Featured Stories
Social Security I.G.: Audit Finds Errors in Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding Process
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Errors in Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding Process
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG)issued an audit report finding SSA made errors in processing administrative sanctions and recovering related overpayments tied to fraud and other sanctionable conduct.
Administrative sanctions are designed to deter fraud and abuse by temporarily withholding benefits from individuals who make
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Errors in Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding Process
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG)issued an audit report finding SSA made errors in processing administrative sanctions and recovering related overpayments tied to fraud and other sanctionable conduct.
Administrative sanctions are designed to deter fraud and abuse by temporarily withholding benefits from individuals who makefalse statements or fail to report information affecting eligibility or payment amounts.
The audit, Administrative Sanctions and Benefit Withholding (042303), reviewed SSA's handling of sanctions cases referred between June 2017 and May 2022.
SSA OIG found SSA employees and systems made errors in 75 percent of the sampled cases reviewed. Based on projections from the sample, auditors estimate SSA improperly processed sanctions for approximately 454individuals, resulting in an estimated $49.6 million in improper payments.
Among the issues identified, SSA:
* Withheld benefits for the wrong months, for an inappropriate duration, or before appeal rights expired.
* Should have suspended benefits to impose sanctions for individuals who were receiving benefits but did not.
* Did not adequately document sanctions' development, determinations, and approvals or add required language to SSA records about imposed or deferred sanctions.
* Did not send correct and/or complete initial sanction determination notices or benefit suspension notices.
* Did not recover overpayments in accordance with policy for individuals whom SSA overpaid because of a sanctionable event, such as failing to report a marriage or income.
The audit found many of the errors stemmed from complex manual processes, inconsistent documentation practices, and limitations in SSA's systems used to process sanctions and overpayment recoveries.
"Administrative sanctions are an important tool for protecting the integrity of Social Security programs and deterring fraud," said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit performing the duties of the Inspector General. "SSA can strengthen these efforts by improving oversight, modernizing systems controls, and ensuring employees consistently follow policies related to sanctions and overpayment recovery."
The report noted SSA began implementing improvements to its system in 2025, including enhanced tracking and additional processing reminders. However, auditors found further action is needed to improve automation, documentation, notice accuracy, and recovery of overpayments tied to fraud or similar fault.
The OIG made seven recommendations to SSA, including updating policies, strengthening system controls, improving employee documentation requirements, enhancing notice review procedures, and ensuring full recovery of overpayments when appropriate.
SSA agreed with the recommendations and stated it plans to take corrective action.
Read the full report here (https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/042303.pdf).
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Original text here: https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2026-07-02-audit-finds-errors-in-administrative-sanctions-and-benefit-withholding-process/
Audit Finds Social Security Administration's Employees Did Not Always Document Reasons for Removing Beneficiaries' Incorrect Death Postings
WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Social Security Administration's Employees Did Not Always Document Reasons for Removing Beneficiaries' Incorrect Death Postings
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an audit report, Beneficiaries Incorrectly Recorded as Deceased (032311). The audit examined whether SSA employees complied with Agency policies when correcting the records of living beneficiaries who were incorrectly recorded
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WOODLAWN, Maryland, July 3 (TNSrep) -- The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Social Security Administration's Employees Did Not Always Document Reasons for Removing Beneficiaries' Incorrect Death Postings
The Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an audit report, Beneficiaries Incorrectly Recorded as Deceased (032311). The audit examined whether SSA employees complied with Agency policies when correcting the records of living beneficiaries who were incorrectly recordedas deceased.
To administer the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance and Supplemental Income programs, SSA collects death information using the Numident as its official source of death information. SSA's Numident is SSA's master database of Social Security number assignments and associated identity records. SSA records all recipients' deaths in its Death Master File (DMF). As required by law, SSA shares the DMF with other Federal agencies and external entities, which use the DMF to match records and prevent fraud. SSA reported it posted approximately 5.6 million death records to the DMF in Calendar Year 2025. Of those, SSA subsequently determined that 12,504 records--or 0.22 percent--were erroneous.
SSA records incorrect deaths when (1) a technician makes an administrative error, such as manually inputting a wrong Social Security number or beneficiary identification codes from legitimate death reports; or (2) the Agency receives erroneous death reports, such as are port from a beneficiary's representative payee or relative, someone acting on the beneficiary's behalf, other government agencies, or financial institutions.
The OIG reviewed a random sample of beneficiaries whom SSA recorded as deceased between January 2020 and December 2024 and later removed the death records from the Numident (and thereby removing such records from the DMF). Auditors found that, when SSA technicians corrected 45 percent of the incorrect death records, they did not document why the deaths were recorded in the first place, or why they were subsequently removed, as required by Agency policy.
When technicians do not adequately document SSA's records, the Agency does not have information to respond to beneficiaries' inquiries or address future actions on the beneficiaries' records, such as subsequent death reports. SSA also cannot identify trends or root causes for why it recorded living beneficiaries as deceased so it can develop corrective actions to prevent future errors.
"Strengthening guidance and ensuring consistent documentation are essential for SSA to enhance its accountability, transparency, and service to beneficiaries," said Michelle L . Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant. "The audit demonstrates that the Agency should clarify all policies and procedures related to when and where its employees must document the reasons for death removals and any associated actions taken to remove incorrect death records."
The full report can be found here (https://oig.ssa.gov/assets/uploads/032311.pdf).
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Original text here: https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2026-07-02-audit-finds-social-security-administration%E2%80%99s-employees-did-not-always-document-reasons-for-removing-beneficiaries%E2%80%99-incorrect-death-postings/
SBA Relief Still Available to Georgia Businesses, Private Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by Wildfires
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Georgia Businesses, Private Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by Wildfires
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Honor America's 250th anniversary by taking the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge. Sign up now to get your free certificate.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/07/02/sba-relief-still-available-georgia-businesses-private-nonprofits-residents-affected-wildfires
National Museum of Asian Art Partners With TOPPAN To Launch New Digital and Virtual Reality Projects
WASHINGTON, July 2 (TNSrpt) -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Asian Art Partners With TOPPAN To Launch New Digital and Virtual Reality Projects
New Contract With Leading Japanese Printing and Technology Company Represents Museum's Aim To Increase Access Using Technology
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The Smithsonian's National Museum of Art and Japan-based TOPPAN Inc. are partnering to advance the museum's growing digitization efforts, starting with implementation of cutting-edge virtual- and augmented-reality experiences. This partnership helps propel various goals
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WASHINGTON, July 2 (TNSrpt) -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Asian Art Partners With TOPPAN To Launch New Digital and Virtual Reality Projects
New Contract With Leading Japanese Printing and Technology Company Represents Museum's Aim To Increase Access Using Technology
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The Smithsonian's National Museum of Art and Japan-based TOPPAN Inc. are partnering to advance the museum's growing digitization efforts, starting with implementation of cutting-edge virtual- and augmented-reality experiences. This partnership helps propel various goalsin the museum's strategic plan, including expansion of digital content, integration of technology-driven experiences and increasing audience reach.
In its first collaborative project with the museum, TOPPAN will develop digital content for a virtual reality simulation of the Peacock Room, scheduled for completion in early 2027. The room, created by artist James McNeill Whistler, is one of the centerpieces of the museum, a synthesis of Whistler's design ideas and influence drawn from the arts of Japan and China. Other projects outlined in the contract include digitally archiving works from the museum's collection and making this content fully accessible worldwide.
"There are so many stories, nuances and meanings behind a work of art that we're not always able to experience within the physical space," said Chase F. Robinson, director of the National Museum of Asian Art. "Digitization can make these stories come alive, if we embrace the technology. Through our contract with TOPPAN, we welcome technological innovation as a necessary tool to reach widespread audiences and to help them connect with the art in a more personalized, intimate way."
While much of the museum's artwork can be shared with other institutions, the museum's original objects--the collection of museum founder, Charles Lang Freer--must physically remain within the museum. When he donated the entirety of his art collection as a gift to the nation, Freer included a built-in contingency restricting loans. For this reason, the digital expansion of Freer's collection through collaboration with TOPPAN is essential to share these works globally.
Established in Tokyo in 1900, TOPPAN is a leading figure in printing, packaging, electronics and digital solutions in Japan and globally. Since 2007, the company has spearheaded 4K virtual-reality projects around the world. Part of TOPPAN's work for the Peacock Room virtual-reality project will include animating objects and artwork within the space, while overlaying audio of historical stories of controversy and intrigue associated with the room. These extrasensory layers will allow visitor interaction and understanding of the room that are not possible in the physical room itself.
The contract also supports a framework for continued collaboration on projects that represent cultural exchange between the United States and Japan, with a focus on Japanese art.
"We are both a printing company with a 125-year history and a modern-day leader of digital solutions, continually embracing the latest and greatest in technological advancements," said Motomichi Nakajima, head of TOPPAN's Cultural Innovation Division. "In a way, we parallel the story of the National Museum of Asian Art--as an older organization that continually embarks on the new--to increase opportunities for public engagement with art and culture."
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About the TOPPAN Group
Established in Tokyo in 1900, the TOPPAN Group is a leading and diversified global provider committed to delivering sustainable, integrated solutions in fields including printing, communications, security, packaging, decor materials, electronics and digital transformation. The TOPPAN Group's global team of more than 50,000 employees offers optimal solutions enabled by industry-leading expertise and technologies to address the diverse challenges of every business sector and society and contribute to the achievement of shared sustainability goals.
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About the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art opened in 1923 as America's first national art museum and the first Asian art museum in the United States. It now stewards one of the world's most important collections of Asian art, with works dating from antiquity to the present. The museum also hosts an important collection of 19th- and early 20th-century American art.
Through an ambitious program of collection, conservation, exhibitions, programming and research, the museum serves as a global and national resource for understanding the arts and cultures of Asia and their interaction with America, past and present. By presenting the arts and cultures of Asia in their extraordinary diversity, the museum aims to exemplify foundational ideals of curiosity, creativity and respect. In a world growing ever more interdependent, the museum values cross-cultural understanding as a crucial element of personal and collective well-being.
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum is free and open 364 days a year (closed Dec. 25). The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum, education and research complex and welcomes millions of visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, visit asia.si.edu.
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REPORT: https://asia.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Strategic_Plan-25-30.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/national-museum-asian-art-partners-toppan-launch-new-digital-and-virtual-reality
GSA Rolls Out Red, White and Blue Displays Across Federal Buildings Nationwide
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Rolls Out Red, White and Blue Displays Across Federal Buildings Nationwide
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Patriotic displays featured at 263 GSA-managed locations, including 27 in the District of Columbia
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a nationwide effort to install patriotic displays in more than 250 federal buildings and leased spaces across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
"GSA is proud to support President Trump, the Freedom 250
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The General Services Administration issued the following news release:
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GSA Rolls Out Red, White and Blue Displays Across Federal Buildings Nationwide
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Patriotic displays featured at 263 GSA-managed locations, including 27 in the District of Columbia
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a nationwide effort to install patriotic displays in more than 250 federal buildings and leased spaces across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
"GSA is proud to support President Trump, the Freedom 250Task Force, and our nation's Independence Day celebrations by exhibiting Freedom 250 decorations across the country," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "From small-town courthouses to iconic landmarks in our biggest cities, GSA is elevating the 250th anniversary for all freedom-loving Americans."
In less than six months, GSA partnered with industry, designers, historians, suppliers, client agencies, and local teams to design, produce, and install patriotic banners, bunting, and flags at locations serving communities every day across the U.S.
This showcase is part of Freedom 250 efforts to inspire renewed admiration for American history and spotlighting federal buildings as enduring symbols of public service and civic pride.
Earlier this year, GSA introduced its 250 Commemorative Star Mark and a Freedom 250 cornerstone in the U.S. Courthouse in Huntsville, Alabama.
For more information, visit GSA's Freedom 250 web page.
Photo gallery
GSA headquarters at 1800 F Street, Washington, D.C.
Download full resolution [PNG - 3 MB]
GSA headquarters at 1800 F Street, Washington, D.C.
Download full resolution [PNG - 3 MB]
GSA headquarters at 1800 F Street, Washington, D.C.
Download full resolution [PNG - 4 MB]
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of approximately 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $126 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services to millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA's mission is to deliver exceptional customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.
Contact
press@gsa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.gsa.gov/about-gsa/newsroom/news-releases/gsa-rolls-out-red-white-and-blue-displays-across-federal-buildings-nationwide-07022026
Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance Announces Election of Two New Independent Directors
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Office of Finance Announces Election of Two New Independent Directors
The Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) Office of Finance announced today that Teresa M. Ressel and Andrew McCormick have been elected to serve as Independent Directors on its Board of Directors (Board).
"Teresa and Andy bring their decades of experience and expertise to the Office of Finance Board of Directors. Teresa, through her financial and operational management experience in both the public
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Federal Home Loan Banks Office of Finance issued the following news release on July 1, 2026:
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Office of Finance Announces Election of Two New Independent Directors
The Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) Office of Finance announced today that Teresa M. Ressel and Andrew McCormick have been elected to serve as Independent Directors on its Board of Directors (Board).
"Teresa and Andy bring their decades of experience and expertise to the Office of Finance Board of Directors. Teresa, through her financial and operational management experience in both the publicand private sectors and her capital markets knowledge, and Andy, with his deep understanding of the fixed income markets and housing finance, will provide valuable perspectives to the Board," said Joel W. Motley, Chair of the Board.
Teresa M. Ressel has served as Managing Partner of Radiate Capital since 2024. She served on the boards of Invesco Mutual Funds from 2017 to June 2026. Ms. Ressel was on the senior management team of Olayan America from 2012 to 2016. From 2004 to 2012, she held senior roles at UBS, including as Chief Operating Officer, the Americas, for UBS Investment Bank and then as Chief Executive Officer of UBS Securities LLC. Ms. Ressel served at the U.S. Treasury from 2001 to 2004, initially as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget and then, following confirmation by the U.S. Senate, as Assistant Secretary for Management and designated Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Ressel serves on the boards of a number of private equity companies as an observer or board member, and served on the boards of several non-profit organizations over the years. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Ms. Ressel holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in engineering from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Ms. Ressel joins the Board on July 1, 2026 for a term expiring on July 20, 2028.
Andrew McCormick served in senior roles with increasing responsibility at T. Rowe Price, Inc. from 2008 to 2024, including as Head of its Global Fixed Income Division, Chief Investment Officer for fixed income, Chair of its Fixed Income Steering Committee, and a member of its Management Committee. Prior to joining T. Rowe Price, Mr. McCormick spent more than two decades as an investment professional focused on trading and portfolio management of mortgages, mortgage-backed securities, and other fixed income instruments, including positions with Impac Mortgage Holdings, Avenue Capital, Fannie Mae, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse First Boston, and Prudential Bache. Mr. McCormick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Syracuse University. Mr. McCormick will join the Board on July 20, 2026 for a five-year term.
The FHLBanks have delivered innovation and service to the U.S. housing market since 1932, and currently have approximately 6,300 members serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Please contact Tom Heinle at (703) 467-3646 or theinle@fhlb-of.com for additional information.
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Original text here: https://fhlb-of.com/ofweb_userWeb/resources/PR2026-0701-PressRelease1.pdf
Administrator Lee Zeldin Travels to Los Angeles to Survey Wildfire Rebuilding Efforts, View Seizure of Illegal Pesticides, and Highlight Agency Effort to Reduce Food Waste
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Lee Zeldin Travels to Los Angeles to Survey Wildfire Rebuilding Efforts, View Seizure of Illegal Pesticides, and Highlight Agency Effort to Reduce Food Waste
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LOS ANGELES - On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin visited Los Angeles, California, to spotlight agency commitments on reducing food waste, wildfire rebuilding efforts, stopping illegal pesticides, and wastewater reclamation.
Administrator Zeldin began his day touring
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WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Administrator Lee Zeldin Travels to Los Angeles to Survey Wildfire Rebuilding Efforts, View Seizure of Illegal Pesticides, and Highlight Agency Effort to Reduce Food Waste
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LOS ANGELES - On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin visited Los Angeles, California, to spotlight agency commitments on reducing food waste, wildfire rebuilding efforts, stopping illegal pesticides, and wastewater reclamation.
Administrator Zeldin began his day touringthe Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, the largest wastewater treatment facility in Los Angeles. Under the Pure Water Los Angeles initiative, the facility will purify wastewater toward a long-term goal of 200 million gallons of recycled water daily, in a partnership between LA Sanitation and the LA Department of Water and Power.
Next, Administrator Zeldin traveled to Long Beach to tour Grow2Zero Farms. Exit EPA's website Grow2Zero Farms is advancing food recovery, community food security, composting, workforce development, and regenerative agriculture through a neighborhood-based model that converts potential waste into community resources. This farm's mission is closely aligned with EPA's Feed it Onward program, which aims to reduce food waste across America. The Administrator toured the urban farm, met with their leadership, and spoke with local media about the importance of reducing food waste.
Administrator Zeldin concluded his day in Altadena with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger to view the incredible progress the community is making in rebuilding homes destroyed by the Eaton fire. Zeldin and Barger toured homes being rebuilt and met with local community members to hear their rebuilding stories and challenges.
On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Administrator Zeldin and EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Jeff Hall joined EPA Region 9 inspectors and their counterparts at Customs and Border Protection at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach. They viewed a recent seizure of "Sniper" a dangerous unregistered and unregulated pesticide, which contains a chemical called dichlorvos, also known as DDVP. EPA is making tremendous progress at US ports to identify and stop illegal foreign chemicals, HFCs, uncertified knock off aftermarket vehicle parts, and much more.
Following his port tour, Administrator Zeldin visited the Marathon Oil Refinery, one of the largest refineries on the West Coast, which supplies gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products throughout Southern California.
Zeldin then headed to the Pacific Palisades to visit with a family who has just completed construction on their home and have finally moved back in. He also spoke with media alongside local community leaders who have been strong advocates for helping residents navigate the rebuilding process.
This was the Administrator's third trip to the Palisades and Altadena this year as the agency continues to ensure those communities have the full support and resources of the federal government to rebuild their community and cut through any unnecessary red tape.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-lee-zeldin-travels-los-angeles-survey-wildfire-rebuilding-efforts-view
