Featured Stories
U.S. Peanuts Gain Global Attention Through Industry Collaboration
ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 8 [Category: Agriculture] -- The National Peanut Board issued the following news:
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U.S. Peanuts Gain Global Attention Through Industry Collaboration
By Chris Fitzgerald
The National Peanut Board (NPB) recently partnered with the American Peanut Council (APC) to highlight the U.S. peanut industry's innovation, export potential and global vision during the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council's (USAEDC) 2026 Global Attache Policy Forum & Consultations in Alexandria, Virginia.
For the first time, APC hosted an industry immersion session for Foreign Agricultural
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 8 [Category: Agriculture] -- The National Peanut Board issued the following news:
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U.S. Peanuts Gain Global Attention Through Industry Collaboration
By Chris Fitzgerald
The National Peanut Board (NPB) recently partnered with the American Peanut Council (APC) to highlight the U.S. peanut industry's innovation, export potential and global vision during the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council's (USAEDC) 2026 Global Attache Policy Forum & Consultations in Alexandria, Virginia.
For the first time, APC hosted an industry immersion session for Foreign AgriculturalService (FAS) staff who support U.S. agricultural trade and market access around the world.
Chris Fitzgerald represented NPB during the session, while APC provided attendees with a broader look at the U.S. peanut industry's global priorities and export opportunities. Fitzgerald introduced the new global industry brand, seal and tagline, "It's Not Nuts, It's Peanuts(tm)," highlighting how the campaign is helping consumers better understand peanuts' unique nutritional profile and benefits while creating new opportunities to increase demand in international markets.
The session combined industry insights with hands-on engagement, featuring a peanut-themed quiz, branded campaign materials and a peanut butter pairing experience that showcased the versatility and broad appeal of peanuts.
Representatives from a diverse range of international markets participated in the session, highlighting the global reach and potential of U.S. peanut exports. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with most attendees rating the session as excellent or very good and noting strong potential for the "It's Not Nuts, It's Peanuts(tm)" campaign in their respective markets.
Together, APC and NPB strengthened relationships with key agricultural stakeholders, advanced the global rollout of the "It's Not Nuts, It's Peanuts(tm)" campaign and industry seal, and reinforced their shared commitment to growing demand for USA peanuts worldwide. Special thanks to APC partners Regina Black, Rana Tarraf and Louise McKerchar for their collaboration and support.
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Original text here: https://nationalpeanutboard.org/articles/u-s-peanuts-gain-global-attention-through-industry-collaboration/
Technology Sector Adds Jobs as Employer Demand for Tech Talent Remains Strong, CompTIA Finds
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, Aug. 8 -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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Technology sector adds jobs as employer demand for tech talent remains strong, CompTIA finds
More than 600,000 active job postings underscore continued opportunities for technology workers nationwide
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Organizations continued investing in technology talent in July, maintaining strong demand for tech workers despite signs of a moderating hiring market, according to CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral technology training and certifications.
Technology sector employment expanded by approximately
... Show Full Article
DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois, Aug. 8 -- CompTIA posted the following news release:
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Technology sector adds jobs as employer demand for tech talent remains strong, CompTIA finds
More than 600,000 active job postings underscore continued opportunities for technology workers nationwide
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Organizations continued investing in technology talent in July, maintaining strong demand for tech workers despite signs of a moderating hiring market, according to CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral technology training and certifications.
Technology sector employment expanded by approximately3,700 jobs in July, CompTIA's analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) #JobsReport data shows.[1] New hiring for positions in cloud infrastructure, data processing and hosting, information services and semiconductor manufacturing drove July's job growth.
Employer demand for new tech talent remained strong, with nearly 603,000 active job postings nationwide and across all industry sectors, CompTIA's analysis of data from Lightcast job posting data finds.[2] Although total postings eased 2% from June levels, employers added almost 260,000 new postings during the month, underscoring continued hiring activity for tech workers.
"As expected, new job postings are leveling off after growing throughout 2026, but there is still strong demand for foundational roles across support, infrastructure and data as companies begin deeper integration of AI into technology strategies," said Seth Robinson, vice president, research, for CompTIA.
Technology occupation employment, which includes tech professionals working in all industry sectors, decreased by 26,000 workers in July, though the unemployment rate for tech occupations inched down from 2.9% in June to 2.8% last month.[3]
"Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, employers continue to prioritize technology talent as a strategic investment in future growth," Robinson said.
Demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills remained significant, with nearly 14,000 job postings in July seeking AI and machine learning expertise. At the same time, employers sought out talent for established tech roles at a much greater scale, including software developers (46,082 postings), systems engineers (34,454), tech support specialists (24,370) and data analysts (18,809).
Industries generating the greatest demand for tech talent included professional, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, administrative and support services, information and finance and insurance.
The "CompTIA Tech Jobs Report" is available at https://www.comptia.org/en-us/resources/research/tech-jobs-report/.
[1] Labor market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and employer job postings from Lightcast may be subject to backward revisions.
[2] Active job postings include new postings added by employers in the latest month and open postings carried over from previous months.
[3] Monthly occupation level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tends to experience higher levels of variance and volatility.
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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/Technology-sector-adds-jobs-as-employer-demand-for-tech-talent-remains-strong-CompTIA-finds/
[Category: Computer Technology]
SEMI Applauds Statement From Senators Crapo and Wyden Supporting U.S. Tax Credit for Semiconductor Manufacturing
MILPITAS, California, Aug. 8 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
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SEMI Applauds Statement from Senators Crapo and Wyden Supporting U.S. Tax Credit for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Following Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) reaffirming support for the Section 48D Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC), SEMI today released a statement from its President and CEO Ajit Manocha commending the action on behalf of the semiconductor
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MILPITAS, California, Aug. 8 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2026:
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SEMI Applauds Statement from Senators Crapo and Wyden Supporting U.S. Tax Credit for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Following Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) reaffirming support for the Section 48D Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC), SEMI today released a statement from its President and CEO Ajit Manocha commending the action on behalf of the semiconductorsupply chain.
"The joint statement from senators Crapo and Wyden in support of the Section 48D tax credit highlights the crucial role it plays in strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, creating jobs, and advancing national security," said SEMI President and CEO Ajit Manocha. "Last month we shared on Capitol Hill how the looming AMIC expiration adds uncertainty for our member companies in the semiconductor supply chain, some of whom are actively planning to expand operations to meet rising chip demand, and we applaud the senators' leadership for this pivotal tool in attracting semiconductor ecosystem investment."
SEMI brought together senior tax executives from its member companies for meetings on July 22, 2026, on Capitol Hill focused on preserving and strengthening the Section 48D tax credit for investments in building up the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. As part of the SEMI Tax Day event, industry representatives urged swift passage of a multi-year extension of the tax credit before it lapses at the end of the year.
Background on Section 48D Tax Credit
* Enacted under the CHIPS and Science Act, the Section 48D credit provides a refundable 35% tax credit for qualified investment in semiconductor and semiconductor manufacturing equipment facilities.
* The tax credit has helped catalyze hundreds of billions of dollars in announced U.S. semiconductor investment across 28 states.
* Under current law, facilities must begin construction by December 31, 2026, to qualify, which is out of step with the multi-year timelines required to site, permit, finance, and build a semiconductor facility.
* Major semiconductor producing economies worldwide are competing aggressively for semiconductor investments with similar tax incentives.
SEMI Request on Section 48D Tax Credit
* MSEMI's request is a multi-year extension of Section 48D ahead of the construction deadline.
* SEMI also urges Congress to strengthen the credit by expanding eligibility to cover more of the full semiconductor supply chain, including materials, specialty chemicals and gases, and design activities.
View the SEMI 2026 U.S. Policy Strategy to learn more about SEMI's top policy priorities. For updates on SEMI's public policy efforts and developments, visit SEMI Global Advocacy.
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About SEMI
SEMI(R) is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON(R) expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/semi-applauds-statement-from-senators-crapo-and-wyden-supporting-us-tax-credit-for-semiconductor-manufacturing
[Category: Electronic Products]
NPB Highlights School Nutrition Strategies at National Conference
ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 8 [Category: Agriculture] -- The National Peanut Board issued the following news:
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NPB Highlights School Nutrition Strategies at National Conference
The National Peanut Board (NPB) continues to remove barriers to peanut consumption by empowering K-12 foodservice professionals to serve more peanuts in more ways. That mission took center stage at the School Nutrition Association's Annual National Conference (SNA ANC), held July 13-15 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The conference brought together more than 6,000 school nutrition program operators, industry partners and
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Aug. 8 [Category: Agriculture] -- The National Peanut Board issued the following news:
* * *
NPB Highlights School Nutrition Strategies at National Conference
The National Peanut Board (NPB) continues to remove barriers to peanut consumption by empowering K-12 foodservice professionals to serve more peanuts in more ways. That mission took center stage at the School Nutrition Association's Annual National Conference (SNA ANC), held July 13-15 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The conference brought together more than 6,000 school nutrition program operators, industry partners andallied organizations to explore innovative strategies for strengthening K-12 school nutrition programs.
Markita Lewis, M.S., RDN, NPB marketing and communications manager, was selected to present alongside Cindy Culver, Ph.D., RDN, LD, FAND, director of school nutrition for Marietta City Schools in Georgia, and Jason Tepper, B.A., AOS, executive chef for Alexandria City Public Schools in Virginia. Their session, Scratch Made, Speed Approved: Smarter Ways to Serve, focused on practical strategies for expanding scratch cooking in school nutrition programs that districts of all sizes and skill levels can implement.
During the session, presenters demonstrated how to use the Scratch Cooking Continuum in school kitchens and discussed how promoting special events, including cultural menu celebrations and taste tests, can increase student participation. Audience members were highly engaged through live polls and a question-and-answer session, and the presentation ranked among the conference's top 30 highest-rated sessions.
In the exhibit hall, Lewis joined consultant Tarrah Westercamp, M.S., RDN, SNS, of Westercamp Consulting at the Smucker's booth to answer questions about food allergen management. Their participation supported an ongoing partnership between NPB and Smucker's following a webinar held in May that educated sales representatives and school districts nationwide about safer food allergen management practices and menu opportunities featuring peanuts.
The conference also provided an opportunity to reconnect with school nutrition leaders who attended NPB's Summer School Nutrition Summit in June, as well as other school nutrition professionals who support serving peanuts in schools. Through continued thought leadership and strategic partnerships, NPB is helping more schools confidently put peanuts back on the menu.
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Original text here: https://nationalpeanutboard.org/articles/npb-highlights-school-nutrition-strategies-at-national-conference/
Frustrated by Farm Bill Failure, NCGA President Calls for Urgent Bipartisan Action
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, Aug. 8 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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Frustrated by Farm Bill Failure, NCGA President Calls for Urgent Bipartisan Action
Author: Bryan Goodman
The Agriculture Act of 2026 failed to garner enough votes to pass out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today. The bill, also commonly referred to as "Farm Bill 2.0", included many corn grower priorities, such as language that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends.
In response to this development, Ohio farmer and National
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CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, Aug. 8 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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Frustrated by Farm Bill Failure, NCGA President Calls for Urgent Bipartisan Action
Author: Bryan Goodman
The Agriculture Act of 2026 failed to garner enough votes to pass out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today. The bill, also commonly referred to as "Farm Bill 2.0", included many corn grower priorities, such as language that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends.
In response to this development, Ohio farmer and NationalCorn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower released the following statement:
"We are extremely disappointed that legislation important to so many Americans failed to advance. This bill was particularly important to corn growers who have long pushed for legislation that would allow for the year-round sale of E15, a bright spot in an otherwise dim economic outlook.
"We implore senators to approve a bipartisan farm bill that extends consumer access to E15 and serves the interests of America's farmers. We are running out of time in this Congress and urge action as quickly as possible."
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Bryan Goodman
Sr. Director, Policy Communications, Media Relations
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Original text here: https://www.ncga.com/stay-informed/media/in-the-news/article/2026/08/frustrated-by-farm-bill-failure-ncga-president-calls-for-urgent-bipartisan-action
[Category: Agriculture]
Alliance Celebrates the Introduction of the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act of 2026
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 8 -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release on Aug. 7, 2026:
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Alliance Celebrates the Introduction of the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act of 2026
Today, the Alliance applauds the introduction of the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act of 2026 (S.B. 5250) by Senator Collins (R-ME) and Senator Blackburn (R-TN). This important piece of legislation will provide core payment integrity reforms by correcting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) flaws in calculating Medicare
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Aug. 8 -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release on Aug. 7, 2026:
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Alliance Celebrates the Introduction of the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act of 2026
Today, the Alliance applauds the introduction of the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act of 2026 (S.B. 5250) by Senator Collins (R-ME) and Senator Blackburn (R-TN). This important piece of legislation will provide core payment integrity reforms by correcting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) flaws in calculating Medicarerate updates, while also streamlining program integrity measures to target fraud concerns early, stopping bad actors from entering the Medicare program. Critically, this legislation does not rely on sweeping enforcement strategies which risk further restricting access to care for Medicare beneficiaries and causing unintended harm to legitimate providers.
The Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protect Act seeks to restore the Medicare home health rate to what it would have been without consecutive years of compounding cuts. Those cuts were built on data entirely unrelated to the payment system adopted in 2020, along with data tainted by the inclusion of fraudulent providers in the rate analysis. This is an important step in modernizing the home health benefit, ensuring that beneficiary access is not disrupted by providing payment rates that better reflect the true cost of care.
The program integrity reforms included in this legislation build on the industry supported bill from Representative Beth Van Duyne in the Protecting Seniors and Stopping Fraudsters Act (H.R. 8883), which gives CMS stronger tools to combat healthcare fraud without imposing unnecessary burdens on legitimate providers.
"The National Alliance for Care at Home applauds the introduction of the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act of 2026 by Senator Collins. This bill corrects longstanding flaws in home health reimbursement and takes a meaningful step toward a home health benefit that is stable and built for how care is delivered today. We strongly support the bill for its payment reforms, as well as measures to protect patients and preserve the integrity of the Medicare home health benefit." said Jennifer Sheets, CEO of the Alliance. "Consistent with our community's commitment to provide the highest-quality, person-centered care in the home, we support the bill's goal to strengthen access while focusing on targeted oversight, protecting the legitimate providers who serve patients every day. We look forward to working with Senator Collins, a long-time champion of care at home, to build support for this important and timely legislation."
"When billions of dollars are improperly siphoned from the Medicare home health program, this can undermine the integrity of the payment system used to reimburse legitimate providers and threaten care for the seniors who depend on it. I have long been a strong supporter of home health care, which allows millions of Americans to remain in the comfort, security, and privacy of their own homes, while helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and nursing home admissions," said Senator Collins. "Fraudulent home health providers harm beneficiaries and diminish reimbursements for honest agencies that are already confronting workforce shortages and rising costs. My legislation would give CMS stronger tools to stop fraud before payments are made and prevent fraudulent spending from distorting the data used to reimburse honest agencies for medically necessary care."
The Alliance will continue to serve as a key partner to lawmakers and regulators working to reform and protect the Medicare home health benefit, ensuring that payment rates better reflect the true cost of care.
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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/the-alliance-celebrates-the-introduction-of-the-medicare-home-health-payment-integrity-and-protection-act-of-2026/
[Category: Health Care]
$2.85 Million Raised July 23 for Aviation Education and More During Gathering Hosted by EAA Aviation Foundation
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Aug. 8 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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$2.85 million raised July 23 for aviation education and more during The Gathering hosted by EAA Aviation Foundation
Record amount totaled at annual event during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
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Aviation education and preservation programs will benefit from the record $2.85 million raised on July 23 during The Gathering philanthropic event held as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week. Approximately 1,000 people packed the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening of unified support for Experimental
... Show Full Article
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Aug. 8 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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$2.85 million raised July 23 for aviation education and more during The Gathering hosted by EAA Aviation Foundation
Record amount totaled at annual event during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
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Aviation education and preservation programs will benefit from the record $2.85 million raised on July 23 during The Gathering philanthropic event held as part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh week. Approximately 1,000 people packed the EAA Aviation Museum for an evening of unified support for ExperimentalAircraft Association programming.
"What occurs at The Gathering each year brings together individuals and companies that have benefited from or enjoyed the world of flight in a way to give back, whether that is to youth aviation education or to initiatives that preserve our impressive aviation heritage," said Margaret Brill, Vice President of the EAA Aviation Foundation. "This tremendous outpouring of support under this year's theme of 'Aerial America' in honor of America 250 will allow programs to continue that inspire, motivate, and encourage participation in aviation."
Among the special guests during the evening were the Royal Air Force Red Arrows demonstration team, which made its inaugural appearance at AirVenture in 2026; EAA Young Eagles program chairman Jimmy Graham, pilot a former NFL All-Pro tight end, and 10-year-old Hazel Schaefer, who earlier that week flew with Graham to commemorate 2.5 million Young Eagles flown in the program's history; plus notable leaders from the aviation community.
Among some of the highlights of the gala were:
* The Red Arrows auctioning a signed team photo for $25,000, with a second one donated for an equal amount;
* A Goodyear Blimp experience;
* Bidding on a restored Piper PA-12 aircraft;
* Three gifts of $100,000 each, along with matching donation by one benefactor of all individual gifts of up to $2,500;
* An NFL experience in Paris, France, on October 25 auctioned, featuring the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.
EAA programs that will benefit from The Gathering proceeds include Young Eagles, which introduces flight to young people free of charge; EAA's online AeroEducate aviation education portal; and the Pilot Proficiency Center that enables current and prospective pilots to build skills year-round at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.
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About EAA Aviation Foundation
The EAA Aviation Foundation is the philanthropic arm of EAA. It works with donors who desire to inspire, motivate, and educate current and future aviators, leaders, and industry pioneers. For more than two decades, the EAA Aviation Foundation has allocated funds from The Gathering to support vital education, safety, advocacy, and other outreach programs.
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Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/eaa-news-releases/gathering-2026-record
[Category: Aerospace]
