Featured Stories
USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year Reviews Concerning Vertical Shaft Engines From China
WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release on July 28, 2026:
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USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Vertical Shaft Engines from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on vertical shaft engines from China would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the existing orders on
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WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The U.S. International Trade Commission issued the following news release on July 28, 2026:
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USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Vertical Shaft Engines from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on vertical shaft engines from China would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission's affirmative determinations, the existing orders onimports of this product from China will remain in place.
Chairman Brett W. Doyle and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel voted in the affirmative.
Today's action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission's public report, Vertical Shaft Engines from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-637 and 731-TA-1471 (Review), USITC Publication 5771, August 2026), will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available on the USITC website (https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library) by September 3, 2026.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission's institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally, within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC's notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission's prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Vertical Shaft Engines from China were instituted on February 2, 2026.
On May 8, 2026, the Commission determined to conduct expedited five-year reviews. Commissioners David S. Johanson, Jason E. Kearns, and Amy A. Karpel concluded that the domestic interested party group responses were adequate and the respondent interested party group responses were inadequate, and voted for expedited reviews. Chairman Brett W. Doyle did not participate in the adequacy votes.
A record of the Commission's vote to conduct expedited reviews is available on the investigations page for Vertical Shaft Engines from China; Inv. No. 701-TA-637 and 731-TA-1471 (Review).
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Original text here: https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2026/er0728_68983.htm
FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Produced Advanced Robotic Devices and Power Inverters
WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 28, 2026:
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FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Produced Advanced Robotic Devices and Power Inverters
Update Follows Determinations by Executive Branch Agencies That These Devices Threaten National Security
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Today, the Federal Communications Commission updated its Covered List to include two new categories of devices--"advanced robotic devices" (defined as mobile robots, such as humanoids and quadrupeds) and, separately, connected power inverters produced in foreign countries.
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WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 28, 2026:
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FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Produced Advanced Robotic Devices and Power Inverters
Update Follows Determinations by Executive Branch Agencies That These Devices Threaten National Security
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Today, the Federal Communications Commission updated its Covered List to include two new categories of devices--"advanced robotic devices" (defined as mobile robots, such as humanoids and quadrupeds) and, separately, connected power inverters produced in foreign countries.The action follows determinations, for both robots and inverters, by a White House-convened Executive Branch interagency body with appropriate national security expertise, which determined that these foreign-made products, regardless of the nationality of origin, "pose unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States or the safety and security of United States persons."
In their determinations, national security agencies referenced, among other things, unacceptable risks, including that these devices could create supply chain vulnerabilities that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security and could create a cybersecurity risk that threatened American critical infrastructure.
The determination included an exemption for advanced robotics devices and power inverters that the Department of War (DoW) or (in the case of power inverters) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have granted "Conditional Approval" after finding that such device or class of devices do not pose such unacceptable risks. Producers of advanced robotics devices and power inverters are encouraged to submit an application for Conditional Approval using the guidance for advanced robotics devices and power inverters attached to the determination. Applications should be submitted to conditional-approvals@fcc.gov.
As outlined below, today's action does not impact a consumer's continued use of devices they previously acquired. Nor does it prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market relevant models approved previously through the FCC's equipment authorization process. By operation of the FCC's Covered List rules, the restrictions imposed today apply to new device models. It also does not impact purchase or use by the federal government at all.
Chairman Carr issued the following statement:
"I welcome these Executive Branch national security determinations, and I am pleased that the FCC has now added foreign produced advanced robotics and power inverters to the FCC's Covered List. Following President Trump's leadership, the FCC will continue to do our part to secure America's critical supply chains and, with today's action, the FCC is acting in lock step with our national security agencies to do just that."
Additional Background:
* The FCC's Covered List is a list of communications equipment and services that are deemed t- pose an unacceptable risk t- the national security of the U.S. or the safety and security of U.S. persons.
* Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, the Commission can update the Covered List only at the direction of national security authorities. In other words, the Commission cannot update this list on its own and is required t- implement determinations that are made by our national security agency experts.
* Equipment on the Covered List ("covered equipment") is prohibited from getting FCC equipment authorization. Most electronic devices require FCC equipment authorization prior to importation, marketing, or sale in the U.S. Covered equipment is banned from receiving new equipment authorizations, preventing new devices from entering the U.S. market.
* The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency encourages organizations to use the Covered List for risk management analysis in their regulatory compliance efforts.
* In recent months, the FCC has taken similar action with regard to both Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and UAS critical components, as well as consumer-grade routers.
The National Security Determinations:
* The foreign-produced power inverter National Security Determination states:
- "The lack of a secure U.S. supply chain for inverters and the continuous inflow of foreign-produced or controlled inverters and inverter components poses threats to U.S. economic and national security . . . Inverters' remote connectivity introduces additional vulnerabilities which compound as inverter-based resources proliferate on the U.S. grid. These vulnerabilities could enable foreign firms to turn off the inverters or use them to collect and exfiltrate data, facilitate remote access and surveillance by foreign government actors, or be otherwise exploited through a cyberattack."
- As a result of the threats described in the National Security Determination, the Executive Branch interagency body determined that power inverters produced in a foreign country pose the following unacceptable risks to the United States: (1) "facilitating a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt U.S. economic security, including sectors critical to national security"; and (2) "creat[ing] a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure and the safety of U.S. persons."
* The foreign-produced advanced robotic devices National Security Determination states:
- "The networked capabilities of advanced robotic systems create extensive vulnerabilities and vectors for attacks that can manipulate the data and physical operation of the advanced robotic system. Relying on foreign-produced advanced robotic devices presents unacceptable supply chain and cybersecurity vulnerabilities . . . Advanced robotic devices collect data that could be leveraged by malign actors to surveil Americans, enhance the capabilities of foreign intelligence services, or to remotely commandeer the robots."
- As a result of the threats described in the National Security Determination, the Executive Branch interagency body determined that advanced robotic devices produced in foreign countries presented the following unacceptable risks: (1) "posing a supply chain vulnerability that could disrupt U.S. economic and national security"; and (2) "creating a cybersecurity risk that threatens the security of critical infrastructure and thus the safety and security of U.S. persons."
What does this mean?
* New foreign-produced advanced robotic devices and power inverters are generally prohibited from receiving FCC authorization to be imported, marketed, or sold in the U.S. This update to the Covered List does not prohibit the import, sale, or use of any existing models of advanced robotic device and power inverters the FCC previously authorized.
* This action does not affect any previously purchased devices.
* This action does not affect sales to, or use by, the federal government or federal agencies.
* Producers of advanced robotic devices and power inverters that receive Conditional Approval from DoW or DHS can continue to receive FCC equipment authorizations. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit applications to conditional-approvals@fcc.gov.
For more information, please see our FAQ page.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-423682A1.pdf
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Deputy Director Paoletta Issues Remarks at Meeting of Financial Literacy & Education Commission
WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued the following remarks on July 27, 2026, by Deputy Director Mark Paoletta at a public meeting of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission:
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Good afternoon. I want to thank Secretary Bessent and the staff of the Treasury Department for convening this meeting, and for their leadership on digital financial literacy.
Under the superb leadership of Acting Director Vought, the CFPB is advancing the Trump Administration's expansive efforts to improve financial literacy and increase early access to financial empowerment opportunities.
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WASHINGTON, July 29 -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued the following remarks on July 27, 2026, by Deputy Director Mark Paoletta at a public meeting of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission:
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Good afternoon. I want to thank Secretary Bessent and the staff of the Treasury Department for convening this meeting, and for their leadership on digital financial literacy.
Under the superb leadership of Acting Director Vought, the CFPB is advancing the Trump Administration's expansive efforts to improve financial literacy and increase early access to financial empowerment opportunities.These efforts will help American families and strengthen the overall economy.
Unlike the Biden administration's former CFPB Director, Rohit Chopra, this administration does not view financial education as "harmful." Although difficult to believe, that's how Chopra described financial education before this very body in 2022. Chopra lectured this Commission, devoted to Financial Education, that such education can make "individuals worse off."
Chopra even claimed that financial education gives consumers "a deep sense of shame, reducing engagement, and creating reluctance to find a path to a more stable financial situation."
While Chopra claimed that there is some worthwhile financial education out there, it was only going to be provided on Chopra's own terms, and limited ones at that, as our citizens are not to be trusted to get financially literate on their own. Rather, they must listen only to us.
Chopra's whole focus was on scaring consumers to only listen to what Big Government said is trustworthy, and his approach to financial literacy was yet another manifestation of the Biden administration's view of our countrymen - just as with Covid, one should not have been doing any independent research or thinking.
We have seen this playbook before, much like the disreputable Anthony Fauci telling Americans that they are too ill-informed and dumb to do their own research and make their own informed choices during COVID.
Instead of educating and empowering consumers to make their own informed financial decisions, Director Chopra devoted the CFPB's resources only after consumers suffered financial harm. What does that mean? He did not invest in financial education nor allowed his staff to do meaningful work educating consumers - and staff confirmed to me that Director Chopra had little interest in doing that. Instead, he hired 100 new enforcement attorneys to harass and destroy businesses that served consumers.
I suppose enforcement actions demanding extortionate penalties garner more headlines than consumers making informed and educated choices in their daily lives that align with their families' needs and values and that help consumers avoid being exploited by predatory businesses.
Needless to say, an argument that consumer education is harmful is disgraceful and anti-American. It only shows contempt for hard-working Americans, who struggled with affordability due to misguided policies implemented during the Biden-Chopra era.
Nor is Chopra's view supported by our statutory mandate to educate and empower consumers. I urge you to read former Director Chopra's shameful remarks in their entirety as this is Marxism at work that President Trump has been battling.
Today, the Vought-led CFPB works to be a source of unbiased, objective information consumers can trust. Our financial education products have been accessed over 11 million times, and we are exploring additional data-driven approaches for the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to optimize access and delivery of CFPB educational resources.
The CFPB is continuing to develop targeted educational materials about fraud and scams and other topics that are important to Americans. We are working to reach critical groups such as servicemembers, veterans, older Americans, and young adults, who would benefit the most by increased access to financial literacy resources.
Our Financial Literacy Report published in May of this year, which is available to the public on our website, explains the many initiatives we have undertaken in these areas.
Our research has found that people are more likely to absorb and use information if it is connected to a decision that matters to them, at the time they can put it to use.
President Trump's superb leadership in restoring the American Dream is exemplified by his recent launch of Trump Accounts, which will help young Americans grow wealth and are a wonderful opportunity to promote financial literacy.
Trump Accounts provide an opportunity for kids to learn about investing and watch their money grow over time. To support teachers, parents, and communities, CFPB has begun to develop resources related to Trump Accounts to teach how investing early is a wise strategy for reaching financial goals, to build children's financial skills, and to bolster the long-term success of Trump Accounts.
CFPB is committed to helping our administration promote financial education literacy and identify opportunities for all Americans so they can have access to accurate and unbiased information. We believe in American consumers to educate themselves and to be empowered to make the right choices for their families. This is the American spirit! This is President Trump's America!
It is an honor to work for President Trump, who has done more than any other President to restore the American Dream and to bring financial opportunities to Americans. And it is a pleasure to work alongside Acting Director Vought and Secretary Bessent, and our colleagues across the administration who are here today to help implement President Trump's America First agenda.
Thank you.
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Original text here: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/deputy-director-mark-paolettas-remarks-to-the-financial-literacy-and-education-commission/
Sutter Roseville Medical Center Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Charge for $200,000
WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
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Sutter Roseville Medical Center Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Charge for $200,000
Healthcare provider resolves federal investigation into firing of a nurse after failing to provide a reasonable accommodation for her disability
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ROSEVILLE, Calif. -Sutter Roseville Medical Center, part of the Sutter Health network of hospitals, clinics and specialty care facilities, agreed to provide $200,000 in back pay and compensatory damages along with other injunctive relief to resolve a
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WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
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Sutter Roseville Medical Center Settles EEOC Disability Discrimination Charge for $200,000
Healthcare provider resolves federal investigation into firing of a nurse after failing to provide a reasonable accommodation for her disability
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ROSEVILLE, Calif. -Sutter Roseville Medical Center, part of the Sutter Health network of hospitals, clinics and specialty care facilities, agreed to provide $200,000 in back pay and compensatory damages along with other injunctive relief to resolve adisability discrimination investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today.
According to the EEOC, in April 2023, a staff nurse formerly employed by Sutter Roseville filed a charge of discrimination with the EEOC alleging that she had been discharged after her managers refused to provide her with a reasonable accommodation for her disability.
The EEOC conducted an investigation and found evidence confirming that rather than provide her with the reasonable accommodation of a lateral reassignment to an open position, Sutter Roseville refused to consider any accommodation, and instead terminated her because of her disability.
"Reasonable accommodations, including 'last resort' accommodations such as reassignment to another vacant position, are required by law to be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities," said Christopher Green, director of the EEOC's San Francisco District. "While I am pleased that Sutter Roseville agreed to this resolution, it is disappointing to see yet another instance of an employer failing to meet its obligations under federal disability law."
The alleged conduct violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, absent undue hardship.
Following the investigation, the parties engaged in the EEOC's pre-litigation conciliation process, resulting in a settlement requiring Sutter Roseville to provide $200,000 in back pay and compensatory damages to the former employee. Additionally, the medical center will be required to provide extensive ADA training to human resources staff, post a notice concerning equal employment opportunity rights, and submit periodic compliance reports to EEOC for the next two years.
For more information on disability discrimination in the workplace, including reasonable accommodations, visit https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc-disability-related-resources.
The EEOC's San Francisco District Office has jurisdiction over Northern California, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana.
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/sutter-roseville-medical-center-settles-eeoc-disability-discrimination-charge-200000
FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Issues Public Notice: Ex Parte Status of Certain Communications Related to Development of Initial Upper C-Band FSS Transition Cost Catalog Proposal
WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued the following public notice (Docket No. GN Docket No. 25-59):
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The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau), pursuant to section 1.1200(a) of the Commission's rules,/1 hereby modifies the Commission's ex parte rules to treat as exempt non-policy discussions between vendors and other Upper C-band stakeholders and the Commission's contractor Teltrium, Inc. (Teltrium) for purposes of developing an initial proposed Cost Catalog as directed by the Upper C-band R&O./2 The Upper C-band R&O
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WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued the following public notice (Docket No. GN Docket No. 25-59):
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The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau), pursuant to section 1.1200(a) of the Commission's rules,/1 hereby modifies the Commission's ex parte rules to treat as exempt non-policy discussions between vendors and other Upper C-band stakeholders and the Commission's contractor Teltrium, Inc. (Teltrium) for purposes of developing an initial proposed Cost Catalog as directed by the Upper C-band R&O./2 The Upper C-band R&Opromulgates rules to make 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless use in the contiguous United States by transitioning existing operations out of the 4.0-4.16 GHz portion of the band./3 The Commission required new Upper C-band licensees to reimburse specific categories of eligible Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) incumbents for the reasonable and necessary costs of transitioning their services out of 4.0-4.16 GHz./4 The Commission delegated to the Bureau broad authority to develop a Cost Catalog to provide guidance to eligible FSS incumbents as well as potential auction bidders about a range of presumptively reasonable transition costs./5 The Cost Catalog will also detail the process and relevant categories for incumbent earth station operators seeking a lump sum payment by choosing to opt out of the formal transition or otherwise transition to an alternative distribution technology./6
The Commission directed the Bureau to seek public comment on a proposed FSS transition Cost Catalog, and to then finalize the Cost Catalog no later than six months after the Upper C-band R&O is released./7 To that end, the Bureau has engaged Teltrium to consult and assist with the Cost Catalog's development. In order to develop an initial proposal on which the Bureau will seek public comment, Teltrium may hold targeted confidential meetings with vendors and other relevant stakeholders to gain background information on the expected range of specific costs that could be incurred in this transition which may involve commercially sensitive cost data. These informational meetings with the Commission's contractor are consistent with past Commission practice in developing initial drafts of other cost catalogs./8 Teltrium will conduct an independent analysis of the information that it obtains from its confidential meetings in order to prepare an initial draft of the proposed Cost Catalog for consideration by Bureau staff, who will remain the ultimate decision makers pursuant to their delegated authority in the Upper C-band R&O. It is not anticipated that these discussions will include any discussions of or advocacy related to the merits of policy actions pending before the Commission. Further, once an initial draft Cost Catalog is released for public comment, all stakeholder communications Teltrium undertakes from that point forward will be subject to the Commission's ex parte rules.
The Bureau finds that modifying the applicable ex parte rules to exempt such non-policy discussions between Upper C-band stakeholders and Teltrium under these conditions will serve the public interest. The Bureau emphasizes, however, that any discussion or advocacy directly related to policy matters should be directed to Bureau staff and will remain subject to the notice and disclosure requirements of the Commission's ex parte rules.
Accordingly, by this Public Notice, pursuant to section 1.1200(a) of the Commission's rules,/9 the Bureau modifies the applicability of the Commission's ex parte rules to treat as exempt presentations non-policy discussions between Upper C-band stakeholders and Teltrium related to the development of an initial proposed Cost Catalog./10 This exemption will expire, and the notice and disclosure requirements of the Commission's ex parte rules will apply, to all presentations to Teltrium upon release of the initial draft Cost Catalog for public comment. From that point forward, and in all other respects, this proceeding is subject to the Commission's requirements for "permit but disclose" proceedings under section 1.1206./11 We further emphasize that only information that is placed in the record may be relied upon in any decision by the Bureau in this proceeding.
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Footnotes:
1/ 47 CFR Sec. 1.1200(a).
2/ See generally Upper C-band (3.98-4.2 GHz), Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band, GN Docket Nos. 25-59 and 18-122, Report and Order, Order of Proposed Modification, and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 2646 (July 24, 2026) (Upper C-band R&O).
3/ The full Upper C-band includes 3.98-4.2 GHz; new terrestrial wireless licensees in the 3.7 GHz Service will operate from 3.98-4.14 GHz, with a guard band from 4.14-4.16 GHz. Upper C-band R&O at 3-4, 13, paras. 3, 27.
4/ See id. at 43-44, 57, paras. 90, 114. The Upper C-band R&O defines the eligible space station operators and incumbent earth station operators that may be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary transition costs. See id. at 44-47, paras. 92-95.
5/ See id. at 60, 77, paras. 121, 154.
6/ See id. at 63-64, 77, paras. 126, 154.
7/ See id. at 77, para. 154.
8/ See, e.g., Notice Concerning Ex Parte Status of Communications with Respect to the 3.7 GHz Band Transition Relocation Coordinator and Relocation Payment Clearinghouse, GN Docket Nos. 20-305 and 18-122, IB Docket No. 20-205, Public Notice, 35 FCC Rcd 13025 (WTB 2020); Media Bureau Seeks Comment on Widelity Report and Catalog of Potential Expenses and Estimated Costs, GN Docket No. 12-268, Public Notice, 29 FCC Rcd 2989 (MB 2014).
9/ 47 CFR Sec. 1.1200(a).
10/ See id. Sec. 1.1204(a) (providing that exempt presentations are not subject to, inter alia, the notice and disclosure requirements of permit-but-disclose proceedings).
11/ Id. Sec. 1.1206.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-783A1.pdf
FCC Blocks Lifeline Provider From Enrolling Any New Customers
WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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FCC Blocks Lifeline Provider From Enrolling Any New Customers
Company Apparently Violated Numerous Program Integrity Rules
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Today, the Federal Communications Commission notified IM Telecom, one of the nation's largest recipients of federal Lifeline subsidies, that it will no longer be permitted to enroll new Lifeline subscribers. The FCC has taken this action to ensure the integrity of the Lifeline program, which is paid for by an assessment that appears on Americans' monthly
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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FCC Blocks Lifeline Provider From Enrolling Any New Customers
Company Apparently Violated Numerous Program Integrity Rules
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Today, the Federal Communications Commission notified IM Telecom, one of the nation's largest recipients of federal Lifeline subsidies, that it will no longer be permitted to enroll new Lifeline subscribers. The FCC has taken this action to ensure the integrity of the Lifeline program, which is paid for by an assessment that appears on Americans' monthlyphone bills, after apparently repeated failures by IM Telecom to correct improper and potentially unlawful behaviors in the program.
IM Telecom has received more than $262 million in federal Lifeline funds since 2024 based on the representation that IM Telecom provides phone and Internet services to qualifying low-income Americans. Based on evidence the FCC currently has before it, IM Telecom apparently violated its Lifeline compliance plan and the agency's Lifeline rules, including by ostensibly:
* Transferring thousands of former subscribers back to IM Telecom without their consent after they decided to switch providers
* Creating a payment scheme to evade the FCC's non-usage rules, which ensure that legitimate customers are actually using the federally subsidized service
* Failing to obtain affirmative consent from subscribers before enrolling or transferring them to IM Telecom
* Changing corporate control without obtaining required federal approvals
* Using bots to evade limits previously imposed on IM Telecom's suspicious application, enrollment, and customer transfer activity
While the FCC considers potential additional actions beyond barring new enrollments, IM Telecom is required to work with the FCC and USAC in efforts to enable existing and legitimate customers of IM Telecom to switch to another provider of Lifeline service.
The relevant FCC rules and regulations are all critical controls that ensure Lifeline subsidies support services that lawful, eligible Lifeline subscribers want and use. The Commission is not alone in its concerns about IM Telecom.
* This month, federal agents executed search warrants on multiple individuals associated with IM Telecom.
* Multiple states have taken action as well. California and Oregon have both issued cease-and-desist letters limiting IM Telecom's ability to operate in those states based on concerning activity.
Chairman Brendan Carr issued the following statement:
"Each year, Americans contribute more than $8 billion to support the FCC's Universal Service Programs, including Lifeline. The FCC must ensure that every dollar collected and disbursed goes towards helping lawful, qualifying Americans. The FCC is taking immediate action today to block IM Telecom from enrolling new customers while we examine additional potential actions. Today's step helps protect the program and makes clear that abuse and evasion of program rules will not be tolerated. Existing and legitimate IM Telecom customers can switch to another Lifeline provider."
Additional Background Information:
IM Telecom will be required to provide USAC with written information as required by the Commission's rules to allow USAC to perform subscriber updates and de-enrollments in the Lifeline program's National Lifeline Accountability Database for the relevant subscribers. IM Telecom is expected to fully comply with all Commission rules, including facilitating number porting requests from its Lifeline subscribers seeking to transfer their phone numbers and benefits to another provider.
Under FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the Commission has cracked down on fraud in the Lifeline program. In February, the Commission announced that it had launched investigations into possible violations of program rules. The Commission has also proposed new program reforms that are designed to ensure that the Lifeline program is efficient, transparent, and accountable--while continuing to support Americans who rely on it.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-423649A1.pdf
EEOC Wins $105,000 Jury Verdict Against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals in Sex Discrimination Suit
WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
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EEOC Wins $105,000 Jury Verdict Against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals in Sex Discrimination Suit
Jury finds Bentonville hospital discriminated against male employee because of his sex and awards damages
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Northwest Arkansas Hospitals, LLC will pay more than $100,000 in compensatory and punitive damages to a former male employee after a jury found in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in a sex discrimination lawsuit, the federal agency announced
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WASHINGTON, July 28 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
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EEOC Wins $105,000 Jury Verdict Against Northwest Arkansas Hospitals in Sex Discrimination Suit
Jury finds Bentonville hospital discriminated against male employee because of his sex and awards damages
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Northwest Arkansas Hospitals, LLC will pay more than $100,000 in compensatory and punitive damages to a former male employee after a jury found in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in a sex discrimination lawsuit, the federal agency announcedtoday.
According to the EEOC's lawsuit, Northwest Arkansas Hospitals, LLC, doing business as Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville, violated federal law when it allowed two doctors to subject a male surgical technician to discrimination because of his sex.
The EEOC presented evidence at trial showing that in 2022, two female obstetricians in the labor and delivery unit prohibited a surgical technician from performing a majority of the job duties for which he was hired, because he is male. Although numerous complaints about the discrimination were escalated as high as the CEO, the hospital failed to follow its own anti-discrimination policies and refused to end the discrimination. At trial, a former company director testified that the surgical technician was a victim of the hospital's culture of discrimination. In 2022, the hospital was owned by Community Health Systems, Inc., based in Franklin, Tennessee.
"Federal law affords all workers, male and female, the right to work in a discrimination-free environment," said Faye Williams, regional attorney for the EEOC's Memphis District. "The EEOC will continue to fight against sex discrimination in American workplaces."
Such conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex discrimination. The EEOC sued in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, Fayetteville Division, (EEOC v. Northwest Arkansas Hospitals, LLC, Case No. 5:24-cv-5195) after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.
Delner Franklin-Thomas, director of the EEOC's Memphis District, said, "Employees should be judged only on their ability to do their job. The EEOC is dedicated to defending American workers against sex-based discrimination."
On July 24, after a five-day trial, the jury returned a verdict for the EEOC, awarding compensatory damages of $5,000 plus $100,000 in punitive damages to the surgical technician. In light of the successful verdict, EEOC plans to petition the court for injunctive relief, including requiring the hospital to conduct training to prevent future sex discrimination, and will submit a bill of costs to be paid by the defendant.
For more information on sex-based discrimination, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sex-based-discrimination.
The EEOC's Memphis District Office has jurisdiction over Arkansas, Tennessee, and 17 counties in Northern Mississippi.
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/eeoc-wins-105000-jury-verdict-against-northwest-arkansas-hospitals-sex-discrimination-suit
