FEMA: Review Council Releases Final Report
The president’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council today released its final report, marking a major milestone in the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen FEMA’s mission, operations and accountability. The council, established by President Trump, conducted a thorough review of FEMA’s capabilities, challenges and opportunities for reform. “Under President Trump’s leadership, FEMA is committed to getting resources…
ICBA: New ThinkTECH Accelerator Cohort Named to Help Community Banks Tackle Innovation Priorities
The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced the selected companies for its eleventh ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program (AP11). Running May 18 – July 24, the second cohort of 2026 reflects feedback from ICBA’s ThinkTECH Selection and Advisory Committee and targets priority areas for community bank innovation, including fraud mitigation, artificial intelligence, data analytics,…
SBA: New $50 Million Grant Opportunity Announced to Support Made in America Manufacturing, Workforce Training
Manufacturing in America E2G Grants will fund training for small manufacturers in critical industries Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new funding opportunity offering up to $50 million in grant awards to as many as 10 eligible applicant organizations who will provide training and technical assistance to support small manufacturers in the SBA’s Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. The Manufacturing…
EDA: U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $10 Million in Disaster Supplemental Funding to Support Economic Development Projects in Georgia and Kentucky
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is announcing $10 million in Disaster Supplemental funding awards to Georgia and Kentucky, which were impacted by storms and natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The EDA awards announced today are: “The Economic Development Administration is committed to revitalizing America’s competitive spirit,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary…
HUD: Agency Declares Little Rock Housing Authority in Substantial Default and Initiates Possession
Action Builds on Secretary Turner’s Commitment to Hold Public Housing Authorities Accountable for Mismanagement The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today declared the Housing Authority of the City of Little Rock, operating as the Metropolitan Housing Alliance (MHA), in Substantial Default for failing to meet the terms of its federally mandated Recovery Agreement….
ABA: Farm Banks Remain Key Source of Credit for America’s Farmers and Rural Communities
Farm banks continued to play a central role in financing U.S. agriculture in 2025, accounting for more than one-third of all farm lending nationwide while maintaining solid capital, profitability and employment levels, according to ABA’s 2025 Farm Bank Performance Report. Banks held nearly $212 billion in farm loans at the end of 2025, representing 35.7% of total…
HUD: Environmental Reviews Streamlined to Lower Multifamily Development Costs
FHA updates remove outdated requirements, cut inefficiencies, and support housing production HUD announced updates to environmental review requirements for multifamily housing, removing outdated provisions that have increased costs and complexity for lenders and developers. These changes, issued through HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) via a Mortgagee Letter, revise the Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) Guide to streamline outdated and burdensome…
ABA: Foundation Marks Older Americans Month and Celebrates 10 Years of Safe Banking for Seniors
In recognition of Older Americans Month, the ABA Foundation today celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its Safe Banking for Seniors program—an industry-leading initiative that equips banks with practical, ready-to-use tools to help older adults and their caregivers protect themselves from financial exploitation. Over the past decade, more than 2,050 banks have used Safe Banking for Seniors resources…