Politics
Political power, parties, campaigns, governance, and policy decision-making.
Egyptian, Qatari FMs discuss developments in US-Iran negotiations
Egypt’s foreign minister held talks with Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister about US-Iran negotiations and broader regional de-escalation, according to official Egyptian and Qatari readouts.
Commerce continues antidumping and countervailing duty orders on non-oriented electrical steel
The Commerce Department has continued antidumping and countervailing duty orders on non-oriented electrical steel from Sweden, Germany, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan after the required sunset review process.
FERC Commissioner David LaCerte confirmed for second term
The Senate confirmed David LaCerte for a second term on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on May 18, 2026, extending his appointment through June 30, 2031.
CFTC names DJ Hennes director of the Market Participants Division
The CFTC announced on May 18 that DJ Hennes will lead its Market Participants Division. The agency said he brings experience in governance, risk, compliance, enforcement, crypto assets and prediction markets from roles at KPMG and Promontory Financial Group.
NRC completes Long Mott environmental review ahead of schedule
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed its environmental assessment for Dow and X-energy’s proposed Long Mott Generating Station in Texas and issued a finding of no significant impact, according to company and agency disclosures. The review finished ahead of schedule and keeps the project in the construction permit stage.
UK pensions commission warns many workers are undersaving
The UK Pensions Commission has warned in an interim report that around 15 million people are undersaving for retirement, with the total potentially rising to 19 million without further action. The report calls for broader reform on pension adequacy and says low earners, the self-employed and women are among the most exposed groups.
Football charity report finds mismanagement and orders trustee ban
The Charity Commission has published a report finding serious mismanagement at The Players Foundation, including improper transfers to the PFA and free use of charity property. It said about £2.5m was recovered during the inquiry and trustee Darren Wilson was banned for four years.
BGSU, Firelands and Terra State form tri-county violence-prevention consortium
Bowling Green State University, BGSU Firelands and Terra State Community College say they signed a memorandum of understanding on May 18 to launch a tri-county consortium focused on interpersonal violence prevention and education. The effort is supported by the Ohio Department of Higher Education Campus Collaborative Grant program.
BGSU, Firelands and Terra State form tri-county consortium on violence prevention
Bowling Green State University, BGSU Firelands and Terra State Community College signed a memorandum of understanding on May 18, 2026 to create a tri-county consortium focused on interpersonal violence prevention and education.
EPA proposes rescinding PFAS drinking-water determinations for four chemicals
The EPA proposed rescinding drinking-water determinations and related provisions for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA and PFBS mixtures, while separately moving to extend compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS.
NRC beats schedule on Long Mott environmental review
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it finished the environmental review for Dow and X-energy’s Long Mott Generating Station ahead of schedule and issued a finding of no significant impact.
HHS Healthcare Advisory Committee holds first meeting and outlines initial scope
CMS held the first public meeting of the HHS Healthcare Advisory Committee on May 18, 2026, where members approved bylaws and began setting the panel’s initial scope.
NRC beats schedule for completing Long Mott environmental review
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission completed its environmental assessment for Dow and X-energy’s proposed Long Mott Generating Station in Texas ahead of schedule and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact. The project still needs safety review before any construction-permit decision.
NRC completes environmental review for Dow and X-energy’s Long Mott project
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it completed the environmental assessment for Dow and X-energy’s proposed Long Mott Generating Station in Texas and issued a finding of no significant impact. The project remains under NRC safety review.
Quantum Cyber launches Quantum Drones Corporation
Quantum Cyber said it formed Quantum Drones Corporation as a wholly owned Nevada subsidiary to pursue U.S. defense procurement opportunities in autonomous drone warfare, counter-UAS and homeland security, and named Peter O’Rourke and Robert Liscouski to leadership roles.
Santa Fe County plans repairs on Valle Vista water system
Santa Fe County says it will begin water utility repairs in Valle Vista and Pueblo Garcia on June 1, installing isolation valves to limit future outages after February’s water problems.
EU says it is monitoring oil markets and preparing a coordinated response to jet fuel supply risks
The European Commission said on May 18 that it is monitoring oil markets and preparing a coordinated EU response to possible jet fuel supply pressures linked to Middle East disruption. Officials said there are no shortages now, but regional constraints could emerge if Strait of Hormuz disruptions persist.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Road Closure of Keedysville Road
Washington County says Keedysville Road will close between two bridges on May 19 and May 20, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day for road maintenance.
Control Risks names Bill Udell chief executive officer
Control Risks said Bill Udell will become chief executive officer on June 1, 2026, succeeding Nick Allan after his seven-and-a-half-year run as CEO.
EPA advances PFAS strategy and adds nearly $1 billion for drinking-water grants
The EPA on May 18 announced a broader PFAS strategy that keeps PFOA and PFOS limits in place, proposes changes to some other PFAS rules, and adds nearly $1 billion in drinking-water grant funding.
NCFL launches RFP for multigenerational STEM learning pilots
The National Center for Families Learning has opened applications for a new request for proposals to pilot multigenerational STEM learning programs. The initiative will award three seed grants of up to $50,000 each, with applications due June 18, 2026.
Department of Energy orders J.H. Campbell coal plant to stay online through summer peak
The Energy Department issued a new emergency order on May 18 keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant available through August 16 to support Midwest grid reliability, despite legal and policy pushback from Michigan officials and environmental groups.
Chattooga County schedules public hearing for CDBG project
Chattooga County has posted notice of a May 19 public hearing on its completed FY2023 Community Development Block Grant project for the Old Highway 27 Phase II water-improvement area.
KRA warns public over fake auction notice circulating online
KRA has warned that a vehicle auction notice circulating online is fake and did not originate from the authority. The agency told the public to rely on its official website and verified channels for auction information and to report suspicious messages.