Featured Stories
Smithsonian's Lemelson Center Appoints Joanna K. Garner as New Director
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
* * *
Smithsonian's Lemelson Center Appoints Joanna K. Garner as New Director
Scholar and Educational Research Leader Brings More Than Two Decades of Experience Spanning Museums, Universities, Schools and Public Institutions
October 13, 2026
The Smithsonian has appointed Joanna K. Garner, an internationally recognized scholar and leader in educational research, as the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the National Museum of American History.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
* * *
Smithsonian's Lemelson Center Appoints Joanna K. Garner as New Director
Scholar and Educational Research Leader Brings More Than Two Decades of Experience Spanning Museums, Universities, Schools and Public Institutions
October 13, 2026
The Smithsonian has appointed Joanna K. Garner, an internationally recognized scholar and leader in educational research, as the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the National Museum of American History.She is the third director in the Lemelson Center's 30-year history and the first woman to serve in the role.
Garner began her new role Tuesday, Sept. 8. She has more than two decades of experience in educational research and cross-sector partnerships across museums, universities, schools and public institutions. Her research has examined how educational and museum experiences can shape people's identities as inventors and innovators, including how invention education can help people understand their own inventive potential and see themselves as capable of contributing to innovation.
"Joanna Garner brings a remarkable combination of scholarship, leadership and critical understanding of the Lemelson Center's work," said Anthea M. Hartig, the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the National Museum of American History. "Having collaborated with the center for many years, she already knows and understands the people, ideas and partnerships that make it such a distinctive part of the Smithsonian. Her experience across museums, universities, schools and public institutions will be invaluable as the Lemelson Center continues to explore the history and impact of invention while creating new opportunities for people to appreciate and develop their own inventive potential, and I am thrilled to welcome Joanna as the center's new director."
For the past five years, Garner has contributed to the Lemelson Center's work as a researcher and education consultant, including major initiatives such as the "Change Your Game"/"Cambia tu juego" exhibition and the global Spark!Lab Network. Her research on inventive identity helped inform the development of "Change Your Game," which explores how sports and play can encourage young people to explore their inventive potential. In this role, she worked closely with center curators, educators, designers and researchers on exhibition development, visitor engagement research and professional learning initiatives.
Before joining the Smithsonian, Garner served for nine years as executive director of The Center for Educational Partnerships at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she led educational research and innovation initiatives and established partnerships across education and public institutions. She has secured more than $35 million in external funding and published extensively on invention education, STEM identity and educational practice. Garner has a doctorate in educational psychology from Pennsylvania State University.
"I am delighted to return to the Lemelson Center in this new role and to build on the work I have had the privilege of being part of over the past five years," Garner said. "The center has a unique ability to connect the history of invention and innovation with the ways people are imagining and creating the future. I am excited to work with its talented staff, partners and communities to advance that work and expand opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to understand themselves as inventors and participate in innovation."
Founded in 1995 through a gift from inventor and philanthropist Jerome H. Lemelson and his wife, Dorothy, the Lemelson Center is the Smithsonian's hub for the study of invention and innovation. Through exhibitions, educational resources, public programs, collections and scholarly research, the center explores the history and impact of invention and encourages people to recognize their own capacity for inventive thinking.
Recent initiatives include Inspiring STEM Pathways, a free educational resource for middle school students featuring contemporary innovators working across sports, gaming, health, technology accessibility and design; "Change Your Game," an exhibition that explores inventive identity through the lens of sports and play; and Spark!Lab, a pioneering hands-on invention space for children that operates in museums across the United States and internationally.
* * *
About the Lemelson Center
The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center engages, educates and empowers the public to participate in technological, economic and social change. The center undertakes historical research, develops educational initiatives, creates exhibitions and hosts public programs to advance new perspectives on invention and innovation and fosters interactions between the public and inventors. The Lemelson Hall of Invention and Innovation, featuring the Draper Spark!Lab and "Change Your Game"/"Cambia tu juego," is a signature part of the National Museum of American History's 45,000-square-foot space centered on the theme of innovation. For more information, visit invention.si.edu.
* * *
About the National Museum of American History
Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online, and the virtual museum continues to expand its offerings, including online exhibitions, PK-12 educational materials and programs. The public can follow the museum on social media on Instagram and Facebook. For more information, go to the museum's website. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonians-lemelson-center-appoints-joanna-k-garner-new-director
GSA IG: 'GSA Office of Inspector General's Fiscal Year 2025 Risk Assessment of GSA's Purchase Card Program'
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The General Services Administration Inspector General issued the following audit report entitled "GSA Office of Inspector General's Fiscal Year 2025 Risk Assessment of GSA's Purchase Card Program."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
We conducted a risk assessment of GSA's purchase card program to identify and analyze risk of illegal, improper, or erroneous purchases related to GSA's purchase cards. In addition, the risk assessment is used to determine the appropriate scope, frequency, and number of periodic audits of the purchase card program. We based our risk assessment
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The General Services Administration Inspector General issued the following audit report entitled "GSA Office of Inspector General's Fiscal Year 2025 Risk Assessment of GSA's Purchase Card Program."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
We conducted a risk assessment of GSA's purchase card program to identify and analyze risk of illegal, improper, or erroneous purchases related to GSA's purchase cards. In addition, the risk assessment is used to determine the appropriate scope, frequency, and number of periodic audits of the purchase card program. We based our risk assessmenton GSA's Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 purchase card data and five risk categories: (1) high-risk transactions, (2) internal controls, (3) previous audits, (4) training, and (5) GSA Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations' (GSA OIG Investigations') input.
We assessed the overall risk for GSA's purchase card program as moderate. Furthermore, it has been 9 years since we performed a full audit of GSA's purchase card program. As a result, we are planning an audit of GSA's purchase card program in our FY 2027 Audit Plan.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.gsaig.gov/sites/default/files/audit-reports/A260039-1%20Final%20Memorandum%20-%20FY2025%20Risk%20Assessment%20of%20GSA_s%20Purchase%20Card%20Program.pdf
Federal Housing Finance Agency IG: The Office of General Counsel Provided Sufficient Oversight of the Suspended Counterparty Program But Did Not Document Certain Controls in Its Operating Procedures
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General issued the following report on September 29, 2026, entitled "The Office of General Counsel Provided Sufficient Oversight of the Suspended Counterparty Program But Did Not Document Certain Controls in Its Operating Procedures".
Here are excerpts:
* * *
PURPOSE
In 2012, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) established the Suspended Counterparty Program (SCP), codified in Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 1227. The program addresses risks posed to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General issued the following report on September 29, 2026, entitled "The Office of General Counsel Provided Sufficient Oversight of the Suspended Counterparty Program But Did Not Document Certain Controls in Its Operating Procedures".
Here are excerpts:
* * *
PURPOSE
In 2012, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) established the Suspended Counterparty Program (SCP), codified in Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 1227. The program addresses risks posed to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac,and the Federal Home Loan Banks - collectively, the regulated entities - by counterparties with a history of fraud or other financial misconduct. FHFA may issue orders suspending counterparties from doing business with the regulated entities. FHFA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for overseeing the SCP.
We conducted this audit to determine whether FHFA's OGC provided sufficient oversight of the SCP.
RESULTS
We found that OGC provided sufficient oversight of the SCP.
In general, OGC designed and implemented controls to administer and oversee the program. In addition, OGC administered and conducted SCP activities in accordance with 12 C.F.R. Part 1227 and applicable OGC guidance; documented and supported its recommended suspension decisions; and addressed responses to proposed suspension appropriately.
Although there were no issues with OGC's oversight of the SCP, we noted that certain controls were not included in OGC's SCP Operating Procedures. That is, procedures were not documented for performing quality checks for completeness to ensure no referrals are missed; assessing SCP performance against established goals; and responding to counterparty suspension appeals. When control procedures are not documented, there is increased risk that they may not be performed consistently or at all in the event of future staff turnover. This could lead to referrals not being properly considered and acted upon, management potentially being unaware of SCP performance, or the mishandling of final suspension appeals.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We made two recommendations to address our finding. In a written response, FHFA management agreed with our recommendations.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.fhfaoig.gov/sites/default/files/AUD-2026-009.pdf
Federal Housing Finance Agency IG: FHFA's Security Controls Were Not Effective to Protect Its Network and Systems Against Internal Threats
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General issued the following report on September 29, 2026, entitled "FHFA's Security Controls Were Not Effective to Protect Its Network and Systems Against Internal Threats".
Here are excerpts:
* * *
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued the subject report on September 29, 2026. As part of our ongoing oversight of the FHFA's compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), we perform audits of networks and information security of the FHFA.
AUDIT
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General issued the following report on September 29, 2026, entitled "FHFA's Security Controls Were Not Effective to Protect Its Network and Systems Against Internal Threats".
Here are excerpts:
* * *
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued the subject report on September 29, 2026. As part of our ongoing oversight of the FHFA's compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), we perform audits of networks and information security of the FHFA.
AUDITOBJECTIVE: The objective of our audit was to determine whether FHFA's security controls were effective in protecting its network and information systems against internal threats. The audit scope covered FHFA's internal network and information systems from November 2025 through January 2026. This work will support the annual FISMA evaluation of the FHFA's security program and practices.
Because information in this report could be used to circumvent FHFA's internal controls, it has not been released publicly.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.fhfaoig.gov/sites/default/files/AUD-2026-007%20%28public%29.pdf
Federal Housing Finance Agency IG: ER Designed and Implemented Effective Oversight of the Enterprises' Multifamily Credit Risk Transfer Programs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General issued the following report on September 29, 2026, entitled "DER Designed and Implemented Effective Oversight of the Enterprises' Multifamily Credit Risk Transfer Programs".
Here are excerpts:
* * *
PURPOSE
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, together the Enterprises, have credit risk transfer (CRT) programs for their multifamily businesses (properties with 5 or more units) to reduce the risk of loan losses and risk to taxpayers. The Enterprises reduce these risks by transferring credit risk (risk of losses) to sources
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Housing Finance Agency Inspector General issued the following report on September 29, 2026, entitled "DER Designed and Implemented Effective Oversight of the Enterprises' Multifamily Credit Risk Transfer Programs".
Here are excerpts:
* * *
PURPOSE
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, together the Enterprises, have credit risk transfer (CRT) programs for their multifamily businesses (properties with 5 or more units) to reduce the risk of loan losses and risk to taxpayers. The Enterprises reduce these risks by transferring credit risk (risk of losses) to sourcesof private capital primarily through risk sharing arrangements, and other transactions. The Federal Housing Finance Agency's (FHFA or Agency) Division of Enterprise Regulation (DER) evaluates how the Enterprises manage risks to assess their safe and sound operation.
We conducted this audit to determine whether DER designed and implemented effective oversight of the Enterprises' multifamily CRT programs.
RESULTS
We found that DER designed and implemented effective oversight of the Enterprises' multifamily CRT programs.
Specifically, DER designed its oversight to include an annual supervisory planning process and examination guidance with procedures and work steps for evaluating the Enterprises' management of multifamily CRT programs. The planning process resulted in supervisory activities addressing aspects of each Enterprise's management of multifamily CRTs during each year of our audit scope period. We also found that DER's examination guidance was consistent with the applicable FHFA guidance for multifamily CRTs.
DER implemented its oversight by completing annual risk assessments and conducting supervisory activities that addressed identified risks pertaining to the Enterprises' management of multifamily CRT programs. For the 10 supervisory activities we tested, examiners generally used procedures and work steps for targeted examinations and ongoing monitoring that complied with examination guidance for conducting the applicable supervisory activities.
Furthermore, DER assessed the remediation of Matters Requiring Attention (MRAs) related to the Enterprises' management of multifamily CRT programs in accordance with DER adverse findings guidance.
We make no recommendations in this report.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.fhfaoig.gov/sites/default/files/AUD-2026-008%20%28public%29.pdf
Fed IG: CFPB: Hardware Assets at Former Regional Offices May Not Be Appropriately Secured
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Inspector General issued the following report on September 30, 2026, entitled "CFPB: Hardware Assets at Former Regional Offices May Not Be Appropriately Secured."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
The CFPB maintains data that, if exposed, could reveal consumers' and businesses' private information, undermine public trust, and compromise enforcement of consumer financial laws.
During an ongoing audit, we discovered that the CFPB left hardware assets at former regional offices it vacated in March 2026. The CFPB has not verified whether those assets
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Inspector General issued the following report on September 30, 2026, entitled "CFPB: Hardware Assets at Former Regional Offices May Not Be Appropriately Secured."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
The CFPB maintains data that, if exposed, could reveal consumers' and businesses' private information, undermine public trust, and compromise enforcement of consumer financial laws.
During an ongoing audit, we discovered that the CFPB left hardware assets at former regional offices it vacated in March 2026. The CFPB has not verified whether those assetsare properly secured.
Due to the urgency of this issue, our management alert includes a recommendation for the CFPB to secure the hardware assets, which the agency has agreed to do.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://oig.federalreserve.gov/reports/cfpb-alert-hardware-assets-security-sep2026.pdf
FHLBanks Announce New 2-Year Global on October 13, 2026
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release:
* * *
FHLBanks Announce New 2-Year Global on October 13, 2026
October 13, 2026
Today, the FHLBank System is announcing a new 2-year Global.
Lead managers for this issue will be Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Nomura Securities International, Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and a distribution group will complete the syndication team.
At this time, the new issue is expected to be priced tomorrow, October 14, 2026. The CUSIP of this issue will be 3130BCLT8. Interest payments will be
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release:
* * *
FHLBanks Announce New 2-Year Global on October 13, 2026
October 13, 2026
Today, the FHLBank System is announcing a new 2-year Global.
Lead managers for this issue will be Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Nomura Securities International, Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, and a distribution group will complete the syndication team.
At this time, the new issue is expected to be priced tomorrow, October 14, 2026. The CUSIP of this issue will be 3130BCLT8. Interest payments will bemade semi-annually on April 13 and October 13, beginning on April 13, 2027 (short first coupon), and the bond will mature on October 13, 2028.
This announcement is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of offers to buy, these securities.
Created by Congress in 1932, the FHLBanks have served as a vital source of liquidity to their members throughout the economic cycles, supporting housing finance and community development across the United States. Please contact Tom Heinle at (703) 467-3646 or theinle@fhlb-of.com for additional information.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fhlb-of.com/news/fhlbanks-announce-new-2-year-global-on-october-13-2026-/
