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GAO Recommends Strengthening NOAA Weather Modification Oversight

The GAO has recommended that NOAA strengthen its oversight of weather modification reporting, finding that the agency is not fully meeting its responsibilities. The report highlights significant errors in submitted reports and suggests improvements to data collection and public transparency.

GAO Report: HHS Emergency Preparedness Programs Lack Coordination

The GAO has released a report highlighting a lack of coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). The report notes that HHS awarded nearly $900 million in FY2024 to states and localities for these programs but lacks formal mechanisms for coordination, potentially leading to inefficiencies and reduced preparedness.

GAO Report: DOD Natural Disaster Tracking and Resilience Planning Needs Improvement

The GAO released a report finding that the Department of Defense (DOD) needs to improve its tracking of natural disaster costs and resilience planning. The report highlights gaps in data collection for various natural disasters and potential inaccuracies in cost reporting, recommending DOD expand its scope and ensure data completeness.

GAO Report on CPSC Oversight of Toxic Substances in Children's Products

A GAO report highlights deficiencies in the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) oversight of toxic substances in children's products. The report notes challenges in enforcing compliance with lead and phthalate standards and recommends improvements to the CPSC's data management and lab oversight processes.

National Angel Family Day Proclamation

The President proclaimed February 23, 2026, as National Angel Family Day to honor victims of illegal immigration and recommit to mass deportation efforts. The proclamation highlights specific cases and reiterates the administration's stance on border security and immigration enforcement.

New York Declares Disaster Emergency Due to Nor'easter

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency effective February 22, 2026, due to a nor'easter impacting numerous counties. The order suspends certain statutes to facilitate response and recovery efforts, including waiving procurement processes and hours of service rules for utility restoration crews.

Ofcom Fines Porn Company £1.35m for Lack of Age Checks

Ofcom has fined pornographic company 8579 LLC £1.35 million for failing to implement effective age verification measures as required by the UK's Online Safety Act. The company also received a £50,000 fine for failing to respond to a legally binding information request. These actions underscore Ofcom's commitment to protecting children online.

EU Legislation and Notices - February 23, 2026

The EU published several legislative acts and decisions on February 23, 2026. These include implementing regulations concerning restrictive measures in Russia, amendments to active substance approvals for biocidal products, and a decision on Iceland's participation in the Union Space Programme.

European AI Innovation Month Announced

The European Commission and the Irish Presidency of the Council have announced the European AI Innovation Month, a series of events scheduled from mid-October to mid-November 2026. The initiative aims to discuss and showcase AI development and deployment in Europe, culminating in the European Apply AI Summit.

NY Executive Order Declares Disaster Emergency

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state disaster emergency effective February 22, 2026, due to an expected nor'easter. The order applies to numerous counties and contiguous areas, suspending certain regulations to facilitate emergency response and relief efforts.