Federal Regulatory Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal regulatory agencies
Featured Stories
SEC Charges Texas Startup and Former CEO In Connection With Alleged Fraud in $4.2 Million Stock Offering
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 3:26-cv-00547-N; N.D. Tex. filed Feb. 19, 2026):
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Securities and Exchange Commission v. C-Hear, Inc., et al., No. 3:26-cv-00547-N (N.D. Tex. filed Feb. 19, 2026)
On February 19, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Texas-based C-Hear, Inc. and its former CEO, Adena Harmon, with securities fraud, alleging that they made misleading statements that misrepresented C-Hear's technology and concealed Harmon's past criminal convictions. Harmon was also charged for allegedly
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 3:26-cv-00547-N; N.D. Tex. filed Feb. 19, 2026):
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Securities and Exchange Commission v. C-Hear, Inc., et al., No. 3:26-cv-00547-N (N.D. Tex. filed Feb. 19, 2026)
On February 19, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission charged Texas-based C-Hear, Inc. and its former CEO, Adena Harmon, with securities fraud, alleging that they made misleading statements that misrepresented C-Hear's technology and concealed Harmon's past criminal convictions. Harmon was also charged for allegedlymaking misrepresentations to investors in another company she controlled, Elite Performance Data Labs, LLC, and misappropriating investor funds in both C-Hear and Elite Performance.
According to the SEC's complaint, between January 2019 and October 2023, C-Hear raised more than $4.2 million from at least 48 investors who purchased C-Hear stock. The complaint alleges that, during the offering, Harmon and other C-Hear representatives made materially misleading statements and omissions to investors by falsely claiming that C-Hear's primary software product was in trials with third parties and that the federal government had tried and was unable to hack into one of C-Hear's products, and failing to disclose that Harmon had been convicted of numerous financial crimes, including theft by check. Harmon is also alleged to have opened two bank accounts in C-Hear's name without notifying the company, directed three investors to deposit their investment funds into these unauthorized accounts, and misappropriated approximately $641,000 of such funds for her personal benefit, including to pay personal expenses like shopping and to satisfy her outstanding criminal restitution order.
Separately, Harmon allegedly made misrepresentations to investors about Elite Performance's business dealings, including falsely claiming that the Dallas Cowboys had placed a multimillion-dollar order for Elite Performance's products. The complaint alleges Harmon misappropriated nearly all of the $405,000 raised from Elite Performance investors.
The SEC's complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, charges Harmon with violating Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and charges C-Hear with violating Section 17(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5(b) thereunder. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions and civil penalties against Harmon and C-Hear, and disgorgement with prejudgment interest and conduct based injunctions against Harmon.
The SEC's investigation was conducted by Melanie Good of the SEC's Fort Worth Regional Office and supervised by Jaime Marinaro. The litigation will be led by Tyson Lies and supervised by Keefe Bernstein.
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Resources
* SEC Complaint (https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/complaints/2026/comp26486.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26486
FEC Issues Digest for Week of Feb. 16-20, 2026
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest:
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Commission meetings and hearings
No open meetings or executive sessions were scheduled this week.
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Litigation
Bernegger v. FEC (Case No. 26-106) On February 6, Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Giffords v. FEC (Case No. 25-5188) On February 19, Plaintiff-Appellee Giffords filed a Brief and the Commission filed a Brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest:
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Commission meetings and hearings
No open meetings or executive sessions were scheduled this week.
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Litigation
Bernegger v. FEC (Case No. 26-106) On February 6, Plaintiff filed a First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Giffords v. FEC (Case No. 25-5188) On February 19, Plaintiff-Appellee Giffords filed a Brief and the Commission filed a Brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
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Reports Due in 2026
The Commission has posted the 2026 Congressional Pre-Election Reporting Dates. Reporting schedules for all filers in 2026 are also available.
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Outreach
On February 17-18, the Commission hosted a webinar for candidate committees.
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Election Dates
The Commission has posted a list of 2026 Congressional Primary Dates.
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Employment opportunities
The Commission is accepting applications for the position of Attorney-Adviser in the Office of General Counsel. This vacancy announcement is a standing register, open continuously for one year. The next cut-off date is February 23, 2026. Future cut-off dates are at the hiring manager's discretion.
The Commission is accepting applications for the position of IT Specialist (APPSW/ENTARCH) in the Office of the Chief Information Officer through March 4, 2026.
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Upcoming educational opportunities
March 3-4, 2026: The Commission is scheduled to host a webinar for political party committees.
March 18, 2026: The Commission is scheduled to host a webinar for Nonconnected PACs.
March 25, 2026: The Commission is scheduled to host a FECFile webinar for PACs and party committees.
April 1, 2026: The Commission is scheduled to host a FECFile webinar for candidate committees.
For more information on upcoming training opportunities, see the Commission's Trainings page.
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Upcoming reporting due dates
February 20: February Monthly Reports are due. For more information, see the 2026 Monthly Reporting schedules.
The Commission has posted filing information regarding the Georgia 14th District Special General Election, scheduled for March 10, 2026, and Special Runoff Election (if necessary), scheduled for April 7, 2026.
The Commission has posted filing information regarding the New Jersey 11th District Special General Election, scheduled for April 16, 2026.
The Commission has posted filing information regarding the California 1st District Special General Election, scheduled for June 2, 2026, and Special Runoff Election (if necessary), scheduled for August 4, 2026.
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Additional research materials
Contribution Limits: In addition to the current limits, the Commission has posted an archive of contribution limits that were in effect going back to the 1975-1976 election cycles.
Federal election results are available. The data was compiled from the official vote totals published by state election offices.
FEC Notify: Want to be notified by email when campaign finance reports are received by the agency? Sign up here.
The Combined Federal State Disclosure and Election Directory is available. This publication identifies the federal and state agencies responsible for the disclosure of campaign finances, lobbying, personal finances, public financing, candidates on the ballot, election results, spending on state initiatives, and other financial filings.
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund Tax Checkoff Chart provides information on balance of the Fund, monthly deposits into the Fund reported by the Department of the Treasury, payments from the Fund as certified by the FEC, and participation rates of taxpayers as reported by the Internal Revenue Service. For more information on the Presidential Public Funding Program, see the Public Funding of Presidential Elections page.
The FEC Record is available as a continuously updated online news source.
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Original text here: https://www.fec.gov/updates/week-of-february-16-20-2026/
FCC: Chairman Carr Announces Pledge America Campaign
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Chairman Carr Announces Pledge America Campaign
Urges Broadcasters to Air Patriotic, Pro-America Programming in Support of America's 250th Birthday
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Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr established the Pledge America Campaign.
This year, we celebrate an historic milestone in our country's history. On July 4, 2026, we will mark 250 years of American independence. In recognition, President Donald J. Trump established the Salute to America 250 Task Force ("Task Force 250"). The
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Chairman Carr Announces Pledge America Campaign
Urges Broadcasters to Air Patriotic, Pro-America Programming in Support of America's 250th Birthday
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Today, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr established the Pledge America Campaign.
This year, we celebrate an historic milestone in our country's history. On July 4, 2026, we will mark 250 years of American independence. In recognition, President Donald J. Trump established the Salute to America 250 Task Force ("Task Force 250"). TheWhite House notes:
Under the President's leadership, Task Force 250 has commenced the planning of a full year of festivities to officially launch on Memorial Day, 2025 and continue through July 4, 2026.
The White House is engaging and encouraging the entire federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, non-profit and educational institutions, and every citizen across this country to join in this historic celebration.
Task Force 250 invites citizens to have a renewed love of American history, experience the beauty of our country, and ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation that will raise our nation to new heights over the next 250 years.
Chairman Carr is heeding this call by establishing the Pledge America Campaign in support of this historic initiative. Consistent with their longstanding public interest obligations, America's broadcasters play a key role in educating, informing, and entertaining viewers and listeners all across America, and they are particularly well suited to air programming that is responsive to the needs and interests of their local communities. The Pledge America Campaign enables broadcasters to lend their voices in support of Task Force 250 and the celebration of America's 250th birthday by airing patriotic, pro-America content that celebrates the American journey and inspires its citizens by highlighting the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today.
Chairman Brendan Carr issued the following statement:
"On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That revolutionary document set forth our founding principles--including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness--and put America on a collision course with destiny. Over the following centuries, the American story has defined modern history and spread freedom, opportunity, and prosperity across the globe. As America's 250th anniversary approaches, it is important to reflect on the ideals and events that have defined our past while keeping an eye towards our country's bright future.
"The White House is leading our national celebration of this historic event with the Salute to America 250 Task Force, which calls on the federal government, among others, to mark this momentous occasion. As part of this effort, I am calling on broadcasters to pledge to provide programming that promotes civic education, national pride, and our shared history.
"This type of programming is more relevant than ever, as surveys show that civics education is in rapid decline. And classic programming such as Schoolhouse Rock! is now only found in online archives. Broadcasters are uniquely positioned to help address these concerning developments by providing programming that celebrates the remarkable story of American Independence while also tailoring it to the specific needs of their local communities, in furtherance of their public interest obligations.
"That is why I am inviting broadcasters to pledge to air programming in their local markets in support of this historic national, non-partisan celebration. As an example, this could include:
* Running PSAs, short segments, or full specials specifically promoting civic education, inspiring local stories, and American history.
* Including segments during regular news programming that highlight local sites that are significant to American and regional history, such as National Park Service sites.
* Starting each broadcast day with the "Star Spangled Banner" or Pledge of Allegiance.
* Airing music by America's greatest composers, such as John Philip Sousa, Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, or George Gershwin.
* Providing daily "Today in American History" announcements highlighting significant events that took place on that day in history.
* Partnering with community organizations and other groups that are already working hard to bring America's stories of unity, perseverance, and triumph to light.
"I believe in the greatness of our country. And I look forward to broadcasters showcasing its inspiring history by taking the Pledge and fulfilling their public interest mandate to serve the needs and interests of their local communities as America's 250th birthday celebration marches on."
Additional information: Broadcasters can voluntarily choose to indicate their commitment to the Pledge America Campaign and highlight their ongoing and relevant programming to their viewing and listening audiences.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-418890A1.pdf
Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma to Pay $90,000 in EEOC Pregnancy and Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
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Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma to Pay $90,000 in EEOC Pregnancy and Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
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Medical practice settles federal lawsuit charging medical assistant was denied reasonable accommodations during high-risk pregnancy
OKLAHOMA CITY - Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma, Inc., a medical practice that operates five clinics employing two dozen physicians in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, will pay $90,000 and furnish other relief to settle a pregnancy and disability discrimination
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
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Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma to Pay $90,000 in EEOC Pregnancy and Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
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Medical practice settles federal lawsuit charging medical assistant was denied reasonable accommodations during high-risk pregnancy
OKLAHOMA CITY - Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma, Inc., a medical practice that operates five clinics employing two dozen physicians in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, will pay $90,000 and furnish other relief to settle a pregnancy and disability discriminationlawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today.
According to the EEOC's suit, in 2023, Urologic Specialists denied reasonable accommodations to a medical assistant at its Tulsa facility during the final trimester of her high-risk pregnancy. Rather than allow the medical assistant to sit, take short breaks, or work part-time, as recommended by her doctor to protect her health and safety, the medical practice forced her to take unpaid leave, refused to guarantee her job when she returned to work following the birth of her child, and refused to guarantee that it would provide breaks for her to express breast milk. When the assistant stated she could not return to work without those guaranteed breaks, Urologic Specialists fired her.
"Federal law provides robust protections for pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace," said Andrea G. Baran, regional attorney for the EEOC's St. Louis District. "Employers must follow the law, train their supervisors, and ensure that they provide required accommodations to women who are pregnant or have pregnancy-related disabilities."
Such alleged conduct violates the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Americas with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibit pregnancy and disability discrimination. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma, Inc., Case No. 24-cv-00452-JFJ) in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.
"The EEOC vigorously protects pregnant women in the workplace," said David S. Davis, district director of the EEOC's St. Louis District Office. "The EEOC is committed to ensuring that expectant and new mothers will not be denied equal employment opportunities because of pregnancy."
In addition to the required monetary relief, the four-year consent decree settling the suit obligates Urologic Specialists to designate personnel tasked with ensuring compliance with the PWFA and ADA going forward, adopt strong policies and procedures for the provision of reasonable accommodations for pregnant or disabled employees, and train supervisors and other employees. The decree also requires Urologic Specialists to adopt and use a system to track and maintain all requests for pregnancy or disability accommodations, post a notice to employees about their federal right to be free from pregnancy and disability discrimination, and report periodically to the EEOC.
Joshua C. Stockton, lead EEOC trial attorney, said, "The PWFA's requirements are simple and fair. The policies and procedures required by this decree are a model that all employers should follow to ensure that pregnant women are never forced to choose between their jobs and their health and safety."
For more information about pregnancy discrimination, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/pregnancy-discrimination.
The EEOC's St. Louis District Office has jurisdiction over Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and a portion of southern Illinois, with area offices in Kansas City, Kansas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government's employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/urologic-specialists-oklahoma-pay-90000-eeoc-pregnancy-and-disability-discrimination
SEC Charges Brothers in North Texas in Connection With Alleged Real Estate Offering Fraud
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 1:26-cv-00067; E.D. Tex. filed Feb. 18, 2026):
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Securities and Exchange Commission v. Saumil Thakkar, Poorvesh Thakkar, PASMAA GP Investment Fund Manager, LLC, and Perfect Group Holdings, LLC, No. 1:26-cv-00067 (E.D. Tex. filed Feb. 18, 2026)
On February 18, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed charges against Texas residents and brothers Saumil Thakkar and Poorvesh Thakkar, and two companies they control, for allegedly conducting a real estate offering fraud.
The SEC's
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release (No. 1:26-cv-00067; E.D. Tex. filed Feb. 18, 2026):
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Securities and Exchange Commission v. Saumil Thakkar, Poorvesh Thakkar, PASMAA GP Investment Fund Manager, LLC, and Perfect Group Holdings, LLC, No. 1:26-cv-00067 (E.D. Tex. filed Feb. 18, 2026)
On February 18, 2026, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed charges against Texas residents and brothers Saumil Thakkar and Poorvesh Thakkar, and two companies they control, for allegedly conducting a real estate offering fraud.
The SEC'scomplaint alleges that S. Thakkar and P. Thakkar fraudulently raised more than $12 million for a real estate investment-focused private fund. The Thakkars controlled both the fund's manager, PASMAA GP Investment Fund Manager, LLC, and the fund's sponsor, Perfect Group Holdings, LLC. As alleged in the complaint, the defendants made several misrepresentations in the fund's written offering materials, emails sent to prospective investors, and in verbal investment solicitations. The alleged misrepresentations concerned key aspects of the Fund's real estate investments, including, among other things, understated project costs, a large asset claimed to be under contract, and property under development that was purportedly pre-leased. The complaint further alleges the defendants misrepresented how much money the Thakkar family invested in the fund and failed to disclose related-party agreements, rendering statements in the fund's private placement memorandum misleading.
The SEC's complaint, filed in the Eastern District of Texas, charges the Thakkars, PASMAA, and Perfect Group with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5(b) thereunder. The complaint also charges the Thakkars and PASMAA with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions against all defendants, disgorgement with prejudgment interest against the Thakkars and PASMAA, civil penalties against Saumil Thakkar and PASMAA, and conduct-based injunctions against the Thakkars, barring them from participating in the issuance, purchase, offer, or sale of any security, except for purchases or sales of securities for their own personal accounts.
The SEC's investigation was conducted by Christopher Reynolds and Melvin Warren, and supervised by Nikolay Vydashenko and Jaime Marinaro, all of the SEC's Fort Worth Regional Office. The litigation will be led by Matthew Gulde and supervised by Keefe Bernstein.
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Resources
* SEC Complaint (https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/complaints/2026/comp26483.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26483
FCC Seeks Comment on NCE FM Translator Applications for 2026 Window
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Seeks Comment on NCE FM Translator Applications for 2026 Window
STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN BRENDAN CARR
Re: FCC Seeks Comment on Proposed Application Limit for New Noncommercial Educational Reserved Band FM Translator Station Applications in Upcoming 2026 Window, MB Docket No. 26-20, Public Notice (February 18, 2026)
Today, we take steps to launch the first-ever filing window for FM translator stations in the band reserved for noncommercial radio service. The FM translator
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following statement by Chairman Brendan Carr:
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FCC Seeks Comment on NCE FM Translator Applications for 2026 Window
STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN BRENDAN CARR
Re: FCC Seeks Comment on Proposed Application Limit for New Noncommercial Educational Reserved Band FM Translator Station Applications in Upcoming 2026 Window, MB Docket No. 26-20, Public Notice (February 18, 2026)
Today, we take steps to launch the first-ever filing window for FM translator stations in the band reserved for noncommercial radio service. The FM translatorservice was created over 50 years ago, but this window will mark the first opportunity for noncommercial FM, LPFM, and AM stations to obtain new FM translator stations. This will particularly benefit educational broadcasters, to allow them to extend the programming their stations provide to the public and reach remote, rural, and underserved communities.
Today, we seek comment on how to tailor this upcoming window. We explore eligibility requirements and application limits to prevent gamesmanship and preserve the airwaves for future local and community focused services. I look forward to seeing the positive results of this unique window and the continued growth of noncommercial service in the FM band.
For their great work on this item, I'd like to thank Jim Bradshaw, Joseph Cohen, Lisa Scanlan, Al Shuldiner, Joe Price, Erin Boone, and Amy Van de Kerckhove from the Media Bureau.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-10A2.pdf
CPSC Issues Recall Alert Involving Joly's 80% Vinegar
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Name of Product: Joly's 80% Vinegar (32 oz, pack of two)
Hazard: The recalled vinegar product violates the precautionary labeling requirements under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) because the hazardous substance lacks required warning labels and first-aid treatment instructions. This poses a deadly risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed and a serious injury from chemical burns to the skin and eyes if improperly handled.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: February
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the following recall alert on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Name of Product: Joly's 80% Vinegar (32 oz, pack of two)
Hazard: The recalled vinegar product violates the precautionary labeling requirements under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) because the hazardous substance lacks required warning labels and first-aid treatment instructions. This poses a deadly risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed and a serious injury from chemical burns to the skin and eyes if improperly handled.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: February19, 2026
Units: About 450
Consumer Contact
Joly's at 240-412-8720 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email at jolysllc@gmail.com.
Recall Details
Description: This recall involves Joly's 80% Vinegar (32-ounce, pack of two). The vinegar comes in a white capped transparent bottle with an orange and red label with white lettering that has "Joly's" brand, "80% Vinegar" and "Dilutes to 5 Gallons". There are no other markings on the container.
Remedy: Consumers should move the vinegar products out of sight and reach of children immediately and contact Joly's to receive a full refund and disposal instructions. Consumers will be asked to send an email to jolysllc@gmail.com with a photo of the recalled product in its original packaging and "RECALLED" printed on the container.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Sold Online At: Amazon.com from May 2025 through November 2025 for about $23.
Manufacturer(s): Joly's LLC, of Orlando, Florida
Retailer: Joly's LLC, dba Josie'Store, of Orlando, Florida
Manufactured In: United States
Recall number: 26-273
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Original text here: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Jolys-Recalls-80-Vinegar-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Poisoning-and-Chemical-Burns-Violates-FHSA-Labeling-Requirements
