Featured Stories
Smithsonian's "Power of Giving" Symposium Reflects on 250 Years of American Philanthropy
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian's "Power of Giving" Symposium Reflects on 250 Years of American Philanthropy
A'Lelia Bundles, Great-Great-Granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, Among Featured Speakers
September 23, 2026
The National Museum of American History's "Power of Giving" symposium Wednesday, Sept. 23, will convene historians, thought leaders in philanthropy and Smithsonian curators for a series of conversations reflecting on 250 years of American philanthropy with an eye to the future. A highlight event of the museum's
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian's "Power of Giving" Symposium Reflects on 250 Years of American Philanthropy
A'Lelia Bundles, Great-Great-Granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, Among Featured Speakers
September 23, 2026
The National Museum of American History's "Power of Giving" symposium Wednesday, Sept. 23, will convene historians, thought leaders in philanthropy and Smithsonian curators for a series of conversations reflecting on 250 years of American philanthropy with an eye to the future. A highlight event of the museum'scelebration of America's 250th, this program explores how Americans have come together to effect change by strengthening communities, supporting cultural institutions, fostering civic engagement and driving social impact.
The free afternoon symposium is scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET in the museum's Warner Bros. Theater and via livestream. Registration is required.
"As we mark 250 years of United States' history, 'The Power of Giving' invites us to reflect on one of our nation's most enduring traditions: the belief that ordinary people can join together to improve their communities and expand opportunity for others," said Anthea M. Hartig, the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the National Museum of American History. "Philanthropy has helped Americans build schools, libraries, museums, civic organizations and movements for social change. This symposium explores the many ways generosity has shaped our past and considers how it can help strengthen our democratic and civic life for generations to come."
The Symposium's Four Panel Discussions
Women, Philanthropy & American Social Reform
Following remarks by Hartig, the museum's first woman director, the symposium opens with the panel discussion. Amanda B. Moniz, the museum's David M. Rubenstein Curator of Philanthropy, will moderate a conversation with Louise W. Knight, author and biographer, Northwestern University, and Shannen Dee Williams, associate professor of history, University of Dayton. Through stories of Isabella Graham's charitable activities, Sarah and Angelina Grimke's abolitionist advocacy, Jane Addams' work at Hull House and the institution-building leadership of Black Catholic sisters, the panel will explore how women advanced social reform by mobilizing resources, expertise, advocacy and leadership.
Stewarding the Philanthropic Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker & A'Lelia Walker
The second panel discussion will feature Nicholas A. Tedesco, president and CEO of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, in conversation with A'Lelia Bundles, Madam C.J. Walker's great-great-granddaughter and a journalist, biographer and founder of the Madam Walker Family Archives. Through complementary forms of giving from the early 20th century through the Harlem Renaissance, Madam C.J. Walker and her daughter A'Lelia Walker collectively advanced education and civil rights while fostering artistic and intellectual communities through philanthropy, activism and civic leadership. Bundles will discuss stewarding their legacy and the enduring power of generosity to inspire new generations of changemakers.
Sustaining What Defines Us: American Culture & Philanthropy
The third panel discussion will feature Hartig in conversation with two of the country's foremost cultural philanthropists: David M. Rubenstein, Smithsonian Regent Emeritus and co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, and Oscar L. Tang, private investor. Throughout the nation's shared history, philanthropic support has helped preserve its cultural heritage, expand public access to the arts and strengthen institutions that foster learning and civic identity. This conversation examines the vital role donors and cultural leaders play in safeguarding museums, archives, public history and artistic expression. Panelists will consider how philanthropy helps connect Americans to a shared past while creating opportunities for future generations.
Philanthropy & the American Civic Future
The last panel of the afternoon will feature James M. Ferris, director of the USC Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy, who will lead a discussion with philanthropy strategist Cecila A. Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change, and activist philanthropist Melanie Lundquist, co-founder and board vice chair, Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, and a board member of the News Literacy Project. Looking to the nation's next 250 years, philanthropy's civic role is most clearly seen in American communities through private action for the public good--where there is a generosity of spirit expressed through donations of money, time and talent for stronger, more connected and resilient communities. This conversation with active practitioners will consider how philanthropy can most effectively help shape the country's civic future.
During a break, symposium attendees can explore two related museum exhibitions: the "Giving in America" display, featuring selected letters from the Giving Pledge, a commitment by some of the world's wealthiest individuals and families to give the majority of their wealth to charitable causes, and "In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness," an immersive museum-wide exhibition featuring 250 objects that explore how Americans have come together to create change. Highlights include Thomas Jefferson's portable desk (1776), used to write the Declaration of Independence, and the Star-Spangled Banner (1813).
"The Power of Giving" is made possible by David M. Rubenstein, whose foundational support with the Gates Foundation launched the Philanthropy Initiative in 2015.
Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online and the virtual museum continues to expand its offerings, including online exhibitions, PK-12 educational materials and programs. The public can follow the museum on social media on Instagram and Facebook. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonians-power-giving-symposium-reflects-250-years-american-philanthropy
NASA Selects Far-Infrared Telescope as First in New Mission Class
PASADENA, California, Sept. 24 -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Selects Far-Infrared Telescope as First in New Mission Class
Sept. 23, 2026
By studying radiant energy that only emerges in the far-infrared, PRIMA will address a wide range of questions about the universe.
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NASA announced Wednesday a mission to explore the history and evolution of the universe, PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), is advancing to the next phase of development. This space telescope is the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions, called Probe Explorers,
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PASADENA, California, Sept. 24 -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA Selects Far-Infrared Telescope as First in New Mission Class
Sept. 23, 2026
By studying radiant energy that only emerges in the far-infrared, PRIMA will address a wide range of questions about the universe.
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NASA announced Wednesday a mission to explore the history and evolution of the universe, PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), is advancing to the next phase of development. This space telescope is the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions, called Probe Explorers,within the agency's longstanding Explorers Program.
"The PRIMA mission is humanity's next window into the deep universe. It will unveil the obscure across cosmic time to better understand the formation of planets, stars, black holes, and even how water on Earth came to be," said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington.
NASA selected PRIMA to move into Phase B, the stage of development that advances the preliminary design and technology development for the mission. The mission is subject to a confirmation review, based on technical, programmatic, and cost performance, to determine its readiness to begin implementation in Phase C. If confirmed, PRIMA's project cost is capped at $1.2 billion, not including launch and other non-project costs. The observatory will be targeted to launch in 2033, for a planned five-year mission.
With a 5.9-foot telescope, PRIMA will conduct deep, sensitive surveys of the universe in far-infrared light, helping bridge the gap between existing infrared observatories, such as NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, and radio telescopes. By studying radiant energy that only emerges in the far-infrared, PRIMA will address a wide range of questions about the universe. This includes the origins of planets outside our solar system, how galaxies and their black holes have grown and evolved over cosmic history, and how dust and heavy elements have built up in the universe over time -- all helping paint a better picture of why the universe looks the way it does today.
"A single mission alone can't probe all the universe's mysteries. But by extending the survey capabilities of our fleet into far-infrared wavelengths with PRIMA, we're enabling an incredibly comprehensive look at the cosmos," said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director, Astrophysics Division, NASA Headquarters. "With our Webb and Roman space telescopes, we set a cadence of launching premiere-class missions in both halves of the decade. We're going to keep that up and kick off the next decade with PRIMA, as part of a pipeline that will consistently have missions of this caliber ready to go."
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Original text here: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-selects-far-infrared-telescope-as-first-in-new-mission-class/
Archives of American Art Honors Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation at Annual Gala
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Archives of American Art Honors Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation at Annual Gala
September 23, 2026
The Smithsonian's Archives of American Art celebrated its distinguished 2026 gala honorees in New York City Thursday, Sept. 17, bringing together nearly 200 leaders from the visual art, cultural, business and philanthropic communities for its premier fundraising event.
This year, artist Martin Puryear received the Archives of American Art Medal; Ann Temkin, the Marie-Josee
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Archives of American Art Honors Martin Puryear, Ann Temkin and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation at Annual Gala
September 23, 2026
The Smithsonian's Archives of American Art celebrated its distinguished 2026 gala honorees in New York City Thursday, Sept. 17, bringing together nearly 200 leaders from the visual art, cultural, business and philanthropic communities for its premier fundraising event.
This year, artist Martin Puryear received the Archives of American Art Medal; Ann Temkin, the Marie-Joseeand Henry Kravis Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), received the Lawrence A. Fleischman Award for Scholarly Excellence in the Field of American Art History; and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation received the Archives of American Art Award for Philanthropic Leadership.
To help kick off the evening, author and Jeopardy! All Star Austin Tyler Rogers led a boisterous round of art history trivia with questions featuring items from the Archives' collection, from photographs of Jackson Pollock and Jean-Michel Basquiat to a letter from Frida Kahlo.
Throughout the evening, honorees shared how and why this recognition was so meaningful to them. In her remarks, Ann Temkin shared with guests that "It's a great joy to receive this award from an organization so integral to the work I do."
Board chair Alexandra May reminded the audience of the Archives of American Art's profound commitment to the artistic legacies of this country. Director Anne Helmreich, describing the Archives as America's storyteller for the arts, stressed the significance of saving these stories for future generations.
Images from the evening are available at 2026 Smithsonian Archives of American Art Annual Gala.
Presenters and Guests
Distinguished curator and scholar Ruth Fine and past recipient of the Lawrence A. Fleischman Award for Scholarly Excellence in the Field of American Art History presented the award to Puryear; businesswoman and collector Pamela J. Joyner presented the award to Temkin; and Lisa Phillips, director emeritus at the New Museum, presented the award to the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation.
Artists and designers in attendance included Eric Aho, Donna Dennis, Rahim Fortune, Chaz Guest, Bill Harper, Judy Pfaff, Clifford Ross, among others. Also in attendance were Richard Armstrong, Barbara Castelli, Christoph Cerix, Paula Cooper, Bridget Finn, Jo Carole Lauder, Lise Motherwell, Anne Philbin, Eden Rafshoon, Brooke Kamin Rapaport, Carla Shen, among many others.
Recipient of the Archives of American Art Medal
Puryear is an American sculptor renowned for his elegant, handcrafted works that combine traditional woodworking techniques with modern abstract forms. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultural, architectural and craft traditions, Puryear creates sculptures that emphasize material, form and meticulous craftsmanship. Over six decades, his work has been exhibited internationally and is held in the collections of major museums around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential contemporary sculptors of his generation.
Puryear was born in 1941 in Washington, D.C., and studied at the Catholic University of America, the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts and Yale University. He was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1982, a MacArthur Foundation Award in 1989 and the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2011. In 2019, Puryear represented the United States at the 58th Venice Biennale.
Puryear's current traveling exhibition, "Martin Puryear: Nexus," will open at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta Friday, Sept. 25.
Recipient of the Lawrence A. Fleischman Award for Scholarly Excellence in the Field of American Art History
Temkin is the Marie-Josee and Henry Kravis Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Her distinguished history of exhibitions and scholarship encompasses retrospectives of artists, including Marcel Duchamp, Robert Gober, Donald Judd, Alice Neel and Barnett Newman. Under her leadership, MoMA's holdings of paintings and sculpture have dramatically broadened in scope and viewpoint. Temkin also has focused on the transformation of the museum's collection galleries from a siloed and authoritative narrative into an interdisciplinary and continually renewing presentation, designed as ongoing conversations providing a multiplicity of histories and perspectives. Temkin is co-editor of Inventing the Modern: Untold Stories of the Women Who Shaped The Museum of Modern Art (2024), a revelatory account of the museum's early years. Before joining MoMA in 2003, Temkin was the Muriel and Philip Berman Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a doctorate in the history of art from Yale University.
Recipient of the Archives of American Art Award for Philanthropic Leadership
Established and endowed by Helen Frankenthaler during her lifetime, the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in, and understanding of, the visual arts through a range of philanthropic, educational, curatorial and research initiatives. Since becoming active in 2013, the foundation's philanthropic practice has awarded more than $65 million in grants to museums, universities and arts organizations, from multiyear initiatives to rapid-response support in moments of crisis.
The foundation supports exhibitions and publications broadly focused on modern and contemporary art; sustains fellowships and educational programs in art history, studio practice and curatorial training; and collaborates with peer funders and national arts organizations on initiatives that strengthen the field. Alongside this work, the foundation has expanded its program of gifts and loans of Frankenthaler's work to cultural institutions worldwide. As the primary resource on the artist, it stewards an extensive collection of her artwork and archives while making these resources available to scholars, students, artists and the greater public.
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About the Gala
The Archives of American Art's annual gala, launched in 1984, recognizes those who exemplify, at the highest level, lasting contributions to the field of American art. Past honorees include Alex Katz, Adam D. Weinberg, Senga Nengudi, Richard Tuttle, Ann Philbin, Chuck Close, the Ford Foundation, Agnes Gund, the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, Glenn Ligon, Richard J Powell, Lowery Stokes Sims and Alice L. Walton.
Amanda Quinn Olivar and Migs Wright serve as co-chairs of the gala committee, which also includes fellow members of the Archives of American Art's advisory board Hannah Byers, Yng-Ru Chen, Torrey Cope, Diane A. Fogg and George Frederick Mead Merck.
Proceeds from this signature annual fundraising event provide support for the Archives' critically important and singular mission.
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About the Archives of American Art
The Archives of American Art, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, is the world's largest resource dedicated to collecting, preserving, and making accessible primary sources documenting the history of the visual arts in the United States. Since its founding in 1954, the Archives of American Art has collected over 30 million items that enliven the extraordinary human stories behind America's art and artists.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/archives-american-art-honors-martin-puryear-ann-temkin-and-helen-frankenthaler
Wednesday: EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber and Saraland Mayor Joe McDonald to Highlight Significant Brownfields Investments in South Alabama
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Wednesday: EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber and Saraland Mayor Joe McDonald to Highlight Significant Brownfields Investments in South Alabama
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EPA Region 4 Press Office - (404) 562-8400, region4press@epa.gov
SARALAND, AL (September 23, 2026) - On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber and City of Saraland Mayor Joe McDonald will join state and local officials to highlight $4 million in Brownfields funding. This investment
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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Wednesday: EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber and Saraland Mayor Joe McDonald to Highlight Significant Brownfields Investments in South Alabama
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EPA Region 4 Press Office - (404) 562-8400, region4press@epa.gov
SARALAND, AL (September 23, 2026) - On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber and City of Saraland Mayor Joe McDonald will join state and local officials to highlight $4 million in Brownfields funding. This investmentincludes $2.6 million to the City of Saraland to clean up the Northern Parcel Source Area of the future Land Sports and Recreation Complex site. The 100-acre location was previously utilized by a local construction company in the 1960s and 1970s for surface mining of sand and clay materials.
Likewise, the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission will receive $1.5 million to assess properties for potential redevelopment. Assessment activities will focus on the City of Mobile's Riverfront Industrial Area, the City of Bay Minette, and the City of Brewton and its adjacent unincorporated and commercial areas.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 2:30 pm CST
WHERE: The Land Sports and Recreation Complex, 7365 Celeste Road, Saraland, AL 36571
WHO:
* Kevin McOmber, Administrator, Region 4, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
* Joe McDonald, Mayor, City of Saraland, AL
* Edward F. Poolos, Director, Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)
* Tom Piper, Assistant Executive Director, South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC)
RSVP / MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Credentialed media planning to attend should RSVP to region4press@epa.gov by 7 p.m. CST, Tuesday, September 29, 2026, for logistical arrangements.
Background:
EPA's Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided over $3 billion in grant funding to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse.
To date, brownfields investments leveraged more than $45 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the years, the relatively small investment of federal funding was able to leverage, from both public and private sources, more than 228,900 jobs. Through fiscal year 2025, on average, $19.47 was leveraged for each EPA Brownfields Grant dollar awarded through multipurpose, assessment, revolving loan fund and cleanup cooperative agreements.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/wednesday-epa-regional-administrator-kevin-mcomber-and-saraland-mayor-joe-mcdonald
U.S. Postal Service Features Joyful Father and Daughter On Latest Kwanzaa Stamp
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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U.S. Postal Service Features Joyful Father and Daughter On Latest Kwanzaa Stamp
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NORFOLK, VA -The U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa, the pan-African holiday observed each year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, with a new stamp dedicated today at the 111th annual conference of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
"This new Kwanzaa stamp is not only a wonderful affirmation of African American culture, it will also make a beautiful, heartwarming addition
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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U.S. Postal Service Features Joyful Father and Daughter On Latest Kwanzaa Stamp
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NORFOLK, VA -The U.S. Postal Service continues its tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa, the pan-African holiday observed each year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, with a new stamp dedicated today at the 111th annual conference of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
"This new Kwanzaa stamp is not only a wonderful affirmation of African American culture, it will also make a beautiful, heartwarming additionto your cards and letters," said Norfolk, VA, Postmaster Matthew Toman, who served as the dedicating official. "With every new design, I continue to be amazed by the creativity of our artists and designers and their ability to capture the essence of Kwanzaa."
The first Kwanzaa stamp was released in 1997, and there has been a new one every two years since 2016. Previous stamps have included colorful illustrations of parents and children with Kwanzaa candles; a woman holding a bowl overflowing with harvest bounty; and a festive dance-and-drum performance.
Founded in the United States in 1966, during a time of social upheaval, Kwanzaa was meant to help unify African Americans from a wide array of religious and cultural backgrounds. With its name derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits," Kwanzaa draws on ancient and modern first-harvest festivities occurring across the African continent. The holiday incorporates and reimagines many of these communal traditions as a contemporary celebration and reaffirmation of African American culture.
Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of seven principles: unity (umoja); self-determination (kujichagulia); collective work and responsibility (ujima); cooperative economics (ujamaa); purpose (nia); creativity (kuumba); and faith (imani). Collectively known as the Nguzo Saba, the principles are recalled in the traditional Kwanzaa greeting. The response to "Habari gani?" or "What is the news?" is the word for that day's principle, for example, umoja.
Kwanzaa also has three associated colors: black for the Pan-African people; red for the struggles they have endured; and green for the hope for a better future born from these struggles. Seven symbols -kinara (candleholder), mishumaa saba (seven candles), mazao (crops), mkeka (mat), muhindi (corn), kikombe cha umoja (unity cup) and zawadi (gifts) -are often displayed during Kwanzaa celebrations. The kinara holds one black, three red and three green candles, each representing one of the founding principles and lit on the corresponding day. Kwanzaa celebrations may also include a black, red and green banner, and people may dress in these colors, or in traditional African attire.
While Kwanzaa is a time for remembering past hardships and contemplating how history can inform and affect future happiness, the holiday also has a festive side, when families and communities may rejoice in the prospect of health, prosperity and good luck in the coming year.
Stamp Design
The stamp features a digital illustration of a father holding his young daughter, the two of them smiling at each other while standing against a white background. He wears a green, yellow and white dashiki, with short sleeves in a dark pink print, plus a kufi hat in the same colors and a yellow wristwatch. She wears a short-sleeved dress of the same pink print, with a pink flower in her hair, and holds a zawadi, or gift, wrapped in white paper with green accents and a yellow bow. He holds a black, white and yellow kikombe cha umoja, or unity cup.
For the 11th Kwanzaa stamp, art director Antonio Alcala hoped to feature art that would bring a fresh take on the celebration. He chose Cannaday Chapman for the job, having followed the artist's work for many years and admiring its distinctive spirit.
For his part, Chapman decided to focus on the family aspect of Kwanzaa, not least because he's a new father to a daughter. He also has fond childhood memories of celebrating the holiday with his family, including lighting the candles and wearing traditional clothing. Because of the small size of a stamp, it made sense to include just two people -and thus we have the first Kwanzaa stamp highlighting a father-daughter pair.
The stamp's color scheme is another first. "I wanted to use colors that felt fresh and unexpected compared to the traditional Kwanzaa palette," Chapman explained. "The lime green, pink and yellow combination is intended to be a vibrant, updated take on the traditional green, red and black."
"My goal for the Kwanzaa stamps is that they honor the celebration and the celebrants and appeal to the general public," Alcala said.
News about the stamp is being shared on social media using the hashtag #KwanzaaStamp.
The Kwanzaa stamp is being issued in panes of 20. As Forever stamps, they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
Postal Products
Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is currently pursuing a transformation plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/0923-usps-features-joyful-father-and-daughter-on-latest-kwanzaa-stamp.htm
SBA: FAST Awards Will Expand Access to America's Seed Fund and Help Small Businesses Turn Ideas Into Commercial Capability
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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FAST Awards Will Expand Access to America's Seed Fund and Help Small Businesses Turn Ideas into Commercial Capability
September 22, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it awarded more than $8 million in grants to 50 organizations through the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. The FAST Program provides small businesses and startups with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance to compete for research and development
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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FAST Awards Will Expand Access to America's Seed Fund and Help Small Businesses Turn Ideas into Commercial Capability
September 22, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it awarded more than $8 million in grants to 50 organizations through the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. The FAST Program provides small businesses and startups with specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance to compete for research and developmentfunding through America's Seed Fund. Grant recipients are eligible for awards of up to $180,000 each.
"America's economic and national security depends on our ability to continue to out-innovate, out-build, and out-compete every nation in the world," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "The Trump SBA is expanding America's small businesses' seat at the table in building the technologies and supply chains that are strengthening our industrial and economic future. These FAST awards will help innovators across the country turn breakthrough ideas into American jobs, stronger communities, and the next generation of commercial and national-security leadership."
America's Seed Fund, which includes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, is the nation's largest source of early-stage, non-dilutive funding for technology startups. These programs help American innovators take bold ideas from research and development to commercialization, strengthening U.S. leadership in critical technologies and supporting breakthroughs in defense, energy, agriculture, health sciences, biotechnology, space, and other strategic industries.
The FAST Program strengthens the entrepreneurial support system that connects innovators to SBIR and STTR opportunities. FAST awardee organizations work locally to provide person-to-person guidance, training, mentorship, and technical assistance that can help small businesses identify relevant opportunities, develop competitive applications, and navigate the path from research to commercialization.
This year, the FAST Program expanded its geographic footprint and increased engagement with innovators nationwide. FAST awardee organizations will provide support across 49 states and Puerto Rico, ensuring that entrepreneurs outside traditional technology hubs have greater access to the country's largest source of early-stage research and development funding. The SBA is pleased to announce that 43 FAST awardees from the 2026 cohort were selected for an additional year of funding. Seven new entities have also been added to the program.
The awards follow President Trump's reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs for five years through September 30, 2031. The legislation strengthens national security, reinforces program integrity and accountability, protects sensitive intellectual property from foreign adversaries, expands access for new innovative businesses, and focuses the programs on delivering measurable results for taxpayers.
The FAST Program provides awards for a base period of 12 months, beginning on September 30. These grants ensure that America's innovative small businesses, wherever they are located, have the tools and trusted local support to compete for federal R&D funding, commercialize breakthrough technologies, create jobs, and build the industrial base of the future.
The 2027 cohort of FAST grantees is as follows:
STATE ... ORGANIZATION
Alabama ... The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship
Alaska ... University of Alaska Fairbanks
Arkansas ... University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Arizona ... Arizona Commerce Authority
California ... Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation
Colorado ... Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Connecticut ... Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Delaware ... University of Delaware
Florida ... University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
Georgia ... University of Georgia Research Foundation
Hawaii ... Hawaii Technology Development Corporation
Idaho ... Idaho State University
Illinois ... Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
Indiana ... Indiana Economic Development Corporation
Iowa ... Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Kansas ... Wichita State University
Kentucky ... Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation
Louisiana ... Louisiana Economic Development
Maine ... Central Maine Growth Council
Maryland ... Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO)
Massachusetts ... University of Massachusetts Amherst
Michigan ... BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting
Minnesota ... MNSBIR, Inc.
Missouri ... The Curators of the University of Missouri
Mississippi ... Innovate Mississippi
Montana ... Montana State University
Nebraska ... Board of Regents, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Nevada ... Board of Regents, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
New Hampshire ... University of New Hampshire
New Jersey ... Rutgers, The State University
New Mexico ... Regents of New Mexico State University
New York ... Research Foundation of CUNY
North Carolina ... First Flight Venture Center, Inc.
North Dakota ... University of North Dakota
Ohio ... Ohio Aerospace Institute
Oklahoma ... Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
Oregon ... Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum
Pennsylvania ... Ben Franklin Technology Partners Corporation
Puerto Rico ... Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust
Rhode Island ... Rhode Island Commerce Corporation
South Carolina ... South Carolina Research Authority
South Dakota ... South Dakota Biotechnology Council
Tennessee ... Tennessee Technology Development Corporation LaunchTN
Texas ... The University of Texas at San Antonio
Utah ... Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Virginia ... Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
Washington ... Central Washington University
Wisconsin ... Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
West Virginia ... US Research Impact Alliance Corp
Wyoming ... University of Wyoming
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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.
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Original text here: https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/09/22/sba-awards-more-8-million-fast-grants-fuel-next-generation-breakthrough-innovators
Bilt and Amtrak Partner to Turn Housing Payments Into Train Travel in First-of-Its-Kind Loyalty Partnership
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Bilt and Amtrak Partner to Turn Housing Payments Into Train Travel in First-of-Its-Kind Loyalty Partnership
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NEW YORK - Bilt, the membership that connects where you live with the places you love, and Amtrak today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership offering the ability to transfer Bilt Points to Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Starting today, Bilt Members can transfer Bilt Points directly to Amtrak Guest Rewards at a 2:1 ratio, turning housing payments into - for the first time with Bilt
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Bilt and Amtrak Partner to Turn Housing Payments Into Train Travel in First-of-Its-Kind Loyalty Partnership
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NEW YORK - Bilt, the membership that connects where you live with the places you love, and Amtrak today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership offering the ability to transfer Bilt Points to Amtrak Guest Rewards points. Starting today, Bilt Members can transfer Bilt Points directly to Amtrak Guest Rewards at a 2:1 ratio, turning housing payments into - for the first time with Bilt- rail travel across a network of more than 500 destinations in 46 states and parts of Canada. With this announcement, Amtrak becomes Bilt's first and only rail partner, and the 26th travel partner in the Bilt ecosystem.
As Amtrak continues to set all-time records for revenue, ridership, and demand, the partnership enables Bilt Members to seamlessly transfer and use Bilt Points on routes that many of them are already traveling. This includes Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (NEC), which links Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston and four of Bilt's most active markets, and even beyond the NEC, where Amtrak features over 40 other train routes connecting travelers throughout the country.
For as few as 400 Amtrak Guest Rewards points or 100 points when using Points & Cash, Amtrak Guest Rewards members can begin redeeming and enjoying travel benefits without requiring a large points balance.
"For a lot of our Members, the train is how they see their family, get to work, and get away for a weekend," said Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO of Bilt. "Amtrak is our first rail partner because it's one way people actually move between where they live, their neighborhood, and where they're headed. The housing payments they're already making should be what gets them on board."
"Bilt and Amtrak Guest Rewards are focused on delivering meaningful value to our members," said Amtrak Interim Chief Commercial Officer Dev Koushik. "This partnership gives customers another way to turn everyday rewards into travel, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of Amtrak Guest Rewards while staying connected to the people and places that matter most."
Amtrak Guest Rewards membership is free, and upon enrollment, members can immediately start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel and other exciting redemption options. Members earn points on every dollar spent on Amtrak travel, plus bonuses for Business Class travel and Acela First Class travel. Additionally, Amtrak Guest Rewards members with Tier status receive additional point bonuses on travel, as well as benefits to elevate the customer experience, including upgrades, lounge access and companion coupons.
Bilt Points can now be transferred to Amtrak Guest Rewards at a 2:1 ratio in the Bilt app or at Bilt.com, in increments of 1,000 Bilt Points and with a minimum transfer of 1,000 Bilt Points (2,000 for Bilt Members with Blue Status). Members will need to link their Amtrak Guest Rewards account before their first transfer.
For more information, visit www.bilt.com/p/amtrak.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/09/bilt-and-amtrak-partner-to-turn-housing-payments-into-train-travel-in-first-of-its-kind-loyalty-partnership/
