Panamian Sovereignty
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on April 3, 2026, by Secretary Marco Rubio in support of Panama's sovereignty:
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China's recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and vital partner for global commerce. Detentions, delays, or other impediments to the movement of vessels undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system.
China's
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WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following statement on April 3, 2026, by Secretary Marco Rubio in support of Panama's sovereignty:
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China's recent actions against Panama-flagged vessels raise serious concerns about the use of economic tools to undermine the rule of law in Panama, a sovereign nation and vital partner for global commerce. Detentions, delays, or other impediments to the movement of vessels undermine the stability of global supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and erode confidence in the international trading system.
China'sactions against Panama-flagged vessels follow the recent decision by Panama's independent Supreme Court regarding the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. This sovereign ruling upheld transparency, the rule of law, and held private operators accountable to the public interest. The judgment also makes clear that Panama is a reliable partner for international investment and business opportunities.
The United States stands firmly with Panama and looks forward to increasing our economic and security cooperation with this important partner.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/04/support-for-panamas-sovereignty/
President Trump Issues Executive Order on Urgent National Action to Save College Sports
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- President Trump issued the following executive order on April 3, 2026:
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URGENT NATIONAL ACTION TO SAVE COLLEGE SPORTS
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. America's system of college sports has long provided scholarships and life-changing educational, athletic, and leadership opportunities to millions of America's future leaders and formed an important part of our national fabric. In July, I signed an Executive Order to protect college sports
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WASHINGTON, April 4 -- President Trump issued the following executive order on April 3, 2026:
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URGENT NATIONAL ACTION TO SAVE COLLEGE SPORTS
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. America's system of college sports has long provided scholarships and life-changing educational, athletic, and leadership opportunities to millions of America's future leaders and formed an important part of our national fabric. In July, I signed an Executive Order to protect college sportsfrom endless lawsuits and destabilizing financial obligations that could jeopardize women's and Olympic sports, but it has become clear that more comprehensive executive action is required before college sports are lostforever.
College football is the primary revenue generator for university athletic departments, including revenue to support women's and Olympic sports, and is used by many universities to attract students, donations, and goodwill as millions of Americans gather with families and friends to watch each Saturday. These factors place enormous pressure on many universities to be competitive in football. The same dynamic exists for basketball to a lesser degree. Amid this pressure, the rules governing pay-for-play, eligibility, and other aspects of college athletics have been substantially loosened through a number of judicial rulings. Additional rules that could institute order and consistency in these systems have been nullified by some State legislatures that are incentivized to advantage their own State's universities in the competitive market for student-athletes by minimizing barriers to recruitment. This chaotic state of affairs has undermined competition, reduced opportunities for student-athletes, and jeopardized support for the current range of college athletics, particularly women's and Olympic sports. Fair competition cannot occur without a consistent set of rules concerning pay-for-play or player eligibility that cannot be endlessly relitigated in court.
The convergence of enormous pressure to win in football and basketball and the loosening, both by litigation and by State legislation, of consistent rules or limits concerning eligibility, transfers, and pay-for-play schemes has created an out-of-control financial arms race in these sports that is driving universities into debt, threatening to siphon resources from other sports, and damaging student-athletes' educational and graduation opportunities. The athletics-related financial threats these crucial universities face are substantial: Already, one major athletic program closed fiscal year 2025 with $535 million in athletics-related debt, and another has $437 million in such debt, while others face enormous annual athletics-related deficits. These financial perils will inevitably siphon funds from universities' educational and research purposes, which could impact their capabilities and responsibilities as Federal contractors and grantees.
Absent a comprehensive national solution, therefore, the escalating financial demands to succeed in football and basketball combined with the significantly loosened rules governing eligibility, transfers, and pay-for-play schemes may force curtailment of women's and Olympics sports, and may even jeopardize the overall financial well-being of universities with which the Federal Government has important financial relationships. Universities are important defense research contractors for the Department of War, important medical research contractors for the Department of Health and Human Services, and important scientific research contractors for the National Science Foundation. The health of the university system is integral to the Federal Government's basic functioning.
Further, without a national solution to protect the future of competition and opportunity in all college sports, it is possible that the largest college football programs will be forced to seek stability through a negotiated solution that may result in the withdrawal of financial and other resources from women's and Olympic sports.
The Congress is strongly encouraged to expeditiously pass legislation that satisfactorily addresses these issues. But further delay is not an option given what is at stake -- the 500,000 annual educational, athletic, and leadership-development opportunities that provide almost $4 billion in scholarships. This executive action will preserve college sports for future generations.
Sec. 2. Effective Date. Sections 3 through 6 of this order shall be effective on August 1, 2026. Agencies shall immediately begin work to ensure that appropriate regulatory or policymaking measures will be in place by the effective date so that the requirements of the operative sections can be implemented as soon after the effective date as possible.
Sec. 3. Definitions. For the purposes of this order:
(a) "Improper financial activities" means the following actions taken by a federally-funded higher education institution, including its officers, agents, affiliates, or representatives:
(i) intentionally devising or participating in a fraudulent name, image, and likeness (NIL) scheme;
(ii) knowingly accepting contributions, financial or otherwise, from persons who intentionally devise or participate in a fraudulent NIL scheme;
(iii) using Federal funds for NIL or revenue-sharing payments or for any type of payment or benefit to a coach, assistant coach, general manager, recruiter, or other person engaged in coaching or managing an athletic team; and
(iv) tortiously interfering with a contract between a student-athlete and another federally-funded higher education institution, including a scholarship agreement;
(b) "Fraudulent NIL scheme" means a scheme to pay for goods or services, including NIL services, above the actual fair market value of those goods or services in connection with a student-athlete's participation in intercollegiate athletics, including through the use of collectives or similar entities. The term does not include:
(i) revenue sharing between a higher education institution and a student-athlete that is consistent with interstate intercollegiate athletic governing body rules; or
(ii) fair market value compensation provided for the NIL rights of a student-athlete by a third-party not affiliated with the athletic department of a higher education institution for a valid business purpose that is related to the promotion or endorsement of goods or services provided to the general public for profit and that is not tied to participation in the athletics program of a particular higher education institution, at rates and terms commensurate with compensation paid to individuals with NIL rights of comparable value who are not student-athletes at the applicable higher education institution;
(c) "Higher education institution" has the meaning given the term "institution of higher education" in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001), provided that this term only includes an institution that reports (as required under section 485(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(g))) having generated not less than $20,000,000 in total revenue (as adjusted on July 1 each year by the percentage increase, if any, during the preceding 12-month period, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) derived by the institution from the institution's intercollegiate athletics activities during the preceding academic year, as determined in accordance with paragraph (1)(I) of section 485(g) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092(g)); and
(d) "Interstate intercollegiate athletic governing body" means the entity that sets common rules, standards, procedures, or guidelines for the administration and regulation of varsity sports teams and intercollegiate athletic competitions, but that is not an intercollegiate athletic conference, provided that the governing body may include persons affiliated with an intercollegiate athletic conference.
Sec. 4. Protecting Women's and Olympic Sports and Preserving Higher Education Financial Responsibility. (a)(i) Agency heads that contract with or provide grants to higher education institutions, shall, as appropriate, evaluate violations of the applicable, lawful, and operative interstate intercollegiate athletic governing body rules in effect as of August 1, 2026, concerning the following, to determine whether they are a cause so serious or compelling in nature to affect the present responsibility of the recipient:
(A) eligibility limits;
(B) transfers between institutions;
(C) revenue-sharing permitted between higher education institutions and student-athletes; and
(D) permissible and improper financial activities.
(ii) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, shall issue guidance to contracting and grantmaking agencies to ensure compliance with this order and to reinforce the suspension and debarment policy regarding violations of the rules described in subsection 4(a)(i) of this section.
(b) The interstate intercollegiate athletic governing bodyfor higher education institutions should, in consultation with student-athletes and in its discretion, update or clarify itsrules before August 1, 2026, as appropriate, to adequately protect opportunities for scholarships and collegiate athletic competition in women's and Olympic sports and ensure the financial stability of higher education institutions, including by establishing the following, to the extent permitted by lawand applicable court orders:
(i) age-based eligibility limits to promote fairness, consistency, safety, and opportunities for student-athletes under which:
(A) participation in college athletics is permitted for no more than a five-year period, with limited exceptions for military service, missionary service, and other periods of absence from participation that are in the public interest; and
(B) professional athletes cannot return to college athletics;
(ii) transfer-related rules that:
(A) provide for the ability to transfer one timeduring the five-year period with immediate playing eligibility, and one additional such time if the student-athlete obtains a four-year degree;
(B) prioritize the academic development, success, graduation, and long-term well-being of student-athletes; and
(C) ensure that the transfer window does not incentivize interference with athletic seasons or the academic year, or otherwise undermine the integrity of participation and competition in college athletics;
(iii) medical care for student-athletes for intercollegiate-athletics-related injuries during their period of enrollment and for a reasonable period of time thereafter;
(iv) the implementation of revenue-sharing between higher education institutions and student-athletes in a manner that preserves or expands scholarships and collegiate athletic opportunities in women's and Olympic sports, including through provisions toprevent revenue-sharing from being allocated in a manner that results in a reduction in scholarships and opportunities in women's and Olympic sports;
(v) a prohibition on the use of Federal funds by higher education institutions for NIL or revenue-sharing payments or coaching or athletic compensation, in accordance with any applicable Federal law and Federal contract terms;
(vi) a prohibition on improper financial activitiesregarding student-athletes, including collectives orother entities or methods used to facilitate third-party, pay-for-play payments; and
(vii) a national student-athlete agent registry and reasonable protections for student-athletes from excessive agent commissions.
(c) To aid contracting and grantmaking agencies'compliance with subsection 4(a) of this section, the Administrator of General Services shall propose, consistent with law, an appropriate, regular collection of information to evaluate compliance with the rules covered by subsection (a)(i)(A)-(D) of this section for completion by appropriate higher education institution officials.
(d) The Secretary of Education shall consider takingappropriate action, including through rulemaking where necessary, to require regular reporting by higher education institutions that includes:
(i) the total number of roster spots by varsity team, as of the day of the first scheduled contest for the team; and
(ii) the total amount of money spent on athletically related student aid or other payments, separately for men's and women's teams overall.
(e) The Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission shall take appropriate action to enforce 15 U.S.C. 45 and 15 U.S.C. 7801-7807 with respect to violations by student-athlete agents and related individuals or entities.
Sec. 5. Legal Actions to Invalidate Certain State Laws. (a) The Attorney General shall take appropriate measures to further meritorious actions to invalidate State laws that conflict with interstate intercollegiate athletic governing body rules and:
(i) discriminate against out-of-state commerce or unduly burden or impede interstate commerce in violation of Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution of the United States;
(ii) impair a contractual relationship in violation of Article I, Section 10, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the United States; or
(iii) are otherwise invalid under Federal law.
Sec. 6. Consultation. Relevant White House components and executive departments and agencies are encouraged to, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, consider input from appropriate leaders in collegiate athletics and administration and other experts regarding effective implementation of this order.
Sec. 7. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
Sec. 8. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executivedepartment or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Education.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/04/urgent-national-action-to-save-college-sports/
MSPB Issues Board Decision Involving NASA Vs. Appellant Ann Murray
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Merit Systems Protection Board issued the following case report on a board decision involving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and appellant Ann Murray on April 3, 2026:
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BOARD DECISIONS
Appellant: Ann Murray
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Decision Number: 2026 MSPB 4
Docket Number: AT-0432-16-0588-P-1
Issuance Date: April 2, 2026
COMPENSATORY/CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Board found that the appellant proved her failure to accommodate claim and reversed her 2016 removal
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The Merit Systems Protection Board issued the following case report on a board decision involving the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and appellant Ann Murray on April 3, 2026:
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BOARD DECISIONS
Appellant: Ann Murray
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Decision Number: 2026 MSPB 4
Docket Number: AT-0432-16-0588-P-1
Issuance Date: April 2, 2026
COMPENSATORY/CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Board found that the appellant proved her failure to accommodate claim and reversed her 2016 removaland ordered her reinstatement with back pay. After reinstatement, she sought compensatory damages, including a tax offset to account for higher tax liability that would be caused by receiving multiple years of back pay in a single year. The administrative judge denied the tax offset, concluding the Board lacked authority to address tax consequences, but awarded the appellant $22,000 in nonpecuniary compensatory damages for emotional and related harm. The Board granted the appellant's petition for review, denied the agency's cross petition for review, affirmed the nonpecuniary compensatory damages award, reversed the administrative judge's findings on tax offset payments, and remanded the appeal for further development to determine whether, and in what amount, pecuniary compensatory damages for the adverse tax consequences should be awarded.
Holding: The Board is permitted to award compensatory damages for proven adverse tax consequences resulting from lump sum back pay awards when an agency is found to have engaged in prohibited discrimination and compensatory damages are authorized by law.
1. Although the Board has consistently held that it lacks the authority to remedy the tax consequences of a back pay award, the cases denying such relief either did not involve discrimination findings or predated the Civil Rights Act of 1991 and therefore are not controlling.
2. The Board considered and agreed with the EEOC that the purpose of compensatory damages is to compensate an employee for the proximate injury caused by the employment discrimination, and compensation for the adverse tax consequences of receiving a lump sum back pay award meets this criterion.
3. To prove entitlement to pecuniary compensatory damages for the adverse tax consequences, the appellant must submit evidence of the increased tax liability due to the lump sum payment of back pay. Such evidence includes detailed calculations showing the tax liability that she actually incurred for each year of the back pay period, the tax liability that she would have incurred during that period if she had received the back pay in the form of a regular salary, and the increased tax liability attributable solely to the lump sum payment.
Holding: The administrative judge correctly awarded the appellant $22,000 in nonpecuniary compensatory damages.
1. The administrative judge made sufficient factual findings concerning emotional and physical harm caused by the agency's failure to accommodate, the amount was not excessive, and was consistent with comparable Board and EEOC precedent.
2. Although the overall harm period was lengthy, much of the delay was not caused by the agency's discrimination and therefore did not warrant a higher nonpecuniary damages award.
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COURT DECISIONS
NONPRECEDENTIAL:
Bonojo v. Department of Homeland Security, No.2025-1050(Fed. Cir. Mar. 27, 2026) (MSPB Docket No. NY-0752-20-0056-I-3). The court affirmed a Board decision sustaining the agency's charges of conduct unbecoming a law enforcement officer and lack of candor and mitigating the penalty to reassignment to a non-law enforcement position. The court held that substantial evidence supported that the Board adequately considered and rejected the petitioner's self defense claim. The court determined that the petitioner waived any Fifth Amendment challenge by failing to raise it before the Board, and it rejected his argument that the Board improperly relied on potential Giglio impairment, concluding that the mitigated penalty rather than removal was reasonable and supported by the Douglas factors.
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Original text here: https://www.mspb.gov/decisions/case_reports/Case_Report_April_3_2026.pdf
Illegal Alien Sends Two ICE Officers to Hospital After Attempt to Dangerously Evade Arrest
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release:
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Illegal Alien Sends Two ICE Officers to Hospital After Attempt to Dangerously Evade Arrest
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WASHINGTON -On, April 2, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers attempted to arrest an illegal alien with a final order of removal, but the illegal alien chose instead to dangerously evade arrest-endangering himself, law enforcement, and the general public.
On Thursday afternoon, ICE officers conducted a targeted operation to arrest Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios, an illegal alien from Honduras
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the following news release:
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Illegal Alien Sends Two ICE Officers to Hospital After Attempt to Dangerously Evade Arrest
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WASHINGTON -On, April 2, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers attempted to arrest an illegal alien with a final order of removal, but the illegal alien chose instead to dangerously evade arrest-endangering himself, law enforcement, and the general public.
On Thursday afternoon, ICE officers conducted a targeted operation to arrest Ever Omar Alvarenga-Rios, an illegal alien from Honduraswith a final order of removal from a judge. Officers tried to conduct a vehicle stop, but instead of complying with law enforcement, this illegal alien drove recklessly through the streets of Baltimore.
The illegal alien slammed on his brakes, causing a multi-car pileup. Alvarenga then attempted to flee on foot and continued to disobey law enforcement commands. ICE law enforcement followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to make the arrest.
Alvarenga and the two officers involved were transported to a local hospital for treatment including a concussion. Alvarenga remains in the hospital in ICE custody.Obstructing law enforcement is a felony and a federal crime.
"This illegal alien broke our laws, resisted arrest, sent two ICE law enforcement officers to the hospital, and endangered the general public. Thankfully both our officers are expected to make a full recovery," said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "This dangerous attempt to resist arrest comes after sanctuary politicians have encouraged illegal aliens to evade arrest by hosting webinars instructing illegal aliens how to avoid being caught. Sanctuary politicians must stop encouraging this reckless behavior that endangers illegal aliens, our officers, and the public."
Alvarenga first entered the country in 2014 and was released under the Obama administration. In 2018, a federal immigration judged issued him a final order of removal. He had every chance to leave the United States but chose to continue to break the law and remain in the country illegally.
This avoidable incident comes after sanctuary politicians held webinars and provided resources and tips for how to openly defy ICE:
* Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hosted a webinar in February providing tips for illegal aliens to evade arrests at homes, workplaces, or in public.
* Dan Goldman posted an online video calling on illegal aliens to make a plan for ICE encounters.
* Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued multilingual flyers and online resources advising illegal aliens on how to evade arrest.
* California Governor Gavin Newsom released guides and sanctuary laws advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest.
ICE officers are now facing an 8,000% increase in death threats against them and a more than 1,300% increase in assaults against them. We are once again calling on sanctuary politicians, agitators, and the media to turn the temperature down and stop calling for violence and resistance against ICE law enforcement.
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Original text here: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/04/04/illegal-alien-sends-two-ice-officers-hospital-after-attempt-dangerously-evade
FHLBank Chicago Delivers $43 Million in Down Payment Assistance as Affordability Pressures Persist
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 4 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Delivers $43 Million in Down Payment Assistance as Affordability Pressures Persist
As higher home prices and upfront costs continue to sideline many first-time buyers, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) provided $43 million in down payment assistance in 2025, helping more than 4,500 households across Illinois and Wisconsin purchase homes through its Downpayment Plus(R) (DPP(R)) programs.
The grant funding,
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 4 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Delivers $43 Million in Down Payment Assistance as Affordability Pressures Persist
As higher home prices and upfront costs continue to sideline many first-time buyers, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) provided $43 million in down payment assistance in 2025, helping more than 4,500 households across Illinois and Wisconsin purchase homes through its Downpayment Plus(R) (DPP(R)) programs.
The grant funding,delivered through FHLBank Chicago member institutions, helped income-eligible homebuyers cover down payment and closing costs--often cited as one of the biggest barriers to homeownership, particularly for first-time and moderate-income households.
"Demand for down payment assistance continues to grow as affordability tightens," said Katie Naftzger, SVP and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. "By partnering with our members, we are helping households who are ready to buy to bridge that gap."
Through DPP and Downpayment Plus Advantage(R) (DPP Advantage(R)), eligible households can receive up to $10,000 in forgivable grant assistance, applied at closing. The DPP Advantage program extends the funding to homebuyers participating in nonprofit-led mortgage programs, with nonprofits partnering with an FHLBank Chicago member to secure funding.
Local Impact Across Illinois and Wisconsin
Novus Home Mortgage, a division of Ixonia Bank, based in Brookfield, Wis., helped over 160 households purchase homes in 2025 disbursing nearly $1.1 million in DPP grants, with 95 percent of recipients purchasing their first home. Since joining the program in 2015, Ixonia Bank has delivered more than $2.8 million in down payment assistance to over 400 households.
"Programs like DPP help bridge the gap for homebuyers who are financially prepared to purchase a home but need help covering upfront costs," said Eric Egenhoefer, President and CEO at Novus Home Mortgage. "Through our partnership with FHLBank Chicago, this support makes the difference between postponing a purchase and becoming a homeowner."
Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU), based in Peoria, Ill., disbursed $1 million in DPP grants in 2025, assisting more than 100 households, many of them first-time homebuyers. CEFCU has participated in the program since 2000 and has delivered more than $7.3 million in down payment assistance to more than 1,100 households.
"At CEFCU, helping members achieve homeownership is central to our mission," said Stacy Leavitt, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at CEFCU. "DPP allows us to provide meaningful support to first-time buyers and families working to build long-term financial stability."
Long-Term Program Reach
Since launching the DPP programs in 1994 through year-end 2025, FHLBank Chicago has allocated more than $330 million, to support more than 51,000 households across its district. A significant share of recipients have been first-time homebuyers.
With $31 million available in 2026, FHLBank Chicago encourages its member institutions and nonprofit partners to leverage the DPP programs to support eligible homebuyers in their communities.
To learn more about the DPP programs, visit fhlbc.com/DPP.
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About Novus Home Mortgage
Established in 2019 Novus Home Mortgage is a division of Ixonia Bank. Headquartered in the Greater Milwaukee area and originating in all 50 states, Novus is committed to creating a simpler, more efficient, and more transparent mortgage process. It leverages the industry's most innovative technology to provide 24/7 transparency, streamline the entire process, and minimize effort for all parties. Novus delivers exceptional customer service, along with an extensive offering of loan products ranging from FHA, VA, and conventional loans to niche products. For more information, visit www.novushomemortgage.com. NMLS # 423065. Equal Housing Lender.
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About Citizens Equity First Credit Union
With assets totaling more than $8.4 billion, CEFCU serves over 420,000 members through 26 Member Centers in Illinois, 7 California Member Centers, the CEFCU Financial Center, the CEFCU ATM Network, CEFCU's website -- cefcu.com, the surcharge-free Co-op ATM Network, and the CU Service Center Shared Branch Network.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/news-detail/2026/04/02/fhlbank-chicago-delivers--43-million-in-down-payment-assistance-as-affordability-pressures-persist
Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration: Voluntary Recall
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Voluntary Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 02, 2026
FDA Publish Date: April 02, 2026
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Potential Foodborne Illness - E. coli
Company Name: Raw Farm
Brand Name: RAW FARM
Product Description: Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block
Company Announcement
* No pathogens have been found in RAW FARM-brand cheese products.
* No pathogens have been found in FDA
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Voluntary Recall
Summary
Company Announcement Date: April 02, 2026
FDA Publish Date: April 02, 2026
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Foodborne Illness
Reason for Announcement: Potential Foodborne Illness - E. coli
Company Name: Raw Farm
Brand Name: RAW FARM
Product Description: Raw milk cheddar cheese, shredded and block
Company Announcement
* No pathogens have been found in RAW FARM-brand cheese products.
* No pathogens have been found in FDAsamples collected directly or samples collected by state Health Department officials.
* RAW FARM continues to contest the epidemiological links provided by the FDA.
* This Voluntary Recall is being performed under protest.
* This Voluntary Recall is performed as a path forward.
* RAW FARM proudly makes truly raw cheddar cheese from milk that is not pasteurized or thermalized and is fully compliant with C.F.R section 133.113.
The FDA has issued an Advisory without batch numbers or expiration dates. At the request of the FDA, RAW FARM is issuing a Voluntary Recall of the batches of cheese below and any batches produced prior to these dates.
Item ... Item Description ... Batch ... Expiration ... Barcode
1050 ... 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block ... 20251027-2 ... 8/23/2026 ... 835204001177
1060 ... 80 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block ... 20251015-4 ... 8/11/2026 ... 835204001160
1075 ... 16 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Block ... 20251027-4 ... 8/23/2026 ... 835204000156
1076 ... 80 oz Bag of Original Cheddar Shred ... 20260205 ... 5/6/2026 ... 835204000194
1078 ... 16 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block ... 20251128-1J ... 9/24/2026 ... 835204000354
1080 ... 8 oz Lightly Salted Cheddar Shred ... 20260212 ... 5/13/2026 ... 835204001184
1090 ... 8 oz Jalapeno Cheddar Block ... 20251128-2J ... 9/24/2026 ... 835204000330
This Voluntary Recall is limited to RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese, and no other products are being Voluntarily Recalled.
Consumers should not consume the batches in this Voluntary Recall. We recommend the consumers return the packages to the store where they were purchased for a full refund. Information regarding the FDA Advisory can be found at the following link: Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (March 2026) | FDA.
If you have any questions or concerns, please report them immediately to RAW FARM via the link: Find -- RAW FARM usaExternal Link Disclaimer.
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/voluntary-recall
