Press releases

Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report

In the week ending July 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 208,000, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 215,000 to 216,000. The 4-week moving average was 214,250, a decrease of 4,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 218,750 to 219,000.

NRC Advisory: NRC to Hold Hybrid Public Meeting on Proposed NEPA Rule Changes

Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, on Enhanced Screening Protocol to Optimize Warfighter Performance and Enhance Force Readiness

The Department of Defense announced an enhanced screening protocol designed to improve warfighter performance and increase force readiness.

BLM Temporarily Closes Rim Campground near Casper

The Bureau of Land Management has closed Rim Campground in Natrona County effective July 15, 2026, until further notice. The closure is a precautionary measure in response to increased bear activity in the area, aimed at ensuring public safety. The closure will remain in place until the campground is determined to be safe for public recreation. The Rim Campground facilities are within the Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area. Nearby Lodgepole Campground remains open at this time. However, if ongoing monitoring shows that bear activity in the area poses a risk to public safety, the campground will also be temporarily closed until conditions are determined to be safe for public use. For any questions, please reach out to the Casper Field Office at (307) 261-7600 or blm_wy_casper_wymail@blm.gov . More information about the Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area can be found here .

BLM announces seasonal fire restrictions in NE California, NW Nevada

Home Info Press Releases Press Releases The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Antelope 2 Pad oil wells approved; Big Brush Creek riparian habitat restoration authorized

Home Info Press Releases Press Releases The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

READOUT: Financial Stability Oversight Council Meeting on July 15, 2026

U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: July 15, 2026 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs, Press@treasury.gov READOUT: Financial Stability Oversight Council Meeting on July 15, 2026 WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent convened a meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (Council) in executive session at the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury). During the executive session, the Council received a briefing from Treasury staff on a recent interagency tabletop exercise on geopolitical risk hosted by Treasury as part of the Council’s work to promote economic security. The Council also received a presentation from Treasury staff on the work of the Council’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group and a briefing on four public-private roundtables co-hosted by the Council and Treasury as part of the AI Innovation Series. These discussions were intended to support the continued strength and resilience of the U.S. financial system in an era of accelerating technological change. The Council then heard a presentation from Treasury staff on the Council’s quarterly financial stability monitor. The presentation described key developments during the second quarter of 2026 in the banking sector, financial markets, household finances, and financial innovation. The presentation also featured discussion of supply chain risks, AI implications for the labor and capital markets, and cybersecurity. In addition, the Council received a presentation from Treasury staff on the public comments received on the Council’s proposed interpretive guidance on nonbank financial company designations. The Council will continue to work toward finalizing the guidance. Finally, the Council heard a presentation from Treasury staff on planning for the Council’s upcoming 2026 annual report. The Council also voted to approve the minutes of its previous meeting on May 6, 2026. In attendance at the Council meeting at Treasury were the following members: Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury (Chairperson of the Council) Kevin Warsh, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Jonathan V. Gould, Comptroller of the Currency Russell Vought, Acting Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Paul S. Atkins, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission Travis Hill, Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Michael S. Selig, Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Aaron Kofsky, Acting Deputy Director, Division of Housing Mission and Goals, Federal Housing Finance Agency (acting pursuant to delegated authority) Kyle S. Hauptman, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration Steven Seitz, Director, Federal Insurance Office (non-voting member) Elizabeth K. Dwyer, Director, Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (non-voting member) Lise Kruse, Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions (non-voting member) Additional information regarding the Council, its work, and the recently approved meeting minutes is available at http://www.fsoc.gov . ###

Treasury Targets Global Network Procuring Weapons for Iranian Regime

U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Press Release: July 15, 2026 Contact: Treasury Public Affairs, Press@treasury.gov READOUT: Financial Stability Oversight Council Meeting on July 15, 2026 WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent convened a meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (Council) in executive session at the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury). During the executive session, the Council received a briefing from Treasury staff on a recent interagency tabletop exercise on geopolitical risk hosted by Treasury as part of the Council’s work to promote economic security. The Council also received a presentation from Treasury staff on the work of the Council’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group and a briefing on four public-private roundtables co-hosted by the Council and Treasury as part of the AI Innovation Series. These discussions were intended to support the continued strength and resilience of the U.S. financial system in an era of accelerating technological change. The Council then heard a presentation from Treasury staff on the Council’s quarterly financial stability monitor. The presentation described key developments during the second quarter of 2026 in the banking sector, financial markets, household finances, and financial innovation. The presentation also featured discussion of supply chain risks, AI implications for the labor and capital markets, and cybersecurity. In addition, the Council received a presentation from Treasury staff on the public comments received on the Council’s proposed interpretive guidance on nonbank financial company designations. The Council will continue to work toward finalizing the guidance. Finally, the Council heard a presentation from Treasury staff on planning for the Council’s upcoming 2026 annual report. The Council also voted to approve the minutes of its previous meeting on May 6, 2026. In attendance at the Council meeting at Treasury were the following members: Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury (Chairperson of the Council) Kevin Warsh, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Jonathan V. Gould, Comptroller of the Currency Russell Vought, Acting Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Paul S. Atkins, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission Travis Hill, Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Michael S. Selig, Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission Aaron Kofsky, Acting Deputy Director, Division of Housing Mission and Goals, Federal Housing Finance Agency (acting pursuant to delegated authority) Kyle S. Hauptman, Chairman, National Credit Union Administration Steven Seitz, Director, Federal Insurance Office (non-voting member) Elizabeth K. Dwyer, Director, Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (non-voting member) Lise Kruse, Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions (non-voting member) Additional information regarding the Council, its work, and the recently approved meeting minutes is available at http://www.fsoc.gov . ###

Chairman Selig Announces CFTC Agricultural Advisory Committee to Meet July 29 in Washington

BLM Seeks Input on Proposed Withdrawal Revocation Near Chaco Culture National Historical Park

WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comments on an environmental assessment for the proposed revocation of Public Land Order No. 7923 affecting public lands surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in McKinley, San Juan, and Sandoval counties in northwestern New Mexico. "The BLM welcomes input from stakeholders as we analyze the environmental effects of revoking the withdrawal of public lands surrounding Chaco Canyon National Historical Park," said BLM Director Stevan Pearce . “Gathering and considering these perspectives is a vital part of our process and to our mission of managing public lands for the benefit of all Americans.” Issued in 2023, the order closed approximately 336,404 acres to mining and mineral leasing for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. Following Executive Order 14154 and Secretary’s Order 3418, the BLM is reviewing this withdrawal. The Secretary of the Interior has the authority to make, modify, extend or revoke withdrawals of public lands under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act . The environmental assessment analyzes the following alternatives: No Action Alternative: 10-mile buffer withdrawal remains in effect Public Land Order No. 7923 would remain in effect, keeping approximately 336,404 acres closed to new mineral leasing and mineral entry for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights. Alternative 1 (Proposed Action): Revoke the withdrawal in full The Secretary or a designated Secretarial official may revoke the public land order in full, reopening all 336,404 acres to mining and mineral leasing. Management of mineral resources would conform to the provisions of the 2003 Farmington Resource Management Plan. Alternative 2: Revoke the withdrawal to allow leasing and mining beyond a 5-mile buffer The Secretary or a designated Secretarial official may revoke the public land order in part, reopening public lands beyond a 5-mile buffer around the park to both mining and mineral leasing. Additional information, including the draft environmental assessment, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register , where comments may be submitted through the “Participate Now” option (preferred). Comments may also be delivered to: BLM Farmington Field Office, Attn: PLO 7923, 6251 College Blvd, Suite A, Farmington, NM 87402. The comment period will close July 29, 2026. For more information, please contact BLM Project Manager Sarah Scott at sscott@blm.gov or 505- 564-7689.

BLM issues Decision for Vista 4 Water Tank

Home Info Press Releases Press Releases The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

BLM South Dakota Enters Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Home Info Press Releases Press Releases The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.