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Gov. Hochul directs New York State agencies to review regulations and seek feedback

Governor Hochul has asked New York State agencies to review their regulations for possible updates or removal. The National Federation of Independent Business is collecting feedback from business owners on which rules are burdensome or outdated. Responses will help shape recommendations sent anonymously to the Governor’s office.


NFIB small business owners gather in Albany to meet with legislators

Small business owners from across New York gathered in Albany on March 17 to meet with legislators about key economic issues impacting their operations. The event was hosted by NFIB and included discussions on taxes, insurance costs, energy policies, and regulatory reform.


New York employers required to offer state-run retirement program to workers

New York now requires employers with ten or more staff who lack a retirement plan to enroll in the state-run Secure Choice Program. Registration deadlines vary depending on company size. Employers can find more information on the official program website.


Education and Labor Departments announce first joint grant competition for postsecondary programs

The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor have launched their first joint grant competition under a new partnership aimed at streamlining postsecondary education programs. The initiative seeks to address skilled worker shortages by connecting students with high-quality educational opportunities.


Trump Administration announces changes to higher education and women’s sports policies

The Trump Administration has announced new policies impacting higher education and collegiate women's sports. Recent NCAA updates have led several universities to revise their transgender athlete participation rules. Institutions have also made changes related to Title IX compliance.


Education Department finds D.C. Public Schools violated rights of students with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights found D.C. Public Schools violated federal disability laws by failing to provide proper educational services. A proposed resolution requires new oversight measures and policy changes.


U.S. Department of Education official visits Ohio school for History Rocks! civics event

Sarah Wilson from the U.S. Department of Education visited an Ohio elementary school as part of a national civics education tour celebrating America's upcoming 250th birthday. Students took part in activities designed to deepen their understanding of American history.


Coin Center sends recommendations to SEC’s Crypto Task Force on rulemaking and blockchain policy

Coin Center has sent recommendations to the SEC’s Crypto Task Force urging broader rulemaking over case-by-case exemptions in crypto regulation. Executive Director Peter Van Valkenburgh suggests blockchain-based solutions could modernize securities recordkeeping while preserving privacy.


CDC warns of E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese

The CDC has identified an E. coli outbreak linked to raw cheddar cheese sold by Raw Farm in California, Florida, and Texas. Seven people have become ill; most are young children. The agency urges caution for anyone who has purchased this cheese.


Mama Grande Tortilla Factory recalls products due to undeclared wheat and soy allergens

Mama Grande Tortilla Factory has recalled certain bakery products due to undeclared wheat and soy allergens found during an FDA inspection. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers with allergies should avoid these items.


Trump administration orders Centralia coal plant to remain open for grid reliability in Northwest

Secretary Chris Wright has ordered TransAlta's Centralia coal plant Unit 2 in Washington State to remain operational past its scheduled closure date. The decision aims to prevent blackouts and ensure stable electricity supply in the Northwest amid ongoing debates over grid reliability versus clean energy goals.


Energy Department announces $293 million for Genesis Mission AI science and technology challenges

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $293 million funding opportunity focused on using artificial intelligence for national science challenges through its Genesis Mission initiative. The program encourages collaboration among labs, industry, and academia across several key sectors. Applications open this spring with further details available online.


Suraksha Baral named 2025 CAST Science Communication Scholarship recipient

Suraksha Baral has been awarded the 2025 CAST Science Communication Scholarship for her work connecting scientific research with community action on sustainability issues. She will present her findings at an upcoming conference in St. Louis.


CAST releases activities report outlining transformation and future plans for 2026 and beyond

CAST has released its latest activities report summarizing two years of organizational change. The report highlights new initiatives planned for 2026 along with international outreach efforts.


CAST announces new guidelines for use of AI tools in publication process

The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has released new rules on how generative artificial intelligence tools may be used by authors and reviewers working on CAST publications. The guidelines require full disclosure of any AI usage while stressing that human contributors remain fully responsible for all published material.


Louisville CBP intercepts shipment containing illicit drugs from France

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Louisville seized two types of illicit drugs hidden in a shipment from France labeled as a mini fridge/freezer. The package contained Ethylpentedrone Hydrochloride and Ketamine valued at $152,000.


Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraud

Lamont Brown of Dunkirk has pleaded guilty to stealing government funds through fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims. Authorities say he orchestrated a scheme using stolen identities during COVID-19 relief efforts. Sentencing is set for August.


CBP AMO reports Miami interdiction and apprehension in suspected smuggling case

CBP AMO detailed its successful interdiction of a suspected smuggling vessel near Miami in tweets posted on March 19 and March 20, 2026.


Customs officers at Paso de Norte Port seized over 139 kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from a single vehicle on Feb. 28. The driver was arrested and federal prosecution is underway.


D.C. man sentenced to two years for assaulting taxi driver with firearm

Erick Blanco-Cordova has been sentenced to two years in prison for pointing a gun at a taxi driver during an incident in November 2019. His co-defendant received five years after being convicted by jury last year.