Featured Stories
IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
* Immediate humanitarian assistance, including $350,000 from the IDB, contributions from IDB member countries currently estimated at $300,000-$400,000, and $100,000-$200,000 raised through the IDB Group's internal "Together for Venezuela" solidarity campaign, with employees' contributions matched by the Bank.
* Assessment of damage and losses, with $150,000 from the IDB to guide early recovery
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
* * *
IDB Group Providing Grants of At Least $1 Million to Support Venezuela's Emergency Response to Earthquakes
* Immediate humanitarian assistance, including $350,000 from the IDB, contributions from IDB member countries currently estimated at $300,000-$400,000, and $100,000-$200,000 raised through the IDB Group's internal "Together for Venezuela" solidarity campaign, with employees' contributions matched by the Bank.
* Assessment of damage and losses, with $150,000 from the IDB to guide early recoveryand the restoration of essential public services.
The humanitarian-assistance component will be implemented in coordination with Caritas Venezuela, a nonprofit organization with nationwide reach and extensive experience in emergency response, as well as with other multilateral organizations involved in the response, ensuring rapid and effective delivery of aid to affected communities.
"The IDB Group stands with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time," said IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn. "This grant package will help meet urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening the country's damage assessment for emergency response. We will work closely with the government and our partners to support recovery efforts, mobilize resources, and help the affected communities rebuild."
The IDB is providing its support through a non-reimbursable emergency technical cooperation, the financial instrument available to support borrowing members facing urgent needs due to extraordinary natural events. Additionally, this technical cooperation has been designed to facilitate further resource mobilization.
In addition, the IDB Group's internal fundraising campaign "Together for Venezuela," launched in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Director for Venezuela and the Bank's employee associations, will support Caritas to provide emergency assistance and help affected communities recover and rebuild.
The IDB Group will continue working with the government of Venezuela and partners, including United Nations agencies and other humanitarian stakeholders, to support recovery efforts and help strengthen the country's resilience.
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-group-providing-grants-least-1-million-support-venezuelas-emergency-response-earthquakes
GameChangers: Explore the Connection Between Art, Soccer and Development at the IDB ArtLAC Gallery
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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GameChangers: Explore the Connection Between Art, Soccer and Development at the IDB ArtLAC Gallery
Presented in the context of the 2026 World Cup and the IDB Group's The Development World Cup series of initiatives, GameChangers: The Field's Pulse Meets the Gallery brings art and sport into dialogue through soccer as a cultural force and a driver of development across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Curated by Manuela Reyes and Mariana Mejia, the exhibition features works by Alma Digital, Rodrigo
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
* * *
GameChangers: Explore the Connection Between Art, Soccer and Development at the IDB ArtLAC Gallery
Presented in the context of the 2026 World Cup and the IDB Group's The Development World Cup series of initiatives, GameChangers: The Field's Pulse Meets the Gallery brings art and sport into dialogue through soccer as a cultural force and a driver of development across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Curated by Manuela Reyes and Mariana Mejia, the exhibition features works by Alma Digital, RodrigoImaz, Felipe Jacome, Mandy Barker, Lao Gabrielli, Ronald Pizzoferrato, among others. It explores the relationship between art and sport through emotion, perception, and memory, positioning the fan as an active presence, someone who feels, interprets, and gives meaning to the game both on and off the field.
As Reyes explains, "More than an exhibition, GameChangers unfolds as a platform for exploring sport as a driver for social transformation and development across Latin America and the Caribbean. The exhibition highlights how sport is embedded in everyday life, and how both creative and athletic gestures can transform perceptions, open new imaginaries, and strengthen a sense of belonging."
Through interactive installations, a collective archive of fan memorabilia, interventions, oral histories, and participatory activations, GameChangers transforms the IDB ArtLAC Gallery into a space for encounter where individual experiences become shared memories.
GameChangers is an invitation to feel, remember, and connect. The exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on what remains long after the match is over: emotions, memories, and collective experiences.
On view through November 13, 2026
Monday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
IDB ArtLAC Gallery
1300 New York Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.
Free admission
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/gamechangers-explore-connection-between-art-soccer-and-development-idb-artlac-gallery
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
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
... Show Full Article
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
... Show Full Article
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
EPA Final Settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer to Comprehensively Resolve Mishandling of Hazardous Waste at Louisiana Facility
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Final Settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer to Comprehensively Resolve Mishandling of Hazardous Waste at Louisiana Facility
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a settlement agreement with Denka Performance Elastomer, LLC that comprehensively resolves its failure to properly manage and handle chloroprene waste at the company's (currently not operational) neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. Among the alleged Resource Conservation
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Final Settlement with Denka Performance Elastomer to Comprehensively Resolve Mishandling of Hazardous Waste at Louisiana Facility
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today a settlement agreement with Denka Performance Elastomer, LLC that comprehensively resolves its failure to properly manage and handle chloroprene waste at the company's (currently not operational) neoprene manufacturing facility in LaPlace, Louisiana. Among the alleged Resource Conservationand Recovery Act (RCRA) violations, Denka improperly operated its facility to allow high chloroprene emissions, treated and stored chloroprene waste without a permit, and failed to dispose of it properly. The excessive and dangerous levels of chloroprene emissions reaching workers within the facility and into the community were the subject of a previous EPA administrative order and Clean Air Act litigation. This settlement resolves the problems and ensures that if the facility returns to operation, it complies with the law.
"Denka's mishandling of hazardous chloroprene waste and its many violations of the law exposed workers and the surrounding community to excessive chloroprene and potentially serious health risks," said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "Although this facility has suspended operations for business reasons separate from these enforcement actions, this order ensures that if the facility resumes operation, it will be in compliance with the law. The substantial penalty and comprehensive controls required demonstrate that this EPA will hold polluters accountable and solve environmental problems while respecting the rule of law. We need not stretch the bounds of the law to protect American workers and communities."
"EPA's hazardous waste regulations are clear - companies are responsible for protecting workers, communities, and the environment from exposure to harmful materials they handle and produce," said EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason. "EPA protected the LaPlace community and held Denka accountable for reducing harmful chloroprene emissions by following the law and bringing its waste handling practices into compliance."
This action follows a December 20, 2022, settlement agreement with EPA, under which Denka agreed to come into RCRA compliance regarding the treatment, storage, and disposal of "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste," a chloroprene waste generated from the manufacture of neoprene at the La Place facility. Chloroprene, classified by EPA as a likely carcinogen, is used as an ingredient to create products such as wetsuits, gaskets, hoses, and adhesives. The "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste" contributed to emissions of chloroprene during operations that involved the transfer of the waste into an outside, open-air brine pit. Under the December 2022 settlement, to come into compliance with RCRA, Denka modified its waste management practices and was prohibited from placing "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste" into an open brine pit. These actions resulted in a reduction of 1 ton of chloroprene emissions per year at the facility.
EPA also previously sued Denka under Section 303, the "Emergency Powers" provision, of the Clean Air Act in February 2023. The Trump Administration dismissed that lawsuit because it relied on an expansive and improper legal theory. Now, this settlement demonstrates that EPA is solving the environmental problem by holding Denka accountable for clear violations of the law.
EPA conducted onsite inspections in April and May of 2022, and again in May 2023, where EPA observed Denka's waste management practices at the facility. The EPA inspection in May 2023 verified compliance with the December 2022 settlement. The Agency also conducted waste sampling on the "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste" that confirmed the waste to be an ignitable hazardous waste. Other violations identified during these inspections are resolved by EPA's current settlement agreement with Denka. EPA's inspections were conducted in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
The terms of the current settlement require Denka to certify the clean-out and removal of residual liquid and solid waste in the outside brine pit and its ancillary equipment. The facility is also required to comply with RCRA disposal requirements for the liquid and solid waste generated during waste removal. The agreement includes a requirement that Denka pay a civil penalty of $996,703.
In May 2025, Denka announced a suspension of operations. Currently, no chloroprene inventory is onsite. Should Denka resume operations at any time, the settlement requires the company establish and maintain an inventory of all solid waste streams for proper hazardous waste determinations and update any changes to its permit regarding newly identified waste codes and associated units. Denka will also be required to:
* Upgrade the waste handling areas and equipment;
* Certify tank integrity;
* Store and treat chloroprene-related waste in compliant containers;
* Control container waste emissions;
* Ensure worker training and the use of personal protective equipment; and
* Transport and dispose of chloroprene-related waste in accordance with hazardous waste program requirements.
The December 20, 2022 consent agreement and the current consent agreement will terminate following Denka's certification of compliance, subject to EPA approval.
The Denka Consent Agreement and Final Order is available on EPA's Denka Performance Elastomer, LLC LaPlace, LA, RCRA Settlement Summary webpage.
For more information, visit EPA's Resource and Conservation Recovery Act Compliance Monitoring webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-final-settlement-denka-performance-elastomer-comprehensively-resolve-mishandling
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
... Show Full Article
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
