What's Happening in the News

Media & Publishing

FCC Proceeds on Network Neutrality

WASHINGTON: The FCC has unanimously agreed to proceed on network neutrality rules to prohibit Internet service providers from controlling traffic. The five commissioners unanimously approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to codify how providers manage networks.

The FCC has been working on some form of regulations since establishing four voluntary tenants in 2004. Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski proposed ratification of those principles last month: "Network operators cannot prevent users from accessing the lawful Internet content, applications, and services of their choice, nor can they prohibit users from attaching non-harmful devices to the network." Read More

Healthcare

Secretary Sebelius Awards $40 Million to States to Find, Enroll Children in CHIP, Medicaid

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced $40 million in grants to 69 grantees in 41 states and the District of Columbia to help them find and enroll children who are uninsured but eligible for either Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Recognizing that millions of children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, but are therefore needlessly uninsured, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) set aside $100 million for fiscal years 2009-2013 expressly to help find and enroll eligible children. Of the total outreach amount, $80 million will be given to states and other organizations, $10 million to Tribal organizations and $10 million for a national outreach effort. These awards are for a two year period ending Dec. 31, 2011, which will then be followed by a second round of $40 million in new grants.  Read More

Franchises

Learn About Franchise and Business Opportunities

Want to be your own boss? A franchise or business opportunity may sound appealing, especially if you have limited resources or business experience. However, you could lose a significant amount of money if you don't investigate a business carefully before you buy. The Federal Trade Commission's Franchise and Business Opportunity Rule requires franchise and business opportunity sellers to give you specific information to help you make an informed decision.

Use the FTC Rule

A franchise or business opportunity seller must give you a detailed disclosure document at least 10 business days before you pay any money or legally commit yourself to a purchase. You can use these disclosures to compare a particular business with others you may be considering or simply for information. Read More

Small Businesses

Secretary Napolitano, Administrator Mills Announce H1N1 Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses

WASHINGTON - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano has joined Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen Mills and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza Division Deputy Director Daniel Jernigan to announce a preparedness guide to assist small businesses in planning for the H1N1 flu.

"Small businesses play an essential role in our national effort to prepare for all disasters and emergencies-including the H1N1 flu," said Secretary Napolitano. "This guide will help America's small businesses maintain continuity of operations and resiliency as the fall flu season approaches."  Read More