Monday - May 18, 2026
Federal Independent Agencies

Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies

Featured Stories

One Trainset, Three Testing Stages, and a Big Step Forward for Amtrak Cascades
WASHINGTON, May 17 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:

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One Trainset, Three Testing Stages, and a Big Step Forward for Amtrak Cascades

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A new era for passenger rail arrived in Seattle, marking a major milestone as Amtrak moves closer to introducing a new generation of modern, accessible, and passenger-focused train service in the region. The first trainset represents a new generation of rail travel, designed to elevate the experience and strengthen service across the Pacific Northwest. With regionally inspired design, modern amenities, enhanced accessibility, ... Show Full Article

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago: Cultivating Leaders Through the Chicago Innovation Fellows Program
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 16 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:

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Cultivating Leaders Through the Chicago Innovation Fellows Program

In 2025, FHLBank Chicago deepened its commitment to innovation leadership by sending two employees to participate in the inaugural Chicago Innovations Fellows Program. Developed in partnership with Northwestern Kellogg's Center for Research in Technology and Innovation, this six-month leadership program blends advanced theory with hands-on application, connecting executives ... Show Full Article

Smithsonian Starstruck Makes Its World Premiere in Washington, D.C., Launching an Immersive Journey to the Cosmos
WASHINGTON, May 16 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:

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Smithsonian Starstruck Makes Its World Premiere in Washington, D.C., Launching an Immersive Journey to the Cosmos

Built from Real Astronomical Data, This Fully Immersive Experience Brings Stars, Galaxies and Black Holes Within Reach

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Friday, June 12, Washington, D.C., becomes a gateway to the cosmos with the world premiere of Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, opening at 926 F St NW in Penn Quarter. This free-roam, interactive journey invites visitors to witness the birth and death of ... Show Full Article

Postal Service IG: Oversight of the Vulnerability Risk Assessment Tool Process
WASHINGTON, May 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following audit report (25-147-R26) on May 6, 2026, entitled "Oversight of the Vulnerability Risk Assessment Tool Process."

Here are excerpts:

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Background

The mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to support and protect the U.S. Postal Service and its employees, infrastructure, and customers. One of the ways it accomplishes its mission is by providing technological support and risk management tools as well as strategy services designed to mitigate risk and prevent criminal attacks.

What We ... Show Full Article

Postal Service IG: Expanding Access to Government Services Through the Postal Network
WASHINGTON, May 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The U.S. Postal Service Inspector General issued the following white paper (RISC-WP-26-001) on My 14, 2026, entitled "Expanding Access to Government Services Through the Postal Network."

Here are excerpts:

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The U.S. Postal Service maintains an unrivaled presence in American life, utilizing more than 33,000 retail locations and a workforce of over 640,000 employees to reach every home and business six days a week. While USPS's primary mission is mail and package delivery, it also manages a portfolio of nonpostal government services that generated $387 million ... Show Full Article

Office of Finance Publishes the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks
WASHINGTON, May 15 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank System Office of Finance issued the following news release:

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Office of Finance Publishes the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks

The Office of Finance is announcing the publication of the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). This report has been prepared from the unaudited financial information of the FHLBanks.

Each of the FHLBanks has filed its First Quarter 2026 Form 10-Q with the SEC. Current financial reports and other SEC filings for ... Show Full Article

Commission on International Religious Freedom: Threats to Religious Freedom in Somalia
WASHINGTON, May 15 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:

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Threats to Religious Freedom in Somalia

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Somalia:

Religious Freedom in Somalia - In 2026, the Federal Republic of Somalia faces ongoing challenges to religious freedom as the insurgent group al-Shabaab expands across the country, wielding its violent religious ideology against converts to Christianity and dissenting Muslims.

This publication outlines major issues affecting ... Show Full Article

"Innovations in Flight" Returns to the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
WASHINGTON, May 15 -- The Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum issued the following news release on May 14, 2026:

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"Innovations in Flight" Returns to the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will host its annual "Innovations in Flight" outdoor display at the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can view over 60 vintage, modern and commercial aircraft that will fly in for the day and be on display outside the museum. In addition ... Show Full Article