Featured Stories
USGS Releases Software Guide for Modeling Volcano and Fault Deformation
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Geological Survey issued Techniques and Methods 13-B3, 'dMODELS, a MATLAB Software Package for Modeling Crustal Deformation near Volcanic Centers and Active Faults Using Global Navigation Satellite System Data--User Guide,' by Maurizio Battaglia, Deja Celestine and D. Sarah Stamps. Prepared in cooperation with Virginia Tech, the 72-page guide explains how researchers and monitoring agencies can use the open-source dMODELS package to interpret ground deformation around volcanoes and faults using GNSS data. The guide was issued in 2026.
dMODELS is designed
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Geological Survey issued Techniques and Methods 13-B3, 'dMODELS, a MATLAB Software Package for Modeling Crustal Deformation near Volcanic Centers and Active Faults Using Global Navigation Satellite System Data--User Guide,' by Maurizio Battaglia, Deja Celestine and D. Sarah Stamps. Prepared in cooperation with Virginia Tech, the 72-page guide explains how researchers and monitoring agencies can use the open-source dMODELS package to interpret ground deformation around volcanoes and faults using GNSS data. The guide was issued in 2026.
dMODELS is designedto help users model how Earth's crust changes shape during volcanic unrest and earthquakes. It uses Global Navigation Satellite System measurements, including GPS data, to estimate the position, depth and volume change of underground magma reservoirs or the movement of fault surfaces.
The software is intended for monitoring, research, teaching and publication work. It can analyze GNSS data, interferometric synthetic aperture radar data and tilt measurements, though the guide focuses primarily on GNSS inversions. The package runs in MATLAB or through compiled versions using the free MATLAB Compiler Runtime on Windows and Linux systems.
"dMODELS is an open-source MATLAB environment designed primarily to model and interpret crustal deformation associated with volcanic activity and active fault systems," the report states. The software uses simplified deformation models that represent underground sources as idealized shapes, allowing users to compare predicted ground movement with observed measurements.
For volcanic settings, dMODELS includes models of pressurized spherical magma chambers, prolate spheroidal reservoirs, horizontal sill or "penny-crack" sources, and tensile dislocations that can represent opening dikes. For earthquake settings, it can model normal, reverse and strike-slip faults using rectangular dislocation geometry.
The guide emphasizes that these are kinematic models. They estimate the deformation associated with a source but do not simulate the full physical processes that create pressure changes in magma reservoirs. The models assume that Earth's crust is homogeneous, elastic, isotropic and represented as a flat half-space. As a result, they are useful for locating and characterizing deformation sources, but cannot determine total magma-reservoir volume or the detailed properties of fluids within a reservoir.
The package uses weighted least-squares inversion combined with randomized searches to identify the source parameters that best fit observed ground-deformation data. The software can estimate features such as a source's horizontal location, depth, pressure-related volume change, geometry, dip, strike and fault displacement.
The guide includes three detailed case studies. The first examines the early unrest that preceded Augustine Volcano's 2006 eruption in Alaska. Users are shown how to prepare GNSS data, convert coordinates, obtain a digital elevation model, produce deformation-vector maps and compare models for a sphere, spheroid, sill and opening dike.
The Augustine example also demonstrates topographic correction for a spherical source and uncertainty estimation for model parameters. The software's authors compare their analytical results with finite-element models to verify that the code accurately reproduces expected deformation patterns.
The second case study examines the 1998-2000 unrest at Taal Volcano in the Philippines. It covers both a 1999 deflation phase and a 2000 inflation phase. The guide shows how users can create a digital elevation model from multiple source files, prepare GNSS datasets and test different magma-source geometries.
The third case study applies dMODELS to the coseismic displacement from the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake in Italy. The example uses GNSS station data to model a normal-fault dislocation and compare the inferred fault parameters with results from prior scientific work.
The report also provides practical guidance on formatting data files, choosing coordinate systems and creating maps. The software accepts geographic latitude and longitude, Universal Transverse Mercator coordinates or local Cartesian coordinates. It includes utilities for converting among coordinate systems, creating KML files for viewing data in Google Earth Pro, generating contour maps and topographic profiles from digital elevation models, performing F-tests and estimating parameter uncertainty.
The tool includes a "CreateKML" utility for mapping GNSS stations and deformation vectors in Google Earth Pro. Other utilities convert latitude-longitude coordinates into local Cartesian coordinates, transform UTM coordinates, read digital elevation model files and create plots of observed deformation vectors before an inversion is run.
The guide warns users that modeled source shapes are mathematical approximations rather than literal images of underground magma chambers or faults. A spherical or sill-like best-fit source does not prove that the physical source underground has exactly that geometry. Instead, the model provides a compact representation of the stress and strain changes needed to explain observed surface movement.
The report says dMODELS can be used beyond volcano monitoring, including studies of tectonic deformation, active faults and earthquake-related ground displacement. By offering a free, documented modeling framework with tested examples, the USGS aims to make deformation analysis more accessible to volcano observatories, researchers, students and emergency-monitoring programs.
-- Moira Sirois, Targeted News Service
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View full text here: https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/13/b3/tm13B3.pdf
[Category: USGS]
Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and Tuskegee National Historic Sites Welcome New Superintendent
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service issued the following news release:
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Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and Tuskegee National Historic Sites Welcome New Superintendent
September 22, 2026
HAYNEVILLE, Ala. -- The National Park Service has selected Robert Stewart as the new superintendent of Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site and Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Stewart began his new role on Sept. 20.
Over his 18 years with the NPS, Stewart has held interpretation and superintendent
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service issued the following news release:
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Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail and Tuskegee National Historic Sites Welcome New Superintendent
September 22, 2026
HAYNEVILLE, Ala. -- The National Park Service has selected Robert Stewart as the new superintendent of Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site and Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Stewart began his new role on Sept. 20.
Over his 18 years with the NPS, Stewart has held interpretation and superintendentroles in parks in Ohio, Maryland, Alabama and Mississippi. His first permanent NPS position was at the Tuskegee and Selma sites. Stewart returns to Alabama from Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Church Creek, Maryland, where he served as the superintendent.
"It is an honor to return to the Selma and Tuskegee sites to serve the community," said Superintendent Robert Stewart. "Every day in the NPS is an opportunity to motivate, help and guide others. My focus will be on accurate interpretation, proactive maintenance of our sites and partnering with local, regional and national communities."
Stewart is widely recognized for his leadership, collaborative spirit and deep commitment to public service. He has a proven record of strengthening programs that connect visitors to nationally significant landscapes and stories, while supporting the long-term care of historic structures and park resources. His ability to work closely with gateway communities, local organizations and regional partners has advanced numerous collaborative projects that enhance public understanding and support park operations.
Stewart holds a master's degree in human services administration with a concentration in special education from the collaborative University of Baltimore and Coppin State University program, as well as a Bachelor of Science in history and secondary education from Coppin State University. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he began his NPS journey through the Student Temporary Employee Program while completing his undergraduate studies. He later served the NPS through the Student Career Employee Program. nps.gov
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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.nps.gov/semo/learn/news/2026-09-22-new-supt.htm
Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a Meeting With Shield of the Americas Heads of State and Foreign Ministers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release:
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a Meeting with Shield of the Americas Heads of State and Foreign Ministers
Remarks
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
UN Headquarters
New York City, New York
September 22, 2026
SECRETARY RUBIO: Sorry to be a few minutes late, but don't - (Via interpretation) I think everyone speaks Spanish, except a few, here, right? So I'll mix it up.
(In English) I'll do it in Spanglish. Is that good? (Laughter.) Bueno. Primera, muchas gracias.
Thank you all for being here, and
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release:
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a Meeting with Shield of the Americas Heads of State and Foreign Ministers
Remarks
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
UN Headquarters
New York City, New York
September 22, 2026
SECRETARY RUBIO: Sorry to be a few minutes late, but don't - (Via interpretation) I think everyone speaks Spanish, except a few, here, right? So I'll mix it up.
(In English) I'll do it in Spanglish. Is that good? (Laughter.) Bueno. Primera, muchas gracias.
Thank you all for being here, andI apologize for a few minutes of being delayed. We had a meeting we just wrapped up. The President will join us soon. But obviously this is an initiative the President is very proud of and very committed to. I think one of the most exciting developments in our region over the last couple years has been the emergence of strong leaders who are committed to the challenge of taking on transnational terrorism, which is an enormous threat to all of us.
These are groups that unlike in the past were simply drug cartels that were involved in illicit activity. These groups today are sophisticated. In many cases they rival the state in terms of the resources available to them, be they financial or military or even in intelligence gathering. And the key part is that they are transnational. They cross - they don't recognize borders and they operate in multiple countries and in connection and coordination with one another. And so the enemies of peace are going to coordinate, then so too those of us who have an obligation to protect our people and the sovereignty of our countries need to coordinate as well.
And that was always the idea behind the Shield, is like-minded democratically elected leaders committed to this challenge. But it's not just about the transnational crime. That is certainly at the cornerstone of what we're doing together. It's also the opportunities to partner up on the economic front and the diplomatic front to speak in one voice, in unison, on issues that unite us and to be able to in international forums, as an example, potentially vote together and pool of our diplomatic resources as well to act in concert in the common interests that we share.
(Via interpretation) In Spanish now, one of the things that's happened to us in recent years - one of the most promising things we've done - is this alliance that we're building among the countries that are here today. And since the last time, we've added two members. The last time we met, we've added two members come to this group of countries that are 100 percent committed to take on these criminals, these terrorists, that are affecting our region.
These are groups that operate in different countries; they don't recognize borders. They collaborate with each other. They don't recognize the sovereignty of our nations. And sometimes they have the same resources the state has and sometimes even more resources than the state has. Sometimes they're more sophisticated than the states. And the only way to take them on and to face these criminals and terrorists is for us to come together and coordinate our efforts to defeat them.
This is an important alliance also because it gives us the opportunity to act jointly on economic issues and diplomatic issues. Our voice can be spoken in unison, and we get strength through this type of unity and one of the things that we're focusing on.
The President will be here with us in a few moments and we'll be able to have a little bit more time to focus on this. But I'm very grateful to be here with you again. And again, the President will be here in a few moments. Welcome, all of you, and thank you for participating in this meeting.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesman/2026/09/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-at-a-meeting-with-shield-of-the-americas-heads-of-state-and-foreign-ministers/
SEC Files Proposed Settlement With Respect to Former Financial Services Professional and Associate for Front-Running Scheme
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release:
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Securities and Exchange Commission v. Lawrence Billimek and Alan Williams, No. 22-cv-10542-JHR (S.D.N.Y. filed Dec. 14, 2022)
On September 17, 2026, the SEC filed proposed final judgments in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as to the Commission's claims against Lawrence Billimek and Alan Williams. If approved by the court, the proposed final judgments would settle the SEC's previously-filed action alleging that Billimek and Williams engaged in a multi-year
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following litigation release:
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Securities and Exchange Commission v. Lawrence Billimek and Alan Williams, No. 22-cv-10542-JHR (S.D.N.Y. filed Dec. 14, 2022)
On September 17, 2026, the SEC filed proposed final judgments in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York as to the Commission's claims against Lawrence Billimek and Alan Williams. If approved by the court, the proposed final judgments would settle the SEC's previously-filed action alleging that Billimek and Williams engaged in a multi-yearfront-running scheme that generated approximately $47 million in illegal trading profits.
The SEC's complaint, filed on December 14, 2022, alleged that, from at least September 2016, Billimek would inform Williams of market-moving trades placed by a major asset management firm prior to their execution. Billimek was employed by the asset management firm at the time. According to the complaint, Williams would trade in the same securities, on the same day, prior to Billimek's employer or while multiple large orders were being placed by the employer. Williams would close his positions after the price of the security moved as expected.
Billimek and Williams consented to the entry of the final judgments permanently enjoining them from 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, as to Billimek, also enjoining him from violating Section 17(j) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 17j-1(b)(1) and (3) thereunder. The proposed final judgments, which are subject to court approval, also order disgorgement of $12,684,000 as to Billimek and disgorgement of $34,627,659 and prejudgment interest of $12,027,557.75 as to Williams, all of which are deemed satisfied by the order of forfeiture entered in the parallel criminal case, United States v. Lawrence Billimek and Alan Williams, 22 cr. 675 (PGG) (S.D.N.Y.).
The case originated from the SEC's Market Abuse Unit's Analysis and Detection Center, which uses data analysis tools to detect suspicious trading patterns.. The SEC's litigation was conducted by Terry Miller and supervised by Gregory Kasper of the SEC's Denver Office. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Market Abuse Unit staff members David Bennett, Jeffrey Oraker, and John Rymas, and was supervised by Danielle Voorhees and Joseph Sansone, Chief of the Market Abuse Unit.
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Resources
* SEC Complaint (https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/complaints/2022/comp-pr2022-228.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/enforcement-litigation/litigation-releases/lr-26645
FDA Human Foods Program Issues Warning Letter to BioDrive
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following warning letter to BioDrive, Inc. from its Human Foods Program:
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Recipient: Cory A. Henderson, CEO, BioDrive, Inc., 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013, United States
(b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
Issuing Office: Human Foods Program, United States
WARNING LETTER
CMS #731846
Dear Mr. Henderson:
This letter concerns your Evolv GLP-1 Biomimetic dietary supplement. Your product labeling identifies Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C EV-1 Peptide as a dietary ingredient.
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following warning letter to BioDrive, Inc. from its Human Foods Program:
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Recipient: Cory A. Henderson, CEO, BioDrive, Inc., 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013, United States
(b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
Issuing Office: Human Foods Program, United States
WARNING LETTER
CMS #731846
Dear Mr. Henderson:
This letter concerns your Evolv GLP-1 Biomimetic dietary supplement. Your product labeling identifies Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C EV-1 Peptide as a dietary ingredient.As explained further below, introducing or delivering this product for introduction into interstate commerce violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act). You can find the Act and FDA regulations through links on FDA's home page at www.fda.gov.
Adulterated Dietary Supplements
The labeling of your Evolv GLP-1 Biomimetic dietary supplement declares "Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C EV-1 Peptide" (hereinafter "EV1-Peptide") as a dietary ingredient. EV1-Peptide is a "dietary ingredient" under section 201(ff)(1)(F) of the Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 321(ff)(1)(F)]. EV1-Peptide is also a "new dietary ingredient" under section 413(d) of the Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 350b(d)] because, to the best of FDA's knowledge, there is no information demonstrating that EV1-Peptide was marketed as a dietary ingredient in the United States before October 15, 1994.
A dietary supplement is adulterated under section 402(f)(1)(B) of the Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 342(f)(1)(B)] if it contains a new dietary ingredient for which there is inadequate information to provide a reasonable assurance that such ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Based on our evaluation of the relevant safety evidence, there is inadequate information to provide reasonable assurance that EV1-Peptide does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Therefore, your Evolv GLP-1 Biomimetic containing the EV1-Peptide is adulterated under section 402(f)(1)(B) of the Act. The introduction of the adulterated dietary supplement into interstate commerce is prohibited under section 301(a) of the Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 331(a)]. Moreover, available information on the use of EV1-Peptide in products raises serious safety concerns. You submitted two new dietary ingredient notifications (NDINs) to FDA in which we determined there was inadequate information to conclude that a dietary supplement containing EV1-Peptide would reasonably be expected to be safe. Specifically, FDA identified safety concerns due to potential toxicity, which raised concerns for adverse clinical consequences. You proceeded to market Evolv GLP-1 Biomimetic despite FDA's objections due to safety concerns.
Conclusion
This letter is not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of violations that may exist in connection with your products. You are responsible for investigating and determining the causes of any violations and for preventing their recurrence or the occurrence of other violations. It is your responsibility to ensure that your firm complies with all requirements of federal law, including FDA regulations.
This letter notifies you of our concerns and provides you with an opportunity to address them. Failure to adequately address this matter may result in legal action including, without limitation, seizure and injunction.
Please notify FDA in writing, within 15 working days of receipt of this letter, of the specific steps you have taken to address any violations. Include an explanation of each step being taken to prevent the recurrence of violations, as well as copies of related documentation. If you cannot complete corrective actions within 15 working days, state the reason for the delay and the time within which you will do so. If you believe that your products are not in violation of the Act, include your reasoning and any supporting information for our consideration.
Your written reply should be directed to Jamie M. Bumpas, Compliance Officer, United States Food and Drug Administration, Human Foods Program, Office of Enforcement, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, Maryland 20740-3835, or via email at HFP-OCE-DietarySupplements@fda.hhs.gov.
Please reference CMS #713846 on any submissions and within the subject line of any emails to us. If you have any questions, you may email at HFP-OCE-DietarySupplements@fda.hhs.gov.
Sincerely,
/S/ Maria S. Knirk, JD, MBA, Director, Office of Enforcement, Office of Compliance and Enforcement, Human Foods Program
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/biodrive-inc-731846-08242026
FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Issues Warning Letter to Raaw Energy
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following warning letter to Raaw Energy LLC from its Center for Veterinary Medicine:
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Recipient: Kitt A. Schulman, Owner, Raaw Energy LLC, 967 Route 524, Adelphi, NJ 07710-0276, United States
(b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
Issuing Office: Center for Veterinary Medicine, United States
WARNING LETTER
CMS # 723820
Dear Kitt Schulman,
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of your pet food manufacturing facility located at 967 Route 524, Adelphi, New Jersey,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration issued the following warning letter to Raaw Energy LLC from its Center for Veterinary Medicine:
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Recipient: Kitt A. Schulman, Owner, Raaw Energy LLC, 967 Route 524, Adelphi, NJ 07710-0276, United States
(b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
Issuing Office: Center for Veterinary Medicine, United States
WARNING LETTER
CMS # 723820
Dear Kitt Schulman,
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of your pet food manufacturing facility located at 967 Route 524, Adelphi, New Jersey,from January 13 through January 22, 2026, following a consumer complaint and state sample results regarding your products. At the close of the inspection, you were issued a Form FDA 483, Inspectional Observations (FDA 483). As of the date of this letter, we have not received your written response to the FDA 483.
During the inspection, the FDA investigator found evidence of significant violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The observed conditions cause the animal food at your facility to be adulterated because the food was prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health.1
Additionally, in response to the consumer complaint, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CDoAg) and New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) collected pet food product samples from the consumer and your facility. Analysis of the frozen, unopened pet food finished products revealed the presence of one or more pathogens: Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni). FDA notified you of these results on January 8 and 22, 2026, and issued a public advisory regarding these products on January 23, 2026.2 On April 7, 2026, NJDA conducted follow-up sampling that found additional products contained L. monocytogenes. FDA notified you of the additional sample findings on May 13, 2026. FDA considers these products sampled by CDoAg and NJDA to be adulterated because they bear or contain a poisonous or deleterious substance which may render them injurious to health.3 On May 22, 2026, FDA updated its public advisory, and you voluntarily recalled all products manufactured between July 17 and December 23, 2025, and one lot manufactured on March 31, 2026.
The introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any food that is adulterated is a prohibited act.4 Furthermore, the doing of any act to a food after shipment of the food and/or its components in interstate commerce and while the food is held for sale (whether or not the first sale) that results in the food being adulterated is prohibited.5
You may find the FD&C Act and FDA's regulations through links on FDA's homepage at www.fda.gov.
Adulterated Animal Food
Pathogen Findings in Samples
On December 18, 2025, CDoAg collected closed sample (b)(4), consisting of Chicken Medley dog food, lot 7.17.25, in response to a consumer complaint regarding gastrointestinal illness in their dog after consuming the same product lot. Sample analysis conducted by CDoAg revealed the product contained Salmonella Infantis, L. monocytogenes, and C. jejuni. CDoAg issued a withdraw from distribution notice to you for this product lot on January 14, 2026.
On December 22, 2025, NJDA sampled dog food products from your facility after receiving notification of the consumer complaint. Sample analysis conducted by NJDA revealed two products contained L. monocytogenes. NJDA issued a stop sale for these products on January 8, 2026:
* Sample (b)(4), Chicken Medley, lot (b)(4).
* Sample (b)(4), Salmon, lot 12.5.25.
On January 8, 2026, NJDA collected additional samples of dog food from your facility. Sample analysis conducted by NJDA revealed five products contained L. monocytogenes and one product also contained Salmonella Kentucky. NJDA issued a stop sale for these products on January 20, 2026:
* Sample (b)(4), Salmon dog food, lot 12.12.25.
* Sample (b)(4), Chicken Medley, lot 12.12.25. This product also contained Salmonella Kentucky.
* Sample (b)(4), Beef Chicken Tripe dog food, lot 12.23.25.
* Sample (b)(4), Beef Chicken Medley dog food, lot 12.16.25.
* Sample (b)(4), Beef Turkey Medley dog food, lot 12.18.25.
On April 7, 2026, NJDA collected additional samples of dog food from your facility. Sample analysis conducted by NJDA revealed three products contained L. monocytogenes. NJDA issued a stop sale of these products on April 21, 2026:
* Sample (b)(4), Chicken Medley, lot (b)(4).
* Sample (b)(4), Salmon, lot 12.20.25.
* Sample (b)(4), Beef Turkey Medley, lot 3.31.26.
FDA's Office of Regulatory Testing and Surveillance reviewed and concurred with the state sample analyses. The pet food described above is adulterated because it contains pathogens that render the food injurious to health.6
Insanitary Conditions
During the inspection of your facility, the FDA investigator observed insanitary conditions during the manufacture of Beef Chicken Medley on (b)(4). The conditions described below demonstrate the food was prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with filth, or whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health.7 The FDA investigator observed your manufacturing process does not include any steps to control environmental pathogens in your in-process and finished animal food.
1. The FDA investigator observed conditions that may cause contamination of animal food from the environment. For example:
a. On January 14, 2026, the FDA investigator observed an employee using a high-pressure water hose to clean a shovel used to discard product that fell on the floor, causing overspray and aerosolized water to contact uncovered finished product in the hopper and extruder, and nearby uncovered containers of chicken.
b. Plastic totes used in the production of pet food were cracked and exposed ingredients inside the tote to the floor. Employees also stacked the uncovered totes on top of one-another after the totes had been sitting on the floor, thus exposing the in-process animal food in the lower totes to the contaminated bottom of the tote above. In addition, employees reused the plastic totes throughout the production day without cleaning and sanitizing the totes when they may have become soiled or contaminated.
c. The concrete and stone floor of the manufacturing area was pitted and contained deep cracks. The floor was also not properly sloped to allow adequate drainage causing water and blood to pool on the floor throughout the production day. The FDA investigator observed one of the totes sitting in a pool of water and blood on the floor before being stacked inside another tote and subsequently reused in the production of pet food. You also stored in-process animal food in cracked plastic totes and open plastic bags directly on the floor of the manufacturing area by the standing blood and water.
d. Condensation from the overhead air conditioning dripped directly on to raw chicken and other ingredients. The condensate from the air conditioner also dripped onto a rusty metal rack that subsequently dripped onto raw chicken ingredients.
2. The FDA investigator observed that raw ingredients and in-process materials may have been contaminated by the uneven, porous, and/or pitted areas on manufacturing equipment, tools, or utensils. Rust, and other areas that are not easily cleanable, may become harborage areas for pathogens. For example:
a. The (b)(4), used to grind meat ingredients, had apparent rust on food contact surfaces and uneven edges with missing and bent metal at the chute where food is dispensed.
b. Food contact surfaces of equipment and utensils contained apparent rust on the extrusion point of a grinder and on a pitchfork used for chicken ingredients.
3. You distribute animal food that is not shelf stable (i.e., could support the growth of pathogens at room temperature). You ship products from your facility in a frozen state. However, you use an unrefrigerated truck to distribute these products as far away as Maine and Vermont from your manufacturing plant in New Jersey. You do not have any practices in place to ensure that your finished products remain under appropriate time and temperature conditions to prevent the growth of pathogens in your products during transportation.
FDA conducted whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyses of the pathogens found in your products. FDA provided you with the results of these analyses on February 11 and May 13, 2026. The May 2026 WGS analysis shows a very close genetic relationship (b)(4) between the L. monocytogenes strain contained in the Chicken Medley product with lot code 7.17.25 and the L. monocytogenes strains contained in three Salmon product samples with lot codes 12.5.25, 12.12.25, and 12.20.25. (b)(4). These findings document that a nearly identical strain of L. monocytogenes was present in products made using two different recipes with no common ingredients, manufactured between (b)(4) and (b)(4). These findings are consistent with the presence of a resident strain of L. monocytogenes in your facility, further indicating insanitary conditions.
Public Health Impact of Pathogens
The presence of pathogens in dog food is a concern because it may cause adverse health effects to animals consuming the dog food and/or humans handling the dog food. Your dog food products present a risk to human and animal health because they contain animal proteins that have not undergone a process to control pathogens. The dog foods you manufacture are produced without measures routinely used by pet food manufacturers to control harmful pathogens. Furthermore, the practices described above are ways in which the dog food you manufacture may become contaminated by pathogens. It is therefore essential that your facility has measures in place to prevent and reduce pathogenic contamination of your products and facility.
Pathogens found in your finished products include the following:
Salmonella is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in both humans and animals. Infections can be especially serious in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The association between human illness or outbreaks of salmonellosis and Salmonella-contaminated pet food is well established.8 The association between Salmonella-contaminated pet food and pet illness has also been shown.9
L. monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium in the environment and may be introduced into a food manufacturing facility from raw materials, humans, or equipment. Without adequate sanitation, it can proliferate in food manufacturing facilities and subsequently contaminate food. Handling or consuming contaminated foods can lead to a severe, sometimes life-threatening illness called listeriosis, a foodborne illness, which is a major public health concern due to the severity of the disease, its high case-fatality rate, its long incubation time, and its tendency to affect individuals with underlying conditions. Pets infected with L. monocytogenes can experience symptoms ranging from diarrhea and/or vomiting to severe illness, such as meningitis, or death.
C. jejuni is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in humans. Symptoms of campylobacteriosis infection can include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, which can lead to health complications such as irritable bowel syndrome, temporary paralysis (Guillain-Barre Syndrome), arthritis, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. Dogs infected with C. jejuni can develop symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, tenesmus (straining), lethargy, and fever.
Generally, humans may become infected by these pathogens through direct contact with contaminated food or cross-contamination from dogs. Dogs may shed bacteria through feces and/or saliva and contaminate the household environment even though the dog may be asymptomatic.
Conclusion
This letter is not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of violations that may exist at your facility or in connection with your products. You are responsible for investigating and determining the causes of any violations and for preventing their recurrence or the occurrence of other violations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with all requirements of federal law and FDA regulations.
This letter notifies you of our concerns and provides you an opportunity to address them. You should take prompt action to correct any violations. Failure to adequately address any violation may lead to legal action, including without limitation, seizure and injunction.
For more information about FDA's current thinking and resources for industry, see:
* For Industry | FDA (https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/resources-you/industry).
Within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of this letter, please notify this office in writing of the specific steps that you have taken to correct any violations. Include an explanation of each step being taken to prevent the recurrence of violations, as well as copies of related documentation. If you cannot complete corrective actions within fifteen (15) working days, state the reason for the delay and the time within which you will complete the correction. If you believe your products are not in violation of the FD&C Act and FDA regulations, include your reasoning and any supporting information for our consideration.
The FDA, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Surveillance and Compliance, is encouraging electronic submission of any response you choose to submit to this letter. We encourage you to submit files up to 100 megabytes in a single email, and to divide files greater than 100 megabytes so they may be submitted as smaller files in separate emails. If you submit electronic correspondence, please ensure that your facility's name, the CMS number at the top of this letter, and the inspection location are included in your correspondence. We intend to issue an electronic acknowledgement upon receipt of your email.
Please direct your electronic correspondence to Compliance Officer Andrew J. Howard at Andrew.Howard@fda.hhs.gov. If you have questions regarding this letter, please contact Compliance Officer Andrew J. Howard by telephone at (410) 779-5125, or by the email above.
/S/ Isaac K. Carney, Director of Food Compliance, Office of Surveillance and Compliance, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Cc:
Edward Wengryn, Secretary
New Jersey Dept of Agriculture
PO Box 330
Trenton, NJ 08625
(b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
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Footnotes:
1/ See Section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) [21 U.S.C Sec. 342(a)(4)].
2/ https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-advisory-do-not-feed-eight-lots-raaw-energy-dog-food-due-contamination-harmful-bacteria.
3/ See Section 402(a)(1) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 342(a)(1)].
4/ See Section 301(a) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 331(a)].
5/ See Section 301(k) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 331(k)].
6/ See Section 402(a)(1) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 342(a)(1)].
7/ See Section 402(a)(4) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. Sec. 342(a)(4)].
8/ For example, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information on past Salmonella outbreaks related to pet food: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/pet-treats-07-19/index.html (pig ear dog treats), https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dog-food-05-12/index.html (dry dog food), https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/2007/pet-food-9-4-2007.html (dry dog food).
9/ https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/keeping-pets-and-people-healthy/pet-food-safety.html; https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-cat-and-dog-diets.
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Original text here: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/raaw-energy-llc-723820-08212026
FCC Issues Notice of Illegal Pirate Radio Broadcasting to A&O Trucking
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau Columbia Office in Maryland issued a Notice of Illegal Pirate Radio Broadcasting (File No.: EB-FIELDNER-26-00040895) to A&O Trucking LLC following an investigation into unauthorized transmissions in Cleveland, Ohio.
On August 4, 2026, agents confirmed via direction-finding techniques that unlicensed signals on frequency 91.7 MHz were originating from property owned by A&O Trucking LLC at 12613 Bellaire Road in Cleveland, Ohio.
Agency records show no broadcast license issued for that location, and the operations do
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau Columbia Office in Maryland issued a Notice of Illegal Pirate Radio Broadcasting (File No.: EB-FIELDNER-26-00040895) to A&O Trucking LLC following an investigation into unauthorized transmissions in Cleveland, Ohio.
On August 4, 2026, agents confirmed via direction-finding techniques that unlicensed signals on frequency 91.7 MHz were originating from property owned by A&O Trucking LLC at 12613 Bellaire Road in Cleveland, Ohio.
Agency records show no broadcast license issued for that location, and the operations donot qualify for low-power exemptions under federal rules. Under Section 511(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, property owners who knowingly permit illegal broadcasts on their premises face financial penalties up to $2,453,218.
The agency granted A&O Trucking LLC ten business days from Sept. 22, 2026, to submit proof that the transmissions have stopped and to identify the individuals involved. Failure to respond may result in direct enforcement action.
-- Vidhi Gianani, Targeted Mews Service
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1022A1.pdf
