Featured Stories
Retailers See Fraud Schemes Evolve as Shoplifting Declines, NRF Study Finds
WASHINGTON, July 31 (TNSrep) -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release:
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Retailers See Fraud Schemes Evolve as Shoplifting Declines, NRF Study Finds
Retail store theft levels are stabilizing, but external theft and fraud overall continue to rise, according to a new study released today by the National Retail Federation and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions. The Impact of Theft & Violence 2026 report found that retailers experienced a 12.4% decrease in shoplifting incidents and an 8.1% decline in retail merchandise theft
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WASHINGTON, July 31 (TNSrep) -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release:
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Retailers See Fraud Schemes Evolve as Shoplifting Declines, NRF Study Finds
Retail store theft levels are stabilizing, but external theft and fraud overall continue to rise, according to a new study released today by the National Retail Federation and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions. The Impact of Theft & Violence 2026 report found that retailers experienced a 12.4% decrease in shoplifting incidents and an 8.1% decline in retail merchandise theftin 2025 compared with 2024, while other methods of external theft, fraud and scams increased over the same period. These findings highlight the evolving nature of organized retail criminals exploiting both the physical and digital retail environments.
"After years of rising in-store theft, retailers are beginning to see levels stabilize, driven by investments in technology and employee training to strengthen store security and improve response to these crimes," said NRF Vice President for Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston. "However, significant challenges remain as organized criminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities throughout the retail environment as seen in the rise of various fraud schemes and thefts including cargo theft, phone scams and gift card fraud."
The decline in shoplifting and merchandise theft incidents can be attributed in part to retailers' ongoing efforts to evaluate, implement and refine security measures designed to deter theft and reduce losses. Strategies like enhanced interior and exterior security systems, as well as store- and employee-specific safety protocols, have contributed to these improvements. In addition, retailers have strengthened their ability to analyze loss patterns and assess the effectiveness of various security measures in addressing different types of theft.
The 2026 report demonstrates a concerning shift as criminals move beyond traditional shoplifting to more sophisticated external theft schemes, with retailers reporting higher rates of repeat offenders (50%), ORC-related incidents (40%) and walkout or pushout theft (37%). Fraud is also rising, with phone scams (69%), loyalty fraud (51%) and gift card theft or fraud (42%) increasing.
"Trusted research is essential to understanding these threats and how they continue to evolve," said University of Florida Research Scientist and Loss Prevention Research Council Executive Director Read Hayes, Ph.D. "As these risks shift and shoplifting rates stabilize, the retail industry must confront the growing challenges of fraud and external theft."
Violence remains a significant concern for retailers, which continue to report increases in homelessness-related disruptions and guest-related incidents. In response, retailers are strengthening proactive workplace violence prevention efforts by investing in management training (72%), employee training (65%) and risk-intelligence technologies (61%), among other measures designed to enhance safety for employees and customers.
"Retailers are leveraging data and connected technologies to combat retail crime," said Sensormatic Solutions President Tony D'Onofrio. "This year's report underscores that no single company can address this challenge alone. Meaningful progress requires strong collaboration among retailers, communities and law enforcement agencies to enhance asset protection and keep employees and customers safe."
Consistent with last year, reports of store-related theft incidents to law enforcement remain low, with 63% of retailers reporting fewer than half of these incidents. Retailers cite several factors for not reporting, including low-dollar losses or not meeting felony thresholds (60%), as well as concerns about lack of law enforcement response and follow-through (54%).
Following passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, NRF urges the U.S. Senate to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would strengthen federal coordination and equip state and local law enforcement to better identify and investigate cross jurisdictional and transnational retail crime groups.
The 2026 Impact of Retail Theft & Violence survey was conducted online among senior loss prevention and security executives in the retail industry from February to April 2026. A total of 66 retail companies responded to the survey, representing 143 brands across a variety of retail sectors. These brands represented $1.7 trillion in annual sales for their 2025 fiscal year or 31.6% of total retail sales. The majority (63%) have more than 10,000 employees, and more than one-third (38%) operate at least 1,000 stores.
View The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2026 study here (https://nrf.com/research/the-impact-of-retail-theft-violence-2026).
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About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs -- 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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About the Loss Prevention Research Council
The Loss Prevention Research Council was founded in 2000 by leading retailers and Dr. Read Hayes in an effort to support the evidence-based needs of loss prevention decision-makers. To date the LPRC has conducted over 400 real-world loss prevention research projects for retailers and partners. The LPRC strives to provide comprehensive research, development opportunities, and collaborative spaces for our members that will enable the innovation of loss and crime control solutions.
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About Sensormatic Solutions
Sensormatic Solutions, the leading global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls, powers safe, secure and seamless retail experiences. For 60 years, the brand has been at the forefront of the industry's fast-moving technology adoption, redefining retail operations on a global scale and turning insights into actions. Sensormatic Solutions delivers an interconnected ecosystem of loss prevention, inventory intelligence and traffic insight solutions, along with our services and partners to enable retailers worldwide to innovate and elevate with precision, connecting data-driven outcomes that shape retail's future.
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View report here: https://nrf.com/research/the-impact-of-retail-theft-violence-2026
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URL: Sensormatic Solutions
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Original text here: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/retailers-see-fraud-schemes-evolve-as-shoplifting-declines-nrf-study-finds
[Category: Business]
National Alliance for Care at Home Responds to FY 2027 Hospice Final Rule
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 31 -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release:
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National Alliance for Care at Home Responds to FY 2027 Hospice Final Rule
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) today responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fiscal year (FY) 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update final rule, which finalizes payment and regulatory changes under the Medicare hospice benefit.
CMS finalized a 2.3% payment update to the Medicare hospice benefit, which continues to fall short of the rising labor and supply
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 31 -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release:
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National Alliance for Care at Home Responds to FY 2027 Hospice Final Rule
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) today responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fiscal year (FY) 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update final rule, which finalizes payment and regulatory changes under the Medicare hospice benefit.
CMS finalized a 2.3% payment update to the Medicare hospice benefit, which continues to fall short of the rising labor and supplycosts required to deliver high-quality hospice care. As demand for hospice services continues to grow, payment updates must more accurately reflect providers' costs so that access to these essential services does not decline.
"CMS's 2.3% payment update does not reflect the true cost of delivering hospice care and adds further strain to providers who are already stretched thin," said Jennifer Sheets, CEO of the Alliance. "Compounding that pressure is a Service and Spending Variation Index built on a fundamentally flawed methodology that penalizes legitimate providers for non-hospice claims they have no visibility into nor control over, with no process to review or correct the data before it is made public. This is not a sound approach to program integrity. An inadequate payment update combined with an unreliable oversight tool creates a serious and growing burden for legitimate providers working to serve their communities."
The Alliance remains deeply concerned about CMS's Hospice Service and Spending Variation Index (SSVI). As stated in prior comments, provider-level SSVI data is not suitable for targeting oversight or enforcement due to fundamental validity and methodological problems, and hospices have little to no insight into claims submitted by non-hospice providers that drive these scores. The Alliance is particularly troubled that CMS finalized the SSVI without a reconsideration process or preview period, despite the hospice community's explicit request for the chance to review and validate data before a score is made public. This concern is compounded by the rule's new public-facing icon on the Medicare.gov Compare Tool flagging hospices for quality reporting gaps, layering a consumer-facing penalty on top of an already-contested measurement tool, with no mechanism to correct inaccurate data first. The Alliance urges CMS to exclude non-hospice spending claims and revise the SSVI in partnership with the hospice community before using it for program integrity enforcement.
The Alliance also recognizes CMS's efforts to improve transparency for Medicare hospice beneficiaries through an election statement addendum requirement but remains concerned that the requirement to provide the addendum to all beneficiaries does not address the true driver of non-hospice spending while unnecessarily increasing hospice provider burden. CMS should enforce existing documentation and payment requirements against non-hospice billing providers and require those providers to obtain and maintain documentation supporting the medical necessity and unrelated nature of these services, items, or drugs. The Alliance also recommends that CMS address the broader operational and coverage issues that contribute to these spending patterns, including delays in hospice election data visibility and the benefit framework gap for non-covered items, services and drugs. Without these steps, the Alliance warns that a universal addendum requirement will increase burden and confusion while leaving the central payment integrity problem unresolved.
The Alliance will continue to advocate for a Medicare hospice payment system that reflects the true cost of care and a program integrity framework built on credible, evidence-based methods. We remain committed to fighting for the resources hospices need and the protections patients and families deserve.
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About the National Alliance for Care at Home
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in advancing care in the home. We envision an America where everyone has access to the highest quality, person-centered healthcare wherever they call home. Through advocacy, education, and convening, we connect providers and stakeholders to strengthen care delivery across the home-based care continuum -- spanning home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.
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Original text here: https://allianceforcareathome.org/national-alliance-for-care-at-home-responds-to-fy-2027-hospice-final-rule/
[Category: Health Care]
Entrepreneurs' Organization: How to Turn Setbacks Into Stepping Stones for Success
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 31 -- Entrepreneurs' Organization issued the following statement on July 29, 2026, by Red Banyan CEO Evan Nierman:
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How to Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Success
Every entrepreneur encounters setbacks, but the most successful leaders use them as opportunities to improve rather than reasons to quit. By diagnosing what went wrong, capturing lessons quickly, adapting strategically, building resilience, and taking decisive action, entrepreneurs can transform failure into a catalyst for lasting success.
No entrepreneur escapes setbacks. Neither the most experienced
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, July 31 -- Entrepreneurs' Organization issued the following statement on July 29, 2026, by Red Banyan CEO Evan Nierman:
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How to Turn Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Success
Every entrepreneur encounters setbacks, but the most successful leaders use them as opportunities to improve rather than reasons to quit. By diagnosing what went wrong, capturing lessons quickly, adapting strategically, building resilience, and taking decisive action, entrepreneurs can transform failure into a catalyst for lasting success.
No entrepreneur escapes setbacks. Neither the most experiencedones, nor the most well-funded ones. Not even the ones who seem to get everything right every time.
What separates the leadersOff-site link. who bounce back from those who stall is how they choose to respond when things go sideways. A setback can be the moment that everything changes.
I have worked with entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries, and the pattern is consistent: Those who build something lasting are rarely the ones who avoided failure. Instead, they are the ones who treated failure as a chance to gather useful information and get better.
Here are five ways to turn setbacks into launchpads for success.
Stop Reacting and Start Diagnosing
When something goes wrong, the instinct is often to act fast and fix it. That impulse is understandable but often leads to treating the symptom rather than the cause.
Before you start moving, slow down enough to understand what actually happened. What decisions led here? What did you miss, and what was outside your control? What would you do differently if you had the chance?
Documenting your observations matters more than it might seem. Patterns that are invisible in the moment become obvious when you write them out. Honest diagnosis--of yourself and your team, without blame--transforms a setback into usable intelligence.
Extract the Lesson Before it Fades
The window to learn from a setback closes faster than most people realize. Business moves fast, the team refocuses, and the clarity you had in the immediate aftermath typically gets buried under the next priority or fire drill.
High-performing entrepreneurs treat lessons like assets. If a product launch fell flat, then was the message unclear, or did you miss something about the audience? If a sales target slipped, was it a process issue or a timing problem?
Write down the key takeaways while they are still sharp. The sooner you extract the insights, the sooner you can put the new knowledge to work.
Adapt Your Strategy -- Without Losing Sight of the Goal
Understanding the lesson is only half the equation. The other half is doing something with it.
Flexibility becomes a competitive advantage here. Setbacks often reveal that the strategy needs adjusting while the destination remains the same. Refine your approach, revise your process, or rethink your market positioning -- but keep your core objective intact.
The most resilient entrepreneurs know the difference between pivoting and drifting. A pivot moves you toward your goals via a different route. Drifting is what happens when you let a setback redefine what you are trying to build and move away from the goal you were targeting.
Build the Mindset that Setbacks Require
Strategy alone will carry you only so far through the hard moments. Mindset does the bulk of the heavy lifting.
The entrepreneurs I have seen recover fastest from setbacks share a few habits in common. They reflect regularly, often through journaling or structured review. They stay close to mentors and advisors who offer honest perspective, not just encouragement. They protect their mental and physical health as a leadership priority, not an afterthought.
Resilience is something you cultivate deliberately. When you invest in it consistently, a negative outcome becomes something you can absorb and respond to, rather than something that derails you. This grittiness gets easier the more years you are in business. Persevering through hard times in the past is a powerful reminder that you will also succeed in the future.
Act on What You Learned, and Share It
Learning without action is just reflection. The real value comes when you apply the learnings and iterate quickly.
Test the adjusted approach. Make the change. Move.
Then consider sharing what you went through. Whether a public blog post or a private conversation with a peer, talking openly about how you navigated a setback does two things. It reinforces the lessons for you, and it signals to others that failure is part of the process.
Leaders who speak honestly about their struggles often earn more credibility than those who project perfection. In the book Built to Win Big by Mark MosesOff-site link., I reflected on my own failures as a CEO and was vulnerable about past mistakes and regrets which then were the catalyst to positive change.
Setbacks are opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. By diagnosing what went wrong, extracting lessons quickly, adjusting strategy, strengthening resilience, and taking deliberate action, you can turn even the most challenging situations into stepping stones for future success. The path to long-term achievement is rarely linear, and the entrepreneurs who thrive are those who stay strong in the face of challenges, learn from them, and use them as fuel to reach higher.
Projecting strength in good times is easy. It's how you respond to tough times that defines your trajectory. With a mindset cultivated for growth and a willingness to admit your fallibility as a leader, every setback becomes a stepping stone toward greater success.
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Contributed to EO by Evan Nierman, an EO South Florida member who is also known as The Reputationist. Evan is the CEO of Red Banyan., a global PR firm specializing in reputation management, crisis communications, and brand strategy.
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Original text here: https://eonetwork.org/blog/how-to-turn-setbacks-into-stepping-stones-for-success/
[Category: Business]
EdgeConneX Receives the Global AI High-Density Infrastructure Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Excellence in AI-Optimized Data Center Infrastructure
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 31 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
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EdgeConneX Receives the Global AI High-Density Infrastructure Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Excellence in AI-Optimized Data Center Infrastructure
Recognized for advancing AI-ready, high-performance computing infrastructure through scalable data center innovation, operational excellence, and a future-ready global AI strategy.
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As organizations race to deploy increasingly sophisticated
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, July 31 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
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EdgeConneX Receives the Global AI High-Density Infrastructure Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition for Excellence in AI-Optimized Data Center Infrastructure
Recognized for advancing AI-ready, high-performance computing infrastructure through scalable data center innovation, operational excellence, and a future-ready global AI strategy.
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As organizations race to deploy increasingly sophisticatedAI workloads, the demand for scalable, high-density digital infrastructure has never been greater. EdgeConneX is meeting that challenge by delivering AI-optimized data centers designed to support the next generation of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), and cloud innovation. In recognition of its technology leadership, strategic vision, and ability to execute at global scale, Frost & Sullivan proudly presents EdgeConneX with the 2025 Global Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition in the AI High-Density Infrastructure industry.
EdgeConneX has demonstrated its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving landscape, guided by a long-term growth strategy centered on AI strategy, scalable infrastructure, and high-performance computing. The company's strategic agility and sustained investment in next-generation AI infrastructure have enabled it to expand globally while delivering sustainable, flexible, and resilient data center solutions for hyperscalers, cloud providers, and AI innovators.
"Frost & Sullivan praises EdgeConneX for aligning its global expansion with the rapidly evolving demands of AI infrastructure. By combining large-scale capacity additions in strategic markets with the Ingenuity platform's flexibility to support future performance requirements, the company reinforces its position at the forefront of infrastructure innovation and ensures readiness to meet the most demanding AI and HPC workloads worldwide," as stated by Heena Juneja, Industry Principal at Frost & Sullivan.
EdgeConneX's solid commitment to customer experience further strengthens its position in the market. Through collaborative facility design, disciplined operational execution, proactive risk mitigation, and close customer engagement, the company consistently delivers infrastructure that meets evolving AI performance requirements. Its customer-focused delivery model, supported by strategic technology partnerships and operational discipline, enables organizations to confidently scale AI deployments while maintaining reliability, efficiency, and business continuity.
EdgeConneX is setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company's vision, innovation pipeline, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of AI high-density infrastructure and driving tangible results at scale. By combining its Ingenuity platform with global expansion, advanced engineering expertise, workforce development, and strong ecosystem partnerships, this company continues to strengthen its position as a trusted provider of AI-ready digital infrastructure worldwide.
"Our customers are pushing the boundaries of AI every day, and they need infrastructure that can keep pace. This recognition underscores our ability to deliver aflexible, high-density data center solutions thatsupport the power, cooling, and performance requirements of today's most advanced AI and HPC environments," said Phillip Marangella, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at EdgeConneX.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. This recognizes forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence.
Read the full write-up: https://www.frost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/EdgeConneX-Write-up.pdf
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About EdgeConneX
Backed by EQT Infrastructure, part of the global investment organization EQT, EdgeConneX provides a full range of sustainable data center solutions worldwide. We work closely with our customers to offer choices in location, scale, and type of facility, from Build-to-Suit to Build-to-Density. EdgeConneX is a global leader in anytime, anywhere, and any scale data center services for a diverse portfolio of industries, including Cloud, AI, Content, Networks, and more. With a mission dedicated to taking care of our customers, our people, and our planet, EdgeConneX strives to Empower Your Edge.
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URL: EdgeConneX
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Original text here: https://www.frost.com/news/press-releases/edgeconnex-receives-the-global-ai-high-density-infrastructure-technology-innovation-leadership-recognition-for-excellence-in-ai-optimized-data-center-infrastructure/
[Category: BizConsulting]
CompTIA Awarded Gold Tier Recognition From the American Heart Association for Promoting a Healthy Workplace
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, July 31 -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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CompTIA awarded Gold Tier recognition from the American Heart Association for promoting a healthy workplace
2026 Well-being Works Better Scorecard recognizes standouts in employee health and well-being
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CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral technology training and certifications, has been awarded Gold recognition by the American Heart Association (AHA) in its 2026 Well-being Works Better(TM) Scorecard, recognizing the organization's commitment to fostering a healthy, supportive and thriving
... Show Full Article
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, July 31 -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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CompTIA awarded Gold Tier recognition from the American Heart Association for promoting a healthy workplace
2026 Well-being Works Better Scorecard recognizes standouts in employee health and well-being
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CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral technology training and certifications, has been awarded Gold recognition by the American Heart Association (AHA) in its 2026 Well-being Works Better(TM) Scorecard, recognizing the organization's commitment to fostering a healthy, supportive and thrivingworkplace.
The Well-being Works Better Scorecard helps employers evaluate and strengthen workplace practices that support employee health and well-being. Organizations earn recognition based on their adoption of evidence-based approaches in areas such as mental health, burnout prevention, workplace culture, compensation and benefits, and overall employee support.
"At the heart of every thriving organization is a workforce that feels valued and supported," said Nancy Brown, AHA CEO. "We're honored to recognize organizations that have made employee well-being a cornerstone of their culture through the Well-being Works Better Scorecard."
CompTIA has participated in the program since its inception, earning recognition every year and steadily improving its performance over time. Participation was led by its employee wellness committee, co-chaired by Amy Carrado and Marilyn Hasler.
"Since 2009, CompTIA's wellness committee has helped make employee well-being a consistent priority across the organization," said Hasler, manager, Total Rewards and HRIS. "This recognition honors the dedication of the employees and leaders who have championed wellness initiatives and helped create a culture that encourages healthy habits."
"Supporting employee well-being is essential to our mission and values as an organization," added Carrado, senior director, workforce and internal research. "Recognition from the American Heart Association affirms our progress and inspires us to continue investing in programs and resources that help our employees thrive."
CompTIA views workforce well-being as an important component of its broader mission to help individuals build successful careers and empower organizations with skilled, resilient workforces. For CompTIA, workplace well-being is both an employee commitment and an extension of its values-driven approach to supporting people and communities.
Built on the AHA's 100-year history of saving and improving lives, the Well-being Works Better Scorecard brings together emerging research and input from leading experts to help employers create a healthy and effective work environment. It is a curated solution for fostering and evolving a healthy work culture while supporting employees' health--mind, heart and body. The scorecard helps leaders assess their health and well-being strategy based on leading best practices. On completion, organizations receive access to a results dashboard with exclusive industry benchmarking data and resources for continued learning and improvement. Visit www.wellbeingworksbetter.org to learn more and view the full list of recognized employers.
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About CompTIA
CompTIA, Inc. is the leading global provider of vendor-neutral training and certification products in the information technology (IT) space. Over four million CompTIA certifications have been awarded to current and aspiring technology workers, business professionals, government and military personnel, career changers, students and others. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions, governments, training providers and workforce development organizations, CompTIA uses best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources to help job seekers reach their full potential and employers develop skilled technical talent. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/.
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Original text here: https://www.comptia.org/en-us/about-us/news/press-releases/CompTIA-awarded-Gold-Tier-recognition-from-the-American-Heart-Association-for-promoting-a-healthy-workplace/
[Category: Computer Technology]
CTA: The Future of Energy Begins in Your Home
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 31 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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CTA: The Future of Energy Begins in Your Home
New white paper shows how smart home technology can strengthen the electric grid
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Millions of American homes already contain technologies that can help meet the nation's growing electricity demand, according to a new report from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R). With U.S. electricity demand expected to grow 19 to 35 percent by 2030, CTA's new white paper shows how smart home technologies can strengthen the electric grid while
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, July 31 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following news release:
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CTA: The Future of Energy Begins in Your Home
New white paper shows how smart home technology can strengthen the electric grid
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Millions of American homes already contain technologies that can help meet the nation's growing electricity demand, according to a new report from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R). With U.S. electricity demand expected to grow 19 to 35 percent by 2030, CTA's new white paper shows how smart home technologies can strengthen the electric grid whilehelping consumers save energy and money.
The white paper, The Untapped Grid (https://www.cta.tech/research/the-untapped-grid-how-consumer-tech-will-power-our-energy-future/), examines how technologies already in American homes, including smart thermostats, home batteries, electric vehicles and rooftop solar systems can help consumers reduce energy use during peak periods while providing valuable support to the grid.
The report finds that 66 percent of U.S. adults are willing to adjust their energy use during periods of high demand, while 53 percent are willing to allow connected devices to automatically reduce electricity use when needed.
"Innovation has always helped America solve its greatest challenges, and meeting our growing energy needs is no exception," said Kinsey Fabrizio, President and CEO, CTA. "This report shows how consumer technology can help families save electricity, strengthen our infrastructure and help power America's energy future."
The paper outlines policy and industry actions needed to expand consumer participation, unlock the full potential of these technologies and create a smarter, more flexible and resilient energy system. CTA's recommendations include better aligning utility incentives with consumer energy participation; expanding access to demand response programs; promoting interoperability across connected technologies and adopting strong cybersecurity standards for grid-connected devices.
Learn more about the technology industry's recommendations to modernize the electric grid, expand energy infrastructure and encourage technologies that improve energy efficiency and reliability in CTA's new Policy for Powering America's Innovation Future.
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About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R):
As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators - from startups to global brands - helping support more than 17 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES(R) - the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
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Original text here: https://www.cta.tech/press-releases/cta-the-future-of-energy-begins-in-your-home
[Category: Electronic Products]
ASM Statement on USG High-Risk Life Sciences Research Policy
WASHINGTON, July 31 -- The American Society for Microbiology issued the following news release:
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ASM Statement on USG High-Risk Life Sciences Research Policy
ASM supports a robust oversight process for pathogen research to make sure work is conducted safely and addresses public health challenges without hindering national security. The new policy from the White House, "United States Government Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research," broadly defines several categories of research that, if shut down, will impede our ability as a nation to address infectious disease threats
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 31 -- The American Society for Microbiology issued the following news release:
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ASM Statement on USG High-Risk Life Sciences Research Policy
ASM supports a robust oversight process for pathogen research to make sure work is conducted safely and addresses public health challenges without hindering national security. The new policy from the White House, "United States Government Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research," broadly defines several categories of research that, if shut down, will impede our ability as a nation to address infectious disease threatsand respond to future outbreaks.
State, federal, international and institutional oversight ensures that pathogen research is conducted by trained professionals in compliance with strict safety, security and ethical guidance. The new policy suggests that some research that has been performed in adherence to this guidance is now considered "dangerous" and includes broad definitions of "Dangerous Gain of Function Research (DGOF)," "Potential Dangerous Gain of Function Research (Potential DGOF)" and "International Research of Concern (IROC)." The differentiation between DGOF and Potential DGOF is ambiguous as written, and the disruptive and confusing impact on the research community will hinder work at the forefront of addressing threats to the health and well-being of Americans.
This policy requires clarification in several areas. The definitions are broad, the penalty for violation is high, and the resulting ban on swaths of research will inhibit national preparedness to combat infectious disease threats.
ASM is ready to work with the Administration on a clear and detailed oversight process for pathogen research that ensures research is conducted safely and addresses urgent public health threats without weakening our ability to maintain the health and security of the nation.
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Original text here: https://asm.org/press-releases/2026/july/asm-statement-on-usg-high-risk-life-sciences-resea
[Category: Biology]
