Federal Independent Agencies
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National Gallery Nights Unveils Spring 2026 Season
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The National Gallery of Art issued the following news release on Jan. 20, 2026:
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National Gallery Nights Unveils Spring 2026 Season
The National Gallery of Art announces the return of National Gallery Nights to the museum's East Building this spring. A long-running and beloved program, National Gallery Nights welcomes visitors to the museum after-hours in a series of three celebrations that bring together art, music, and creativity. Taking place on the second Thursday in February, March, and April from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the free series invites audiences to experience
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The National Gallery of Art issued the following news release on Jan. 20, 2026:
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National Gallery Nights Unveils Spring 2026 Season
The National Gallery of Art announces the return of National Gallery Nights to the museum's East Building this spring. A long-running and beloved program, National Gallery Nights welcomes visitors to the museum after-hours in a series of three celebrations that bring together art, music, and creativity. Taking place on the second Thursday in February, March, and April from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the free series invites audiences to experiencethe museum in a new way through dynamic and interactive activations.
This season's themes, Art Under the Stars, Garden Party, and United We Create, offer fresh opportunities to engage with the museum and the community. In February, The Stars We Do Not See, the National Gallery's milestone exhibition of Australian Indigenous art, comes to life through music and creative activities. The series continues in March with an event celebrating seasonal renewal and concludes in April with an immersive exploration of American art in the museum's collection. Each event features live music, hands-on artmaking, photobooths, and evening access to the galleries.
As with all National Gallery programs, National Gallery Nights is free. Due to the popularity of the series and to provide everyone with an equal chance to attend, the National Gallery of Art offers entry through a lottery system. The lottery will take place the week before each event, opening on Monday at 10:00 a.m. and closing that Thursday at noon. All entrants will be notified of their status on Friday. A limited number of walk-up passes will also be available at the East Building entrance on the day of each event. They will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:30 p.m.
Light fare, gelato, and beverages--including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails--will be sold throughout the East Building, including at the Cascade Cafe, Terrace Cafe, and Espresso & Gelato Bar.
To receive email notifications for National Gallery Nights lotteries, visitors can sign up at nga.gov/nights or on each event page. They can also find updates in the museum's weekly newsletter.
Upcoming Programs
Art Under the Stars
Thursday, February 12, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Lottery for registration opens Monday, February 2, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, February 5, at noon.
After the sun goes down, fall in love with art as our East Building comes alive with music, creativity, and dance. This is your chance to see a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition after hours. The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art--one of the largest displays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever shown in North America--inspires our evening. Immerse yourself in the deep sounds and vibrations of the didgeridoo. Create your own fiber art inspired by works in the exhibition. Explore the Roof Terrace to enjoy modern masterpieces under the night sky.
Garden Party
Thursday, March 12, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Lottery for registration opens Monday, March 2, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, March 5, at noon.
Shed the winter layers and wear your spring best for an evening in full bloom. Dance to the vibrant sounds of The String Queens. Design a floral accent to complement your best garden party look, then strike a playful pose at our photobooths. Wander through art inspired by nature and let spring's energy guide you as we celebrate the new season.
United We Create
Thursday, April 9, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Lottery for registration opens Monday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, April 2 at noon.
Join us for an immersive evening where the visual soul of America meets the rhythms of American music. From the sweeping landscapes of the Hudson River School to the vibrant energy of pop art, wander our galleries to feel inspired. Then share your own stories through artmaking workshops. As a rare treat, we'll open part of the West Building so you can explore the iconic works and stories told in the special installation Celebrating American Art.
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This program series is made possible by a generous grant from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
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About the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through its doors each year--with millions more online--making it one of the most visited art museums in the world. The National Gallery's renowned collection includes nearly 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.
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Original text here: https://www.nga.gov/press/nights
National Archives "Freedom Plane National Tour" to Take Original Founding-Era Documents Across the Country for America's 250th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The National Archives and Records Administration issued the following news release:
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National Archives "Freedom Plane National Tour" to Take Original Founding-Era Documents Across the Country for America's 250th Anniversary
Documents to travel the country on Boeing 737 "Freedom Plane" for display at major museums for the first time in history
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On January 20, 2026, the National Archives and Records Administration, in partnership with the National Archives Foundation, announced the "Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation " traveling exhibition
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The National Archives and Records Administration issued the following news release:
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National Archives "Freedom Plane National Tour" to Take Original Founding-Era Documents Across the Country for America's 250th Anniversary
Documents to travel the country on Boeing 737 "Freedom Plane" for display at major museums for the first time in history
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On January 20, 2026, the National Archives and Records Administration, in partnership with the National Archives Foundation, announced the "Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation " traveling exhibitionthat will bring Founding-era documents to eight American cities throughout 2026. Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, the Freedom Plane National Tour will make historic and consequential documents fundamental to America's founding accessible across the nation to celebrate the semiquincentennial. The tour will kick off in March and run through August.
A livestreamed National Archives press briefing announcing the Freedom Plane National Tour was held on January 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET.
"Americans across the country can bear witness to the people and principles that shaped our nation through the Freedom Plane National Tour," said Senior Advisor to the Archivist of the United States Jim Byron. "There is no more noteworthy an occasion than America's 250th birthday to share this history, to inspire our fellow Americans to champion our nation's founding ideals into the future."
The Freedom Plane National Tour is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the generous support of The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and P&G.
"At Boeing, we're honored to help bring these foundational documents directly to communities across the country," said Jeff Shockey, Executive Vice President of Boeing Government Operations, Global Public Policy & Corporate Strategy. "Just as flight connects people and places, this tour will connect Americans to the ideas and sacrifices that forged our nation, and make history accessible to people from coast to coast."
"Through our critical support of the Freedom Plane National Tour, the National Archives Foundation is helping to bring not only founding-era documents themselves, but the patriotism, celebration, and wonder that they inspire, to Americans everywhere--from sea to shining sea," said National Archives Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Patrick M. Madden.
The "Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation" exhibition will visit the following cities:
* Kansas City, MO: National WWI Museum and Memorial: Friday, March 6 - Sunday, March 22
* Atlanta, GA: Atlanta History Center: Friday, March 27 - Sunday, April 12
* Los Angeles, CA: University of Southern California Fisher Museum of Art: Friday, April 17 - Sunday, May 3
* Houston, TX: Houston Museum of Natural Science: Friday, May 8 - Monday, May 25
* Denver, CO: History Colorado Center: Thursday, May 28 - Sunday, June 14
* Miami, FL: HistoryMiami Museum: Saturday, June 20 - Sunday, July 5
* Dearborn, MI: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: Thursday, July 9 - Sunday, July 26
* Seattle, WA: Museum of History & Industry: Thursday, July 30 - Sunday, August 16
The original National Archives records featured in the exhibition are traveling together for the first time. They will journey from Washington, DC to all eight cities via a Boeing 737 in Freedom Plane livery, and Boeing will provide the aircraft and associated operational support to transport the records between the venues. Those documents include:
* Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823: One of only about 50 known engraved copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed from a copperplate of the original. Commissioned by John Quincy Adams and made by engraver William J. Stone, the engraving captured the size, text, lettering, and signatures of the original document (on loan from David M. Rubenstein).
* Articles of Association, 1774: Signed by all 53 delegates, the Articles of Association urged colonists to boycott British goods and was the Continental Congress's first major unified act of resistance against Britain.
* George Washington's, Alexander Hamilton's, and Aaron Burr's Oaths of Allegiance, 1778: Oaths of Allegiance that all officers of the Continental Army signed during the Revolutionary War.
* Treaty of Paris, 1783: Signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, this Treaty with Great Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation.
* Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, 1787: A rare copy of the U.S. Constitution in draft form, with the delegate's handwritten notes made during the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
* Tally of Votes Approving the Constitution, 1787: The voting records of the Constitutional Convention reflecting the debates, resolutions, and eventual vote on the final text that would become the Constitution.
"The Freedom Plane National Tour underscores that the rich history of our nation belongs to all of us, not just those Americans living in or visiting Washington, DC," said Chair and President of the National Archives Foundation Board of Directors, Rodney E. Slater.
The exhibition will be free and open to the public at all eight venues. To secure tickets, visit the individual museum websites or contact the museums directly.
For images and video for media use, please refer to the Freedom Plane National Tour Press Kit.
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About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is a federal agency that serves the American people by preserving and making available the records of the United States Government through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries. The National Archives is the custodian of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, on display for all to experience in Washington, DC. Learn more about the holdings of the National Archives at www.archives.gov.
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About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country's heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America's records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.
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About the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. Learn more at www.theworldwar.org .
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About Atlanta History Center
Founded in 1926, Atlanta History Center is celebrating 100 years in 2026 as one of the nation's premier history institutions. Located on a 33-acre campus, the all-inclusive destination features the award-winning Goizueta Children's Experience, the immersive Cyclorama: The Big Picture, and three historic houses: the 1920s Swan House, the 1860s Smith Farm, and the 1830s Wood Family Cabin. The campus also includes nine curated gardens within Goizueta Gardens and the Kenan Research Center, home to the Cherokee Garden Library. Atlanta History Center also owns and operates Atlanta History Center Midtown, home to the Margaret Mitchell House, along with gallery space and event venues. Learn more at AtlantaHistoryCenter.com .
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About the USC Fisher Museum of Art
The oldest art museum in the city of Los Angeles founded in 1939 as a free public art museum and still functioning as such in its original location. With a collection of over 2500 pieces of art, USC Fisher Museum's exhibitions range from the Old Masters to the contemporary. Learn more at fisher.usc.edu .
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About Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science--one of the nation's most heavily attended museums--is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. Learn more at www.hmns.org .
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About History Colorado Center and America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission
The History Colorado Center is a state-of-the-art cultural venue in the heart of Denver featuring award-winning exhibitions that share the diverse cultural heritage of the Centennial State. History Colorado is home to and a key partner of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, which is leading the state's 2026 commemorations and signature initiatives, including the Freedom Plane National Tour exhibition. For more information and ways to get involved, visit historycolorado.org and Am250CO150.org .
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About HistoryMiami Museum
Founded in 1940, HistoryMiami Museum is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Miami and a Smithsonian Affiliate. It is committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history of the city, its people, and its diverse communities. With a mission to provide inclusive spaces for dialogue and reflection, the museum creates immersive exhibitions and educational programs that engage visitors in meaningful explorations of Miami's past, present and future. Learn more at historymiami.org .
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The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, a globally recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Learn more at www.thehenryford.org .
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Museum of History & Industry
Museum of History & Industry is dedicated to enriching lives through preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. As the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington; the museum engages communities through interactive exhibits, online resources, and award-winning public and youth education programs. Learn more at mohai.org .
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Original text here: https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2026/nr26-1
NASA's SunRISE SmallSats Ace Tests, Moving Closer to Launch
PASADENA, California, Jan. 21 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA's SunRISE SmallSats Ace Tests, Moving Closer to Launch
The small satellites passed a crucible of tests, ending with a simulation of the intense vibrations of launch.
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When the six tiny spacecraft of NASA's SunRISE (Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment) mission settle into their orbits high above Earth after launching later this year, they'll function as one giant radio dish to track the rumbles of radio bursts coming from deep within the Sun's atmosphere, or corona. Those bursts
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PASADENA, California, Jan. 21 (TNSres) -- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory issued the following news:
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NASA's SunRISE SmallSats Ace Tests, Moving Closer to Launch
The small satellites passed a crucible of tests, ending with a simulation of the intense vibrations of launch.
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When the six tiny spacecraft of NASA's SunRISE (Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment) mission settle into their orbits high above Earth after launching later this year, they'll function as one giant radio dish to track the rumbles of radio bursts coming from deep within the Sun's atmosphere, or corona. Those burstsare generated by solar energetic particle events that could in extreme cases irradiate unprotected astronauts and satellites; tracking the radio waves they generate with SunRISE will help scientists mitigate their effects.
To ensure these six toaster-oven-size spacecraft operate as designed for their one-year prime mission, they underwent a rigorous campaign of testing at Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory in Logan, Utah, where they were built. The campaign included thermal vacuum testing that simulated the environmental conditions in orbit. Electromagnetic compatibility testing made sure that the small satellites' electronic systems won't interfere with their sensitive science instruments. Then came vibration testing to make sure nothing breaks, falls off, rattles, or gets damaged during launch.
Launch day vibes
To simulate the kind of vibrations that the SunRISE small satellites (or SmallSats) will experience during launch, the testing team needed to simulate the vibration profile of the mission's specific ride into space. The profile depends on the type of rocket and payloads it will carry.
"Each spacecraft was loaded with propellant to match launch mass and subjected to vibration testing in all three axes. The objective was to make the simulated vibrations as true to the conditions of launch as possible," said Jim Lux, SunRISE project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "Pre- and post-test functional checks were performed, and all six spacecraft aced them."
The heliophysics mission will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida as a rideshare aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket, sponsored by the United States Space Force's Space Systems Command.
Solar radio bursts
After launch, the SunRISE satellites will be delivered slightly above geosynchronous orbit (about 22,000 miles, or 35,000 kilometers, in altitude) and deploy their four telescoping antenna booms -- each about 10 feet (2.5 meters) long -- which form an "X."
The spacecraft will fly in formation up to 10 miles (16 kilometers) apart, creating a single large radio telescope. After the SmallSats communicate via NASA's Deep Space Network, scientists will use a technique called interferometry to combine the observations, creating a single, large radio telescope. This configuration will enable them to detect solar radio bursts and map the Sun's magnetic field from the outer corona into interplanetary space.
"Solar radio bursts are triggered after vast quantities of energy stored in the Sun's magnetic field accelerate solar particles to high speeds," said Sue Lepri, SunRISE principal investigator at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. "Tracking these events will not only help space agencies mitigate their damaging effects on astronauts and spacecraft but will also add new science to our growing knowledge base of how space weather is generated and propagates throughout the solar system."
The SunRISE mission will complement other NASA heliophysics missions, such as the agency's Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory, Parker Solar Probe, and Solar Orbiter, an international cooperative mission between ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA.
More about SunRISE
NASA's SunRISE is a Mission of Opportunity under the Heliophysics Division of the agency's Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. These missions are part of the Explorers Program, managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The mission's science investigation is led by the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, which also provides the science operations center, and the project is managed by JPL, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, which also provides the mission operations center. The SunRISE spacecraft were built by SDL.
To learn more about the SunRISE mission, visit:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/sunrise/
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Original text here: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-sunrise-smallsats-ace-tests-moving-closer-to-launch/
IDB Launches $3 Billion 10-Year Global Benchmark Bond
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches $3 Billion 10-Year Global Benchmark Bond
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) issued a $3 billion 10-year global benchmark bond, the first U.S. dollar benchmark transaction of its 2026 funding program.
The bond attracted strong global investor demand, with orders exceeding $9 billion, more than three times the amount issued. The bond matures in January 2036 and offers a fixed annual interest rate of 4.125%.
"This transaction surpassed our expectations with over $9 billion of
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Launches $3 Billion 10-Year Global Benchmark Bond
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) issued a $3 billion 10-year global benchmark bond, the first U.S. dollar benchmark transaction of its 2026 funding program.
The bond attracted strong global investor demand, with orders exceeding $9 billion, more than three times the amount issued. The bond matures in January 2036 and offers a fixed annual interest rate of 4.125%.
"This transaction surpassed our expectations with over $9 billion ofinvestor demand--a record IDB 10-year orderbook," said Laura Fan, Head of Funding at the IDB. "We are delighted with the success of our $3 billion 10-year benchmark, which reflects the strong global interest in the IDB's credit and continued support of our mission to promote economic and social development across Latin America and the Caribbean."
"Congratulations to the IDB team on delivering a $3 billion 10-year benchmark to the supranational, sovereign, and agency (SSA) market," said Sean Hayes, Managing Director and Global Head of Syndicate, BMO Capital Markets. "As IDB's first U.S. dollar transaction of its 2026 funding program, this new issue achieved a record 10-year orderbook size for IDB at over $9 billion, while traveling an impressive 4 basis points from initial price thoughts. The result underscores the IDB's reach across the global investor base, achieving broad distribution at a single-digit spread over U.S. Treasuries. BMO is thrilled to have been a part of this offering."
"Citi was delighted to be appointed bookrunner on IDB's first dollar benchmark of the year. In a constructive and busy market, the IDB achieved its largest orderbook ever on a 10-year transaction with more than $9 billion of demand," said Ebba Wexler, Head of SSA DCM at Citi. "This reflects the strong investor bid for high-quality U.S. dollar assets and support for the IDB's credit and mission. Citi is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with IDB on this transaction."
"Congratulations to the IDB team on an excellent first U.S. dollar outing in 2026. IDB took advantage of the supportive primary market conditions to achieve very attractive funding in the longer end of the curve and a record orderbook in the 10-year tenor," said Asif Sherani, Head of DCM Syndicate and Head of Public Sector DCM at HSBC. "The high-quality orderbook supported a U.S. dollar $3 billion print and underscores investor support of the IDB's credit. HSBC are delighted to have been involved."
"J.P. Morgan is proud to have supported the launch of IDB's 2026 benchmark funding program," said Sarah Lovedee, Executive Director at J.P. Morgan. "Achieving the joint-tightest reoffer spread to mid- swaps in the 10-year U.S. dollar sector since 2022, alongside IDB's largest orderbook in this tenor, this transaction underscores the strength of IDB's credit and enduring investor appeal. Congratulations!"
Bond Summary Terms:
Issuer: ... Inter-American Development Bank (Ticker: IADB)
Issuer rating: ... Aaa / AAA (Stable / Stable)
Amount: ... USD 3 billion
Settlement date: ... January 23, 2026 (T+5)
Coupon: ... 4.125%, Fixed, SA 30/360
Coupon payment dates: ... January 23 and July 23 (semi-annually)
Maturity date: ... January 23, 2036
Issue price: ... 99.046%
Issue yield: ... 4.243% s.a.
Reoffer spread (bps): ... SOFR MS + 41bps
Listing: ... London Stock Exchange's Regulated Market
Clearing systems: ... Fedwire, Euroclear, Clearstream
Joint lead managers: ... ABMO, Citi, HSBC and JPM
Co-lead managers: ... Barclays, BoA, BNP, CACIB, Deutsche Bank, MS, Nomura, RBC, Scotiabank, Wells Fargo
ISIN: ... US4581X0EX25
Table: Distribution Summary
Information on bonds for investors is available on the IDB website: https://www.iadb.org/investors
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*/ This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities of the Inter-American Development Bank. Any offering of IDB securities will be made only by means of a prospectus or other definitive offering document that contains important information about the securities, the offering and IDB. Offerings of securities will be made only in compliance with applicable laws.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: https://www.iadb.org/en
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-launches-3-billion-10-year-global-benchmark-bond
FHLBanks Will Not Issue a Global on January 20
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank System Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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FHLBanks Will Not Issue a Global on January 20
Today, the FHLBank System is announcing that no Global will be issued or reopened on the January 20 calendar date.
The next Global opportunity for the FHLBanks is January 22, 2026, per the Global calendar that is published and available on the Office of Finance website. On these predetermined dates, the FHLBanks have the option of issuing a new Global, reopening an existing Global, or deferring until the next scheduled opportunity.
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank System Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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FHLBanks Will Not Issue a Global on January 20
Today, the FHLBank System is announcing that no Global will be issued or reopened on the January 20 calendar date.
The next Global opportunity for the FHLBanks is January 22, 2026, per the Global calendar that is published and available on the Office of Finance website. On these predetermined dates, the FHLBanks have the option of issuing a new Global, reopening an existing Global, or deferring until the next scheduled opportunity.
This announcement is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of offers to buy, these securities.
The FHLBanks have delivered innovation and service to the U.S. housing market since 1932, and currently have approximately 6,400 members serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Please contact Tom Heinle at (703) 467-3646 or theinle@fhlb-of.com for additional information.
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Original text here: https://fhlb-of.com/ofweb_userWeb/resources/PR2026-0120-NoGlobal.pdf
FHLBank Chicago Launches 2026 Downpayment Plus Grant Programs, Unlocking $28 Million to Support Homebuyers in Illinois and Wisconsin
CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 21 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Launches 2026 Downpayment Plus(R) Grant Programs, Unlocking $28 Million to Support Homebuyers in Illinois and Wisconsin
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) is addressing housing affordability with the launch of its 2026 Downpayment Plus (DPP(R)) and Downpayment Plus Advantage(R) (DPP Advantage(R)) grant programs. $28 million will be made available through these programs to help income-eligible homebuyers
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Jan. 21 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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FHLBank Chicago Launches 2026 Downpayment Plus(R) Grant Programs, Unlocking $28 Million to Support Homebuyers in Illinois and Wisconsin
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBank Chicago) is addressing housing affordability with the launch of its 2026 Downpayment Plus (DPP(R)) and Downpayment Plus Advantage(R) (DPP Advantage(R)) grant programs. $28 million will be made available through these programs to help income-eligible homebuyersacross Illinois and Wisconsin overcome one of the most significant barriers to homeownership: saving for a down payment.
This announcement comes as housing affordability remains a challenge for many households, with rising costs and limited inventory creating obstacles for first-time and low-to-moderate income buyers.
Through partnerships with member financial institutions, FHLBank Chicago's DPP and DPP Advantage programs offer forgivable grants to homebuyers earning up to 80% of the area median income. Eligible households may receive up to $10,000 in assistance, which is applied at closing.
With DPP, qualifying homebuyers access support directly through participating FHLBank Chicago members. DPP Advantage extends this assistance to homebuyers participating in nonprofit-led mortgage programs in Illinois and Wisconsin, with nonprofits partnering with an FHLBank Chicago member to secure funding.
"Down payment assistance continues to be a critical resource for addressing barriers to homeownership," said Katie Naftzger, Senior Vice President and Community Investment Officer at FHLBank Chicago. "By working alongside our members, the Downpayment Plus programs help individuals and families move from aspiration to action, even as affordability pressures persist across our region."
Since 1994 through year-end 2024, FHLBank Chicago has allocated over $300 million in DPP funding to more than 47,000 households. A majority of these grants assisted first-time homebuyers, underscoring the program's role in helping individuals and families take an important first step toward long-term housing stability.
Member institutions across the district continue to leverage the program to meet local housing needs. IncredibleBank, headquartered in Wausau, Wisc. has used the DPP program to help homebuyers in rural communities where modest wage growth and limited housing supply often make saving for a down payment especially challenging.
"In many of the communities we serve, homeownership can actually be more affordable than renting -- but the upfront costs are often the biggest hurdle," said Carmen Schipferling, Home Lending Specialist at IncredibleBank. "The Downpayment Plus program makes a real difference because it's meaningful assistance and it's easy to navigate. It allows us to meet people where they are and help them realize that buying a home is truly within reach."
Since its inception, FHLBank Chicago's Downpayment Plus program has empowered its member banks, credit unions, and community development financial institutions to provide down payment assistance to qualified low- and moderate-income households. Each year, the program helps expand access to homeownership while strengthening communities across Illinois and Wisconsin.
With $28 million available in 2026, FHLBank Chicago encourages its members and nonprofit partners to leverage the Downpayment Plus programs to support eligible homebuyers in their communities.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/details/2026/01/20/fhlbank-chicago-launches-2026-downpayment-plus--grant-programs--unlocking--28-million-to-support-homebuyers-in-illinois-and-wisconsin
Advocacy Releases First Year Report for Trump 47 Deregulatory Efforts
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (TNSrpt) -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release on Jan. 20, 2026:
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Advocacy Releases First Year Report for Trump 47 Deregulatory Efforts
Today, the Office of Advocacy in the U.S. Small Business Administration released its Report on the First Year of the Trump 47 Administration.
In the first year of the Trump 47 presidency, Advocacy has:
* Flagged more than 300 regulatory issues for regulators.
* Influenced changes to 23 federal regulations affecting tens of millions of businesses.
- These actions reduced regulatory
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (TNSrpt) -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy issued the following news release on Jan. 20, 2026:
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Advocacy Releases First Year Report for Trump 47 Deregulatory Efforts
Today, the Office of Advocacy in the U.S. Small Business Administration released its Report on the First Year of the Trump 47 Administration.
In the first year of the Trump 47 presidency, Advocacy has:
* Flagged more than 300 regulatory issues for regulators.
* Influenced changes to 23 federal regulations affecting tens of millions of businesses.
- These actions reduced regulatoryburdens on small businesses by $110 billion.
* Launched the Red Tape Hotline, enabling small businesses to share their experiences with regulatory challenges.
* Visited 48 continental states and engaged with 12,340 small businesses, met with 39,659 stakeholders, and spent 4,269 hours talking with small businesses.
Small business meetings have strengthened awareness and produced measurable success stories. These outreach efforts have connected Advocacy with small business owners across numerous industries, providing valuable insights that have led to meaningful outcomes. In addition, Advocacy's products were used by Congress, the White House, dozens of federal agencies, trade organizations, and thousands of small businesses, which has helped influence policy across the government.
"For too long, small businesses have been overlooked in the federal rulemaking process," said Chief Counsel Dr. Casey B. Mulligan. "The work has just begun, but the Office of Advocacy is reinvigorated and ready to tackle red tape for America's small businesses in the years ahead."
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the executive branch. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel's efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov or call (202) 205-6533.
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REPORT: https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FINAL_First-Year-Report_012026.pdf
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Original text here: https://advocacy.sba.gov/2026/01/20/advocacy-releases-first-year-report-for-trump-47-deregulatory-efforts/
