Federal Regulatory Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal regulatory agencies
Featured Stories
Sofidel to Pay $80,000 in EEOC Sex Discrimination, Retaliation Lawsuit
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
Sofidel to Pay $80,000 in EEOC Sex Discrimination, Retaliation Lawsuit
*
Paper manufacturer settles federal lawsuit charging it with sexual harassment at its Inola, Oklahoma plant and firing the woman after she complained
OKLAHOMA CITY - Sofidel America Corp., an international manufacturer of paper products with a plant in Inola, Oklahoma, will pay $80,000 and furnish other relief to settle a sex discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
Sofidel to Pay $80,000 in EEOC Sex Discrimination, Retaliation Lawsuit
*
Paper manufacturer settles federal lawsuit charging it with sexual harassment at its Inola, Oklahoma plant and firing the woman after she complained
OKLAHOMA CITY - Sofidel America Corp., an international manufacturer of paper products with a plant in Inola, Oklahoma, will pay $80,000 and furnish other relief to settle a sex discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal EmploymentOpportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today.
According to the EEOC's suit, Sofidel allowed a male employee to sexually harass a young female coworker for more than six months, including making lewd sexual comments and forcibly trying to kiss her. She complained to the company on June 6, 2023, but the harassment continued, the EEOC said.
Because Sofidel failed to protect her, the young woman obtained an Emergency Protective Order against the harasser from the District Court of Tulsa County, Oklahoma, on July 7, 2023, and provided a copy of it to Sofidel on July 10. The next day, on July 11, Sofidel fired the young woman because she obtained the protective order, but allowed the harasser to remain employed.
"Federal law protects workers who oppose sexual harassment and who participate in legal processes to make the harassment stop," said Andrea G. Baran, regional attorney for the EEOC's St. Louis District Office. "Employers must take prompt and effective action to stop and remedy sexual harassment and must never retaliate against workers who try to protect themselves or others from such misconduct."
This alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Sofidel America Corp., Case No. 4:24-cv-00462-JFJ) in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.
David S. Davis, district director of the EEOC's St. Louis District Office, said, "The EEOC vigorously protects women in the workplace. The EEOC is committed to ensuring that employers comply with federal law so that women are not denied equal employment opportunities because of sex."
For more information on sexual harassment and retaliation, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment and https://www.eeoc.gov/retaliation.
The EEOC's St. Louis District Office has jurisdiction over Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and a portion of southern Illinois, with area offices in Kansas City, Kansas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government's employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov.
***
Original text here: https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/sofidel-pay-80000-eeoc-sex-discrimination-retaliation-lawsuit
New FTC Data Show People Have Lost Billions to Social Media Scams
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
New FTC Data Show People Have Lost Billions to Social Media Scams
*
New data from the Federal Trade Commission show that, in 2025, nearly 30% of people who reported losing money to a scam said that it started on social media, with reported losses reaching a staggering $2.1 billion.
Social media scams produced far more in losses-an eightfold increase since 2020-than any other contact method used by scammers to reach consumers, according to the new data.
The Data Spotlight (https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2026/04/reported-losses-scams-social-media-eight-times-higher-2020)
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
New FTC Data Show People Have Lost Billions to Social Media Scams
*
New data from the Federal Trade Commission show that, in 2025, nearly 30% of people who reported losing money to a scam said that it started on social media, with reported losses reaching a staggering $2.1 billion.
Social media scams produced far more in losses-an eightfold increase since 2020-than any other contact method used by scammers to reach consumers, according to the new data.
The Data Spotlight (https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2026/04/reported-losses-scams-social-media-eight-times-higher-2020)notes that social media creates easy access to billions of people from anywhere in the world, making a scammer's job easier at very little cost. Scammers may hack a user's account, exploit what a user posts to figure out how to target them, or buy ads and use the same tools used by real businesses to target people by age, interests or shopping habits.
Reports show that in 2025, people reported losing more money to scams that started on Facebook than on any other social media platform. WhatsApp and Instagram were a distant second and third. In 2025, people reported losing far more money to scams on Facebook alone than they reported losing to text or email scams.
The data also show that all age groups, with the exception of those 80 and over, reported losing more money to scams that started on social media than any other contact method. And social media ranked second after phone calls for those 80 and over.
According to FTC data, social media scams come in different forms, including:
* Investment scams: People reported losing the most amount of money last year to investment scams that originated on social media, with losses of $1.1 billion, more than half of the total amount lost to social media scams, according to FTC data. These scams often started with an ad or post offering a program to teach you how to invest. Other scammers posed as friendly advisers or created WhatsApp groups full of "successful investors" sharing fake testimonials.
* Shopping scams: Shopping scams were the most reported type of social media scam last year, with more than 40% of people who lost money to a scam on social media reporting that they ordered something they saw in a social media ad-everything from clothes and makeup to car parts and even puppies. Many of these ads led to unfamiliar websites, while others sent people to sites impersonating well-known brands that claimed to offer big discounts.
* Romance scams: Reports show romance scams also thrive on social media-nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on a social media platform. According to reports, scammers often tailored their pitch based on people's profiles, later inventing a crisis requiring money or casually offering investment advice to draw them onto a fake investment platform.
To help steer clear of scams on social media the FTC advises consumers to:
* Limit who can see your posts and contacts on social media. Visit your privacy settings to set some restrictions so scammers have less to work with.
* Never let someone you have met only on social media direct your investment decisions. Instead, learn more about spotting investment scams.
* Before you buy, check out the company. Search online for its name plus "scam" or "complaint."
***
Original text here: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/04/new-ftc-data-show-people-have-lost-billions-social-media-scams
Llop vs. FEC seeks declaratory and injunctive relief (D.D.C. 26-cv-00051)
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following news:
* * *
Llop v. FEC seeks declaratory and injunctive relief (D.D.C. 26-cv-00051)
On January 7, 2026, Joachim William Llop (plaintiff), filed suit against the Commission in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Plaintiff broadly challenges the constitutionality of the Federal Election Campaign Act and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief.
Resources
* Llop v. FEC litigation page (https://www.fec.gov/legal-resources/court-cases/llop-v-fec/)
***
Original text here: https://www.fec.gov/updates/llop-v-fec-seeks-declaratory-and-injunctive-relief-ddc-26-cv-00051/
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following news:
* * *
Llop v. FEC seeks declaratory and injunctive relief (D.D.C. 26-cv-00051)
On January 7, 2026, Joachim William Llop (plaintiff), filed suit against the Commission in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Plaintiff broadly challenges the constitutionality of the Federal Election Campaign Act and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief.
Resources
* Llop v. FEC litigation page (https://www.fec.gov/legal-resources/court-cases/llop-v-fec/)
***
Original text here: https://www.fec.gov/updates/llop-v-fec-seeks-declaratory-and-injunctive-relief-ddc-26-cv-00051/
FTC Takes Action Against High-Level MLM Participants who Deceived Workers About the Amount of Money They Can Earn
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
FTC Takes Action Against High-Level MLM Participants who Deceived Workers About the Amount of Money They Can Earn
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against high-level participants in a multilevel marketing (MLM) company over allegations they used false or baseless earning claims to recruit workers, most of whom did not earn any money.
The FTC alleged in a complaint that Steven and Gina Merritt, senior-level participants in a MLM called LifeWave, deceived consumers about the amount of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- The Federal Trade Commission issued the following news release:
* * *
FTC Takes Action Against High-Level MLM Participants who Deceived Workers About the Amount of Money They Can Earn
The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against high-level participants in a multilevel marketing (MLM) company over allegations they used false or baseless earning claims to recruit workers, most of whom did not earn any money.
The FTC alleged in a complaint that Steven and Gina Merritt, senior-level participants in a MLM called LifeWave, deceived consumers about the amount ofmoney they could earn from selling products and recruiting new participants for the company, which sells health and wellness products.
"The Merritts used inflated earnings claims to entice potential participants to join LifeWave when in reality most people did not earn any money," said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "The FTC has been very clear that if you tell consumers they will make lots of money, you need to back up the claims."
The FTC alleged that the Merritts repeatedly claimed people could earn substantial income from selling LifeWave products and recruiting new members. For example, in a video posted to their YouTube page in May 2025 from a recruiting meeting, Gina Merritt said, "We're going to make you a - can I say buttload - a buttload of money...I cannot wait to help you guys get to the top rank and make $25,000 or more a week." Steven Merritt also said at that same meeting, "The money keeps coming, even if you don't show up, and you can't stop it. It's like a spigot of water but a spigot full of $100 bills throwing at you, coming at you. You can't stop it. Anybody want that?"
Despite these income claims, according to the complaint, LifeWave's own income disclosure statements show that most people make little or no money. In fact, LifeWave's 2024 income disclosure statement stated that 79% of active participants earned nothing in commission payments in 2024, and that, at most, only 0.035% of active participants earned more than $25,000 a week in 2024.
In an order settling the FTC's allegations, the Merritts will be prohibited from misrepresenting or assisting others in misrepresenting how much money others can earn from various business ventures. This includes prohibiting them from misrepresenting:
* Expressly or by implication, including through images of homes, vehicles, purchases, or travel, earnings that participants will or are likely to make;
* The amount of earnings that they or other participants have actually earned;
* The reason participants do not earn substantial compensation; and
* Any other fact material to consumers concerning the business venture.
In addition, they are prohibited from making any representation, expressly or by implication, regarding the amount of earnings that a participant can expect to earn unless: it is not misleading, they can substantiate in writing the earnings claim when it is made, and they provide evidence upon request to any individual who expresses an interest in becoming a participant. The Merritts also will be required to notify their downline participants about the FTC's allegations and the order's prohibition on making deceptive and unsubstantiated earning claims.
This is the second case in the past month where the Commission has taken action against high-level MLM participants for making deceptive earnings claims.
The Commission vote to authorize the staff to file the complaint and stipulated final order against the Merritts was 2-0. The complaint and order were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.
The lead staff on this matter are Claire Wack and Melissa Dickey in the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
***
Original text here: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/04/ftc-takes-action-against-high-level-mlm-participants-who-deceived-workers-about-amount-money-they
FEC Issues Digest for Week of April 20-24, 2026
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest on April 24, 2026:
* * *
Commission meetings and hearings
No open meetings or executive sessions were scheduled this week.
* * *
Website Initiatives
On April 23, the Commission retired the Searchable Electronic Rulemaking System (SERS). As its replacement, the Commission has deployed a new rulemaking search system on the agency's website. The new system provides fast, comprehensive access to FEC rulemaking documents and is easily accessible via mobile devices. Users can search rulemaking documents by
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest on April 24, 2026:
* * *
Commission meetings and hearings
No open meetings or executive sessions were scheduled this week.
* * *
Website Initiatives
On April 23, the Commission retired the Searchable Electronic Rulemaking System (SERS). As its replacement, the Commission has deployed a new rulemaking search system on the agency's website. The new system provides fast, comprehensive access to FEC rulemaking documents and is easily accessible via mobile devices. Users can search rulemaking documents byregulation number, document type, date, and more. Advanced search capabilities include keyword and Boolean options and proximity filters that allow users to search for terms or phrases that appear within a set distance from one another. More information about the FEC's legal search system capabilities is available in the FEC's Legal Research Guide.
* * *
Litigation
Bernegger v. FEC (Case No. 25-4559) On April 20, Plaintiff filed a Declaration in Support of Request for Clerk's Entry of Default Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(a) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Campbell v. FEC (Case No. 26-10849) On March 12, Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Giffords v. FEC (Case No. 25-5188) On April 20, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard oral argument in the case.
Llop v. FEC (Case No. 26-51) On January 7, Plaintiff filed a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
McDonald v. FEC (Case No. 25-10830) On April 23, Amicus Curiae People United for Privacy Foundation filed a Motion for Leave to File Brief in Support of Appellant's Petition for Rehearing En Banc and a Proposed Brief in Support of Appellant's Petition for Rehearing En Banc in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
* * *
Outreach
On April 21-22, the Commission hosted a webinar for corporations and their PACs.
* * *
Press releases
FEC retires legacy Searchable Electronic Rulemaking System (SERS) (issued April 23)
* * *
Reports Due in 2026
The Commission has posted the 2026 Congressional Pre-Election Reporting Dates. Reporting schedules for all filers in 2026 are also available.
* * *
Election Dates
The Commission has posted a list of 2026 Congressional Primary Dates.
* * *
Upcoming educational opportunities
May 12-13, 2026: The Commission is scheduled to host a webinar for membership and labor organizations and their PACs.
June 2-3, 2026: The Commission is scheduled to host a webinar for trade associations and their PACs.
For more information on upcoming training opportunities, see the Commission's Trainings page.
* * *
Upcoming reporting due dates
May 20: May Monthly Reports are due. For more information, see the 2026 Monthly Reporting schedule.
The Commission has posted filing information regarding the California 1st District Special General Election, scheduled for June 2, 2026, and Special Runoff Election (if necessary), scheduled for August 4, 2026.
The Commission has posted filing information regarding the California 14th District Special General Election, scheduled for June 16, 2026, and Special Runoff Election (if necessary), scheduled for August 18, 2026.
* * *
Additional research materials
Contribution Limits: In addition to the current limits, the Commission has posted an archive of contribution limits that were in effect going back to the 1975-1976 election cycles.
Federal election results are available. The data was compiled from the official vote totals published by state election offices.
FEC Notify: Want to be notified by email when campaign finance reports are received by the agency? Sign up here.
The Combined Federal State Disclosure and Election Directory is available. This publication identifies the federal and state agencies responsible for the disclosure of campaign finances, lobbying, personal finances, public financing, candidates on the ballot, election results, spending on state initiatives, and other financial filings.
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund Tax Checkoff Chart provides information on balance of the Fund, monthly deposits into the Fund reported by the Department of the Treasury, payments from the Fund as certified by the FEC, and participation rates of taxpayers as reported by the Internal Revenue Service. For more information on the Presidential Public Funding Program, see the Public Funding of Presidential Elections page.
The FEC Record is available as a continuously updated online news source.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fec.gov/updates/week-of-april-20-24-2026/
FCC Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau Issues Public Notice Seeking Comment on Verizon Petition For Waiver of Next Generation 911 Phase 1 Deadlines
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Federal Communications Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued the following public notice (PS Docket Nos. 21-479, 25-143) on April 24, 2026:
* * *
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a Petition for Waiver filed by Verizon on April 17, 2026./1 Verizon requests to extend the deadlines for complying with Next Generation 911 (NG911) Phase 1 requirements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and additional jurisdictions./2 Specifically, Verizon seeks an extension of deadlines for it to implement Phase 1 for its wireline
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Federal Communications Commission Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued the following public notice (PS Docket Nos. 21-479, 25-143) on April 24, 2026:
* * *
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on a Petition for Waiver filed by Verizon on April 17, 2026./1 Verizon requests to extend the deadlines for complying with Next Generation 911 (NG911) Phase 1 requirements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and additional jurisdictions./2 Specifically, Verizon seeks an extension of deadlines for it to implement Phase 1 for its wirelineservices as follows:
* Through June 30, 2026, for Verizon's wireline services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts3 and in other jurisdictions that filed Phase 1 requests prior to November 1, 2025.4
* Through July 31, 2026 for Verizon's wireline services in jurisdictions that filed Phase 1 requests between November 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026.5
In addition, Verizon requests a retroactive waiver through March 31, 2026 of the Phase 1 deadline for its wireless services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts./6
Verizon states that its wireline Phase 1 implementation was largely complete in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions late in the first quarter of 2026, but that additional time through mid-2026 will facilitate more seamless support for certain multi-line telephone system (MLTS) users' caller location functions./7 Verizon asserts that a waiver is warranted because "the complications of IP connectivity described [in the Petition] are precisely the extraordinary or special circumstances warranting the limited extension requested."/8 Alternatively, if the Petition is not granted, Verizon requests that the Commission "waive or forbear from enforcing relevant Part 9 requirements for affected MLTS managers and operators" through the time frames requested in the Petition./9
Filing Requirements. Interested parties may file comments on or before the dates shown on the first page of this document./10 All comments must reference PS Docket No. 21-479 and should be filed only in that docket. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)./11
* Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings.
* Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing.
o Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by U.S. Postal Service. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
o Hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary are accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by the FCC's mailing contractor at 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building.
o Commercial courier deliveries (any deliveries not by the U.S. Postal Service) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.
o Filings sent by U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express may be addressed to 45 L Street, NE, Washington, DC 20554.
Ex Parte Rules. The proceeding this Public Notice initiates shall be treated as a "permit-butdisclose" proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules./12 Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with section 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by section 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.
People with Disabilities. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530.
* * *
Footnotes:
1/ Verizon, Petition for Waiver, PS Docket No. 21-479 (filed April 17, 2026), https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/filing/10417519901088 (Verizon Petition).
2/ Certain originating service providers, including non-rural wireline providers and nationwide Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers, are required to comply with NG911 Phase 1 implementation requirements within six months after receiving a valid request from a 911 Authority. 47 CFR Sec. 9.30(a)(1); see also 47 CFR Sec. 9.29(a). Alternatively, originating service providers and 911 Authorities may establish different terms by mutual consent. 47 CFR Sec. 9.34.
3/ See Massachusetts State 911 Department, 911 Authority Next Generation 911 (NG911) Valid Request Form, PS Docket No. 25-143 (rec. April 4, 2025), https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filing/10404491711173 (Massachusetts Phase 1 Request).
4/ Verizon Petition at 9-10. The Commission's NG911 valid request registry posted 95 filings prior to November 1, 2025. Several requests that posted during this period subsequently were amended or withdrawn. Accordingly, Bureau staff estimates that 72 Phase 1 valid requests were posted during this period, including Massachusetts. Interested parties may retrieve requests at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings by using search terms Proceedings: 25-143, Date Posted Range: 03/25/2025 - 10/31/2025. We note that other 911 Authorities may have provided written notice of valid Phase 1 requests directly to relevant originating service providers under 47 CFR Sec. 9.31(a)(5).
5/ Verizon Petition at 10. The Commission's NG911 valid request registry posted 81 filings between November 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026. As with the earlier period, several requests subsequently were amended or withdrawn. Additionally, two requests for Phase 2 service posted to the registry during this period, which we do not consider as covered by Verizon's waiver request. Accordingly, Bureau staff estimates that 58 Phase 1 valid requests were posted during this period. Interested parties may retrieve requests at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings by using search terms Proceedings: 25-143, Date Posted Range: 11/01/2025 - 01/31/2026.
6/ Id. at 9. Verizon states that it has collaborated with the State 911 Department in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and "after resolving unforeseen technical issues" was Phase 1 compliant for wireless service by March 31, 2026. Id. at 2.
7/ Id. at 5-7.
8/ Id. at 12.
9/ Id. at 9; see also 47 CFR part 9, subpart F.
10/ See 47 CFR Sec.Sec. 1.1, 1.3, 1.45.
11/ See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, GC Docket No. 97-113, Report and Order, 13 FCC Rcd 11322 (1998).
12/ 47 CFR Sec. 1.1200 et seq.
* * *
Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-407A1.pdf
FCC Issues Revocation Warning to Southwest Montana Media Over Unpaid Fees
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Federal Communications Commission Media Bureau has issued an order to pay or show cause to Southwest Montana Media LLC (No. DA 26-399). The regulatory body is initiating a proceeding to revoke the license for KBOQ(FM) in Lima, Montana, citing a failure to pay delinquent regulatory fees, interest, and penalties.
According to Commission records, Southwest Montana Media, LLC owes a total of $6,754.80 in unpaid debt. This balance includes overdue fees for KBOQ(FM) and costs associated with former holdings, including DKANA(AM) in Anaconda and a construction permit for DK264CZ
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Federal Communications Commission Media Bureau has issued an order to pay or show cause to Southwest Montana Media LLC (No. DA 26-399). The regulatory body is initiating a proceeding to revoke the license for KBOQ(FM) in Lima, Montana, citing a failure to pay delinquent regulatory fees, interest, and penalties.
According to Commission records, Southwest Montana Media, LLC owes a total of $6,754.80 in unpaid debt. This balance includes overdue fees for KBOQ(FM) and costs associated with former holdings, including DKANA(AM) in Anaconda and a construction permit for DK264CZin Butte. The debt spans multiple fiscal years, including 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Under section 9 of the Communications Act of 1934 and section 1.1151 of Commission rules, the agency is required to collect these fees to recover costs associated with its functions. Statutory mandates require the assessment of a 25 percent penalty on late or incomplete payments. The FCC previously transferred these debts to the United States Department of Treasury for collection. However, at the request of the Commission, the debts were returned to the agency for further action. Interest and administrative costs continue to accrue on the outstanding balance.
The Order requires Southwest Montana Media, LLC to provide documented evidence of full payment within 60 calendar days. Alternatively, the licensee may show cause as to why the payment is inapplicable or why it should be waived or deferred. Failure to respond within the specified timeframe may result in the revocation of the license for KBOQ(FM). The Commission noted that an adjudicatory hearing will only be granted if the licensee presents a substantial question of fact. In such a hearing, the licensee would bear the burden of proof through written evidence.
Payments must be made through the Commission's Registration System or via wire transfer. Any response must be filed with the Office of the Secretary and include a factual statement supported by affidavits. Documentation must be directed to the Chief of the Audio Division within the Media Bureau. The Commission sent copies of this order via registered mail to the licensee in Saint Anthony, Idaho, and its counsel in Lilburn, Georgia.
-- Vidhi Gianani, Targeted News Service
* * *
Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-399A1.pdf
NRC Proposes a New Licensing Framework to Accelerate Safe, High-Volume Deployment of Microreactors
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:
* * *
NRC Proposes a New Licensing Framework to Accelerate Safe, High-Volume Deployment of Microreactors
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission today announced a groundbreaking proposed rule that enables the safe, rapid deployment of microreactors and other reactors with comparable risk profiles. The proposed regulatory framework, Part 57, is a streamlined, risk-informed, and flexible licensing pathway that maintains strong protection of public health, safety, and security.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:
* * *
NRC Proposes a New Licensing Framework to Accelerate Safe, High-Volume Deployment of Microreactors
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission today announced a groundbreaking proposed rule that enables the safe, rapid deployment of microreactors and other reactors with comparable risk profiles. The proposed regulatory framework, Part 57, is a streamlined, risk-informed, and flexible licensing pathway that maintains strong protection of public health, safety, and security.Developed to implement Executive Order 14300 and the ADVANCE Act, the proposal responds to the growing demand for innovative, smaller-scale reactors and is designed to support safe and efficient high-volume licensing. It recognizes the distinct safety profiles of microreactors compared to traditional nuclear plants.
"This regulatory framework for microreactors marks a major step toward modernizing the licensing process for advanced nuclear reactors," Chairman Ho K. Nieh said. "Part 57 is designed to deploy microreactors with safety, scale, and speed."
The NRC and industry expect to save $3.76-$11.84 billion (depending on discount rate), mainly by reducing exemption requests and streamlining reviews. The NRC projects accelerated licensing and deployment timelines of potentially 6-12 months for construction permits and operating licenses. A few key features of the proposed Part 57 rule include:
* Requesting approval of fleets of identical reactors,
* Allowing appropriate use of alternative design standards and programs for novel reactor operation,
* Streamlining environmental reviews for projects with demonstrated minimal impacts, and
* Providing a pathway for limited construction prior to receiving an NRC permit.
The Federal Register notice is slated for May 6; however, that is subject to change. The NRC intends to hold a public meeting on the proposed rule soon.
* * *
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 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.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2026/26-047.pdf
