Small Business Forum’s Report to Congress Highlights Recommendations to Improve Capital-Raising Policy

Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission released a report to Congress today highlighting policy recommendations from the SEC’s 45th Annual Government-Business Forum on Small Business Capital Formation. The report provides a summary of the forum proceedings, policy recommendations developed by participants for changes to the capital-raising framework, and the Commission’s responses to those recommendations.

The forum took place on March 9, 2026, and featured remarks from each of the Commissioners and thoughtful discussions with members of the public and private sectors on improving policy affecting how entrepreneurs, small businesses, and smaller public companies raise capital from investors.

The sessions focused on the following topics:

  • Early-Stage Capital Raising
  • Growth-Stage Companies and Smaller Funds
  • Small Cap Companies and the Public Markets

The SEC’s Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation is charged by Congress with hosting the SEC’s annual Small Business Forum, where members of the public and private sectors gather to provide feedback to improve capital-raising policy. The Office thanks the speakers, participants, advisory planning group members, and SEC staff members who made this year’s forum a success. Video archives and a transcript of the discussions are available online.

US Department of Labor advances partnership with Huntington Ingalls Industries to strengthen skilled-workforce pipeline, support maritime reindustrialization

Source: US Department of Labor

SAN DIEGO – The U.S. Department of Labor recently advanced a workforce-development partnership with military shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries to expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities, strengthen the nation’s maritime workforce and support Trump administration efforts to rebuild America’s industrial base. 

“Strengthening our maritime talent pipeline has a two-fold benefit,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “It gives hope to young men and women enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs while helping restore America’s maritime workforce and reanimating critical domestic supply chains.”

Part of the partnership includes a proposal to leverage the geographic proximity of the San Diego Job Corps Center, overseen by the Employment and Training Administration, to create a maritime-focused Job Corps Center – a site exclusively devoted to providing career and technical education critical to shipbuilding occupations at nearby shipyards.

Jim Loeblein, vice president of customer affairs at Huntington Ingalls, acknowledged the importance of the partnership, saying, “This dialogue demonstrates that both industry and government understand the mission, that supporting jobs in the shipbuilding industry is necessary. With the international threats we face today, we must be the best we can be, which is why we at HII support the work of the Department of Labor and Job Corps.”

Department officials on July 22 met with Huntington Ingalls executives in San Diego to discuss workforce-development opportunities across southern California, including the possibility of folding three other southern California Job Corps Centers into the plans to more quickly build up the pipeline of skilled workers.

Those three additional sites include the Los Angeles, Inland Empire and Long Beach Job Corps Centers with the San Diego location serving as an Advanced Training Transition Hub for program graduates not only from southern California but around the country to receive relocation assistance, complete their training, and begin work in high-wage shipbuilding careers in the area.

The partnership advances two executive orders—namely “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future” and “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” which call for expanding Registered Apprenticeship, strengthening career and technical education, and rebuilding our workforce.

Through partnerships with employers, industry, and education providers, the department is working to ensure America’s workforce is prepared to meet the growing need for a skilled workforce that will propel the next generation of domestic manufacturing and maritime innovation. 

US Department of Labor, US Coast Guard sign Memorandum of Understanding to enhance maritime safety in Northwest Oregon

Source: US Department of Labor

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance coordination to protect maritime workers in Northwest Oregon.

July 27, 2026

US Department of Labor, US Coast Guard sign Memorandum of Understanding to enhance maritime safety in Northwest Oregon

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance coordination to protect maritime workers in Northwest Oregon.

The five-year memorandum formalizes how the agencies share information, train personnel, and support joint inspections while maintaining the existing legal authority of both organizations.

Under the agreement, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River will designate a primary point of contact to improve case coordination and communication across divisions; host onsite engagements for OSHA staff; and participate in joint inspections when permitted under the Coast Guard policy, as well as other governing documents.

OSHA’s Portland area office will provide hazard-specific training, technical assistance, and annual safety support for Sector facilities without conducting enforcement during those visits. The Portland office will also attend joint enforcement inspections when appropriate and refer conditions that fall under Coast Guard jurisdiction.

Together, the agencies will conduct in person and online cross-training on investigative practices, marine casualty work, vessel inspections, and other topics essential to strengthening maritime safety throughout the region.

Learn more about OSHA and its resources and solutions to help workers and employers identify, reduce and eliminate maritime-related hazards.

USCIS Announces Rule Change to Asylum System to Reduce Backlog

Source: US Department of Homeland Security – Please note, there is an Important Disclaimer at the bottom of this statement.

lass=”text-align-center”>With this rule, USCIS can refer asylum applications to Immigration Judges without interviewing the alien
WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a rule change designed to reduce the backlog in the asylum system.
Currently, both USCIS and Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judges adjudicate applications for asylum: USCIS adjudicates “affirmative” asylum applications for aliens who are not in removal proceedings, while Immigration Judges adjudicate “defensive” asylum applications for aliens who are in removal proceedings. Depending on the alien’s immigration status, USCIS will usually either adjudicate the application or refer it to an Immigration Judge, who will then conduct a new review of the application. This essentially allows an alien to get a second chance at asylum.
The interim final rule allows USCIS to refer asylum applications to Immigration Judges without first interviewing the alien. This rule will shorten the total time that it takes asylum officers and Immigration Judges to adjudicate asylum applications. Among other reasons, USCIS is making this change to reduce the asylum backlog.
“For far too long the asylum system has been exploited for purposes of delay and work authorization, not legitimate claims of protection,” said USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. “America’s asylum system exists to protect individuals who genuinely fear persecution and this rule will help ensure that resources are directed to the timely adjudication of those claims instead of to those seeking to use the system as a loophole.”
“One of the greatest barriers to effective immigration enforcement is intentional delay by illegal aliens and the open borders attorneys who represent them,” said DHS General Counsel James Percival. “My office works every day with the immigration components of DHS to improve efficiency and fulfill the President’s mandate. The rule would do just that.”
The new rule will go into effect immediately. USCIS will accept public comments and later issue a final rule responding to those comments.
# # #

Disclaimer: This is a statement from the US Department of Homeland Security. The claims made in support of US ICE and claims of guilt against immigrants to the USA may or may not be accurate. What is accurate is that the US Department of Homeland Security and/or ICE have asserted views contained in this statement that could potentially be politically motivated, and it is possible that crimes detailed as fact by the USDHS and or ICE are actually alleged and may not have been tested in a court of law. As such these claims are not necessarily supported or endorsed by MIL-OSI and its clients. However, MIL-OSI can assert that this statement is an accurate record of what the US Department of Homeland Security and or ICE has released on its website and to media.

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Kawaihae Fire in Hawai’i County

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Kawaihae Fire in Hawai’i County

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 9 Administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Hawaii in combating the Kawaihae Road Fire burning in Hawai’i County.  On July 26, the State of Hawaii submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Kawaihae Road Fire. At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 253 homes in and around Kawaihae and Spencer Beach. Mandatory evacuations had taken place for approximately 800 people. The fire began on July 25 and had already burned more than 700 acres. FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs. FMAGs are approved through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become major disasters.Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire. For more information on FMAGs, visit fema.gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance.
eileen.chao
Mon, 07/27/2026 – 15:26

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Dove Fire in Tuolumne County

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Dove Fire in Tuolumne County

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Dove Fire in Tuolumne County

OAKLAND, Calif

 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region 9 Administrator authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of California in combating the Dove Fire burning in Tuolumne County

 On July 26, the State of California submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Dove Fire

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening approximately 620 homes in and around Jamestown and Sonora, CA

Mandatory evacuations had taken place for approximately 1,300 people

The fire began on July 26 and had already burned more than 167 acres

 FMAGs provide federal funding for up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs

 FMAGs are approved through FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to become major disasters

Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization, and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire

For more information on FMAGs, visit fema

gov/assistance/public/fire-management-assistance


eileen

chao
Mon, 07/27/2026 – 15:57

ICE arrests Hungarian-Romanian fugitive in downtown D.C. wanted for illegal credit card use, visa violation

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

WASHINGTON — On June 10, officers from ICE Washington arrested Sebastian Mihai Caraba, a Hungarian-Romanian national who overstayed his visa who was wanted in Fairfax, Virginia, for illegal use of credit cards. ICE’s Fugitive Operations Team identified Caraba and his vehicle and followed him to a location he had been frequenting in Washington. Caraba identified himself verbally, and officers apprehended him without incident.

Caraba was convicted abroad for illegal use of credit cards and sentenced to three years in prison.

“Sebastian Mihai Caraba had already been convicted overseas for the same type of fraud he is now accused of committing here in the United States,” said acting ICE Director David J. Venturella. “Instead of respecting the terms of his admission, he overstayed his visa and allegedly returned to the same criminal conduct. ICE will continue to identify, locate and arrest fugitives and immigration violators who threaten the safety and security of our communities.”

Caraba entered the U.S. Aug. 11, 2018, on the Visa Waiver Program via San Juan, Puerto Rico. He had visited the United States twice previously under the same program and left within the authorized period.

A Department of Justice immigration judge issued Caraba a final order of removal June 22, 2026. He will remain in ICE custody until he is removed from the United States.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s public safety mission on X, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky and Truth Social.

American Regent, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Papaverine Hydrochloride Injection, USP 60 mg/ 2 mL Due to the Presence of Visible Particulate Matter

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
July 24, 2026
FDA Publish Date:
July 27, 2026
Product Type:
Drugs
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Products were found to contain particulate matter

Company Name:
American Regent, Inc.
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
American Regent, Inc.

Product Description:

Product Description
Papaverine Hydrochloride Injection, USP 60 mg/ 2 mL

Company Announcement
July 24, 2026 – Shirley, NY, American Regent, Inc. is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of a single lot of Papaverine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 60 mg/2 mL single dose vial to the consumer level. The product is being recalled due to the presence of particulate matter identified as glass and/or paraformaldehyde.
Risk Statement: The administration of an injectable product containing particulate matter may result in local irritation or swelling. The particulate matter could travel through and block blood vessels in the heart, lungs or brain which can cause stroke and even lead to death. Patients with underlying cardiovascular or pulmonary compromise may be at increased risk. To date, American Regent, Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
Papaverine is a prescription medication that relaxes smooth muscles and widens blood vessels, primarily used to treat visceral spasms, poor blood circulation, and erectile dysfunction. Papaverine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, is a clear, colorless pale-yellow solution and is available in a 2 mL single-dose vial containing 30 mg/mL
Papaverine Hydrochloride Injection, USP Lot # 25202 was distributed nationwide in the United States beginning September 30, 2025. NDC, lot, expiration date and distribution dates can be found on the table below.
Product Description: Papaverine Hydrochloride Injection, USP 60 mg/2 mL Single dose vialNDC: 0517-4002-25Lot#: 25202Expiration Date: 11/30/2026Distribution Dates: 9/30/2025
American Regent, Inc. is notifying its distributors and customers by letter and is arranging for return/replacement etc. of all recalled products.
Distributors/retailers/healthcare facilities that have the product which is being recalled should stop using and return to place of purchase or discard the product.
Consumers and healthcare professionals with questions regarding this recall can contact American Regent Inc. using the below information. This product is an intravenous injection and is to be used by or under the direction of a physician. Patients that use this product which is being recalled should stop using them and contact their doctor or health care provider.
Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Contact Center
Contact Information
Area of Support

American Regent, Inc. Customer Service
Phone: 800-645-1706 (8:00AM-6:00PM EST, Monday – Thursday, 8:00AM-4:00PM EST, Friday)
For detailed return/replacement/credit information

American Regent, Inc. Pharmacovigilance
Phone: 800-734-9236 Email: pv@americanregent.com
To report adverse events

American Regent, Inc. Product Quality Complaints
Phone: 888-354-4855 (9:00AM-5:00PM EST, Monday – Friday) Email: pqc@americanregent.com
For product quality complaints

American Regent, Inc. Medical Information
Phone: 888-354-4855 (9:00AM-5:00PM EST, Monday – Friday) Email: ma@americanregent.com
For medical questions

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
American Regent, Inc. is committed to the safety of patients who rely on its products and is taking this precautionary action to protect public health.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
(800) 645-1706

Product Photos

Content current as of:
07/27/2026

Regulated Product(s)

Follow FDA

An Interview with Ella Patterson, Public Services Division Intern

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

Today’s interview is with Ella Patterson, an intern working in the Public Services Division of the Law Library of Congress.

Describe your background.

I am from Cary, North Carolina. I grew up with my parents and two sisters. Cary is home to my favorite park, Downtown Cary Park, which is overlooked by a beautiful public library.  

What is your academic/professional history?

I am a rising senior at Duke University, pursuing a double major in history and political science. Academically, I am interested in legal history, international human rights, and the frameworks surrounding humanitarian aid.

I have professional experience in the museum and history fields. I previously worked as a co-curator for the Museum of Durham History and as a research grant awardee for the Duke Human Rights Center. These experiences spurred my love for archival materials! Additionally, I have developed strong research and database skills through roles at the Duke Center for Firearms Law and Duke Law School, as well as a research fellowship with the Corioli Institute analyzing veteran re-integration policies in Ukraine.

How would you describe your job to other people?

I am currently working on a project to index the Law Library’s collection of DC Circuit Court records and briefs, with the goal of making these documents accessible to researchers. Day-to-day, I scan relevant pages from microfilm reels and compile their metadata and citations into a database.

Beyond the technical skills I have gained from the project, working here has sparked a genuine interest in law librarianship as a career path. I have had the opportunity to shadow the reference librarians, and I have been consistently impressed by the staff’s dedication to accessibility, whether responding to remote inquiries, assisting on-site researchers, or building out these digital indexes.

Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

As a history major, I do not know who else in my shoes would not want to work at the Library of Congress! I have always been in awe of the Library’s vast collections and its mission to preserve history. I saw this internship as an opportunity to learn more about how I might transfer my academic interests and research skills into a fulfilling career.

The Law Library specifically drew me in because of its focus on preserving legal history. One of my primary professional goals is expanding public access to history. The Public Service Division and the DC Circuit Court index project within it provide exactly the skills I need to engage with patrons and see firsthand how training and careers in history can be used to help others.

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

The Law Library at the Library of Congress is the largest law library in the world! I am always blown away by the breadth of its holdings. Beyond the physical collections, it has a comprehensive research guide for almost any location you could think of. From North Carolina to Italy (where I studied for a semester) the Law Library’s guides are a great place to start your research online!

What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

Most of my colleagues probably do not know that I participated in Duke’s tenting tradition. Every winter, students camp out in tents outside the basketball stadium for weeks at a time to earn tickets to the game against our rival, the University of North Carolina.

I shared a tent with 11 other people for six weeks. There were many cold nights and annoying 3:00 AM tent checks, but the memories I made and the experience of being part of that tradition made it completely worth it. It is one of my favorite Duke experiences. I wonder if any of my co-workers could pass the tenting test?


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