Featured Stories
USCIRF Calls for President Donald J. Trump to Raise FoRB Prisoners With President Xi
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release on Sept. 14, 2026:
* * *
USCIRF Calls for President Donald J. Trump to Raise FoRB Prisoners with President Xi
Washington, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) encourages President Donald J. Trump to continue his efforts for the release of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) prisoners--as well as for the cessation of religious persecution by the Chinese government--during the planned summit with President Xi Jinping on September 24, 2026.
"President
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release on Sept. 14, 2026:
* * *
USCIRF Calls for President Donald J. Trump to Raise FoRB Prisoners with President Xi
Washington, DC - The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) encourages President Donald J. Trump to continue his efforts for the release of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) prisoners--as well as for the cessation of religious persecution by the Chinese government--during the planned summit with President Xi Jinping on September 24, 2026.
"PresidentTrump boldly demonstrated to President Xi during their meeting in Beijing earlier this year that the United States stands for religious freedom by calling for the release of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) prisoners," said Chair Asif Mahmood. "Speaking up again sends a clear and consistent signal that religious freedom for all is a priority for the United States and that it expects the CCP to respect its population rather than persecute millions for practicing their faith."
Following a direct appeal by President Trump to his Chinese counterpart during the U.S.-China Summit in Beijing in May, Chinese authorities freed Pastor Ezra Jin of the Zion Church in July and permitted him to relocate to the United States and reunite with his family. However, eight Zion Church leaders, who CCP authorities arrested alongside Pastor Ezra Jin, remain detained. These pastors include Wang Lin, Yin Huibin, Wang Cong, Lin Shucheng, Liu Zhenbin, Gao Yingjia, Elder Wang Zhong, and Wu Qiuyu. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a crackdown on Christian house churches in 2025, during which police arrested Pastor Jin along with dozens of others.
"In releasing Pastor Jin, President Xi showed that he has the power to release FoRB prisoners if he so desires--and indeed he has an obligation to do so under international law," said Vice Chair CeCe Heil. "USCIRF again asks President Trump to seize the opportunity during his upcoming summit with President Xi to call for the release of Gulshan Abbas, Ekpar Asat, Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, Jimmy Lai, the Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family. USCIRF also asks President Trump to urge the Chinese government to provide a passport to U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident, Pastor John Cao and allow him to reunite with his family and seek urgent medical treatment in the United States."
USCIRF recommended in its 2026 Annual Report that the U.S. Department of State redesignate China as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom. USCIRF raised China's abysmal religious freedom conditions during its "FoRB Violations Against Christians Abroad" hearing in January and in its "China's Codification and Escalation of the 'Sinicization of Religion'" publication in May.
* * *
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at media@USCIRF.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-calls-president-donald-j-trump-raise-forb-prisoners-president
SBA Announces Suspensions for 870,000 U.S. Borrowers Tied to $39 Billion In Suspected Pandemic Fraud
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on Sept. 14, 2026:
* * *
SBA Announces Suspensions for 870,000 U.S. Borrowers Tied to $39 Billion In Suspected Pandemic Fraud
Largest SBA action extends nationwide crackdown to recover funds and hold fraudsters accountable
WASHINGTON -- Today, during a major fraud announcement in Kansas City, Missouri, alongside Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced that the U.S. Small
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release on Sept. 14, 2026:
* * *
SBA Announces Suspensions for 870,000 U.S. Borrowers Tied to $39 Billion In Suspected Pandemic Fraud
Largest SBA action extends nationwide crackdown to recover funds and hold fraudsters accountable
WASHINGTON -- Today, during a major fraud announcement in Kansas City, Missouri, alongside Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced that the U.S. SmallBusiness Administration (SBA) suspended 870,000 U.S. borrowers connected to an estimated $39 billion in suspected fraudulent pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) activity. The nationwide action marks the culmination of the SBA's state-by-state pandemic-fraud crackdown as a member of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. It is the agency's largest suspension announcement to date, representing action against borrowers in 45 new states, six territories, and the District of Columbia.
The SBA previously announced suspensions of more than 150,000 borrowers tied to approximately $10 billion in suspected PPP and COVID EIDL fraud across five states: California, Ohio, Minnesota, Maine, and Wisconsin. Suspended borrowers are prohibited from receiving future SBA small-business and disaster loans and are ineligible for other SBA programs, including federal contracting through the 8(a) Business Development Program.
"Today's announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we're putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we're also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve."
During today's announcement, top officials from the U.S. Department of Justice also announced a slate of enforcement actions against alleged PPP and COVID EIDL fraudsters, including numerous indictments secured as part of Operation Heartland Surge.
"Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns--not line the pockets of fraudsters," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications-- but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
"This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose," said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. "Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day--standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners--to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive."
"Fraudsters took advantage of this country's generosity when we were most vulnerable. It is disgraceful. Although the previous administration looked the other way, President Trump and Vice President Vance won't. Fraudsters take note: We're coming after you," said Scott Brady, Executive Director of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
In a separate enforcement action, the SBA and its Office of the Inspector General, led by William Kirk, also announced that it is launching "Operation No Doze." Under the operation, the SBA will send final 30-day demand letters to suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL borrowers, starting with approximately 8,000 in Kansas and Missouri. The letters will demand repayment of debt associated with the flagged loans and notify recipients of the consequences of failing to resolve their obligations within the required timeframe. The SBA previously referred more than 560,000 suspected fraudulent pandemic-era borrowers tied to $22 billion in loans to Treasury for collection.
"Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA's pandemic relief programs," said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. "By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability."
Borrowers who fail to remit full payment within the 30-day period may face further legal and financial consequences, including:
* Enforcement under the Administrative False Claims Act, which may subject fraudulent borrowers to liability of up to double the government's damages, plus administrative penalties.
* Referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for further legal action, as appropriate.
* Transfer of delinquent debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service Cross Servicing Program for collection. Such transfers may result in added interest and collection fees of up to 28 percent.
* Offset through the Treasury Offset Program against certain federal payments, including tax refunds, contractor and vendor payments, federal salaries, and Social Security and other benefit payments.
Today's nationwide suspensions and the launch of "Operation No Doze" represent the latest phase of the SBA's comprehensive effort to identify pandemic-era fraud, recover improperly obtained taxpayer funds, and protect SBA programs for legitimate American small businesses.
The state-by-state breakdown of SBA suspensions is listed in the chart below:
State or Territory ... # of Borrowers ... Approval Amount (PPP and COVID EIDL)
AE ... 1 ... 20,000
AK ... 1,124 ... 76,033,426
AL ... 18,075 ... 601,154,084
AR ... 7,645 ... 261,138,742
AS ... 54 ... 5,523,362
AZ ... 17,450 ... 703,554,520
CO ... 10,138 ... 558,956,242
CT ... 6,803 ... 371,441,675
DC ... 3,007 ... 213,823,950
DE ... 3,462 ... 141,383,439
FL ... 118,167 ... 5,319,530,419
GA ... 85,975 ... 2,710,041,490
GU ... 167 ... 19,209,936
HI ... 2,422 ... 190,518,327
IA ... 4,942 ... 258,030,316
ID ... 2,832 ... 133,496,050
IL ... 96,128 ... 2,909,962,346
IN ... 15,114 ... 539,119,923
KS ... 4,631 ... 250,239,138
KY ... 5,788 ... 277,587,916
LA ... 26,739 ... 895,043,284
MA ... 13,896 ... 772,230,623
MD ... 17,591 ... 850,869,098
MI ... 30,923 ... 1,235,825,824
MO ... 12,425 ... 540,957,410
MP ... 44 ... 3,483,899
MS ... 14,310 ... 471,880,351
MT ... 1,379 ... 85,661,663
NC ... 22,439 ... 929,341,675
ND ... 1,201 ... 74,953,824
NE ... 2,789 ... 167,723,735
NH ... 2,015 ... 92,706,877
NJ ... 24,609 ... 1,702,656,648
NM ... 2,383 ... 151,969,959
NV ... 14,387 ... 606,438,644
NY ... 75,451 ... 4,971,935,141
OK ... 8,112 ... 382,313,769
OR ... 5,831 ... 297,086,228
PA ... 24,492 ... 1,190,494,358
PR ... 3,015 ... 222,123,839
RI ... 2,658 ... 111,626,070
SC ... 13,052 ... 466,236,010
SD ... 1,452 ... 105,788,071
TN ... 19,373 ... 759,527,301
TX ... 88,831 ... 4,254,915,121
UT ... 3,685 ... 312,917,744
VA ... 15,485 ... 817,480,521
VI ... 249 ... 15,589,341
VT ... 977 ... 40,355,923
WA ... 13,393 ... 645,275,413
WV ... 2,151 ... 117,919,918
WY ... 1,366 ... 92,265,052
* * *
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/09/14/sba-announces-suspensions-870000-us-borrowers-tied-39-billion-suspected-pandemic-fraud
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics: Study Reveals Common Pattern of Black Hole Activity Shaping Nearby Galaxies
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Sept. 15 (TNSjou) -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
* * *
New study reveals common pattern of black hole activity shaping nearby galaxies
Observations of nine nearby galaxies show how active supermassive black holes influence star formation and shock waves across their host galaxies.
Cambridge, MA (September 14, 2026) --A new study of nine nearby galaxies has shown that actively growing supermassive black holes may contribute to star formation, instead preventing star formation, in their host galaxies.
The research,
... Show Full Article
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Sept. 15 (TNSjou) -- The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics issued the following news release:
* * *
New study reveals common pattern of black hole activity shaping nearby galaxies
Observations of nine nearby galaxies show how active supermassive black holes influence star formation and shock waves across their host galaxies.
Cambridge, MA (September 14, 2026) --A new study of nine nearby galaxies has shown that actively growing supermassive black holes may contribute to star formation, instead preventing star formation, in their host galaxies.
The research,based on observations from the VLT/MUSE instrument, shows that active galactic nuclei (AGN), or bright regions powered by material falling into a supermassive black hole, are associated with star-forming rings or arcs, cone-shaped regions of energized gas, and fast "shocks," which occur when energy outflows interact with surrounding gas.
The findings, published today in The Astrophysical Journal (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ae9956), give a new perspective on how AGN feedback could influence the growth and evolution of galaxies.
"Once we resolved them, we could see that they not only accrete things, but they also eject things," said Peixin Zhu, graduate student and astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics. "The injection and accretion are linked with each other."
The study focused on galaxies whose central black holes are actively accreting, or pulling in, nearby material.
"We're seeing that black holes are not just consuming material at the centers of galaxies, but they're actively reshaping their surroundings," said Lisa Kewley, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, director of the Center, and Zhu's advisor. "This work helps us understand a complex feedback cycle that plays an important role in galaxy evolution."
The team used a new three-dimensional diagnostic technique to distinguish among three sources: star formation, radiation from the active black hole and excitation by shocks. Shock excitation occurs when high-speed outflows from the central black hole collide with the interstellar medium.
Across the sample, the researchers found that star-forming rings or arcs appeared at distances of about 0.8 to 6 kiloparsecs from the galactic center. Ionized cones of black-hole radiation extended outward from the galaxies' discs, while central regions dominated by fast shocks often extended perpendicular to those bicones.
The researchers also found evidence for shocks in directions perpendicular to the AGN bicones. Zhu notes that these shocks are broadly consistent with interactions between AGN jets and the interstellar medium, although winds from the active black hole may also contribute, particularly in galaxies with lower-power jets.
"The most interesting phenomena about shocks is that they always go perpendicular to where the black hole's injected outflows go," Peixin said. "It is very common, and we see it consistently appearing across the whole nine galaxies."
The study's results combined high-resolution observations and detailed theoretical models. The MUSE instrument provided spatially-resolved optical data, while the state-of-the-art theoretical models built by Zhu and her colleagues, astrophysicists Lisa Kewley of the Center for Astrophysics and Ralph Sutherland of the Australian National University, allowed them to compare observations with predictions for black hole activity, star formation and shocks. Chandra X-ray observations also independently supported the researchers' interpretation.
The results demonstrate that actively growing black holes have a complex cycle of accretion, outflow and interaction with their surrounding galaxies. By separating the effects of black hole radiation, star formation and shocks, the study provides a clearer view of that cycle and its relationship to star formation.
* * *
About the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
The Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian is a collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory designed to ask, and ultimately answer, humanity's greatest unresolved questions about the universe.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/new-study-reveals-common-pattern-black-hole-activity-shaping-nearby-galaxies
F-117 Nighthawk Joins the National Air and Space Museum Collection
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
* * *
F-117 Nighthawk Joins the National Air and Space Museum Collection
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is welcoming a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, the world's first true operational stealth combat aircraft, into the national collection. This remarkable aircraft will be transferred to the museum by the U.S. Air Force. It was prepared for its public display by the team at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 512th Airlift Wing will transport the F-117
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
* * *
F-117 Nighthawk Joins the National Air and Space Museum Collection
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is welcoming a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, the world's first true operational stealth combat aircraft, into the national collection. This remarkable aircraft will be transferred to the museum by the U.S. Air Force. It was prepared for its public display by the team at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 512th Airlift Wing will transport the F-117from the Skunk Works' facility to Dulles International Airport in Virginia aboard a C-5 Galaxy cargo plane. The Nighthawk will be displayed at the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, in late October. This donation was announced today at the Air & Space Forces Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.
The F-117's stealth gave it unique capabilities to penetrate undetected into enemy territory and launch attacks taking out key strategic targets or disabling anti-aircraft capabilities, clearing the way for other aircraft to more safely carry out their missions. Its pioneering design demonstrated the operational value of low-observable technology and helped shape generations of military aircraft that followed.
The F-117A joining the museum's collection is nicknamed "The Overachiever," and it was the only F-117 flown in all four major conflicts in which Nighthawks flew combat operations: Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989), Operation Desert Storm (Iraq, 1991), Operation Allied Force (Yugoslavia, 1999) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Iraq, 2003).
"The revolutionary F-117 gave military commanders options they never had before," said Chris Browne, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum. "The Nighthawk could be the tip of the spear, taking out enemy defenses before they knew what hit them or it could destroy selective strategic targets, helping achieve objectives with unmatched precision. Adding this breakthrough aircraft to the national collection will ensure generations to come know its amazing story."
The aircraft will be partially disassembled for the move and will be reassembled after arrival in the Udvar-Hazy Center's Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar, which can be viewed from a glass overlook. It is expected to go on public display on the center's floor in late October.
The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, timed-entry passes are not required for regular indoor visitation, and parking is $15. The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located on Jefferson Drive between Fourth and Seventh streets S.W. and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required to visit.
* The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is adding a Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk to the national collection.
* The aircraft, nicknamed "The Overachiever," is the only F-117 known to have flown combat missions in all four major conflicts involving the Nighthawk.
* The F-117 was the world's first operational true stealth combat aircraft and helped revolutionize modern aerospace and military technology.
* The aircraft will be displayed at the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center following reassembly in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/f-117-nighthawk-joins-national-air-and-space-museum-collection
EPA Region 3 Goes Behind the Scenes at Reading Terminal Market to Highlight Food Waste Solutions
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Region 3 Goes Behind the Scenes at Reading Terminal Market to Highlight Food Waste Solutions
*
Philadelphia market has diverted more than 1 million pounds of food waste from landfills through sustainability efforts
PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region (EPA) joined Reading Terminal Market Corporation (Reading Terminal Market) leaders and merchants for a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Philadelphia market's food waste diversion operations and sustainability
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Region 3 Goes Behind the Scenes at Reading Terminal Market to Highlight Food Waste Solutions
*
Philadelphia market has diverted more than 1 million pounds of food waste from landfills through sustainability efforts
PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region (EPA) joined Reading Terminal Market Corporation (Reading Terminal Market) leaders and merchants for a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic Philadelphia market's food waste diversion operations and sustainabilityprograms, highlighting local solutions that are keeping food and organic materials out of landfills and putting those resources to better use.
Reading Terminal MarketExit EPA's website is a partner in EPA's Feed It Onward initiative, a national effort that spotlights farmers, businesses, nonprofits, and communities working to reduce wasted food and ensure food resources are put to their highest and best use.
"Through Feed It Onward, we want to highlight successes like Reading Terminal Market and help inspire businesses across the region to put food to good use," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. "More than one million pounds diverted from landfills is an impressive milestone, but what really stands out to me is how the merchants made these practices part of their everyday operations."
During the tour, EPA representatives got an inside look at how Reading Terminal Market manages organic materials generated across one of the nation's oldest and largest public markets. The tour included stops with participating merchants, including Iovine Brothers and Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialties, to see how food waste diversion works at the individual merchant level.
The Market's 2024 organics diversion pilot has already kept more than 1 million pounds of organic waste -roughly 50 loaded Philly trash trucks' worth -out of landfills.
"Reading Terminal Market is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. We are not just one organization championing for change, but more than 80 small, family-owned businesses under one roof who have the potential to make a difference," said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager, Reading Terminal Market Corporation. "This has been a true team effort, internally with staff and merchants and externally with our partners at Mother Compost, Lifecycle Renewables, and Sharing Excess, and we're not done yet. Part of the next chapter of sustainability at Reading Terminal is participation in the EPA's Feed it Onward initiative, and we look forward to exploring even more ways to reduce waste and grow our positive environmental impact."
#Organics Diversion and Food Recovery at the Market
The pilot brings together merchants and outside partners to identify productive uses for material that otherwise might be discarded.
One component of the Market's diversion effort involves separating food scraps and other organic materials for composting rather than disposal. Mother CompostExit EPA's website, a local, woman-owned compost materials pick-up service, supports the commercial food waste diversion pilot program.
"Food is only wasted when we throw it in the trash," said Gwenn Nolan, Founder and CEO of Mother Compost. "Reading Terminal Market has been at the heart of Philadelphia for more than a century, and its commitment to composting shows how a historic institution can also lead the way forward. We're proud to partner with the Market to keep food scraps out of landfills and return their nutrients to our local soils."
The Market is also exploring ways to recover value from organic materials through other beneficial uses, including the conversion of used cooking oil and other materials into renewable products.
"For more than four years, Lifecycle RenewablesExit EPA's website has collected tens of thousands of gallons of used cooking oil from the merchants at Reading Terminal Market," said Rory Gaunt, CEO of Lifecycle Renewables, Inc. " We process that oil into Truburn(r), a renewable heating oil that fuels Philadelphia's district steam system, which heats the buildings where Philadelphians work, live, and play. We are proud to support the Market's diversion work, because it shows that what comes out of a busy kitchen can come right back to heat the city."
Broader sustainability efforts at the Market also prioritize keeping edible food from going to waste. Through its partnership with Sharing ExcessExit EPA's website, surplus food that remains safe and suitable to eat can be recovered and distributed to community organizations rather than discarded.
"Reading Terminal Market is a natural partner for Sharing Excess because we both believe good food should serve people, not landfills," said Braden Walper, Retail Rescue Operations Manager at Sharing Excess. "By making it simple for Market merchants to share their surplus, we're able to quickly move fresh food to Philadelphians who can use it. We're proud to support RTM's one-million-pound food-diversion milestone and the meaningful impact it represents for our city."
#About Reading Terminal Market
One of America's largest and oldest public markets, the Reading Terminal Market serves as a public trust providing a venue for independent local businesses to showcase the Philadelphia region's culinary bounty and cultural diversity. Housed since 1892 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of farm fresh produce, meats, and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, confections, flowers, jewelry, and crafts. The Market is managed by a not-for-profit management company as a tenant of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, which has owned the historic Reading Terminal since 1990. In 2014, the American Planning Association named Reading Terminal Market as one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in America, and in 2021, 2022, and 2026 the Market was voted Best Public Market by USA Today's 10Best.
Learn more about Reading Terminal Market's sustainability efforts Exit EPA's website.
#About Feed It Onward
EPA's Feed It Onward initiative is a voluntary program that partners with farms, restaurants, grocery stores, food brands, and military bases donating food within their communities.
EPA has 12 Feed It Onward partners in Region 3:
* 412 Food RescueExit EPA's website (Pittsburgh/Southwest Pa.)
* Agri-CycleExit EPA's website (Mid-Atlantic Region)
* Association of Gleaning OrganizationsExit EPA's website (Mid-Atlantic Region)
* Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Sustainability DivisionExit EPA's website (Philadelphia, Pa.)
* Dog TagExit EPA's website (District of Columbia)
* EZ CompostingExit EPA's website (Greater Philadelphia)
* Food Connect GroupExit EPA's website (Greater Philadelphia)
* Food Donation ConnectionExit EPA's website (Mid-Atlantic Region)
* GreasezillaExit EPA's website (West Virginia)
* High Street Hospitality GroupExit EPA's website (Philadelphia, Pa.)
* Reading Terminal MarketExit EPA's website (Philadelphia, Pa.)
* Rolling Harvest Food RescueExit EPA's website (Greater Philadelphia)
Feed It Onward is part of the nation's Freedom 250 celebration and highlights practical ways to keep food out of the waste stream, including donation, animal feed, composting and other uses.
Learn more about EPA's Feed It Onward initiative.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-region-3-goes-behind-scenes-reading-terminal-market-highlight-food-waste-solutions
EPA Invests in Innovative Wetland Projects Throughout the Pacific Southwest
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Invests in Innovative Wetland Projects Throughout the Pacific Southwest
*
SAN FRANCISCO - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing $3.46 million in wetland grant funding to nine communities across the Pacific Southwest region. These investments in states, Tribes and Pacific Island territories support EPA's goals of protecting and improving water quality, providing habitat for fish and other wildlife, maintaining surface water flow during dry periods, storing floodwaters,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Invests in Innovative Wetland Projects Throughout the Pacific Southwest
*
SAN FRANCISCO - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing $3.46 million in wetland grant funding to nine communities across the Pacific Southwest region. These investments in states, Tribes and Pacific Island territories support EPA's goals of protecting and improving water quality, providing habitat for fish and other wildlife, maintaining surface water flow during dry periods, storing floodwaters,and protecting against storm surges.
"Maintaining the quantity and quality of our nation's wetlands is essential for long-term resilience," said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Martucci. "These investments give Tribes, states, and territories the tools and technical capacity to protect the wetlands their communities depend on for clean water, wildlife habitat, and flood protection."
The grants are:
* $454,832 to the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians to inventory wetlands and other aquatic resources on Tribal trust lands, create a unique planting guide for culturally significant vegetation, and complete a small-scale wetland restoration demonstration project.
* $500,000 to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to develop a Wetland Program Plan for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota that will protect vital wetland ecosystems from pollution and improve aquatic resource restoration activities.
* $210,585 to the Hualapai Tribal Council to update a Wetland Program Plan that includes water quality monitoring and analysis, reduction of polluted runoff, wetlands identification and protection, and Tribal outreach and education.
* $467,075 to the State of Hawaii to expand community stewardship at restored wetland sites, increase coordination among agencies, landowners, and organizations working on wetland restoration, and reduce regulatory barriers for wetland restoration practitioners.
* $397,461 to the State of Nevada to improve Nevada's springs inventory and develop a guide for Nevada wetland types and a guide to common wetland plants.
* $127,894 to the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe to restore a wetland meadow next to Summit Lake using experimental restoration techniques that mimic a naturally occurring beaver dam.
* $399,965 to the Tolowa Dee-Ni Nation to plan watershed and aquatic resource restoration and to develop assessment methods using Indigenous and Traditional ecological knowledge.
* $406,972 to the White Mountain Apache Tribe to update wetland ecosystem mapping databases, conduct wildlife surveys, and conduct outreach and education to partner organizations and community representatives.
* $499,727 to the Yurok Tribe to protect and restore the Klamath River headwater wetlands.
The selected projects build capacity for states, Tribes, Territories to develop or refine their own wetland protection and management programs. These programs support community resilience through wetland monitoring and mapping information, gold-standard science-based assessment tools, and the development of long-standing wetland conservation and protection strategies.
Background
EPA's Wetland Program Development Grants help state, tribal, and local government agencies to build programs for protecting, managing and restoring wetlands. Recipients build their capacity to increase the quantity and quality of U.S. wetlands.
Learn more about Wetland Program Development Grants.
Learn about EPAs Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on FacebookExit EPA's website, InstagramExit EPA's website, and XExit EPA's website.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-invests-innovative-wetland-projects-throughout-pacific-southwest
EPA Hosts Global G20 Forum on Regulatory Efficiency in Houston
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Hosts Global G20 Forum on Regulatory Efficiency in Houston
*
HOUSTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted the G20 Regulatory Efficiency Symposium at the Royal Sonesta in Houston, Texas, bringing together G20 ministers, multinational business leaders and senior EPA officials to share practical approaches to faster, more predictable permitting. Held ahead of the G20 Energy Abundance Working Group Ministerial meetings, the Symposium advanced President Trump's vision for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
* * *
EPA Hosts Global G20 Forum on Regulatory Efficiency in Houston
*
HOUSTON -Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted the G20 Regulatory Efficiency Symposium at the Royal Sonesta in Houston, Texas, bringing together G20 ministers, multinational business leaders and senior EPA officials to share practical approaches to faster, more predictable permitting. Held ahead of the G20 Energy Abundance Working Group Ministerial meetings, the Symposium advanced President Trump's vision forpragmatic regulation that delivers results, providing businesses the certainty they need to invest and build, unlocking energy abundance and strengthening global resilience.
"Under President Trump's leadership, the United States is proving that we can protect human health and the environment while growing our economy and getting important projects built," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Clear, timely, and predictable permitting gives businesses the confidence to invest, creates opportunities for American workers, and helps turn good ideas into real projects."
Members of EPA senior leadership, Administrator Zeldin, Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Usha Turner, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Strategy Pouya Lavian, led three panels: Creating the Conditions for Investment; Government Perspectives on Modern Permitting; and the Future of Permitting. Business participants included Drew Marsh, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Entergy; Mark Nelson, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of Oil, Products & Gas at Chevron; Chase Lochmiller, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crusoe; and Susan Uthayakumar, Chief Energy and Sustainability Officer at Prologis. The panelists from G20 countries included ministers and representatives from Japan, Poland, the European Union, Canada, Indonesia, and Italy.
"Countries approach permitting differently, but we can learn from one another about what works," said Assistant Administrator Turner. "Bringing governments and industry together allows us to share practical solutions and strengthen regulatory systems that are effective, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the future.
The conversations examined how regulatory systems affect investment decisions and project delivery, how governments are modernizing permitting today, and what to expect from the future of permitting - including government responses to emerging technology and future infrastructure and energy needs.
"Technology is changing what we can build and how quickly we can build it, and our regulatory systems need to keep pace," said Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Strategy Lavian. "By looking ahead now, we can create the conditions for the next generation of investment, innovation, and infrastructure."
The event showcased U.S. leadership and strengthened international collaboration around regulatory approaches that deliver environmental results while supporting investment, innovation, and economic growth.
***
Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-hosts-global-g20-forum-regulatory-efficiency-houston
