Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
Reclamation Continues Sites Reservoir Project Public Negotiation Sessions
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation issued the following news release on Dec. 2, 2025:
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Reclamation continues Sites Reservoir Project public negotiation sessions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation today announces the continuation of public negotiation sessions with the Sites Project Authority for a Partnership Agreement for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project.
Reclamation and the Sites Project Authority are partnering on capacity interest in the project to construct a new 1.5 million acre-foot offstream reservoir approximately
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation issued the following news release on Dec. 2, 2025:
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Reclamation continues Sites Reservoir Project public negotiation sessions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation today announces the continuation of public negotiation sessions with the Sites Project Authority for a Partnership Agreement for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project.
Reclamation and the Sites Project Authority are partnering on capacity interest in the project to construct a new 1.5 million acre-foot offstream reservoir approximately10 miles west of Maxwell, CA for water storage, conveyance, and service. The agreement to be negotiated supports the reservoir project by outlining the terms and conditions to which each party must adhere.
The following negotiation sessions will be held in the Cottage Cafe Conference Rooms C1001-C1003, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825:
* December 17, 2025 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information contact Ryan Everest at 530-892-6220 or reverest@usbr.gov.
The public is welcome to attend and will have the opportunity to provide comments regarding this contracting action. Participation instructions and the proposed contract will be available at each session.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.
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Original text here: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/5249
NOAA: Meet Hollywood Oyster Company, Oyster Farmers in Maryland
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news:
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Meet Hollywood Oyster Company, Oyster Farmers in Maryland
This Tide to Table profile features Tal Petty and his solar-powered oyster farm on the Chesapeake Bay.
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Some people like to golf, others like to paint, but Tal Petty began farming oysters as a hobby. What started as a couple of oysters, shared among friends on the Chesapeake Bay, has grown into a 300-acre farm selling millions of oysters annually. He and his master shucker wife, Na Petty, run Hollywood Oyster together in Maryland.
A
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news:
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Meet Hollywood Oyster Company, Oyster Farmers in Maryland
This Tide to Table profile features Tal Petty and his solar-powered oyster farm on the Chesapeake Bay.
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Some people like to golf, others like to paint, but Tal Petty began farming oysters as a hobby. What started as a couple of oysters, shared among friends on the Chesapeake Bay, has grown into a 300-acre farm selling millions of oysters annually. He and his master shucker wife, Na Petty, run Hollywood Oyster together in Maryland.
Afather of five, Tal previously worked in commercial real estate, finance, and global IT marketing. On the side, his love of oysters inspired him to start growing oysters on his family's property in Hollywood, Maryland. He was hooked and took the leap to fully transition his career to commercial farming in 2013.
A Powerhouse Farm
Hollywood Oyster Company operates as a wholesale oyster farm on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 60 miles south of Washington, D.C. The farm is located on the deepest river on the East Coast, the Patuxent. It shares a cove with a state park, lending to excellent water quality.
This region is steeped in oyster heritage. The farm is minutes from the site of the National Oyster Shucking Championships. "This is oyster country," says Tal. "These are historic oyster waters and the river is optimal for oyster growth--deep and wide with great flow, and since it has no industry on it, it is very clean. And the oysters are delicious."
Sustainability is a foundational principle at the Hollywood Oyster Company. The operation is powered by an on-property solar farm that generates more electricity than the company consumes.
Oysters themselves are ecological powerhouses by filtering water and creating habitat. The thousands of oyster cages placed on the sandy river bottom transform what was once a grassless underwater desert into a vibrant reef. These structures become magnets for vegetation and sea life, significantly improving water quality and boosting local biodiversity. Tal notes, "It always amazes me when we pull oysters cages from the water. In just a few months, they're teeming with vegetation, crabs, eels, and fish."
Beyond their environmental contributions, Hollywood Oyster Company is deeply woven into the fabric of its local community. As a small business, they employ 16 people and actively collaborate with many local small businesses.
Farming Oysters from Tide to Table
Hollywood Oyster Company produces three varieties of oyster: Sweet Jesus, Hollywood, and VaVa Voom. The oysters are grown in cages and tumbled regularly, leading to hardy shells with deep cups.
Their location lends to a distinctive "merroir," or flavor. "Hollywood is in the upper Chesapeake Bay, relatively far from the ocean," describes Tal. "That means our oysters are sweeter than they are salty. The creeks where Hollywood oysters grow are fossil lined with a clay substrate. This provides a mineral taste that chefs and customers love and keep coming back for."
Fun Fact
Merroir refers to the influence of the environment on the taste of oysters. The taste and texture of an oyster varies by where they are grown, the salinity, and the minerals and nutrients they absorb from the water.
Recipe
Tal's favorite recipe is oyster poached eggs. It's as easy as shucking six oysters and their liquid into a frying pan, adding two eggs, and poaching until the eggs are cooked to your liking. What a great way to start the day!
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Original text here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/meet-hollywood-oyster-company-oyster-farmers-maryland
Hunt County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine
BEAUMONT, Texas, Dec. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release on Dec. 3, 2025:
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Hunt County woman sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine
SHERMAN, Texas -A Quinlan woman has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Rosalind Horton, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December
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BEAUMONT, Texas, Dec. 4 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas issued the following news release on Dec. 3, 2025:
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Hunt County woman sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine
SHERMAN, Texas -A Quinlan woman has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Rosalind Horton, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December1, 2025.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2020, Horton conspired with others to distribute and possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/hunt-county-woman-sentenced-federal-prison-trafficking-methamphetamine
Fromm Family Foods Voluntarily Recalls Bonnihill BeefiBowls Food for Dogs Due to Potential Foreign Material Contamination
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Fromm Family Foods Voluntarily Recalls Bonnihill BeefiBowls Food for Dogs Due to Potential Foreign Material Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date: December 03, 2025
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary; Food & Beverages; Animal Feed; Contaminants
Reason for Announcement: Potential foreign plastic contamination
Company Name: Fromm Family Foods
Brand Name: Bonnihill Farms
Product Description: BeefiBowls
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following recall notice:
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Fromm Family Foods Voluntarily Recalls Bonnihill BeefiBowls Food for Dogs Due to Potential Foreign Material Contamination
Summary
Company Announcement Date: December 03, 2025
FDA Publish Date: December 03, 2025
Product Type: Animal & Veterinary; Food & Beverages; Animal Feed; Contaminants
Reason for Announcement: Potential foreign plastic contamination
Company Name: Fromm Family Foods
Brand Name: Bonnihill Farms
Product Description: BeefiBowlsBeef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs
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Company Announcement
MEQUON, WIS. (DECEMBER 3, 2025) - FROMM FAMILY FOODS has issued a recall of 300 cases of Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food due to potential foreign plastic contamination.
Potential adverse reactions could occur in all size dogs, however, to date there are no reports of illness or injury reported from consumers.
Dogs ingesting plastic may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or stomach discomfort. Plastic, when consumed in large amounts, can lead to serious health issues in dogs, including gastrointestinal upset and a risk of intestinal obstruction. Consumers whose dogs have consumed any of the affected product and are exhibiting these symptoms should contact their veterinarian.
Consumers should stop feeding the product listed below to their dogs.
Affected recalled product was distributed at neighborhood pet stores regionally in the United States, in the States of IL, WI, TX, AR, MS, OK, LA, CA, NV, AZ, CO, OR, WA, AK, and Canada, in the Province of Ontario. The product is packaged in 16 oz. chubs with Best By Date 12/25/2026. A description of the affected product is below.
Product Name ... Net Weight ... UPC ... Lot Code
Bonnihill BeefiBowls Beef Recipe ... 16 oz. per chub ... 072705135004 ... Best By 12/25/2026 B01
There are no other Fromm products affected by this recall. The recall was initiated after receiving complaints of plastic contamination. We have identified the error, and in addition to our existing safety process, we have put corrective actions in place to prevent this from happening again.
This voluntary recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Consumers who have purchased Bonnihill BeefiBowls Beef Recipe Best By 12/25/2026 dog food are urged to return the product to your retailer. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-325-6331 from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Central Time, or you may contact info@frommfamily.com.
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromm-family-foods-voluntarily-recalls-bonnihill-beefibowls-food-dogs-due-potential-foreign-material
FCC to Save the American Public Millions of Dollars
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release:
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FCC to Save the American Public Millions of Dollars
FCC to Save the American Public Millions of Dollars by Rejecting COVID-Era Waiver Extension
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The Federal Communications Commission has adopted an order that will save the American public millions of dollars. Specifically, today's action denies a request by Lifeline providers to extend the FCC's COVID-era waiver of the program's non-usage rules. In their requests, petitioners wanted the FCC to interpret the COVID-era waiver as extending one
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release:
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FCC to Save the American Public Millions of Dollars
FCC to Save the American Public Millions of Dollars by Rejecting COVID-Era Waiver Extension
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The Federal Communications Commission has adopted an order that will save the American public millions of dollars. Specifically, today's action denies a request by Lifeline providers to extend the FCC's COVID-era waiver of the program's non-usage rules. In their requests, petitioners wanted the FCC to interpret the COVID-era waiver as extending oneadditional day because doing so would allow them to receive federal subsidies for an entire additional month, despite the continued non-usage of the service.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued the following statement:
"The American public pays for the federal subsidies that support the agency's Lifeline program. Therefore, the FCC has a responsibility to be good stewards of those funds. One way we police waste, fraud, and abuse is through enforcement of the FCC's non-usage rule, which prohibits Lifeline providers from obtaining federal subsidies for services that subscribers are not using. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC provided a limited waiver of the non-usage rule. But the petitioners here have tried to extend that waiver--and thus obtain millions of dollars in federal subsidies--after the relevant time period ended.
"While the Commission offered flexibility during the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, that does not mean we should allow providers to game the system for extra reimbursement, at the American public's expense, after the need for this leniency had clearly--and officially--ended. I thank the FCC staff for their diligence throughout this process to ensure no money is wasted."
Additional Background Information:
Assist Wireless, Boomerang Wireless, Easy Wireless and i-wireless formally challenged a decision by the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau rejecting the petitioners' interpretation of the end date of the COVID-19 relief waiver period for non-usage, which would allow them to make upward revisions of reimbursements. The adopted order, which was approved by the full Commission, affirms the Bureau's decision that the COVID-19 relief waiver period for non-usage ended on April 30, 2021, and that the petitioners were not entitled to an extra month of support for unused services.
The Lifeline program provides support for communications services to qualifying low-income customers. Participating companies may claim Lifeline support for voice and broadband services only if the subscriber has recently used the service. On March 30, 2020, the Commission temporarily waived this requirement to ensure that no Lifeline subscribers involuntarily lost connectivity during the pandemic. The Commission ended the waiver on April 30, 2021. The petitioners, however, sought Lifeline reimbursement for unused services through May 1, 2021.
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Original text here: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-save-american-public-millions-dollars
Energy-efficient Process Delivers Rare-earth Element for Magnets
LIVERMORE, California, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Energy Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory issued the following news:
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Energy-efficient process delivers rare-earth element for magnets
Neodymium is a rare-earth element essential for producing the strongest permanent magnets, which are widespread in defense technologies, hard drives, medical imaging devices, electric vehicle motors, wind turbines and more. Despite its designation in the U.S. as a critical material, neodymium is primarily mined and refined overseas. China controls much of the supply chain, and the country recently
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LIVERMORE, California, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of Energy Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory issued the following news:
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Energy-efficient process delivers rare-earth element for magnets
Neodymium is a rare-earth element essential for producing the strongest permanent magnets, which are widespread in defense technologies, hard drives, medical imaging devices, electric vehicle motors, wind turbines and more. Despite its designation in the U.S. as a critical material, neodymium is primarily mined and refined overseas. China controls much of the supply chain, and the country recentlythreatened to expand restrictions on the exports of rare earth elements.
A domestic capability to produce critical materials like neodymium would address supply chain vulnerabilities in the U.S. To this end, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Ames National Laboratory developed a
new process for neodymium magnet fabrication that generates high-purity material at high efficiency.
"We hope this method becomes a cornerstone for domestic production of neodymium magnets," said author and LLNL scientist Eunjeong Kim. "It can enable a truly U.S.-based 'mine-to-magnet' manufacturing chain from rare-earth mining and separation to final magnet fabrication, reducing reliance on overseas processing."
The U.S. has neodymium deposits, but refining the material has remained out of reach due to the energy-intensive process, permitting restrictions and the lack of a qualified workforce.
The new method could address all three barriers. It operates based on chloride molten salt electrolysis. In basic terms, neodymium enters the system attached to chloride ions. The electrolysis setup uses electricity to split the incoming molecules apart, pulling the neodymium to one end of the system (the cathode) and the chloride to the other (the anode).
Compared to traditional refining approaches, the process skips two major, energy-intensive steps and doesn't produce harmful gases as a byproduct. Because the anode design prevents degradation, the device can operate continuously.
"This is economically advantageous," said Kim. "Production costs can be reduced from over $14 per kilogram of neodymium in conventional methods to approximately $5 per kilogram using our method."
And neodymium is just the start. Chloride molten salt electrolysis can also be extended to other rare-earth metals critical for energy technologies.
This work represents a strong collaboration within the
Critical Materials Innovation Hub. CWRU led the electrochemical design and process modeling. LLNL contributed materials characterization and anode fabrication, and Ames used the material produced to fabricate magnets that were comparable to industry standards.
Now, CWRU is working to scale up the electrolysis setup design, while LLNL tests new deposition approaches to further stabilize the anode.
"Together, this partnership showcases how national labs and academia can jointly drive innovation toward secure and sustainable materials manufacturing," said Kim.
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Original text here: https://www.llnl.gov/article/53696/energy-efficient-process-delivers-rare-earth-element-magnets
Brian P. Hudak Named OCC Deputy Chief Counsel
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued the following news release on Dec. 2, 2025:
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Brian P. Hudak Named OCC Deputy Chief Counsel
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced Brian P. Hudak as Deputy Chief Counsel.
In this role, Mr. Hudak provides advice to the Chief Counsel and senior OCC officials on significant legal, policy and administrative matters affecting the federal banking system. This includes management and oversight over the OCC's enforcement, litigation, and internal agency matters.
"Brian
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued the following news release on Dec. 2, 2025:
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Brian P. Hudak Named OCC Deputy Chief Counsel
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today announced Brian P. Hudak as Deputy Chief Counsel.
In this role, Mr. Hudak provides advice to the Chief Counsel and senior OCC officials on significant legal, policy and administrative matters affecting the federal banking system. This includes management and oversight over the OCC's enforcement, litigation, and internal agency matters.
"Brianbrings nearly two decades of successful litigation and enforcement experience at the U.S. Attorney's Office to the OCC, where he will provide meaningful direction to advance our supervisory and regulatory mission while ensuring that our regulated institutions are held accountable for their compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements," said Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan V. Gould. "Brian has received numerous recognitions for his outstanding work on behalf of the United States, and the OCC is fortunate to have a leader with his background, skills and expertise in our legal department."
Mr. Hudak most recently served as Civil Chief at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia where he oversaw and supervised the litigation of thousands of civil defensive and affirmative matters. Prior to becoming Civil Chief, Mr. Hudak served in the U.S. Attorney's Office as Deputy Civil Chief and as line Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division. During his 18 years at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Mr. Hudak personally handled volumes of high-profile civil defensive cases, collected more than $1 billion in recoveries in civil enforcement lawsuits, and disrupted hundreds of millions of dollars in assets traced to terrorist and trans-national criminal organizations. Before his government service, Mr. Hudak worked for a law firm in New York.
Mr. Hudak received his bachelor of science degree in computer science from the University of Virginia and his juris doctor cum laude from Washington & Lee University School of Law.
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Original text here: https://occ.gov/news-issuances/news-releases/2025/nr-occ-2025-118.html
