WASHINGTON, D.C. — States, law enforcement agencies, schools, and workforce training organizations will soon compete for more than $217 million in federal transportation grants aimed at improving truck and bus safety, modernizing commercial driver licensing systems, and expanding trucking careers for military veterans and other workers.

What This Means for You

• Federal transportation officials are investing $217 million into trucking safety, licensing systems, and workforce training.
• States can apply for funding to modernize commercial driver’s license systems and strengthen enforcement.
• Veterans transitioning into civilian careers may gain expanded access to trucking and transportation job training programs.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the funding through multiple Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration grant programs focused on roadway safety, supply chain reliability, and workforce development.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commonly known as FMCSA, is the federal agency responsible for regulating and enforcing safety rules for commercial trucks and buses.

Federal officials stated that the grants are intended to help identify unsafe operators, improve commercial driver oversight, and support technologies that strengthen roadside inspections and investigations.

“The Trump Administration has the backs of American truckers,” Duffy said. “While they work hard to keep our shelves stocked and our businesses moving, USDOT is working to restore safety and integrity to their industry.”

Funding Targets Licensing and Enforcement Systems

Part of the funding will help states modernize commercial driver’s license systems to improve oversight and compliance with federal standards.

A commercial driver’s license, or CDL, is a specialized license required to operate large commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and buses.

Transportation officials emphasized that the funding is designed to help ensure commercial drivers operating vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds are properly trained, qualified, and licensed.

The Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation Grant Program will support states working to improve licensing performance, strengthen compliance with federal requirements, and enhance the integrity of the licensing process.

Additional grants will support training for law enforcement officers responsible for conducting commercial vehicle inspections and safety enforcement activities.

Technology and Safety Programs Also Included

The funding package also includes grants aimed at expanding transportation technology systems and improving data-sharing between state and federal safety networks.

The High Priority Innovative Technology Development Grant Program supports technology systems connected to intelligent transportation networks and commercial vehicle safety databases.

Intelligent transportation systems use digital communications, sensors, and data-sharing technology to improve traffic management and transportation safety.

Another funding category — the High Priority Commercial Motor Vehicle Grant Program — supports projects targeting unsafe driving behavior, hazardous material transportation safety, commercial vehicle crash reduction, and public education campaigns.

Federal officials noted that some projects may focus on high-risk crash corridors, areas with elevated commercial vehicle accident rates.

Workforce Programs Expand Opportunities for Veterans

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant Program will help industry groups and training providers prepare current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces for careers in trucking and transportation.

Derek Barrs described the grants as part of a broader effort to strengthen both safety and workforce development.

“These grant programs reflect FMCSA’s commitment to advancing safety while supporting the continued growth of the commercial motor vehicle industry,” Barrs said.

Barrs added that the agency is working with states, law enforcement agencies, nonprofit organizations, and training providers to improve freight transportation safety and workforce readiness nationwide.

Applications Due in June

According to FMCSA, states, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other eligible industry partners may apply for funding through the various grant programs.

Federal officials encouraged applicants to submit projects as soon as possible ahead of the June 17, 2026, deadline. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Additional details about eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and application criteria are available through the FMCSA website and Grants.gov.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor are redirecting federal higher-education grant funding toward workforce training, artificial intelligence instruction, and short-term credential programs, marking a broader shift away from identity-based institutional funding priorities under the Trump administration.

The agencies said the one-time fiscal 2026 expansion of the Strengthening Institutions Program will support workforce-readiness initiatives and help colleges prepare for the rollout of the Workforce Pell Grant program, which is designed to expand federal aid eligibility for shorter-term career training programs.

Federal officials indicated the funding increase is being financed through discretionary funds previously allocated to Minority-Serving Institution grant programs the administration characterized as unlawful because eligibility was tied to racial or ethnic classifications.

The move reflects the administration’s continuing effort to align federal higher-education spending more directly with labor-market demands, industrial policy goals, and workforce development initiatives.

The competition will prioritize projects involving career-focused training, artificial intelligence instruction, and institutional partnerships intended to accelerate entry into high-demand occupations.

Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education David Barker described the initiative as part of a broader restructuring of federal education and workforce programs.

“Through our partnership with the Department of Labor, we are creating a modernized system that will be more responsive to labor market needs and bridge the gap between employment and education,” Barker said.

Labor Department Assistant Secretary Henry Mack framed the program as a response to concerns that traditional degree pathways are failing to produce sufficient workforce outcomes relative to student debt burdens.

“Gone are the days of dead-end degrees that come with burdensome debt and few job prospects,” Mack said.

The initiative also places new emphasis on training tied to artificial intelligence applications, which administration officials linked to broader manufacturing and reindustrialization priorities.

The Education Department stated the program expansion builds on a growing series of interagency agreements intended to reduce fragmentation across federal education and workforce systems.

Since 2025, the department has entered into 10 interagency agreements involving five federal agencies as part of a broader Trump administration effort to reduce the federal education bureaucracy and expand state and local operational control.

Under the latest arrangement, the Labor Department will manage grant funds, provide technical assistance, and integrate portions of the Education Department’s postsecondary programs with existing federal workforce-development systems.

The restructuring effort comes as policymakers increasingly debate whether federal higher-education funding should prioritize traditional academic pathways or shorter-term workforce credentials tied directly to labor-market demand.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of Labor and its Office of Inspector General are directing financial institutions to preserve prepaid debit card accounts tied to suspected pandemic-era unemployment fraud as federal officials intensify efforts to recover billions of dollars lost during COVID-19 relief programs.

In letters issued last week, Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling and Inspector General Anthony P. D'Esposito instructed banks and payment providers to freeze identified accounts through December 31, 2026, to prevent dormant funds from being transferred to state unclaimed-property systems, where recovery efforts could become significantly more difficult.

The action is part of a broader federal anti-fraud initiative coordinated with President Donald Trump’s White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance.

“During the pandemic, criminals and bad actors exploited weaknesses to steal billions of dollars from the American people,” Sonderling said. “We are working with Vice President Vance to ensure we use every tool at our disposal to track down stolen funds, hold fraudsters accountable, and return money to the taxpayers.”

Federal investigators said many fraudulent unemployment insurance claims issued during the pandemic were routed through prepaid debit card accounts administered by financial institutions on behalf of state workforce agencies. Some of those accounts remain inactive but still contain recoverable funds.

Under normal state procedures, dormant balances can eventually be transferred to state unclaimed-property agencies through a legal process known as escheatment, potentially complicating federal recovery efforts.

The Labor Department and the inspector general’s office requested that institutions freeze accounts identified in confidential attachments, maintain the funds in recoverable form, and coordinate directly with federal investigators during the preservation process.

“Our office has already issued alert memoranda sounding the alarm, and the time for excuses is over,” D'Esposito said. “Every dollar lost through delay or inaction is taxpayer money handed directly to fraudsters.”

The move marks one of the most direct federal recovery actions tied to pandemic unemployment fraud since emergency benefit programs expired. Federal watchdogs and congressional investigators have repeatedly estimated that tens of billions of dollars in unemployment payments were improperly distributed during the pandemic amid relaxed eligibility verification standards and unprecedented claim volumes.

The Labor Department did not disclose how many accounts were identified or the estimated value of funds targeted under the preservation effort.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal health officials are urging schools, parents, technology companies, and lawmakers to take immediate action as children and teenagers spend record amounts of time on phones, tablets, gaming systems, and social media platforms linked to rising mental health and developmental concerns.

What This Means for You

• Federal health officials warn excessive screen use may contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and developmental issues in children.
• Parents are being advised to watch for warning signs including secrecy, irritability, and withdrawal from offline activities.
• Schools and technology companies are being encouraged to limit harmful digital habits and strengthen online safety protections.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General released a new advisory and toolkit warning about the risks associated with excessive screen use among children and adolescents.

The report states that young people now spend as much or more time on screens as they do sleeping or attending school. Federal estimates show adolescents average seven to nine hours daily on entertainment-related screens, with many using devices immediately before bed.

An advisory is a formal public health warning intended to highlight risks and provide recommendations for reducing harm.

Officials Cite Mental and Physical Health Concerns

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. connected increased screen use to broader health concerns affecting children nationwide.

“Children today spend more time on screens than sleeping, exercising, or engaging face-to-face with family and friends — and we are seeing the consequences in rising rates of anxiety, depression, obesity, and developmental challenges,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy described the advisory as a science-based resource intended to help families, schools, and communities encourage healthier habits and reduce harms associated with excessive screen exposure.

Dr. Stephanie Haridoplos, director of national health communications for the Office of the Surgeon General, warned that many online environments were not built with children’s safety in mind.

“We are calling for urgent action to protect children at home, in schools, and across platforms,” Haridoplos said. “Kids are growing up in digital spaces that were never designed for their safety, and these online experiences are shaping how they think, feel, and interact in real life.”

Advisory Lists Warning Signs for Families

The advisory identifies several warning signs that may indicate unhealthy or harmful screen use among children and teenagers.

According to the report, warning indicators can include irritability when devices are removed, secrecy surrounding online activity, reduced interest in offline hobbies or social interaction, and unsuccessful attempts to cut back on screen time.

Federal health officials also highlighted concerns involving online exploitation, exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate material, substance-use promotion, and dangerous viral challenges circulating on social media platforms.

A viral challenge refers to online trends encouraging users to imitate risky or harmful behavior for views, attention, or social engagement.

Schools, Tech Companies, and Lawmakers Urged to Act

The accompanying federal toolkit outlines recommended actions for schools, families, community groups, policymakers, and technology companies.

The advisory encourages schools to reduce or prohibit non-instructional device use during the school day, expand digital citizenship education, and create additional opportunities for face-to-face interaction.

Digital citizenship education teaches students how to use technology responsibly, safely, and ethically.

Federal officials also urged lawmakers to strengthen online privacy and child safety protections while supporting long-term research into screen-related health impacts.

Technology companies were encouraged to reduce manipulative design features, improve transparency about platform risks, and simplify safety settings for parents and families.

The Surgeon General’s Warning on the Harms of Screen Use: An Advisory and Toolkit on How to Protect Children and Adolescents is available through the Office of the Surgeon General website.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of Energy ordered two oil- and natural gas-fired units at Constellation Energy Corporation’s Eddystone Generating Station in Pennsylvania to remain available through the summer as federal officials warn of mounting reliability risks across the Mid-Atlantic power grid.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued the emergency order directing PJM Interconnection and Constellation to keep Units 3 and 4 of the Eddystone plant operational through August 22, 2026. The units had originally been scheduled to retire on May 31, 2025.

The order reflects growing federal concern over tightening electricity supply margins in the PJM market, which serves 13 states and the District of Columbia, amid rising power demand and ongoing retirements of conventional generation assets.

“The energy sources that perform when you need them most are inherently the most valuable,” Wright said. “This emergency order will mitigate the risk of blackouts and help maintain affordable, reliable, and secure electricity access across the region.”

The Department of Energy said the Eddystone units were dispatched during periods of grid stress over the past year, including major summer heat waves and Winter Storm Fern, which drove elevated electricity demand across the region.

According to EPA data cited by the department, the Eddystone units generated 26,971 megawatt-hours of electricity between June and December 2025.

PJM has repeatedly warned that accelerating generator retirements, coupled with increasing electricity demand from data centers and electrification trends, could outpace the addition of new generating resources.

In supporting earlier federal intervention involving the Eddystone facility, PJM said it had “repeatedly documented and voiced its concerns over the growing risk of a supply and demand imbalance driven by the confluence of generator retirements and demand growth.”

The emergency action extends a series of federal orders first issued by Wright on May 30, 2025, that prevented the units from retiring as scheduled.

The Department of Energy referenced findings from its Resource Adequacy Report warning that power outages could increase “by 100 times” by 2030 if reliable generation continues to leave the grid without sufficient replacement capacity.

The order also directs PJM to use economic dispatch procedures intended to minimize operating costs while maintaining system reliability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Hepcludex as the first authorized treatment for chronic hepatitis delta virus infection in the United States, giving patients with the rare but severe liver disease access to a federally approved therapy for the first time.

The treatment, developed by Gilead Sciences, was approved for adults with chronic hepatitis delta virus, or HDV, infection who do not have cirrhosis or who have compensated cirrhosis, according to the FDA.

The approval addresses a long-standing treatment gap for HDV, an aggressive liver disease that can accelerate fibrosis, liver failure, and liver cancer and has historically lacked FDA-approved therapies despite carrying significantly higher mortality risks than hepatitis B infection alone.

HDV occurs only in patients already infected with hepatitis B virus because the virus depends on HBV to replicate. Federal health officials said risk factors include injection drug use, unprotected sex, and occupational blood exposure.

The FDA granted the drug Breakthrough Therapy and Orphan Drug designations and reviewed the application under its accelerated approval pathway, which allows earlier authorization for therapies targeting serious diseases with limited treatment options.

Approval was supported by data from the Phase 3 MYR301 trial, which evaluated patients receiving daily Hepcludex injections against a delayed-treatment group.

At 48 weeks, 48% of treated patients achieved the trial’s combined primary endpoint — defined as either undetectable HDV RNA or a substantial viral decline alongside normalized liver enzyme levels — compared with 2% in the delayed-treatment group.

The percentage of patients reaching undetectable HDV RNA levels increased over time, reaching 36% at week 96 and 50% at week 144, according to the FDA.

The drug carries a boxed warning stating that discontinuation may trigger severe acute exacerbations of both hepatitis delta and hepatitis B infections.

Reported adverse effects included injection-site reactions, abdominal pain, fatigue, itching, headaches, and hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.

“Today’s approval fills a critical gap in care for patients with chronic HDV infection, who until now have had no FDA-approved therapies available,” said Wendy Carter.

The approval expands Gilead’s position in antiviral and liver-disease therapeutics as regulators continue accelerating reviews for treatments targeting rare infectious diseases with limited commercial competition.

WEST POINT, NY — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a commencement address to nearly 1,000 graduating cadets at the United States Military Academy on Saturday to press the Trump administration’s push toward combat readiness, acquisition reform, and stricter military standards as the Army seeks to expand troop levels and accelerate modernization efforts.

Addressing the West Point class of 2026, Hegseth framed the graduates’ transition into the officer corps as part of a broader military restructuring centered on “readiness and lethality,” themes that have defined his early tenure atop the Pentagon.

“We're sending you to lead, we're sending you to forge warriors, and we're sending you perhaps, to war — and you are ready,” Hegseth told the 998 graduating cadets. “The world today is at a crossroads.”

The speech comes as the Pentagon faces pressure to improve recruitment, overhaul weapons procurement timelines, and prepare for potential long-term competition with major global adversaries.

Hegseth said the Army has already met its recruiting targets ahead of schedule this year and projected force growth in 2027, placing new officers at the center of training and integrating incoming soldiers.

“We want high, uniform, unwavering standards,” Hegseth said. “We must train exactly like we fight, and that means real, practical warfighting skills.”

The defense secretary repeatedly emphasized merit-based advancement, physical readiness, and combat effectiveness while signaling a harder break from policies he characterized as bureaucratic or politically restrictive.

“My job is to untie your hands and to have your back — when you make hard calls, when you enforce the standards, when you prioritize lethality over likability,” Hegseth said. “No more walking on eggshells.”

Hegseth also outlined several operational priorities for the Defense Department, including reducing internal bureaucracy, accelerating weapons procurement, and reforming military acquisition systems that he argued produce outdated equipment after years of delays and cost overruns.

“That means real acquisition reform, procurement reform, ending the culture of spending 10 years and $10 billion extra to build a system that's obsolete by the time it reaches your platoon,” he said.

The remarks reflect a broader Pentagon focus on speeding delivery of battlefield technology and streamlining defense contracting as military planners confront rising concerns over industrial capacity and readiness.

Hegseth also urged the graduates to rely heavily on senior enlisted personnel as they enter active service.

“Listen to your noncommissioned officers, they are the backbone of the Army and will save your life,” he said.

The address blended institutional themes of duty and military service with explicit references to combat preparedness and national security risk, reinforcing the administration’s effort to reposition the armed forces around operational readiness and force projection.

“You are an American Army, an Army of warriors,” Hegseth told the graduating class. “Four years ago, you raised your right hand and said, ‘Send me.’ And today ... we say, ‘Send us.’”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission reached settlements requiring Cox Media Group and two affiliated marketing firms to pay a combined $930,000 after regulators alleged the companies falsely claimed to use artificial intelligence to monitor consumer conversations through smart devices for targeted advertising.

The FTC alleged the companies marketed an “Active Listening” advertising product to small businesses by claiming the service could capture and analyze conversations occurring near smart devices in real time to deliver geographically targeted advertising.

According to the agency’s complaints, the technology did not use voice data and instead relied on email marketing lists purchased from third-party data brokers and resold at significant markups.

The settlements mark one of the FTC’s more direct enforcement actions targeting AI-related marketing claims as regulators increase scrutiny of companies promoting consumer surveillance or data-collection capabilities tied to artificial intelligence.

The agency alleged MindSift LLC and 1010 Digital Works LLC worked with Cox Media Group to promote the service using sales materials and customer pitches that misrepresented the platform’s capabilities.

The FTC further alleged the companies falsely claimed consumers had consented to the collection and use of voice data through app opt-ins and terms-of-service agreements.

“Clicking through mandatory terms of service does not constitute ‘opt-in consent’ for such an invasive service or for use of consumers’ voice data from inside their homes,” the FTC stated in its complaint.

Regulators said the service, if it had operated as described, could itself have violated federal consumer-protection law because of the alleged absence of meaningful consent.

Under the proposed settlements, Cox Media Group will pay $880,000, while MindSift and 1010 Digital Works will each pay $25,000. The FTC said the funds will be used for customer redress.

The proposed orders also prohibit the companies from misrepresenting the capabilities of advertising services, the collection or use of voice data, consumer consent practices, and geographic-targeting functionality.

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Christopher Mufarrige said the case centered on both deceptive technology claims and misleading representations regarding consumer consent.

“Not only did the product these companies marketed not do what they claimed it did, but they also misled potential customers by claiming consumers had opted into this service when it’s clear they did not,” Mufarrige said.

The commission voted 2-0 to approve the administrative complaints and proposed consent agreements. The settlements remain subject to public comment and final commission approval following publication in the Federal Register.

Under FTC rules, violations of finalized consent orders can carry civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Education recently expanded federal waiver authority for Florida and Illinois school systems, part of a broader Trump administration effort to shift more control over federal education spending and program administration to states and local districts.

The department approved Ed-Flex applications for both states, bringing the total number of states using the waiver authority to 18 — the highest level since the program’s creation.

Ed-Flex allows state education agencies to waive certain federal education requirements without first obtaining approval from Washington, reducing federal oversight over how some education funds are administered.

The move reflects the administration’s broader push to decentralize education policy and limit the federal government’s role in K-12 operational decision-making.

Under Ed-Flex authority, states can grant districts broader discretion over programs funded under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, including flexibility in how Student Support and Academic Enrichment funds are spent.

The department also distributed guidance encouraging states to make broader use of existing transferability provisions and Alternative Fund Use Authority rules that permit districts — particularly small rural systems — to redirect certain federal education dollars across programs based on local priorities.

Federal officials argue the expanded flexibility could allow districts to allocate resources more efficiently and respond faster to localized academic or operational challenges.

Critics of decentralized funding structures, however, have historically argued that broader waiver authority can weaken federal accountability standards tied to academic performance, equity requirements, and targeted student-support programs.

The Education Department linked the latest actions to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14242, signed March 20, 2025, which directed agencies to increase state and local control over education policy.

Assistant Secretary Kirsten Baesler described the effort as an attempt to “move decision-making closer to the classroom and elevate the power of local leadership.”

Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas welcomed the approval, arguing it would give the state greater flexibility in directing federal education funding toward classroom priorities.

The department indicated the latest guidance builds on prior directives encouraging states to seek waivers from what the administration characterizes as burdensome federal statutory and regulatory requirements.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched a federal competition aimed at expanding accessible community gardens for older adults and people with disabilities, part of a broader public-health strategy linking food access and social engagement to chronic disease prevention.

The Administration for Community Living, an HHS division, opened Phase 1 of its “Cultivating Connected Communities Challenge” last week, targeting community garden projects that incorporate accessibility improvements and inclusive programming.

Federal officials are positioning community gardens as lower-cost public-health interventions capable of improving nutrition access, reducing social isolation, and supporting wellness initiatives in underserved populations.

The initiative builds on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s People’s Garden program and focuses on expanding participation among individuals with physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and older adults who are often excluded from sustainability and community-wellness programs because of mobility or health barriers.

Funding awarded through the challenge can be used for accessibility upgrades including raised planting beds, adaptive gardening equipment, and inclusive garden programming.

The effort also aligns with the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, which has emphasized reducing chronic disease through nutrition and community-based wellness programs.

“Community gardens make healthy food more accessible while strengthening community engagement and connection,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr..

The agency framed the program as both a public-health initiative and a community-development strategy designed to increase independence and long-term engagement among vulnerable populations.

Dana Gover, statewide ADA consultant at the Northwest ADA Center, cited projects such as the Universal Garden initiative as examples of how accessibility planning can move beyond minimum compliance standards when people with disabilities are directly involved in design feedback.

The challenge arrives as federal health agencies increasingly connect chronic disease prevention efforts to local food infrastructure, accessibility policy, and community-based social programs rather than traditional clinical interventions alone.

EXTON, PA — Citadel Credit Union opened its first Philadelphia branch on Friday, May 8, and disclosed plans for additional city locations as the regional lender pushes deeper into urban retail banking markets amid ongoing consolidation and branch reductions across the financial sector.

The new office in Overbrook Park at 7557 Haverford Avenue becomes Citadel’s 25th branch and marks the beginning of a broader Philadelphia expansion strategy aimed at neighborhoods where the credit union said more than 17,000 existing members already live, work, study, or worship.

The move positions Citadel to compete more directly with large regional and national banks that have continued reducing physical branch networks while community lenders and credit unions selectively expand in higher-density urban corridors.

Citadel President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Brown framed the expansion as part of a longer-term investment strategy in Philadelphia.

“Overbrook Park is our first location, but we are just getting started,” Brown said. “Our next location in Philadelphia is already under construction at 4900 Baltimore Avenue in Cedar Park.”

The Cedar Park branch is expected to open later this year, while the company also confirmed plans for an additional Philadelphia location in 2027.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 8, drew elected officials, local business leaders, and community organizations, followed by a public block party on Saturday, May 9.

The expansion reflects broader competitive shifts in consumer banking as credit unions seek deposit growth and lending opportunities in urban markets where customers increasingly value localized service models alongside digital banking access.

Citadel indicated future branches will combine retail banking, mortgage lending, small-business services, and financial counseling with community-use meeting space designed to strengthen local partnerships and customer engagement.

“This is more than the opening of a branch,” Brown said. “It is a story about community, partnership, and what we can do together.”

Philadelphia Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. described Citadel’s decision to enter Overbrook Park as a notable investment in the neighborhood’s commercial corridor.

“Citadel could have chosen many places for its first Philadelphia branch, and they chose Overbrook Park,” Jones said.

The company’s Philadelphia expansion comes as midsize financial institutions continue reassessing physical branch strategies in response to changing consumer banking habits, higher operating costs, and increased competition for deposits following years of industry consolidation.

Citadel, a member-owned credit union headquartered in Chester County, has increasingly expanded beyond its suburban footprint as regional lenders seek growth opportunities in adjacent metropolitan markets.

ATTOM is reporting that U.S. foreclosure activity rose again in April as lenders accelerated repossessions and foreclosure starts amid persistent affordability pressures and elevated borrowing costs that continue straining some homeowners despite a still-resilient housing market.

The property-data firm said 42,430 U.S. properties received foreclosure filings in April, including default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions. That marked an 18% increase from a year earlier, although filings declined 8% from March.

The data points to a continued normalization in mortgage distress after foreclosure activity remained artificially suppressed for years following pandemic-era relief programs, foreclosure moratoriums, and a prolonged period of historically low borrowing costs.

“Foreclosure activity continued its gradual trend higher in April, with both foreclosure starts and completed foreclosures posting annual gains,” ATTOM Chief Executive Officer Rob Barber said.

“While overall filings declined from the previous month, the year-over-year increases suggest lenders may be working through distressed inventory as higher borrowing costs and affordability challenges impact some homeowners,” Barber added.

Lenders initiated foreclosure proceedings on 28,414 properties during April, up 12% from a year earlier.

Completed foreclosures, or real-estate-owned properties repossessed by lenders, climbed 42% annually to 5,098 properties, suggesting banks and mortgage servicers continue processing distressed loans that accumulated during prior periods of reduced foreclosure enforcement.

Texas recorded the highest number of completed foreclosures with 640 repossessions, followed by California with 515 and Florida with 381.

Florida also led the nation in foreclosure starts with 3,505, ahead of Texas and California, while Delaware posted the country’s highest foreclosure rate at one filing per 1,739 housing units.

Among major metropolitan areas, foreclosure starts rose sharply in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Raleigh, reflecting growing pockets of borrower stress even in markets that previously saw strong home-price appreciation and population growth.

ATTOM reported one in every 3,388 U.S. housing units had a foreclosure filing during April.

Some markets diverged from the national trend. Completed foreclosures declined significantly in Atlanta and Cleveland, indicating foreclosure conditions remain uneven across regional housing markets.

Despite the recent increases, foreclosure activity remains substantially below levels seen before the pandemic and far beneath the peaks reached during the 2008 housing crisis, when foreclosure filings routinely exceeded several hundred thousand properties per month.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — A new analysis of clinical trial data found that methylphenidate-based stimulants may provide measurable relief for cancer-related fatigue, adding evidence for a treatment approach oncologists have historically used cautiously because of limited large-scale clinical data.

The meta-analysis, published in the May issue of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, reviewed nine randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 823 cancer patients receiving either methylphenidate or dexmethylphenidate.

Researchers concluded the drugs produced statistically significant improvements in fatigue scores compared with placebo, with benefits becoming more pronounced after several weeks of treatment.

Cancer-related fatigue affects a majority of oncology patients and remains among the most difficult symptoms to manage, particularly for patients undergoing intensive treatment or living with advanced disease.

“What makes this finding particularly noteworthy is the time dimension,” said Bruno Almeida Costa. “The benefit isn't fully apparent in the first couple of weeks, but by around five weeks it reaches a level that genuinely matters in terms of patients' daily energy and function.”

Costa added that stimulant therapy should not replace longer-term interventions such as exercise programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, or mind-body approaches, but could instead “serve as a bridge” while those strategies take effect.

The analysis evaluated studies published between 2006 and 2024 involving adults with advanced cancer or individuals actively receiving cancer-directed treatment.

Most studies measured fatigue using the FACIT-F assessment scale, a standardized patient-reported questionnaire commonly used in oncology research.

Researchers also reported no statistically significant increase in adverse side effects compared with placebo, though the authors emphasized the need for careful patient selection and monitoring.

Methylphenidate, widely prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, has been on the U.S. market since 1955 and maintains one of the longest safety records among controlled prescription stimulants.

Costa argued the findings may carry particular relevance as cancer diagnoses increasingly affect younger adults balancing treatment with work and family responsibilities.

“For this population, fatigue can be especially disruptive because there's so much they need and want to do,” Costa said.

Chandana Banerjee, who was not involved in the study, said the findings reinforce the importance of individualized treatment strategies and monitoring when using stimulant medications in oncology settings.

Current NCCN clinical guidelines already allow consideration of methylphenidate in certain cancer-related fatigue cases, though the organization advises caution regarding dosing and evaluation of underlying causes.

To read the full study, “Methylphenidate-Type Psychostimulants for Cancer-Related Fatigue: Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,” visit JNCCN.org.

Separately, the journal disclosed it will discontinue print publication after its June 2026 edition and transition to a fully digital format beginning in July.

The publication also removed its article paywall, part of a broader effort to expand access to oncology research and accelerate dissemination of clinical findings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Students pursuing short-term job training programs will soon be able to use federal Pell Grant funding for programs lasting as little as eight weeks under a new U.S. Department of Education rule aimed at expanding access to workforce training and reducing student debt.

What This Means for You

• Beginning July 1, 2026, Pell Grants can be used for certain short-term workforce training programs.
• Eligible programs must prepare students for high-demand, high-wage careers and meet federal performance standards.
• States and governors will help determine which career fields and training programs qualify for funding.

The U.S. Department of Education announced a final rule implementing the Workforce Pell Grant program created under President Donald Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

The new program expands the traditional Pell Grant system, which historically has been limited primarily to longer undergraduate degree programs at colleges and universities.

A Pell Grant is federal financial aid awarded to students with financial need that generally does not need to be repaid.

Under Workforce Pell, students will be allowed to apply Pell Grant funding toward shorter workforce training programs designed to prepare people for immediate employment in high-demand industries.

Administration Pushes Career and Technical Training

Education officials described the initiative as part of a broader shift toward career and technical education, often referred to as CTE, which focuses on hands-on workforce preparation and job-specific skills training.

The administration stated that the rule is intended to help students enter the workforce more quickly while avoiding large amounts of student loan debt.

Linda McMahon characterized the program as part of an effort to move federal support away from what the administration considers costly degree programs with limited economic value.

“The Trump Administration’s postsecondary education agenda is straightforward: we should shift away from high-cost, low-value programs to low-cost, high-value programs,” McMahon said.

McMahon added that the rule would allow students to prepare for in-demand jobs “in weeks, not years.”

Keith Sonderling pointed to apprenticeships, technical education, and targeted skills training as examples of programs expected to benefit under the new rules.

“This opens doors for Registered Apprenticeships, career and technical education, and targeted-skills training—programs that lead to good-paying jobs, fast,” Sonderling said.

States Will Help Decide Eligible Programs

Under the final rule, governors and state workforce boards will identify industries and occupations considered high-demand within their states.

State workforce boards are public-private groups that help coordinate employment, training, and workforce development strategies.

Eligible training programs must meet federal standards involving program length, completion rates, employment outcomes, and return-on-investment metrics tied to graduate earnings.

The Education Department stated that colleges also will be required to limit tuition and fees based on the earnings outcomes of graduates in order to maintain eligibility for Workforce Pell funding.

The rule additionally allows states to enter bilateral agreements permitting institutions in one state to offer approved workforce programs to students in another state through distance learning.

Rule Followed Public Negotiations and Federal Review

Federal officials noted that the Workforce Pell program stems from changes included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025.

The Department of Education later held a public hearing in August 2025 before convening negotiated rulemaking committees involving colleges, employers, workforce boards, and taxpayer advocacy organizations.

Negotiated rulemaking is a federal process in which government agencies and outside stakeholders work together to develop proposed regulations before formal rulemaking begins.

According to the department, the Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-driven Workforce Pell Committee reached consensus on the proposed framework during negotiations in December 2025.

The department published its proposed rule in March 2026 and received more than 500 public comments before issuing the final version.

The final rule was published May 19, 2026, and becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Additional information about the final rule package is available through the Department of Education fact sheet.

The full regulation is available through the Federal Register.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed sweeping restrictions on state Medicaid payment arrangements that federal officials argue have inflated reimbursement rates far above Medicare benchmarks, a policy shift the agency estimates would reduce Medicaid spending by $775 billion over the next decade.

The proposal would cap certain Medicaid managed-care and fee-for-service payments at or near Medicare reimbursement levels while tightening oversight of financing structures involving provider taxes and intergovernmental transfers that CMS contends allow states to draw disproportionate federal funding.

According to the agency, the rule would generate roughly $510 billion in federal savings over 10 years if finalized.

The proposal represents one of the most significant federal attempts in years to curb state financing mechanisms that critics argue enable states to maximize federal Medicaid matching funds without proportional state spending.

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz argued the current structure creates distorted financial incentives that increase federal costs without corresponding improvements in patient care.

“Right now, misaligned payment incentives and opaque financing arrangements are driving up costs without delivering better care,” Oz said.

State-directed payments, or SDPs, allow states to require Medicaid managed-care plans to reimburse providers according to state-defined payment arrangements rather than rates negotiated directly by insurers and providers.

Federal officials argue some states have used SDPs alongside provider taxes and transfers from public hospitals to increase federal reimbursement flows while limiting direct state financial exposure.

CMS cited a 2024 report from the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission finding that more than half of state-directed payments are financed through provider taxes or intergovernmental transfers.

The use of SDPs has expanded sharply over the last decade, growing from two participating states in 2016 to 41 states in 2026, according to CMS. The agency estimated SDP spending could nearly triple from $107 billion in fiscal 2024 to $296 billion by fiscal 2034 without additional restrictions.

Under the proposed rule, expansion states would generally face payment caps set at 100% of Medicare reimbursement levels, while non-expansion states would be capped at 110% of Medicare rates. Similar limits would apply to certain targeted Medicaid fee-for-service payments.

The proposal also seeks to establish national transparency and reporting standards intended to increase federal oversight of Medicaid financing arrangements.

CMS stated the rule would implement provisions tied to the Working Families Tax Cut legislation and a June 2025 presidential memorandum directing agencies to reduce “waste, fraud, and abuse” in Medicaid.

The agency indicated the restrictions would be phased in over a transition period intended to give states and healthcare providers time to adjust financing and reimbursement structures.

CMS is accepting public comment on the proposed rule through the Federal Register process. The proposal is available at Federal Register docket 2026-10292.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge in Nevada ordered payment processor Cliq Inc. and two executives to pay $6.5 million in civil contempt sanctions after finding the company violated a long-standing federal order intended to prevent payment networks from facilitating consumer fraud schemes.

The ruling, entered May 13 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, found Cliq Inc., former executive Andrew Phillips, and executive John Blaugrund violated key provisions of a 2015 federal court order obtained by the Federal Trade Commission.

According to the court, the company processed hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions for merchants listed on Mastercard’s MATCH database, a network-wide monitoring system used to identify high-risk merchants associated with excessive fraud, chargebacks, or illegal activity.

The court also found the defendants helped certain merchants evade fraud-detection and risk-monitoring systems by disguising chargeback activity and shifting transactions between accounts after prior accounts were shut down.

In one instance cited by the court, the defendants allegedly processed “friendly” transactions designed to artificially suppress reported chargeback rates — a metric closely monitored by banks and card networks as an indicator of fraud risk.

The ruling further found the company failed to conduct required underwriting reviews mandated under the 2015 order, including verifying business records, investigating suspected shell companies, and reviewing what the court described as “obviously false” websites submitted with payment-processing applications.

The court additionally concluded Cliq continued processing payments for merchants that repeatedly exceeded allowable chargeback thresholds without conducting required investigations or filing mandated compliance reports.

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Christopher Mufarrige said the ruling reflects increased scrutiny of intermediaries that enable fraudulent payment activity.

“As the court concluded, Cliq and its executives assisted and facilitated scammers in avoiding fraud and risk monitoring programs and failed to conduct the 2015 order’s required underwriting,” Mufarrige said.

The sanctions stem from a civil contempt action tied to a settlement the defendants previously agreed to with the FTC in 2015. The agency argued the company systematically ignored compliance obligations imposed under that order while continuing to service high-risk merchants.

The case highlights growing regulatory pressure on payment processors and merchant-acquiring firms, which federal regulators increasingly view as critical gatekeepers in preventing online fraud and deceptive commerce activity.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Food banks and emergency food providers across the country could soon receive millions in federal support to distribute more meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood to struggling families under a new Trump administration initiative focused on nutrition and food access.

What This Means for You

• HHS and USDA announced up to $15 million combined to improve access to protein-rich foods.
• Federal officials say the effort aims to reduce food waste while helping families access more nutritious meals.
• Nonprofits and emergency food providers may receive funding to improve refrigerated storage and food distribution systems.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a $7.5 million agreement with HATCH for Hunger, a nonprofit focused on redirecting surplus protein supplies to families in need.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled plans for a separate competitive grant program that could provide up to $7.5 million to strengthen “cold chain infrastructure” — the refrigerated storage and transportation systems needed to safely distribute perishable foods such as meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy products.

Federal officials described the programs as part of a broader effort to improve nutrition security, reduce food waste, and address diet-related chronic disease.

Agencies Focus on Nutrition and Food Access

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. framed the initiative as part of the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.

“Access to real, nutritious food is one of the foundations of good health,” Kennedy said. “This investment will expand access to high-quality protein, reduce food waste, and help food banks deliver the nutrition families need to prevent chronic disease and live healthier lives.”

The agencies stated that the initiative aligns with the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend protein-rich foods as part of a healthy diet.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are federal nutrition recommendations updated every five years to help guide public health and food policy.

Brooke Rollins pointed to the need for expanded refrigerated storage and transportation systems to help emergency food providers handle fresh products safely while also supporting domestic agriculture.

“With this investment, USDA is strengthening the infrastructure that ensures our fresh, high-quality food reaches Americans in need,” Rollins said. “By expanding cold storage and distribution capacity, we are supporting our producers, reducing food waste, and delivering nutritious food.”

Food Banks Face Major Protein Shortage

Officials involved in the initiative noted that charitable food organizations continue to face significant shortages of protein products because of storage, transportation, and distribution limitations.

Jeff Simmons, CEO of Elanco Animal Health and board chairman of HATCH for Hunger, estimated that charitable food networks nationwide face an 800 million-pound annual protein gap.

A protein gap refers to the difference between the amount of protein foods families need and the amount food assistance organizations can currently provide.

Simmons identified infrastructure and logistics barriers as major obstacles preventing fresh protein products from reaching more families through food assistance programs.

“I’m incredibly grateful to HHS and USDA for their efforts to improve accessibility, as well as America’s farmers and the U.S. protein industry for rallying behind this cause,” Simmons said.

More Grant Details Expected Later

USDA indicated that additional details about the competitive grant process will be released later.

The agencies described the broader initiative as an effort to better coordinate agriculture, nutrition, and public health policy while increasing access to nutrient-dense foods for families facing food insecurity.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly four out of five U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals earned four- or five-star quality ratings in the latest federal hospital rankings, extending the VA system’s multiyear performance advantage over non-VA facilities as the agency pushes to improve care delivery and reduce operational backlogs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 78% of rated VA hospitals received four or five stars in the latest annual hospital quality review issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the highest share since CMS began separately rating VA facilities in 2023.

VA hospitals also accounted for nearly 15% of all five-star hospitals included in the 2026 CMS report, according to the department.

The results mark the fourth consecutive year VA facilities outperformed non-VA hospitals in aggregate ratings and the second straight year no VA hospital received a one-star rating.

The data provides a high-profile performance benchmark for the VA healthcare system as federal officials continue facing political scrutiny over veterans’ access to care, appointment delays, staffing shortages, and benefits processing.

The share of VA hospitals earning four or five stars rose from 67% in 2023 to 77% in 2025 before increasing again to 78% in the latest report. The agency attributed the drop to 58% in 2024 to methodology changes tied to the CMS ratings system.

VA Secretary Doug Collins linked the latest rankings to broader operational changes implemented during the Trump administration.

“The Trump Administration has a proven track record of improving Veterans’ care, and these ratings underscore that success,” Collins said.

The department also pointed to broader operational metrics it argued reflect expanding healthcare capacity across the VA system.

According to the VA, the agency enrolled more than 140,000 new veterans into healthcare programs in 2026, opened 35 healthcare facilities since January 2025, and reduced its benefits backlog by 70% from levels recorded at the start of the administration.

The department additionally reported completing more than 82 million direct-care appointments during fiscal 2025, up 4.1% from the prior year, while providing more than 2.5 million appointments outside normal operating hours.

The VA also reported permanently housing 51,936 homeless veterans during fiscal 2025, which the agency described as the highest annual total in seven years.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to eight retailers accused of selling unauthorized nicotine pouches and dissolvable tobacco products designed to resemble candy, cough drops, and breath strips, escalating federal enforcement against tobacco products regulators say could appeal to children.

The agency said the products lacked required FDA authorization and violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

According to the FDA, regulators are increasingly focused on tobacco and nicotine products that mimic common consumer items because of concerns they could both attract minors and increase the risk of accidental ingestion by young children.

“No tobacco product should look like candy—it’s a blatant ploy to target children and mask the true nature of these products,” said Bret Koplow.

The warning letters direct the retailers to address both the cited violations and any similar compliance issues involving unauthorized tobacco products. The FDA said companies that fail to correct violations could face seizures, injunctions, or civil monetary penalties.

The enforcement action follows recent FDA guidance outlining priorities for unauthorized electronic nicotine delivery systems and nicotine pouch products that have not completed federal premarket review.

Federal regulators argue such products undermine the agency’s tobacco oversight framework because they may contain ingredients or chemical compositions that have not undergone scientific evaluation.

The latest action forms part of a broader FDA crackdown on unauthorized nicotine and tobacco products marketed in ways regulators believe could appeal to younger consumers.

The agency said it has issued more than 800 warning letters to manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of unauthorized tobacco products, along with more than 1,000 warning letters to retailers accused of selling unauthorized nicotine products.

NEW GARDEN TWP, PA — Drivers in southern Chester County should prepare for a lengthy detour beginning in June as PennDOT starts a bridge replacement project on Broad Run Road in New Garden Township.

At a Glance

• Roads Affected: Broad Run Road between Buttonwood Road and Eden Road
• Dates: Monday, June 1, through Wednesday, September 30
• Times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Reason: Bridge replacement project

PennDOT said Broad Run Road will close around the clock while crews replace the aging bridge carrying the roadway over Broad Run Creek.

During the closure, drivers will be directed to use Buttonwood Road and Newark Road around the work zone.

Local access will remain available for nearby residents and properties throughout construction.

Motorists traveling through the area should expect delays and changing traffic patterns near the closure zone. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and seek alternate routes whenever possible during the multi-month project.

According to PennDOT, the existing bridge is a 95-year-old, single-lane structure currently listed in poor condition. The replacement bridge will widen the roadway from one travel lane to two 10-foot lanes to improve safety and traffic flow.

The project also includes paving work, guiderail replacement, installation of new approach slabs, and construction of concrete barriers along the structure.

PennDOT said the current bridge carries more than 2,100 vehicles per day.

The work is part of a broader $4.2 million infrastructure improvement program replacing several aging bridges in Chester and Bucks counties.

C. Abbonizio Contractors, Inc., based in New Jersey, is serving as the project’s general contractor. The project is funded entirely through state dollars.

PennDOT noted that all scheduled activities remain weather dependent and could change if conditions warrant.

For the latest road closures, detours, and real-time traffic updates across Chester County, visit https://www.mychesco.com/traffic/.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal Emergency Management Agency released two public-safety preparedness toolkits tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as federal officials prepare for an influx of more than five million international visitors expected to travel across the United States during the tournament.

The agency said the 38-day event is projected to generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity while placing additional operational pressure on local governments, emergency responders, transportation systems, and businesses in host cities.

One toolkit is designed for emergency managers, police and fire departments, local officials, and community organizations, while the second targets private-sector businesses preparing for continuity risks tied to large-scale international events.

The materials include standardized emergency messaging, crisis-communication guidance, sample social-media language, and preparedness graphics intended for public distribution.

The release highlights the growing federal focus on mass-event security coordination ahead of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and is expected to rank among the largest international sporting events ever held in North America.

FEMA said it has spent more than a year coordinating with federal, state, and local partners on preparedness planning tied to the tournament.

The agency’s guidance emphasizes five core public-safety recommendations for visitors and residents: maintaining an emergency plan, following local emergency instructions, enabling emergency alerts, preparing for weather conditions and hydration needs, and remaining aware of surroundings during events and travel.

“Whether you are a state government, a local leader or even a business owner, these toolkits have resources you need to help your community stay safe and prepared,” said Victoria L. Barton.

The toolkits are available through Ready.gov’s FIFA World Cup 2026 preparedness page.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Online platforms now face federal enforcement deadlines requiring them to remove nonconsensual intimate images within 48 hours of a valid request under a newly enforced federal law aimed at combating digital exploitation and online extortion.

What This Means for You

• Victims can now file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission if platforms fail to remove intimate images shared without consent.
• Covered websites and apps must provide a removal request process and act within 48 hours of valid requests.
• The law applies to both authentic and AI-generated intimate content shared without permission.

The Federal Trade Commission announced it has begun enforcing the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a federal law requiring online platforms to remove intimate photos or videos posted without a person’s consent after receiving a valid removal request.

The agency also launched a new complaint website, TakeItDown.ftc.gov, where victims and survivors can report platforms that fail to comply with the law’s requirements.

The law targets what are commonly referred to as “nonconsensual intimate images,” meaning sexually explicit photos or videos shared online without the subject’s permission. The law also applies to AI-generated content designed to resemble real people.

Platforms Face New Compliance Requirements

Under Section 3 of the law, covered platforms were required by May 19, 2026, to establish a process allowing users to request removal of intimate content shared without consent.

The law further requires platforms to remove the reported material — along with any known identical copies — within 48 hours after receiving a valid request.

A covered platform generally refers to websites, apps, or online services that host user-generated content.

The FTC said the complaint portal also accepts reports from users who cannot locate a removal request process on a platform.

“Thanks to First Lady Melania Trump’s dedication, the public, especially children, will have recourse against digital exploitation and extortion,” FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson said in a statement. “In the age of AI, anyone can be targeted, and that becomes even more appalling if children are involved.”

Ferguson added that the law provides the FTC with “an effective tool to protect minors against this form of abuse.”

FTC Warned Major Tech Companies Ahead of Deadline

The FTC said Ferguson sent warning letters earlier this month to several major technology and social media companies reminding them of their obligations under the law before the May 19 enforcement deadline.

The companies included Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Reddit, TikTok, and X, among others.

Additional companies receiving letters included Automattic, Bumble, Discord, Match Group, Pinterest, SmugMug, and Snapchat.

Consumer and Business Guidance Published

Alongside enforcement efforts, the FTC said it released new guidance for consumers explaining what steps to take if intimate images are posted online without consent.

The agency also issued compliance guidance for businesses outlining how platforms can meet the law’s removal and reporting requirements.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration will allow eligible companies to combine two of its core lending programs for up to $10 million in federally backed financing beginning July 4, doubling the previous cap in a move aimed at expanding credit access for manufacturers and other capital-intensive small businesses.

The rule change allows borrowers to separately obtain as much as $5 million through the SBA’s 7(a) loan program and another $5 million through the agency’s 504 loan program. Previously, borrowing under the 7(a) program reduced the amount available through 504 financing.

The change materially expands the amount of government-backed capital available to businesses seeking to finance facilities, equipment purchases, and operational growth at a time when the Trump administration is pushing broader domestic manufacturing expansion and supply-chain investment.

Industries expected to benefit include manufacturing, construction, logistics, energy, and food production, according to the SBA.

Manufacturers already had broader access to multiple 504 loans tied to separate projects, but the revised structure now also gives eligible firms additional access to 7(a) working-capital financing without reducing their 504 borrowing capacity.

The SBA said the combined $10 million threshold will represent the largest financing limit in the agency’s history.

“This Administration is empowering job creators, particularly manufacturers, to invest in American workers, rebuild our industrial strength, and grow the small business economy,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said.

The 7(a) program is the SBA’s primary lending vehicle for working capital, acquisitions, and operational financing, while the 504 program is primarily used for long-term fixed-asset purchases such as commercial real estate and heavy equipment.

By separating the borrowing calculations between the programs, the agency is effectively allowing qualifying firms to layer operational financing on top of long-term asset financing under expanded federal guarantees.

The SBA linked the move to broader administration efforts to increase domestic production capacity and manufacturing investment. The agency also cited recent initiatives including waived fees for certain manufacturing-related loans, a 90% loan guarantee program for manufacturers, and separate guarantees targeting grocery and food supply-chain businesses.

The administration additionally pointed to recent manufacturing employment gains and elevated business formation data as evidence of broader expansion, though the release did not provide supporting economic data for those claims.