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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to amend the USDA organic regulations with new standards for organic mushroom production and pet food handling. This rule clarifies standards such as the composition and sourcing of materials used in organic mushroom production and the use of synthetic nutrients like taurine in organic pet food. These amendments aim to resolve inconsistencies in existing regulations to promote fair competition and market growth for both organic mushrooms and pet food. The rule is effective February 21, 2025, with compliance required by February 22, 2027.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made changes to rules about aerosol sprays to reduce pollution that contributes to smog. These new amendments focus on using less reactive compounds in aerosol products, and they update testing methods, reporting requirements, and compliance dates for the industry. Companies that make or sell these aerosol products, especially those not operating in California, need to comply by mid-2025, but they can start using the new standards earlier if they choose. The EPA believes these changes won't harm the environment and will help align national and state regulations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is requesting an extension for collecting certain information using Form 1-K, as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Form 1-K is mandatory for Tier 2 issuers who conduct offerings under Regulation A and need to file annual reports. There are about 353 issuers that file this form each year, and preparing it requires around 600 hours. The public can submit comments on this information request from December 12, 2024, to January 13, 2025.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is asking for a three-year extension from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the clearance of information collection requirements related to the Amplifier Rule, which concerns power output claims for amplifiers in home entertainment products. This clearance, initially expiring on January 31, 2021, helps standardize the measurement and disclosure of these products' features, aiding consumers in making informed purchases. The FTC invites public comments on this extension by February 22, 2021. The deadline extension aims to continue ensuring manufacturers provide consistent information about amplifiers, improving transparency and consumer trust.

This document contains the final regulations providing additional guidance on the limitations for deducting business interest expenses under section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code. These regulations reflect changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the CARES Act, addressing how the limitation applies to various entities such as passthrough entities, regulated investment companies, and controlled foreign corporations. The rules also offer guidance on definitions related to real estate and set applicability dates for these regulations. Ultimately, these updates aim to clarify how businesses can calculate their deductions for interest expenses while considering the legislative amendments.

The Department of Education has announced the opening for applications for the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program for fiscal year 2021. This program aims to promote the study of modern foreign languages and area studies by offering opportunities for faculty, teachers, and students to conduct projects overseas. The available funding is approximately $3.5 million, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for short-term and long-term projects. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, state educational agencies, nonprofit educational organizations, and consortia of these entities.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has requested the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve an extension of the existing data collection required under Rule 15c2-8. This rule mandates that broker-dealers deliver prospectuses to certain individuals during securities offerings, including initial public offerings (IPOs), with a specific "48-hour rule" for IPOs. Broker-dealers must also maintain accurate records to identify those requesting prospectuses. The SEC estimates significant time and cost burdens for compliance, and a 30-day public comment period for this request is open until January 2, 2025.

The proposed rule by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Homeland Security mandates that rail carriers electronically submit export manifest data for trains leaving the U.S. This new regulation aims to enhance cargo security by requiring pre-departure information through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), improving risk assessment, and ensuring compliance with U.S. export laws. The rule also outlines the parties eligible to submit data and specifies timelines for data submissions to minimize the risk of undocumented and potentially hazardous cargo leaving the country. Additionally, the economic analysis suggests that the regulation could result in significant cost savings for both CBP and the trade industry by streamlining the export process and reducing reliance on paper documentation.

The United States Department of Agriculture announced the launch of the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, which provides financial support to specialty crop producers to help them expand or develop markets. Applications for this assistance will be accepted from December 10, 2024, to January 8, 2025. To qualify, producers must be actively engaged in farming specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and floriculture, among others. The program aims to boost domestic market growth and address the challenges specialty crop producers face due to high costs and lower cash receipts.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has updated the financial thresholds that determine when a person is prohibited from being a director or officer of two competing companies, which is governed by Section 8 of the Clayton Act. As of January 21, 2021, competing companies are covered by these rules if each has combined capital, surplus, and undivided profits over $10,000,000, unless the competitive sales of either company are less than $1,000,000. The new threshold amounts are $37,382,000 for one type of evaluation and $3,738,200 for another. These changes reflect adjustments that happen every year based on the gross national product.