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UT-Battelle Announces Lead Gift of $2.5 Million to Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center
OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release:
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UT-Battelle announces lead gift of $2.5 million to Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, ORNL leadership and Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation, or ORPSEF, announced a "transformational lead gift" of $2.5 million from UT-Battelle in support of the Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center. The investment represents a major milestone in bringing the ambitious educational initiative to life and reinforces the longstanding connection between ... Show Full Article OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release: * * * UT-Battelle announces lead gift of $2.5 million to Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center On Wednesday, Oct. 14, ORNL leadership and Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation, or ORPSEF, announced a "transformational lead gift" of $2.5 million from UT-Battelle in support of the Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center. The investment represents a major milestone in bringing the ambitious educational initiative to life and reinforces the longstanding connection betweenOak Ridge's world-class scientific community and its public schools.
The Innovation Center is envisioned as a groundbreaking educational facility that will reimagine how students learn by connecting classroom instruction with hands-on experiences, advanced technologies and real-world applications.
In recognition of this extraordinary commitment, ORPSEF will recommend to the Oak Ridge Schools Board of Education that the Innovation Center bear the UT-Battelle name, honoring the organization's investment in the future of education, innovation, and workforce development in Oak Ridge.
The Innovation Center is envisioned as a groundbreaking educational facility that will reimagine how students learn by connecting classroom instruction with hands-on experiences, advanced technologies, and real-world applications. Building on the success of Oak Ridge High School's Wildcat Manufacturing program, the Center will expand opportunities for students to explore advanced manufacturing, engineering, automation, nuclear energy and other high-demand career fields while strengthening partnerships between education and industry.
"This extraordinary investment from UT-Battelle represents much more than financial support. It is a powerful statement about the importance of public education to the future of our community," said Dr. Bruce Borchers, Superintendent of Oak Ridge Schools. "Oak Ridge has always been a community where education, science and innovation go hand in hand. The Innovation Center will build on that legacy by giving our students access to the technologies, experiences, and industry connections that will prepare them for opportunities we can only begin to imagine. We are deeply grateful to UT-Battelle and all our founding partners for believing in this vision and helping make it a reality."
The $2.5 million lead gift is complemented by significant commitments from an impressive group of founding partners whose collective investments demonstrate broad community and industry support for the Innovation Center. Together, these commitments total up to nearly $5 million.
"UT-Battelle is proud to support the Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center to create a learning environment where students can engage with new technologies that are rapidly shaping the world. The Innovation Center can combine strong academic preparation with hands-on experience, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability," said Stephen Streiffer, President and CEO of UT-Battelle and ORNL Director. "Oak Ridge has a real opportunity to set an example for how schools and community partners can work together to prepare students for the future, and we're honored to be part of that effort."
Founding partners include:
* Gene Haas Foundation - $1 million: Supporting the expansion of hands-on learning in advanced manufacturing and introducing students to the technical skills, technologies and career opportunities that are essential to today's workforce.
* City of Oak Ridge - Up to $500,000, subject to annual appropriation: Demonstrating the City's leadership and continued commitment to strong public schools as a cornerstone of economic development, community vitality and long-term prosperity.
* Triso-X - $500,000: Investing in the next generation of skilled professionals as the company builds its own future in Oak Ridge, reinforcing the vital relationship between education and the emerging nuclear energy industry.
* Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) - $250,000: Building on a longstanding partnership with Oak Ridge Schools to strengthen connections among education, scientific research and workforce development.
* Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - $50,000: Helping students explore the science, technology, and skilled careers necessary to support the region's evolving energy needs.
* United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR) - $50,000: Supporting the next generation of innovators who will build on Oak Ridge's environmental progress, scientific achievements and expanding economic opportunities.
* BWXT - $25,000: Strengthening connections between classroom learning and the technical skills and career pathways that support the region's advanced manufacturing and nuclear industries.
* Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS Y-12) - $25,000: Investing in future generations while building on Oak Ridge's distinguished legacy of scientific innovation, national security and service.
* Orano - $25,000: Demonstrating an early commitment to Oak Ridge and its future workforce through an investment in local students even before the development of its planned facility.
In recognition of their generous support, these founding partners will receive naming opportunities within the Innovation Center, connecting their organizations to the innovative learning spaces, programs and experiences they are helping create.
"The history of Oak Ridge is a story of what becomes possible when an entire community unites around a shared purpose," said Cathy Toth, Chair of the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation. "From the earliest days of our city, our community has made a deliberate choice to invest in exceptional public schools, recognizing that education is essential to attracting talented people, advancing scientific discovery and ensuring our community's success. Today, our founding partners are carrying that same spirit forward. Together, we are making another intentional investment in the future of Oak Ridge, one that will create extraordinary opportunities for our students and help sustain our community's legacy of innovation and excellence for generations to come."
Located on the campus of Oak Ridge High School, the Center will provide equitable access to innovative learning experiences for students district-wide while creating opportunities for collaboration across academic disciplines. The Innovation Center will be designed to serve students of all grade levels, from PreK through 12th grade, rather than focusing exclusively on high school students. Through intentional curriculum development and collaboration among educators and industry partners, the Center will provide meaningful, age-appropriate opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies, engage in hands-on learning and discover potential career pathways throughout their educational journeys.
Central to the vision is a new model for collaboration between public education and industry. Working alongside industry experts, students will engage in authentic challenges that require collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and the application of knowledge across multiple subject areas.
"One of the most exciting aspects of the Innovation Center is that we aren't simply building a space to teach students about the careers of tomorrow. We are creating an environment where they can experience that work firsthand, alongside the people and organizations who are shaping those industries today," said Bruce Borchers, Superintendent of Oak Ridge Schools. "Our vision is to break down the traditional barriers between classrooms, disciplines, and industry so that students can see how what they are learning connects to the world around them. And we want those opportunities to begin long before high school, giving every student the chance to discover their interests, develop their talents and envision a future they may never have otherwise considered."
As Oak Ridge continues to attract new businesses and industries, the Center represents an opportunity to transform individual partnerships into a coordinated, sustainable approach to education and workforce development. Industry partners will play an active role in shaping learning experiences that reflect emerging workforce needs, while students gain the technical knowledge, transferable skills and real-world experiences necessary for success beyond graduation.
Building on the Oak Ridge School's reputation for innovative programming, the Center has the potential to serve not only Oak Ridge students but also as a model for school districts and communities across the country seeking to create more meaningful connections between education and the workforce.
"Oak Ridge has a remarkable history of bringing together brilliant minds, ambitious ideas, and a shared determination to accomplish something extraordinary," Borchers added. "We believe that same spirit can help us reimagine what public education looks like. The Innovation Center is about much more than preparing students to fill jobs. It's about empowering them to solve problems, think creatively, work collaboratively and become the innovators and leaders who will shape our future. With the support of our community and industry partners, we have an opportunity to demonstrate what is possible when we work together to put students and their futures first."
Oak Ridge Schools and ORPSEF extend their sincere appreciation to UT-Battelle and each of the founding partners for their leadership, generosity, and belief in this vision. Their collective investment marks a significant step toward creating a learning environment that reflects the innovative spirit of Oak Ridge while advancing the district's commitment to ensuring every student is prepared for college, career and life success.
Read the full press release from ORPSEF and learn more about the Innovation Center here (https://www.ortn.edu/orpsef-announces-lead-gift-from-ut-battelle-5-million-total-for-innovation-center/).
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the DOE's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
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Original text here: https://www.ornl.gov/news/ut-battelle-announces-lead-gift-of-2-5-million-to-oak-ridge-schools-innovation-center/
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UT-Battelle announces lead gift of $2.5 million to Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, ORNL leadership and Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation, or ORPSEF, announced a "transformational lead gift" of $2.5 million from UT-Battelle in support of the Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center. The investment represents a major milestone in bringing the ambitious educational initiative to life and reinforces the longstanding connection between ... Show Full Article OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release: * * * UT-Battelle announces lead gift of $2.5 million to Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center On Wednesday, Oct. 14, ORNL leadership and Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation, or ORPSEF, announced a "transformational lead gift" of $2.5 million from UT-Battelle in support of the Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center. The investment represents a major milestone in bringing the ambitious educational initiative to life and reinforces the longstanding connection betweenOak Ridge's world-class scientific community and its public schools.
The Innovation Center is envisioned as a groundbreaking educational facility that will reimagine how students learn by connecting classroom instruction with hands-on experiences, advanced technologies and real-world applications.
In recognition of this extraordinary commitment, ORPSEF will recommend to the Oak Ridge Schools Board of Education that the Innovation Center bear the UT-Battelle name, honoring the organization's investment in the future of education, innovation, and workforce development in Oak Ridge.
The Innovation Center is envisioned as a groundbreaking educational facility that will reimagine how students learn by connecting classroom instruction with hands-on experiences, advanced technologies, and real-world applications. Building on the success of Oak Ridge High School's Wildcat Manufacturing program, the Center will expand opportunities for students to explore advanced manufacturing, engineering, automation, nuclear energy and other high-demand career fields while strengthening partnerships between education and industry.
"This extraordinary investment from UT-Battelle represents much more than financial support. It is a powerful statement about the importance of public education to the future of our community," said Dr. Bruce Borchers, Superintendent of Oak Ridge Schools. "Oak Ridge has always been a community where education, science and innovation go hand in hand. The Innovation Center will build on that legacy by giving our students access to the technologies, experiences, and industry connections that will prepare them for opportunities we can only begin to imagine. We are deeply grateful to UT-Battelle and all our founding partners for believing in this vision and helping make it a reality."
The $2.5 million lead gift is complemented by significant commitments from an impressive group of founding partners whose collective investments demonstrate broad community and industry support for the Innovation Center. Together, these commitments total up to nearly $5 million.
"UT-Battelle is proud to support the Oak Ridge Schools Innovation Center to create a learning environment where students can engage with new technologies that are rapidly shaping the world. The Innovation Center can combine strong academic preparation with hands-on experience, teamwork, problem-solving and adaptability," said Stephen Streiffer, President and CEO of UT-Battelle and ORNL Director. "Oak Ridge has a real opportunity to set an example for how schools and community partners can work together to prepare students for the future, and we're honored to be part of that effort."
Founding partners include:
* Gene Haas Foundation - $1 million: Supporting the expansion of hands-on learning in advanced manufacturing and introducing students to the technical skills, technologies and career opportunities that are essential to today's workforce.
* City of Oak Ridge - Up to $500,000, subject to annual appropriation: Demonstrating the City's leadership and continued commitment to strong public schools as a cornerstone of economic development, community vitality and long-term prosperity.
* Triso-X - $500,000: Investing in the next generation of skilled professionals as the company builds its own future in Oak Ridge, reinforcing the vital relationship between education and the emerging nuclear energy industry.
* Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) - $250,000: Building on a longstanding partnership with Oak Ridge Schools to strengthen connections among education, scientific research and workforce development.
* Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) - $50,000: Helping students explore the science, technology, and skilled careers necessary to support the region's evolving energy needs.
* United Cleanup Oak Ridge (UCOR) - $50,000: Supporting the next generation of innovators who will build on Oak Ridge's environmental progress, scientific achievements and expanding economic opportunities.
* BWXT - $25,000: Strengthening connections between classroom learning and the technical skills and career pathways that support the region's advanced manufacturing and nuclear industries.
* Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS Y-12) - $25,000: Investing in future generations while building on Oak Ridge's distinguished legacy of scientific innovation, national security and service.
* Orano - $25,000: Demonstrating an early commitment to Oak Ridge and its future workforce through an investment in local students even before the development of its planned facility.
In recognition of their generous support, these founding partners will receive naming opportunities within the Innovation Center, connecting their organizations to the innovative learning spaces, programs and experiences they are helping create.
"The history of Oak Ridge is a story of what becomes possible when an entire community unites around a shared purpose," said Cathy Toth, Chair of the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation. "From the earliest days of our city, our community has made a deliberate choice to invest in exceptional public schools, recognizing that education is essential to attracting talented people, advancing scientific discovery and ensuring our community's success. Today, our founding partners are carrying that same spirit forward. Together, we are making another intentional investment in the future of Oak Ridge, one that will create extraordinary opportunities for our students and help sustain our community's legacy of innovation and excellence for generations to come."
Located on the campus of Oak Ridge High School, the Center will provide equitable access to innovative learning experiences for students district-wide while creating opportunities for collaboration across academic disciplines. The Innovation Center will be designed to serve students of all grade levels, from PreK through 12th grade, rather than focusing exclusively on high school students. Through intentional curriculum development and collaboration among educators and industry partners, the Center will provide meaningful, age-appropriate opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies, engage in hands-on learning and discover potential career pathways throughout their educational journeys.
Central to the vision is a new model for collaboration between public education and industry. Working alongside industry experts, students will engage in authentic challenges that require collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and the application of knowledge across multiple subject areas.
"One of the most exciting aspects of the Innovation Center is that we aren't simply building a space to teach students about the careers of tomorrow. We are creating an environment where they can experience that work firsthand, alongside the people and organizations who are shaping those industries today," said Bruce Borchers, Superintendent of Oak Ridge Schools. "Our vision is to break down the traditional barriers between classrooms, disciplines, and industry so that students can see how what they are learning connects to the world around them. And we want those opportunities to begin long before high school, giving every student the chance to discover their interests, develop their talents and envision a future they may never have otherwise considered."
As Oak Ridge continues to attract new businesses and industries, the Center represents an opportunity to transform individual partnerships into a coordinated, sustainable approach to education and workforce development. Industry partners will play an active role in shaping learning experiences that reflect emerging workforce needs, while students gain the technical knowledge, transferable skills and real-world experiences necessary for success beyond graduation.
Building on the Oak Ridge School's reputation for innovative programming, the Center has the potential to serve not only Oak Ridge students but also as a model for school districts and communities across the country seeking to create more meaningful connections between education and the workforce.
"Oak Ridge has a remarkable history of bringing together brilliant minds, ambitious ideas, and a shared determination to accomplish something extraordinary," Borchers added. "We believe that same spirit can help us reimagine what public education looks like. The Innovation Center is about much more than preparing students to fill jobs. It's about empowering them to solve problems, think creatively, work collaboratively and become the innovators and leaders who will shape our future. With the support of our community and industry partners, we have an opportunity to demonstrate what is possible when we work together to put students and their futures first."
Oak Ridge Schools and ORPSEF extend their sincere appreciation to UT-Battelle and each of the founding partners for their leadership, generosity, and belief in this vision. Their collective investment marks a significant step toward creating a learning environment that reflects the innovative spirit of Oak Ridge while advancing the district's commitment to ensuring every student is prepared for college, career and life success.
Read the full press release from ORPSEF and learn more about the Innovation Center here (https://www.ortn.edu/orpsef-announces-lead-gift-from-ut-battelle-5-million-total-for-innovation-center/).
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the DOE's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.
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Original text here: https://www.ornl.gov/news/ut-battelle-announces-lead-gift-of-2-5-million-to-oak-ridge-schools-innovation-center/
SEC Director Daly Issues Remarks at the Stanford University Private Capital Roundtable
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following remarks by Brian Daly, director of Investment Management:
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Remarks at the Stanford University Private Capital Roundtable
Stanford, California Oct. 16, 2026
Thank you, Scott [James], for that kind introduction.
Before I begin, I must - as always - inform you that my remarks today are provided in my official capacity as the Securities and Exchange Commission's Director of the Division of Investment Management, but do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, the Commissioners, or other members ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following remarks by Brian Daly, director of Investment Management: * * * Remarks at the Stanford University Private Capital Roundtable Stanford, California Oct. 16, 2026 Thank you, Scott [James], for that kind introduction. Before I begin, I must - as always - inform you that my remarks today are provided in my official capacity as the Securities and Exchange Commission's Director of the Division of Investment Management, but do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, the Commissioners, or other membersof the staff.
It's a great privilege to be back at Stanford. On my way over here, I walked through the Huang Engineering Center and stood inside the replica of the garage in which William Hewlett and David Packard founded an electronics company. The lore is that they started with a drill press and $500 of working capital, and they ended up helping change the world.
Now, I never met Bill or Dave -- or Jerry or David, or Sergey or Larry -- but like so many Americans I feel connected to all of them through the companies they started on this campus, companies financed by venture and growth capital providers.
Sadly, I - like so many Americans - was never able to invest in any of those startups before they went public. Nor could I invest in hedge fund strategies, private equity and buyout funds, or other "alternative" assets and exposures. Those options were as a practical matter the exclusive purview of "institutional" investors.
As you may have read in the papers, the Administration, and more specifically the Commission, is trying to change that. And, with your indulgence, I'd like to briefly outline that plan and how it seeks to provide more retail access to alternatives without sacrificing the protections that retail investors have relied upon for over eight decades.
1. What is "Responsible Retailization?"
Under our securities laws, institutional investors and high net worth individuals can:
* obtain exposure to a myriad of alpha and beta opportunities,
* negotiate compensation arrangements designed to align the incentives of an investment adviser with a desired portfolio outcome, and
* invest in, and profit from, the innovative, cutting edge companies that drive the nation's economy.
It might not be overstating the matter to describe the desire to provide retail investors, in a thoughtful and intentional manner, access to these same markets as an historical imperative. President Trump, by Executive Order, has instructed that retirement account participants have more private market options in their 401(k) accounts.[1] Chairman Atkins (also known as "my boss") has directed us in the SEC's Division of Investment Management to propose "responsible retailization" measures that would allow retail investors more freedom to direct their "post-tax, pre-retirement" dollars to alternative assets and strategies.[2]
So-called "alternative" investments -- like all investments -- are not without risk and uncertainty. Some of these risks are familiar to retail investors, like the possibility of poor performance. Others are less familiar or even novel, like suspension gates and binary payouts. This is why the Chairman has insisted, from day one, that any retail access proposal have fiduciary protections and other "guardrails" to address these kinds of risks. This is the basis of our "Responsible Retailization" initiative.
2. The Proposal in Context
The Responsible Retailization initiative relies on three essential components (which we refer to as a "three-legged stool"):
1. Access
2. Transparency; and
3. Incentives.
Access means utilizing, and modernizing, the existing regulated fund regime to provide retail access to alternatives in structures that still provide for fiduciary oversight.
Millions of Americans invest in regulated funds, and this has allowed many ordinary investors to build wealth and provide for their families. While our retail regulatory regime can be paternalistic and limiting, its durability and penetration is undeniable. In other words, by and large, it works pretty well.
But, like any 86-year old, the structure could use some updating. Over the past year and a half, my colleagues in the Division have provided guidance and no-action letters and issued orders pursuant to delegated authority addressing tools and techniques traditionally exclusive to private funds. We have, for example, addressed the ability of:
* Fund sponsors to "seed" newly-formed registered funds;[3]
* Regulated funds to co-invest alongside other advised funds and accounts;[4]
* Registered funds and business development companies to issue multiple share classes with different distribution economics and operational structures;[5]
* Fund sponsors to schedule and to size registered fund redemptions.[6]
And I would like to be clear on one important point: All of these actions were done with a focus on investor protection. While these efforts may have been inspired by common practices in the private fund space, they occur under regulated fund safeguards, including independent board approval and oversight (in addition to the requirement that the investment adviser running the fund adhere to a strict fiduciary duty).
These various staff efforts over the past year-and-a-half have, we believe, laid much of the groundwork for regulated funds as they consider their ability to offer alternative asset exposures. But work continues: the Commission proposed additional modernization measures for interval funds two weeks ago,[7] and we have more things up our sleeve in the exemptive world.
Transparency is the second leg of our stool. We believe that true retailization requires that retail investors and the broader market both see the underlying exposures in these funds and that the market be able to assess their values.
To be clear, solid fair value processes by fund managers are and will continue to be an expectation and an examination focus, as those fair values drive internal fund management and performance fee calculations. But, by facilitating retail funds listing on exchanges (we - most unoriginally - call this "ticker-izaton") we are actively encouraging sponsors of regulated alts funds to provide position-level transparency. We are also hopeful that analysts and other traders will be enabled and incentivized to form independent views on a fund's value. If this happens, it could result in a price discovery feedback loop that could instill confidence in the retail investor, inject liquidity into these new retail funds, and create a "virtuous cycle" of independent pricing data flowing back into the private market. Again, there are no guarantees on how any investment will perform, but letting the market have a say on what an investment is worth seems like a good idea.
Every system requires incentives. It is very, very hard for fund sponsors to make money in the retail space; fees are comparatively low, distribution can be expensive, margins can be razor-thin, and competition is fierce. It is no surprise that very, very few successful alternatives managers have dared to swim in the retail waters.
The Commission has proposed a solution to this situation: make it worth your while. Expanding the ability for advisers to charge performance fees could incentivize advisers currently operating in the private markets to bring diverse strategies to a wider group of clients and investors, including investors in regulated funds, subject to numerous protective conditions.[8] To be clear, we do not expect that these will have exactly the same terms as the private funds currently offered, but today we don't even have apples and oranges. We have nothing and oranges. The Commission's proposals, if adopted, could incent some alts managers to consider offering retail tangerines alongside institutional oranges.
3. Super Intelligence
I simply could not come to Stanford and not mention Super Intelligence.[9] SI offers a unique opportunity for regular folks to gain access to vast expertise, including investment expertise. I say over and over again - because it is true - that I work for the most pro-innovation SEC ever, and we want to encourage investment advisers and fund sponsors to utilize this technology responsibly for the benefit of the American investor.
My colleagues and I have been having many productive discussions with investment advisers and their counsels about operationalizing SI. However, there is still far more trepidation about SI deployment than I think is warranted, so - continuing with the theme of risk and reward - I hope that I can ask this audience to help financial sector participants see that SI adoption, done thoughtfully, is worth the discomfort of leaving the status quo.
SI is a tremendous innovation, but it doesn't render everything we have done in the past obsolete. Our principles-based, fiduciary duty regime adapted to the invention of television, email, the internet, and smartphones; it will adapt to SI.
Fiduciaries have duties of care and loyalty, and progress can be consistent with both of them. I will be the first to admit that innovation - by definition - involves some risk, but so does investing. My recommendation to advisers and sponsors is to enthusiastically innovate in a responsible and thoughtful manner. And don't wait for regulators to hold your hands through this shift, because you may receive guidance that is both too limited and too late.
However, if there are specific laws, regulations, or SEC staff positions that are actually preventing investment advisers from deploying SI tools, we want to hear about them. Call us or visit us and we can assess these roadblocks. We are easy to find: take the train to DC's Union Station, walk towards the McDonalds, make a left, and we are at the end of the hallway.
Risk and reward are interlinked. Everyone - not just the people in this room - should be able to make informed decisions on how much risk to accept. But the regulators must try to ensure those decisions are made within a system of intelligent safeguards.
Great things can happen when people take calculated risks -- just ask Hewlett and Packard.
With that, I would like to once again thank all of you for having me, and open the floor for discussion.
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[1] Executive Order 14330, Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors (Aug. 7, 2025).
[2] See, e.g., Paul S. Atkins, Statement at Open Meeting on Proposals to Expand Responsible Retailization of Private Markets, (Sept. 30, 2026), available at https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-statement-open-meeting-093026.
[3] See Third Point Private Capital Income Fund, SEC Staff No-Action Letter (Apr. 16, 2026) (no-action letter relating to BDC seeding transactions).
[4] See J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc., SEC Staff No-Action Letter (Apr. 27, 2026) (no-action letter relating to open-end investment companies and co-investments); FS Credit Opportunities, et al., Investment Company Act Release No. 35520 (Apr. 3, 2025) (notice) and 35561 (Apr. 29, 2025) (order) (exemptive order relating to co-investments).
[5] Ark Venture Fund and Ark Investment Management LLC, Investment Company Act Release No. 36308 (Aug. 24, 2026) (notice) and 36333 (Sept. 21, 2026) (order) (exemptive order relating to multiple share classes, including a tokenized share class); Franklin Templeton, SEC Staff No-Action Letter (Aug. 12, 2026) (no-action letter relating to tokenized open-end and closed-end investment companies); DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., et al., Investment Company Act Release No. 35770 (Sept. 29, 2025) (notice) and 35786 (Nov. 17, 2025) (order) (exemptive order relating to multiple mutual fund share classes, including exchange traded shares); Ares Core Infrastructure Fund, et al., Investment Company Act Release No. 35494 (Mar. 12, 2025) (notice) and 35523 (Apr. 8, 2025) (order) (exemptive order relating to BDC issuing multiple share classes).
[6] Lord Abbett Credit Opportunities Fund, et al. Investment Company Act Release No. 35663 (July 2, 2025) (notice) and 35699 (July 29, 2025) (order).
[7] Proposed Rule, Interval Fund Modernization; Expansion of Multiple Share Class to Registered Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Business Development Companies, Release No. 33-11444; 34-106534; IC-36351 (Sept. 30, 2026) [91 FR 63388 (Oct. 5, 2026)].
[8] See Proposed Rule, Investment Adviser Performance-Based Compensation Modernization, Release Nos. 33-11443; 34-106533; IA-7022; IC-36350 (Sept. 30, 2026) [91 FR 63676, 63678 (Oct. 6, 2026)].
[9] Executive Order 14434, Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence (Sept. 29, 2026) (defining the terms "Super Intelligence" and "SI" as the technologies and systems encompassed by the term "artificial intelligence" as defined in section 9401(3) of title 15, United States Code).
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Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/daly-remarks-stanford-roundtable-101626
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Remarks at the Stanford University Private Capital Roundtable
Stanford, California Oct. 16, 2026
Thank you, Scott [James], for that kind introduction.
Before I begin, I must - as always - inform you that my remarks today are provided in my official capacity as the Securities and Exchange Commission's Director of the Division of Investment Management, but do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, the Commissioners, or other members ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Securities and Exchange Commission issued the following remarks by Brian Daly, director of Investment Management: * * * Remarks at the Stanford University Private Capital Roundtable Stanford, California Oct. 16, 2026 Thank you, Scott [James], for that kind introduction. Before I begin, I must - as always - inform you that my remarks today are provided in my official capacity as the Securities and Exchange Commission's Director of the Division of Investment Management, but do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission, the Commissioners, or other membersof the staff.
It's a great privilege to be back at Stanford. On my way over here, I walked through the Huang Engineering Center and stood inside the replica of the garage in which William Hewlett and David Packard founded an electronics company. The lore is that they started with a drill press and $500 of working capital, and they ended up helping change the world.
Now, I never met Bill or Dave -- or Jerry or David, or Sergey or Larry -- but like so many Americans I feel connected to all of them through the companies they started on this campus, companies financed by venture and growth capital providers.
Sadly, I - like so many Americans - was never able to invest in any of those startups before they went public. Nor could I invest in hedge fund strategies, private equity and buyout funds, or other "alternative" assets and exposures. Those options were as a practical matter the exclusive purview of "institutional" investors.
As you may have read in the papers, the Administration, and more specifically the Commission, is trying to change that. And, with your indulgence, I'd like to briefly outline that plan and how it seeks to provide more retail access to alternatives without sacrificing the protections that retail investors have relied upon for over eight decades.
1. What is "Responsible Retailization?"
Under our securities laws, institutional investors and high net worth individuals can:
* obtain exposure to a myriad of alpha and beta opportunities,
* negotiate compensation arrangements designed to align the incentives of an investment adviser with a desired portfolio outcome, and
* invest in, and profit from, the innovative, cutting edge companies that drive the nation's economy.
It might not be overstating the matter to describe the desire to provide retail investors, in a thoughtful and intentional manner, access to these same markets as an historical imperative. President Trump, by Executive Order, has instructed that retirement account participants have more private market options in their 401(k) accounts.[1] Chairman Atkins (also known as "my boss") has directed us in the SEC's Division of Investment Management to propose "responsible retailization" measures that would allow retail investors more freedom to direct their "post-tax, pre-retirement" dollars to alternative assets and strategies.[2]
So-called "alternative" investments -- like all investments -- are not without risk and uncertainty. Some of these risks are familiar to retail investors, like the possibility of poor performance. Others are less familiar or even novel, like suspension gates and binary payouts. This is why the Chairman has insisted, from day one, that any retail access proposal have fiduciary protections and other "guardrails" to address these kinds of risks. This is the basis of our "Responsible Retailization" initiative.
2. The Proposal in Context
The Responsible Retailization initiative relies on three essential components (which we refer to as a "three-legged stool"):
1. Access
2. Transparency; and
3. Incentives.
Access means utilizing, and modernizing, the existing regulated fund regime to provide retail access to alternatives in structures that still provide for fiduciary oversight.
Millions of Americans invest in regulated funds, and this has allowed many ordinary investors to build wealth and provide for their families. While our retail regulatory regime can be paternalistic and limiting, its durability and penetration is undeniable. In other words, by and large, it works pretty well.
But, like any 86-year old, the structure could use some updating. Over the past year and a half, my colleagues in the Division have provided guidance and no-action letters and issued orders pursuant to delegated authority addressing tools and techniques traditionally exclusive to private funds. We have, for example, addressed the ability of:
* Fund sponsors to "seed" newly-formed registered funds;[3]
* Regulated funds to co-invest alongside other advised funds and accounts;[4]
* Registered funds and business development companies to issue multiple share classes with different distribution economics and operational structures;[5]
* Fund sponsors to schedule and to size registered fund redemptions.[6]
And I would like to be clear on one important point: All of these actions were done with a focus on investor protection. While these efforts may have been inspired by common practices in the private fund space, they occur under regulated fund safeguards, including independent board approval and oversight (in addition to the requirement that the investment adviser running the fund adhere to a strict fiduciary duty).
These various staff efforts over the past year-and-a-half have, we believe, laid much of the groundwork for regulated funds as they consider their ability to offer alternative asset exposures. But work continues: the Commission proposed additional modernization measures for interval funds two weeks ago,[7] and we have more things up our sleeve in the exemptive world.
Transparency is the second leg of our stool. We believe that true retailization requires that retail investors and the broader market both see the underlying exposures in these funds and that the market be able to assess their values.
To be clear, solid fair value processes by fund managers are and will continue to be an expectation and an examination focus, as those fair values drive internal fund management and performance fee calculations. But, by facilitating retail funds listing on exchanges (we - most unoriginally - call this "ticker-izaton") we are actively encouraging sponsors of regulated alts funds to provide position-level transparency. We are also hopeful that analysts and other traders will be enabled and incentivized to form independent views on a fund's value. If this happens, it could result in a price discovery feedback loop that could instill confidence in the retail investor, inject liquidity into these new retail funds, and create a "virtuous cycle" of independent pricing data flowing back into the private market. Again, there are no guarantees on how any investment will perform, but letting the market have a say on what an investment is worth seems like a good idea.
Every system requires incentives. It is very, very hard for fund sponsors to make money in the retail space; fees are comparatively low, distribution can be expensive, margins can be razor-thin, and competition is fierce. It is no surprise that very, very few successful alternatives managers have dared to swim in the retail waters.
The Commission has proposed a solution to this situation: make it worth your while. Expanding the ability for advisers to charge performance fees could incentivize advisers currently operating in the private markets to bring diverse strategies to a wider group of clients and investors, including investors in regulated funds, subject to numerous protective conditions.[8] To be clear, we do not expect that these will have exactly the same terms as the private funds currently offered, but today we don't even have apples and oranges. We have nothing and oranges. The Commission's proposals, if adopted, could incent some alts managers to consider offering retail tangerines alongside institutional oranges.
3. Super Intelligence
I simply could not come to Stanford and not mention Super Intelligence.[9] SI offers a unique opportunity for regular folks to gain access to vast expertise, including investment expertise. I say over and over again - because it is true - that I work for the most pro-innovation SEC ever, and we want to encourage investment advisers and fund sponsors to utilize this technology responsibly for the benefit of the American investor.
My colleagues and I have been having many productive discussions with investment advisers and their counsels about operationalizing SI. However, there is still far more trepidation about SI deployment than I think is warranted, so - continuing with the theme of risk and reward - I hope that I can ask this audience to help financial sector participants see that SI adoption, done thoughtfully, is worth the discomfort of leaving the status quo.
SI is a tremendous innovation, but it doesn't render everything we have done in the past obsolete. Our principles-based, fiduciary duty regime adapted to the invention of television, email, the internet, and smartphones; it will adapt to SI.
Fiduciaries have duties of care and loyalty, and progress can be consistent with both of them. I will be the first to admit that innovation - by definition - involves some risk, but so does investing. My recommendation to advisers and sponsors is to enthusiastically innovate in a responsible and thoughtful manner. And don't wait for regulators to hold your hands through this shift, because you may receive guidance that is both too limited and too late.
However, if there are specific laws, regulations, or SEC staff positions that are actually preventing investment advisers from deploying SI tools, we want to hear about them. Call us or visit us and we can assess these roadblocks. We are easy to find: take the train to DC's Union Station, walk towards the McDonalds, make a left, and we are at the end of the hallway.
Risk and reward are interlinked. Everyone - not just the people in this room - should be able to make informed decisions on how much risk to accept. But the regulators must try to ensure those decisions are made within a system of intelligent safeguards.
Great things can happen when people take calculated risks -- just ask Hewlett and Packard.
With that, I would like to once again thank all of you for having me, and open the floor for discussion.
* * *
[1] Executive Order 14330, Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors (Aug. 7, 2025).
[2] See, e.g., Paul S. Atkins, Statement at Open Meeting on Proposals to Expand Responsible Retailization of Private Markets, (Sept. 30, 2026), available at https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-statement-open-meeting-093026.
[3] See Third Point Private Capital Income Fund, SEC Staff No-Action Letter (Apr. 16, 2026) (no-action letter relating to BDC seeding transactions).
[4] See J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc., SEC Staff No-Action Letter (Apr. 27, 2026) (no-action letter relating to open-end investment companies and co-investments); FS Credit Opportunities, et al., Investment Company Act Release No. 35520 (Apr. 3, 2025) (notice) and 35561 (Apr. 29, 2025) (order) (exemptive order relating to co-investments).
[5] Ark Venture Fund and Ark Investment Management LLC, Investment Company Act Release No. 36308 (Aug. 24, 2026) (notice) and 36333 (Sept. 21, 2026) (order) (exemptive order relating to multiple share classes, including a tokenized share class); Franklin Templeton, SEC Staff No-Action Letter (Aug. 12, 2026) (no-action letter relating to tokenized open-end and closed-end investment companies); DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., et al., Investment Company Act Release No. 35770 (Sept. 29, 2025) (notice) and 35786 (Nov. 17, 2025) (order) (exemptive order relating to multiple mutual fund share classes, including exchange traded shares); Ares Core Infrastructure Fund, et al., Investment Company Act Release No. 35494 (Mar. 12, 2025) (notice) and 35523 (Apr. 8, 2025) (order) (exemptive order relating to BDC issuing multiple share classes).
[6] Lord Abbett Credit Opportunities Fund, et al. Investment Company Act Release No. 35663 (July 2, 2025) (notice) and 35699 (July 29, 2025) (order).
[7] Proposed Rule, Interval Fund Modernization; Expansion of Multiple Share Class to Registered Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Business Development Companies, Release No. 33-11444; 34-106534; IC-36351 (Sept. 30, 2026) [91 FR 63388 (Oct. 5, 2026)].
[8] See Proposed Rule, Investment Adviser Performance-Based Compensation Modernization, Release Nos. 33-11443; 34-106533; IA-7022; IC-36350 (Sept. 30, 2026) [91 FR 63676, 63678 (Oct. 6, 2026)].
[9] Executive Order 14434, Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence (Sept. 29, 2026) (defining the terms "Super Intelligence" and "SI" as the technologies and systems encompassed by the term "artificial intelligence" as defined in section 9401(3) of title 15, United States Code).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/daly-remarks-stanford-roundtable-101626
ICYMI | HUD Convenes Faith, Business, and Government Leaders in Grand Rapids to Promote Opportunity Zones Collaboration
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the following news release:
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ICYMI | HUD Convenes Faith, Business, and Government Leaders in Grand Rapids to Promote Opportunity Zones Collaboration
October 16, 2026
Grand Rapids, Mich. - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Center for Faith, in conjunction with the HUD Great Lakes Regional team, hosted a conference with leaders from the faith community, business sector, and federal, state, and local government to encourage them to participate in economic and community development within ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the following news release: * * * ICYMI | HUD Convenes Faith, Business, and Government Leaders in Grand Rapids to Promote Opportunity Zones Collaboration October 16, 2026 Grand Rapids, Mich. - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Center for Faith, in conjunction with the HUD Great Lakes Regional team, hosted a conference with leaders from the faith community, business sector, and federal, state, and local government to encourage them to participate in economic and community development withinOpportunity Zones (OZs). The speakers emphasized the important role faith-based organizations play in family formation and community revitalization, especially in underserved communities in OZs.
The "Opportunity Zones: Economic Development and Community Revitalization by the Power of Faith" conference featured panels on topics such as business opportunities in OZs, OZ project funding, attainable housing options, federal government resources, and the involvement of faith organizations in their communities.
"Opportunity Zones are one of the most effective tools we have to bring private investment into communities that need it most," said HUD Great Lakes Regional Administrator Duey Stroebel. "When investors, developers, and faith leaders come together around a shared vision, we can make real gains for families and neighborhoods across Michigan. The engagement we saw today reflects what is possible when the power of faith is paired with sound economic policy."
This landmark initiative, established in 2017 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, has poured more than $100 billion of private investment into OZs, making it one of the largest economic development programs in history. OZs have lifted more than one million Americans out of poverty, spurred the creation of more than half a million jobs, and led to the construction of more than 400,000 housing units in distressed communities.
Under President Trump's transformational Working Families Tax Cuts Act, OZs have been made permanent. Enhanced incentives, such as a rolling designation cycle, expanded investment incentives for underserved rural communities, and a 10-year investment timeline will build on the program's immense success.
"OZs are not a top-down government effort to revitalize communities, nor are they handouts. They are long-term investments created through public-private partnerships that give a hand-up to vulnerable Americans to help them achieve self-sufficiency," said HUD Assistant Secretary of Community Planning and Development Ronnie Kurtz. "As communities prepare for new OZ designations, we must understand that OZs are not just about bringing jobs or lifting wages, they are about breathing new life into communities that have often been ignored or left behind."
"We want to thank HUD for this incredible event, especially being able to network with faith-based organizations," said Executive Vice President of UMH Properties Daniel Landy. "UMH really wants to build affordable housing communities in Opportunity Zones, and the important word there is 'community.' Faith-based organizations know how to build communities. This was a great event to help revitalize communities in OZs and build partnerships with faith-based organizations."
"It's great to see faith-based organizations, businesses, and non-profits come together around the same table discussing ways we can use each other's strengths to advance the community," said CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries Chris Palusky. "And that could be through affordable housing, jobs, or investment in communities. It was very heartening to see that there was this commitment."
"I am very thankful to HUD for coming across the country to Michigan. I love the fact that DC is paying attention to the local and state level," said Chairman of the Board of the Michigan Christian Chamber of Commerce Rodney Sanderson-Smith. "Every speaker had great wisdom, great insight, and had real, practical, hands-on information to share. My takeaway is that there is great opportunity here for us to come together to make a significance difference that is going to change a legacy. It was inspiring to see that some of the speakers had come from homelessness to building homes. I really hope HUD does more of these conferences so we can continue to keep the momentum going."
This was the fifth conference in a series of national conferences hosted by HUD's Center for Faith. Learn more about Opportunity Zones, the conferences, and how the faith community can be involved HERE.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-26-086
* * *
ICYMI | HUD Convenes Faith, Business, and Government Leaders in Grand Rapids to Promote Opportunity Zones Collaboration
October 16, 2026
Grand Rapids, Mich. - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Center for Faith, in conjunction with the HUD Great Lakes Regional team, hosted a conference with leaders from the faith community, business sector, and federal, state, and local government to encourage them to participate in economic and community development within ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued the following news release: * * * ICYMI | HUD Convenes Faith, Business, and Government Leaders in Grand Rapids to Promote Opportunity Zones Collaboration October 16, 2026 Grand Rapids, Mich. - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Center for Faith, in conjunction with the HUD Great Lakes Regional team, hosted a conference with leaders from the faith community, business sector, and federal, state, and local government to encourage them to participate in economic and community development withinOpportunity Zones (OZs). The speakers emphasized the important role faith-based organizations play in family formation and community revitalization, especially in underserved communities in OZs.
The "Opportunity Zones: Economic Development and Community Revitalization by the Power of Faith" conference featured panels on topics such as business opportunities in OZs, OZ project funding, attainable housing options, federal government resources, and the involvement of faith organizations in their communities.
"Opportunity Zones are one of the most effective tools we have to bring private investment into communities that need it most," said HUD Great Lakes Regional Administrator Duey Stroebel. "When investors, developers, and faith leaders come together around a shared vision, we can make real gains for families and neighborhoods across Michigan. The engagement we saw today reflects what is possible when the power of faith is paired with sound economic policy."
This landmark initiative, established in 2017 by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, has poured more than $100 billion of private investment into OZs, making it one of the largest economic development programs in history. OZs have lifted more than one million Americans out of poverty, spurred the creation of more than half a million jobs, and led to the construction of more than 400,000 housing units in distressed communities.
Under President Trump's transformational Working Families Tax Cuts Act, OZs have been made permanent. Enhanced incentives, such as a rolling designation cycle, expanded investment incentives for underserved rural communities, and a 10-year investment timeline will build on the program's immense success.
"OZs are not a top-down government effort to revitalize communities, nor are they handouts. They are long-term investments created through public-private partnerships that give a hand-up to vulnerable Americans to help them achieve self-sufficiency," said HUD Assistant Secretary of Community Planning and Development Ronnie Kurtz. "As communities prepare for new OZ designations, we must understand that OZs are not just about bringing jobs or lifting wages, they are about breathing new life into communities that have often been ignored or left behind."
"We want to thank HUD for this incredible event, especially being able to network with faith-based organizations," said Executive Vice President of UMH Properties Daniel Landy. "UMH really wants to build affordable housing communities in Opportunity Zones, and the important word there is 'community.' Faith-based organizations know how to build communities. This was a great event to help revitalize communities in OZs and build partnerships with faith-based organizations."
"It's great to see faith-based organizations, businesses, and non-profits come together around the same table discussing ways we can use each other's strengths to advance the community," said CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries Chris Palusky. "And that could be through affordable housing, jobs, or investment in communities. It was very heartening to see that there was this commitment."
"I am very thankful to HUD for coming across the country to Michigan. I love the fact that DC is paying attention to the local and state level," said Chairman of the Board of the Michigan Christian Chamber of Commerce Rodney Sanderson-Smith. "Every speaker had great wisdom, great insight, and had real, practical, hands-on information to share. My takeaway is that there is great opportunity here for us to come together to make a significance difference that is going to change a legacy. It was inspiring to see that some of the speakers had come from homelessness to building homes. I really hope HUD does more of these conferences so we can continue to keep the momentum going."
This was the fifth conference in a series of national conferences hosted by HUD's Center for Faith. Learn more about Opportunity Zones, the conferences, and how the faith community can be involved HERE.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-26-086
FCC Issues Daily Digest for Oct. 16
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following Daily Digest (Vol. 45, No. 199) on Oct. 16, 2026:
* * *
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE DATED AND RELEASED TODAY:
NEWS RELEASES
FCC CUTS OFF MEXICO IP PHONE FOR VIOLATING ROBOCALL RULES. FCC cuts off Mexico IP Phone for violating robocall rules bringing the total number of providers kicked out to more than 1,400.. by News Release. News Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov (202) 418-0500. OMR EB. DOC-425933A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.docx) DOC-425933A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.pdf) ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following Daily Digest (Vol. 45, No. 199) on Oct. 16, 2026: * * * THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE DATED AND RELEASED TODAY: NEWS RELEASES FCC CUTS OFF MEXICO IP PHONE FOR VIOLATING ROBOCALL RULES. FCC cuts off Mexico IP Phone for violating robocall rules bringing the total number of providers kicked out to more than 1,400.. by News Release. News Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov (202) 418-0500. OMR EB. DOC-425933A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.docx) DOC-425933A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.pdf)DOC-425933A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.txt)
FCC CONVENES MEETING OF INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS FROM AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. by News Release. News Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov (202) 418-0500. OMR OIA. DOC-425926A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425926A1.docx) DOC-425926A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425926A1.pdf) DOC-425926A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425926A1.txt)
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Report No: REPORT NO. PN-2-261016-01. Released: 2026-10-16. ACTIONS. MB. DOC-425901A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425901A1.pdf) DOC-425901A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425901A1.txt)
Report No: REPORT NO. PN-1-261016-01. Released: 2026-10-16. APPLICATIONS. MB. DOC-425900A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425900A1.pdf) DOC-425900A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425900A1.txt)
Report No: SAT-02048. Released: 2026-10-16. SATELLITE LICENSING DIVISION AND SATELLITE PROGRAMS AND POLICY DIVISION INFORMATION - SAT - ACTIONS TAKEN. (DA No. 26-1115). SB. Contact: ICFSinfo@fcc.gov. DA-26-1115A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1115A1.pdf) DA-26-1115A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1115A1.txt)
Released: 2026-10-16. THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES CONDITIONAL APPROVAL AND EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN ADVANCED ROBOTIC DEVICES AND POWER INVERTERS FROM FCC COVERED LIST. (DA No. 26-1114). (Dkt No 18-89 21-232 21-233). PSHSB. Contact: Emma Sameth (emma.sameth@fcc.gov). Action by: Chief, PSHSB. DA-26-1114A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1114A1.docx) DA-26-1114A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1114A1.pdf) DA-26-1114A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1114A1.txt)
Report No: REPORT NO. PN-3-261016-01. Released: 2026-10-16. PLEADINGS. MB. DOC-425902A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425902A1.pdf) DOC-425902A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425902A1.txt)
Report No: 3237. Released: 2026-10-16. PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF ACTION IN PROCEEDING. OMD. DOC-425896A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425896A1.docx) DOC-425896A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425896A1.pdf) DOC-425896A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425896A1.txt)
Released: 2026-10-16. EX PARTE PRESENTATIONS AND POST-REPLY COMMENT PERIOD FILING IN PERMIT-BUT-DISCLOSURE PROCEEDINGS RECEIVED ON 10-15-26. OMD. Contact: Kenneth Hill, 202-418-7521. DOC-425907A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425907A1.pdf) DOC-425907A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425907A1.txt)
Report No: SAT-02047. Released: 2026-10-16. SATELLITE LICENSING DIVISION AND SATELLITE PROGRAMS AND POLICY DIVISION INFORMATION - SAT - ACCEPTED FOR FILING. SB. Contact: ICFSinfo@fcc.gov. DOC-425903A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425903A1.pdf) DOC-425903A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425903A1.txt)
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STATEMENT
JOINT STATEMENT FROM MEETING OF INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS FROM AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. by Statement. OMR OIA. DOC-425928A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425928A1.docx) DOC-425928A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425928A1.pdf) DOC-425928A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425928A1.txt)
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TEXTS
IN THE MATTER OF MEXICO IP PHONE LLC. FCC removes the certification of Mexico IP Phone from the Robocall Mitigation Database for intentionally recertifying its RMD certification without the required information and for transmitting high-volume illegal traffic.. Action by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau. Adopted: 2026-10-16 by ORDER. (DA No. 26-1116). EB. DA-26-1116A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1116A1.docx) DA-26-1116A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1116A1.pdf) DA-26-1116A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1116A1.txt)
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ADDENDA: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, RELEASED OCTOBER 15, 2026, DID NOT APPEAR IN DIGEST NO. 198:
PUBLIC NOTICES
Released: 2026-10-15. THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU PLACES INTO THE RECORDS OF TWO PROCEEDINGS A LETTER FROM SENATOR SCOTT TO CHAIRMAN CARR . (DA No. 26-1112). (Dkt No 26-22 26-23). PSHSB. Contact: Emma Sameth (emma.sameth@fcc.gov). Action by: Chief, PSHSB. DA-26-1112A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1112A1.docx) DA-26-1112A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1112A1.pdf) DA-26-1112A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1112A1.txt)
Released: 2026-10-15. DOMESTIC SECTION 214 APPLICATION GRANTED FOR THE TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF SIREN TELEPHONE COMPANY, INC. TO LAKELAND COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (DA No. 26-1113). (Dkt No 26-198). WCB. Contact: For further information, please contact Megan Danner, Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, at megan.danner@fcc.gov.. DA-26-1113A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1113A1.docx) DA-26-1113A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1113A1.pdf) DA-26-1113A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1113A1.txt)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fcc.gov/edocs/daily-digest/2026/10/16
* * *
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE DATED AND RELEASED TODAY:
NEWS RELEASES
FCC CUTS OFF MEXICO IP PHONE FOR VIOLATING ROBOCALL RULES. FCC cuts off Mexico IP Phone for violating robocall rules bringing the total number of providers kicked out to more than 1,400.. by News Release. News Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov (202) 418-0500. OMR EB. DOC-425933A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.docx) DOC-425933A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.pdf) ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following Daily Digest (Vol. 45, No. 199) on Oct. 16, 2026: * * * THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE DATED AND RELEASED TODAY: NEWS RELEASES FCC CUTS OFF MEXICO IP PHONE FOR VIOLATING ROBOCALL RULES. FCC cuts off Mexico IP Phone for violating robocall rules bringing the total number of providers kicked out to more than 1,400.. by News Release. News Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov (202) 418-0500. OMR EB. DOC-425933A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.docx) DOC-425933A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.pdf)DOC-425933A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.txt)
FCC CONVENES MEETING OF INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS FROM AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. by News Release. News Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov (202) 418-0500. OMR OIA. DOC-425926A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425926A1.docx) DOC-425926A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425926A1.pdf) DOC-425926A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425926A1.txt)
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PUBLIC NOTICES
Report No: REPORT NO. PN-2-261016-01. Released: 2026-10-16. ACTIONS. MB. DOC-425901A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425901A1.pdf) DOC-425901A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425901A1.txt)
Report No: REPORT NO. PN-1-261016-01. Released: 2026-10-16. APPLICATIONS. MB. DOC-425900A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425900A1.pdf) DOC-425900A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425900A1.txt)
Report No: SAT-02048. Released: 2026-10-16. SATELLITE LICENSING DIVISION AND SATELLITE PROGRAMS AND POLICY DIVISION INFORMATION - SAT - ACTIONS TAKEN. (DA No. 26-1115). SB. Contact: ICFSinfo@fcc.gov. DA-26-1115A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1115A1.pdf) DA-26-1115A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1115A1.txt)
Released: 2026-10-16. THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES CONDITIONAL APPROVAL AND EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN ADVANCED ROBOTIC DEVICES AND POWER INVERTERS FROM FCC COVERED LIST. (DA No. 26-1114). (Dkt No 18-89 21-232 21-233). PSHSB. Contact: Emma Sameth (emma.sameth@fcc.gov). Action by: Chief, PSHSB. DA-26-1114A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1114A1.docx) DA-26-1114A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1114A1.pdf) DA-26-1114A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1114A1.txt)
Report No: REPORT NO. PN-3-261016-01. Released: 2026-10-16. PLEADINGS. MB. DOC-425902A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425902A1.pdf) DOC-425902A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425902A1.txt)
Report No: 3237. Released: 2026-10-16. PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF ACTION IN PROCEEDING. OMD. DOC-425896A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425896A1.docx) DOC-425896A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425896A1.pdf) DOC-425896A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425896A1.txt)
Released: 2026-10-16. EX PARTE PRESENTATIONS AND POST-REPLY COMMENT PERIOD FILING IN PERMIT-BUT-DISCLOSURE PROCEEDINGS RECEIVED ON 10-15-26. OMD. Contact: Kenneth Hill, 202-418-7521. DOC-425907A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425907A1.pdf) DOC-425907A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425907A1.txt)
Report No: SAT-02047. Released: 2026-10-16. SATELLITE LICENSING DIVISION AND SATELLITE PROGRAMS AND POLICY DIVISION INFORMATION - SAT - ACCEPTED FOR FILING. SB. Contact: ICFSinfo@fcc.gov. DOC-425903A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425903A1.pdf) DOC-425903A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425903A1.txt)
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STATEMENT
JOINT STATEMENT FROM MEETING OF INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS FROM AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. by Statement. OMR OIA. DOC-425928A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425928A1.docx) DOC-425928A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425928A1.pdf) DOC-425928A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425928A1.txt)
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TEXTS
IN THE MATTER OF MEXICO IP PHONE LLC. FCC removes the certification of Mexico IP Phone from the Robocall Mitigation Database for intentionally recertifying its RMD certification without the required information and for transmitting high-volume illegal traffic.. Action by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau. Adopted: 2026-10-16 by ORDER. (DA No. 26-1116). EB. DA-26-1116A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1116A1.docx) DA-26-1116A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1116A1.pdf) DA-26-1116A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1116A1.txt)
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ADDENDA: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS, RELEASED OCTOBER 15, 2026, DID NOT APPEAR IN DIGEST NO. 198:
PUBLIC NOTICES
Released: 2026-10-15. THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU PLACES INTO THE RECORDS OF TWO PROCEEDINGS A LETTER FROM SENATOR SCOTT TO CHAIRMAN CARR . (DA No. 26-1112). (Dkt No 26-22 26-23). PSHSB. Contact: Emma Sameth (emma.sameth@fcc.gov). Action by: Chief, PSHSB. DA-26-1112A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1112A1.docx) DA-26-1112A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1112A1.pdf) DA-26-1112A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1112A1.txt)
Released: 2026-10-15. DOMESTIC SECTION 214 APPLICATION GRANTED FOR THE TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF SIREN TELEPHONE COMPANY, INC. TO LAKELAND COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (DA No. 26-1113). (Dkt No 26-198). WCB. Contact: For further information, please contact Megan Danner, Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, at megan.danner@fcc.gov.. DA-26-1113A1.docx (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1113A1.docx) DA-26-1113A1.pdf (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1113A1.pdf) DA-26-1113A1.txt (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-1113A1.txt)
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Original text here: https://www.fcc.gov/edocs/daily-digest/2026/10/16
FCC Cuts Off Mexico IP Phone for Violating Robocall Rules
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release:
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FCC Cuts Off Mexico IP Phone for Violating Robocall Rules
Bringing Total Number of Providers Kicked Out to More Than 1,400
-
WASHINGTON, October 16, 2026--Today, the Federal Communications Commission prohibited a voice service provider from connecting to U.S. networks for failing to comply with FCC robocall rules. Mexico IP Phone and its CEO, Hemant Kumar Bharti, came to the FCC's attention for seeking direct phone numbering access by filing a forged Commission document and failing to disclose ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release: * * * FCC Cuts Off Mexico IP Phone for Violating Robocall Rules Bringing Total Number of Providers Kicked Out to More Than 1,400 - WASHINGTON, October 16, 2026--Today, the Federal Communications Commission prohibited a voice service provider from connecting to U.S. networks for failing to comply with FCC robocall rules. Mexico IP Phone and its CEO, Hemant Kumar Bharti, came to the FCC's attention for seeking direct phone numbering access by filing a forged Commission document and failing to disclosein its Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) certification that it was the subject of a State Attorneys General Task Force anti-robocalling investigation. Today's action mandates that U.S. voice service providers and intermediate providers block calls from Mexico IP Phone. The Commission also removed the company from the RMD. All providers operating on U.S. networks have two days to begin blocking all traffic from this company, in compliance with the Commission's RMD and call blocking rules.
The FCC is cracking down on the scourge of illegal robocalls by tackling the problem at every stage of a call's lifecycle. Since January 2025, the Commission has removed more than 1,400 companies from the RMD for failing to comply with Commission rules. The Commission also continues to strengthen its numbering rules in order to provide a critical defense against bad actors seeking to access United States numbering resources, most recently in December 2025 by taking action to extend the anti-robocalling and other compliance requirements to VoIP providers with existing direct access to numbers.
Hunter Deeley, Chief of the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, issued the following statement:
"Numbering resources are a critical front in the fight against illegal robocalls. The FCC continues to work to tighten the rules to keep bad actors from having direct access to U.S. phone numbers. And in this case, we're taking action against a company who went to remarkable and illegal lengths to circumvent the process that allows legitimate providers to access phone numbers. Today's removal effectively cuts off this bad actor from transmitting calls to U.S. consumers."
Additional Background Information:
The FCC's Robocall Mitigation Database was established to promote transparency and effective robocall mitigation. This database is a critical tool through which the agency ensures providers are actively combatting robocalls and implementing STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication. Providers are required to certify that they have implemented STIR/SHAKEN on all IP-based portions of their networks. All providers must also submit robocall mitigation plans. Failure to meet these obligations can result in removal from the database and blocking of the provider's traffic.
The Commission has exclusive jurisdiction over those portions of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) related to the United States. The NANP Administrator (NANPA) is the impartial, non-government entity that administers number resources in accordance with Commission rules and regulations. A provider seeking direct access to numbers from the NANPA must first obtain Commission authorization.
Today's action follows the Enforcement Bureau's June 11, 2026 Show Cause Order directed Mexico IP to explain why the company's certification should not be removed from the RMD for willful violations of the Commission's anti-robocalling rules. The company's RMD filings were found to be deficient and inaccurate. In particular, Mexico IP submitted a falsified Public Notice to the NANPA seeking authority to obtain direct access to numbers. Additionally, it failed to disclose in its RMD certification that it was the subject of a State Attorneys General Task Force anti-robocalling investigation.
Despite Mexico IP's CEO Hemant Kumar Bharti certifying that the company had not run afoul of federal regulators, in truth, the company had been flagged in August 2025 by the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force as having "accepted and transmitted high-volume illegal and/or suspicious call traffic--which has reached U.S. consumers and, presumably, generated revenue for Mexico IP--from providers that have failed to respond to traceback requests in contravention of the FCC's mandates." Not only did the company certify to the contrary after the Task Force letter, but the FCC found in December 2025 that the company was "closely affiliated" with SK Teleco "in transmitting Walmart impersonation robocalls."
Mexico IP's response, submitted by company CEO Hemant Bharti, blamed a freelancer, "Lance Lee," for filing the false numbering application but submitted no evidence of "Lee's" existence. Commission and NANPA records show that Bharti himself personally submitted both the deficient RMD certification and the falsified Public Notice. After a thorough investigation, through today's action, Mexico IP Phone has been removed from the RMD.
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Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.pdf
* * *
FCC Cuts Off Mexico IP Phone for Violating Robocall Rules
Bringing Total Number of Providers Kicked Out to More Than 1,400
-
WASHINGTON, October 16, 2026--Today, the Federal Communications Commission prohibited a voice service provider from connecting to U.S. networks for failing to comply with FCC robocall rules. Mexico IP Phone and its CEO, Hemant Kumar Bharti, came to the FCC's attention for seeking direct phone numbering access by filing a forged Commission document and failing to disclose ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release: * * * FCC Cuts Off Mexico IP Phone for Violating Robocall Rules Bringing Total Number of Providers Kicked Out to More Than 1,400 - WASHINGTON, October 16, 2026--Today, the Federal Communications Commission prohibited a voice service provider from connecting to U.S. networks for failing to comply with FCC robocall rules. Mexico IP Phone and its CEO, Hemant Kumar Bharti, came to the FCC's attention for seeking direct phone numbering access by filing a forged Commission document and failing to disclosein its Robocall Mitigation Database (RMD) certification that it was the subject of a State Attorneys General Task Force anti-robocalling investigation. Today's action mandates that U.S. voice service providers and intermediate providers block calls from Mexico IP Phone. The Commission also removed the company from the RMD. All providers operating on U.S. networks have two days to begin blocking all traffic from this company, in compliance with the Commission's RMD and call blocking rules.
The FCC is cracking down on the scourge of illegal robocalls by tackling the problem at every stage of a call's lifecycle. Since January 2025, the Commission has removed more than 1,400 companies from the RMD for failing to comply with Commission rules. The Commission also continues to strengthen its numbering rules in order to provide a critical defense against bad actors seeking to access United States numbering resources, most recently in December 2025 by taking action to extend the anti-robocalling and other compliance requirements to VoIP providers with existing direct access to numbers.
Hunter Deeley, Chief of the FCC's Enforcement Bureau, issued the following statement:
"Numbering resources are a critical front in the fight against illegal robocalls. The FCC continues to work to tighten the rules to keep bad actors from having direct access to U.S. phone numbers. And in this case, we're taking action against a company who went to remarkable and illegal lengths to circumvent the process that allows legitimate providers to access phone numbers. Today's removal effectively cuts off this bad actor from transmitting calls to U.S. consumers."
Additional Background Information:
The FCC's Robocall Mitigation Database was established to promote transparency and effective robocall mitigation. This database is a critical tool through which the agency ensures providers are actively combatting robocalls and implementing STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication. Providers are required to certify that they have implemented STIR/SHAKEN on all IP-based portions of their networks. All providers must also submit robocall mitigation plans. Failure to meet these obligations can result in removal from the database and blocking of the provider's traffic.
The Commission has exclusive jurisdiction over those portions of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) related to the United States. The NANP Administrator (NANPA) is the impartial, non-government entity that administers number resources in accordance with Commission rules and regulations. A provider seeking direct access to numbers from the NANPA must first obtain Commission authorization.
Today's action follows the Enforcement Bureau's June 11, 2026 Show Cause Order directed Mexico IP to explain why the company's certification should not be removed from the RMD for willful violations of the Commission's anti-robocalling rules. The company's RMD filings were found to be deficient and inaccurate. In particular, Mexico IP submitted a falsified Public Notice to the NANPA seeking authority to obtain direct access to numbers. Additionally, it failed to disclose in its RMD certification that it was the subject of a State Attorneys General Task Force anti-robocalling investigation.
Despite Mexico IP's CEO Hemant Kumar Bharti certifying that the company had not run afoul of federal regulators, in truth, the company had been flagged in August 2025 by the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force as having "accepted and transmitted high-volume illegal and/or suspicious call traffic--which has reached U.S. consumers and, presumably, generated revenue for Mexico IP--from providers that have failed to respond to traceback requests in contravention of the FCC's mandates." Not only did the company certify to the contrary after the Task Force letter, but the FCC found in December 2025 that the company was "closely affiliated" with SK Teleco "in transmitting Walmart impersonation robocalls."
Mexico IP's response, submitted by company CEO Hemant Bharti, blamed a freelancer, "Lance Lee," for filing the false numbering application but submitted no evidence of "Lee's" existence. Commission and NANPA records show that Bharti himself personally submitted both the deficient RMD certification and the falsified Public Notice. After a thorough investigation, through today's action, Mexico IP Phone has been removed from the RMD.
* * *
Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-425933A1.pdf
Ecuador to Improve Legal Defense Services for 2.3 Million People With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Ecuador to Improve Legal Defense Services for 2.3 Million People with IDB Support
October 16, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $31.9 million financing package to help Ecuador modernize the country's Public Defender's Office and expand access to legal services for vulnerable communities. The financing includes a $28.7 million loan and a $3.2 million non-reimbursable funding.
The project is expected to benefit approximately ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release: * * * Ecuador to Improve Legal Defense Services for 2.3 Million People with IDB Support October 16, 2026 WASHINGTON -- The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $31.9 million financing package to help Ecuador modernize the country's Public Defender's Office and expand access to legal services for vulnerable communities. The financing includes a $28.7 million loan and a $3.2 million non-reimbursable funding. The project is expected to benefit approximately2.3 million people who rely on free legal defense services, including women experiencing violence, Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, people with disabilities, migrants and refugees.
The operation will improve the availability, quality, and efficiency of public legal defense services across Ecuador, and reduce barriers by expanding services in underserved communities, strengthening outreach to vulnerable groups.
"By strengthening the Public Defender's Office's institutional capacity, this project will improve how legal services are delivered, helping bring quality services closer to the people who need them most," said Ignez M. Tristao, IDB Group Country Representative in Ecuador.
The project will support the Public Defender's Office in expanding itinerant and digital services, improving in-person attention, and deploying new technologies that make legal assistance more accessible and responsive to people's needs. It will also strengthen institutional management and case administration, helping the institution reach more people while delivering services more efficiently. The operation is expected to increase access in highly vulnerable territories, reduce waiting times for users, and significantly expand the use of digital channels.
The project aligns with the IDB Group's Strategic Agreement with Ecuador for 2026-2030 and supports the country's efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve access to public services, and promote greater inclusion for vulnerable populations.
* * *
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit: www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/ecuador-improve-legal-defense-services-23-million-people-idb-support
* * *
Ecuador to Improve Legal Defense Services for 2.3 Million People with IDB Support
October 16, 2026
WASHINGTON -- The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $31.9 million financing package to help Ecuador modernize the country's Public Defender's Office and expand access to legal services for vulnerable communities. The financing includes a $28.7 million loan and a $3.2 million non-reimbursable funding.
The project is expected to benefit approximately ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release: * * * Ecuador to Improve Legal Defense Services for 2.3 Million People with IDB Support October 16, 2026 WASHINGTON -- The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a $31.9 million financing package to help Ecuador modernize the country's Public Defender's Office and expand access to legal services for vulnerable communities. The financing includes a $28.7 million loan and a $3.2 million non-reimbursable funding. The project is expected to benefit approximately2.3 million people who rely on free legal defense services, including women experiencing violence, Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, people with disabilities, migrants and refugees.
The operation will improve the availability, quality, and efficiency of public legal defense services across Ecuador, and reduce barriers by expanding services in underserved communities, strengthening outreach to vulnerable groups.
"By strengthening the Public Defender's Office's institutional capacity, this project will improve how legal services are delivered, helping bring quality services closer to the people who need them most," said Ignez M. Tristao, IDB Group Country Representative in Ecuador.
The project will support the Public Defender's Office in expanding itinerant and digital services, improving in-person attention, and deploying new technologies that make legal assistance more accessible and responsive to people's needs. It will also strengthen institutional management and case administration, helping the institution reach more people while delivering services more efficiently. The operation is expected to increase access in highly vulnerable territories, reduce waiting times for users, and significantly expand the use of digital channels.
The project aligns with the IDB Group's Strategic Agreement with Ecuador for 2026-2030 and supports the country's efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve access to public services, and promote greater inclusion for vulnerable populations.
* * *
About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit: www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/ecuador-improve-legal-defense-services-23-million-people-idb-support
Behind the Scenes of the People's Republic of China's Visit to Joint Base Andrews
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base Andrews (316th Wing) issued the following news:
* * *
Oct. 16, 2026
Behind the scenes of the People's Republic of China's visit to Joint Base Andrews
By Senior Airman Daniel Walderbach 316th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - U.S. President Donald J. Trump welcomed the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, during his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sept. 23, 2026. The event marked Xi's first state visit since 2015.
The arrival consisted of nationwide media from the United States and ... Show Full Article JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base Andrews (316th Wing) issued the following news: * * * Oct. 16, 2026 Behind the scenes of the People's Republic of China's visit to Joint Base Andrews By Senior Airman Daniel Walderbach 316th Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - U.S. President Donald J. Trump welcomed the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, during his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sept. 23, 2026. The event marked Xi's first state visit since 2015. The arrival consisted of nationwide media from the United States andChina, Military District of Washington's honor guard and band, and a 21-gun salute from The Old Guard.
Behind all the pomp and circumstance numerous Airmen worked countless hours to make sure the mission was accomplished without incident.
From 316th Security Forces Group vetting over 100 media members from both the U.S. and China against the base access list and conducting K-9 sweeps before they proceeded through the gate, to the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron providing transportation for key players. The 316th Contracting Squadron supplied generators, enabling media members to broadcast the arrival to over 400 million viewers worldwide.
"The team's role was critical to support the PRC arrival and departure by ensuring 100% vehicle reliability for high-security motorcades and flightline vehicles." said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ashley Hardy, 316th LRS commander. "Our Airmen prevented any mechanical failures on a global stage, directly enabling secure, on-time international diplomacy."
While logistics personnel enabled media movement and escort, the 316th SFG maintained a secure environment for personnel, aircraft and installations resources.
"JBA exists to support our Commander in Chief and that means the SFG exists to secure his on-base movements, aircraft and supporting resources," said Capt. Bryan Anderson, 816th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. "While the scale and public attention of this event was different than our typical operations, it was at its core the job that our Airmen do every day, and some have hundreds of reps with this kind of mission."
On-time, secure communication was essential before, during and after the ceremonies. The 744th Communications Squadron provided units with land mobile radios and burner phones, enabling Airmen to communicate seamlessly throughout the week's events.
For the Airmen involved, both the arrival and departure of PRC President Xi Jinping was another example of how Team Andrews stays prepared and ready for any mission, whether it be routine or of global significance.
"All eyes were on Andrews with direct impact to the nation's diplomatic objectives," said Col. Karl W. Seekamp, 316th Wing and installation commander. "I am so impressed with how JBA's many orgs worked together as one and how individual service members' tactical excellence consistently has strategic impact. From securing the gates to contracting lavatories and every task in between, Andrews' personnel set the environment to enable world diplomacy. This even proved yet again what I already knew: the Andrews team is amazingly capable, committed and ready to deliver at all times."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article/4627586/behind-the-scenes-of-the-peoples-republic-of-chinas-visit-to-joint-base-andrews/
* * *
Oct. 16, 2026
Behind the scenes of the People's Republic of China's visit to Joint Base Andrews
By Senior Airman Daniel Walderbach 316th Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - U.S. President Donald J. Trump welcomed the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, during his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sept. 23, 2026. The event marked Xi's first state visit since 2015.
The arrival consisted of nationwide media from the United States and ... Show Full Article JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland, Oct. 17 -- The U.S. Air Force Joint Base Andrews (316th Wing) issued the following news: * * * Oct. 16, 2026 Behind the scenes of the People's Republic of China's visit to Joint Base Andrews By Senior Airman Daniel Walderbach 316th Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. - U.S. President Donald J. Trump welcomed the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, during his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Sept. 23, 2026. The event marked Xi's first state visit since 2015. The arrival consisted of nationwide media from the United States andChina, Military District of Washington's honor guard and band, and a 21-gun salute from The Old Guard.
Behind all the pomp and circumstance numerous Airmen worked countless hours to make sure the mission was accomplished without incident.
From 316th Security Forces Group vetting over 100 media members from both the U.S. and China against the base access list and conducting K-9 sweeps before they proceeded through the gate, to the 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron providing transportation for key players. The 316th Contracting Squadron supplied generators, enabling media members to broadcast the arrival to over 400 million viewers worldwide.
"The team's role was critical to support the PRC arrival and departure by ensuring 100% vehicle reliability for high-security motorcades and flightline vehicles." said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ashley Hardy, 316th LRS commander. "Our Airmen prevented any mechanical failures on a global stage, directly enabling secure, on-time international diplomacy."
While logistics personnel enabled media movement and escort, the 316th SFG maintained a secure environment for personnel, aircraft and installations resources.
"JBA exists to support our Commander in Chief and that means the SFG exists to secure his on-base movements, aircraft and supporting resources," said Capt. Bryan Anderson, 816th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. "While the scale and public attention of this event was different than our typical operations, it was at its core the job that our Airmen do every day, and some have hundreds of reps with this kind of mission."
On-time, secure communication was essential before, during and after the ceremonies. The 744th Communications Squadron provided units with land mobile radios and burner phones, enabling Airmen to communicate seamlessly throughout the week's events.
For the Airmen involved, both the arrival and departure of PRC President Xi Jinping was another example of how Team Andrews stays prepared and ready for any mission, whether it be routine or of global significance.
"All eyes were on Andrews with direct impact to the nation's diplomatic objectives," said Col. Karl W. Seekamp, 316th Wing and installation commander. "I am so impressed with how JBA's many orgs worked together as one and how individual service members' tactical excellence consistently has strategic impact. From securing the gates to contracting lavatories and every task in between, Andrews' personnel set the environment to enable world diplomacy. This even proved yet again what I already knew: the Andrews team is amazingly capable, committed and ready to deliver at all times."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.jba.af.mil/News/Article/4627586/behind-the-scenes-of-the-peoples-republic-of-chinas-visit-to-joint-base-andrews/