Featured Stories
Small Businesses Now Eligible for $10 Million in SBA Financing
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Small Businesses Now Eligible for $10 Million in SBA Financing
New SBA Policy Allows Borrowers to Combine 7(a) and 504 Loans to Double Available Capital
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Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced that SBA borrowers may now combine their 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, an increase from the previous cumulative loan limit of $5 million. The policy change, which went into effect on July 4, expands
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Small Businesses Now Eligible for $10 Million in SBA Financing
New SBA Policy Allows Borrowers to Combine 7(a) and 504 Loans to Double Available Capital
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Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced that SBA borrowers may now combine their 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, an increase from the previous cumulative loan limit of $5 million. The policy change, which went into effect on July 4, expandsthe capital available to small businesses across all industries by raising the SBA's maximum financing offering to the highest level in agency history.
"Under President Donald J. Trump, new business formation is surging and manufacturing is returning to America -- which means small businesses are seeking more capital to hire, expand, and meet rising demand," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "SBA's loan limits have not been raised for more than a decade, creating a gap in funding for small businesses that are growing. By doubling the cumulative 7(a) and 504 loan limit to $10 million, the Trump SBA is unlocking the largest financing opportunity in agency history and giving job creators the flexibility they need to grow. In a booming manufacturing economy, that means more investment in American communities, more jobs for American workers, and more momentum for our Made in America comeback."
Under the new policy, qualified borrowers who secure a 7(a) loan first may access up to $5 million through the 7(a) loan program and up to $5 million through the 504 loan program, for a combined total of $10 million in SBA-backed financing. By decoupling 7(a) loan balances from the 504 program, the SBA is giving capital-intensive small businesses greater flexibility to pair long-term financing for real estate and equipment with working capital to support operations and expansion.
Small manufacturers, which can secure an unlimited number of 504 loans as long as each loan is tied to a distinct project, are also now eligible to apply for $5 million through the 7(a) loan program. For these job creators, the rule will provide necessary financing to increase production, hire workers, and meet rising demand driven by President Trump's fair trade agenda.
These actions build on the Trump Administration's commitment to supporting growth across the small business economy, which is already in expansion mode thanks to the Working Family Tax Cuts, fair trade, and historic deregulation. New business formations have averaged 509,000 per month in 2026 and the economy has added over 500,000 new jobs in the last four months.
Under the leadership of Administrator Loeffler, the SBA has introduced numerous programs and rule changes to deliver additional capital across key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, housing, energy, and transportation.
This year, the agency waived loan fees for manufacturing NAICS codes and established the first-ever loan program dedicated to American manufacturers.
The agency also announced a new 90% Made in America Loan Guarantee for small manufacturers, as well as a 90% Grocery Guarantee for small businesses across the food supply chain.
The agency continues to promote existing programs such as the asset-based 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) Program, which also offers homebuilders project-based lines of credit up to $5 million.
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About the 7(a) Loan Program
The 7(a) loan program is SBA's flagship program, a public-private partnership which offers government-guaranteed loans to help small businesses finance equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, working capital (including revolving credit lines), and business expansion.
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About the 504 Loan Program
The 504 loan program provides long-term, fixed rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation. 504 loans are available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA's community-based nonprofit partners who promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by the SBA.
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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://www.sba.gov/article/2026/07/07/small-businesses-now-eligible-10-million-sba-financing
EPA Begins Hazardous Waste Cleanup at Former Peninsular Gas Co. Site in Calumet, Michigan
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Begins Hazardous Waste Cleanup at Former Peninsular Gas Co. Site in Calumet, Michigan
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CHICAGO (July 8, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin cleaning up hazardous coal tar waste at the former Peninsular Gas Co. site at 55996 Lake Linden Ave. in Calumet, Michigan.
Crews will excavate soil, debris, and underground remnants of a manufactured gas plant formerly located at the site. EPA expects to remove and dispose of approximately 3,000 tons of contaminated
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Begins Hazardous Waste Cleanup at Former Peninsular Gas Co. Site in Calumet, Michigan
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CHICAGO (July 8, 2026) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will begin cleaning up hazardous coal tar waste at the former Peninsular Gas Co. site at 55996 Lake Linden Ave. in Calumet, Michigan.
Crews will excavate soil, debris, and underground remnants of a manufactured gas plant formerly located at the site. EPA expects to remove and dispose of approximately 3,000 tons of contaminatedmaterial by the end of summer.
During cleanup, residents may notice increased activity at the site, including heavy machinery and workers wearing protective equipment. Crews will work with minimal disruption to the community while meeting strict environmental and safety standards. EPA will conduct air monitoring for the duration of the cleanup.
In the early 1900s, the site was home to a facility that produced coal gas for lighting and heating. Before the Peninsular Gas Co. converted the site to a propane gas distribution facility in the 1940s, waste was discharged into a ditch south of the site and was carried through residential areas and wetlands into nearby Hammel Creek. The property is currently used by a local utility for equipment storage.
EPA and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy began investigating the site in the 1990s. By 2008, EPA, EGLE, and Peninsular Gas had removed more than 8,200 tons of contaminated soil and sediment from the offsite areas and installed a barrier to contain the remaining coal tar onsite. At the time, ongoing distribution of natural gas prevented further excavation, but since then, operations have ceased and the above-ground infrastructure has been removed.
More information is available at EPA's website for this cleanup.
Follow EPA Region 5 on Instagram Exit EPA's website, X Exit EPA's website and visit our Facebook Exit EPA's website page. For more information about EPA Region 5, visit our website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-begins-hazardous-waste-cleanup-former-peninsular-gas-co-site-calumet-michigan
EPA Announces $3.6 Million in Funding for Small Businesses Developing Innovative Environmental Technologies
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces $3.6 Million in Funding for Small Businesses Developing Innovative Environmental Technologies
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WASHINGTON - This week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 million in funding to nine U.S. small businesses to further develop and commercialize environmental technologies through EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. EPA is one of 11 federal agencies participating in the SBIR program, a competitive, award-based initiative that helps small businesses
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Announces $3.6 Million in Funding for Small Businesses Developing Innovative Environmental Technologies
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WASHINGTON - This week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3.6 million in funding to nine U.S. small businesses to further develop and commercialize environmental technologies through EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. EPA is one of 11 federal agencies participating in the SBIR program, a competitive, award-based initiative that helps small businessesexplore technological solutions with the goal of bringing successful innovations to market. These Phase II awards will support solutions to complex environmental challenges, including monitoring water quality, addressing PFAS contamination, reducing indoor air toxins and pathogens, enhancing recycling systems, and developing safer chemicals.
"Congratulations to these small businesses for their dedication to driving innovation and tackling today's environmental challenges. Their groundbreaking ideas not only address critical needs but also pave the way for a healthier planet and a stronger, more sustainable economy," said Teresa Booeshaghi, Associate Administrator for EPA's Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES).
For more than 40 years, EPA's SBIR program has funded small businesses to develop environmental technologies and bring them to market. Funding is awarded in phases: in Phase I, EPA provides $100,000 over six months to support "proof of concept" for the proposed technology. Small businesses that complete a Phase I award can then compete for a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize the technology -with the potential for up to $100,000 in additional matching funds if the recipient secures an equivalent third-party investment during the project period.
The following businesses are receiving SBIR Phase II awards:
* Page Technologies, Boulder, CO, to develop a real-time, low-cost nitrate sensor platform for water quality monitoring.
* AxNano, Inc, Greensboro, NC, to develop a technology to treat and reclaim PFAS-impacted biosolids.
* ENF Products, LLC, Edmond, OK, to develop a nanofiber filter to capture indoor air toxins and pathogens.
* EcoaTEX, LLC*, Athens, GA, to transform agricultural waste into high-performance, PFAS-free, and degradable fibers and yarns.
* Green Options, PBC, dba Bold Reuse*, Portland, OR, to develop a Circular Inventory Platform to reduce plastic waste in hospitals.
* Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply, SPC*, Sebastopol, CA, to scale reclaimed lumber sales and procurement through web, AI, and application-based technologies.
* Acadian Research & Development, LLC, Laramie, WY, to develop biochar-derived graphene products that provide increased concrete strength and sustainability.
* KLAW Industries, LLC, Binghamton, NY, to develop a low embodied carbon alternative for stabilization and full-depth reclamation utilizing waste glass.
* Prospect Growth, Inc*, Newton, MA, to optimize and commercialize a nanoparticle phosphorus fertilizer.
*First SBIR Phase II Award
Learn more about EPA's SBIR program.
Learn more about the federal SBIR Program. Exit EPA's website
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-announces-36-million-funding-small-businesses-developing-innovative-environmental
Social Security IG: Department of the Treasury Reclamations
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 062409) on June 26, 2026 entitled "Department of the Treasury Reclamations."
Here is the memorandum:
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MEMORANDUM
Date: June 26, 2026
Refer To: 062409
To: Frank Bisignano, Commissioner
From: Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant
Subject: Department of the Treasury Reclamations
The attached final evaluation report presents the Office of Audit's results of the subject engagement. The objective was to determine whether the
... Show Full Article
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Social Security Administration Inspector General issued an audit report (No. 062409) on June 26, 2026 entitled "Department of the Treasury Reclamations."
Here is the memorandum:
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MEMORANDUM
Date: June 26, 2026
Refer To: 062409
To: Frank Bisignano, Commissioner
From: Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant
Subject: Department of the Treasury Reclamations
The attached final evaluation report presents the Office of Audit's results of the subject engagement. The objective was to determine whether theSocial Security Administration used the Department of the Treasury's reclamation process to recover payments it issued to deceased beneficiaries. We are not making formal recommendations for corrective action, and the Agency can act in response to this information as it deems appropriate.
If you wish to discuss the final report, please call me or have your staff contact Jeffrey Brown, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audit.
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The report is posted at: https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/062409.pdf
Postal Service IG: Virginia District: Delivery Operations in the Norfolk and Lynchburg Areas
WASHINGTON, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 26-044-R26) on June 25, 2026 entitled "Virginia District: Delivery Operations in the Norfolk and Lynchburg Areas."
Here are excerpts:
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During the week of February 9, 2026, we performed a self-initiated audit at the Norfolk Local Processing Center (LPC), three delivery units serviced by the plant, and a fourth delivery unit in the Virginia District. The delivery units included the Norfolk Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC) and Lynchburg, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach Main Post Offices
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 26-044-R26) on June 25, 2026 entitled "Virginia District: Delivery Operations in the Norfolk and Lynchburg Areas."
Here are excerpts:
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During the week of February 9, 2026, we performed a self-initiated audit at the Norfolk Local Processing Center (LPC), three delivery units serviced by the plant, and a fourth delivery unit in the Virginia District. The delivery units included the Norfolk Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC) and Lynchburg, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach Main Post Offices(MPO).
We issued individual reports for the four delivery units and the LPC. We will also issue another report summarizing the results of our audits at all four delivery units with specific recommendations for management to address.
The audit team identified deficiencies in seven areas we reviewed affecting mail delivery and property conditions at the delivery units.
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View the original text at: https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/virginia-district-delivery-operations-norfolk-and-lynchburg-areas
Postal Service IG: Origin-Destination Information System: Revenue, Pieces, and Weight
WASHINGTON, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 25-114-R26) on June 22, 2026 entitled "Origin-Destination Information System: Revenue, Pieces, and Weight."
Here are excerpts:
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Background
Origin-Destination Information System: Revenue, Pieces, and Weight (ODIS-RPW) is the U.S. Postal Service's primary statistical sampling program used to assist in estimating the national revenue, volume, and weight for mail and parcels by category and class on a quarterly and annual basis. The Postal Service uses ODIS-RPW data to plan and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (No. 25-114-R26) on June 22, 2026 entitled "Origin-Destination Information System: Revenue, Pieces, and Weight."
Here are excerpts:
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Background
Origin-Destination Information System: Revenue, Pieces, and Weight (ODIS-RPW) is the U.S. Postal Service's primary statistical sampling program used to assist in estimating the national revenue, volume, and weight for mail and parcels by category and class on a quarterly and annual basis. The Postal Service uses ODIS-RPW data to plan andbudget; forecast volume, workloads, and overall productivity; conduct management studies; design processing facilities and equipment; and develop rate-setting proposals. The Postal Service has handbooks, guides, and other documentation that establish the policies and procedures to ensure consistent and accurate collection of ODIS-RPW data.
The ODIS-RPW sampling process is divided into two stages. In the first stage, a statistical sample is selected from mail and parcels leaving the postal system on a specific day at defined exit points. In the second stage, data collectors conduct ODIS-RPW tests for selected exit points as either a digital or on-site test.
What We Did
Our objective was to determine whether the Postal Service conducted ODIS-RPW statistical tests in accordance with established policies and procedures. We reviewed 50 digital tests and seven on-site tests, as well as interviewed Postal Service management to gain an understanding of the ODIS-RPW process.
What We Found
We found data collectors generally recorded most mailpiece data correctly during ODIS-RPW tests conducted during fiscal year 2026 quarter (Q)1 and Q2, though we found some exceptions. We identified opportunities to use emerging technology and make changes to the existing systems used to conduct tests to reduce exceptions. In addition, we found testing facility records were not always updated timely by the Postal Service prior to sample selection.
Recommendations and Management's Comments
We made three recommendations to address the issues identified in the report. Postal Service management agreed with the recommendations, and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) considers management's comments responsive. Management's comments and our evaluation are at the end of each finding and recommendation.
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View the original text at: https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/origin-destination-information-system-revenue-pieces-and-weight
Amtrak Kicks Off New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Kicks Off New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study
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Amtrak and its state and federal partners are progressing the New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study, which will develop strategies to preserve and increase the frequency, speed, reliability, and resiliency of commuter and intercity passenger rail between both cities, guided by a robust community engagement effort.
About the study: The study's overall aim is to address long-term needs and goals for mobility, economic
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 7 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak Kicks Off New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study
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Amtrak and its state and federal partners are progressing the New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study, which will develop strategies to preserve and increase the frequency, speed, reliability, and resiliency of commuter and intercity passenger rail between both cities, guided by a robust community engagement effort.
About the study: The study's overall aim is to address long-term needs and goals for mobility, economicprosperity, and quality of life in communities along this important corridor, while being mindful of critical historical, environmental, and cultural resource concerns. Key study activities include:
* Conducting a robust and inclusive public outreach effort to understand the needs of local communities;
* Identifying and evaluating new potential rail alignment alternatives and/or improvements to existing rail lines;
* Completing initial work necessary to define the capital investment needed in this section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC);
* Creating a final report, which will summarize the results of the study and identify next steps.
What this study is: This study is an opportunity to understand the needs of local communities and identify and evaluate new potential rail alignment alternatives and/or improvements to existing rail lines.
What this Study is Not: This study is not using NEC FUTURE as a starting point. This study does not have a preconceived preferred alternative alignment or set of improvements. This study is not a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review, nor does it include an environmental permitting process. The potential implementation of any infrastructure improvements identified through this study process will be subject to additional planning, design, and environmental permitting activities executed through separate projects in the future.
Stay engaged: As part of public engagement for the study, a website and e-mail address were created for local residents and stakeholders to contact the team to ask questions about the study, submit project feedback, inquire about public meetings, sign-up for periodic updates on the study, and more. The study partners have also published an Outreach and Engagement Plan on the new website. A first step in that plan will be attending a variety of community events in the study area over the summer to initiate engagement with the public.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/07/amtrak-kicks-off-new-haven-to-providence-capacity-planning-study/
