Featured Stories
SBA Recognizes Innovative CHOICE Arrangements as Major Win for Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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SBA Recognizes Innovative CHOICE Arrangements as Major Win for Small Businesses
Trump Administration Initiative Expands Health Insurance Affordability, Choice, and Coverage Options for Small Businesses and Workers
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to announce CHOICE Arrangements. Formerly known as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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SBA Recognizes Innovative CHOICE Arrangements as Major Win for Small Businesses
Trump Administration Initiative Expands Health Insurance Affordability, Choice, and Coverage Options for Small Businesses and Workers
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Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to announce CHOICE Arrangements. Formerly known as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements(ICHRAs), they are a proven tool that enables small employers to offer health benefits at a fraction of the cost of traditional group insurance. CHOICE Arrangements allow businesses to set a predictable monthly budget for health benefits instead of absorbing the rising, unpredictable premiums of group insurance plans.
At an event in Indiana today, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz unveiled the rebranded program and new resources to help employers understand the cost savings and how to get started.
"The strong leadership of President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Dr. Oz has resulted in more affordable health insurance alternatives for America's small businesses through CHOICE Arrangements," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "For too long, small employers, which are also America's most effective job creators, have been priced out of a health insurance market where prices only go up and coverage goes down. These plans can change that. Employers set a monthly contribution level, and employees pick the plan that suits their families; it's a win-win. This new, flexible model offers employers greater control over their healthcare costs and offers American workers more freedom to choose coverage that works for them and their families. The SBA is proud to partner with CMS to connect small businesses across the country with this powerful cost-saving tool."
"CHOICE Arrangements let workers choose coverage that meets their unique health care needs which can often offer better options than traditional employer plans," said CMS Administrator Dr. Oz. "I'm excited to partner with Administrator Loeffler to promote this underused option that combines the tax benefits of traditional group plans with the flexibility of purchasing coverage independently. And I urge small business owners across the country to take advantage of the resources we're unveiling today to determine whether a CHOICE Arrangement is the right fit for their workforce."
Established under President Trump's first Administration, ICHRAs created a new alternative to the traditional group health insurance model by allowing employers to provide tax-favored contributions that employees can use to purchase qualified health coverage. Employees have the freedom to select the coverage that fits their family's needs and doctors, rather than being locked into a one-size-fits-all plan.
Under the new CHOICE Arrangements branding, CMS is providing employers with new educational resources and tools designed to make them easier to evaluate and implement, including information to help small businesses understand costs, contribution structures, and third-party administration options.
For small businesses, the benefits of CHOICE Arrangements include:
* Predictable costs. The plans offer a more flexible and predictable approach to providing health benefits by allowing employers to determine their contribution while employees select individual coverage that meets their needs.
* Tax advantages. Employer contributions to CHOICE Arrangements are generally deductible as a business expense, while reimbursements for qualified medical expenses are generally tax-free to employees.
* Lower administrative burden. The model can be especially valuable for small employers seeking an alternative to traditional and complex group coverage, including those seeking to offer benefits for the first time while remaining competitive with larger employers.
* Scalability. Employers of any size with at least one W 2 employee can establish CHOICE Arrangements.
The Administration is pairing greater coverage choice with concrete action to lower healthcare costs and expand access. President Trump's Great Healthcare Plan advances lower prescription-drug prices, reduces insurance premiums, provides stronger insurer accountability, and enhanced price transparency. TrumpRx.gov has delivered savings on more than $700 million in medications, while the Working Families Tax Cuts Act created the historic $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program through CMS to strengthen rural health systems and expand access to care nationwide. Together, these policies are giving America's small businesses, workers, and families more choice, lower costs, and better access to care.
The SBA encourages small business owners to visit our CHOICE Arrangements website or www.cms.gov/choicearrangements to learn more.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and 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://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/09/03/sba-recognizes-innovative-choice-arrangements-major-win-small-businesses
NCPC Executive Director Marcel Acosta to Retire After 25 Years of Federal Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The National Capital Planning Commission issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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NCPC Executive Director Marcel Acosta to Retire After 25 Years of Federal Service
Long-time planning agency leader departs on September 18, 2026
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The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) announced today that Executive Director Marcel Acosta will retire from federal service effective September 18, 2026, following his acceptance of a private-sector position. Acosta has led NCPC's professional staff since 2008 and joined the agency in 2001 as Deputy Executive Director.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The National Capital Planning Commission issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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NCPC Executive Director Marcel Acosta to Retire After 25 Years of Federal Service
Long-time planning agency leader departs on September 18, 2026
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The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) announced today that Executive Director Marcel Acosta will retire from federal service effective September 18, 2026, following his acceptance of a private-sector position. Acosta has led NCPC's professional staff since 2008 and joined the agency in 2001 as Deputy Executive Director.
Outgoing NCPC Chairman Will Scharf remarked, "Over 25 years of service to the National Capital Planning Commission, including almost two decades as Executive Director, Marcel Acosta has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Washington, DC, and the entire National Capital Region. Under his steady leadership, the NCPC has served a vital role in countless significant projects and has safeguarded the architectural integrity and vitality of our nation's capital. And Marcel was truly a cherished colleague during my tenure as Chairman. Although it is difficult to imagine the Commission without Marcel, with his retirement from federal service, I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors."
During his tenure, Acosta led signature agency planning efforts, including the Monumental Core Framework Plan, the Height Master Plan, the Beyond Granite: Pulling Together pilot exhibition, the SW Ecodistrict Plan, and the Pennsylvania Avenue Initiative. He directed updates to the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital's Federal Elements and oversaw the annual review of more than 125 master plans and projects. Acosta guided staff reviews of notable projects, including the the Martin Luther King, Jr. and National World War I Memorials; the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters at St. Elizabeths; the Capital One Arena renovations; the New Stadium at RFK Campus; the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library renovations; and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Air and Space Museum Integrated Bezos Learning Center.
"It has been the honor of my career to contribute to the planning and design of the nation's capital," said Acosta. "I'm deeply grateful to the staff, Commission members, stakeholders, and partner agencies with whom I've had the privilege of working. I leave with confidence in NCPC's continued role in shaping the future of the National Capital Region."
His team's work has been recognized nationally, including the American Institute of Architects' Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design and the American Society of Landscape Architects' Planning and Analysis Honor Award, both for the Monumental Core Framework Plan, as well as numerous local and federal planning awards. Acosta has also received the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' 2024 Ronald F. Kirby Award for Collaborative Leadership and the American Institute of Architects-DC's 2021 Donald B. Myer Public Service Award.
Before joining NCPC, Acosta worked in Chicago, including serving as Deputy Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development and as Senior Vice President of Planning and Development at the Chicago Transit Authority.
Acosta holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and was appointed a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Planning Association's Urban Design and Preservation Division and served on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors from 2010 to 2014.
NCPC Chairman Mark Paoletta announced that Current Planning Division Director Diane Sullivan will serve as Acting Executive Director, effective upon Acosta's departure.
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The National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government's central planning agency in Washington, DC and surrounding counties of Maryland and Virginia. The Commission provides overall guidance for federal land and buildings in the region. It also reviews the design of federal projects and memorials, oversees long-range planning for future development, and monitors capital investment by federal agencies.
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Original text here: https://www.ncpc.gov/participate/releases/2026/NCPC_Executive_Director_Marcel_Acosta_to_Retire_After_25_Years_of_Federal_Service.pdf
Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Announced as Distinguished Honorees for Archives of American Art's Annual Gala
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Announced as Distinguished Honorees for Archives of American Art's Annual Gala
Gala Honors Visionary Leaders Who Have Shaped the Story of American Art
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The Smithsonian's Archives of American Art has named the distinguished honorees for its upcoming annual fall gala. At the evening celebration Thursday, Sept. 17, the Archives' highest honors will be presented to three recipients--Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Announced as Distinguished Honorees for Archives of American Art's Annual Gala
Gala Honors Visionary Leaders Who Have Shaped the Story of American Art
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The Smithsonian's Archives of American Art has named the distinguished honorees for its upcoming annual fall gala. At the evening celebration Thursday, Sept. 17, the Archives' highest honors will be presented to three recipients--Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the HelenFrankenthaler Foundation. The Smithsonian's Archives of American Art has named the distinguished honorees for its upcoming annual fall gala. At the evening celebration Thursday, Sept. 17, the Archives' highest honors will be presented to three recipients--Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation--in recognition of their outstanding contributions as leading American artists and art advocates.
Puryear will receive an Archives of American Art Medal, Temkin will receive the Lawrence A. Fleischman Award for Scholarly Excellence in the Field of American Art History and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation will receive the Archives of American Art Award for Philanthropic Leadership.
"For decades, our honorees have generously shared their gifts of transformative vision with the public and reimagined ways of making and interpreting art," said Anne Helmreich, director of the Archives of American Art. "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to recognize and thank them."
The 2026 Archives of American Art Gala will take place Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Rainbow Room in New York City. The festive evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by the program and dinner at 7:30 p.m. For more information about the gala and the Archives of American Art, visit its website or contact the Archives directly at AAAGala@si.edu.
Recipient of the Archives of American Art Medal
Puryear is an American sculptor renowned for his elegant, handcrafted works that combine traditional woodworking techniques with modern abstract forms. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultural, architectural and craft traditions, Puryear creates sculptures that emphasize material, form and meticulous craftsmanship. Over six decades, his work has been exhibited internationally and is held in the collections of major museums around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential contemporary sculptors of his generation.
Puryear was born in 1941 in Washington, D.C., and studied at the Catholic University of America, the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts and Yale University. He was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1982, a MacArthur Foundation Award in 1989 and the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2011. In 2019, Puryear represented the United States at the 58th Venice Biennale.
Puryear's current traveling exhibition, "Martin Puryear: Nexus," will open at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta Friday, Sept. 25.
Recipient of the Lawrence A. Fleischman Award for Scholarly Excellence in the Field of American Art History
Temkin is the Marie-Josee and Henry Kravis Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Her distinguished history of exhibitions and scholarship encompasses retrospectives of artists, including Marcel Duchamp, Robert Gober, Donald Judd, Alice Neel and Barnett Newman. Under her leadership, MoMA's holdings of paintings and sculpture have dramatically broadened in scope and viewpoint. Temkin also has focused on the transformation of the museum's collection galleries from a siloed and authoritative narrative into an interdisciplinary and continually renewing presentation, designed as ongoing conversations providing a multiplicity of histories and perspectives. Temkin is co-editor of Inventing the Modern: Untold Stories of the Women Who Shaped The Museum of Modern Art (2024), a revelatory account of the museum's early years. Before joining MoMA in 2003, Temkin was the Muriel and Philip Berman Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a doctorate in the history of art from Yale University.
Recipient of the Archives of American Art Award for Philanthropic Leadership
Established and endowed by Helen Frankenthaler during her lifetime, the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in, and understanding of, the visual arts through a range of philanthropic, educational, curatorial and research initiatives. Since becoming active in 2013, the foundation's philanthropic practice has awarded more than $65 million in grants to museums, universities and arts organizations, from multiyear initiatives to rapid-response support in moments of crisis.
The foundation supports exhibitions and publications broadly focused on modern and contemporary art; sustains fellowships and educational programs in art history, studio practice and curatorial training; and collaborates with peer funders and national arts organizations on initiatives that strengthen the field. Alongside this work, the foundation has expanded its program of gifts and loans of Frankenthaler's work to cultural institutions worldwide. As the primary resource on the artist, it stewards an extensive collection of her artwork and archives while making these resources available to scholars, students, artists and the greater public.
Presenters and Guests
Distinguished curator and scholar Ruth Fine and past recipient of the Lawrence A. Fleischman Award for Scholarly Excellence in the Field of American Art History will present the award to Puryear; businesswoman and collector Pamela J. Joyner will present the award to Temkin; and Lisa Phillips, director emeritus at the New Museum, will present the award to the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation.
Also in attendance that evening will be Ronald Lauder, Jo Carole Lauder and Eden Rafshoon of the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies; Lise Motherwell, director and chair of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation; Barbara Castelli, president of Castelli Gallery; artists Kiki Smith and Clifford Ross; and others.
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About the Gala
The Archives of American Art's annual gala, launched in 1984, recognizes those who exemplify, at the highest level, lasting contributions to the field of American art. Past honorees include Alex Katz, Adam D. Weinberg, Senga Nengudi, Richard Tuttle, Ann Philbin, Chuck Close, the Ford Foundation, Agnes Gund, the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, Glenn Ligon, Richard J Powell, Lowery Stokes Sims and Alice L. Walton.
Amanda Quinn Olivar and Migs Wright serve as co-chairs of the gala committee, which also includes fellow members of the Archives of American Art's advisory board Hannah Byers, Yng-Ru Chen, Torrey Cope, Diane A. Fogg and George Frederick Mead Merck.
Proceeds from this signature annual fundraising event provide support for the Archives' critically important and singular mission.
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About the Archives of American Art
The Archives of American Art, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, is the world's largest resource dedicated to collecting, preserving, and making accessible primary sources documenting the history of the visual arts in the United States. Since its founding in 1954, the Archives of American Art has collected over 30 million items that enliven the extraordinary human stories behind America's art and artists.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/martin-puryear-ann-temkin-and-helen-frankenthaler-foundation-announced
IDB Program to Strengthen Sanitation and Protect Water Resources in Panama
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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New IDB Program to Strengthen Sanitation and Protect Water Resources in Panama
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $95 million investment loan to improve environmental conditions in the Panama Metropolitan Area and the Districts of Arraijan and La Chorrera, while supporting the implementation of Panama's Sustainable Financing Framework.
The program will directly benefit approximately 310,000 people through expanded access to sanitation services.
The
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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New IDB Program to Strengthen Sanitation and Protect Water Resources in Panama
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $95 million investment loan to improve environmental conditions in the Panama Metropolitan Area and the Districts of Arraijan and La Chorrera, while supporting the implementation of Panama's Sustainable Financing Framework.
The program will directly benefit approximately 310,000 people through expanded access to sanitation services.
Theoperation will support a series of initiatives in Panama Bay and the Metropolitan Area, including:
* Rehabilitation of the Amador sanitary sewerage system;
* Design and construction of sanitation infrastructure in areas surrounding Condado del Rey;
* Design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Caimito wastewater treatment plant and the Dos Lineas facilities (Phase 1); and
* Complementary works to promote the reuse of by-products from the Juan Diaz wastewater treatment plant.
The project will also continue supporting the design and construction of the Matansillo River main interceptor, as well as project management, technical assistance, and supervision for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment system serving West Arraijan and La Chorrera.
In addition, the funds will finance the upgrading of the Interactive Environmental Education Center and provide training to the Panama Sanitation Program Coordinating Unit (UCPSP) in contract management and risk management focused on the design of climate-resilient sanitation projects.
The area's overall population will benefit indirectly from improved watercourses, while the UCPSP will strengthen its institutional capacity in project management, risk management, and environmental sustainability.
This is the first individual operation under a $210 million Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP), which aims to help improve sanitary and environmental conditions in the provinces of Panama and West Panama.
The $95 million loan has an 18-year repayment term, a 6.5-year grace period, an interest rate based on SOFR, and a local counterpart contribution of $172.4 million.
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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 IDB 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 growth and well-being in 26 countries.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/new-idb-program-strengthen-sanitation-and-protect-water-resources-panama
IDB Approves $500 Million Budget Support for Ecuador to Strengthen Macroeconomic Stability
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Approves $500 Million Budget Support for Ecuador to Strengthen Macroeconomic Stability
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $500 million Special Development Loan (SDL) for Ecuador to help the country advance reforms and measures that promote macroeconomic stability.
The operation, part of an IMF-led package of international support, will allow the country to proceed with structural reforms to improve its fiscal sustainability while protecting
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Approves $500 Million Budget Support for Ecuador to Strengthen Macroeconomic Stability
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $500 million Special Development Loan (SDL) for Ecuador to help the country advance reforms and measures that promote macroeconomic stability.
The operation, part of an IMF-led package of international support, will allow the country to proceed with structural reforms to improve its fiscal sustainability while protectingfinancing for social programs that benefit poor and vulnerable segments of the population. Additionally, the loan will allow the country to bolster its dollar currency reserves, promoting the stability of its money market.
The IDB's Special Development Loan is for a period of seven years, a grace period of three years and an interest rate based on SOFR.
This operation is part of the IDB Group's broader support for Ecuador's Growth Agenda. In July, IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn, announced $7.5 billion in support from the institution to accompany Ecuador's development over the next five years.
This financial package could reach up to $10.5 billion, depending on the evolution of enabling conditions for investment and implementation. The IDB Group comprises the IDB, IDB Invest and IDB Lab.
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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 growth 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-approves-500-million-budget-support-ecuador-strengthen-macroeconomic-stability
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Announces Appointment of New President and Chief Executive Officer
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Announces Appointment of New President and Chief Executive Officer
The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) of Des Moines announced today that its board of directors has appointed Wil W. Osborn as president and chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2026.
Mr. Osborn currently serves as the FHLBank of Des Moines' chief business officer. Prior to joining the FHLBank of Des Moines in 2020, he served as senior vice president and chief
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release on Sept. 3, 2026:
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Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Announces Appointment of New President and Chief Executive Officer
The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) of Des Moines announced today that its board of directors has appointed Wil W. Osborn as president and chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2026.
Mr. Osborn currently serves as the FHLBank of Des Moines' chief business officer. Prior to joining the FHLBank of Des Moines in 2020, he served as senior vice president and chieffinancial officer of the FHLBank of Topeka, a position he held since 2010.
Mr. Osborn also served in various investment management and performance measurement roles in the banking and credit union industry.
For additional information, see the FHLBank of Des Moines' Form 8-K filing on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website, www.sec.gov.
Created by Congress in 1932, the FHLBanks have served as a vital source of liquidity to their members throughout the economic cycles, supporting housing finance and community development across the United States. Please contact Tom Heinle at (703) 467-3646 or theinle@fhlb-of.com for additional information.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlb-of.com/news/federal-home-loan-bank-of-des-moines-announces-appointment-of-new-president-and-chief-executive-officer/
EPA and Army Seek Additional Input on Proposed Waters of the U.S. Definition While Advancing Toward Durable Final Rule
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA and Army Seek Additional Input on Proposed Waters of the U.S. Definition While Advancing Toward Durable Final Rule
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to gather public input on additional regulatory language for defining "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) to be considered alongside the 2025 proposed rule. This action reflects the agencies' commitment to radical transparency
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA and Army Seek Additional Input on Proposed Waters of the U.S. Definition While Advancing Toward Durable Final Rule
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to gather public input on additional regulatory language for defining "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) to be considered alongside the 2025 proposed rule. This action reflects the agencies' commitment to radical transparencyand to developing a durable, final WOTUS definition that adheres to the Supreme Court's direction in Sackett v. EPA, cuts bureaucratic red tape, and protects water quality while recognizing that states and Tribes are best positioned to manage their own water resources.
The supplemental proposed rule will help EPA and Army evaluate a wider range of options as they work toward a final rule that fully implements the Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett. Once finalized, the rule will provide greater predictability for landowners, farmers, ranchers, energy producers, the technology sector, developers, and small businesses while protecting water quality in coordination with states and Tribes. While WOTUS determines where federal permits are required for certain activities, waters that fall outside federal jurisdiction remain subject to regulation under state, Tribal, and local law, consistent with the framework of cooperative federalism that underlies the Clean Water Act.
"The EPA's goal is a durable WOTUS definition that follows the law and ends burdensome regulatory uncertainty," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Today's action reflects our continued commitment to transparency and public input, ensuring we have fully considered a wide range of potential policy options. We look forward to public feedback on this supplemental notice, which will help strengthen the real-world expertise behind the final rule."
"Under President Trump's leadership and the Army's 'Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork' initiative, we are overhauling sclerotic government overreach to remove friction from our economy," said Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. "The Supreme Court's Sackett decision delivered the certainty our nation has been seeking for decades, and today we are taking one more step to ensure our regulations adhere to that decision. We have worked alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to ensure we develop a rule that faithfully adheres to Sackett and provides an even more straightforward articulation of federal jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. All Americans, including landowners, farmers, sportsmen, conservationists, and businesses, deserve the opportunity to further shape this rule, which will enable them to carry out their version of the American Dream free from improper bureaucratic interference. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stands ready to implement this rule once final, using technology like never before, to give Americans answers from their government at Trump Speed."
Public engagement has been central to this rulemaking process. Prior to issuing the 2025 proposed rule, the agencies opened a public recommendations docketExit EPA's website, hosted listening sessions, and conducted pre-proposal consultations with Tribes, states, and local governments and their member associations. EPA and Army also gathered input on the proposed rule through three public meetings and a 45-day public comment period that closed on January 5 and generated over 220,000 comments from a wide range of stakeholders.
This supplemental proposal offers an additional opportunity for public engagement on a limited number of new regulatory alternatives, to be considered alongside those in the 2025 proposed rule. The agencies will closely consider stakeholder perspectives without foreclosing any options from the initial proposal or predetermining the outcome of the final rule.
Once the supplemental proposal is published in the Federal Register, the agencies will accept public comments for 30 days.
Please see additional information on Waters of the United States.
Background
The definition of WOTUS establishes the scope of waters covered under Clean Water Act regulatory programs. The rule would also play a key role in EPA's Powering the Great American Comeback initiative by protecting water resources; strengthening cooperative federalism; and supporting landowners, farmers, ranchers, energy producers, the technology sector, developers, and small businesses.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-and-army-seek-additional-input-proposed-waters-us-definition-while-advancing
