FTC Stops Proposed Merger of Cataract Surgery Device Makers

The FTC announced that Alcon, Inc. has abandoned its efforts to purchase LENSAR, Inc. following substantial competitive concerns identified by the FTC. The proposed merger would have combined the two leading providers of laser systems for cataract surgery, potentially harming price competition and innovation.

FTC Chairman Launches Healthcare Task Force

FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson has directed the formation of a new Healthcare Task Force to coordinate enforcement and advocacy efforts aimed at protecting patients, healthcare workers, and taxpayers. The task force will focus on targeted initiatives, coordinated investigations, and identifying emerging issues within the healthcare industry.

Air AI Owners Banned from Marketing Business Opportunities by FTC

The FTC has settled charges against Air AI and its owners, banning them from marketing business opportunities due to deceptive claims. The settlement includes an $18 million monetary judgment, largely suspended, with operators paying $50,000 for consumer relief.

FTC Testifies on Combating Fraud and Protecting Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission testified before the Joint Economic Committee regarding its efforts to combat fraud and protect consumers. In FY2025, the FTC brought 40 enforcement actions, obtaining over $1.8 billion in redress, and received 3 million fraud reports from consumers totaling $15.9 billion in reported losses.

FTC, DOJ Seek Public Comment on Merger Notification Form Effectiveness

The FTC and DOJ have initiated a joint public inquiry seeking comments on the effectiveness of the updated Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) premerger notification form. This follows a court vacating the updated form, leading agencies to revert to the prior version while considering future rulemaking.

FTC Chairman warns PayPal, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard CEOs on debanking

The FTC issued warning letters to the CEOs of PayPal, Stripe, Visa, and Mastercard regarding concerns about 'debanking' customers based on political or religious views. The letters remind companies of their obligations under the FTC Act and warn of potential investigations and enforcement actions for practices inconsistent with terms of service or customer expectations.

Draft NIST Cyber AI Profile for Cybersecurity Guidelines

NIST has released a draft Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Artificial Intelligence (Cyber AI Profile) to guide organizations in integrating AI while managing cybersecurity risks. The profile focuses on securing AI systems, using AI for cyber defense, and thwarting AI-enabled attacks.

NIST Guidelines for Securing Smart Speakers in Home Health Care

NIST has released new guidelines to mitigate cybersecurity and privacy risks associated with integrating smart speakers into home health care systems. The guidelines aim to protect patient confidentiality and provider data in telehealth applications utilizing voice-activated digital assistants.

NIST CAISI Seeks Input on Securing AI Agent Systems

NIST's Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on securing AI agent systems. The RFI seeks input on unique security threats, methods for improvement, and measurement approaches for these autonomous systems.

NIST Sends Reference Materials to ISS for Health Study

NIST has sent seven reference materials, including house dust and human liver tissue, to the International Space Station (ISS) for a health study. These materials will help researchers understand the effects of the space environment on manufacturing and human health, supporting U.S. leadership in the commercial space sector.

NIST Launches AI Agent Standards Initiative

NIST announced the launch of its AI Agent Standards Initiative to foster industry-led standards and protocols for AI agents, focusing on security and interoperability. The initiative aims to build public trust and catalyze widespread adoption of autonomous AI systems.

Rising Employee Health Insurance Costs May Dampen Wage Growth

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Liberty Street Economics published an analysis on March 4, 2026, indicating that rising employee health insurance costs are dampening wage growth. Businesses reported that absent these cost increases, they would have raised wages by an additional percentage point on average.

Firms' Inflation Expectations Return to 2024 Levels

The New York Fed's Liberty Street Economics blog published an analysis indicating that firms' inflation expectations have moderated to 2024 levels. Despite increased cost pressures and price hikes in 2025, particularly in the manufacturing sector, firms anticipate inflation of 3 percent in the year ahead, with longer-term expectations remaining anchored.

New York Fed DSGE Model Forecast - March 2026

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released its March 2026 DSGE model forecast, updating economic projections. The forecast indicates more robust growth in 2026, driven by stronger investment, and more persistent inflation, attributed to cost-push shocks.

China's Electric Technology Trade

The New York Fed's Liberty Street Economics published an analysis on China's electric technology trade. The article discusses how government industrial policies have led to significant growth in China's electric vehicle and battery exports, contributing to its trade surplus, while solar panel exports have been impacted by falling prices.

Sports Betting Prevalence Affects Credit Reports Significantly

A recent analysis by the NY Fed's Liberty Street Economics highlights the significant impact of legalized sports betting on consumer credit reports. The study found that while participation is relatively small, sports betting legalization is associated with a notable increase in credit card delinquencies, with spillover effects into non-legalized neighboring areas.

Assessing Bank Resilience to a Funding Shock

The Federal Reserve published a FEDS Notes analysis assessing bank resilience to a hypothetical funding shock. The analysis uses the FLARE stress testing model, incorporating a shock to uninsured deposits, to project impacts on bank profitability and capital ratios under various scenarios.

Banks' Lending Standards Expectations Measured via Loan Officer Survey

The Federal Reserve published a FEDS Notes article analyzing how banks form expectations about future credit supply using data from the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey. The analysis explores factors influencing these expectations, including macroeconomic forecasts and bank characteristics, and identifies expectation shocks.

Tariffs Gradually Raised Retail Prices in 2025

The Federal Reserve's FEDS Notes published an analysis finding that tariffs gradually increased retail prices in 2025, with the greatest impact on goods imported from China. The analysis indicates that tariff pass-through to consumers for Chinese goods was at least 30% by December 2025.

China's Trade Dominance and Industrial Policies

The Federal Reserve published a FEDS Notes article detailing China's record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, which exceeded 6% of its GDP. The analysis highlights China's broad export expansion across sectors, the resulting loss of market share by advanced economies, and the role of industrial policies in contributing to China's trade surplus.

AI Adoption and Firms' Job-Posting Behavior

The Federal Reserve's FEDS Notes published research indicating that AI adoption has not yet led to a reduction in overall job postings by firms. The study analyzed job posting data and found that while specific occupations may be affected, firms are balancing this with other hiring priorities. This research is part of an ongoing monitoring process for AI's labor market impacts.

OCC Announces January 2026 Enforcement Actions

The OCC announced its January 2026 enforcement actions, including an Order of Prohibition against a Wells Fargo employee for embezzling over $800,000. The OCC also terminated several enforcement actions against Clear Fork Bank, Dearborn FSB, The Fairfield National Bank, Mission National Bank, and The Upstate National Bank.

OCC Announces Enforcement Actions Terminations for February 2026

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced the termination of five formal agreements with banks in February 2026. These terminations indicate that the banks have demonstrated compliance with their respective enforcement actions or that the terms have become outdated.

OCC Announces Enforcement Actions for March 2026

The OCC has announced its enforcement actions for March 2026, including an Order of Prohibition against a former bank employee for unauthorized withdrawals totaling over $19,000. The OCC also terminated four prior enforcement actions against financial institutions.

PCAOB 2025 Inspection Report for L J Soldinger Associates, LLC

The PCAOB has released its 2025 inspection report for L J Soldinger Associates, LLC, detailing findings related to issuer audits and the firm's quality control system. The report identifies instances of non-compliance with PCAOB standards and rules, including issues with unsupported audit opinions and independence concerns.

PCAOB 2025 Inspection Report for KPMG Hong Kong

The PCAOB has released its 2025 inspection report for KPMG Hong Kong, assessing the firm's compliance with auditing standards for issuer audits. The report, issued on January 29, 2026, details observations related to unsupported opinions, non-compliance with PCAOB standards, and quality control elements.

PCAOB 2025 Inspection Report for Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC

The PCAOB has released its 2025 inspection report for Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, detailing observations from the audit of an issuer and elements of the firm's quality control system. The report, issued on February 9, 2026, follows a risk-based approach and notes that portions of the full report are omitted to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

PCAOB 2025 Inspection Report: Deloitte Netherlands

The PCAOB has issued its 2025 inspection report for Deloitte Accountants B.V. in the Netherlands, detailing observations on audits of issuers and the firm's system of quality control. The report identifies instances of non-compliance with PCAOB standards and rules, including unsupported audit opinions and issues related to independence.

PCAOB 2025 Inspection Report: KPMG Ireland

The PCAOB published its 2025 inspection report for KPMG Ireland (Dublin), conducted in cooperation with the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority. The inspection reviewed three issuer audits with fiscal years ending in 2024 and evaluated elements of the firm's system of quality control. Zero audits were identified with Part I.A deficiencies (unsupported audit opinions), consistent with the prior inspection. Part II quality control observations are restricted from public disclosure pending the firm's response.

Land Survey Monumentation and Electronic Records Submission

The Colorado Legislature is considering Bill SB26-025, which would permit reference monuments in impractical or unsafe locations within public rights-of-way. The bill also mandates electronic submission of monument records by land surveyors and allows counties to maintain these records electronically.

Colorado Bill HB26-1318: Traffic Safety Near Schools

Colorado Bill HB26-1318 proposes to define 'school zones' as roadways within 1,000 feet of school property and modifies requirements for automated vehicle identification systems on safe routes to school. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.

Colorado Bill Prohibits Price/Wage Setting Using Surveillance Data

A Colorado bill, HB26-1210, proposes to prohibit the use of surveillance data to set individualized prices for consumers or wages for workers. The bill defines surveillance data and automated decision systems, and allows for civil actions and penalties for violations, classifying them as deceptive trade practices.

Colorado Bill HB26-1290 Expands Assault Definition for Medical Providers

Colorado Bill HB26-1290 proposes to expand the definition of 'emergency medical care provider' for assault offenses and modifies the mens rea for second-degree assault against public servants. It also clarifies sentencing for second-degree assault by strangulation.

Colorado Bill Changes March 31 Holiday Name to Farm Workers Day

A bill introduced in the Colorado Legislature proposes to change the name of the voluntary legal holiday observed on March 31 from 'Cesar Chavez Day' to 'Farm Workers Day'. The bill is currently under consideration.

Audit of FHWA Oversight of Puerto Rico Highway Funds

The DOT OIG has initiated an audit to assess the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) oversight of Puerto Rico's use of approximately $901 million in Federal highway formula funds provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This audit follows repeated issues identified in single audit reports concerning the management of these funds by the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority.

Audit Report Summary of DOT Program Findings

The DOT OIG issued a summary report detailing 16 significant noncompliance findings from single audits impacting DOT programs for the period ending December 31, 2025. The report identified $5,475,471 in questioned costs, primarily related to the Navajo Nation, and highlighted repeat findings causing qualified opinions for three grantees.

Audit Initiated of FAA's Pilot Mental Health Program Oversight

The DOT Office of Inspector General has initiated an audit of the FAA's oversight of the Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) program, a pilot substance misuse treatment program. This audit was requested by a Senate committee member following an incident involving an off-duty pilot and concerns about pilot mental health.

FAA Contract Tower Monitoring and Staffing Improvements

The DOT OIG reported that the FAA has improved its monitoring and staffing at contract towers, as mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. However, the report found that staffing shortages persist, with contract towers remaining understaffed by approximately 18 percent.

Audit of FTA's ADA Compliance Oversight

The DOT Office of Inspector General has initiated an audit to assess the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) oversight of public transit providers' compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. This audit is prompted by recent class action lawsuits against major transit systems and a lack of recent comprehensive evaluation of FTA's effectiveness in this area.

Forest Service Failed Byproducts Assistance, $86M Questioned

The USDA Office of Inspector General found that the Forest Service failed to provide financial assistance for ecosystem restoration byproducts as required by the IIJA. This resulted in $86 million in questioned costs and $94 million in unsupported costs. The report includes recommendations for improved controls and fund recovery.

USDA Web Application Security Vulnerabilities Inspection Report

The USDA Office of Inspector General issued a report detailing an inspection of web application security vulnerabilities across four USDA mission areas. The report, withheld from public release due to sensitive content, found that the USDA is effectively identifying and mitigating these vulnerabilities.

Unsupported IT Equipment Billing Costs Exceed $83.3M

The USDA Office of Inspector General issued a report identifying over $83.3 million in unsupported costs due to inadequate controls over IT equipment billing by the Client Experience Center. The report recommends determining the allowability of these charges and establishing stronger control activities.

USDA IT Security Directives Lack Relevance and Effectiveness

The USDA Office of Inspector General issued a report finding that the department's IT security directives are not consistently updated and contain duplicative content, posing risks to its security posture. The report recommends implementing processes to ensure directives are relevant, effective, and free of overlap.

Audit of Fermi Research Alliance LLC Costs FY21-22

The DOE Office of Inspector General, through the Defense Contract Audit Agency, audited Fermi Research Alliance LLC's costs for FY21-22. The audit questioned approximately $9.9 million in performance award fees and $142,463 in direct costs, including improper holiday pay claims.

Audit of Jefferson Science Associates Costs FY2022-2023

The DOE Office of Inspector General, through the Defense Contract Audit Agency, audited Jefferson Science Associates' costs for FY2022-2023. The audit questioned approximately $6.3 million in performance award fees included in the General and Administrative pool, finding them improperly classified as costs.

DOE Unclassified Cybersecurity Program Weaknesses Identified in FY2025

The DOE Office of Inspector General identified weaknesses in the Department of Energy's unclassified cybersecurity program for Fiscal Year 2025. The report details 33 findings, including 13 repeat issues and a significant deficiency in access controls over financial systems, potentially compromising information systems and data.

Audit of Consolidated Nuclear Security's Claimed Costs for Nuclear Facilities

The DOE Office of Inspector General audited $5.87 billion in costs claimed by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC for managing nuclear facilities between FY 2016-2018. The audit identified $324,000 in questioned costs for unworked overtime and improper subcontract classifications, leading to two recommendations for improvement.

Page Not Found Error on Energy.gov

The Department of Energy Office of Inspector General (DOE OIG) is issuing a notice regarding a page not found error on Energy.gov. The notice indicates that the requested page for audit DOE OIG 25-25 could not be located.

Trade Mark Opposition Decision O/0270/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office has issued a trade mark opposition decision (O/0270/26) on March 27, 2026. The decision addresses grounds related to earlier trade marks, distinctiveness, and imperfect recollection under Sections 5(1), 5(2), and 5(3) of the relevant legislation.

Trade Mark Decision O/0269/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office issued a trade mark decision (O/0269/26) on March 27, 2026. The decision addresses grounds related to earlier trade marks and the average customer, referencing sections 5(1), 5(2), and 5(3) of the relevant legislation.