Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
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Repeat Offender Engaged in Fentanyl Trafficking Sentenced to 204 Months in Federal Prison
SPOKANE, Washington, Dec. 30 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington posted the following news release on Dec. 29, 2025:
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Repeat Offender Engaged in Fentanyl Trafficking Sentenced to 204 Months in Federal Prison
United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kenneth H. Crause, age 55, to 204 months in federal prison after Crause pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Crause be placed on a life term of supervised release.
According to Court documents,
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SPOKANE, Washington, Dec. 30 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington posted the following news release on Dec. 29, 2025:
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Repeat Offender Engaged in Fentanyl Trafficking Sentenced to 204 Months in Federal Prison
United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kenneth H. Crause, age 55, to 204 months in federal prison after Crause pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Crause be placed on a life term of supervised release.
According to Court documents,the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit had an active drug trafficking investigation into Crause who was already on federal supervision for a prior drug trafficking conviction. Based on that investigation officers obtained search warrants for his residence and vehicle. Those warrants were executed on October 8, 2024 at which time, officers located multiple controlled substances to include over 1,298 grams of deadly powder fentanyl, approximately 124 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Also found during the search, were multiple digital drug scales, pay/owe drug ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking as well as protective gear such as respirators and gloves indicative of the deadly nature of the powder being prepared and distributed by Crause. In addition, approximately $53,902 in United States currency was seized from the residence, vehicle and Crause's person.
"Fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats to our community." Stated First Assistant United States Attorney S. Pete Serrano. "Mr. Crause was already on federal supervision for his prior involvement in drug trafficking. Even while being supervised by the Court, Crause chose to engage in fentanyl trafficking, directly placing this community and others at risk. He clearly knew those risks evidenced by the protective gear he utilized while not caring for the impact on others. Through the hard work of our state and federal partners, this repeat offender will no longer be able to hurt our community."
"Mr. Crause clearly knew the dangers of fentanyl, but he ignored this risk out of greed," said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. "As an unreformed trafficker, he richly deserves this lengthy prison term, which may be the only way to stop him from poisoning our community."
Detective Brian Eckersley said that he is very proud of the hard-working Detectives in the Spokane Police Department's Special Investigations Unit. They work many long nights putting these cases together. The combined efforts of our federal partners contributed to a successful prosecution. This prosecution was even more rewarding for us, because we stopped, Crause from trafficking fentanyl. After seeing the dangerous living conditions one child had to live in, we knew Crause had to be stopped. He clearly used personal protection equipment when handling the fentanyl. However, Crause left the residue and trash from his drug operation out where it was easily accessible to the child, who risked serious illness or death from exposure to the fentanyl.
The case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Earl A. Hicks, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/repeat-offender-engaged-fentanyl-trafficking-sentenced-204-months-federal-prison
President Trump Issues Proclamation to Implement the U.S.-Israel Agreement on Trade in Agricultural Products
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on Dec. 29, 2025:
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TO IMPLEMENT THE UNITED STATES-ISRAEL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
1. On April 22, 1985, the United States and Israel entered into the Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel (the "USIFTA"), which the Congress approved in section 3 of the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (the "USIFTA Implementation Act") (Public Law 99-47, 99 Stat. 82
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on Dec. 29, 2025:
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TO IMPLEMENT THE UNITED STATES-ISRAEL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
1. On April 22, 1985, the United States and Israel entered into the Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel (the "USIFTA"), which the Congress approved in section 3 of the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (the "USIFTA Implementation Act") (Public Law 99-47, 99 Stat. 82(19 U.S.C. 2112 note)). Section 4(b) of the USIFTA Implementation Act provides that, when the President determines that it is necessary to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, the President may proclaim such withdrawal, suspension, modification, or continuance of any duty, or such continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be required or appropriate to carry out the USIFTA. In order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to agricultural trade with Israel, on July 27, 2004, the United States entered into an agreement with Israel concerning certain aspects of trade in agricultural products during the period January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008 (United States-Israel Agreement Concerning Certain Aspects of Trade in Agricultural Products (the "2004 Agreement")).
2. In Proclamation 7826 of October 4, 2004, the President determined, pursuant to section 4(b) of the USIFTA Implementation Act and consistent with the 2004 Agreement, that, in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, it was necessary to provide duty-free access into the United States through December 31, 2008, for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel. Each year from 2008 through 2024, the United States and Israel entered into agreements to extend the period that the 2004 Agreement was in force for 1-year periods to allow additional time for the two governments to conclude an agreement to replace the 2004 Agreement. To carry out the extension agreements, in Proclamations 8334 of December 31, 2008; 8467 of December 23, 2009; 8618 of December 21, 2010; 8770 of December 29, 2011; 8921 of December 20, 2012; 9072 of December 23, 2013; 9223 of December 23, 2014; 9383 of December 21, 2015; 9555 of December 15, 2016; 9687 of December 22, 2017; 9834 of December 21, 2018; 9974 of December 26, 2019; 10128 of December 22, 2020; 10326 of December 23, 2021; 10509 of December 23, 2022; 10692 of December 29, 2023; and 10875 of December 20, 2024, Presidents Bush, Obama, Biden and I modified the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to provide duty-free access into the United States for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel, each time for an additional 1 year period.
1. On April 22, 1985, the United States and Israel entered into the Agreement on the Establishment of a Free Trade Area between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel (the "USIFTA"), which the Congress approved in section 3 of the United States-Israel Free Trade Area Implementation Act of 1985 (the "USIFTA Implementation Act") (Public Law 99-47, 99 Stat. 82 (19 U.S.C. 2112 note)). Section 4(b) of the USIFTA Implementation Act provides that, when the President determines that it is necessary to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, the President may proclaim such withdrawal, suspension, modification, or continuance of any duty, or such continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be required or appropriate to carry out the USIFTA. In order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to agricultural trade with Israel, on July 27, 2004, the United States entered into an agreement with Israel concerning certain aspects of trade in agricultural products during the period January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008 (United States-Israel Agreement Concerning Certain Aspects of Trade in Agricultural Products (the "2004 Agreement")).
3. On December 1, 2025, the United States entered into an agreement with Israel to make permanent modifications to the 2004 Agreement. On December 4, 2025, the United States entered into an additional agreement with Israel to extend the period that the 2004 Agreement is in force, in order to provide time for the permanent modifications to the 2004 Agreement to enter into force. Pursuant to section 4(b) of the USIFTA Implementation Act, I have determined that it is necessary, in order to maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to Israel provided for by the USIFTA, to provide duty-free access into the United States through the close of December 31, 2026, for specified quantities of certain agricultural products of Israel, as provided in Annex I of this proclamation.
4. On May 6, 2003, the United States and the Republic of Singapore entered into the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (the "USSFTA"), which the Congress approved in section 101 of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the "USSFTA Implementation Act") (Public Law 108-78, 117 Stat. 948, 949 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)). Section 201 of the USSFTA Implementation Act authorizes the President to proclaim such modifications or continuation of any duty, such continuation of duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out or apply articles 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.12 of the USSFTA and the schedule of reductions set forth in Annex 2B of the USSFTA. Section 202 of the USSFTA Implementation Act provides certain rules for determining whether a good is an originating good for the purposes of implementing tariff treatment under the USSFTA and authorizes the President to proclaim the provisions set out in Annexes 3A, 3B, and 3C of the USSFTA and any additional subordinate category necessary to carry out Title II consistent with the USSFTA. In Proclamation 7747 of December 30, 2003, the President determined that it was necessary to add general note 25 to the HTSUS to implement the tariff modifications and rules of origin necessary to carry out the USSFTA.
5. Proclamation 7747 contained two technical errors with respect to the rules of origin for HTSUS subheadings in chapter 90 in general note 25. I have determined that additional modifications to the HTSUS are necessary or appropriate to correct these errors.
6. On June 30, 2007, the United States and the Republic of Korea entered into the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (the "USKFTA"), which the Congress approved in section 101 of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the "USKFTA Implementation Act") (Public Law 112-41, 125 Stat. 428, 430 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)). Proclamation 8783 of March 6, 2012, implemented the USKFTA with respect to the United States and, pursuant to the USKFTA Implementation Act, incorporated into the HTSUS the schedule of duty reductions and rules of origin necessary or appropriate to carry out the USKFTA.
7. Proclamation 8771 of December 29, 2011, pursuant to section 1206(a) of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-418, 102 Stat. 1107, 1151 (19 U.S.C. 3006(a)), modified the HTSUS to reflect amendments to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (the "Convention"). Section 201 of the USKFTA Implementation Act authorizes the President to proclaim such modifications or continuation of any duty, such continuation of duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out or apply articles 2.3, 2.5, and 2.6, and Annex 2-B, Annex 4-B, and Annex 22-A, of the USKFTA. Section 202(o) of the USKFTA Implementation Act authorizes the President to proclaim, as part of the HTSUS, the rules of origin set out in the USKFTA and to proclaim any modifications to such previously proclaimed rules of origin, subject to the exceptions stated in section 202(o)(2)(A) of the USKFTA Implementation Act. In Proclamation 9072 of December 23, 2013, the President determined that it was necessary to modify general note 33 to the HTSUS to implement agreed modifications to the rules of origin in the USKFTA and ensure the continuation of such staged reductions in rates of duty for originating goods under tariff categories that had been modified to reflect amendments to the Convention.
8. Proclamation 9072 contained a technical error in tariff classification rule 1 to chapter 88 in general note 33. I have determined that additional modifications to the HTSUS are necessary or appropriate to correct this error.
9. In Proclamation 8114 of March 19, 2007, the President established HTSUS subheading 9819.15.10 and a new U.S. Note 5 to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTSUS in order to implement certain aspects of the tariff treatment provided for in section 112(b)(8) and section 112(c) of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Title I of the Trade and Development Act of 2000, Public Law 106-200, 114 Stat. 251, 262), as amended by section 6002(b) of the Africa Investment Incentive Act of 2006 (Division D, Title VI of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, Public Law 109-432, 120 Stat. 2922, 3193 (19 U.S.C. 3721(b)(8) and (c))). In Proclamation 8240 of April 17, 2008, the President made modifications to U.S. Notes 2(a), 2(b), and 2(e) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTSUS to include references to the various HTSUS subheadings established by Proclamation 8114, including references to subheading 9819.15.10. In Proclamation 8323 of November 25, 2008, the President further modified the HTSUS by deleting U.S. Note 5 to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTSUS, and its associated subheadings, including subheading 9819.15.10. However, Proclamation 8323 inadvertently omitted conforming changes to U.S. Notes 2(a), 2(b), and 2(e) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTSUS.
10. In Proclamation 10326 of December 23, 2021, the President made certain necessary conforming changes to U.S. Notes 2(a), 2(b), and 2(e) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTSUS, including removing references to subheading 9819.15.10 from U.S. Notes 2(a) and 2(e), but inadvertently failed to remove the reference to subheading 9819.15.10 in the first line of U.S. Note 2(b). I have determined that additional modifications to the HTSUS are necessary or appropriate to reflect the deletion of U.S. Note 5 to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTSUS, and its associated subheadings.
11. Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025 (Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements), authorized the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to take the necessary and appropriate steps to implement any current or forthcoming trade and security framework agreements between a foreign trading partner and the United States, including modifications to the HTSUS. The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in a Federal Register notice of September 25, 2025 (90 FR 46136), modified the HTSUS to provide for the preferential treatment of certain goods of the European Union with respect to the additional ad valorem duty imposed under Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), as amended, including by adding headings 9903.02.74, 9903.02.75, 9903.02.76, and 9903.02.77 to the HTSUS. These four headings each cross-referenced explanatory notes in subdivisions (v)(xvi), (xvii), (xviii), and (xix) of U.S. Note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, respectively.
12. Subsequently, Proclamation 10976 of September 29, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Timber, Lumber, and Their Derivative Products Into the United States), inserted a new subdivision (v)(xiii), effective October 14, 2025, and Proclamation 10984 of October 17, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Parts, and Buses Into the United States), inserted new subdivisions (v)(xiv) and (v)(xv), effective November 1, 2025, into U.S. Note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS. Although both proclamations adjusted the numbering of subsequent provisions in subdivision (v), they omitted conforming changes to the cross-references in headings 9903.02.74-9903.02.77. I have determined that additional modifications to the HTSUS are necessary or appropriate to reflect these conforming changes.
13. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the "Trade Act") (Public Law 93-618, 88 Stat. 1978, 2073 (19 U.S.C. 2483)), authorizes the President to embody in the HTSUS the substance of the relevant provisions of the Trade Act, and of other acts affecting import treatment, and actions taken thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including but not limited to section 4(b) of the USIFTA Implementation Act, sections 201 and 202 of the USSFTA Implementation Act, sections 201 and 202 of the USKFTA Implementation Act, and section 604 of the Trade Act, do proclaim that:
(1) In order to implement tariff commitments under the 2004 Agreement through December 31, 2026, the HTSUS is modified as set forth in Annex I of this proclamation.
(2) The modifications and technical rectifications to the HTSUS made by Annex I of this proclamation shall enter into effect on the applicable dates set forth in Annex I of this proclamation.
(3) In order to make the modifications and technical rectifications to the HTSUS described in paragraphs 4 through 12 of this proclamation, the HTSUS is modified as set forth in Annex II of this proclamation. These modifications and technical rectifications shall enter into effect on the applicable dates set forth in Annex II of this proclamation.
(4) Any provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that are inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation are superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
ANNEX I
TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE HARMONIZED TARIFF SCHEDULE OF THE UNITED STATES
Effective with respect to eligible agricultural products of Israel which are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern time on January 1, 2026, and before 11:59 pm eastern time on December 31, 2026, subchapter VIII of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is hereby modified as follows:
1. U.S. note 1 to such subchapter is modified by striking "December 31, 2025" and by inserting in lieu thereof "December 31, 2026".
2. U.S. note 3 to such subchapter is modified by adding at the end of the "Applicable time period" column in the table "Calendar year 2026" and by adding at the end of the "Quantity (kg)" column opposite such year the quantity "466,000".
3. U.S. note 4 to such subchapter is modified by adding at the end of the "Applicable time period" column in the table "Calendar year 2026" and by adding at the end of the "Quantity (kg)" column opposite such year the quantity "1,304,000".
4. U.S. note 5 to such subchapter is modified by adding at the end of the "Applicable time period" column in the table "Calendar year 2026" and by adding at the end of the "Quantity (kg)" column opposite such year the quantity "1,534,000".
5. U.S. note 6 to such subchapter is modified by adding at the end of the "Applicable time period" column in the table "Calendar year 2026" and by adding at the end of the "Quantity (kg)" column opposite such year the quantity "131,000".
6. U.S. note 7 to such subchapter is modified by adding at the end of the "Applicable time period" column in the table "Calendar year 2026" and by adding at the end of the "Quantity (kg)" column opposite such year the quantity "707,000".
ANNEX II
TECHNICAL MODIFICATIONS AND RECTIFICATIONS TO THE HARMONIZED TARIFF SCHEDULE OF THE UNITED STATES
A. Tariff classification rule (TCR) 2 to chapter 90 in general note 25 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) is modified by deleting "9901.90" and by inserting "9001.90" in lieu thereof.
B. TCR 4(B) to chapter 90 in general note 25 of the HTSUS is modified by deleting "900.19" and by inserting "9003.19" in lieu thereof.
C. TCR 1(A) to chapter 88 in general note 33 of the HTSUS is deleted and TCRs 1(B) and 1(C) to chapter 88 in general note 33 of the HTSUS are re-lettered as 1(A) and 1(B), respectively.
D. U.S. note 2(b) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTSUS is modified by deleting "and 9819.15.10".
E. Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern time on October 14, 2025, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified as follows:
1. The article description of heading 9903.02.74 is modified by deleting "(xvi)" and by inserting "(xvii)" in lieu thereof;
2. The article description of heading 9903.02.75 is modified by deleting "(xvii)" and by inserting "(xviii)" in lieu thereof;
3. The article description of heading 9903.02.76 is modified by deleting "(xviii)" and by inserting "(xix)" in lieu thereof; and
4. The article description of heading 9903.02.77 is modified by deleting "(xix)" and by inserting "(xx)" in lieu thereof.
F. Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern time on November 1, 2025, subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified as follows:
1. The article description of heading 9903.02.74 is modified by deleting "(xvii)" and by inserting "(xix)" in lieu thereof;
2. The article description of heading 9903.02.75 is modified by deleting "(xviii)" and by inserting "(xx)" in lieu thereof;
3. The article description of heading 9903.02.76 is modified by deleting "(xix)" and by inserting "(xxi)" in lieu thereof; and
4. The article description of heading 9903.02.77 is modified by deleting "(xx)" and by inserting "(xxii)" in lieu thereof.
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/to-implement-the-united-states-israel-agreenent-on-trade-in-agricultural-products-and-for-other-purposes/
NRC Reflects on 2025 Successes
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
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NRC Reflects on 2025 Successes
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's accomplishments in 2025 underscore the agency's commitment to enabling the safe and secure use of civilian nuclear energy and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation to benefit society and the environment.
"This past year has been one of fast-moving change and accomplishment at the NRC," said Chairman David Wright. "Our priorities in 2025 included implementing requirements in Executive
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release:
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NRC Reflects on 2025 Successes
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's accomplishments in 2025 underscore the agency's commitment to enabling the safe and secure use of civilian nuclear energy and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation to benefit society and the environment.
"This past year has been one of fast-moving change and accomplishment at the NRC," said Chairman David Wright. "Our priorities in 2025 included implementing requirements in ExecutiveOrders and the ADVANCE Act while contributing to interagency efforts to meet broader national energy objectives. We'll build on these achievements in 2026 as we modernize our regulatory approach to safely reach licensing decisions faster, using fewer resources."
Reactor licensing highlights included completing the technical review of the TerraPower construction permit application within 18 months. The NRC also approved the NuScale US460 small modular reactor design, and the first-ever return to operational status for a retired reactor, paving the way for a potential Palisades restart. Additionally, the NRC renewed 13 reactor licenses each for an additional 20 years, preserving 12,000 megawatts on the U.S. power grid.
The NRC's strong 2025 performance also covered nuclear fuel facilities, materials and decommissioning programs. Over the past year, the NRC approved six fuel facility requests. This included continued high-assay, low-enriched uranium operations at the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio (part of the Department of Energy's HALEU demonstration project), as well as approving Urenco USA's enrichment facility in New Mexico to produce higher-enriched U-235 for advanced reactor and accident-tolerant fuel.
The NRC also modernized fuel cycle facility oversight, safely reducing upcoming inspection hours by 40 percent at the Honeywell conversion facility using risk-informed insights. The agency prepared for commercial fusion facilities by laying the foundation for a clear, predictable regulatory framework. The NRC's 2025 success story continued with an innovative 6-month review to license a first-of-a-kind remediation technology to address abandoned uranium mine waste. The agency also authorized Connecticut as the 40th Agreement State, allowing it to license and oversee radioactive materials within its borders.
These accomplishments were driven in large part by an updated mission statement and accompanying implementation guidance.
Significant NRC 2025 Accomplishments Operating Reactors
* The NRC authorized license renewals for 13 reactors in Ohio (1 reactor), South Carolina (4 reactors), Wisconsin (2 reactors), Alabama (3 reactors) and Illinois (3 reactors). Collectively, these 13 reactors will deliver 12,000 megawatts of power to the grid for 20 more years.
* The NRC authorized the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power plant in Michigan - the first-ever regulatory approval of a reactor to restart after entering decommissioning. The NRC's experience with Palisades is also being applied to two additional reactor restart projects, the Crane Clean Energy Center in Pennsylvania and Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa.
* The NRC completed over 700 licensing actions for the 94 nuclear reactors in operation across the United States, 90 percent of which were completed ahead of schedule, reflecting efficiencies driven by the ADVANCE Act and Executive Order 14300. Since implementing these efficiencies, the NRC has lowered project estimates by roughly 40 percent for schedules and 35 percent for staff hours, while continuing to meet safety standards.
New and Advanced Reactors
* The NRC completed review of the construction permit application for TerraPower's Kemmerer Unit 1 facility, the agency's first approval of a non-light water reactor in the last 50 years and the first next-generation advanced power reactor. Kemmerer Unit 1 review was completed in 18 months (nine months ahead of schedule and 11 percent under budget), facilitated in part by changes directed by EO 14300 - specifically, streamlining the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards review and environmental review efficiencies.
* The NRC issued a FY25 construction permit for the Kairos Hermes 2 test reactor facility, a fluoride salt cooled high temperature reactor. This built off work done in FY24 to issue the construction permit for Hermes 1, a very similar design, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in resources between the two reviews and completion in only 10 months.
* The NRC completed its review of NuScale's US460 Standard Design Approval, a light water small modular reactor, in 22 months (two months ahead of schedule and 13 percent under budget).
* The NRC is actively reviewing the construction permit application for Project Long Mott in Texas, establishing an 18-month or shorter schedule for the review.
* The NRC issued a direct final rule extending the expiration of design certifications from 15 (or 20) to 40 years (e.g., extended the AP1000 design certification), and the Commission is considering the Part 53 "Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Commercial Nuclear Plants," proposed rule.
New and Advanced Reactors (Cont.)
* The NRC is actively working with Fermi America on their combined license application and an applicant-led environmental impact statement pilot for a four-unit Westinghouse AP1000 plant in Texas.
* The NRC is actively working with Westinghouse to prepare for an expedited review of an updated Design Certification for the AP1000. Furthermore, the NRC staff is working to ensure the NRC is prepared for the anticipated submittal of 10 new applications.
* The NRC continues to engage with dozens of companies and organizations, including X-Energy, NuScale, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, and TerraPower, to support future applications.
Fuel Facilities, Decommissioning, Nuclear Materials, and Environmental Reviews
* The NRC completed over 100 licensing actions this year related to facilities, new fuels, storage, and transportation; and conducted over 150 inspections for fuel facilities and storage and transportation, including 6 new fuel facility approvals and 4 new transportation approvals.
* The NRC delivered robust environmental reviews in less time and with less resources, realizing up to a 50 percent reduction in resources and schedules for license renewal, 40 percent schedule reduction and 50 percent resource reduction for materials reviews, and a 35 percent schedule and 40 percent cost reduction for new reactor reviews.
* The NRC issued a license for a first-of-a-kind remediation technology for abandoned uranium mine waste.
* The NRC issued the Agreement to make Connecticut the 40th Agreement State.
* The NRC completed a fusion vision and strategy, roadmap, and project plan to support development of a regulatory framework to license fusion machines.
* The NRC issued licensing guidance for four emerging medical technologies ensuring consistent licensing across National Materials Program and patient access to new radiotherapies and radiopharmaceuticals.
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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The global gold standard for nuclear regulation, the NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency.
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Original text here: https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2025/25-071.pdf
BLS: Real Average Hourly Earnings Increased 0.8 Percent From November 2024 to November 2025
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following document on Dec. 29, 2025, from Economics Daily:
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Real average hourly earnings increased 0.8 percent from November 2024 to November 2025
Real average hourly earnings for all employees increased 0.8 percent from November 2024 to November 2025. This result stems from an increase of 3.5 percent in average hourly earnings combined with an increase of 2.7 percent in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Real average weekly earnings increased 0.8 percent over the year
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics issued the following document on Dec. 29, 2025, from Economics Daily:
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Real average hourly earnings increased 0.8 percent from November 2024 to November 2025
Real average hourly earnings for all employees increased 0.8 percent from November 2024 to November 2025. This result stems from an increase of 3.5 percent in average hourly earnings combined with an increase of 2.7 percent in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Real average weekly earnings increased 0.8 percent over the yeardue to the change in real average hourly earnings combined with no change in the average workweek.
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Chart: 12-month percent change in real average hourly and weekly earnings, private sector employees
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Real average hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory employees increased 1.1 percent over the year. This result stems from a 3.9-percent increase in average hourly earnings combined with an increase of 2.7 percent in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Real average weekly earnings increased 1.4 percent over the year due to the change in real average hourly earnings combined with a 0.3-percent increase in the average workweek.
These data are from the Current Employment Statistics program and are seasonally adjusted. Earnings for the most recent 2 months are preliminary. For more information, see "Real Earnings -- November 2025." The Consumer Price Index is used to adjust earnings for inflation.
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SUGGESTED CITATION
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, Real average hourly earnings increased 0.8 percent from November 2024 to November 2025 at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/real-average-hourly-earnings-increased-0-8-percent-from-november-2024-to-november-2025.htm (visited December 30, 2025).
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View original text plus charts and tables here: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/real-average-hourly-earnings-increased-0-8-percent-from-november-2024-to-november-2025.htm
Arizona Couple That Ran Medical Clinic Business Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and to Violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Dec. 30 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Dec. 29, 2025:
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Arizona Couple That Ran Medical Clinic Business Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and to Violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
Defendants Claimed to Diagnose, Treat Cancer and Other Conditions With Body Scans Using "Smart Chip Technology"
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United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mary Blakley, 76, and Fred Blakley, 61, both of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, entered a plea of guilty today before United States
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Dec. 30 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania posted the following news release on Dec. 29, 2025:
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Arizona Couple That Ran Medical Clinic Business Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and to Violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
Defendants Claimed to Diagnose, Treat Cancer and Other Conditions With Body Scans Using "Smart Chip Technology"
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United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mary Blakley, 76, and Fred Blakley, 61, both of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, entered a plea of guilty today before United StatesDistrict Judge Gerald A. McHugh to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and to defraud the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The defendants were charged by superseding indictment in June of this year, along with their business associate, Janmarie Lanzo, 66, also of Lake Havasu City. Lanzo pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of conspiracy to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and defraud the FDA.
Fred Blakley also pleaded guilty to an information charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon, after investigators seized more than 30 firearms and 30,000 rounds of ammunition from a garage he used. He had been previously convicted of federal charges for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.
As detailed in court filings, Mary Blakley, who described herself as "Doctor Mary," and Fred Blakley were the principals of a medical clinic business that charged clients throughout the United States approximately $300 -- usually in cash -- for conducting what the defendants described as "full body scans" using an ultrasound machine. Lanzo worked in the clinics and sold products to clients that were recommended by Mary Blakley as a result of the scans.
The defendants falsely claimed that, through the deployment of "smart chip technology" supposedly invented by Mary Blakley and installed in conventional ultrasound machines, their "full body scans" could diagnose, treat, and cure a wide variety of human diseases and medical conditions, including cancers. Mary Blakley would claim to "activate" the "smart chip" or "light it up like a Christmas tree" to detect cancer cells. She would also claim to conduct non-invasive colonoscopies, measure immune system levels, and clean out scarring or toxins from the lungs or brainstem, among other feats. All of these claims were false.
Based on the results of these "full body scans," the defendants falsely and fraudulently prescribed various supplements, creams, and veterinary products. The defendants promoted and sold Aetheion, a product marketed as a cosmetic cream, to treat cancer, gastric hernias, and various other conditions. In fact, Mary Blakley would claim to activate a "laser" on her ultrasound machine to "drive" Aetheion cream into a patient's body to kill cancer cells.
The defendants also promoted and sold fenbendazole to treat cancer in humans. Fenbendazole is a veterinary antiparasitic (intended for deworming horses and other animals) that is not approved for use in humans; indeed, fenbendazole packaging even warns that it should not be used in animals intended for human consumption. In addition, the defendants promoted and sold ProArgi9+, a vitamin supplement, to treat cardiovascular disease and to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
To promote their clinics and gain the trust of potential clients, the defendants made various false and misleading claims touting Mary Blakley's background and credentials. For instance, Mary claimed that she had obtained a Ph.D. from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. However, she never attended the Karolinska Institutet, and in fact, has never left the United States.
To conceal their scheme, the defendants falsely claimed they were only doing research, when they actually sold products and services and refused to keep any records or documentation; used coded language, avoiding terms like "diagnose" or "prescribe" and saying "bad cells" instead of "cancer"; and disguised the nature of the clinics as a private or religious organization, requiring clients to execute membership or confidentiality agreements.
The Blakleys are scheduled to be sentenced in April. Mary Blakley faces a maximum possible term of 25 years in prison. Fred Blakley faces up to 40 years in prison. Lanzo is scheduled to be sentenced in March and faces a maximum possible term of five years in prison.
This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia's Newtown Square Resident Agency and the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth Mandelbaum and Paul G. Shapiro and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Bowerman.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/arizona-couple-ran-medical-clinic-business-plead-guilty-conspiracy-commit-fraud-and
AFIT Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research Through 2030
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, Dec. 30 -- Air Force Institute of Technology issued the following news:
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AFIT Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research Through 2030
By By Maj. Jose Gutierrez del Arroyo and Maj. Anthony Rose
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has achieved a significant milestone, earning redesignation as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in Cyber Research (CAE-R) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This prestigious designation, awarded to fewer than 20% of NCAE's 487 institutions,
... Show Full Article
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, Dec. 30 -- Air Force Institute of Technology issued the following news:
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AFIT Designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research Through 2030
By By Maj. Jose Gutierrez del Arroyo and Maj. Anthony Rose
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has achieved a significant milestone, earning redesignation as a National Center of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in Cyber Research (CAE-R) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This prestigious designation, awarded to fewer than 20% of NCAE's 487 institutions,reaffirms AFIT's unwavering commitment to pioneering research and education in the critical field of cybersecurity through 2030 and beyond.
The CAE-R program recognizes institutions that demonstrate sustained excellence in graduate-level cybersecurity research. AFIT's graduate programs continue to meet the demanding program criteria and advance the nation's ability to protect its critical information infrastructure. This mission directly supports the National Cyber Strategy, which highlights the urgent need for a stronger cybersecurity workforce, stating: "A highly skilled cybersecurity workforce is a strategic national security advantage."
"Since the last designation, AFIT faculty and students have published more than 100 journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters, and raised nearly $5M in cybersecurity-related research funding.
These efforts underscore AFIT's leadership in developing innovative approaches to emerging cyber challenges while preparing the next generation of cyber professionals," said Maj. Anthony Rose, AFIT Center for Cyberspace Research (CCR) director.
AFIT has a long history of excellence in cyber education and research. In 2002, AFIT established the CCR as one of its first dedicated research centers, which led to AFIT being named the Air Force Cyberspace Technical Center of Excellence (AF CyTCoE) in 2008.
AFIT's Graduate School of Engineering and Management (GSEM) offers doctoral and master's degree programs in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science as well as cyber-specific master's programs in cyber operations and cyber systems. CCR faculty direct graduate research focused on Department of Defense (DoD) priorities, such as critical infrastructure protection, network intrusion detection, malicious software analysis, space-based cyber defense, and the integration of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) into cyber operations and the cyber domain. The CAE-R designation through 2030 continues this legacy and strengthens AFIT's position as a leader in cyberspace education and research.
More information on AFIT's Center for Cyberspace Research can be found here: https://www.AFIT.edu/CCR/.
More information on the NSA CAE program can be found here: https://www.caecommunity.org/.
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About AFIT
AFIT is located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. AFIT's mission is to educate defense professionals to innovatively accomplish the deterrence and warfighting missions of the USAF and USSF. AFIT's vision is to lead defense-focused education, research and consultation to accelerate military superiority across all domains and is accomplished through operationally relevant advanced academic education, research, and professional continuing education. For more information, please visit the AFIT webpage https://www.afit.edu/ or contact the Graduate School of Engineering and Management at AFIT.EN.Outreach@us.af.mil.
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Original text here: https://www.afit.edu/news.cfm?article=0360410878
State Department Issues Public Schedule for Dec. 29, 2025
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for Dec. 28, 2025:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
10:00 a.m. Secretary Rubio meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Palm Beach, Florida.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
Deputy Secretary Landau has no public appointments.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
Deputy Secretary Rigas has no public appointments.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS ALLISON M. HOOKER
Under Secretary Hooker has no public appointments.
BRIEFING
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for Dec. 28, 2025:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
10:00 a.m. Secretary Rubio meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Palm Beach, Florida.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
Deputy Secretary Landau has no public appointments.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
Deputy Secretary Rigas has no public appointments.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS ALLISON M. HOOKER
Under Secretary Hooker has no public appointments.
BRIEFINGSCHEDULE
No Department Press Briefing.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/12/public-schedule-december-29-2025/
