Featured Stories
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom: India Continues to Weaponize Terrorism Laws to Detain Religious Minorities
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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India Continues to Weaponize Terrorism Laws to Detain Religious Minorities
Sep 24, 2026
Washington, DC - In light of the Indian government's decision to grant bail to British-born Sikh activist, Jagtar Singh Johal, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the U.S. Department of State to work with Indian authorities to facilitate the release of other freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) prisoners, many of whom, including Jagtar Singh Johal,
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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India Continues to Weaponize Terrorism Laws to Detain Religious Minorities
Sep 24, 2026
Washington, DC - In light of the Indian government's decision to grant bail to British-born Sikh activist, Jagtar Singh Johal, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urges the U.S. Department of State to work with Indian authorities to facilitate the release of other freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) prisoners, many of whom, including Jagtar Singh Johal,are included as a FoRB Victim in USCIRF's Frank R. Wolf Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List.
"We welcome the New Delhi High Court's decision to grant bail to Jagtar Singh Johal, after nearly nine years of unlawful suffering in arbitrary detention. However, uncertainty remains regarding his return to the United Kingdom and reunification with his family," said Chair Asif Mahmood. "Under the terms of his bail, Johal was required to surrender his passport, is banned from communicating with the press, and still faces the death penalty in eight charges against him."
In 2017, authorities unjustly arrested Johal on false charges of murder and terrorism under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a law that several United Nations special rapporteurs have characterized as noncompliant with international standards and India's international obligations. Prior to his arrest, Johal had blogged about human rights abuses against India's Sikh community, action that is protected under international law regarding freedom of expression. Johal's trial faced continuous delays throughout his detention, and authorities failed to produce credible evidence against him. In 2022 the United Nations recognized his imprisonment as arbitrary detention and more recently described it as amounting to psychological torture. Furthermore, Johal reports that he has been physically tortured by authorities with electric shocks, sleep deprivation, stress positions, and threats to his life, ultimately leading to a forced confession. USCIRF urges the United States government to press Indian officials to conduct a full investigation into Johal's detention and treatment and the U.S. government should hold perpetrators of such particularly severe violations accountable in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act.
"Johal's case is demonstrative of a larger pattern by the Indian government to silence or imprison religious minorities," said Vice Chair CeCe Heil. "Several other FoRB prisoners, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, continue to languish in pre-trial detention for perceived UAPA violations, for simply engaging in peaceful protest. In recent years, the Indian government has even gone so far as to orchestrate assassinations and assassination attempts against members of the Sikh community in North America in clear acts of transnational repression meant to intimidate, coerce, and harass the diaspora."
USCIRF recommended in its 2026 Annual Report that the State Department designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. USCIRF raised these poor religious freedom conditions during its May hearing, "Deteriorating Religious Freedom Conditions in India," and in its "India Country Brief" publication in August.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress, intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a commissioner, please contact USCIRF at media@uscirf.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/india-continues-weaponize-terrorism-laws-detain-religious-minorities
SBA Announces $4.9M in Grant Awards to Expand VBOC Network
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Announces $4.9M in Grant Awards to Expand VBOC Network
New VBOCs will Support Entrepreneurs in Alaska, Florida and Louisiana
September 25, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced nearly $4.9 million in grant awards over five years to establish new Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) in Alaska, Florida and Louisiana, along with supporting satellite offices. The new centers will expand access to entrepreneurship training, counseling, and technical assistance
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The Small Business Administration issued the following news release:
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SBA Announces $4.9M in Grant Awards to Expand VBOC Network
New VBOCs will Support Entrepreneurs in Alaska, Florida and Louisiana
September 25, 2026
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced nearly $4.9 million in grant awards over five years to establish new Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) in Alaska, Florida and Louisiana, along with supporting satellite offices. The new centers will expand access to entrepreneurship training, counseling, and technical assistanceat no cost to veterans, active-duty servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and eligible family members who want to start, grow, or expand a small business.
"Our veterans are among America's most capable entrepreneurs, and President Trump's America First agenda puts veterans and military families at the front of the line for opportunity," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "As small business owners, veterans are already powering America's manufacturing base, reinforcing the defense industrial base, and strengthening the supply chains that keep our country secure. By expanding Veterans Business Outreach Centers, the SBA is helping more veterans build on that legacy--turning service, skill, and leadership into ownership, growth, and prosperity here at home."
The State of Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs and Florida Is For Veterans Inc., doing business as Veterans Florida, each received $400,000 for the initial grant period. The Boot in Louisiana received $175,000.
The new VBOCs and satellite offices will serve veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses throughout their coverage areas, including through the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program. They will provide practical assistance at every stage of business ownership--from evaluating an idea and developing a business plan to accessing capital, marketing products and services, pursuing government contracts, and expanding operations.
Services available through the VBOCs include:
* Business planning: Providing veterans with training and counseling on accounting, financial planning, and management.
* Assistance accessing capital: Providing veterans with help understanding the capital available to them, as well as accessing financing, loans, and grants.
* Government contracting guidance: Providing training on veteran business certification and best practices for doing business with the government.
* Marketing and outreach: Providing marketing and outreach services to promote veteran-owned businesses in their communities and beyond.
* Transitioning: Providing Boots to Business instruction to help active-duty service members transition out of the military.
For more information or to find a VBOC near you, visit www.sba.gov/vboc. To learn more about SBA's programs for veterans, visit www.sba.gov/veterans.
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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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Original text here: https://legacy.sba.gov/article/2026/09/25/sba-announces-49m-grant-awards-expand-vboc-network
Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow Stamps Scurry Into Post Offices
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow Stamps Scurry Into Post Offices
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BROOKFIELD, WI -The U.S. Postal Service today released a set of four new stamps that depicts three of the season's most adorable critters: the eastern chipmunk, eastern gray squirrel and American red squirrel.
The stamps made their debut at the Milcopex stamp show in Brookfield, WI.
Squirrels and chipmunks are very resourceful. Some hoard food supplies for the winter; others forage for food in the colder months. But one thing they have in
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The U.S. Postal Service posted the following news release:
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Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow Stamps Scurry Into Post Offices
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BROOKFIELD, WI -The U.S. Postal Service today released a set of four new stamps that depicts three of the season's most adorable critters: the eastern chipmunk, eastern gray squirrel and American red squirrel.
The stamps made their debut at the Milcopex stamp show in Brookfield, WI.
Squirrels and chipmunks are very resourceful. Some hoard food supplies for the winter; others forage for food in the colder months. But one thing they have incommon is making time for plenty of naps.
When winter hits, the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) scopes out snacks and builds high-up nests called dreys, some of which are sturdy enough to withstand full-on blizzard conditions. They are guided by a keen sense of smell and can often be found tunneling through deep snow to reach hidden stashes of food.
The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) shows off its new winter gear fashion with fluffy ear tufts and a thicker coat when the temperature drops. It's constantly hunting for its favorite foods such as pine nuts, berries, sap and other squirrelly delicacies. Much like its eastern gray squirrel counterpart, it retreats to a drey or other cozy spot in a tree on especially frigid days. It will occasionally go underground to rest and get out of the cold.
The eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) is the proactive member of this group. It preps for winter during the warmer months by stockpiling its burrow full of nuts and seeds. Once the cold weather hits, it settles down for long winter naps, waking up from time to time for a snack. On some milder winter days, it may pop out of its burrow to stretch its legs for a bit before scampering back to its warm and dry underground home.
Whether dashing through the snow or snoozing the day away, these small survivors have winter all figured out. And now they're ready to bring a little extra pep to the mail -one scamper at a time.
Artwork
This 20-stamp booklet features four photographs of two eastern chipmunks, an eastern gray squirrel and an American red squirrel.
Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs by Fiona M. Donnelly of an eastern chipmunk holding its paws to its mouth in a quiet moment of feeding, an eastern gray squirrel caught on camera mid-munch by Matt Prosser, an eastern chipmunk with cheeks bulging with food photographed by Martha M. Stewart, and an American red squirrel with small paws raised to its mouth photographed by Ross Taylor.
Noyes was charmed by the lighthearted spirit the animals bring to the designs.
"There's something about their expressions," she said. "We see squirrels and chipmunks all the time, but not always up close like this. The stamps let us pause and take in their little faces. There's so much joy in them."
Noyes noted that while many stamps have featured animals in winter settings, these are the first to shine a spotlight on such familiar little creatures.
"When you see the booklet as a whole, the animals' faces popping up from the snow has a playful effect," she explained. "The stamps are fun and uplifting. I hope they make people smile, especially in the heart of winter."
The Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow stamps are being issued as Forever stamps. These Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #Squirrels&ChipmunkStamps.
Squirrels & Chipmunks in Snow Forever stamps are available at Post Office locations nationwide and online at The Postal Store.
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 select 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/2026/0925-squirrels-and-chipmunks-in-snow-stamps.htm
Social Security I.G.: Audit Finds Most SSI Vehicle Reports Accurate, But Resource Errors Led to Improper Payments
WOODLAWN, Maryland, Sept. 25 (TNSbrep) -- The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Most SSI Vehicle Reports Accurate, but Resource Errors Led to Improper Payments
September 24, 2026
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report examining whether Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients accurately reported their vehicle ownership and whether SSA employees properly valued multiple vehicles when recipients reported owning more than one vehicle.
The SSI program
... Show Full Article
WOODLAWN, Maryland, Sept. 25 (TNSbrep) -- The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General issued the following news release:
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Audit Finds Most SSI Vehicle Reports Accurate, but Resource Errors Led to Improper Payments
September 24, 2026
The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report examining whether Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients accurately reported their vehicle ownership and whether SSA employees properly valued multiple vehicles when recipients reported owning more than one vehicle.
The SSI programprovides monthly cash assistance to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. In June 2026, SSA reportedly issued about $5.8 billion in SSI payments to approximately seven million recipients.
Because SSI is a needs-based program, SSA considers recipients' resources at the beginning of each month when it determines their eligibility for SSI payments. Individuals with countable resources valued above $2,000, and couples with countable resources valued above $3,000, are not eligible for SSI payments.
SSA policy defines a resource as cash, liquid assets, and real or personal property, including vehicles. SSA does not count one vehicle per household as a resource when used for transportation. SSA generally views additional vehicles as countable resources when it determines SSI eligibility. SSA relies on recipients to report the vehicles they own, and it does not independently verify vehicle ownership or identify additional vehicles that recipients own but do not report.
However, if an SSA employee suspects a recipient owns a vehicle they did not report, they may verify state vehicle title and registration information from third parties. When recipients report they own multiple vehicles, policy requires SSA employees verify their fair market values and exclude the vehicle with the highest equity value. Employees may obtain vehicle values from a subscription-based online search tool or, if there is no search available, they may contact a knowledgeable source, such as a vehicle dealership or insurance company.
SSA relies on recipients to report changes in their vehicle ownership. If recipients do not report to SSA they have acquired a vehicle, the total value of their resources may exceed the SSI limit without SSA's knowledge. As a result, they may continue receiving SSI payments even though they are no longer eligible. If this happens, they may have to pay back overpayments, have penalties deducted from their SSI payments, or lose SSI eligibility.
The report, Supplemental Security Income Recipients' Vehicle Ownership (022514), analyzed records from 7,137 SSI recipients and examined 208 cases across three groups: recipients who reported (1) no vehicles, (2) one vehicle, or (3) multiple vehicles. The audit assessed whether vehicle ownership was accurately reported and whether vehicle valuations complied with SSA policy, which requires employees to verify fair market value when a recipient owns more than one vehicle.
Key Findings
* Of the 208 cases reviewed, 154 recipients (74 percent) accurately reported their vehicle ownership.
* Public records showed 54 recipients (26 percent) owned vehicles they did not report.
* Thirty-six recipients owned more than one unreported vehicle. In eight of those cases, the value of the additional vehicles placed the individuals over SSI resource limits, resulting in $40,474 in improper SSI payments.
Based on the findings related to recipients' reporting of vehicle ownership, the OIG estimates that, across the full SSI population, approximately 660 recipients were improperly paid about $435,000 because they did not accurately report their vehicle ownership.
Separately, the review found that SSA employees did not properly verify vehicle values in 24 of the 48 applicable cases reviewed. Inaccurate valuations in two cases resulted in $24,618 in improper payments.
The report notes that 95 percent of cases reviewed did not show errors that affected SSI eligibility or payments. As a result, OIG did not make formal recommendations to SSA. However, the Agency may consider whether strengthening controls related to vehicle reporting and valuation would be cost beneficial.
SSA did not provide formal written comments on the draft report, but technical suggestions provided by the Agency were incorporated where appropriate.
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Original text here: https://oig.ssa.gov/news-releases/2026-09-24-audit-finds-most-ssi-vehicle-reports-accurate-but-resource-errors-led-to-improper-payments/
Smithsonian Zoo Director Shares Untold Stories of Giant Pandas in New Book
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian Zoo Director Shares Untold Stories of Giant Pandas in New Book
With Humor and Candor, Brandie Smith Reveals What It Takes To Save the World's Favorite Bear; Book Proceeds Support Giant Panda Conservation
September 24, 2026
Dr. Brandie Smith knows giant pandas in a way few people ever will. Now, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is sharing surprising and little-known stories about the nation's most beloved panda
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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Smithsonian Zoo Director Shares Untold Stories of Giant Pandas in New Book
With Humor and Candor, Brandie Smith Reveals What It Takes To Save the World's Favorite Bear; Book Proceeds Support Giant Panda Conservation
September 24, 2026
Dr. Brandie Smith knows giant pandas in a way few people ever will. Now, the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is sharing surprising and little-known stories about the nation's most beloved pandafamily and the decades-long effort to save giant pandas from extinction. Published by Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, In the Company of Pandas: My Life with the World's Favorite Bear is available for preorder now through major online retailers and goes on sale Tuesday, Nov. 10, in hardcover, eBook and audiobook formats. Proceeds from the book support the NZCBI's giant panda conservation program.
In the Company of Pandas: My Life with the World's Favorite Bear takes readers behind the scenes of caring for three generations of giant panda cele-bear-ities, revealing their distinct personalities, quirks and habits. With humor, candor and firsthand experience, Smith dispels common misconceptions; makes the fascinating science of panda breeding, biology and evolution accessible; and reveals what it really takes to care for these extraordinary animals. From raising panda cubs to navigating the diplomacy involved in bringing pandas from China to Washington, D.C., Smith reveals how science, international collaboration and dedicated animal care have helped change the future of giant pandas--and why continued conservation efforts remain essential.
Smith will celebrate In the Company of Pandas' official publication day, Tuesday, Nov. 10, with a ticketed book talk at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Tickets are $10. Attendees who purchase the book in advance for $30 will receive an autographed copy at the event.
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About the Author
Smith draws on decades of experience in animal care, conservation and zoo management. She has overseen critical breeding programs for endangered species and witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in panda conservation history. Originally from Indiana, Pennsylvania, she grew up around animals and began her professional career as an intern at the Pittsburgh Zoo and NZCBI. Today, she leads one of the world's premier zoological and research institutions in its mission to save global biodiversity.
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Early Praise for In the Company of Pandas
"Cheerful and enlightening...Panda fans will be delighted...A sparkling account of caring for beloved bears."
--Kirkus Reviews
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"[Smith's] passion for the creatures shines throughout. Animal lovers will find much to appreciate."
-- Publishers Weekly
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Product Details
Title: In the Company of Pandas
Author: Brandie Smith
Publisher: Atria Books
ISBN: 978-1-66802-772-1
Retail Price: $30.00
Formats: Hardcover, eBook and unabridged audiobook
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Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI)
NZCBI leads the Smithsonian's global effort to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists. Its two campuses are home to more than 2,200 animals, including some of the world's most critically endangered species. Always free of charge, the Zoo's 163-acre park in the heart of Washington, D.C., features animals representing 400 species and is a popular destination for children and families. At the Conservation Biology Institute's 3,200-acre campus in Virginia, breeding and veterinary research on nearly 250 animals representing 20 species provide critical data for the management of animals in human care and valuable insights for conservation of wild populations. NZCBI's 305 staff and scientists work in Washington, D.C., Virginia and with partners at field sites across the United States and in more than 45 countries to save wildlife, collaborate with communities and conserve native habitats. NZCBI is a long-standing accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/smithsonian-zoo-director-shares-untold-stories-giant-pandas-new-book
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine: How the National Academies Are Informing Discussions of AI Progress and Safety
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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How the National Academies Are Informing Discussions of AI Progress and Safety
September 24, 2026
Worries about the potential risks of the newest AI models, and how to govern and mitigate AI safety concerns without stifling technological progress, have been dominating headlines of late. The National Academies have been at the forefront of efforts in the last couple of years to better understand what advances in AI mean for researchers and society at large.
In 2024,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
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How the National Academies Are Informing Discussions of AI Progress and Safety
September 24, 2026
Worries about the potential risks of the newest AI models, and how to govern and mitigate AI safety concerns without stifling technological progress, have been dominating headlines of late. The National Academies have been at the forefront of efforts in the last couple of years to better understand what advances in AI mean for researchers and society at large.
In 2024,for example, the National Academy of Sciences convened a group of experts to consider how AI could be used responsibly in research while upholding long-standing scientific norms and principles.
And last year, the National Academies issued a report on what AI means for the future of work, while another report reviewed the benefits and risks of AI in biotechnology. More recently, a rapid expert consultation examined the implications of recent advances in AI for cybersecurity.
"Whenever a breakthrough technology has emerged, the National Academies have played a leading role in helping guide decision-makers who are grappling with often profound questions about the risks and benefits of new discoveries," said National Academy of Sciences President Neil H. Shubin. "AI is one of those transformational technologies, and the National Academies are continually seeking opportunities to explore how it can be pursued and applied safely and for the benefit of all."
More highlights of recent AI-related work at the National Academies can be found here (https://www.nationalacademies.org/topics/artificial-intelligence). In addition, Issues in Science and Technology has published dozens of essays (https://issues.org/topic/artificial-intelligence/) on AI's impact on research, higher education, jobs, and more.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/how-the-national-academies-are-informing-discussions-of-ai-progress-and-safety
IDB Group Convenes New Advisory Council of Global Leaders to Advance Development in the Region
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group Convenes New Advisory Council of Global Leaders to Advance Development in the Region
September 24, 2026
NEW YORK - The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) convened its newly established Advisory Council on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, bringing together global public- and private-sector leaders and experts to help shape strategies to advance development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Established this year as an external source of strategic
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Group Convenes New Advisory Council of Global Leaders to Advance Development in the Region
September 24, 2026
NEW YORK - The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) convened its newly established Advisory Council on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, bringing together global public- and private-sector leaders and experts to help shape strategies to advance development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Established this year as an external source of strategicinsight, the Advisory Council is designed to help the IDB Group anticipate emerging trends, identify opportunities for the region, and strengthen engagement with influential stakeholders around the world. Members meet periodically with IDB Group leadership and contribute their expertise throughout the year.
The members of the Advisory Council are:
* Azucena Arbeleche, Chair, former Minister of Economy and Finance, Uruguay
* Marcelo Claure, Partner and Co-Chairman, Brightstar Capital Partners
* Ivan Duque, former President of Colombia
* Arminio Fraga, Founding Partner, Gavea Investimentos
* Jose M. Linares, Senior Executive Vice-President, Banco Santander, and Global Head of Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB)
* Rob Mosbacher, Chairman, Mosbacher Energy Company (MEC)
* General Laura Richardson, former Commander of the United States Southern Command
* Sir Andrew Steer, Distinguished Research Professor of the Practice, Georgetown University and the London School of Economics
* Jose Maria Vinals, former Group Chairman, Standard Chartered PLC, and former Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank
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About the IDB Group
The Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) is the leading source of financing and knowledge for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. It comprises the IDB, which works with the region's public sector and enables the private sector; IDB Invest, which directly supports private companies and projects; and IDB Lab, which spurs entrepreneurial innovation.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-group-convenes-new-advisory-council-global-leaders-advance-development-region
