Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
President Trump Issues Proclamation Honoring the Memory of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia Army National Guard
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on Dec. 4, 2025:
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HONORING THE MEMORY OF SPECIALIST SARAH BECKSTROM, WEST VIRGINIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
As a mark of respect for the memory of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia Army National Guard, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on Dec. 4, 2025:
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HONORING THE MEMORY OF SPECIALIST SARAH BECKSTROM, WEST VIRGINIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
As a mark of respect for the memory of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia Army National Guard, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, andon all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, December 4, 2025. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/honoring-the-memory-of-specialist-sarah-beckstrom-west-virginia-army-national-guard/
IDB Supports The Bahamas to Prevent Flooding in Key Areas
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Supports The Bahamas to Prevent Flooding in Key Areas
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved an US$80 million loan to enhance the resilience and sustainability of transport infrastructure and mitigate socioeconomic disruptions caused by recurrent flooding in New Providence, The Bahamas.
This operation will finance a Global Multiple Works (GOM) program to increase the resilience of key transport corridors by improving draining systems and optimizing
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Supports The Bahamas to Prevent Flooding in Key Areas
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved an US$80 million loan to enhance the resilience and sustainability of transport infrastructure and mitigate socioeconomic disruptions caused by recurrent flooding in New Providence, The Bahamas.
This operation will finance a Global Multiple Works (GOM) program to increase the resilience of key transport corridors by improving draining systems and optimizingthe effectiveness and efficiency of road maintenance.
The program is aligned with ONE Caribbean, the IDB Group's comprehensive regional approach to promoting sustainable development in the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States. It is also aligned with Ready and Resilient Americas, an IDB Group regional impact program designed to enhance and boost resilience to disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
More than 296,000 residents of New Providence will directly benefit from improved mobility -especially under adverse weather events- as well as the millions of tourists who visit the island annually. The country's 398,000 inhabitants will indirectly benefit from a stronger economy driven by enhanced productivity and optimized public spending on road maintenance.
Flood events in New Providence often result in significant socioeconomic disruption. Roadways become inundated when the drainage systems reach capacity and stormwater accumulates, rendering roads impassable, constraining mobility, disrupting access to essential services, economic activity and accelerating road deterioration.
The program will see the design and implementation of sustainable and resilient flood-mitigation and stormwater-management infrastructure in selected transport corridors, including primary urban road networks, main thoroughfares, and residential community roads.
Additionally, it will support the implementation of the Ministry of Works and Family Island Affairs' asset-management system- update quality standards and specifications for road construction and maintenance -including drainage systems; and promote universal accessibility standards for streets.
The US$80 million loan has a repayment term of 25 years, a grace period of 5.5 years and an interest rate based on SOFR.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes grow and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-supports-bahamas-prevent-flooding-key-areas
Ho Nieh Sworn in as NRC Commissioner
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Ho Nieh Sworn in as NRC Commissioner
Ho Nieh, nominated as an NRC Commissioner by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, was sworn in today for a term ending June 30, 2029. He is the first former NRC resident inspector to serve as a Commissioner.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to return to the NRC to work alongside such a competent and dedicated workforce," Nieh said. "This agency shaped my career and my commitment to nuclear safety. It is an incredible
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Ho Nieh Sworn in as NRC Commissioner
Ho Nieh, nominated as an NRC Commissioner by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, was sworn in today for a term ending June 30, 2029. He is the first former NRC resident inspector to serve as a Commissioner.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to return to the NRC to work alongside such a competent and dedicated workforce," Nieh said. "This agency shaped my career and my commitment to nuclear safety. It is an incrediblehonor to have been appointed by President Trump to serve on the Commission, and I look forward to serving alongside Chairman Wright, Commissioner Crowell and Commissioner Marzano. I am energized by the opportunities the NRC has to enable the safe use of nuclear technologies for America during this pivotal period in its history."
"I welcome Ho Nieh to the Commission as we continue our important safety mission," NRC Chairman David Wright said. "The NRC is at its best with a full complement of Commissioners. Commissioner Nieh brings extensive experience to the NRC as it continues to carry out its mission during an exceptionally dynamic period in nuclear energy. I'm excited to work with him going forward."
Most recently, Nieh served as an officer of Southern Nuclear on loan to the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. He joined Southern Nuclear in March 2021 to assume the role of Vice President of Regulatory Affairs after more than 20 years as an NRC staff member.
While at the NRC, Nieh served as Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, where he was responsible for reactor safety licensing and oversight programs for operating and new reactors. His other roles at the NRC included: Senior Resident Inspector; Director of the Division Reactor Projects in Region 1, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Director of Division Inspection and Regional Support at NRC headquarters; and Chief of Staff for Commissioner William Ostendorff.
In addition, Nieh previously worked at the Nuclear Energy Agency as Director of the Division of Nuclear Safety Technology and Regulation, where he enhanced international cooperation for nuclear safety regulatory authorities and research institutes. He also served as Communications Advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency and worked at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory as a civilian instructor for the Navy's Nuclear Power Program.
Nieh earned his Bachelor of Engineering in marine engineering from New York Maritime College and is a graduate of the United States Naval Nuclear Power School. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for graduate studies in nuclear engineering and earned a Master of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University. Nieh also completed the Executive Education in Strategic Management program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
The NRC is comprised of five Commissioners, one of whom is designated by the President as Chairman. The Commission was established to be a collegial body that formulates policies, develops regulations, issues orders to licensees, and adjudicates legal matters. The Commissioners serve five-year terms, with one term expiring every year on June 30. No more than three Commissioners may be of the same political party.
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Original text here: https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2025/25-064.pdf
Ecuador Strengthens Its Growth Agenda With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Ecuador Strengthens Its Growth Agenda with IDB Support
Ecuador will implement economic policies to boost economic growth and strengthen the business environment by stimulating private investment in strategic sectors such as energy and tourism, supported by financing of $200 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The economic policy reforms will improve the efficiency of the tax system, collection, compliance, and reduce tax evasion. These policy actions aim to expand the use
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Ecuador Strengthens Its Growth Agenda with IDB Support
Ecuador will implement economic policies to boost economic growth and strengthen the business environment by stimulating private investment in strategic sectors such as energy and tourism, supported by financing of $200 million from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The economic policy reforms will improve the efficiency of the tax system, collection, compliance, and reduce tax evasion. These policy actions aim to expand the useof electronic means for tax payments and partial debit.
The program supports laying the groundwork for promoting more efficient public spending through changes focused on implementing quality spending tools to strengthen the public budget, such as thematic classifiers for gender, equality, and climate change; implementing results-based management in the chronic child malnutrition program, expenditure reviews, and defining prioritization criteria for public investment.
The program's financing also backs measures to strengthen strategic planning, coordination, and alignment of efforts between the public and private sectors through a national growth agenda. In addition, it will promote greater private investment in strategic sectors such as energy and tourism. The use of the Tourism Development Fund will be expanded, providing greater predictability in the budget for implementing promotion programs and stimulating private investment, thereby contributing to greater job creation.
This credit constitutes the first of two technically related but financially independent operations under the Programmatic Policy-Based Loan (PBP) modality, approved by the IDB's Executive Board. The loan has a 20-year amortization period, a 5.5-year grace period, and a rate based on SOFR.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes grow and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/ecuador-strengthens-its-growth-agenda-idb-support
Costa Rica and the IDB Lead Regional Dialogue on the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Government
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Costa Rica and the IDB Lead Regional Dialogue on the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Government
Delegations from more than twenty countries analyze regulatory frameworks, governance, and the impact of technological change on state modernization.
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SAN JOSE - Costa Rica is positioning itself as a benchmark for the digital agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean by hosting, on December 4 and 5, the first Regional Public Policy Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, an event organized
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Costa Rica and the IDB Lead Regional Dialogue on the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Government
Delegations from more than twenty countries analyze regulatory frameworks, governance, and the impact of technological change on state modernization.
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SAN JOSE - Costa Rica is positioning itself as a benchmark for the digital agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean by hosting, on December 4 and 5, the first Regional Public Policy Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, an event organizedby the Government of Costa Rica and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Authorities from more than twenty countries, along with international experts, academics, and business leaders, are participating in a high-level forum to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming public management and what frameworks are needed to ensure its safe, ethical use aligned with citizen well-being.
The goal of the meeting is to advance a regional roadmap for the responsible adoption of AI in the public sector, focusing on transparency, ethical data use, and reducing structural gaps.
Delegations are working in technical groups organized by subregions--Southern Cone, Andean Region, Central America, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Caribbean--to align priorities, share lessons learned, and define joint actions.
For Costa Rica, leading this regional dialogue is an opportunity to reaffirm that artificial intelligence must always serve people. In line with MICITT's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, we promote AI that modernizes the State, fosters local development, strengthens transparency, and reduces gaps--all within solid governance frameworks and a shared ethical vision. This space allows us to move forward with our sister countries on a common roadmap for responsible, safe, and citizen-oriented use, said Paula Bogantes Zamora, Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications.
AI as an Opportunity to Modernize the State
During the meeting, participants analyze concrete AI applications in areas such as health, justice, public safety, and administrative services, as well as the risks associated with its use in public environments. The IDB and partner organizations--such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), IDB Lab (the innovation and venture capital arm of the IDB Group), and ALETI--present international experiences, regulatory criteria, and tools to strengthen algorithmic governance in the region.
Artificial intelligence is already improving the lives of thousands of people in Latin America and the Caribbean. It can reduce wait times in public services, support medical diagnoses, and simplify procedures that used to take hours. That's why regional spaces like this are so important: they allow us to learn from each other, align standards, and ensure technology is used to reduce inequalities and improve social well-being. For the IDB, the priority is that AI be adopted responsibly, protecting rights and strengthening the State's capacity to better serve its people, said Francisco Javier Urra, IDB Group Representative in Costa Rica.
A Space That Sets the Course for the Region
The Regional Dialogue reinforces countries' interest in consolidating adaptive, evidence-based public policies for incorporating AI into state management. The event highlights the importance of Latin America moving forward in a coordinated way toward common standards that enable innovation, rights protection, and institutional strengthening.
Our countries face the challenge of serving a growing population with increasing needs and limited financial resources. The more than 100 AI projects supported by the IDB Group show that AI increases public officials' productivity, improves the quality of services citizens receive, and enhances transparency in public management. That's why we will stand alongside all Latin American and Caribbean countries that want to implement AI policies and initiatives that strengthen our region's human capital, said Emilio Pineda, Manager of Institutions for Development at the IDB.
The discussion continues throughout the day with technical sessions, presentations from various organizations, and meetings among authorities responsible for national AI strategies.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes grow and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/costa-rica-and-idb-lead-regional-dialogue-challenges-artificial-intelligence-government
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Primark Water Balloon
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Name of Product: Primark Water Balloon Pump
Hazard: The water balloon pump can generate excessive pressure during use, causing the product to rupture, posing a risk of physical injury to the user or bystanders.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: December 04, 2025
Units: About 3,170
Consumer Contact: Primark at 617-946-3236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go online to www.primark.com/recall, or www.primark.com and click "Recall" at the bottom of the page or fill
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Name of Product: Primark Water Balloon Pump
Hazard: The water balloon pump can generate excessive pressure during use, causing the product to rupture, posing a risk of physical injury to the user or bystanders.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: December 04, 2025
Units: About 3,170
Consumer Contact: Primark at 617-946-3236 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go online to www.primark.com/recall, or www.primark.com and click "Recall" at the bottom of the page or fillout the Primark Contact Us form to receive answers to your questions or request a call from Primark Customer Service for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves Primark Water Balloon Pumps, which were sold in blue and pink. The pumps are shaped like a water bottle with a spray head. The product code 5252801 is printed on the price tag located on the back of the water balloon pump bottle.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water balloon pumps and return them to a Primark store for a full refund in the form of the original payment.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports in the United States (and nine reports internationally) of the water balloon pumps rupturing, resulting in two reports of cuts on users' hands and fingers in the United States (and nine reports of cuts internationally).
Sold At: Primark stores in the northeast and in Florida, Maryland and Illinois from March 2023 through July 2023 for about $6.
Importer(s): Primark US Corp. of Boston, Massachusetts
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 26-124
Fast Track Recall
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Primark-US-Recalls-Primark-Water-Balloon-Pumps-Due-to-Injury-Hazard
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving CreateOn Crayola-Branded Pip-Cubes
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Name of Product: CreateOn Crayola-branded pip-Cubes
Hazard: The recalled magnetic building cubes contain magnets that can become loose if the seams separate, posing an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or other metal objects, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, and/or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death.
Remedy: Replace
Recall
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Name of Product: CreateOn Crayola-branded pip-Cubes
Hazard: The recalled magnetic building cubes contain magnets that can become loose if the seams separate, posing an ingestion hazard to children. When high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract to each other, or other metal objects, and become lodged in the digestive system. This can result in perforations, twisting, and/or blockage of the intestines, blood poisoning and death.
Remedy: Replace
RecallDate: December 04, 2025
Units: About 9,400
Consumer Contact: CreateOn toll-free at 800-333-0549 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, by email at pipcuberecall@CreateOn.com or online at https://www.createon.com/recall/ or https://www.createon.com/ and click on "Recalls" at the bottom of the page for more information.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves CreateOn Crayola-branded pip-Cubes, which are magnetic building cubes sold in Bold Colors and Glitter in sets of 24 or 27 cubes. The Bold Colors cubes are red, green, blue and yellow. The Glitter cubes are purple, pink, blue and green and have glitter on them. "Crayola" is imprinted on the left side of each cube. The model/UPC numbers of the recalled cubes are located can be found on the bottom of the product packaging.
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Cube Sets ... Model ... UPC
Bold Colors, 24 Cubes ... 1000199 ... 850067300199
Bold Colors, 27 Cubes ... 1000243 ... 850067300205
Glitter Cubes, 24 Cubes ... 1000205 ... 850067300205
Glitter Cubes, 27 Cubes ... 1000250 ... 850067300250
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Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnetic building cubes, take them away from children and contact CreateOn to receive a replacement set of pip-cubes. Consumers will receive a pre-paid label to return the recalled magnetic cubes in order to receive the replacement.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold At: The 24-piece sets were sold at Michael's Stores nationwide and online at Michaels.com for about $20. The 27-piece sets were sold online at Amazon.com for about $35. All sets were sold from May 2025 to July 2025.
Importer(s): CreateOn, LLC, of Wheeling, Illinois
Manufactured In: China
Recall number: 26-128
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/CreateOn-Recalls-Pip-Cubes-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Magnet-Ingestion-Hazard
