Business news

State Bank Parity

The FDIC is proposing amendments to its regulations to recognize parity between out-of-State State banks and national banks concerning the application of host State laws when State banks provide services outside of their chartering State. Under the proposed rule, when host State laws do not apply to a national bank, those laws would similarly not apply to an out-of-State State bank providing services in the host State with or without a branch. Specifically, the amendments would provide that, for purposes of section 24(j) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the laws of a host State apply to any branch in the host State of, or any services provided in the host State by, an out-of-State State bank to the same extent such State laws apply to a branch in the host State of, or any services provided in the host State by, an out-of-State national bank.

Sep 22, 2026 · 1 min read

Merger Transactions

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is inviting comment on a proposed rule that would fundamentally reform important aspects of the FDIC's approach to processing and evaluating merger transactions subject to the Bank Merger Act (BMA). Notable reforms under the proposed rule would include: accounting for credit unions and centrally booked deposits in the initial competitive effects analysis; establishing a letter filing process with "deemed approval" for "de minimis merger transactions;" tailoring other merger filing requirements to reduce burden and processing times based on the size and risk profile of a merger transaction and the attributes of the acquiring and resulting institution; limiting and clarifying the FDIC's discretion to remove a filing from expedited processing; and codifying the FDIC's reformed approach to evaluating the statutory factors under the BMA. Collectively, the revisions under the proposed rule would improve the speed, certainty, and predictability of the FDIC's bank merger framework in a manner consistent with the BMA. In addition, the proposed rule would modernize the framework to better reflect the competitive environment of the U.S. banking industry, including by tailoring it to reflect the full range of merger transactions subject to FDIC review along with reforming or eliminating outdated provisions.

Sep 22, 2026 · 2 min read

FleetCor Technologies; Analysis of Proposed Consent Order To Aid Public Comment

The consent agreement in this matter settles alleged violations of Federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The attached Analysis of Proposed Consent Order to Aid Public Comment describes both the allegations in the complaint and the terms of the consent order--embodied in the consent agreement--that would settle these allegations.

Sep 22, 2026 · 1 min read

Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Development and Readiness Pilot Program; Program Announcement

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing year five of the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP). This program facilitates the expedited CMC development of products under an investigational new drug application (IND) based on the anticipated clinical benefit of earlier patient access to the products. FDA has implemented this pilot program to assist with CMC readiness for products regulated by both the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) that have accelerated clinical development timelines. To accelerate CMC development and facilitate CMC readiness, the pilot features increased communication between FDA and sponsors and explores the use of science- and risk-based regulatory approaches, as applicable. This notice outlines the eligibility criteria and process for submitting a request to participate in the pilot.

Sep 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Hazardous Materials: Information Collection Activities

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), PHMSA invites comments on proposed updates to the form used for reporting incidents that occur during the transportation of hazardous materials. PHMSA intends to request a revision of a currently approved information collection from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the Hazardous Materials Incident Report (DOT Form 5800.1; Form Approval OMB No. 2137-0039). Revisions include new data elements and clarifications of existing fields. PHMSA has also removed, simplified, or reorganized data elements to reduce the burden on filers and staff, alongside modernizing the form's visual layout. PHMSA encourages commenters to review a draft version of the new DOT Form 5800.1, which is provided as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file in the electronic Docket at regulations.gov. This draft of the new form does not replace the currently approved form. It is provided only for purposes of this notice and request for comments.

Sep 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Safety Zone; Illinois River, Morris, IL

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in Morris, IL, for the Corn Festival Fireworks on September 26, 2026, to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during this fireworks display. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards during a fireworks event. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan or their designated representative.

Sep 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Rescission of Rule 14a-8's Federal Regulation of Shareholder Proposals and Amendments to Rule 14a-4

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") is proposing to rescind Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and leave determinations about the role of shareholder proposals to State law and company governing documents. The Commission also is proposing to amend Rule 14a-4 under the Exchange Act to expand the circumstances under which a company may exercise, with respect to proxies it receives, discretionary voting authority on proposals that will be presented at a shareholder meeting but not included in the company's proxy materials. At the same time, the proposed amendments to Rule 14a-4 would provide shareholders with the means to elect to prevent the company from exercising such authority with respect to their individual shares.

Sep 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Proxy Solicitation Modernization

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") is proposing amendments to modernize certain rules related to proxy solicitations. The proposed amendments would, among other things, eliminate the requirement that registrants deliver an annual report to security holders, eliminate the delivery deadline when documents are incorporated by reference into a proxy statement, eliminate the requirement to file soliciting material regarding certain exempt solicitations, and shorten the minimum broker search period for proxy solicitations. The proposed amendments are intended to update our rules to account for developments since their adoption or last amendment and to simplify compliance for registrants.

Sep 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Great Lakes Pilotage Rates-2027 Annual Review and Revisions to Methodology

In accordance with the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960, the Coast Guard is proposing pilotage rates for the 2027 shipping season. We are conducting a full ratemaking for 2027. We are requesting comments on the Great Lakes pilotage ratemaking methodology, including one proposed update to that methodology. We also propose the pilotage rate for the Straits of Mackinac, newly designated for pilotage requirements by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. The Coast Guard estimates that this proposed rule would increase operating costs by approximately 10 percent compared to the 2026 season.

Sep 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Request for Information on Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation, and Wireless Radiation Exposure

Consistent with the Department of Health and Human Services' emphasis on evaluating environmental factors that may affect human health, particularly among children and other potentially vulnerable populations, HHS seeks information on electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions and exposure, particularly RF and wireless, and human health. RF radiation and other forms of non-ionizing electromagnetic (EMF) exposure, will hereafter be referred to as "RF/EMF." Responses will help identify and assess the current state of the scientific evidence on RF/EMF exposures and health outcomes, compare existing domestic and international safety standards and regulatory approaches, identify research gaps and priority areas for future study, and inform practical, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, public health stakeholders, families, schools, and communities. HHS welcomes input from researchers, clinicians, public health professionals, industry, standards organizations, educators, advocacy groups, and members of the public to clearly distinguish established evidence from emerging findings and areas of uncertainty, and supports transparent, science-informed decision-making.

Sep 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Employment in the Excepted Service

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposes to amend its regulations governing the excepted service, Pathways Programs, and administrative law judge (ALJ) appointments. The proposed rule would conform OPM regulations to current excepted-service schedules, including Schedules E, Policy/Career, and G; modernize part 302 procedures while preserving veterans' preference, compensable-injury restoration rights, and other priority placement rights; authorize and clarify Pathways conversions to Schedule Policy/Career; and make related conforming amendments.

Sep 18, 2026 · 1 min read

Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation, Make Personal Protective Equipment in America Act Restrictions on Foreign Acquisition (HSAR Case 2024-003)

DHS is issuing a final rule to amend the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) codifying how DHS complies with the requirements of the Make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in America Act. These changes are intended to ensure the sustainment and expansion of domestic manufacturing for certain types of PPE critical to the United States' national response to a public health crisis.

Sep 18, 2026 · 1 min read

Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Parts 8, 12, 13, 15, 38, 44, and 51

OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA (collectively referred to as the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council or FAR Council) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 14275, Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. The E.O. directs the elimination of excessive acquisition regulations to stop the inefficient use of American taxpayer dollars. The FAR Council is issuing twelve proposed rules that collectively will streamline the FAR in its entirety. This rule proposes revisions to FAR parts 8, 12, 13, 15, 38, 44, 51, and 52.

Sep 18, 2026 · 1 min read

Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 16, 17, and 35

OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA (collectively referred to as the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council or FAR Council) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 14275, Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement. The E.O. directs the elimination of excessive acquisition regulations to stop the inefficient use of American taxpayer dollars. The FAR Council is issuing twelve proposed rules that collectively, if finalized, would streamline the FAR in its entirety. This rule proposes revisions to FAR part 16, Types of Contracts, part 17, Special Contracting Methods, part 35, Research and Development Contracting, and part 52, Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses.

Sep 18, 2026 · 1 min read