Featured Stories
SBA Opens National Veterans Small Business Week 2026
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Opens National Veterans Small Business Week 2026
Trump Administration Recognizes Contributions of Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Highlights Their Role in the Defense Industrial Base
November 9, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicked off its 13th annual celebration of National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), which is taking place Nov. 9-13, 2026. The annual event recognizes the veterans, service members, military spouses, and military families who
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Opens National Veterans Small Business Week 2026
Trump Administration Recognizes Contributions of Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Highlights Their Role in the Defense Industrial Base
November 9, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicked off its 13th annual celebration of National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), which is taking place Nov. 9-13, 2026. The annual event recognizes the veterans, service members, military spouses, and military families whocontinue their service by building businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening American communities. This year's theme, "Honoring Veteran-Owned, American Made," recognizes the veteran entrepreneurs whose discipline, ingenuity, and mission focus are helping rebuild American industry, strengthen supply chains, and grow the small businesses that power local economies.
More than 1.8 million veteran-owned small businesses in America employ four million workers, generate $1.3 trillion in annual sales, and $258 billion in payroll. 7% of the nation's 632,000 small manufacturers are veteran-owned.
"As the daughter and granddaughter of veterans, it is an honor to celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week - SBA's tribute to the 1.8 million veteran small business owners who continue to serve America through entrepreneurship," said Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Throughout the year, the Trump SBA is proud to offer veterans the resources to plan, start, and grow their small businesses - whether through SBA-backed lending, federal contracting certification, or extensive resources that offer hands-on training and mentorship. This year, we are especially excited to offer new support to the veteran business owners within the defense industrial base - as we work to expand the Arsenal of Freedom, onshore critical supply chains, and secure peace through strength."
SBA serves veterans through its Office of Veterans Business Development, which works with an extensive resource partner network, including 51 Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) locations throughout the nation. In FY26, SBA approved over 2,800 loans for veteran-owned small businesses totaling $1.32 billion in federally backed capital. The agency also approved over 18,000 contracting certifications for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses. This year, during NVSBW, the SBA is announcing three major initiatives to empower military-connected founders:
* Doubling Agency Contracting Goals for Veterans: SBA is announcing new FY27 contracting goals that double the combined Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) prime contracting and subcontracting target for federal agencies from 5% to 10%, encouraging agency investment in veteran suppliers across the federal marketplace.
* VetsinTech Pilot to Empower Veterans in the Drone Supply Chain: The agency is launching a national pilot program with VetsinTech to deliver training, capital access support, and procurement pathways for veteran founders in the $10 billion drone and dual-use aerospace sector, leveraging a 120,000-member network to expand the defense industrial base.
* Capital Access Reform for Veteran Business Acquisitions: SBA is waiving equity rules under the 7(a) Loan Program for veteran business acquisitions, granting veteran buyers new flexibility to meet the 10% equity requirement through any capital source without being forced to drain personal savings.
The SBA, as part of a cosponsorship with the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF), is kicking off NVSBW in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Nov. 9, at an event featuring Vice President JD Vance, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Throughout the week, the SBA and its resource partners will host in-person and virtual events nationwide to help aspiring and established veteran entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. NVSBW programming will highlight resources, tools, and training to help participants apply their strengths in problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning to opportunities in manufacturing, federal contracting, and business expansion. Official events can be found at sba.gov/nvsbw.
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About the Office of Veterans Business Development
The SBA Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) works through SBA's extensive resource partner network, including 51 Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) locations throughout the nation. VBOCs are the leading partners in delivering the "Boots to Business (B2B)," "Boots to Business Reboot," and "Military Spouse Pathway to Business" programs--entrepreneurship courses offered on military installations and in local communities. Since B2B's inception in 2013, these programs have collectively trained and graduated nearly 260,000 service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. OVBD's broader resource partner network also includes Small Business Development Centers, the SCORE mentoring program, and Women's Business Centers. For more information on the resources available for veteran entrepreneurs, visit sba.gov/veterans.
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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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Cosponsorship Authorization #27-2-C. SBA's participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
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Original text here: https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/11/09/sba-opens-national-veterans-small-business-week-2026
USPS announces stamp subjects for 2027
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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USPS announces stamp subjects for 2027
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Sports legends, mythical creatures and celebrations featured
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Postal Service today announced some of the stamps it will release in 2027.
This is a partial list, with additional subjects to be announced in the coming weeks and months. These designs are preliminary and may change.
Pat Summitt
In her 38 years at the helm of the University of Tennessee women's basketball program, Pat Summitt (1952-2016) led her team to 1,098 victories and eight
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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USPS announces stamp subjects for 2027
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Sports legends, mythical creatures and celebrations featured
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Postal Service today announced some of the stamps it will release in 2027.
This is a partial list, with additional subjects to be announced in the coming weeks and months. These designs are preliminary and may change.
Pat Summitt
In her 38 years at the helm of the University of Tennessee women's basketball program, Pat Summitt (1952-2016) led her team to 1,098 victories and eightnational championships. Demanding, disciplined and fiercely competitive, Summitt pushed her players to excel on and off the court. Her success helped elevate women's basketball nationally while raising expectations for how women athletes and their coaches should be supported. The stamp art features an oil-on-primed-linen portrait of Summitt created by Roberto Parada. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.
Willie Mays (Black Heritage)
Often called the greatest all-around baseball player ever, Willie Mays (1931-2024) is celebrated with the 50th stamp in the USPS Black Heritage series. Known for his elite defense, he won 12 MLB Gold Glove Awards. The stamp design is an homage to classic baseball cards. It features two photos: a portrait of Mays as a New York Giant and a photo of Mays making an over-the-shoulder catch. That play from Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, known as "The Catch," is widely considered baseball's most famous play and led to a New York Giants win. The orange background of the stamp is a reference to the color that followed Mays through his career, from the New York and San Francisco Giants to the New York Mets. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with photographs from Getty Images.
Lunar New Year -- Year of the Goat
In 2027, the U.S. Postal Service marks the Year of the Goat with the eighth stamp in its third Lunar New Year series, which began in 2020. Traditionally associated with new beginnings and the coming of spring, Lunar New Year is one of the world's most widely celebrated holidays. For this series, artist Camille Chew created cut-paper masks representing the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using Sally Andersen-Bruce's photograph of the Year of the Goat mask.
Love (2027)
Whether it's a colorful rainbow or a warm, sunny day or a playful pinwheel spinning in the breeze, this year's Love stamp is a reminder of the many gifts that hold important places in our hearts. Influenced by the pared-down color palettes and symbolism of folk art, artist and stamp designer Lisa Congdon organized the stamp design on a grid with simple and bright colors using geometric shapes and other symbols that evoke joy. Greg Breeding provided art direction for the stamp.
Unicorns
Featuring dreamlike scenes that suggest a gentle forest of enchantment and peace, these stamps feature unicorns, the legendary creatures that hold the promise of magic to those who have the rare good fortune to encounter them. This pane of 16 stamps features four scenes of unicorns by Kendra Binney, whose mixed-media artwork employs watercolor, acrylic, pencil and digital effects. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.
Colorful Blooms
This issuance continues our annual tradition of offering stamps with beautiful, unique floral designs. Each of these four new stamps showcases a close-up illustration of an abstract flower rendered in a mix of watercolor -- providing a translucent, ethereal quality -- and gouache (a less translucent watercolor) for opaque touches. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with illustrations by Magrikie Berg.
Celebrate
In 2027, the Postal Service will issue a new Celebrate stamp designed for invitations and cards suitable for a host of special occasions, from birthdays and anniversaries to engagements, weddings, new jobs and retirements. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with artist Jason Gottlieb.
Veggies Forever
This booklet of 20 stamps features 10 different close-up color photographs of artfully styled vegetables -- a red onion, Savoy cabbage, red cabbage, purple cauliflower, beech mushrooms, purple asparagus, an artichoke, a fairy tale eggplant, rhubarb and a watermelon radish. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps with existing photographs by award-winning food photographer Renee Comet.
U.S. Flag (2027)
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes in 2027, the U.S. Postal Service continues its long tradition of honoring the flag of the United States. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, took the photograph featured on the stamp at Virginia's historical Alexandria City Hall. Alcala also designed the stamp.
Mythical Creatures
America's many folkloric animals reflect our love of the unknown and odd. The Postal Service's Mythical Creatures set features five different stamps depicting some regional favorites. At festivals in Mothman's native West Virginia, attendees often wear "spooky-cute" costumes to evoke this cryptid -- a flying, red-eyed, human-size being first reported in 1966. The Jackalope leapt into Western legend after taxidermist brothers in Wyoming created the antlered rabbit mashup in the 1930s. In old Pennsylvania lumbermen's lore, the self-conscious Squonk wept constantly; today it's a beloved symbol of anxiety. Sasquatch, aka Bigfoot, leaves an outsized impression on the culture -- elusive but everywhere, even beyond its Pacific Northwest habitat. Champ, a lake monster of centuries-old legend, has become the mascot for the Lake Champlain region of New York and Vermont. Artist Nat Power digitally drew the creatures and icons representing their environments in bold black linework and vivid colors reminiscent of her tattoo-design work. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.
E Pluribus Unum
In 2027, the U.S. Postal Service will celebrate the nation's founding motto, E Pluribus Unum -- "Out of many, one"-- inscribed on the Great Seal of the United States even before the Revolutionary War officially ended. Since 1883, the Statue of Liberty has stood as a lasting symbol of that ideal. The new stamp pairs the motto with an image of Lady Liberty, reminding viewers of the values Americans share. The statue is formed by various-size red and blue dots against a white background. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.
Cure Childhood Cancers (Semipostal)
While childhood cancer is rare, about 15,000 American children and adolescents receive cancer diagnoses annually, and it is the leading cause of disease-related death for children post-infancy. With this semipostal, the U.S. Postal Service supports biomedical research aimed at improving survival for children and adolescents with cancer and developing safer, less toxic treatments that reduce short- and long-term side effects. Net proceeds from the surcharge on the Cure Childhood Cancers semipostal will be donated to the National Institutes of Health for childhood cancer research. Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with original artwork by Chuck Styles.
Halloween
On Halloween, when the night comes alive and the frightening feels fun, children -- and the kid in everyone -- seek out eerie sights and sounds, come up with scary costumes and revel in pretending to be who they're not. These new stamps bring us back to the delightful frights of a childhood Halloween with fun, friendly depictions of a vampire, a witch, a mummy and Frankenstein's monster by Erick Martinez. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps.
You're Invited -- Wedding Edition (2-Ounce)
While stamps featuring many types of subjects can be used for wedding invitations, the You're Invited -- Wedding Edition 2-ounce stamp is designed to provide a single elegant stamp for the traditional heavy wedding invitation. It follows in a long line of elegant wedding-specific stamps issued by the Postal Service for more formal occasions. "You're Invited," written in calligraphy with flourishes, creates a timeless design that evokes Old World elegance. Antonio Alcala, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp, and artist and calligrapher Nina Tran chose the copperplate style of lettering, widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries, to create its central imagery. Alcala and Tran also collaborated on the With Love and the You're Invited -- For All Occasions stamps described below.
With Love (Forever)
Harmonizing with the You're Invited -- Wedding Edition stamp, the With Love 1-ounce Forever stamp is intended to be used for the RSVP notes that are frequently sent inside a wedding invitation. In addition to wedding RSVP cards and thank-you notes, the With Love Forever stamp is also a great option for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day cards, as well as letters and notes for any occasion when love and affection are expressed.
You're Invited -- For All Occasions
The You're Invited -- For All Occasions pane of 10 stamps gives hosts a variety of choices with which to decorate their invitation envelopes. This Forever stamp is available in several colors for invitations weighing up to 1 ounce, including weddings, birthdays, showers, graduations, holiday get-togethers and any other occasion when an elegant stamp is just right.
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.
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Original text here: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2026/1109-usps-announces-stamp-subjects-for-2027.htm
SBA IG: Semiannual Report to Congress
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report entitled "Semiannual Report to Congress."
Here are excerpts:
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I am pleased to present the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Fall 2026 Semiannual Report to Congress. This report summarizes OIG's activities from April 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. Our oversight work this reporting
period has identified millions of dollars in funds at risk or paid to ineligible borrowers and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for the taxpayer.
As
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (TNSrep) -- The Small Business Administration Inspector General issued the following report entitled "Semiannual Report to Congress."
Here are excerpts:
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I am pleased to present the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Fall 2026 Semiannual Report to Congress. This report summarizes OIG's activities from April 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. Our oversight work this reporting
period has identified millions of dollars in funds at risk or paid to ineligible borrowers and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for the taxpayer.
Aswe relentlessly pursue perpetrators of pandemic-era fraud, we are simultaneously deploying our law enforcement resources to
safeguard SBA's traditional lending and contracting portfolios. OIG does not merely advocate for a zero-tolerance approach to fraud -- we enforce it. By combining advanced data analytics with rigorous investigative fieldwork, we are identifying and dismantling criminal networks across all SBA programs to ensure swift criminal accountability for bad actors and to protect the federal capital rightfully owed to America's honest Main Street entrepreneurs.
This period marked the launch of Operation NO DOZE, a targeted, nationwide law enforcement surge designed to aggressively root out complex criminal schemes within the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Taxpayers rightfully expect us to recover stolen funds, and our agents are working tirelessly to uncover abuses and return money to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. To those who stole from the American taxpayer: The passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability. We know who you are, we know where you live, and we will hold you accountable.
Collaboration remains essential in accomplishing this mission. Real accountability requires a whole-of-government approach. With our active leadership on the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and our partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division -- which is establishing the first-of-its-kind National Fraud Detection Center -- we are amplifying our enforcement posture alongside our partners.
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The report is posted at: https://legacy.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2026-11/SBA%20OIG%20-%20Fall%202026%20Semiannual%20Report%20to%20Congress.pdf
[Category: IGIGRep]
GSA IG: 'Independent Performance Audit on the Effectiveness of the U.S. General Services Administration's Information Security Program and Practices Report - Fiscal Year 2026'
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (TNSrep) -- The General Services Administration Inspector General issued the following audit report entitled "Independent Performance Audit on the Effectiveness of the U.S. General Services Administration's Information Security Program and Practices Report - Fiscal Year 2026."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Performed This Audit
The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA) requires federal agencies, including the United States General Services Administration (GSA), to have an annual independent evaluation of their information security program and practices
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (TNSrep) -- The General Services Administration Inspector General issued the following audit report entitled "Independent Performance Audit on the Effectiveness of the U.S. General Services Administration's Information Security Program and Practices Report - Fiscal Year 2026."
Here are excerpts:
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Why We Performed This Audit
The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA) requires federal agencies, including the United States General Services Administration (GSA), to have an annual independent evaluation of their information security program and practicesto determine the effectiveness of such program and practices. GSA contracted KPMG LLP ("KPMG" or "we") to conduct this audit, and the GSA Office of Inspector General monitored KPMG's work to ensure it met professional standards and contractual requirements.
We conducted a performance audit of GSA's information security program in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and with the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) most recent FISMA reporting guidance to determine the effectiveness of GSA's information security program and practices for its information systems for the period of October 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. In addition to GAGAS, we conducted this performance audit in accordance with Consulting Services Standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
What We Found
Our testing for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 included procedures at the entity and system levels for five GSA-owned information systems and five contractor-owned information systems. As directed by OMB and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), the FY 2026 Inspector General (IG) FISMA Reporting Metrics (FY 2026 IG FISMA Reporting Metrics) served as the basis for our test procedures.
To support the overall performance audit objective, we also performed external penetration testing over a selected GSA-owned information system in order to identify potential system flaws, misconfigurations, or vulnerabilities that could increase the risk of unauthorized access or elevation of privileges to GSA systems and data. This technical security testing was completed as of July 8, 2026.
Additionally, we followed up on the status of three prior years' findings. Based on our testing, we determined that GSA management implemented corrective actions to remediate two of the three prior years' findings, and that these findings were closed (see Appendix I). However, we determined that one prior year finding remained open, and we also reported one new finding (see Section IV) in the Protect cybersecurity function within the following area:
Identity and Access Management
Least Privilege and Separation of Duties -Lack of Access Review for Database Administrators for one GSA-owned information system.
The nature of this finding impacted our assessment of one of the associated FY 2026 IG FISMA Reporting Metrics within the Protect function, which was then factored into the calculated average rating of the function.
As a result of our procedures and based on the maturity levels calculated in CyberScope, we assessed GSA's information security program as "Effective" according to OMB guidance. We made this determination based on the calculated averages of the FY 2026 IG FISMA Reporting Metrics being assessed as "Managed and Measurable" or "Optimized." Specifically, the calculated averages of metrics in the Govern, Identify, Protect, Respond, and Recover cybersecurity functions were assessed as "Managed and Measurable," while the Detect cybersecurity function was assessed as "Optimized."
What We Recommend
We made one recommendation related to the new finding that should strengthen GSA's information security program if effectively addressed by management. GSA management should also consider whether this recommendation applies to other information systems maintained in the organization's FISMA system inventory and implement remedial action as needed.
We recommend that GSA management:
Design and implement a process to formally review and reauthorize database administrator access for one GSA-owned information system at the defined frequency in accordance with GSA policy.
GSA management agreed with our finding and recommendation. The GSA Chief Information Officer's response is included in Section VI.
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The report is posted at: https://www.gsaig.gov/sites/default/files/audit-reports/Independent%20Auditors%27%20FISMA%20Audit%20Report%20-%20Fiscal%20Year%202026.pdf
Fed IG: Federal Reserve: 2026 Information Security Program Audit
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Inspector General issued the following report on October 28, 2026, entitled "Federal Reserve: 2026 Information Security Program Audit."
Here are excerpts:
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A strong information security program helps protect sensitive data the Board uses to inform decisions that affect employment, inflation, and economic stability for 342 million Americans.
According to federal metrics for evaluating agencies' information security programs, the Board's information security program is not effective. We found weaknesses in several areas, including governance,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (TNSLrpt) -- The Federal Reserve Inspector General issued the following report on October 28, 2026, entitled "Federal Reserve: 2026 Information Security Program Audit."
Here are excerpts:
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A strong information security program helps protect sensitive data the Board uses to inform decisions that affect employment, inflation, and economic stability for 342 million Americans.
According to federal metrics for evaluating agencies' information security programs, the Board's information security program is not effective. We found weaknesses in several areas, including governance,policies, and contingency planning, and several of our recommendations from previous information security program audits remain open.
We have eight recommendations to address these issues. The Board agreed with our recommendations.
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The report is posted at: XXX.pdf
EPA Proposes Next Step in Shieldalloy Corp. Groundwater Cleanup in Newfield, NJ
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Proposes Next Step in Shieldalloy Corp. Groundwater Cleanup in Newfield, NJ
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NEW YORK - U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) is proposing the next step in the cleanup of the Shieldalloy Corp. Superfund site in Newfield, New Jersey. The proposed plan would address perchlorate contamination in groundwater, which also impacts the City of Vineland, by relying on natural processes to reduce contamination over time, along with institutional controls and long-term monitoring to prevent exposure and track
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Proposes Next Step in Shieldalloy Corp. Groundwater Cleanup in Newfield, NJ
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NEW YORK - U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) is proposing the next step in the cleanup of the Shieldalloy Corp. Superfund site in Newfield, New Jersey. The proposed plan would address perchlorate contamination in groundwater, which also impacts the City of Vineland, by relying on natural processes to reduce contamination over time, along with institutional controls and long-term monitoring to prevent exposure and trackprogress.
"The proposed cleanup plan is a significant step in addressing contamination at the Shieldalloy Superfund site," said EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "We are pleased to present a plan that is protective of human health and the environment while being the most efficient option for addressing groundwater contamination."
EPA is proposing that we rely on naturally occurring processes, including biodegradation, dilution, and dispersion, to break down contamination over time with long-term monitoring of the groundwater to ensure the method is working. The proposed plan would also prohibit the installation of private drinking water wells that draw from the contaminated groundwater at the site. Homes and businesses near the site are connected to public water supply systems, which are sampled under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The site is a 67-acre area where the Shieldalloy Metallurgical Corporation operated a specialty facility that produced chromium alloy and other products from 1955 to 2006. The area includes the Hudson Branch, an intermittent stream that discharges into Burnt Mill Pond, and a 19.8-acre farm parcel that was not used for manufacturing activities but was purchased by the company to implement previous cleanup activities at the site. The company discharged industrial wastewater directly into lagoons and surface water.
Previous actions at the site include the cleanup of contaminated soil and the continued cleanup of other non-perchlorate groundwater contaminants, including hexavalent chromium and volatile organic compounds. Today's proposed plan addresses perchlorates, which are colorless, odorless chemical compounds that were used for facility operations.
EPA will accept public comments on the proposed plan for 30 days, beginning November 9, 2026, and ending December 11, 2026. The public may submit written comments to William Friedmann, Remedial Project Manager, 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, postmarked by December 9, or by email, to friedmann.william@epa.gov.
EPA will also hold a virtual public meeting on November 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the cleanup proposal and answer community questions. To receive the meeting link, please register here: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/zhsbMGEaTqK21gaW9964dw
Additional background, site documents and this proposed cleanup plan will be available on the Shieldalloy Corp. Superfund site profile page.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-next-step-shieldalloy-corp-groundwater-cleanup-newfield-nj
Amtrak To Start Construction of New Boarding Platforms at Chicago Union Station
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak To Start Construction of New Boarding Platforms at Chicago Union Station
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CHICAGO - Construction is underway soon for Chicago Union Station's first "level boarding" platforms, serving multiple tracks and enabling boarding without ramps, stairs or lifts. The $112 million project will create a more accessible and streamlined experience for Amtrak passengers.
The 30-month project will convert dormant platforms originally built for mail and parcels into passenger platforms that will be compliant
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak To Start Construction of New Boarding Platforms at Chicago Union Station
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CHICAGO - Construction is underway soon for Chicago Union Station's first "level boarding" platforms, serving multiple tracks and enabling boarding without ramps, stairs or lifts. The $112 million project will create a more accessible and streamlined experience for Amtrak passengers.
The 30-month project will convert dormant platforms originally built for mail and parcels into passenger platforms that will be compliantwith the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase rail capacity, and enhance operational flexibility. These platforms were connected to a post office above these tracks until the post office was relocated.
The project includes a climate-controlled waiting area with restrooms and access for tracks 30 and higher. It will also provide critical interim capacity during future station modernization efforts, helping maintain passenger service while other platforms undergo reconstruction.
"Amtrak is committed to making our stations accessible to all customers and we are actively working on accessibility across the national network where more than 80 stations have accessibility projects under construction." said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. "We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming environment for every passenger."
The work will be done through a design-bid-build delivery method and major construction work will begin by the end of this year.
Clark Construction is the General Contractor. WSP USA will continue in their role as Designer of Record, providing construction phase services. HNTB was awarded a Project Manager/Construction Manager contract and will provide management support through construction, embedded within Amtrak's in-house Capital Delivery Department.
"Today marks an exciting milestone for the Chicago Hub Improvement Program as construction begins on Platforms 30 through 38 at Chicago Union Station. This investment will deliver a fully ADA-compliant, level boarding platform that makes travel easier and more convenient for all Amtrak passengers, while launching a new chapter of improvements at the station." said Amtrak Vice President of Infrastructure Project Delivery Warren LeBeau. "Together, these investments are creating a more welcoming, modern, and customer-focused station for the millions of travelers who pass through it each year."
The project is funded by Congress through a $49.6 million FY22-23 Federal State Partnership Grant administered by the Federal Railroad Administration, $40 million in FY25 Federal Appropriations, and $22.4 million in local match contributions from Amtrak, City of Chicago, and Cook County. Amtrak and Illinois Department of Transportation were joint applicants for the federal grant.
Known internally as the Platform 30-38 Project, it is the first in the Chicago Hub Improvement Program (CHIP) to advance to construction. CHIP is transforming regional and intercity passenger rail in the Midwest with critical investments in rail infrastructure, facilities, and Chicago Union Station. Learn more about CHIP here: https://amtraknewera.com/chip/
Reactions:
"The start of this project is exciting for Chicagoans and tourists alike as it will create a more accessible and streamlined experience for Amtrak passengers at Chicago Union Station. I've been proud to help secure federal funding for this project alongside Senator Duckworth," said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
"Chicago is a national epicenter of passenger and commuter rail, and these new level boarding platforms will make getting around easier for parents with strollers, wheelchair users and people of all ages. Modernizing infrastructure at Union Station is key to improving rail service and reliability across Illinois and making trips safer for the more than 30 million riders who pass through each year. Projects like this are transforming our transportation system one station at a time, ensuring it works for all riders. That's a win for Chicago and our entire country," said Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois).
"Since I arrived in Congress, I've worked to make our transportation system more accessible for everyone,". "A Chicago Union Station with level boarding platforms will facilitate the process for all passengers, ensuring a smoother ride. I am proud to have helped deliver these funds that will benefit the millions of people who travel through Chicago Union Station every year," said Cong. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia (D-Illinois)
"For the people we serve, Amtrak is a vital connection, especially for trips to Springfield. It helps us bring disabled people's voices to statewide advocacy and work alongside other Centers for Independent Living across Illinois. Access Living could not be as involved in that work without Amtrak. This is universal design in action: building access into the journey from the beginning, so people with mobility disabilities can board alongside other passengers. That is the kind of welcome we want at every station," said Laura Saltzman, Senior Policy Analyst at Access Living, Chicago's Center for Independent Living.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/11/amtrak-to-start-construction-of-new-boarding-platforms-at-chicago-union-station/
