Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
FHLBank Chicago Expands Community Advance for 2026 to Accelerate Affordable Housing and Economic Development
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news on Jan. 2, 2025:
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FHLBank Chicago Expands Community Advance for 2026 to Accelerate Affordable Housing and Economic Development
$55 million in interest rate subsidy, higher per-member limits, and streamlined access deliver up to 200 basis point savings for Illinois and Wisconsin
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The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today announced the opening of its Community Advance product for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to affordable
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 3 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news on Jan. 2, 2025:
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FHLBank Chicago Expands Community Advance for 2026 to Accelerate Affordable Housing and Economic Development
$55 million in interest rate subsidy, higher per-member limits, and streamlined access deliver up to 200 basis point savings for Illinois and Wisconsin
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The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) today announced the opening of its Community Advance product for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to affordablehousing and local development. Backed by $55 million in annual interest rate subsidy, the program helps member institutions fund housing, support small businesses, and expand access to capital in communities that need it most.
Interest rate discounts of up to 200 basis points (bps), a $200,000 per-member interest rate subsidy cap (applied jointly for affiliated members under the same holding company owning two or more members), an improved online application experience, expanded eligibility, and no match funding or retention requirements remain as key benefits of the product. The Community Advance benefits have increased in 2026 for more member value, building on the successful launch of the streamlined offering.
What's New in 2026
* $55 million total annual interest rate subsidy, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
* Per-member outstanding Community Advance limit increased to $500 million (up from $250 million)
* Community Advance application open Jan. 2, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2026
Extended Impact
"The expanded Community Advance reflects our commitment to making even more funding available to our members to drive community building activity in their communities," said Michael Ericson, President and CEO, FHLBank Chicago. "Increased funding and higher per-member limits will mean even more capital can be dedicated to housing and economic development across Illinois and Wisconsin."
The Community Advance offers tiered subsidized discounts based on financing type, including housing construction and rehabilitation loans, and funding for non-depository Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofit mortgage originators. Advances are available in both floating and fixed rate advances, with no match funding requirements.
Members who have used the product welcome faster approvals and expanded eligibility for housing, small business loans, and partnerships with CDFIs and nonprofit mortgage originators. All eligible small business loan originations qualify with no area median income limit. Expanded eligibility also includes mortgage-backed securities, mortgage revenue bonds and low-income housing tax credits.
"CoVantage Credit Union used the Community Advance to secure funding at a competitive discount, enabling the construction of three multifamily units in Illinois and 12 single family homes in Wisconsin," said Mary Massey, Chief Financial Officer at CoVantage Credit Union. "The combination of the webinars, platform, and member support made the process clear and efficient, enabling us to obtain reduced borrowing costs without impacting our members' construction timelines."
Complementing existing FHLBank Chicago products, including the Downpayment Plus(R) (DPP(R)) Program and Housing Impact Pricing Grids within the Mortgage Partnership Finance(R) (MPF(R)) Traditional Program, the Community Advance provides community-building benefits and drives value for members and their communities.
Get Started
Members can use the online subsidy calculator to estimate their available discount when applying. For more details, visit FHLBank Chicago's Community Advance page.
This $55 million investment underscores FHLBank Chicago's ongoing commitment to innovative funding solutions that help member institutions bolster affordable housing supply and strengthen communities across our region.
Contact Us
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/details/2026/01/02/fhlbank-chicago-expands-community-advance-for-2026-to-accelerate-affordable-housing-and-economic-development
USPS honors poet Phillis Wheatley with 49th Black Heritage stamp
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS honors poet Phillis Wheatley with 49th Black Heritage stamp
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What:
The U.S. Postal Service is honoring Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784), the first author of African descent in the American Colonies to publish a book, with the 49th stamp in the Black Heritage series.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Phillis Wheatley Black Heritage stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #BlackHeritageStamp.
When:
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. EST
Where:
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The U.S. Postal Service issued the following news release:
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USPS honors poet Phillis Wheatley with 49th Black Heritage stamp
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What:
The U.S. Postal Service is honoring Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784), the first author of African descent in the American Colonies to publish a book, with the 49th stamp in the Black Heritage series.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Phillis Wheatley Black Heritage stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #BlackHeritageStamp.
When:
Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. EST
Where:
Old South Meeting House
310 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02108
RSVP:
Attendees are encouraged to register at https://www.usps.com/philliswheatleystamp
Background:
Born in West Africa and brought to Boston on a slave ship, Phillis Wheatley was enslaved but educated in the Wheatley household. Wheatley published her first collection, "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," in 1773. This collection showcased her impressive mastery of various poetic forms, including hymns, elegies, and narrative verse, securing her place in history. Freed from slavery that same year, she went on to correspond with figures such as George Washington, who praised her poetic talent.
Wheatley's legacy continues to inspire generations, earning her the title "the mother of African American literature." Before the Civil War, abolitionists used her accomplishments to affirm the intellectual capability of people of African descent and argue against slavery. Today schools, libraries, community centers and university buildings across the country have been named for Wheatley, and she has been the subject of numerous inspirational books for children. In 2003, a statue of the poet was included in a new Boston Women's Memorial. The first full-length scholarly biography of Wheatley was published in 2011, with a second biographical study published in 2023, part of an ongoing effort to recognize her resilience in adversity.
Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using an existing portrait by Kerry James Marshall.
The Phillis Wheatley stamp will be issued in panes of 20. As a Forever stamp, it will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter ; Instagram ; Pinterest ; Threads ; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0102ma-usps-honors-poet-phillis-wheatley-with-49th-black-heritage-stamp.htm
SBA Relief Still Available to Virginia Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by March Drought
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Virginia Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by March Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Virginia of the Feb. 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that occurred on March 15, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Virginia counties of Alexandria,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Virginia Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by March Drought
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Virginia of the Feb. 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that occurred on March 15, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Virginia counties of Alexandria,Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William, the District of Columbia, the Maryland counties of Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's and Washington, as well as the West Virginia county of Jefferson.
Under this declaration, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 2, 2026. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/02/sba-relief-still-available-virginia-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-march-drought
SBA Relief Still Available to North Dakota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to North Dakota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in North Dakota of the Feb. 2, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning May 6, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the North Dakota counties of Billings,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to North Dakota Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in North Dakota of the Feb. 2, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning May 6, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the North Dakota counties of Billings,Golden Valley, McKenzie and Slope as well as the Montana counties of Fallon and Wibaux.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Feb. 2, 2026. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/02/sba-relief-still-available-north-dakota-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Spring Drought
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Spring Drought
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WASHINGTON The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the Feb. 2, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning March 18, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Clark, Comanche,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Kansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Spring Drought
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WASHINGTON The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kansas of the Feb. 2, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning March 18, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Kansas counties of Clark, Comanche,Ford, Gray, Haskell, Kiowa, Meade and Seward as well as the Oklahoma counties of Beaver and Harper.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs including faith-based organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Feb. 2, 2026. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/02/sba-relief-still-available-kansas-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-spring-drought
SBA Offers Additional Funds for Disaster Protection
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Additional Funds for Disaster Protection
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging disaster loan recipients in Florida to apply for additional funds to protect their homes and businesses from future storms.
Loan recipients have up to two years from their loan approval date to request an increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damages to cover the cost of improvements. Eligible mitigation projects may include regrading
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Offers Additional Funds for Disaster Protection
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging disaster loan recipients in Florida to apply for additional funds to protect their homes and businesses from future storms.
Loan recipients have up to two years from their loan approval date to request an increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damages to cover the cost of improvements. Eligible mitigation projects may include regradinglandscaping for better drainage, installing a French drain or sump pump, and strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage.
"One distinct advantage of SBA's disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA's physical damage loans.
To learn more about mitigation options visit sba.gov/mitigation.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/02/sba-offers-additional-funds-disaster-protection
Don't Wait for Insurance Settlement to Apply for Low Interest SBA Loans
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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Don't Wait for Insurance Settlement to Apply for Low Interest SBA Loans
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging businesses, private nonprofits (PNPs) and residents in New York, who sustained damages due to the Red Cottage Avenue apartment building fire occurring Nov. 23, 2025, to apply to the federal disaster loan program.
Disaster survivors do not need to wait for insurance settlement to apply for an SBA disaster loan. If a survivor
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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Don't Wait for Insurance Settlement to Apply for Low Interest SBA Loans
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WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging businesses, private nonprofits (PNPs) and residents in New York, who sustained damages due to the Red Cottage Avenue apartment building fire occurring Nov. 23, 2025, to apply to the federal disaster loan program.
Disaster survivors do not need to wait for insurance settlement to apply for an SBA disaster loan. If a survivordoes not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Bronx, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester in New York, Fairfield county in Connecticut as well as Bergen county in New Jersey, which are eligible for both Physical Damage Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA.
Businesses and nonprofits impacted by the declared disaster should apply for business physical disaster loans and economic injury loans. Applicants may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets or working capital.
Homeowners and renters impacted by the declared disaster should apply for home and personal property loans. Applicants may be eligible to borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may be eligible for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
SBA's EIDL program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster even if they did not suffer any physical damage. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 17, 2026. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sept. 16, 2026.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/01/02/dont-wait-insurance-settlement-apply-low-interest-sba-loans
